bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Developments in Kramers’ Theory of Reaction Rates
Authors: Pollak Eli , Miret‐Artés Salvador
Published: August 2023

In this short review, we provide an update of recent developments in Kramers’ theory of reaction rates. After a brief introduction stressing the importance of this theory initially developed for chemical reactions, we briefly present the main theoretical formalism starting from the generalized Langevin equation and continue by showing the main points of the modern Pollak, Grabert and Hänggi theory. Kramers’ theory is then sketched for quantum and classical surface diffusion. As an illustration the surface diffusion of Na atoms on a Cu(110) surface is discussed showing escape rates, jump distributions and diffusion coefficients as a function of reduced friction. Finally, some very recent applications of turnover theory to different fields such as nanoparticle levitation, microcavity polariton dynamics and simulation of reaction in liquids are presented. We end with several open problems and future challenges faced up by Kramers turnover theory.
Use of Hydrothermal Carbonization to Improve the Performance of Biowaste‐Derived Hard Carbons in Sodium Ion‐Batteries
Authors: Nieto Nekane , Porte Julien , Saurel Damien , Djuandhi Lisa , Sharma Neeraj , Lopez‐Urionabarrenechea Alexander , Palomares Verónica , Rojo Teófilo
Published: August 2023

Over the last years, hard carbon (HC) has been the most promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries due to its low voltage plateau, low cost and sustainability. In this study, biomass waste (spent coffee grounds, sunflower seed shells and rose stems) was investigated as potential material for hard carbon preparation combining a two‐step method consisting of on hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), to remove the inorganic impurities and increase the carbon content, and a subsequent pyrolysis process. The use of HTC as pretreatment prior to pyrolysis improves the specific capacity in all the materials compared to the ones directly pyrolyzed by more than 100 % at high C‐rates. The obtained capacity ranging between 210 and 280 mAh g−1 at C/15 is similar to the values reported in literature for biomass‐based hard carbons. Overall, HC obtained from sunflower seed shell performs better than that obtained from the other precursors with an initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 76 % and capacities of 120 mAh g−1 during 1000 cycles at C with a high capacity retention of 86–93 %.
An oral caspase inhibitor as monotherapy or with antibiotics eradicates MRSA skin infections in mice
Authors: Cahill Emily , Oladipo Olusola O. , Dikeman Dustin , Prifti Denion , Mento Steven J. , Miller Lloyd S. , Alphonse Martin P.
Published: August 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections. With the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, there is an unmet clinical need to develop immune‐based therapies to treat skin infections. Previously, we have shown pan‐caspase inhibition as a potential host‐directed immunotherapy against community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant S aureus (CA‐MRSA) and other bacterial skin infections. Here, we evaluated the role of irreversible pan‐caspase inhibitor emricasan as a monotherapy and an adjunctive with a standard‐of‐care antibiotic, doxycycline, as potential host‐directed immunotherapies against S. aureus skin infections in vivo. We used the established CA‐MRSA strain USA300 on the dorsum of WT C57BL/6J mice and monitored lesion size and bacterial burden noninvasively, and longitudinally over 14 days with in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Mice in four groups placebo (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC] solution), placebo plus doxycycline (100 mg/kg), emricasan (40 mg/kg) plus doxycycline, and emricasan only were treated orally twice daily by oral gavage for 7 days, starting at 4 h after injection of S aureus. When compared with placebo, all three groups, placebo plus doxycycline, emricasan plus doxycycline, and emricasan treated group, exhibited biological effect, with reduction of both the lesion size (*p = .0277, ****p < .0001, ****p < .0001, respectively) and bacterial burden (***p = .003, ****p < .0001, ****p < .0001, respectively). Importantly, the efficacy of emricasan against S. aureus was not due to direct antibacterial activity. Collectively, pan‐caspase inhibitor emricasan and emricasan plus doxycycline reduced both the lesion size and bacterial burden in vivo, and emricasan is a potential host‐directed immunotherapy against MRSA skin infections in a preclinical mouse model.
Carbonate submarine fan deposits of the Mississippian Lake Valley Formation, Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico
Authors: Bishop James , Bachtel Steve , Thompson Jesse , Miller Cody , Ryan Brooks , Sullivan Morgan , Jobe Zane
Published: August 2023

Deep‐water carbonate deposition is relatively poorly understood but an area of vigorous research in academia and industry, where these deposits are a significant component of many unconventional petroleum reservoirs. Recent studies of modern deep‐water carbonates have highlighted the wide variety of depositional processes, sediment types and resultant geomorphology; however, well‐documented outcrops of ancient systems, their rock types and architecture are relatively sparse. The Mississippian Lake Valley Formation provides world‐class exposures of slope‐basinal carbonate deposits. The Tierra Blanca and Doña Ana members comprise submarine fans that are >14 to 20 km in length, >5 km wide, and exposed in strike and dip view, affording a unique opportunity to constrain the architecture, rock types and sedimentary processes. Tierra Blanca and Doña Ana sedimentation was dominated by crinoids shed from an up‐dip platform and supplemented by sediments sourced locally from Waulsortian mounds. Depositional processes include turbidity flows, debris flows and hybrid sediment‐gravity flows. The Tierra Blanca submarine fan thins towards its lateral flanks and distal fringe, where deposits become more mud‐dominated, gravelly grain‐supported flows are less common, and fewer beds have scoured bases. In proximal settings, bed tracing complemented by measured sections allow mapping of stratal surfaces and identification of stories, elements and complexes. The Tierra Blanca evolved from more unconfined to confined deposition. Point‐sourced deposition of the Tierra Blanca fan required a funnelling mechanism, probably due to bathymetry created by Waulsortian mounds or possibly a platform margin re‐entrant. Outcrop exposures illustrate that younger Doña Ana submarine fan deposits onlap onto, and compensationally stack with, the thickest portions of the antecedent Tierra Blanca fan. These outcrops illustrate both similarities and differences between carbonate and siliciclastic gravity flow deposits. Similarities include comparable deposit types, depositional processes and architecture; differences relate to hydrodynamics of carbonate grains, funnelling mechanisms for point‐sourced deposits and sequence stratigraphic forcing.
Neural sensitivity to social reward predicts links between social behavior and loneliness in youth during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Dziura Sarah L. , McNaughton Kathryn A. , Giacobbe Elizabeth , Yarger Heather A. , Hickey Alexandra C. , Shariq Deena , Redcay Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Neural reward network sensitivity in youth is proposed to differentially impact the effects of social environments on social outcomes. The COVID‐19 pandemic provided an opportunity to test this hypothesis within a context of diminished in‐person social interaction. We examined whether neural sensitivity to interactive social reward moderates the relationship between a frequency of interactive or passive social activity and social satisfaction. Survey reports of frequency of interactions with friends, passive social media use, and loneliness and social satisfaction were gathered in 2020 during mandated precautions limiting in‐person contact. A subset of participants (age = 10–17) previously participated in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study examining social‐interactive reward during a simulated peer interaction (surveyn = 76; survey + fMRIn = 40). We found evidence of differential response to social context, such that youth with higher neural reward sensitivity showed a negative association between a frequency of interactive connections with friends and a combined loneliness and social dissatisfaction component (LSDC) score, whereas those with lower sensitivity showed the opposite effect. Further, high reward sensitivity was associated with greater LSDC as passive social media use increased, whereas low reward sensitivity showed the opposite. This indicates that youth with greater sensitivity to social‐interactive reward may be more susceptible to negative effects of infrequent contact than their low reward‐sensitive counterparts, who instead maintain social well‐being through passive viewing of social content. These differential outcomes could have implications for supporting youth during times of major social disruption as well as ensuring mental health and well‐being more broadly.
Seasonal variations of sediment load related to all large damming in the Red River system: A 64‐year analysis
Authors: Quang Nguyen Hao , Thang Ha Nam , Banno Masayuki , Van An Nguyen , Viet Tran Quoc , Luan Nguyen Thanh
Published: August 2023

Variations of water discharge and sediment load in the Red River basin have received considerable attention due to its drastic reduction during the past several decades. This paper presents a more specifically investigating of the seasonal variations in water discharge and sediment load from 1958 to 2021, both before and after the impoundment of all large dam‐reservoirs, using daily observations from the Son Tay hydrological gauging station, the outlet of the Red River system and entry to the delta. Sediment loads have decreased progressively since the early 1990s due to sediment yield reduction and dams in the upper basin, with a reduction of about 91% (from 116 × 106 to 11 × 106 t/year) over the 64‐year observation period. Prior to the impoundment of the Hoa Binh dam‐reservoir in 1988, the hydrological processes in the Red River system exhibited seasonal anomalies (clockwise mode on the hysteresis of rating curve), which implies that sediment load is highly proportional to water discharge and precipitation. The hysteresis loops between mean monthly water discharge and suspended sediment concentration after 1988 were altered by tributary dam‐reservoirs and a phenomenon known as ‘temporal monsoon moving’, which shifted the rating curve from clockwise to counterclockwise mode. Our long‐term analysis indicates that approximately 57.5% and 79% of sediments were trapped during the periods 1989–2008 (after Hoa Binh dam‐reservoir impoundment) and 2009–2021 (a series of new dam‐reservoirs went into operation), respectively, primarily during the high‐discharge months (June–October). Additionally, we concluded that the contribution of climate components (e.g., rainfall) to the dramatic decline in sediment load of the Red River system was less than the human impact.
Organic matter characteristics and gas generation prospect of the Late Cretaceous fluvial deltaic organic‐rich shale in the offshore Jiza‐Qamar Basin, Yemen based on organic geochemical, macerals composition, and biomarker results combined with 1‐D basin modelling
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Alaug Abdulwahab S. , Kahal Ali Y. , Rahim Afikah , Radwan Ahmed E. , Qadri S. M. Talha , Khan Waliullah
Published: August 2023

Organic‐rich shale samples of the Late Cretaceous Mukalla Formation from the Al‐Fatk1 well in the offshore Jiza‐Qamar Basin, eastern Yemen, were examined using bulk organic geochemistry, microscopic examination, and biomarker measurements combined with 1‐D basin modelling, to evaluate the organic matter characteristics and their ability to generate gas. The studied Mukalla shale samples are characterized by their high organic matter content with total values of up to 14.50 wt.%, and contain mainly hydrogen‐poor Type III kerogen, indicating elevated gas generation potential. The hydrogen‐poor kerogen was also demonstrated by biomarker measurements combined with an abundance of land‐derived organic matter (i.e., vitrinite and inertinite) as established by microscopic investigation. The biomarkers of the studied organic‐rich shales were characterized by a high Pr/Ph ratio, abundance of C29 regular steranes, high C27 17α (H)‐22, 29, 30‐trisnorhopane compared with C27 18α (H)‐22, 29, 30‐trisnorneohopane, all providing evidence for the organic matter being derived primarily from higher land plant organic matter, deposited in fluvial deltaic environments under highly oxic conditions. The bulk carbon isotope data agree with the findings of terrigenous organic matter. The maturity indicators show that the examined organic‐rich shale samples have entered the main oil stage and are at the beginning of wet gas generation windows, exhibiting vitrinite reflectance values that range between 0.73% and 1.20%. Kerogen to gas conversion has been simulated by the basin models and shows that between 10% and 15% of kerogen has transformed into gas during the late Miocene until the present‐day, consistent with the wet gas generation window (1.00–1.20 %Ro). Substantial gas exploration potential may exist in the fluvial deltaic Mukalla source rock system in the deeper structural units of the Qamar‐Jiza Basin, where the Mukalla Formation has reached the high maturity level of the gas generation window.
The need for hemispheric separation in pairwise structural disconnection studies
Authors: Röhrig Lisa , Rosenzopf Hannah , Wöhrstein Sofia , Karnath Hans‐Otto
Published: August 2023

The development of new approaches indirectly measuring the structural disconnectome has recently led to an increase in studies investigating pairwise structural disconnections following brain damage. Previous studies jointly analyzed patients with left hemispheric and patients with right hemispheric lesions when investigating a behavior of interest. An alternative approach would be to perform analyses separated by hemisphere, which has been applied in only a minority of studies to date. The present simulation study investigated whether joint or separate analyses (or both equally) are appropriate to reveal the ground truth disconnections. In fact, both approaches resulted in very different patterns of disconnection. In contrast to analyses separated by hemisphere, joint analyses introduced a bias to the disadvantage of intra‐hemispheric disconnections. Intra‐hemispheric disconnections were statistically underpowered in the joint analysis and thus surpassed the significance threshold with more difficulty compared to inter‐hemispheric disconnections. This statistical imbalance was also shown by a greater number of significant inter‐hemispheric than significant intra‐hemispheric disconnections. This bias from joint analyses is based on mechanisms similar to those underlying the “partial injury problem.” We therefore conclude that pairwise structural disconnections in patients with unilateral left hemispheric and with unilateral right hemispheric lesions exhibiting a specific behavior (or disorder) of interest should be studied separately by hemisphere rather than in a joint analysis.
Ergonomic improvement using natural language processing for voice‐directed order selection in large industrial settings
Authors: Goomas David T. , Ludwig Timothy D.
Published: August 2023

This field study examined the automatic speech recognition (ASR) of voice‐directed computerized systems for order selectors employed in large industrial settings (e.g., fulfillment centers, distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing plants). Voice‐directed systems for order selection require selectors to listen to instructions via a headset and speak into a microphone, directing each worker to select products for store orders throughout the facility. Originally, ASR used voice recognition that required “voice enrollment” (voice setup) for each worker plus a trainer's time required as part of the setup. Voice setup generally averaged about 60 min for both the worker and the trainer. Lately, a newer technology now utilizes “speech recognition,” which eliminates voice enrollment altogether. This study measured order selector voice setup times between voice recognition and speech recognition in five facilities. In two distribution centers where speech recognition was implemented, all voice setup hours for all order selectors (n = 55) plus the trainer's time were eliminated. This amounted to a total savings of 110 h. Moreover, using speech recognition becomes a recurring saving for each new employee entering the organization. Now the focus of training is shifted from voice setup to immediately training workers to select orders via voice, an ergonomic improvement.
Numerical investigation of mixed convection of non‐Newtonian fluid in a vented square cavity with fixed baffle
Authors: Ghurban Mohammed Abu , Al‐Farhany Khaled , Olayemi Olalekan Adebayo
Published: August 2023

This paper numerically investigates mixed convective heat transfer in a vented square cavity incorporated with a baffle that is subjected to external non‐Newtonian fluids (NNFs). Adiabatic conditions are imposed on the top and bottom walls, while cold temperature conditions are applied to the right and left solid boundaries. Heated NNF enters the cavity through the inlet and goes out through the outlet at three different locations, and it passes on a vertical baffle fixed at the base placed at different lengths. To examine the impact of the inlet and outlet positions, three different shapes of the outlet port located on the right wall and the inlet port on the left bottom wall were investigated. The impacts of Reynolds number (Re) of 100 ≤ Re ≤ 1000, Richardson number (Ri) of 0.1 ≤ Ri ≤ 3, power law index (n) of 0.6 ≤ n ≤ 1.4, length of baffle (Lb) of 0.2 ≤ Lb ≤ 0.6 and the outlet hole positions (S) of on the thermal and flow distributions in the cavity are taken into consideration in this paper. The results demonstrated that the flow's intensity and heat transfer increase with improvement in the Re and n at any baffle length. When the Ri increased from 0.1 to 3, increased by 23.3% at , and 13.8% at . Also, the Ri increment results in the augmentation of the average heat transfer.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia: Framing the issue
Authors: Munro Malcolm G.
Published: August 2023

For girls and women in their reproductive years, the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is the most common cause of iron deficiency (ID), including the extreme manifestation of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). It is recognized that these two clinical entities are not only ubiquitous, but their interrelationship is poorly appreciated and frequently normalized by society, healthcare providers, and affected girls and women themselves. Both HMB and ID/IDA adversely impact quality of life—HMB during the episodes of bleeding and ID daily as long as the ID exists. These combined issues undermine the lives of reproductive‐aged girls and women of all ages, from menarche to menopause. At the same time, pervading culture and the often insidious nature of these disorders frequently lead to societal normalization, including by healthcare professionals. The effects on cognitive function as well as the related work and school absenteeism and presenteeism can undermine the efforts and function of women in all walks of life, be they students, educators, employers, or employees. There is also an increasing body of evidence suggesting that ID, even in early pregnancy, may adversely impact fetal neurodevelopment with enduring effects on a spectrum of cognitive and psychological disorders—effects that can have widespread impacts on society. Collectively, this critically important evidence begs the implementation of diagnostic and management guidelines aimed at identifying iron‐deficient girls and women, repleting their iron stores, and, when present, effectively treating the most common reason for the problem—the various causes of the symptom of HMB.
Iron deficiency, pregnancy, and neonatal development
Authors: Ataide Ricardo , Fielding Katherine , Pasricha Sant‐Rayn , Bennett Cavan
Published: August 2023

Anemia affects 36% of pregnant women worldwide. Of those affected, around 40% is due to iron deficiency (ID). Iron is an essential micronutrient involved in vital processes such as erythropoiesis, immune responses, and importantly—during pregnancy—placental and fetal development. Although menstrual bleeding can impact the incidence of ID even before the onset of pregnancy, this narrative review is pregnancy focused and will explore the impact of ID on placental development and iron uptake, fetal development and immunity, and maternal and infant susceptibility to infection. Although there have been advances in this area of research, much is needed to understand the regulation of iron and the effects of ID during pregnancy. Notably, more human studies are essential to generate the best evidence to advance strategies to reduce the incidence of ID during pregnancy to improve maternal, neonatal, and infant health.
Therapeutic options for the management of abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: MacGregor Becky , Munro Malcolm G. , Lumsden Mary Ann
Published: August 2023

Just as the investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is approached systematically using the two FIGO systems for AUB in the reproductive years, treatment options can be considered similarly. Therapeutic options fall into two categories—medical and surgical—and while medical management is typically regarded as first‐line therapy, there are several exceptions defined by the presenting cause or causes, mainly when infertility is a concurrent issue. In the early 1990s, up to 60% of women underwent a hysterectomy for the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), but this figure has decreased. The number of women undergoing a hysterectomy for benign disorders continues to decline, along with an increase in hysterectomies performed using minimally invasive techniques. Discussions about therapeutic options are tailored to the individual patient, and we include the risks and benefits of each option, including no management, to enable the patient to make an informed choice. The different types of treatment options and the factors affecting decision‐making are considered in this article.
Reflective supervision and consultation and its impact within early childhood‐serving programs: A systematic review
Authors: Huffhines Lindsay , Herman Rachel , Silver Rebecca B. , Low Christine M. , Newland Rebecca , Parade Stephanie H.
Published: August 2023

Reflective supervision and consultation (RS/C) is regarded as best practice within the infant/early childhood mental health field. Benefits of RS/C on the early childhood workforce and children and families have been demonstrated through case studies, conceptual pieces, and individual research studies. However, findings across studies have not been summarized using gold‐standard methodology, thus the state of existing empirical support for RS/C is unclear. This systematic review examined the collective evidence for RS/C across diverse early childhood‐serving programs. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies investigating associations between RS/C and professionals’ reflective capacity and well‐being, child/family outcomes, and implementation factors. Twenty‐eight papers were identified. Studies showed positive associations between RS/C and early childhood‐serving professionals’ reflective capacity and well‐being, with qualitative studies reporting more consistent results than studies using quantitative methods. Many methodological limitations were identified, including incomplete reporting of study designs and participant characteristics, variability in outcome measures, and lack of randomization and comparison groups. Furthermore, few studies examined child and family outcomes. Therefore, while RS/C shows great promise, it was difficult to ascertain its overall effectiveness from an empirical standpoint. Establishing RS/C as an empirically supported approach will be possible with more rigorous research.
Front Cover
Authors: Bowen Robert , Arany Praveen R.
Published: August 2023

There is increasing recognition of post‐COVID‐19 sequelae involving chronic fatigue and brain fog for which Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has been utilized. The study by outlines the benefits of PBM therapy (transcranial or wholebody) as a non‐invasive, sustainable approach for the increasing need for long‐COVID management.

For further details please visit the article by Robert Bowen and Praveen R Arany (e202200391). Image: the_lightwriter/stock.adobe.com

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Serum leucine‐rich alpha‐2 glycoprotein in monitoring disease activity and intestinal mucosal healing for biotherapy‐naïve cases with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kono Masashi , Komeda Yoriaki , Tribonias George , Yoshida Saki , Nomura Kenji , Handa Kohei , Nagai Tomoyuki , Hagiwara Satoru , Omoto Shunsuke , Takenaka Mamoru , Nishida Naoshi , Tsuji Naoko , Kashida Hiroshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

Serum leucine‐rich alpha‐2 glycoprotein level has been reported to be a useful biomarker in assessing mucosal healing in patients undergoing biotherapy, where mucosal lesions caused by ulcerative colitis are difficult to assess endoscopically. However, no such reports have been reported in biotherapy‐naïve cases.

Methods

Sixty‐eight patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who were biotherapy‐naïve at Kindai University Hospital between October 2021 and October 2022 were enrolled. We prospectively examined the correlation between leucine‐rich alpha‐2 glycoprotein (LRG), C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and Geboes scores with clinical endoscopic activity using the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES).

Results

Mucosal healing was achieved in 39 (57%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed that the factors associated with mucosal healing were LRG (P = 0.0024), CRP (P = 0.1078), ESR (P = 0.0372), and Geboes scores (P = 0.0075). Logistic regression analysis identified LRG and Geboes scores as independent factors associated with mucosal healing assessed using MES (P = 0.0431 for LRG and P = 0.0166 for Geboes scores).

Conclusion

LRG was found to be the easiest marker to monitor disease activity and mucosal inflammation in UC patients with biotherapy‐naïve cases, with a performance equivalent to that of Geboes scores.
Global value chains participation and environmental pollution in developing countries: Does digitalization matter?
Authors: Ali Essossinam , Bataka Hodabalo , Wonyra Kwami Ossadzifo , Awade Nadège Essossolim , Braly Nèmè Nalèwazou
Published: August 2023

The study analyses the effect of global value chains participation (GVCP) on CO2 emissions and assesses whether digitalization technologies can enhance environmental quality. We use panel data estimation techniques for 112 developing countries over the period 1990–2018. Findings show that the GVCP contributes to environmental degradation. Other factors that increase environmental damage include FDI inflows, industrial value‐added and electricity consumption. However, renewable energy consumption significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Findings show that digitalization is an effective channel in reducing CO2 emissions in the GVCP in developing countries. These findings have important policy implications in exploring the GVCP's development dynamics in upgrading opportunities from digital technologies to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable growth in developing economies.
Incidence and severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 reinfection, a multicenter cohort study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yu Weien , Guo Yue , Hu Tiantian , Liu Yuqi , Fan Qingqi , Guo Li , Zheng Binrong , Kong Yide , Zhu Haoxiang , Yu Jie , Chen Shiqi , Zhang Yongmei , Wang Jinyu , Li Fahong , Yang Feifei , Wang Yuee , Zhu Yuzhen , Huang Yuxian , Shen Zhongliang , Ruan Yi , Mao Richeng , Zhang Jiming
Published: August 2023

During March 2022 to January 2023, two Omicron waves hit Shanghai and caused a massive number of reinfections. To better understand the incidence and clinical characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 reinfection in Shanghai, China, we conducted a multicenter cohort study. COVID‐19 patients first infected with BA.2 (March 1, 2022–May 23, 2022) who were quarantined in Huashan Hospital, Renji Hospital, and Shanghai Jing'an Central Hospital were followed up for reinfection from June 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023. Of 897 primary infections, 148 (16.5%) experienced reinfection. Incidence rate of reinfection was 0.66 cases per 1000 person‐days. Female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–3.83) was a risk factor for reinfection. The four most common symptoms of reinfections during the circulation of BA.5 sublineages were cough (62.59%), sore throat (54.42%), fatigue (48.98%), and fever (42.57%). Having received a booster vaccination was not associated with reduced severity of reinfection in comparison with not having received booster vaccination. After matched 1:1 by age and sex, we found that reinfections with BA.5 sublineages had significantly lower occurrence and severity of fever, fatigue, sore throat, and cough, as compared to primary infections with BA.5 sublineages. SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron reinfections were less severe than Omicron primary infections during the circulation of the same subvariant. Protection offered by both vaccination and previous infection was poor against SARS‐CoV‐2 reinfection.
Increasing connections of the leading internal mode of the summertime Northwest Pacific subtropical anticyclone with preceding ENSO under greenhouse warming in FGOALS‐g3 super‐large ensemble
Authors: Ma Jing , Lin Pengfei , Wang Lu , Zhao Bowen , Xu Haiming
Published: August 2023

While much progress has been made in understanding how anthropogenic forcing influences the climate mean state, less attention has been paid to how it may modulate the internal variability of air–sea coupled mode. This study investigates forced changes of the leading internal mode of the summertime Northwest Pacific subtropical anticyclone (NWPSA) and the related sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies based on the 110‐member FGOALS‐g3 super‐large ensemble for the period of 1850–2099. The leading internal mode of the NWPSA variability is obtained by applying snapshot‐empirical orthogonal function analyses across the ensemble dimension each year. It is shown that the connection between the NWPSA and the preceding El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) strengthens in response to anthropogenic forcing, and the precipitation along the northwestern flank of the NWPSA increases correspondingly due to stronger water vapour transport. The SST anomalies corresponding to the change invoke a rapid transition from El Niño to La Niña in a warming world, which induces a zonal SST contrast between the Indian Ocean warming and the equatorial Pacific cooling, favouring a strengthening of the NWPSA. The stronger influence of ENSO on the NWPSA in the ensuing summer under greenhouse warming may result from the pronounced increase in the internal variability of the central deep‐equatorial Pacific SST and precipitation over the western‐central equatorial Pacific in winter. The stronger influence indicates that ENSO may serve as a stronger predictor of the summertime NWPSA in a warming climate, and may improve the skills of the seasonal forecast of the climate over East and South Asia in summer.
Moringa oleifera: a valuable insight into recent advances in medicinal uses and pharmacological activities
Authors: Jikah Agatha Ngukuran , Edo Great Iruoghene
Published: August 2023

Moringa oleifera is an important medicinal plant in several countries; for example, Nigeria, the USA, Turkey, Germany, Greece, and Ukraine. The abundant bioactive and nutritional properties of this plant make it useful in many and diverse areas of life, including the health, cosmetic, agricultural, and food industries to mention but a few. Research has found that the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, fatty acids, saponins, essential oils, folate, aromatic hydrocarbons, sterols, glucosinolates, and glycosides, among others, characterize the moringa nutrient profile and, as a result, give rise to its remedial effects on ailments such as wounds, stomach and duodenal ulcers, allergies, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, asthma, and so on. It is the aim of this review to provide an insight into such medicinal and pharmacological remedies attributed to moringa, stating both the past and recent discoveries. This review article also takes a look into the botanical features, bioactive compounds, antinutrients, food applications, bacterial fermentation products, biosafety, industrial applications, and other uses of moringa. Finally, with the belief that knowledge is progressive, we acknowledge that there are things yet undiscovered about this wonder plant that will be of value both to medicine and general life; we therefore recommend that research work continues on the moringa plant. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A repertoire of alginate lyases in the alginate polysaccharide utilization loci of marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica: biochemical properties and action pattern
Authors: Li Jiajing , Pei Xiaojie , Xue Changhu , Chang Yaoguang , Shen Jingjing , Zhang Yuying
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Alginate lyases are important tools for alginate biodegradation and oligosaccharide production, which have great potential in food and biofuel fields. The alginate polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL) typically encode a series of alginate lyases with a synergistic action pattern. Exploring valuable alginate lyases and revealing the synergistic effect of enzymes in the PUL is of great significance.

RESULTS

An alginate PUL was discovered from the marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica CZ1127T, and a repertoire of alginate lyases within it was cloned, expressed and characterized. The four alginate lyases in PUL demonstrated similar optimal reaction conditions: maximum enzyme activity at 35–50 °C and pH 8.0–9.0. The results of action pattern indicated that they were two PL7 endolytic bifunctional enzymes (Aly7A and Aly7B), a PL6 exolytic bifunctional enzyme (Aly6A) and a PL17 exolytic M‐specific enzyme (Aly17A). Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was employed to reveal the synergistic effect of the four enzymes. The end products of Aly7A were further degraded by Aly7B and eventually generated oligosaccharides, from disaccharide to heptasaccharide. The oligosaccharide products were completely degraded to monosaccharides by Aly6A, but it was unable to directly degrade alginate. Aly17A could also produce monosaccharides by cleaving the M‐blocks of oligosaccharide products, as well as the M‐blocks of polysaccharides. The combination of these enzymes resulted in the complete degradation of alginate to monosaccharides.

CONCLUSION

A new alginate PUL was mined and four novel alginate lyases in the PUL were expressed and characterized. The four cooperative alginate lyases provide novel tools for alginate degradation and biological fermentation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Minimally invasive stabilization of pelvic metastatic bone disease: A review of an emerging technique
Authors: Lee Linus , Brown Anthony , Lerman Daniel M.
Published: August 2023

Percutaneous pelvic stabilization is an emerging technique that provides mechanical stability to pathologic fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum. Variability exists in procedural technique among institutions; however, early case series consistently demonstrate an acceptable complication profile and significant improvement in patients' pain and function. This minimally invasive approach is less morbid than traditional, open acetabular and pelvic reconstructions. Therefore, this procedure is an encouraging palliative intervention for a growing patient population in need.
Prognostic factors in the primary care of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: A monocentric cohort study of 108 patients from a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Placke Jan‐Malte , Zahn Maximilian , Zillikens Hannah , Krefting Frederik , Lodde Georg C. , Zimmer Lisa , Livingstone Elisabeth , Hadaschik Eva , Sucker Antje , Roesch Alexander , Tasdogan Alpaslan , Srinivas Nalini K. , Schadendorf Dirk , Becker Jürgen C. , Ugurel Selma
Published: August 2023

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is one of the deadliest skin cancers. Despite existing national guidelines, treatment of MCC patients is not as well standardized as for more common skin cancers.

Objectives

The study objective was to investigate factors predisposing to favourable/unfavourable patient outcomes and to which extent guideline‐based care affects patient survival.

Methods

This noninterventional study investigated a monocentre real‐world patient cohort with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of MCC who presented at the skin cancer centre, University Hospital Essen. Patient and tumour characteristics (age, sex, primary localization, Merkel cell polyomavirus [MCPyV], tumour stage at initial diagnosis and primary treatment measures [surgery, radiation]) were correlated with the patient outcome in terms of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 108 patients were identified. The median age of the patients was 69.9 years (range 39–88), with patients aged <70 years showing a trend towards a longer RFS (p = 0.192). Regarding sex, 69 (63.9%) of the patients were male, with females showing a trend towards a longer RFS (0.189). MCPyV+ primary tumours are less frequently located in the head/neck region (p = 0.003). Patients with primary tumours in the head/neck region had a significantly worse OS than patients with primary tumours at the trunk/extremities (p = 0.007). Patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) showed a tendency towards shorter RFS (p = 0.126) and OS (p = 0.089). Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I, IIA and IIB had a slightly better RFS (p = 0.803) and OS (p = 0.820) compared to patients with stages IIIA and IIIB. Moreover, the administration of adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in a slightly better RFS (p = 0.299) and OS (p = 0.276) in patients with tumour stages I, IIA and IIB.

Conclusions

In the present study, the outcome of MCC patients depended on primary tumour localization, SLN status, sex and age. The tumour stage and the adjuvant radiation had only limited effects on patient outcomes.
Organizational knowledge heterogeneity: Between conceptual nuances and the quest for a measure
Authors: El Louadi Mohamed
Published: August 2023

This paper is a survey of relevant empirical literature pertaining to knowledge heterogeneity. Its purpose focuses on highlighting issues surrounding its definition and measurement. First, it shows that knowledge heterogeneity is definitionally close to several other concepts, each measured in a certain way. Second, the same measures have been used indiscriminately for several of these concepts. Third, different measures have been used for the same concepts. The point being made is that comparable empirical results cannot be achieved if the same measures are used for different concepts. Research in knowledge management and innovation management centered around knowledge heterogeneity could be impeded if different emphases are put on different words while studying a concept that is defined similarly across studies yet measured differently, or that is measured similarly despite being defined differently. Results in future research are more likely to converge if knowledge heterogeneity is defined separately from similar concepts such as knowledge sharing and knowledge overlap, for example.
Binocular microscopes versus exoscopes: Experiences and performance in simulated otologic surgery
Authors: Larkin Riley , Langlie Jake , Roldan Luis Pablo , Thielhelm Torin , Mahfood Christopher , Chiossone Juan A.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Exoscopes represent a promising alternative to conventional binocular microscopes (OM) in otology offering potential advantages such as enhanced ergonomics and a more compact device design. While previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of exoscopes in various surgical specialties, their objective assessment in the field of otology remains limited. Therefore, this investigation aims to assess task‐based efficiency associated with exoscopes in the field of otology by use of simulated surgical models.

Methods

A prospective cross‐over study design was used to compare an OM to an exoscope in otolaryngology residents and medical students. Participants performed five tasks on 3D‐printed ear models using both the exoscope and OM. Data collection included completion time, frequency of predefined errors, mental effort, and user experience. Subgroup analysis was performed based on level of experience.

Results

Fourteen students and fifteen residents participated. Participants completed four of five tasks faster with the OM and there was no difference in number of errors committed. When separated by surgical experience, residents performed four of five tasks faster using the OM while students completed one of five tasks faster with the OM. Students committed more errors with the exoscope for one task with no difference in errors for residents. There was no difference in perceived difficulty performing tasks with either visualization system. Exit survey results showed more favorable opinions of the OM among residents and more favorable opinions of the exoscope among students.

Conclusions

The exoscope permits successful performance in simulated otologic tasks. Task performance and user experience between operative microscopes and exoscopes differ based on level of surgical experience.

Level of Evidence

2.
A Shear‐Thinning, Self‐Healing, Dual‐Cross Linked Hydrogel Based on Gelatin/Vanillin/Fe3+/AGP‐AgNPs: Synthesis, Antibacterial, and Wound‐Healing Assessment
Authors: Talodthaisong Chanon , Patramanon Rina , Thammawithan Saengrawee , Lapmanee Sarawut , Maikaeo Lamai , Sricharoen Phitchan , Khongkow Mattaka , Namdee Katawut , Jantimaporn Angkana , Kayunkid Navaphun , Hutchison James A. , Kulchat Sirinan
Published: August 2023

A shear‐thinning and self‐healing hydrogel based on a gelatin biopolymer is synthesized using vanillin and Fe3+ as dual crosslinking agents. Rheological studies indicate the formation of a strong gel found to be injectable and exhibit rapid self‐healing (within 10 min). The hydrogels also exhibited a high degree of swelling, suggesting potential as wound dressings since the absorption of large amounts of wound exudate, and optimum moisture levels, lead to accelerated wound healing. Andrographolide, an anti‐inflammatory natural product is used to fabricate silver nanoparticles, which are characterized and composited with the fabricated hydrogels to imbue them with anti‐microbial activity. The nanoparticle/hydrogel composites exhibit activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Burkholderia pseudomallei, the pathogen that causes melioidosis, a serious but neglected disease affecting southeast Asia and northern Australia. Finally, the nanoparticle/hydrogel composites are shown to enhance wound closure in animal models compared to the hydrogel alone, confirming that these hydrogel composites hold great potential in the biomedical field.
Carleson measures on convex domains with smooth boundary of finite type
Authors: Li Haichou , Liu Jinsong , Wang Hongyu
Published: August 2023

Following M. Abate and A. Saracco's work on strongly pseudoconvex domains in , we characterize Carleson measures of in bounded convex domains in with smooth boundary of finite type. We also give examples of Carleson measures with uniformly discrete (with respect to the Kobayashi distance) sequences.
Ternary Organic Solar Cells with Power Conversion Efficiency Approaching 15% by Fine‐Selecting the Third Component
Authors: Chang Meijia , Zhang Chenyang , Li Na , Wang Cong , Sui Dong , Wang Fang , Wang Yinxia , Wang Yonggang , Wu Haitao , Meng Lingxian
Published: August 2023

Nonfullerene acceptors with mediate bandgap play a crucial role in ternary devices as the third component, further boosting the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, three F‐series acceptors (F‐H, F‐Cl, and F‐2Cl) with mediate bandgap are selected and introduced into the PM6:BDT‐Br binary system as third component to find the detailed influence of end groups with chlorine (Cl) atom substitution on the performance of ternary organic solar cells. Due to the increased substitution of Cl atoms on the end groups, F‐Cl and F‐2Cl as guest acceptors reveal a superior ability to regulate the morphology of blend films, contributing to the ordered packing properties and high crystallinity. As a result, F‐Cl and F‐2Cl based ternary OSCs achieve significantly improved PCEs of 13.89% and 14.67%, respectively, compared with the binary devices (12.70%). On the contrary, F‐H without Cl atom displays a poor compatibility with the host system, resulting in an inferior ternary device with a low PCE of 10.79%. This work indicates that F‐series acceptors with mediate bandgap are a promising class of third component for high‐performance ternary OSCs. And introducing more Cl atoms substitution on the end groups, especially F‐2Cl, will own a broad applicability for other binary devices.
Make It Pertinent and Personal
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: August 2023

Union‐free campaign strategies come in all shapes and sizes, and topics can be seemingly endless. Dues. Adversarial relations. Loss of direct dealing. Likewise, the means of communicating those topics can be varied. One‐to‐one meetings. Presentations. Newsletters. The style and substance of campaign points can result in dozens of different approaches. This month, I would like to delve more deeply into one of the more potent union‐free messages and, upon reflection, one of the most ineffectively communicated: strikes.
Shared Genetics and Comorbid Genes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Tian Ye , Ma Guochen , Li Haoqi , Zeng Yaxian , Zhou Siquan , Wang Xiaoyu , Shan Shufang , Xu Yujie , Xiong Jingyuan , Cheng Guo
Published: August 2023

Background

Comorbidity exists between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), but the role of genetic factors is unclear.

Objective

We aim to investigate genetic correlation, causal relationship, and comorbid genes between ALS and PD.

Methods

Leveraging the largest genome‐wide association study data (ALS: 27,205 cases, 110,881 controls; PDG: 33,674 cases, 449,056 controls), we used linkage disequilibrium score regression and Mendelian randomization analysis for genetic correlation and causal inference. We performed genome‐wide cross‐trait analysis via Multi‐Trait Analysis of Genome‐Wide Association Studies and Cross‐Phenotype Association to identify specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, followed by functional mapping and annotation. Integrating expression quantitative trait loci data from 13 brain regions, we conducted a transcriptome‐wide association study via functional summary‐based imputation and joint‐tissue imputation to explore comorbid genes, followed by pathway enrichment analysis.

Results

We found that PD positively correlates with ALS (rg = 0.144, P = 0.026) and confers a causal effect (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.15, P = 3.00 × 10−3). We identified nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (eight new), associating with three risk loci (chromosomes 4, 10, and 17) and seven genes (TMEM175, MAPT, NSF, LRRC37A2, ARHGAP27, GAK, and FGFRL1). In transcriptome‐wide association study analysis, we showed six previously unreported pleiotropic genes (KANSL1, ARL17B, EFNA1, WNT3, ERCC8, and ADAM15), and we found these candidate genes are mainly enriched in negative regulation of neuron projection development (GO:0010977).

Conclusions

Our work demonstrates shared genetic architecture between ALS and PD, reports new pleiotropic genes, and sheds light on the comorbid mechanism. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.