bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Conjugated Copolymers‐Based Luminescent Solar Concentrators with Excellent Color Rendering and Organic Photovoltaics for Efficiently Converting Light to Electricity
Authors: Yu Kanglin , Hu Liwen , Lei Shiyun , Xiao Biao , Li Qingduan , Wang Jianbin , You Qingliang , Wang Xunchang , Yang Renqiang
Published: January 2023

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) provide a simple and cost‐effective strategy for harvesting sunlight. However, few existing LSC–solar cell systems possess power conversion efficiency (PCE) and remarkable color rendering capability simultaneously, which limits their application in building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Herein, for the first time, novel LSC–solar cell systems fabricated by integrating LSCs with organic solar cells (OSCs), accompanied with efficient solar energy harvest and excellent color rendering, are reported. Three conjugated copolymers, PPF‐IF, PPF‐NIF, and PPF‐F are utilized as the luminophores to construct LSCs with ultrahigh color rendering indices (95.74), and the OSCs based on these systems present high PCEs (4.92%) under 1 sun conditions. With the decrease of the light intensity, the PCEs of the OSCs keep rising and reach a high value of 14.91% (11 mW cm−2). In contrast, the crystalline silicon (C–Si) cell‐based systems show low PCE values ranging from 1.90% to 2.47%, and especially, the PCEs are not highly correlated with the illumination intensity. These results indicate that the utilization of conjugated copolymers as luminophores can enable LSC to possess high efficiency and excellent color rendering ability, and the integration of OSCs with LSC is a very promising strategy for future practical applications in BIPV, etc.
A Microphase Separation Strategy for the Infrared Transparency‐Thermomechanical Property Conundrum in Sulfur‐Rich Copolymers
Authors: Hwang Jae Hyuk , Kim Sang Hwa , Cho Woongbi , Lee Woohwa , Park Sungmin , Kim Yong Seok , Lee Jong‐Chan , Lee Kyung Jin , Wie Jeong Jae , Kim Dong‐Gyun
Published: January 2023

With intrinsic optical and dynamic properties of polysulfide chains, inverse vulcanized copolymers have demonstrated immense potential for infrared (IR) optical applications. However, preparing highly IR‐transparent sulfur‐rich copolymers without sacrificing their thermomechanical properties remains challenging. To overcome the trade‐off relationship between IR optical and thermomechanical properties, an in situ microphase separation strategy for the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur utilizing self‐crosslinkable 1,3,5‐trivinylbenzene (TVB) is presented. Even with 80 wt% sulfur content, the microphase‐separated TVB‐rich domain self‐reinforces the copolymer with a noteworthy modulus of ≈2.0 GPa and a high glass transition temperature (Tg) of 92.6 °C, while still exhibiting outstanding IR optical properties. This work is expected to provide insights into the fundamental structure–property relationships of sulfur‐rich copolymers and pave the way for various practical applications.
Pd‐Catalyzed Umpolung of η3‐Benzylpalladium Enabled the Construction of All‐Carbon α‐Vinyl Quaternary Aldehydes
Authors: Zuo Linhong , Guo Wusheng
Published: January 2023

A Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative approach for the construction of 2‐allyl‐2,2‐diarylacetaldehydes via dearomative umpolung strategy is reported. The reaction is applicable to a number of cyclic carbonates or allylic acetates featuring with different functional groups. These reactions could be performed in a gram‐scale but without loss of the reaction efficiency. The control experiments suggest that the reaction proceeds though a palladium catalyzed dearomative decarboxylation step followed by an umpolung nucleophilic attack.

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Environmental DNA as an emerging tool in botanical research
Authors: Johnson Mark D. , Freeland Joanna R. , Parducci Laura , Evans Darren M. , Meyer Rachel S. , Molano‐Flores Brenda , Davis Mark A.
Published: January 2023

Over the past quarter century, environmental DNA (eDNA) has been ascendant as a tool to detect, measure, and monitor biodiversity (species and communities), as a means of elucidating biological interaction networks, and as a window into understanding past patterns of biodiversity. However, only recently has the potential of eDNA been realized in the botanical world. Here we synthesize the state of eDNA applications in botanical systems with emphases on aquatic, ancient, contemporary sediment, and airborne systems, and focusing on both single‐species approaches and multispecies community metabarcoding. Further, we describe how abiotic and biotic factors, taxonomic resolution, primer choice, spatiotemporal scales, and relative abundance influence the utilization and interpretation of airborne eDNA results. Lastly, we explore several areas and opportunities for further development of eDNA tools for plants, advancing our knowledge and understanding of the efficacy, utility, and cost‐effectiveness, and ultimately facilitating increased adoption of eDNA analyses in botanical systems.
Herbarium specimens reveal herbivory patterns across the genus Cucurbita
Authors: Jenny Laura A. , Shapiro Lori R. , Davis Charles C. , Jonathan Davies T. , Pierce Naomi E. , Meineke Emily
Published: January 2023

Premise

Quantifying how closely related plant species differ in susceptibility to insect herbivory is important for understanding the variation in evolutionary pressures on plant functional traits. However, empirically measuring in situ variation in herbivory spanning the geographic range of a plant–insect complex is logistically difficult. Recently, new methods have been developed using herbarium specimens to investigate patterns in plant–insect symbioses across large geographic scales. Such investigations provide insights into how accelerated anthropogenic changes may impact plant–insect interactions that are of ecological or agricultural importance.

Methods

Here, we analyze 274 pressed herbarium samples to investigate variation in herbivory damage in 13 different species of the economically important plant genus Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). This collection is composed of specimens of wild, undomesticated Cucurbita that were collected from across their native range, and Cucurbita cultivars collected from both within their native range and from locations where they have been introduced for agriculture in temperate North America.

Results

Herbivory is common on individuals of all Cucurbita species collected throughout their geographic ranges. However, estimates of herbivory varied considerably among individuals, with mesophytic species accruing more insect damage than xerophytic species, and wild specimens having more herbivory than specimens collected from human‐managed habitats.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that long‐term evolutionary changes in habitat from xeric to mesic climates and wild to human‐managed habitats may mediate the levels of herbivory pressure from coevolved herbivores. Future investigations into the potential factors that contribute to herbivory may inform the management of domesticated crop plants and their insect herbivores.
Predictors of falls in older adults with and without dementia
Authors: Okoye Safiyyah M. , Fabius Chanee D. , Reider Lisa , Wolff Jennifer L.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Persons living with, versus without, dementia (PLWD) have heightened fall‐risk. Little is known about whether fall‐risk factors differ by dementia status.

Methods

Using the 2015 and 2016 National Health and Aging Trends Study, we prospectively identified fall‐risk factors over a 12‐month period among community‐living older adults ≥65 years with and without dementia (n = 5581).

Results

Fall rates were higher among PLWD compared to persons without dementia (45.5% vs. 30.9%). In a multivariable model including sociodemographic, health, function, and environmental characteristics as predictors, vision impairment (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.12–4.40), and living with a spouse versus alone (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.09–5.43) predicted falls among PLWD, but not among persons without dementia. History of previous falls predicted subsequent falls regardless of dementia status (OR: 6.20, 95% CI: 3.81–10.09, and OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 2.50–3.40, respectively).

Discussion

Incorporating appropriate fall‐risk factors could inform effective falls screening and prevention strategies for PLWD.

Highlights

46% of persons with dementia had ≥1 falls versus 31% of those without dementia in 2016.

Vision impairment and living with a spouse predicted falls in persons with dementia.

Study results support tailored fall prevention strategies for persons with dementia.
Pyridine Dimers and Their Low‐Temperature Isomerization: A High‐Resolution Matrix‐Isolation Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Hübner Olaf , Thusek Jean , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: January 2023

The bonding between two neutral aromatic compounds, especially small ones, has been controversially debated in the last decades, and terms like “π‐stacking” had to be revised. Surprisingly, despite of many experimental and computational work, there is still no clear consensus about the structure of and the bonding in the pyridine dimer. In this work, for different isomeric forms of the pyridine dimer, the structures and bonding were elucidated by combining high‐resolution matrix‐isolation spectroscopic results with quantum‐chemical calculations. High‐resolution IR spectra of Ne matrices at 4 K containing pyridine were recorded for different concentrations and upon annealing to 10 and 12 K, relying on three isotopologues of pyridine. The spectra show the presence of hydrogen‐bonded, T‐shaped, and stacked forms of weakly‐bound pyridine dimers. Among these, the hydrogen‐bonded isomer is identified as the lowest‐energy form. The results provide for the first time conclusive information about the interaction between two pyridine dimers.
A case of shock after STEMI: Think beyond the cardiogenic one
Authors: Falcetta Andrea , Bonfanti Eleonora , Rossini Roberta , Lauria Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can typically complicate with the development of cardiogenic shock; nevertheless, other less frequent types of shock may occur, including adrenal crisis (AC). We describe a case of STEMI complicated by AC and, for the first time, AC‐induced focal takotsubo syndrome.
Early‐onset neonatal sepsis due to Streptococcus salivarius: A case report
Authors: Bin Sakviseth , Im Sethikar
Published: January 2023

Streptococcus salivarius, the most predominant human oral microbiota, is rarely associated with neonatal sepsis. This report aims to describe a rare culture‐proven case of early‐onset sepsis in a 3‐day‐old boy with isolated high‐grade fever. Streptococcus salivarius was isolated in two consecutive hemocultures and unexpectedly resistant to the conventional empirical antibiotics.
Orbital apex syndrome due to herpes zoster infection in a patient with chronic kidney disease: A case report
Authors: Srimanan Worapot , Panyakorn Somboon
Published: January 2023

We report the case of an 89‐year‐old man with typical herpes zoster ophthalmicus on the left side of his face with delayed clinical presentation of orbital apex syndrome. After treatment with intravenous antiviral agents and corticosteroids, the patient fully recovered. Clinical suspicion should be concerned in immunocompromised cases.
Hydrodechlorination of Alachlor Using a Molecular Electrocatalyst
Authors: Devi Nilakshi , Sarkar Prasenjit , Patel Aaqila , Jiang Jianbing “Jimmy”
Published: January 2023

Reductive hydrodechlorination is an effective approach to enhance the degradation rate of chlorinated herbicides such as alachlor, which are frequently detected in ground and surface water. In this study, a cobalt porphyrin complex with eight triazole units and alkyl chains, CoPor8T, was synthesized to catalyze the reductive hydrodechlorination of alachlor. Mechanistic study was performed using a combination of voltametric, spectroscopic, and electrospectroscopic techniques. A conversion yield of 84 % at −1.8 V vs. Fc/Fc+ and chloride ion concentration of 96 % was obtained after electrocatalysis. This work provides a new avenue of using molecular catalysts for electrocatalytic chlorinated herbicide remediation.
International Organizations and Global Problem‐Solving: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Autonomy, Experience, and Financial Resources on Achieving Objectives
Authors: Plourde Yves , Prémont‐Picard Anne Sophie
Published: January 2023

We examine the role of autonomy in the achievement (or non‐achievement) of the objectives of international organizations (IOs). Using a configurational approach, we theorize four scenarios related to autonomy, with regards to the experience and financial resources available to IOs. Our results, based on a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) applied to 20 IOs in the United Nations (UN) system, demonstrate that autonomy can be a condition for both the success or the failure of an IO. Our study calls for the development of a systems theory of IO performance that takes into account the interdependence of conditions and the equifinality of solutions that explain the success (or failure) of these organizations in the pursuit of their mission.
Sex‐dependent habitat selection modulates risk management by meadow voles
Authors: Morris Douglas W.
Published: January 2023

Foraging involves a trade‐off between food and safety. Most research into the trade‐off invokes safety from predation. But danger and its associated risk arise from multiple causes that cannot be assessed solely with reference to predators. A more complete assessment of risk management requires experimental designs that attempt to modify and measure risks, regardless of the source of danger. I aimed to do so by adding shelter (mulched straw) and time‐varying supplemental food (rabbit chow), while measuring foraging behavior and habitat use by a seminatural population of meadow voles. Voles foraged more intensely under safety, recognized least risk when given access to both food and shelter, but altered their risk management through time: management included a novel form of sex‐dependent habitat selection in which male–male pairs occupied risky areas without shelter while female–female pairs occupied habitats sheltered by straw. The pattern is consistent with a sex‐dependent evolutionary game in which female territoriality and tolerance of other females limit conflict with, and space use by, males. Voles' array of interacting strategies demonstrates that ecologists must be wary of ascribing risk only to predation, and particularly so if experiments are blind to other dangers and processes that alter foraging behavior and habitat selection.
Cell‐free synthesis of silver nanoparticles in spent media of different Aspergillus species
Authors: Boldt Alexander , Walter Jan , Hofbauer Fabian , Stetter Karen , Aubel Ines , Bertau Martin , Jäger Christof M. , Walther Thomas
Published: January 2023

The recovery and valorization of metals and rare earth metals from wastewater are of great importance to prevent environmental pollution and recover valuable resources. Certain bacterial and fungal species are capable of removing metal ions from the environment by facilitating their reduction and precipitation. Even though the phenomenon is well documented, little is known about the mechanism. Therefore, we systematically investigated the influence of nitrogen sources, cultivation time, biomass, and protein concentration on silver reduction capacities of cell‐free cultivation media (spent media) of Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, and A. oryzae. The spent medium of A. niger showed the highest silver reduction capacities with up to 15 μmol per milliliter spent medium when ammonium was used as the sole N‐source. Silver ion reduction in the spent medium was not driven by enzymes and did not correlate with biomass concentration. Nearly full reduction capacity was reached after 2 days of incubation, long before the cessation of growth and onset of the stationary phase. The size of silver nanoparticles formed in the spent medium of A. niger was influenced by the nitrogen source, with silver nanoparticles formed in nitrate or ammonium‐containing medium having an average diameter of 32 and 6 nm, respectively.
Color printing based on 3MF: Color diffusion from the surface to the interior of voxel model
Authors: Liu Ruiying , Yang Weidong , Li Haixia , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Haoyu
Published: January 2023

Full‐color 3D printing technology has become more and more popular for industrial manufacturing applications. The voxelization of color 3D models and the expression of appearance colors become more and more important. To illustrate the complex appearance and internal characteristics of 3D models, we present a voxelization algorithm of the color 3D models for color 3D printing in this paper. Specifically, we use the 3D model of 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF) with color appearance features for surface voxelization first. Then, we propose an improved scan line filling algorithm to realize the voxelization of the interior of the model and obtain the color voxel model. Finally, to improve the high quality of color printing, we propose a surface color inward diffusion algorithm, which can make the surface color of the voxel model diffuse inward and further express the surface color of the voxel model. The experimental results show our proposed method can obtain an effective color voxel model and accurately express the color of the voxel model surface, which can enhance the color effect of the color model and realize the control of voxels.
Adsorption of Cu2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ by engineered biochar: Preparation, characterization, and adsorption properties
Authors: Azadian Meysam , Gilani Hossein Ghanadzadeh
Published: January 2023

Lemonwood‐derived biochar was created by biomass pyrolysis (600°C) and modified with zeolite, sodium alginate, and magnetic nanoparticles to design an efficient adsorbent. The characterizations of the nanocomposite were studied employing X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, EDAX, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The sorption of Zn(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions from an aqueous single metal solution was evaluated for the influence of contact time, adsorbent dose, solution pH, initial concentration, and individual adsorption. Four isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin‐Radushkevich) were employed to analyze the equilibrium data by nonlinear regression. The capacity for adsorption of Zn(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) at pH = 4, contact time 90 min, and 293°K from wastewater is as high as 98.22, 109.37, and 80.15 mg/g, respectively. The kinetics analysis demonstrated that the adsorption mechanism agreed with the pseudo‐second‐order rate law. In addition, the adsorption of metal ions onto engineered adsorbent exhibited that the process is exothermic, and with increasing the temperature, the adsorption capacity decreased, showing the spontaneous nature. The adsorbent was regenerated and reused three consecutive in adsorption–desorption without considerable loss of its adsorption capacity. The results indicated that it could be employed as an effective adsorbent for eliminating metal ions from an aqueous media.
Black carbon emissions from modern automated cordwood stoves for space heating
Authors: Lindberg Jake , Trojanowski Rebecca , Butcher Thomas , Mahajan Devinder
Published: January 2023

Wood burning stove design is improving as regulation become stricter for particulate matter emissions. This study describes results of black carbon (BC) emissions from three modern automated wood stoves when tested in common failure modes using a test protocol that included cold‐starts, high and low fuel loading densities, and use of overly large pieces of fuel. Emission sampling was performed using a dilution sampling system in tandem with an aethalometer to measure BC with high time resolution. Results show that the time‐weighted average BC emission rates were 0.91, 4.30, and 1.74 g/h for the three stoves tested (A, B, and C respectively), the values, both higher and lower than the United States 2020 certification test emission limit of 2.5 g/h. The results demonstrate good performance overall, given the rigorous nature of the testing protocol used. The aethalometer data showed that the performance was relatively poor during cold‐start, when the fuel was ignited and combusted without a coalbed, and when stoves failed to optimize air delivery due to specific loading and output conditions. During the cold‐start test section, the average BC emission rate was seven times higher than the overall average for Stove A, 10 times above the average for Stove B, and two times above the average emission rate for Stove C. Calculations of the Average Angstrom Absorption Exponent (AAE) of the exhaust aerosol showed little correlation with BC concentration. The results show that automation results in a quantifiable reduction in particular BC emissions.
Environmental management criteria, aimed at public policymaking, for the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing building materials in Colombia
Authors: Flórez Gutiérrez Paola , Cely-García María Fernanda , Larrahondo Joan M.
Published: January 2023

Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral banned in Colombia since 1 January 2021; however, there is a considerable amount of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) installed across the country in products such as roof tiles, tanks, pipes, and downspouts. Installed ACBM represent an exposure risk when the mineral fibers are released into the air through deterioration, damage, or disturbance of the cement matrix within which the asbestos is contained. Due to potential detrimental impacts on human health, safe management and correct handling of ACBM is a matter of vital importance. This article proposes evidence-based environmental management guidelines, aimed at public policymaking, for the removal and final disposal of installed ACBM in Colombia. A descriptive study was carried out, with a qualitative approach, based on an integrative literature review of international practices applied in the removal and disposal of installed ACBM. Forty scientific publications were reviewed, as well as the regulations for removal, transport, and final disposal of installed asbestos–cement from Australia, the USA, Italy, Chile, the UK, and Canada. Guidelines for the removal and final disposal of installed ACBM are proposed, suggesting the following stages: (a) diagnosis and management plan of installed ACBM, (b) removal of installed ACBM, (c) transport of ACBM waste, and (d) final disposal of ACBM waste. Expert opinion was collected to assess the local feasibility of the proposed guidelines. These guidelines may help direct national and regional agencies to establish comprehensive strategies with clear, measurable, and achievable goals for future replacement of installed ACBM. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1079–1088. © 2023 SETAC
Nutrition assistance program take‐up given multiprogram eligibility
Authors: Leschewski Andrea , Davis David E.
Published: January 2023

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, National School Lunch Program, and School Breakfast Program are complementary, serving different nutritional needs of low‐income children. We analyze determinants of the number of nutrition assistance programs low‐income households with children participate in given multiprogram eligibility. Results obtained using Survey of Income and Program Participation data indicate households with young children, in metro areas, and with a college‐educated or married respondent participate in fewer programs given eligibility. Program factors that reduce participation stigma and transaction costs are further associated with increased take‐up.
Protective effects of lycopene on TiO2 nanoparticle‐induced damage in the liver of mice
Authors: Chang Hongmei , Li Li , Deng Yaxin , Song Guanling , Wang Yan
Published: January 2023

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano‐TiO2) is one of the most widely used and produced nanomaterials. Studies have demonstrated that nano‐TiO2 could induce hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress, and lycopene has strong antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to explore if lycopene protects the liver of mice from nano‐TiO2 damage. Ninety‐six ICR mice were randomly divided into eight groups. They were control group, nano‐TiO2‐treated group (50 mg/kg BW), lycopene‐treated groups (5, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW), and 50 mg/kg BW nano‐TiO2‐ and lycopene‐co‐treated groups (nano‐TiO2 + 5 mg/kg BW of lycopene, nano‐TiO2 + 20 mg/kg BW of lycopene, nano‐TiO2 + 40 mg/kg BW of lycopene). After treated by gavage for 30 days, the histopathology of the liver was observed. Liver function was evaluated using changes in serum biochemical indicators of the liver (AST, ALT, ALP); and the level of ROS was indirectly reflected by the level of SOD, GSH‐Px, MDA, GSH, and T‐AOC. TUNEL assay was performed to examine the apoptosis of hepatocytes. Proteins of p53, cleaved‐caspase 9, cleaved‐caspase 3, Bcl‐2, and Bax as well as p38 were detected. Results showed that lycopene alleviated the liver pathological damage and reduced the injury to liver function induced by nano‐TiO2, as well as decreased nano‐TiO2‐induced ROS. Meanwhile, lycopene mitigated apoptosis resulting from nano‐TiO2, accompanied by the reversed expression of apoptosis‐related proteins. Furthermore, lycopene significantly reversed the upregulation of p‐p38 induced by nano‐TiO2. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that nano‐TiO2 resulted in hepatocyte apoptosis through ROS/ROS‐p38 MAPK pathway and led to liver function injury. Lycopene protected mice liver against the hepatotoxicity of nano‐TiO2 through antioxidant property.
Attribution of observed extreme marine wind speeds and associated hazards to midlatitude cyclone conveyor belt jets near the British Isles
Authors: Gentile Emanuele S. , Gray Suzanne L.
Published: January 2023

Extreme wind speeds, gusts, and wind wave heights associated with midlatitude cyclones pose a hazard to shipping lanes and offshore infrastructure operating in the North Atlantic Ocean seas surrounding the British Isles. Several studies have assessed the variability of wind and waves in this region using reanalyses, but few have used surface observations of extreme wind speeds and wave heights. Here, we use a network of marine surface stations to derive the 2012–2020 climatology of daily maximum wind speed events. An algorithm is used to attribute the extreme wind events, characterized as exceeding the 20 and 25 m·s−1 thresholds, to the cyclone warm conveyor belt (WCB), and early (CCBa) and returning (CCBb) cold conveyor belt jets; cyclones are matched with up to 90% of extreme wind events. The CCBb is most frequently associated with the strong wind speeds, accounting for 46 and 59% of the events exceeding the two thresholds, respectively. The CCBb also leads to the largest number of compound wind and wave hazard events (37 out of 87). Although the WCB is associated with the second largest number of extreme wind events, the CCBa accounts for the second largest number of compound extreme wind and wave events (24). The ERA5 reanalysis underestimates the observed extreme wind speeds, and associated gusts and wind‐wave heights, during extreme wind events for all the conveyor belt jets. The wind speeds and associated gusts are most underestimated, by median values of 4.5 and 5.5 m·s−1, respectively, and similar percentage error (), when associated with the CCBb; however, the wind‐wave heights are most underestimated, by a median of 3.4 m, when associated with the CCBa. Hence, while the marine CCBb jet, found in mature cyclones, is both most hazardous and underestimated in the ERA5 near the British Isles, the CCBa jet can be nearly as hazardous when considering compound wind‐wave events.
Severity of winters in the Czech Republic during the 1961–2021 period and related environmental impacts and responses
Authors: Brázdil Rudolf , Zahradníček Pavel , Chromá Kateřina , Dobrovolný Petr , Dolák Lukáš , Řehoř Jan , Zahradník Petr
Published: January 2023

This paper analyses temperature and snow patterns of winters (December–February) averaged for the territory of the Czech Republic during the 1961–2021 period and their broad environmental impacts and responses. Series of mean, maximum, minimum, absolute maximum and absolute minimum temperatures show significant increasing linear trends, while decreasing trends were detected in numbers of frost, ice and extremely cold days, duration of cold waves, snowfall days, sums of heights of new snow, days with snow depths ≥1 cm, mean and maximum snow depths. The winter severity, derived from five temperature and five snow variables and expressed by temperature/snow scores, indicates decreasing severity of winters for 1961–2021, in which temperature severity is more pronounced than that of snow. Decreasing winter severity is in line with decreasing frequency of cyclonic and directional circulation types according to objective classification, while the trend in anticyclonic types was opposite. Types with maritime airflow from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean contribute to milder and types with continental airflow from the east to colder winters. The coldest winters, 1962/1963 and 1984/1985, and the mildest winters, 2006/2007 and 2019/2020, were analysed in greater detail. Concerning of different analysed environmental impacts, they are influenced not only by severe winter weather, but also by political, socioeconomic and general environmental changes in the country. In line with decreasing winter severity were only statistically significant decreasing trends in proportions of traffic accidents connected with snow and glaze ice on the roads and volumes of damaged wood due to high weights of snow and ice deposit, expressed as salvage felling. Series of other environmental impacts (e.g., fatalities attributed to weather, impacts on the economy and society) reflect rather severity of individual winters and express high interannual variability without any representative trends.
Early glacier advance in New Zealand during the Antarctic Cold Reversal
Authors: Tielidze Levan G. , Eaves Shaun R. , Norton Kevin P. , Mackintosh Andrew N. , Pedro Joel B. , Hidy Alan J.
Published: January 2023

Glacial landscapes preserve records of past climate change. Investigating the glacier–climate system over the Late Quaternary provides information about past climate change and context for present‐day glacier response to climate warming. Using 28 beryllium‐10 (10Be) surface exposure dates and snowline reconstructions, we present glacier fluctuations and climate changes for the Antarctic Cold Reversal in the Ahuriri River catchment, Southern Alps of New Zealand (44°7′50″S, 169°38′29″E). Prominent terminal and lateral moraine features from the upper right tributary of the Ahuriri River valley have exposure ages of 14.5 ± 0.3, 13.6 ± 0.3 and 12.6 ± 0.2 ka, suggesting retreat of the glacier during the Antarctic Cold Reversal. Maximum elevation of lateral moraines (MELM) and accumulation area ratio (AAR) suggest snowline elevations at these ages were ≤700, ≤630 and ~360 m lower than today, respectively. This equates to air temperatures ≤3.9, ≤3.5 and 2.3 ± 0.7 °C lower than today (1981–2010), assuming no changes in past precipitation. Ice‐sculpted bedrock surfaces bound by a lateral moraine at nearby Canyon Creek have an age of 13.1 ± 0.3 ka, indicating the moraine correlates with those in the Ahuriri upper right tributary. MELM and AAR reconstructions from the Canyon Creek suggest that snowline elevations at 14.5–13.6 ka were ≤500 or ~380 m lower than today, corresponding to air temperatures ≤2.8 or 2.4 ± 0.7 °C lower than the present‐day (1981–2010). Our results provide insight into the structure of the Antarctic Cold Reversal in the Southern Alps, showing that the largest glacier advance occurred at the start of this interval at c. 14.5 ± 0.3 ka and was followed by gradual retreat. We hypothesize that the early cooling and glacier readvance in New Zealand at the onset of the Antarctic Cold Reversal were triggered by a latitudinal shift of the Southern Hemisphere westerly wind belt.
A cautionary note on the use of G‐computation in population adjustment
Authors: Vo Tat‐Thang
Published: January 2023

In a recent issue of the Journal; Remiro‐Azócar et al. introduce a new method to adjust for population difference between two trials; when the individual patient data (IPD) are only accessible for one study. The proposed method generates the covariate data for the trial without IPD; then using a G‐computation approach to transport information about the treatment effect from the other study with IPD to this trial. The authors advocate the use of G‐computation over matching‐adjusted indirect comparison because (i) the former allows for “useful extrapolation” when there is poor case‐mix overlap between populations; and (ii) nonparametric; data‐adaptive methods can be used to reduce the risk of (outcome) model misspecification. In this commentary; we provide a different perspective from these arguments. Despite certain disagreements; we believe that the proposed data generation approaches can open new and interesting research directions for population adjustment methodology in the future.
Career development of tourism, hospitality and events graduates
Authors: McKercher Bob , Jin Xin (Cathy) , Tolkach Denis , Lee Andy , Macionis Niki
Published: January 2023

This paper reports on career development of graduates of three of Australia's leading university level tourism, hospitality and events providers. The study examines how well their programmes equipped them for their first and current jobs, key attributes to career development and advice they would give to prospective students. Career development is highly individualistic, with no single template.
Children With Elbow Injuries and Sonographic Elevated Posterior Fat Pad but No Identifiable Posterior Fat Pad on Lateral Radiographs: A Case Series
Authors: Scheier Eric , Fuchs Lee , Taragin Benjamin H. , Balla Uri , Shavit Itai
Published: January 2023

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is used to evaluate the injured pediatric elbow. Standard of care, however, remains radiography. POCUS performed in the setting of normal radiographs have been obtained may demonstrate radiologic occult lipohemarthrosis indicative of occult fracture. We reviewed our pediatric emergency department (PED) POCUS archive for lipohemarthrosis, and then isolated those cases with normal elbow radiography. Radiography was deemed to be normal per the interpretation of the treating PED physician, and was reviewed for this series by an experienced ABR board certified pediatric radiologist. Fracture on POCUS was defined as fracture line or lipohemarthrosis in a posterior sagittal or transverse view of the distal humerus. Fracture was confirmed by signs of cortical healing on follow‐up radiography, or clinical course consistent with fracture as documented by an orthopedist. We identified four children with elbow fractures who had no fracture line or elevated posterior fat pad on radiography but demonstrated lipohemarthrosis on POCUS. POCUS may elicit evidence of fracture even after normal radiography, and POCUS findings suggesting occult fracture may allow for more effective guidance on discharge.
Health professionals' perspectives on psychological distress and meeting patients' support needs in rheumatology care settings: A qualitative study
Authors: Silverthorne Christine , Daniels Jo , Thompson Miles , Robson Joanna C. , Ndosi Mwidimi , Swales Caroline , Wilkins Kate , Dures Emma
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) face challenges including pain, fatigue and disease flares. Evidence suggests their levels of anxiety and depression are higher compared to the general population. Rheumatology teams report psychologically distressed patients have additional support needs and require more clinical time. Little is currently known about models of support and their integration into care pathways.

Aim

To understand rheumatology health professionals' perspectives on patients' psychological distress and ways to meet support needs.

Methods

The study used a qualitative design, with data collected in telephone semi‐structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Fifteen interviews were conducted. Two main themes with sub‐themes represent the data: Theme 1: ‘No one shoe fits all’—the many manifestations of distress in patients (sub‐themes: recognising distress, dealing with distress, dealing with life events alongside an IRD) and Theme 2: ‘If rheumatology could be interwoven with psychological principles’—the need to attend to the psychological impact of IRDs, alongside the physical impact (sub‐themes: priority given to physical health, working together to help patients in distress, how should patient distress be measured?, the need for extra time and resources).

Conclusion

Distress can be obvious or hidden, cause issues for patients and health professionals and lead to poor engagement with care provision. Health professionals described the powerful link between physical and mental distress. This study suggests psychological support provision should be embedded within the rheumatology team and that patients' emotional wellbeing should be given equal priority to their physical wellbeing.
Women on diuretics have a higher risk of hospital admission because of hyponatremia than men
Authors: Hendriksen Linda C. , van der Linden Paul D. , Herings Ron M. C. , Stricker Bruno H. , Visser Loes E.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Recent studies suggest that women are more susceptible to diuretic‐induced hyponatremia resulting in hospital admission than men. The aim of this study was to confirm whether these sex differences in hyponatremia‐related hospital admissions in diuretic users remain after adjusting for several confounding variables such as age, dose, and concurrent medication.

Methods

In a case–control design nested in diuretic users, cases of hyponatremia associated hospital admissions between 2005 and 2017 were identified from the PHARMO Data Network. Cases were 1:10 matched to diuretic users as controls. Odds ratios (OR) with 95%CIs were calculated for women versus men and adjusted for potential confounders (age, number of diuretics, other hyponatremia‐inducing drugs, chronic disease score) using unconditional logistic regression analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed for specific diuretic groups (thiazides, loop diuretics and aldosterone antagonists).

Results

Women had a statistically significantly higher risk of a hospital admission associated with hyponatremia than men while using diuretics (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.64–2.11). Adjusting for the potential confounders resulted in an increased risk for women compared to men (ORadj 2.65, 95% CI 2.31–3.04). This higher risk in women was also seen in the three subgroup analyses after adjustment.

Conclusion

Our findings show a higher risk of hyponatremia‐related hospital admission in women than men while using diuretics. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism of this sex difference to be able to provide sex‐specific recommendations.
Risk of parkinsonism and related movement disorders with gabapentinoids or tramadol: A case‐crossover study
Authors: Ri Kairi , Fukasawa Toshiki , Yoshida Satomi , Takeuchi Masato , Kawakami Koji
Published: January 2023

Introduction

A safety signal concerning parkinsonism and related movement disorders with gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) or tramadol was detected by reviewing individual case reports and data mining in spontaneous report databases. Well‐designed pharmacoepidemiological studies are needed to assess the signal.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of exposure to gabapentinoids or tramadol with the risk of parkinsonism and related movement disorders.

Methods

We conducted a case‐crossover study using a Japanese electronic medical records database. Patients with newly diagnosed parkinsonism or related movement disorders between January 1, 2007, and April 14, 2019, were identified. The diagnosis date of outcomes was defined as the index date. We assessed the exposure of each patient to gabapentinoids or tramadol during a 90‐day hazard period ending 1 day before the index date and in three 90‐day reference periods. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To confirm the robustness of the primary findings, we also performed sensitivity analyses using a case–case‐time‐control design, a different time window for hazard and reference periods, a different definition of outcome, and different number of reference periods.

Results

A total of 28,972 eligible cases were included in the primary analysis. Exposure to gabapentinoids (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.73–2.61) and tramadol (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.57–2.64) was associated with increased risk. Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Our findings serve as a caution to physicians who prescribe gabapentinoids or tramadol in routine clinical practice.
Discharge characteristics of atmospheric pressure pulsed microwave He/N2 plasma jet
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Zhaoquan , Dai Tao , Chen Sile , Wang Weiye , Su Qingchun , Zhang Lu , Wang Bing , Zhou Yuming , Lu Xinpei
Published: January 2023

It is difficult to generate jet‐shaped He microwave plasma jets in ambient air. In this study, a dual‐channel pulsed microwave coaxial resonant discharge device is constructed. An atmospheric pressure pulsed microwave He plasma jet is formed when He passes through the central copper tube. And a spatially layered He/N2 plasma jet is produced when He and N2 are aerated through the central copper tube and the resonant cavity, respectively. The spatiotemporal ionization evolution process of the He/N2 plasma jet is determined in experiments. The ionization characteristics could be attributed to the combining interactions between the resonant excitation of locally enhanced electric fields, the ionization wave propagation, and the various particle states in the He/N2 plasma jet.
Modulation of the antagonistic properties of an insulin mimetic peptide by disulfide bridge modifications
Authors: Lubos Marta , Pícha Jan , Selicharová Irena , Žák Jíří , Buděšínský Miloš , Mitrová Katarína , Žáková Lenka , Jiráček Jiří
Published: January 2023

Insulin is a peptide responsible for regulating the metabolic homeostasis of the organism; it elicits its effects through binding to the transmembrane insulin receptor (IR). Insulin mimetics with agonistic or antagonistic effects toward the receptor are an exciting field of research and could find applications in treating diabetes or malignant diseases. We prepared five variants of a previously reported 20‐amino acid insulin‐mimicking peptide. These peptides differ from each other by the structure of the covalent bridge connecting positions 11 and 18. In addition to the peptide with a disulfide bridge, a derivative with a dicarba bridge and three derivatives with a 1,2,3‐triazole differing from each other by the presence of sulfur or oxygen in their staples were prepared. The strongest binding to IR was exhibited by the peptide with a disulfide bridge. All other derivatives only weakly bound to IR, and a relationship between increasing bridge length and lower binding affinity can be inferred. Despite their nanomolar affinities, none of the prepared peptide mimetics was able to activate the insulin receptor even at high concentrations, but all mimetics were able to inhibit insulin‐induced receptor activation. However, the receptor remained approximately 30% active even at the highest concentration of the agents; thus, the agents behave as partial antagonists. An interesting observation is that these mimetic peptides do not antagonize insulin action in proportion to their binding affinities. The compounds characterized in this study show that it is possible to modulate the functional properties of insulin receptor peptide ligands using disulfide mimetics.
Factors influencing treatment adherence in paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazil
Authors: Kruschewsky Wdson Luis Lima , Dal Col Batista Ricardo , Oliveira Hosana Ewald , Falqueto Aloísio , Peçanha Paulo Mendes , Grão Velloso Tânia Regina , Tavares Sarah Gonçalves , Vicente Creuza Rachel
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America, with frequent reports of poor treatment adherence resulting in worse clinical outcomes. The present study evaluated factors related to treatment adherence in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included data from medical records of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis treated between 2005 and 2018 in a reference hospital in southeastern Brazil. Clinical variables, demographic characteristics, and smoking and alcohol consumption were collected and analyzed.

Results

Of the 198 cases included, most were adults (median age = 51 years), males (93.4%), presented chronic paracoccidioidomycosis (83.8%), reported smoking (90.4%) and alcohol consumption (84.8%), and 56.6% adhered to treatment. Treatment adherence was associated with the discontinuation of alcohol consumption (odds ratios (OR) = 5.227; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.697–10.129) and smoking (OR = 3.365; 95% CI = 1.781–6.358) during therapy.

Conclusions

Patients' continued consumption of alcohol and tobacco was associated with non‐adherence to treatment, suggesting that a joint therapeutic approach that addresses alcohol and tobacco use alongside paracoccidioidomycosis treatment may hold promise for improving adherence and patients' quality of life.
On the intensification of typhoon Damrey with the monsoon gyre
Authors: Song Kexin , Tao Li , Yang Yang
Published: January 2023

Typhoon Damrey, the first named tropical cyclone (TC) of the year 2000 in the western North Pacific, was embedded in a monsoon gyre (MG) during its intensification period. We explored the mechanisms of its rapid development and the contribution of the MG using a localized, instantaneous energetics diagnostic tool: the multiscale window transform (MWT) and MWT‐based multiscale energetics analysis. We used the ERA5 reanalysis dataset to obtain the fields on three temporal scales: TC‐scale fields; MG‐scale fields; and large‐scale background fields. The canonical transfer of kinetic energy from the large‐scale background fields to the tropical cyclone was negligible, whereas the MG increased the TC‐scale kinetic energy in the precipitation active quadrant and weakened its kinetic energy in the precipitation inactive quadrant. Barotropic canonical transfer therefore did not contribute to the development of this tropical cyclone. Kinetic energy was produced in Damrey mainly through buoyancy conversion and pressure work. In the upper troposphere, the available potential energy converted to TC‐scale kinetic energy, but this was mostly offset by the negative work done by the pressure gradient force with the updraught near the eyewall. In the lower troposphere, TC‐scale kinetic energy was produced by horizontal pressure work due to the inflow. This new finding helps us to understand the impact of the MG on the TC intensification and the underlying mechanisms governing TC evolution.