bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the association between in‐person work and the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through June 2021
Authors: Meza Erika , Cummings Kristin J. , Vergara Ximena P. , Lai Kristina W. , Lim Esther , Lamba Katherine , Kamali Amanda , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten , Jain Seema , Mehrotra Megha L.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Recent studies have evaluated COVID‐19 outbreaks and excess mortality by occupation sectors. Studies on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection across occupation and occupation‐related factors remain lacking. In this study, we estimate the effect of in‐person work on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection risk and describe SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence among working adults.

Methods

We used Wave 1 data (May to June 2021) from CalScope, a population‐based seroprevalence study in California. Occupation data were coded using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System. Dried blood spot specimens were tested for antibodies to establish evidence of prior infection. We estimated the causal effect of in‐person work on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection risk using the g‐formula and describe SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence across occupation‐related factors.

Results

Among 4335 working adults, 53% worked in person. In‐person work was associated with increased risk of prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (risk difference: 0.03; [95% CI: 0.02−0.04]) compared with working remotely. Workers that reported job loss or who were without medical insurance had higher evidence of prior infection. Amongst in‐person workers, evidence of prior infection was highest within farming, fishing, and forestry (55%; [95% CI: 26%−81%]); installation, maintenance, and repair (23%; [12%−39%]); building and grounds cleaning and maintenance (23%; [13%−36%]); food preparation and serving related (22% [13%−35%]); and healthcare support (22%; [13%−34%]) occupations. Workers who identified as Latino, reported a household income of <$25K, or who were without a bachelor's degree also had higher evidence of prior infection.

Conclusions

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection risk varies by occupation. Future vaccination strategies may consider prioritizing in‐person workers.
Selektive 3,3‐Umlagerung von Azobenzolen nach Komplexierung durch ein frustriertes Lewis–Paar
Authors: Wickemeyer Lucas , Fernández Israel , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: January 2023

Die Reaktion der sauerstoffverbrückten frustrierten Lewis–Paare (FLPs) tBu2P−O−Si(C2F5)3 (1) und tBu2P−O−AlBis2 (2) mit Azobenzol unter UV‐Bestrahlung ergab eine selektive Komplexierung des cis‐Isomers. Das Additionsprodukt von 2 ist stabil, während das Addukt von 1 in Lösung ähnlich einer [3,3]‐ortho‐Benzidin‐Umlagerung durch Spaltung der N−N‐Bindung, Sättigung der Stickstoffatome mit Wasserstoffatomen und Bildung einer neuen Bindung zwischen zwei ortho‐Phenylkohlenstoffatomen isomerisiert. Ähnliche Umlagerungen finden mit verschiedenen para‐substituierten Azobenzolen (R=Me, OMe, Cl) und Di(2‐naphthyl)diazen statt, während ortho‐methylierte Azoverbindungen keine Addukte mit 1 bilden. Alle Addukte wurden mit multinuklearer NMR‐Spektroskopie und Elementaranalysen charakterisiert und der Mechanismus der Umlagerung mittels quantenchemischer Berechnungen untersucht.
Synthesis and Characterization of [Fe3(As3)3(As4)]3−, a Binary Fe/As Zintl Cluster With an Fe3 Core
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Qiang , Li Zi‐Sheng , McGrady John E. , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: January 2023

We report here the synthesis and structural characterization of the first binary iron arsenide cluster anion, [Fe3(As3)3(As4)]3−, present in both [K([2.2.2]crypt)]3[Fe3(As3)3(As4)] (1) and [K(18‐crown‐6)]3[Fe3(As3)3(As4)]⋅en (2). The cluster contains an Fe3 triangle with three short Fe−Fe bond lengths (2.494(1) Å, 2.459(1) Å and 2.668(2) Å for 1, 2.471(1) Å, 2.473(1) Å and 2.660(1) Å for 2), bridged by a 2‐butene‐like As4 unit. An analysis of the electronic structure using DFT reveals a triplet ground state with direct Fe−Fe bonds stabilizing the Fe3 core.
Solid‐State Investigation, Storage, and Separation of Pyrophoric PH3 and P2H4 with α‐Mg Formate
Authors: Widera Anna , Thöny Debora , Aebli Marcel , Oppenheim Julius Jacob , Andrews Justin L. , Eiler Frederik , Wörle Michael , Schönberg Hartmut , Weferling Norbert , Dincǎ Mircea , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: January 2023

Phosphane, PH3—a highly pyrophoric and toxic gas—is frequently contaminated with H2 and P2H4, which makes its handling even more dangerous. The inexpensive metal–organic framework (MOF) magnesium formate, α‐[Mg(O2CH)2], can adsorb up to 10 wt % of PH3. The PH3‐loaded MOF, PH3@α‐[Mg(O2CH)2], is a non‐pyrophoric, recoverable material that even allows brief handling in air, thereby minimizing the hazards associated with the handling and transport of phosphane. α‐[Mg(O2CH)2] further plays a critical role in purifying PH3 from H2 and P2H4: at 25 °C, H2 passes through the MOF channels without adsorption, whereas PH3 adsorbs readily and only slowly desorbs under a flow of inert gas (complete desorption time≈6 h). Diphosphane, P2H4, is strongly adsorbed and trapped within the MOF for at least 4 months. P2H4@α‐[Mg(O2CH)2] itself is not pyrophoric and is air‐ and light‐stable at room temperature.
Nonlinear Optical Glass‐Ceramic From a New Polar Phase‐Transition Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Crystal
Authors: Liu De‐Xuan , Zhu Hao‐Lin , Zhang Wei‐Xiong , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: January 2023

Melt‐quenched glasses of organic–inorganic hybrid crystals, i.e., hybrid glasses, have attracted increasing attention as an emerging class of hybrid materials with beneficial processability and formability in the past years. Herein, we present a new hybrid crystal, (Ph3PEt)3[Ni(NCS)5] (1, Ph3PEt+=ethyl(triphenyl)phosphonium), crystallizing in a polar space groupP1 and exhibiting thermal‐induced reversible crystal‐liquid‐glass‐crystal transitions with relatively low melting temperature of 132 °C, glass‐transition temperature of 40 °C, and recrystallization on‐set temperature of 78 °C, respectively. Taking advantage of such mild conditions, we fabricated an unprecedented hybrid glass‐ceramic thin film, i.e., a thin glass uniformly embedding inner polar micro‐crystals, which exhibits a much enhanced intrinsic second‐order nonlinear optical effect, beingca. 25.6 and 3.1 times those of poly‐crystalline1and KH2PO4, respectively, without any poling treatments.
Selective and green oxidation of alcohols and sulfides using mesostructured Cux/Cey mixed oxides
Authors: Etehadi Abari Sogand , Malakooti Reihaneh , Feghhi Aliyeh
Published: January 2023

Mesostructured mixed metal oxides are one of the best candidates for various oxidations. Here, mesostructured Cux/Cey mixed oxides with various Cu/Ce ratios were prepared using mesoporous silica as a hard template to improve their selectivity and efficiency as the oxidative catalysts. Investigation of the different ratios of Cu/Ce showed that all catalysts are significantly more active than their salts in the oxidation of alcohols and sulfides with some green oxidants. The results demonstrated that the balance of the number of active catalytic centers (concentration of Cu) and the structural characteristics (surface area and oxygen vacancy) determine the activity of the catalysts. It also seems to be a powerful interplay among copper and cerium ions that helps the reduction of both Cu (II) and Ce (IV).
Full‐order impulsive observers for impulsive systems with unknown inputs
Authors: Tong Li‐Sheng , Liu Bin , Yan Chang‐Hao , Liu Dong‐Nan
Published: January 2023

This paper studies full‐order impulsive observers for impulsive systems with unknown inputs. Two types of full‐order impulsive observers are designed respectively. The first type is Luenberger‐type impulsive observer (LIO). The second type is for the observed system with eliminable unknown input, where the impulsive observer is allowed to have nonidentical dynamic structure with the observed system. The conditions via the average dwell time technique are derived for the existence of these two types of impulsive observers. It is shown that in the LIO, the observer's state tracks the observed system's state in the sense of input‐to‐state stability (ISS). Specifically, the observer's state track completely the observed system's state if the unknown input trends to zero. While in the second type of impulsive observer, the observer's state tracks completely the observed system's state regardless of the unknown input trends to zero. Finally, three examples with simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Timing for maximum anaesthetic effect of topical cream during early infant circumcision (EIC) in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Kiboneka Stephen , Anok Aggrey , Nakabuye Regina , Odiya Silas , Magembe Julius , Nazziwa Rose , Ddamulira Charles , Mulooki Andrew , Galiwango Ronald Moses , Watya Stephen , Li Philip S. , Lee Richard K. , Gray Ronald H. , Kigozi Godfrey , Kankaka Edward Nelson
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the optimal timing for device‐based infant circumcision under topical anaesthesia.

Subjects/patients

We include infants aged 1–60 days who were enrolled in a field study of the no‐flip ShangRing device at four hospitals in the Rakai region of south‐central Uganda, between 5 February 2020 and 27 October 2020.

Methods

Two hundred infants, aged 0–60 days, were enrolled, and EMLA cream was applied on the foreskin and entire penile shaft. The anaesthetic effect was assessed every 5 min by gentle application of artery forceps at the tip of the foreskin, starting at 10 min post‐application until 60 min, the recommended time to start circumcision. The response was measured using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). We determined the onset and duration of anaesthesia (defined as <20% of infants with NIPS score >4) and maximum anaesthesia (defined as <20% of infants with NIPS score >2).

Results

Overall, NIPS scores decreased to a minimum and reversed before the recommended 60 min. Baseline response varied with age, with minimal response among infants aged 40 days. Overall, anaesthesia was achieved after at least 25 min and lasted 20–30 min. Maximum anaesthesia was achieved after at least 30 min (except among those aged >45 days where it was not achieved) and lasted up to 10 min.

Conclusion

The optimal timing for maximum topical anaesthesia occurred before the recommended 60 min of waiting time. A shorter waiting time and speed may be efficient for mass device‐based circumcision.
Violence risk assessment of Sovereign Citizens: An exploratory examination of the HCR‐20 Version 3 and the TRAP‐18
Authors: Vargen Lee M. , Challacombe Darin J.
Published: January 2023

Sovereign Citizens comprise an understudied right‐wing extremist movement in the United States who have grown in notoriety in recent years due to several high‐profile instances of violence. Despite this, little empirical research has been conducted on Sovereign Citizens, including research on assessing their risk for violence. In this study, we sought to replicate and extend a prior study on Sovereign Citizen violence. Using open‐source data, we added several new cases to a pre‐existing dataset of violent and non‐violent Sovereign Citizen incidents, yielding a total sample of 107 cases, 69 of which were scored using the HCR‐20V3, and 83 of which were scored using the TRAP‐18. Our findings indicated that higher scores on both instruments were significantly associated with greater odds of cases being violent. We also observed that several risk factors occurred with significantly more frequency among violent cases than non‐violent ones. Implications for future research and professional practice are discussed.
Novel strategies to reverse chemoresistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ma Shu‐Chang , Zhang Jia‐Qi , Yan Tian‐Hua , Miao Ming‐Xing , Cao Ye‐Min , Cao Yong‐Bing , Zhang Li‐Chao , Li Ling
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy with high morbidity and fatality. Chemotherapy, as traditional therapy for CRC, has exerted well antitumor effect and greatly improved the survival of CRC patients. Nevertheless, chemoresistance is one of the major problems during chemotherapy for CRC and significantly limits the efficacy of the treatment and influences the prognosis of patients. To overcome chemoresistance in CRC, many strategies are being investigated. Here, we review the common and novel measures to combat the resistance, including drug repurposing (nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, metformin, dichloroacetate, enalapril, ivermectin, bazedoxifene, melatonin, and S‐adenosylmethionine), gene therapy (ribozymes, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, epigenetic therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and noncoding RNAs), protein inhibitor (EFGR inhibitor, S1PR2 inhibitor, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor), natural herbal compounds (polyphenols, terpenoids, quinones, alkaloids, and sterols), new drug delivery system (nanocarriers, liposomes, exosomes, and hydrogels), and combination therapy. These common or novel strategies for the reversal of chemoresistance promise to improve the treatment of CRC.
Estimating copy number to determine BRCA2 deletion status and to expect prognosis in localized prostate cancer
Authors: Nukaya Takuhisa , Sumitomo Makoto , Sugihara Eiji , Takeda Mayu , Nohara Sachio , Tanishima Shigeki , Takenaka Masashi , Zennami Kenji , Takahara Kiyoshi , Shiroki Ryoichi , Saya Hideyuki
Published: January 2023

Background

The significance of BRCA alterations has been implicated in the development of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (PC). The details of the frequency and significance of BRCA alterations in localized PC remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the frequency and clinical significance of BRCA alterations in localized PCs using an in‐house next‐generation sequencer (NGS) system.

Methods

DNA was extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues of surgical specimens from 126 patients with clinically localized PC who underwent radical prostatectomy. The mutation information of 164 cancer genes was analyzed using the PleSSision‐Rapid test. Both copy number (CN) variation and loss of heterozygosity of various genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, were estimated and reported.

Results

Next‐generation sequencer analyses revealed that the BRCA2 CN was decreased in 17 patients (13.5%) and the BRCA1 CN in six (4.8%) patients. NGS‐based CN values were shown to be highly correlated with droplet digital PCR‐based CN values. Tissue‐specific BRCA expression investigated using the Human Protein Atlas showed that the decreased CN of BRCA2, but not BRCA1, is responsible for the decreased BRCA activity in PC. Ten of the 22 patients with decreased BRCA2 CN were presumed to have somatic heterozygous deletion. There were no observed associations between the heterozygous deletion of BRCA2 and various clinicopathological parameters. Furthermore, three of 10 patients developed biochemical recurrence within 3 months after surgery. Multivariate analyses revealed that the initial prostate‐specific antigen levels and BRCA2 CN were independent factors for biochemical recurrence.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a decrease in BRCA2 CN may be used as a biomarker for predicting recurrence after surgery in localized PC. Early screening for somatic alterations in BRCA2 using NGS may help to broadly predict the risk of PC progression.
A phase II single‐arm trial of memantine for prevention of cognitive decline during chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer: Feasibility, tolerability, acceptability, and preliminary effects
Authors: Nakamura Zev M. , Deal Allison M. , Park Eliza M. , Stanton Kate E. , Lopez Yesy E. , Quillen Laura J. , O’Hare Kelly Erin , Heiling Hillary M. , Nyrop Kirsten A. , Ray Emily M. , Dees E. Claire , Reeder‐Hayes Katherine E. , Jolly Trevor A. , Carey Lisa A. , Abdou Yara , Olajide Oludamilola A. , Rauch Julia K. , Joseph Ranjit , Copeland Anureet , McNamara Megan A. , Ahles Tim A. , Muss Hyman B.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cognitive difficulties have been described after chemotherapy for breast cancer, but there is no standard of care to improve cognitive outcomes in these patients. This trial examined the feasibility, tolerability, acceptability, and preliminary effects of memantine to prevent cognitive decline during chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Methods

Patients with stage I–III breast cancer, scheduled for neo/adjuvant chemotherapy, completed a cognitive battery prior to and 4 weeks after completing chemotherapy. Memantine (10 mg BID) was administered concurrent with chemotherapy. Our primary cognitive outcome was visual working memory assessed by the Delayed Matching to Sample test. We used the Brief Medication Questionnaire to assess acceptability.

Results

Of 126 patients approached, 56 (44%) enrolled. Forty‐five (80%) received ≥1 dose of memantine and completed pre‐post assessments. Seventy‐six percent reported taking ≥90% of scheduled doses. Participants were mean age of 56, 77% White, and 57% had stage I disease. Sixty‐four percent had stable or improved Delayed Matching to Sample test scores. Stable or improved cognition was observed in 87%–91% across objective cognitive domain composite measures. Sixty‐six percent self‐reported stable or improved cognitive symptoms. There were seven greater than or equal to grade 3 adverse events; two were possibly related to memantine. Only 5% reported that taking memantine was a disruption to their lives.

Conclusions

Memantine was well‐tolerated and consistently taken by a large majority of patients receiving breast cancer chemotherapy. The majority demonstrated stable or improved cognition from pre‐ to post‐assessment. Randomized trials are needed to determine memantine's efficacy to ameliorate cognitive loss.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04033419.
Copper Zinc Aluminate Synthesized by Sol‐Gel Method with Polyacrylic Acid as Catalysts for Glycerol Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Omar Lama , Onfroy Thomas , Daniele Stéphane , Perret Noémie
Published: January 2023

This study describes the use of novel Cu/ZnO/ZnAl2O4/PAAH (PAAH=polyacrylic acid) hybrid nanomaterials for glycerol hydrogenolysis. Their elaboration by sol‐gel process either in one step or in two steps allowed to modulate their structural properties in terms of specific surface area, Lewis acidity, sizes and dispersion of copper nanoparticles. The presence of PAAH and aluminium during the synthesis particularly showed benefits in terms of dispersion and metal‐support interaction. The characterization of the catalyst surfaces in composition and size of the copper nanoparticles allowed to establish structure‐reactivity relationships. Their optimization allowed to reach remarkable conversions up to 96 % with selectivity towards 1,2‐propanediol of 83 %. A recyclability study also showed a possible reuse of these catalysts after a reactivation step.
Characterization of a Sub‐Atmospheric Pressure‐Inducing Micropump Based on Flow Rate and Gauge Pressure Measurements
Authors: Buglie William L. N. , Tamrin Khairul Fikri
Published: January 2023

The pumping mechanism in multi‐inlet microfluidic channels usually requires multiple micropumps to be separately attached to each inlet. Unfortunately, this may create fluid leakage resulting from a considerably high internal pressure. To address this, a passive sub‐atmospheric pressure‐inducing micropump is proposed and its performance is characterized as a function of the flow rate and the gauge pressure. With this pump, a sufficiently high flow rate is generated, comparable to some active‐piezoelectric micropumps. The gauge pressure is exponentially descending with time and can be crudely classified into three regions of high, moderate, and slow pressure‐release times. Overall, the stabilized pressure is identified within 70 s < t ≤ 300 s for slow rate mixing while rapid mixing is applicable at t ≤ 70 s.
Converting Fuel‐Synthesis Process Water to Aquaculture Feed by Purple Non‐Sulfur Bacteria
Authors: Wada Ojima Z. , Vincent Annette , McKay Gordon , Mackey Hamish R.
Published: January 2023

The availability of agricultural wastewater in arid climes limits the possibility of exploiting purple non‐sulfur bacteria (PNSB) to recover aqua‐feed bioproducts. Thus, this study examines the feasibility of recovering such bioproducts using fuel‐synthesis process water (FSPW) as a feedstock. Experiments were performed under varying light conditions. The results revealed that PNSB cultured in the zero‐nitrogen feedstock had over 40 % protein content, contained substantial lipids and pigments, and reduced FSPW organics by over 70 %. The light intensity significantly impacted biomass constituents and treatment efficiency. The results are promising for the potential development of a circular economy to convert FSPW to aqua‐feed.
Chirality‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Discrete, Homochiral FeII2L3 Cages
Authors: Sun Bin , Meeus Eva J. , de Zwart Felix J. , Bobylev Eduard O. , Mooibroek Tiddo J. , Mathew Simon , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: January 2023

Coordination chemistry is a powerful method to synthesize supramolecular cages with distinct features that suit specific applications. This work demonstrates the synthesis of discrete, homochiral FeII2L3 cages via chirality‐driven self‐assembly. Specifically, the installation of chirality – at both the vertices and ligand backbones – allows the formation of discrete, homochiral FeII2L3 cages of different sizes via stereochemical control of the iron(II) centers. We observed that larger cages require multiple chiral centra (chiral ligands and vertices). In contrast, the formation of smaller cages is stereoselective with solely chiral ligands. The latter cages can also be formed from two chiral subcomponents, but only when they have matching chirality. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of these smaller FeII2L3 cages revealed several non‐covalent interactions as a driving force for narcissistic chiral self‐sorting. This expected behavior was confirmed utilizing the shorter ligands in racemic form, yielding discrete, homochiral FeII2L3 cages formed in enantiomeric pairs.
High‐Resolution Imaging of Latent Fingerprints through Near‐Infrared Organoboron AIEgens†
Authors: Liu Lijie , Wang Jinjin , Wang Xingxiao , Wang Haoran , Li Mengzhen , Wu Tongyuan , Gao Guangqin , Zheng Xin , Liu Guoxing , Fan Liangxin , Shen Wenbo , Ru Guangxin , Zhao Zheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

A new class of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent organoboron AIEgens was successfully developed for latent fingerprints (LFPs) imaging. They exhibit real‐time and in situ high‐resolution imaging performance at 1—3 levels of LFPs by spraying method. In addition, we systematically elucidate the fingerprint imaging mechanism of these AIEgens. Significantly, the excellent level 3 structural imaging capabilities enable the application of them for analyzing incomplete LFPs and identifying individuals in different scenarios.
Mechanistic Studies on Programmed C―O/C―H Activation with Valence‐Adjusted Ti‐Complexes
Authors: Xie Si‐Jun , Cui Yun‐Shu , Huang Yi‐Fei , Liu Feng , Zhai Dan‐Dan , Shi Zhang‐Jie
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Two‐electron reduction of [N2NBn]TiIVCl2 (3) gave a highly reactive [N2N]TiII species, which underwent C—O bond activation of THF (tetrahydrofuran) to generate [N2NBn]TiIV[O(CH2)4] (4) through oxidative addition. The resulted TiIV–Csp3 bond in oxametallacyclohexane was tantamount to the elaborately‐designed Ti‐alkyl complexes, competent to activate intramolecular Csp2–H bond, forming ortho‐cyclometalated complex [N2NCH2C6H4]TiIV(OnBu) (5). Key intermediates were isolated and fully characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Mechanistic studies revealed that the oxidative addition of C—O bond took place at TiII‐center via a radical intermediate, while a Csp2–H bond activation proceeded by σ‐bond metathesis with a kitelike four‐centered TiIV‐transition state.
Keratinocytic skin cancers—Update on the molecular biology
Authors: Win Thet Su , Tsao Hensin
Published: January 2023

Although much attention has been devoted to a detailed genomic exposition of cutaneous melanoma, other nonmelanoma skin cancers have also recently been subjected to similar analytical scrutiny. Chief among these are the most common malignancies worldwide: basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. In this review, the authors summarize their latest knowledge about the molecular pathways and therapeutic opportunities attendant to these keratinocytic skin cancers.

Plain Language Summary

The most common cancers in the United States arise from skin cells called keratinocytes.

Although these tumors are not formally tracked by the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there are millions of skin cancers called basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

This article reviews the current recent genetic insights into these tumors and therapeutic opportunities.
Visible‐Light‐Active Unsymmetrical Squaraine Dyes with 1 V of Open‐Circuit Voltage for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Singh Amrita , Kumar Singh Ambarish , Dixit Ruchi , Vanka Kumar , Krishnamoorthy Kothandam , Nithyanandhan Jayaraj
Published: January 2023

A series of alkyl‐group‐functionalized, aniline‐ and indoline‐donor‐based, unsymmetrical visible‐light‐active squaraine dyes, AM1‐3, were designed and synthesized. Dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices were fabricated with both I−/I3− and [Cu(tmby)2]+/2+ electrolytes. DSSC devices sensitized with the AM1 and AM2 dyes showed relatively high‐power conversion efficiency of 7.44 % and 7.22 %, respectively with I−/I3− in the absence of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) than those of the AM3 dye (5.41 %). The [Cu(tmby)2]+/2+ electrolyte along with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as cathode material showed excellent open‐circuit potentials (VOC) of 1030, 1025, and 1001 mV with the DSSC efficiency of 8.05 %, 7.96 %, and 5.84 %, respectively, for the AM1, AM2, and AM3 dyes in the absence of CDCA. Here, the AM1 dye exhibited the maximum DSSC efficiency of 8.05 % and VOC of 1030 mV, which is the highest obtained efficiency and VOC for the visible‐light active zwitterionic unsymmetrical‐squaraine dye with copper‐based electrolyte.
Intensive management simultaneously reduces yield gaps and improves milling and baking properties of bread wheat
Authors: Raj Anu Suprabha , Siliveru Kaliramesh , McLean Reuben , Prasad Pagadala V. Vara , Lollato Romulo P.
Published: January 2023

Genotype (G), environment (E), management (M), and their interactions determine grain yield, biochemical composition, and quality of wheat. However, we are not aware of studies evaluating whether intensive management can simultaneously reduce yield gaps and improve wheat milling and baking attributes, which were our main objectives. A factorial experiment of five genotypes × four management intensities (farmer practice, high‐input, high‐input minus nitrogen, and high‐input minus fungicide) was conducted in six Kansas (United States) environments resulting from the combination of four locations and three seasons. Grain yield and 13 parameters characterizing the grain (test weight [TWT], thousand kernel weight [TKW], grain protein [GP]), flour (e.g., ash, protein), dough (e.g., water absorption [WA], dough stability [DS]), and baking qualities (loaf volume [LV]) were measured. For most variables, the primary contributor of the variance was E while M and G were secondary and tertiary contributors, except for LV in which G was a larger moderator. High input practices increased yield (4206 kg ha−1) compared to farmer practice (3347 kg ha−1) suggesting a yield gap of 859 kg ha−1. Management intensities receiving foliar fungicides improved grain properties related to milling characteristics (i.e., TKW and TWT), while management intensities receiving more nitrogen improved baking characteristics (e.g., WA and DS). Across sources of variation, yield response to improved management associated positively with the responses of TKW, TWT, and in some cases, GP, and WA. Our results showed the possibility of simultaneously improving grain yield and selected milling and baking attributes of bread wheat genotypes through intensive management.
Dealing with the impact of Long COVID on college campuses
Authors: Vance Lisa L. , Aquino Katherine C.
Published: January 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic created massive worldwide disruption. The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus accounted for over one million deaths in the United States, with over 89 million individuals infected with the virus. As we learn more about the virus, more research is identifying long‐term symptoms of infection, currently referred to as “Long COVID.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, approximately one in five COVID‐19 survivors aged 18–64 have Long COVID. See Lara Bull‐Otterson et al., Post–COVID Conditions Among Adult COVID‐19 Survivors Aged 18–64 and ≥65 Years, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(21), 713–717 (May 24, 2022).
Research on in situ stress inversion of deep‐buried tunnel based on pressure/tension axis mechanism and geological structure
Authors: Chen Guanfu , Liu Xiaoli , Song Danqing
Published: January 2023

The investigation of the in situ stress distribution has always been a key condition for engineering design of deep tunnels and analysis of surrounding rock stability. In this paper, a comprehensive judgment method coupled with pressure/tension (P/T) axis mechanism and geological structure is proposed to invert the in situ stress in the Duoxiongla tunnel in Tibet. In the process of TBM tunnel excavation, 3887 groups of microseismic events were collected by means of microseismic monitoring technology. By studying the temporal and spatial distribution of 3887 groups of microseismic events, 42 groups of microseismic data were selected for in situ stress inversion. Then the focal mechanisms of 42 groups of microseisms were inverted. Combined with the analysis of the previous geological survey, the inversion results of the in situ stress were analyzed. According to the focal mechanism of the tunnel area, the linear in situ stress inversion method was used to invert the in situ stress in the source area. Finally, according to the PTGS (pressure/tension axis mechanism and geological structure) comprehensive judgment method proposed in this paper, the in situ stress of the tunnel microseismic region was determined. The results show that there are mainly three groups of fissures and joint surfaces in the tunnel area, and the in situ stress is dominated by the horizontal tectonic stress; the main driving force of the rupture surface in the excavation process of Duoxiongla tunnel is the horizontal tectonic stress; the distribution of the maximum and minimum principal stress obtained by the inversion is consistent with the distribution of the P/T axis; combined with the linear in situ stress inversion method and the comprehensive judgment of PTGS, the azimuth and dip angles of the three principal stresses are finally determined as N90.71°E, 4.06°, N5.35°W, 3.06°, and N8.10W, 85.32°, respectively. The study verifies the feasibility of microseismic inversion of in situ stress.
Energy‐based analysis of seismic damage mechanism of multi‐anchor piles in tunnel crossing landslide area
Authors: Wei Hong , Wu Honggang , Ren Guojun , Tang Lin , Feng Kang
Published: January 2023

To study the damage mechanism of multi‐anchor piles in tunnel crossing landslide area under earthquake, the damping performance of multi‐anchor piles was discussed. The energy dissipation springs were used as the optimization device of the anchor head to carry out the shaking table comparison test on the reinforced slope. The Hilbert spectrum and Hilbert marginal spectrum were proposed to analyze the seismic damage mechanism of the multi‐anchor piles, and the peak Fourier spectrum amplitude (PFSA) was used to verify the effectiveness of the method. The results show that the seismic energy is concentrated in the high‐frequency component (30–40 Hz) of the Hilbert spectrum and the low‐frequency component (12–30 Hz) of the marginal spectrum. This indicates that they can be combined with the distribution law of the PFSA to identify the overall and local dynamic responses of the multi‐anchored piles, respectively. The stretchable deformation of the energy‐dissipation springs improves the coordination of the multi‐anchor piles, resulting in better pile integrity. The damage mechanism of the multi‐anchor piles is elucidated based on the energy method: local damage at the top and middle areas of the multi‐anchor piles is mainly caused by the low‐frequency component (12–30 Hz) of the marginal spectrum under the action of 0.15g and 0.20g seismic intensities. As the seismic intensity increases to 0.30g, the dynamic response of the slope is further amplified by the high‐frequency component (30–40 Hz) of the Hilbert energy spectrum, which leads to the overall damage of the multi‐anchor piles.
Multistate model to estimate sex‐specific dispersal rates and distances for a wetland‐breeding amphibian population
Authors: Davis Courtney L. , Muñoz David J. , Amburgey Staci M. , Dinsmore Carli R. , Teitsworth Eric W. , Miller David A. W.
Published: January 2023

How animals move across space and time in heterogeneous landscapes has important implications for the conservation of imperiled and dispersal‐limited taxa, such as amphibians. Wetland‐breeding amphibians are thought to exhibit strong site fidelity, but there is growing evidence that many species are more vagile than previously assumed. Few studies have quantified breeding dispersal probabilities or distances while also accounting for observational uncertainty, which means that resultant estimates could be biased or confounded with sampling intensity and other demographic rates (e.g., site‐ and time‐specific detection and survival probabilities). Here, we analyze data from a 6‐year capture–mark–recapture study on adult spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) conducted at 12 wetlands in central Pennsylvania to estimate population dynamics and population structure at multiple scales. We used a multistate, hidden Markov estimator to quantify sex‐specific site fidelity and breeding dispersal as a function of Euclidean distance between wetlands while accounting for imperfect detection. We estimated short‐timescale movements (i.e., those that occur within a single breeding season) and longer timescale movements (i.e., those that occur among breeding seasons) to determine if dispersal rates and distances differed. We found that interannual site fidelity of males varied among wetlands and was positively associated with population density. Females exhibited higher interannual site fidelity and dispersed further than males between breeding seasons. Within breeding seasons, we found that up to 6% of males dispersed to a new wetland each day. Our study is the first to directly compare amphibian breeding dispersal probabilities and distances at multiple scales and provides a robust framework for improving inference on the spatial and temporal patterns of amphibian movement.
Nest‐site selection model for endangered Everglade snail kites to inform ecosystem restoration
Authors: Benscoter Allison M. , D'Acunto Laura E. , Haider Saira M. , Fletcher Robert J. , Romañach Stephanie S.
Published: January 2023

The once vast and interconnected Everglades wetland ecosystem in Florida underwent a 50% reduction in area in the 1900s, resulting in a highly compartmentalized and managed system where ecological restoration is ongoing. Everglade snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus, hereafter snail kites) are federally endangered wetland specialists with a single population in Florida, USA. Predictive models can help inform restoration and natural resource management decision‐making regarding both the quantity and timing of water delivered through the hundreds of water management structures in the Everglades. We developed a spatially explicit real‐time nest‐site selection model, KiteNest, using environmental predictors of nesting for snail kites in south Florida. The results of our modeling indicate that hydrology, percent canopy cover, and proximity to recently burned areas were the most important factors associated with nest‐site selection for snail kites. Water depths between 75 and 100 cm, water recession rates between 0 and 1.25 cm/day, percent canopy covers <20%, and areas <10 km from recently burned habitat were associated with the greatest likelihood of nest‐site selection. KiteNest is applicable to natural resource management decisions in the Everglades and may be useful independently or in conjunction with other ecological models for restoration decision support.
Cascading benefits of mutualists' predators on foundation species: A model inspired by coral reef ecosystems
Authors: Moeller Holly V. , Nisbet Roger M. , Stier Adrian C.
Published: January 2023

Multispecies mutualisms are embedded in a network of interactions that include predation, yet the effects of predation on mutualism function have not been well integrated into mutualism theory. Where predators have been considered, the common prediction is that predators reduce mutualist abundance and, as a consequence, decrease service provision. Here, we use a mathematical model of a predatory fish that consumes two competing coral mutualists to show that predators can also have indirect positive effects on hosts when they preferentially consume competitively dominant mutualists that are also lower in quality. In these cases, predation reverses the outcome of competition, allowing the higher quality mutualist to dominate and enhancing host performance. The direction and strength of predator effects depend on asymmetries in mutualist competition, service provision, and predation vulnerability. Our findings suggest that when the strength of predation shifts (e.g., due to exploitative harvest of top predators, introduction of new species, or range shifts in response to climate change), mutualist communities will exhibit dynamic responses with nonmonotonic effects on host service provision.
Responses of nutrient resorption to interannual precipitation variability and nitrogen addition in a pine plantation
Authors: Liu Li , Zhao Qiong , Zheng Lin‐Lin , Zeng De‐Hui
Published: January 2023

Plant nutrient concentration and resorption play a major role in determining primary production and development of forests. Yet how plant nutrient concentration and resorption respond to altered interannual precipitation and how interannual precipitation variability mediates the responses of plant nutrient concentration and resorption to N addition remain uncertain. Here, we examined the responses of needle nutrient (N and P) concentrations of all aged classes, nutrient resorption efficiency, and proficiency to N addition (10 g N m−2 year−1) over a 4‐year period (from 2016 to 2019) that experienced high variability in precipitation in a Mongolian pine plantation in a semiarid region of northeast China. There were significant interannual variations in N and P concentrations in all aged needles and litters, N and P resorption efficiency, as well as soil inorganic N and available P concentrations in the control plots. Increased precipitation resulted in increased needle nutrient concentrations across the four consecutive years. However, needle nutrient concentrations did not covary with soil available nutrients. The responses of needle N resorption efficiency (NRE) to N addition differed across the four years, with N addition decreasing NRE in wet years, but not in dry years. Taken together, our results showed that foliar nutrient concentrations are sensitive to altered annual precipitation and that different interaction effects exist between N addition and sampling year for different nutrient variables. Such differential responses highlight the challenge of predicting effects of N addition on nutrient cycling over temporal scales.
High‐severity burned area and proportion exceed historic conditions in Sierra Nevada, California, and adjacent ranges
Authors: Williams J. N. , Safford H. D. , Enstice N. , Steel Z. L. , Paulson A. K.
Published: January 2023

Although fire is a fundamental ecological process in western North American forests, climate warming and accumulating forest fuels due to fire suppression have led to wildfires that burn at high severity across larger fractions of their footprint than were historically typical. These trends have spiked upwards in recent years and are particularly pronounced in the Sierra Nevada–Southern Cascades ecoregion of California, USA, and neighboring states. We assessed annual area burned (AAB) and percentage of area burned at high and low‐to‐moderate severity for seven major forest types in this region from 1984 to 2020. We compared values for this period against estimates for the pre‐Euro‐American settlement (EAS) period prior to 1850 and against a previous study of trends from 1984 to 2009. Our results show that the total average AAB remained below pre‐EAS levels, but that gap is decreasing (i.e., ~14% of pre‐EAS for 1984–2009, but 39% for 2010–2020 [including ~150% in 2020]). Although the average AAB has remained low compared with pre‐EAS, both the average annual area burned at high severity (AAHS) and the percentage of wildfire area burned at high severity have increased rapidly. The percentage of area burned at high severity, which was already above pre‐EAS average for the 1984–2009 period, has continued to rise for five of seven forest types. Notably, between 2010 and 2020, the average AAHS exceeded the pre‐EAS average for the first time on record. By contrast, the percentage of area that burned at low‐to‐moderate severity decreased, particularly in the lower elevation oak and mixed conifer forest types. These findings underline how forests historically adapted to frequent low‐to‐moderate severity fire are being reshaped by novel proportions and extents of high‐severity burning. The shift toward a high‐severity‐dominated fire regime is associated with ecological disruptions, including changes in forest structure, species composition, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, ecosystem services, and resilience. Our results underscore the importance of finding a better balance between the current management focus on fire suppression and one that puts greater emphasis on proactive fuel reduction and increased forest resilience to climate change and ecological disturbance.
Directed Dehydration of Na4Sn2S6 ⋅ 5H2O Generates the New Compound Na4Sn2S6: Crystal Structure and Selected Properties
Authors: Benkada Assma , Hartmann Felix , Poschmann Michael , Indris Sylvio , Lühmann Henning , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

The new thiostannate Na4Sn2S6 was prepared by directed crystal water removal from the hydrate Na4Sn2S6 ⋅ 5H2O at moderate temperatures. While the structure of the hydrate comprises isolated [Sn2S6]4− anions, that of the anhydrate contains linear chains composed of corner‐sharing SnS4 tetrahedra, a structural motif not known in thiostannate chemistry. This structural rearrangement requires bond‐breakage in the [Sn2S6]4− anion, movements of the fragments of the opened [Sn2S6]4− anion and Sn−S−Sn bond formation. Simultaneously, the coordination environment of the Na+ cations is significantly altered and the in situ formed NaS5 polyhedra are joined by corner‐ and edge‐sharing to form a six‐membered ring. Time‐dependent in situ X‐ray powder diffraction evidences very fast rehydration into Na4Sn2S6 ⋅ 5H2O during storage in air atmosphere, but recovery of the initial crystallinity requires several days. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrates a mediocre room‐temperature Na+ ion conductivity of 0.31 μS cm−1 and an activation energy for ionic transport of Ea=0.75 eV.
Effects of hypoxia on coupled carbon and iron cycling differ between weekly and multiannual timescales in two freshwater reservoirs
Authors: Lewis Abigail , Schreiber Madeline , Niederlehner Barbara , Das Arpita , Hammond Nicholas , Lofton Mary , Wander Heather , Carey Cayelan
Published: January 2023

Freshwater lakes and reservoirs play a disproportionate role in the
global organic carbon (OC) budget, as active sites for carbon processing
and burial. Associations between OC and iron (Fe) are hypothesized to
contribute substantially to the stabilization of OC in sediment, but the
magnitude of freshwater Fe-OC complexation remains unresolved. Moreover,
global declines in bottom-water oxygen concentrations have the potential
to alter OC and Fe cycles in multiple ways, and the net effects of
low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions on OC and Fe are poorly characterized.
Here, we measured the pool of Fe-bound OC (Fe-OC) in surficial sediments
from two eutrophic reservoirs, and we paired whole-ecosystem experiments
with sediment incubations to determine the effects of hypoxia on OC and
Fe cycling over multiple timescales. Our experiments demonstrated that
short (2–4 week) periods of hypoxia can increase aqueous Fe and OC
concentrations while decreasing OC and Fe-OC in surficial sediment by
30%. However, exposure to seasonal hypoxia over multiple years was
associated with a 57% increase in sediment OC and no change in sediment
Fe-OC. These results suggest that the large sediment Fe-OC pool
(~30% of sediment OC in both reservoirs) contains both
oxygen-sensitive and oxygen-insensitive fractions, and over multiannual
timescales OC respiration rates may play a more important role in in
determining the effect of hypoxia on sediment OC than Fe-OC
dissociation. Consequently, we anticipate that global declines in oxygen
concentrations will alter OC and Fe cycling, with the direction and
magnitude of effects dependent upon the duration of hypoxia.
A data‐driven intelligent model for landslide displacement prediction
Authors: Ge Qi , Sun Hongyue , Liu Zhongqiang , Wang Xu
Published: January 2023

Landslides with step‐like deformation features are widely distributed in the Three Gorges Reservoir area (TGR) of China, posing a severe hazard to the inhabitants of this region. This paper proposes a multi‐input and multi‐output intelligent integrated displacement prediction model for landslides with step‐like displacement patterns. In this new model, three interconnected and information‐transmitted functional sub‐models are integrated. Unsupervised learning is used to identify different landslide deformation states automatically, and the imbalance classification and explainable artificial intelligence techniques are introduced for qualitative prediction and information filtering. Probability theory and deep machine learning are adopted to provide deterministically predicted values and quantify their uncertainty. The case study of the Baijiabao landslide in the TGR region proves that the proposed model performs satisfactorily in both point and interval predictions. The intelligent integrated model can also provide the forecast of landslide deformation states, visual input information filtering and back analysis of influencing factors, which are valuable to landslide early warning and risk management.
Prevention and control measures to further optimize COVID‐19 response
Authors:   Released by the Taskforce for Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism for COVID‐19 under the State Council of P.R. China on December 07, 2022
Published: January 2023

On November 11, 2022, the Chinese government released the Scientific and Targeted Prevention and Control Measures to Optimize COVID‐19 Response. Since that time, adjusted measures have been implemented throughout China, leading to major shifts in implementation of the national prevention and control strategy. On the basis of the current situation of the epidemic and the evolving SARS‐Cov‐2 variants, an additional 10 specifications (referred to as “the 10‐point measures”) were officially released on December 7, 2022, in an effort to further optimize the prevention and control measures. The latest adjustments pertain to the specification of: precise delineation of high‐risk areas, nucleic acid testing scheme, isolation and health monitoring, restriction and lifting of high‐risk areas, medicine supply, vaccination rollout among older people, health status of key populations, social functioning, and campus response.