bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a digital self‐interview approach: The virtual memory assistance tool
Authors: Dion Larivière Cassandre , Snow Mark D. , Spyksma Sydney , Crough Quintan , Eastwood Joseph
Published: May 2023

Technology‐mediated interviews are a promising supplement to in‐person interviews for questioning eyewitnesses. We sought to develop and test a virtual self‐administered memory‐elicitation procedure—The virtual memory assistance tool (VMAT). The VMAT is a web‐based memory retrieval tool designed around the principles of the Cognitive Interview. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants (N = 135, N = 127) watched a target video and then received either VMAT or Control instructions, reporting their memory either by Typing into a textbox or Speaking into their device's microphone. In Experiments 3 and 4, participants (N = 89, N = 78) watched a target video and then received either VMAT or Control instructions presented in either Audio or Video format. Our findings suggest that a virtual tool for memory elicitation seems effective independent of Interview Procedures, Response Modalities, and Instruction Modalities and across differing target stimuli (mock‐crime vs. content of a sexual nature).
Barriers and Enablers in the Use of Parenteral Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tan Jiun Ming , Reeve Emily , Fraser Lauren , Proudman Susanna M. , Wiese Michael D.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Methotrexate (MTX) is effective in controlling disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Parenteral MTX may have benefits over oral MTX, but it is rarely used in practice. To better understand this low usage rate, it is necessary to explore the barriers and enablers of therapy from the perspective of RA patients. The objectives of this scoping review were to describe RA patients’ perspectives on the barriers and enablers in the use of parenteral MTX and to identify the research gaps in this field.

Methods

The search was performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library from inception to May 2021. Data synthesis was conducted using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. This scoping review included any type of study that explored the use of parenteral MTX by adult RA patients from the patients’ perspective, written in English.

Results

Fifteen studies were included; findings related to the constructs “affective attitude,” “burden,” “intervention coherence,” and “self‐efficacy” were explored the most, while some were rarely (“opportunity cost” and “perceived effectiveness”) or not (“ethicality”) reported. RA patients were generally satisfied with MTX injections (“affective attitude”). From the burden construct, the requirement for dexterity for administering MTX by injection was considered a barrier, whereas the lack of significant pain from MTX injection was considered an enabler.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that patients generally preferred parenteral MTX formulations with attributes that facilitate self‐administration. However, much of the identified research focused on prefilled pen devices, and significant gaps were identified, such as a lack of qualitative research.

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Multi‐Stage Porous Nickel–Iron Oxide Electrode for High Current Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Bi Songhu , Geng Zhen , Wang Yuwei , Gao Zijian , Jin Liming , Xue Mingzhe , Zhang Cunman
Published: May 2023

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) is the promising technical pathway of large‐scale green hydrogen production. The sluggish oxygen evolution reaction seriously hampers the water decomposition reaction kinetics for AWE, especially at high current density above 500 mA cm−2. It is closely related with bubbles removal dynamic performance of porous electrodes. In this study, the multi‐stage porous nickel–iron oxide electrode is prepared by a two‐step electro‐deposition method. The electrode shows good oxygen evolution reaction performance at high current densitiy of 1000 mA cm−2, which is attributed to both the good electro‐catalytic performance of NiFeOx with nano‐cone structure and good bubbles removal performance of porous Ni interlayer with the curved pore channels. Bubbles motion inside the pore channels is deeply analyzed by Lattice Boltzmann simulation of gas–liquid two‐phase flows, combining with the experiments. The results indicate that bubbles motion speed is faster in curved pore channels than that in straight pore channels due to the role of bubble buoyancy. It illuminates the effects of pore channel curvature on bubbles motion for porous electrodes prepared by electro‐deposition. It provides the possibility of designing porous electrodes with both good electro‐catalytic performance and good bubbles removal performance by the electro‐deposition method, from the view of industrial applications.
Nanocellulose‐Assisted Molecularly Engineering of Nitrogen Deficient Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Selective Biomass Photo‐Oxidation
Authors: Zou Ren , Chen Zhongxin , Zhong Linxin , Yang Wu , Li Tingzhen , Gan Jianyun , Yang Yunyi , Chen Zehong , Lai Haihong , Li Xuehui , Liu Chuanfu , Admassie Shimelis , Iwuoha Emmanuel Iheanyichukwu , Lu Jun , Peng Xinwen
Published: May 2023

Structural modulation of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) remains a major challenge in rational catalyst design for artificial photosynthesis of valuable chemicals. Herein, a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) assisted polymerization is utilized to prepare 1D holey g‐C3N4nanorods (HCN) with nitrogen vacancies and oxygen dopants for photochemical synthesis of lactic acid via monosaccharide photooxidation. The HCN exhibits a remarkable yield of 75.5% for lactic acid from a wide assortment of sugars such as hexose (C5) to pentose (C6), together with an excellent hydrogen production rate of 2.8 mmol h−1 g−1. Mechanistic studies confirm the rapid generation of superoxide radical is responsible for the superior activity, enjoying the synergetic effect between nitrogen vacancies and oxygen dopants. This work provides new directions for the design of green and efficient photocatalysts for biomass upgrading.
Unique Geometrical and Electronic Properties of TM2B2 Quadruple Active Sites Supported on C2N Monolayer Toward Effective Electrochemical Urea Production
Authors: Ma Zengying , Luo Yao , Wu Peng , Zhong Junwen , Ling Chongyi , Yu Yanghong , Xia Xueqian , Song Bowen , Ning Lixin , Huang Yucheng
Published: May 2023

Developing high‐performance electrocatalysts for urea production using CO2 and N2 holds great potential to mitigate environmental pollution and energy crisis. In this study, 26 kinds of quadruple TM2B2 ensembles supported on porous C2N monolayer are designed as the potential electrocatalysts, with the expectation to provide sufficient space for the co‐adsorption of CO2 and N2 and fulfill a synergistic effect of transition metal (TM) and boron atoms. Cr2B2@C2N is selected as the promising electrocatalyst with a record‐low limiting potential of −0.37 V (vs RHE) in the neutral environment, by using a three‐step screening strategy, i.e., stability of the catalyst, adsorption pattern of N2, and desorption of urea. With the help of artificial intelligence approaches, simple geometric and electronic descriptors are identified for the selectivity and activity of the electrocatalysts, which correlate strongly with the TM‐B distance and the number of d electrons and electronegativity of TM atoms. The geometric descriptor narrows the scope to the early‐TM‐containing systems while the electronic descriptor produces the Cr‐containing system. Results of this study provide a novel perspective to the electrochemical synthesis of urea that is useful to the rational design of effective electrocatalyst toward urea production.
1D Diisopropylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Shows Exceptional Optical Stability and Third‐Order Nonlinearity
Authors: Maqbool Shabnum , Thekkayil Ziyad , Mandal Pankaj
Published: May 2023

Low‐dimensional lead‐halide perovskites show wide structural and compositional diversity. Multiple functionalities can be introduced in these materials for diverse linear and nonlinear optical applications. Nonlinear optical (NLO) processes depend on material polarizability, crystal symmetry, and processibility. The flexibility of choosing organic cations in lead‐halide perovskites provides an opportunity for enhanced NLO responses by enhancing the overall system polarizability. A highly polarizable diisopropylammonium [Dipa; ((CH3)2CH)2NH2+] is used as an A‐site cation to synthesize one‐dimensional (1D) lead‐iodide (DipaPbI3) perovskite single crystals and the third‐harmonic generation (THG) in the excitation wavelength range of 1200–1600 nm is explored. DipaPbI3 single crystals exhibit exceptionally efficient resonance‐enhanced THG, amazing optical stability, and a high polarization ratio due to enhanced bulk‐polarization. The THG efficiency (χ(3) ≈ 4 × 10−18 m2 V−2) and laser‐induced damage threshold (LIDT, 144 GW cm−2) are an order of magnitude higher than the reported perovskites explored as THG materials. Density functional theory calculations show a significantly higher polarizability for Dipa cation, asserting the influence of the cation polarizability on the NLO efficiency of the perovskite. The stability of these single crystals in ambient conditions for an extended period adds to their potential for commercial application in the near future.
The Influence of Dimensionality on the Charge‐Density‐Wave Transition and its Application on Mid‐Infrared Photodetection
Authors: Li Jialin , Bai Hua , Li Yupeng , Mi Junjian , Chen Qiang , Tang Wei , Zhu Huanfeng , Fan Xinyi , Lu Yunhao , Xu Zhuan , Li Linjun
Published: May 2023

2D charge density wave (CDW) materials receive much attention for high responsivity and broadband photodetection in recent years due to their collective electron transport and narrow bandgap. However, the high dark current density problem hinders their real application. Here, a sharp CDW transition in quasi‐1D (TaSe4)2I is reported and applied for broadband photodetection. Especially at mid‐infrared region, the device shows both high photo responsivity of 1.18 ×103 A W−1 and large light on/off ratio of 80, which is superior to 2D CDW TaS2 and most reported low‐dimensional materials. Such high performance relies on two aspects. One is the much lower dark current density resulting from the pseudo gap associated with 1D Luttinger liquid state, which is supported by finite size scaling of nonlinear I–V at variable temperatures and occurrence of 1D structural phase transition consolidated by in situ Raman spectroscopy. The other is the high photocurrent associated with the “Fröhlich superconductivity” state, manifested by an ultrasensitive switching, which can be only accessible in 1D CDW materials, in agreement with the authors’ density functional theory calculation. This work thus reveals the pivotal role of dimensionality in CDW phase transition and paves a way for implementing highly sensitive broadband photodetector.
Dynamically Rotating Magnetic Levitation to Characterize the Spatial Density Heterogeneity of Materials
Authors: Gao Qiu‐Hua , Song Peng‐Hui , Zou Hong‐Xiang , Wu Zhi‐Yuan , Zhao Lin‐Chuan , Zhang Wen‐Ming
Published: May 2023

Magnetic levitation (MagLev) is a promising technology for density‐based analysis and manipulation of nonmagnetic materials. One major limitation is that extant MagLev methods are based on the static balance of gravitational‐magnetic forces, thereby leading to an inability to resolve interior differences in density. Here a new strategy called “dynamically rotating MagLev” is proposed, which combines centrifugal force and nonlinear magnetic force to amplify the interior differences in density. The design of the nonlinear magnetic force in tandem with centrifugal force supports the regulation of stable equilibriums, enabling different homogeneous objects to reach distinguishable equilibrium orientations. Without reducing the magnetic susceptibility, the dynamically rotating MagLev system can lead to a relatively large change in orientation angle (∆ψ > 50°) for the heterogeneous parts with small inclusions (volume fraction VF = 2.08%). The rich equilibrium states of levitating objects invoke the concept of levitation stability, which is employed, for the first time, to characterize the spatial density heterogeneity of objects. Exploiting the tunable nonlinear levitation behaviors of objects provides a new paradigm for developing operationally simple, nondestructive density heterogeneity characterization methods. Such methods have tremendous potential in applications related to sorting, orienting, and assembling objects in three dimensions.
3D Printing of Multilayer Magnetic Miniature Soft Robots with Programmable Magnetization
Authors: Li Zhaoxin , Lai Yung Priscilla , Diller Eric
Published: May 2023

Magnetically driven miniature soft robots exhibit fast and dexterous responses to an applied external magnetic field. With remote manipulation, controlled navigation of robots can be realized within hard‐to‐access spaces for potential use in the human body. Existing magnetic miniature soft robots using digital light processing are fabricated from planar sheets, and thus have limited shape transformations and locomotive behaviors. Herein, a multilayer 3D printing method is reported for patterning magnetic nanoparticles in ultraviolet (UV)‐curable polymer matrix. Various multilayer 3D structures within 10 mm in overall size are fabricated with controlled volumes at different parts, which outperform 2D folded shapes in terms of robustness and kinematic flexibility. By programming heterogeneous magnetization within discrete multilayer robot segments, magnetic torque‐induced shape changes including gripping, rolling, swimming, and walking are induced by a global actuation field. Stacked design features with minimum dimension of 200 μm and encoded magnetization with resolution of 350 μm can be realized in the printing process. Meanwhile, enhanced deformation flexibility and formation of orientation‐anchoring mechanisms are created by integrating multiple materials with distinct mechanical and magnetic properties, respectively, which enables the creation of versatile 3D multi‐material actuators.
Synthesis of Thioamides via Decarboxylative/Oxidative Cross‐Coupling Reaction by Visible‐Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Sarkar Subhankar , Pal Satyajit , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Ghosh Susanta , Majee Adinath
Published: May 2023

An efficient and new approach has been developed for decarboxylative/oxidative cross‐coupling reaction between arylglyoxylic acids and N,N,N′,N′‐tetraalkylthiuram disulfides to afford aryl thioamide using a catalytic amount of Eosin Y as a photocatalyst. This reaction protocol offers a metal, base and sulfurating reagent‐free synthesis of a variety of aryl thioamides with moderate to excellent yields.
Stimuli‐Responsive Dendritic Supramolecular Vector for Tumor‐Specific Gene Delivery
Authors: Ouyang Xumei , Gao Dongruo , Shen Jie , Zhou Yichen , Gao Ying , Lv Yuanyuan , Wang Qiwen , Yu Guocan , Chu Paul K.
Published: May 2023

To simplify the preparation of dendritic materials, host–guest molecular recognition and self‐assembly are utilized to form a supramolecular dendritic gene vector (DNCVP). DNCVP is constructed from an amino dendron‐conjugated naphthol, viologen containing pH‐sensitive hydrazone‐bond‐linked PEG, and CB[8] with a molar ratio of 1:1:1. The pH‐ and reducing‐sensitivity of DNCVP is verified, and the stimuli‐responsive capacity enables the vector tumor targeting gene delivery ability. Owing to the protection of surface PEG, the supramolecular engineering endows the delivery vector with low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility that are confirmed by the MTT assay. The excellent delivery ability of genes is investigated by in vitro transfection of pEGFP, pGL3, and silencing of siGAPDH. In vivo studies demonstrate promoted tumor accumulation of genes mediated by the dual‐responsive DNCVP and the transfection efficiency at the tumor site is greatly improved benefiting from the dynamic nature of noncovalent interactions. This study reveals DNCVP is a promising supramolecular dendritic gene delivery vector, providing a sophisticated strategy for precise gene therapy.
Nanochannel‐Based Ion Transport and Its Application in Osmotic Energy Conversion: A Critical Review
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Xu , Zhu Huangyi , Zhang Xiaofan , Liu Qian , Fu Mingxuan , Zhu Jianjun , Pu Jiaqi , Qu Zhiguo
Published: May 2023

Nanochannel‐based ion transport is an important field of study in various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, energy, materials science, biology, and earth science. The unique features of natural nanochannels have inspired numerous innovative designs that seek to achieve high ion permeability, selectivity, and rectification. A notable example is osmotic energy conversion, which harvests sustainable salinity‐gradient energy to generate electricity without moving parts, noise, or carbon emissions and thus serves as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuel utilization. This review focuses on the fundamental principles, regulatory methods, and practical applications of nanochannel‐based ion transport for osmotic energy conversion. The physical mechanisms of ion transport and the intriguing phenomena of ion behaviors in nanoconfined spaces are discussed first, followed by a thorough examination of the overall process of osmotic power generation from mathematical, numerical, parametric, first‐principles, molecular simulation, and modeling perspectives. Strategies for enhancing the osmotic performance are then discussed to overcome the trade‐off between ion selectivity and ion flux, including the theoretical design of nanochannel geometry and electrification, experimental optimization of nanoporous membranes, and electrolyte thermal enhancement. The existing challenges and opportunities for the future development of nanochannel‐based ion transport and osmotic power generation are addressed at the end.
Performance of windshear/microburst detection algorithms using numerical weather prediction model data for selected tropical cyclone cases
Authors: Chan P. W. , Lai K. K. , Kong W. , Tse S. M.
Published: May 2023

Three windshear/microburst detection algorithms are used operationally at the Hong Kong International Airport. Their performance is studied in the present article by assuming the availability of the complete set of meteorological data from numerical weather prediction model output. Only selected tropical cyclone cases are considered. The performance is evaluated using pilot reports of windshear. It turns out that the glide path scan windshear detection algorithm has the best overall performance by considering the area under curve using the relative operating characteristic curves. This may be related to the better geometry in covering the glide paths of the airport for this particular algorithm.
Cystine and tyrosine feed reduces oxidative and ER stress in CHO cells
Authors: Shibafuji Yusuke , Nagao Nobuyoshi , Yohda Masafumi
Published: May 2023

Multi‐omics analyses was performed to compare the conditions of adding Tyr and Cystine in CHO cells. The addition of cystine resulted in decreased viability and productivity owing to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the promotion of ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) and apoptosis. In contrast, addition of Tyr suppressed ER stress and apoptosis. This effect could be due to the increase in ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) biosynthesized from Tyr. To inhibit apoptosis caused by cystine addition, Tyr was added simultaneously with cystine, which improved growth, viability, and mAb productivity owing to the activation of GSH metabolism, suppression of ER stress and oxidative stress, reduction of ERAD, and activation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Understanding what it means to “use a coping skill”
Authors: Laptook Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Therapist: “What do you think has been helpful for you?”
Study finds increasing death rate in children and teens due to guns, drugs, and suicide
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Between 2019 and 2020, the mortality rate for ages 1 to 19 years increased by 10.7%, researchers warned this spring. Then, between 2020 and 2021, it increased by an additional 8.3%.
COVID‐related stressors before and after delivery linked to adverse effects on mother and baby
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Researchers have found that women who deliver babies in the midst of a pandemic are more likely to have mental health consequences, including postpartum depression, and their infants are likely to suffer as well, if the stressors are not mitigated. The cohort study of 318 mothers in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom found that COVID‐related stress was significantly associated with poor postpartum mental health and increased negative affectivity among infants.
Diagnosis of the right atrial myxoma after treatment of COVID‐19: A case report
Authors: Gholinataj Jelodar Mohsen , Mirzaei Samaneh , Dehghan Chenari Hanieh , Tabkhi Mahdiyeh
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Atrial myxoma is a rare disease but has a broad clinical presentation and complication that involves several systems‐ heart, lungs, brain, and systemic. An interdisciplinary approach is very important to optimize the outcome in patients with atrial myxomas. A thorough examination by primary care providers is crucial. Then radiologists or cardiologists can help with imaging modalities that can help diagnose and characterize the tumor. Prior to surgical resection by cardiothoracic surgeons, patients need to be evaluated by pulmonologists, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists for preoperative risk stratifications. In patients with neurological complications, pulmonary complications, or infectious endocarditis, input from neurologists, hematologists, infectious disease specialists is essential for patient care. In case antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy or antibiotic treatment is warranted, pharmacists can provide valuable recommendations.

Myxoma is the most common benign cardiac primary tumor, occurring in the right atrium in only 15%–20% of cases. This disease is asymptomatic initially depending upon size of the tumor, and symptoms develop as the tumor spreads. Atrial myxomas are associated with a triad of complications, including obstruction, emboli, and constitutional symptoms (such as fever and weight loss). This regard, embolization of the pulmonary circulation system is a complication of right myxoma. The patient was a 40‐year‐old male who presented to the emergency department complaining of fever and confusion. He had been previously hospitalized due to COVID‐19 and treated with Remdesivir and plasmapheresis. He had tachycardia, tachypnea, thrombocytopenia, and increased liver enzymes. Chest imaging showed nodular lesions with necrotic areas and cavitary lesions in both lungs and the right atrium infected clot was seen in echocardiography. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and finally underwent heart surgery due to the diagnosis of pulmonary septic embolism. The patient was finally diagnosed with right atrial myxoma according to heart mass histopathology. It is worth noting that the patient's thrombosis had already developed on the right atrial myxoma, which delayed the diagnosis in this patient. This thrombus formation was due to the hypercoagulability state of COVID‐19 and following the insertion of a central venous catheter to perform plasmapheresis as a complication of treatment. Special attention should be paid to thromboprophylaxis and the early diagnosis of intravascular and intracardiac thrombosis in COVID‐19 patients. Furthermore, the use of imaging modalities is recommended to differentiate thrombus from myxoma.
New Opportunities in Metal‐Organic Framework Catalysis: From Bifunctional to Frustrated Lewis Pairs Catalysis
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Asiri Abdullah M. , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: May 2023

This article highlights novel prospects for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in heterogeneous catalysis as having frustrated Lewis acid‐base pairs (FLPs) or as bifunctional acid‐base solid catalysts able to activate molecular hydrogen. Starting from the extensive application MOFs as Lewis acid and Lewis base catalysts, this article uses catalytic hydrogenation to briefly summarize the efforts made to heterogenize boron and amine in MOFs to mimic molecular FLP systems. The core of this concept is based on recent findings which demonstrate the ability of two commonly used MOFs, namely UiO‐66 and MIL‐101, to catalyze the selective hydrogenation of polar double X=Y bonds at moderate H2 pressures below 10 bar. The influence of electron‐donating, the withdrawal of substituents on the linker, and the aniline poisoning effect highlight the significance of Lewis acid sites, while density‐functional theory calculations indicate the heterolytic H−H bond cleavage at the MOF metal oxo clusters. It is expected that this new perspective on MOFs as solid FLP systems will spur further research to explore and define the potential of dual sites in the catalytic activation of small molecules.
Structure‐induced Intelligence of Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Nie Zhen‐Zhou , Wang Meng , Yang Hong
Published: May 2023

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are active soft matter‐based materials with strong stimulus responsiveness and reversible, large‐shape morphing capabilities. LCEs have demonstrated broad and growing applications in soft robotics, wearable devices, artificial muscles, and optical machines. The actuation intelligence and advanced functionality of LCEs depend on the smartness and properties of structures. In this review, we discuss recent advances in structure‐induced intelligence of LCEs, specifically the integration of structural properties with the alignment and processing of LCEs. The structural design principles for three categories consisting of common structures (film, fiber, and tubule), smart structures (origami, kirigami, mechanical metamaterial, topology, and topography), and complex structures (monolithic and integrated) are presented. Various alignment controls of LCEs, including mechanical, surface, field‐assisted, and shear alignment, are capable of inducing structural properties. The coupling and collaboration mechanisms of the LCE structures and the generated functions are discussed. The review concludes with perspectives on current challenges and emerging opportunities.
Enantioseparation and racemization of 3‐fluorooxindoles
Authors: Yuan Andi , Steber Sarah E. , Xhili Dea , Nelson Eryn , Wolf Christian
Published: May 2023

Fluorinated oxindoles are frequently used building blocks in asymmetric synthesis and represent an important scaffold found in a variety of biologically relevant compounds. While it is understood that incorporation of fluorine atoms into organic molecules can improve their pharmacological properties, the impact on the configurational stability of chiral organofluorines is still underexplored. In this study, semipreparative HPLC enantioseparations of five oxindoles were carried out, and the resulting enantiomerically enriched solutions were used to investigate base promoted racemization kinetics at room temperature. It was found that incorporation of fluorine at the chiral center increases the configurational stability, while substitutions on the aromatic ring and at the lactam moiety also have significant effects on the rate of racemization, which generally follows reversible first‐order reaction kinetics.
The minimal clinically important difference of app‐based electronic patient‐reported outcomes for hay fever
Authors: Nagino Ken , Sung Jaemyoung , Midorikawa‐Inomata Akie , Eguchi Atsuko , Fujimoto Keiichi , Okumura Yuichi , Yee Alan , Fujio Kenta , Akasaki Yasutsugu , Huang Tianxiang , Miura Maria , Hurramhon Shokirova , Hirosawa Kunihiko , Ohno Mizu , Morooka Yuki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Inomata Takenori
Published: May 2023

Background

Hay fever is a common allergic disease, with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 14.4% and a variety of symptoms. This study assessed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of nasal symptom score (NSS), non‐nasal symptom score (NNSS), and total symptoms score (TSS) for app‐based hay‐fever monitoring.

Methods

MCIDs were calculated based on the data from a previous large‐scale, crowdsourced, cross‐sectional study using AllerSearch, an in‐house smartphone application. MCIDs were determined with anchor‐based and distribution‐based methods. The face scale score of the Japanese Allergic Conjunctival Disease Standard Quality of Life Questionnaire Domain III and the daily stress level due to hay fever were used as anchors for determining MCIDs. The MCID estimates were summarized as MCID ranges.

Results

A total of 7590 participants were included in the analysis (mean age: 35.3 years, 57.1% women). The anchor‐based method produced a range of MCID values (median, interquartile range) for NSS (2.0, 1.5–2.1), NNSS (1.0, 0.9–1.2), and TSS (2.9, 2.4–3.3). The distribution‐based method produced two MCIDs (based on half a standard deviation, based on a standard error of measurement) for NSS (2.0, 1.8), NNSS (1.3, 1.2), and TSS (3.0, 2.3). The final suggested MCID ranges for NSS, NNSS, and TSS were 1.8–2.1, 1.2–1.3, and 2.4–3.3, respectively.

Conclusions

MCID ranges for app‐based hay‐fever symptom assessment were obtained from the data collected through a smartphone application, AllerSearch. These estimates may be useful for monitoring the subjective symptoms of Japanese patients with hay fever through mobile platforms.
A low‐cost fault‐tolerant permanent magnet brush‐less direct current motor drive for low‐power electric vehicle applications
Authors: Kumar Patnana Hema , Lakhimsetty Suresh , Somasekhar Veeramraju Tirumala
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a fault‐tolerant power converter for a voltage source inverter (VSI)‐driven permanent magnet brush‐less direct current (PM‐BLDC) motor drive, which is suitable for low‐power electric vehicle (EV) applications. With the proposed topology, it is possible to deliver rated power to the PM‐BLDC motor even after the incidence of either an open‐circuit fault (OCF) or a short‐circuit fault (SCF) in any one of the switches, which constitute the VSI. The proposed fault‐tolerant PM‐BLDC motor drive requires fewer additional sensors and components compared to the fault‐tolerant power converters, which are reported in the previous literature. Cost analysis, carried out for a 3‐kW motor drive, reveals that an additional cost of only 5% is added to the raw material cost of the traditional PM‐BLDC motor configuration to facilitate fault tolerance. The fault‐tolerant operation of the proposed power converter is experimentally verified with a low‐power laboratory prototype.
Visible light‐active pure and lanthanum‐doped copper oxide nanostructures for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and hydrogen production
Authors: Rafique Muhammad , Khalid N. R. , Irshad Muneeb , Shafiq Falak , Usman Muhammad , Fouad Yasser , Imran Muhammad , Assiri Mohammad A. , Ashraf Waqar Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Clean water and renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in the current era, as well as a future challenge, and one of the potential solutions is photocatalysis. In the current study, a simple one‐step hydrothermal technique is employed to fabricate the pure and La‐doped CuO (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) photocatalysts. The influence of varying La concentration on structure, morphology, and optical properties is determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. SEM showed that synthesized nanostructures are irregularly spherical and transform into needle‐like nanostructures on increasing La concentration. XRD revealed the monoclinic phase with a crystallite size of 15–23 nm. The UV–visible spectrum exhibited a decrease in the band gap of La‐doped CuO needle‐like nanostructures from UV to visible light. The composition and purity of synthesized nanostructures are evaluated via the energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrum which revealed that needle‐like nanostructures are pure without any impurity traces. The synthesized nanostructures were used as a photocatalyst against methylene blue dye to examine their photocatalytic activity. The synthesized CuO‐3La photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance of dye degradation and hydrogen production 95.3 μmol h−1 g−1 with more than 97% cyclic stability. Therefore, the synthesized La‐doped CuO nanostructures are potential candidates for photocatalytic water splitting and hydrogen evolution.
Nanoreactor Engineering Can Unlock New Possibilities for CO2 Tandem Catalytic Conversion to CC Coupled Products
Authors: Goksu Ali , Li Haitao , Liu Jian , Duyar Melis S.
Published: May 2023

Climate change is becoming increasingly more pronounced every day while the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to rise. CO2 reduction to valuable chemicals is an approach that has gathered substantial attention as a means to recycle these gases. Herein, some of the tandem catalysis approaches that can be used to achieve the transformation of CO2 to CC coupled products are explored, focusing especially on tandem catalytic schemes where there is a big opportunity to improve performance by designing effective catalytic nanoreactors. Recent reviews have highlighted the technical challenges and opportunities for advancing tandem catalysis, especially highlighting the need for elucidating structure‐activity relationships and mechanisms of reaction through theoretical and in situ/operando characterization techniques. In this review, the focus is on nanoreactor synthesis strategies as a critical research direction, and discusses these in the context of two main tandem pathways (CO‐mediated pathway and Methanol‐mediated pathway) to CC coupled products.
Commissuroplasty using the triangular cheek flap in patients with free flap reconstruction of through and through buccal defects
Authors: Dang Rushil R. , El Abbadi Sam , Tsao Chung‐Kan
Published: May 2023

Extensive resections of advanced stage oral cavity cancers can sometimes lead to significant through and through buccal defects with compromise of the oral commissure/lips. Post free flap reconstruction, such patients often require a secondary delayed commissuroplasty to assist with improved oral function and quality of life. In current literature, limited methods exist for free flap commissuroplasty with some key limitations, particularly their negative impact on buccal sulcus or oral vestibule. Our technique of the triangular cheek flap commissuroplasty allows the surgeon to reconstruct a neo‐commissure without compromising the oral vestibular depth or decreasing mouth opening. Through this pictorial essay we describe a detailed surgical technique for secondary reconstruction of the oral commissure.
Therapeutic effect of umbilical cord blood cells on spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Yan , Steven Z. Du , Liao Ke‐Hua
Published: May 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a nervous system disease characterized by sensory and motor dysfunction, axonal apoptosis, decreased vascular density, and inflammation. At present, surgical treatment, drug treatment, and cell therapy can be used. Surgical treatment can improve motor and independent function scores, and drug treatment can promote the recovery of neurons in the spinal cord, but only improve symptoms. Complete recovery of SCI has not yet been achieved. However, the differentiation of stem cells brings hope for the treatment of SCI. Umbilical cord blood cells (UCBs) are ethically readily available and can repair neuronal damage. However, it is still unclear how they can improve symptoms and repair nerve severity. In this paper, the role of UCBs in the treatment of SCI is described in detail from different aspects such as behavior, morphology, and molecular expression changes, so as to provide new ideas and theoretical directions for future research.
Advancing the respectful maternity care agenda
Authors: Bellizzi Saverio , Panu Napodano Catello M. , Pichierri Giuseppe , Nivoli Alessandra
Published: May 2023

SYNOPSIS

Abusive care practices during labor and childbirth are a violation to women's rights and call for a strong political will towards the Respectful Maternity Care agenda.
Assessing the social determinants of mental health in counseling practice
Authors: Neal Keith Sheerah , Coleman Monica L. , Hicks Becton Latasha Y. , Springfield Janita
Published: May 2023

Every counselor–client interaction is an opportunity for mutual learning through inquiry, listening, exploring, and understanding about a client's experiences with development and well‐being. Given the convergence of multiple sociopolitical events and systems that impact mental health and well‐being, we issue a call to increase promotion and uptake of preventative mental health strategies by assessing the social determinants of mental health (SDMH) in counseling practice. We contend that counselors are uniquely prepared to assess the SDMH at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental levels. Therefore, we review the parallels between counseling frameworks and the SDMH with the aim of explaining why and how counselors should assess the SDMH. Specifically, we describe ways that counselors can use their foundational skills and expertise in assessment procedures to identify client needs, as well as potential individual and community interventions. We outline a four‐phased approach for assessing the SDMH in counseling practice and provide implications for improving counseling outcomes.
A review on the versatility of Carica papaya seed: an agrogenic waste for the removal of organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants in water
Authors: Bayode Ajibola A , Anthony Eric T , Ore Odunayo T , Alfred Moses O , Koko Daniel T , Unuabonah Emmanuel I , Helmreich Brigitte , Omorogie Martins O
Published: May 2023

The advent of civilization, coupled with growing industrialization in many countries, is placing more demand on the available water sources. At the same time, the daily surge in wastes generated by man's anthropogenic activities has led to microbial, organic and inorganic contamination of water sources. Based on available evidence, significant research efforts are being made into the use of low‐cost agricultural materials such as Carica papaya seed (CPS) in the removal of these contaminants from water sources in a bid to provide clean water. In the present review, the organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants in waters were elucidated. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the CPS was illustrated. The adsorption capacity and efficiency of CPS and their composites in the remediation of the selected contaminants were discussed while identifying the various factors affecting the adsorption efficiency. Finally, the reusability of this agricultural material was discussed. Solution pH was identified as a major factor influencing the sorption process. The high removal efficiency reported in the studies that adopted CPS showed its vast potential in the elimination of contaminants from water sources. Also, the regenerative potential of the adsorbent over several cycles indicated its long‐term use. The economic feasibility and environmental sustainability afforded by using CPS chart a path for further investigation into the use of other low‐cost agricultural materials in the elimination of environmental contaminants. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Identification of tunnel structures in manganese oxide minerals using micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Vermeersch Eva , Košek Filip , De Grave Johan , Jehlička Jan , Vandenabeele Peter , Rousaki Anastasia
Published: May 2023

Manganese oxides have attracted the interest of many researchers due to their broad application field. These oxides possess various electrochemical, adsorption and catalysis properties and are as such applied in the industrial context, for example, steel industry, catalysis and removal of toxins in the ground or in waste water. In the archaeometrical field, manganese oxides have been used as pigments on various artefacts such as pottery and rock art paintings. The diversity of manganese oxide applications highlights the need for a well‐defined Raman spectroscopic database with correct characterization of these compounds. However, identification of manganese oxides by Raman spectroscopy is challenging due to the wide variety of manganese oxides, and manganese oxides are weak Raman scatterers and are susceptible under the laser light. As such, characterization by Raman spectroscopy is not straight forward. In this research, we have focussed on seven natural, mineral (tunnel) samples that were identified by micro‐Raman spectroscopy using two different laser wavelengths (785 and 532 nm). The experimental conditions were controlled to not introduce any modifications (degradation and/or phase transition) of the manganese oxide species. Both lasers have proven to be successful and were able to retrieve well‐characterized Raman spectra for each of the manganese oxide phase, which were compared with published literature.
In situ dynamic rheological analysis of raw yam tubers: a potential phenotyping tool for quality evaluation
Authors: Otegbayo Bolanle Omolara , Tran Thierry , Ricci Julien , Gibert Olivier
Published: May 2023

Background

Most rheological analyses in yam have been done on starch gels, which requires starch extraction from the tubers. In situ rheology bypasses the need of starch extraction and relies on the original cell structure and complex matrix organization under stress or strain. Dynamic rheological properties of tuber from 16 accessions belonging to four yam species (Dioscorea rotundata, D. alata. D. bulbifera and D. dumetorum) were investigated for potential use as a medium throughput phenotyping screening tool that can indicate the quality of yam food products or their industrial potentials.

Results

Rheographs of the tubers illustrated differences in the structure of D. bulbifera compared to other yam species. High initial storage modulus (G′) of yam parenchyma indicated tubers with strong and rigid structure which do not lose their structural integrity easily on heating. Dioscorea rotundata and D. alata varieties exhibited a lower temperature at which gelatinization took place (Tgel) equivalent to the irreversible transition during starch gelatinization (75.3 and 79.8 °C) and took shorter time (867 and 958 s, respectively) to reach the G′ maximum, compared to other species. The stress relaxation test showed that the higher the dry matter of the tubers, the higher the work to rupture the structure.

Conclusion

Rheological characteristics G′, loss modulus (G″), swelling capacity and Tgel showed potential as suitable quality indicators for yam products. In situ rheological characterization of yam tubers could be used as an instrumental screening tool to phenotype for quality in yam products. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
On the linearization of infinite‐dimensional random dynamical systems
Authors: Backes Lucas , Dragičević Davor
Published: May 2023

We present a new version of the Grobman–Hartman's linearization theorem for random dynamics. Our result holds for infinite‐dimensional systems whose linear part is not necessarily invertible. In addition, by adding some restrictions on the nonlinear perturbations, we do not require for the linear part to be nonuniformly hyperbolic in the sense of Pesin but rather (besides requiring the existence of stable and unstable directions) allow for the existence of a third (central) direction on which we do not prescribe any behavior for the dynamics. Moreover, under some additional nonuniform growth condition, we prove that the conjugacies given by the linearization procedure are Hölder continuous when restricted to bounded subsets of the space.
The effects of female executives on financial statement comparability
Authors: Yan Zehao , Zhang Xianfeng , Liu Suyi
Published: May 2023

This study uses data from China to investigate the impact of female executives' proportion on a firm's financial statement comparability. We find that having female executives can improve a firm's financial statement comparability, particularly in the presence of a key female executive. Furthermore, we find that female executives improve firms' corporate governance and internal control quality, which in turn enhances financial statement comparability. Importantly, this impact exists only in large firms, non‐state‐owned firms, and firms domiciled in mature markets. Overall, our study reveals this mechanism and examines the conditions under which gender‐specific characteristics can affect corporate accounting quality.
Interaction between APOE, APOA1, and LPL Gene Polymorphisms and Variability in Changes in Lipid and Blood Pressure following Orange Juice Intake: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fraga Layanne Nascimento , Milenkovic Dragan , Coutinho Camille Perella , Rozenbaum Adriana Campos , Lajolo Franco Maria , Hassimotto Neuza Mariko Aymoto
Published: May 2023

Scope

Chronic orange juice intake is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, however, a large inter‐individual variability in response to orange juice for lipid profile and blood pressure has been observed. This heterogeneity in responsiveness could be associated with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which has not been previously addressed. This study aims to investigate the influence of SNP in apolipoprotein E (APOE), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), mevalonate (MVK), and lipase lipoprotein (LPL) genes in the biological response after chronic orange juice intake.

Methods and results

Forty‐six volunteers ingested 500 mL daily for 60 days and blood pressure and biochemical parameters are measured. Also, SNPs in APOE, APOA1, MVK, and LPL genes are genotyped in the volunteers that are medium/high excretors of flavanone metabolites. Genotypes CC (APOA1), AA, and GG (LPL) are associated with positive health effects of orange juice and the CC (APOE), GG (APOA1), GG, and AA (LPL) genotypes are associated with no effects of orange juice consumption (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

These results identify for the first‐time SNP associated with effects of orange juice on lipid levels and blood pressure, results that may provide bases for future precise nutritional recommendations regarding this flavanone‐rich food to lower the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Flexural and tensile behavior of Kulkual fiber andTiB2particles reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Selman Keyredin , Shahapurkar Kiran , Chenrayan Venkatesh , Alamir Mohammed A. , Alarifi Ibrahim M. , Tirth Vineet , Alghtani Abdulaziz H. , Algahtani Ali , Al‐Mughanam Tawfiq
Published: May 2023

Novel composite comprising of Kulkual fibers and Titanium diboride (TiB2) filler reinforced epoxy composites is investigated in the current work. Kulkual also known as Opuntia ficus‐indica is a plant abundantly found throughout Ethiopia are utilized in the form fibers in combination with TiB2as reinforcement to synthesize epoxy matrix composites. Six types of composites including neat epoxy are fabricated using varying content of Kulkual fibers (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 vol%) and fixed TiB2content of 5 vol%. The fibers were obtained by drying the leaf‐like stem of Kulkual and collecting the skeleton structure found in cladodes. Alkaline treatment of Kulkual fiber to study its physical properties was also investigated. All composites' tensile moduli rise with increasing fiber content and are between 21% and 162% higher than the pure epoxy. All the composites tensile strength increase in the range from 43% to 211% compared to neat epoxy with EK‐10 composite revealing the greatest improvement. Flexural properties of all the composites increase with increase in Kulkual fiber content in comparison with neat epoxy. Good bonding of constituents and alkaline treatment of fibers results in enhanced properties of composites. Finally, fractured surfaces are analyzed with scanning electron micrographs to recognize structure property correspondences.
Röhren, Radar und Rock
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: May 2023

Er baute den ersten Röhrenverstärker und hat der Festkörperphysik gewisse Zonen aufgeprägt.