bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of multidimensions of trust and donors' motivation on donation attitudes and intention toward charitable organizations
Authors: Lee Ji Ye , Kim Sang Soo
Published: May 2023

This study examined both donors' personal characteristics and the multidimensional attributes of charitable organizations to illuminate how donation intention is formed. The proposed research model was developed based on the theory of planned behavior, and a total of 291 responses were used for empirical analysis. It was found that both altruistic motivation and egoistic motivation have a positive effect on donors' attitudes toward donation. We further found that donation attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control all have a positive effect on donation intention. Moreover, the results showed three dimensions of trust in charitable organizations—perceived ability, perceived integrity, and perceived benevolence—positively influence donation attitudes and donation intention. This study's approach is significant because it considers both individual aspects and attributes of charitable organizations as factors leading to donation behavior. We believe that our findings are useful for developing effective fundraising strategies.
The effectiveness of exercise programs accessible from home on children's and adolescents' emotional well‐being: Systematic review & meta‐analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Rio , Kawahara Takuya , Kotani Tokiko , Yazawa Rina , Suzuki Akane , Kano Yukiko , Ishii‐Takahashi Ayaka
Published: May 2023

Background

The current systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to explore the evidence base to date for exercise interventions/interventions that aim to increase physical activity using a modality that can be accessed from home (i.e., online or video‐based programs), and its effects on anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.

Methods

A broad search was conducted using six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, ERIC and Scopus) on February 23, 2022. Studies with children or adolescents between the ages 5 and 18 years were included. Of the 2527 records that were identified, nine studies met the full‐inclusion criteria. Their quality was assessed by two independent researchers using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and Quality Assessment Tool for Before‐After (Pre‐Post) Studies with No Control Group. Meta analyses were conducted for studies that specifically assessed anxiety and depression.

Results

The overall results indicated that there is some evidence suggesting the positive effects of exercise interventions delivered online in reducing children's and adolescents' anxiety (d = −0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.12 to −0.86). Meanwhile, there seems to be insufficient evidence for its efficacy in reducing low mood (d = −0.42; 95% CI: −0.84 to 0.01). Motivational and coaching based interventions to increase levels of physical activity may be limited in their efficacy, whilst having children exercise along with a video or live sessions online appears promising.

Conclusion

The current preliminary review revealed potential benefits of at‐home interventions that had children and adolescents exercise along with a video in improving anxiety.
Predictors of probable attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment visiting a memory clinic
Authors: Nagano Shiho , Kamimura Naoto , Sota Satoko , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Suganuma Narufumi , Kazui Hiroaki
Published: May 2023

Aim

Characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that persist into old age are often confused with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and the actual rate of probable ADHD in people with MCI is unknown. This study estimated the proportion of MCI patients with probable ADHD and investigated the factors to identify MCI patients with probable ADHD.

Methods

We recruited 36 elderly patients (11 males, 25 females, mean age 72.4 ± 7.6 years) who met the MCI criteria. The MCI patients were classified as those with [MCI/ADHD (+)] and without [MCI/ADHD (−)] probable ADHD, according to the Wender Utah Rating Scale scores. The autism features, inattention, and hyperactivity features during childhood and current periods, estimated intelligence quotient, and demographic data were compared between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors of MCI/ADHD (+) patients.

Results

Nine (25.0%) and 27 patients were added into the MCI/ADHD (+) and MCI/ADHD (−) groups, respectively. The MCI/ADHD (+) group mostly comprised men, those who visited the clinic at a younger age, had more years of schooling, and had strong autism spectrum disorder tendencies. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated male sex and current hyperactivity as significant predictors of probable ADHD in MCI patients.

Conclusion

A quarter of the patients with MCI had probable ADHD. Male sex and hyperactivity at the time of MCI diagnosis might help in predicting probable ADHD in MCI patients. However, these results were obtained from a single‐center, small‐case study and should be confirmed via longitudinal studies with a large number of cases.
A feasibility assessment of real‐world data capabilities for monitoring vaccine safety and effectiveness in China: Human papillomavirus vaccination in the Yinzhou district as a use case
Authors: Welby Sarah , Feng Yang , Tang Haiwen , Ye Chiyu , Cohet Catherine
Published: May 2023

Background

Real‐world data (RWD) are increasingly used to generate real‐world evidence (RWE) of vaccine safety and effectiveness for regulatory purposes. Assessing feasibility of using RWD sources prior to implementing observational studies is recommended. As a use case, we described the process and findings of a feasibility assessment to identify reliable and relevant data sources for monitoring the safety and effectiveness of the AS04‐HPV‐16/18 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in China.

Methods

Iterative multi‐step process: (1) targeted literature review and data source mapping; (2) expert opinion from national RWD experts; (3) survey to evaluate the identified data source operational infrastructure; and (4) continuous appraisal of published studies using the identified data source.

Results

The Yinzhou Regional Health Information Platform (YRHIP) was identified as a data source of main interest, based on its large population coverage, high cervical cancer screening rates, and availability of adult electronic immunization records. Field meetings with national RWD experts confirmed its suitability for post‐authorization vaccine studies. Survey results showed that exposure data and relevant safety and effectiveness endpoints were recorded and linkable at the individual level across the platform. Iterative appraisal of emerging evidence from the literature corroborated these findings.

Conclusions

This feasibility assessment indicates that the YRHIP has the capacity to capture demographic, exposure, outcome and other data required to generate RWE on HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness in China. Studies using the YRHIP to monitor the AS04‐HPV‐16/18 vaccine in routine use building on this feasibility assessment are ongoing.
Highly conductive and broadband transparent Zr‐doped In2O3 as the front electrode for monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
Authors: Han Wei , Xu Qiaojing , Wang Jin , Liu Jingjing , Li Yuxiang , Huang Qian , Shi Biao , Xu Shengzhi , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: May 2023

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells show great potential for commercialization because of their high power conversion efficiency (PCE). The optical loss originated from the transparent electrode is still a challenge to further improve the PCE of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Here, we developed zirconium‐doped indium oxide (IZrO), a material with low resistivity and high transmittance sputtered at room temperature. It possesses a high mobility of 29.6 cm2/(V·s), a low resistivity of 3.32 × 10−4 Ω·cm, and a low sheet resistance of 25.55 Ω·sq−1 as well as a high average transmittance of 81.55% in a broadband of 400–1200 nm. Moreover, the work function (WF = 4.33 eV) matches well with the energy level of Ag electrode and SnO2 buffer layer in the P‐I‐N type tandem device. Compared with the previous zinc‐doped indium oxide (IZO) transparent electrode device, the absolute efficiency of perovskite/silicon tandem devices based on IZrO electrode is about 0.6% higher. The champion P‐I‐N type perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells employing IZrO as the front conducts show efficiency of 28.28% (area of 0.5036 cm2).
Metal Work Function Effects on the Performance of UV–Visible–NIR Cs2SnI6 Photodetectors for Flexible Broadband Application
Authors: Mokurala Krishnaiah , Kumar Ajit , Jin Sung Hun
Published: May 2023

Herein, the role of top metal electrode work functions on the performance of flexible broadband ultraviolet (UV)–visible–near‐infrared (NIR) flexible Cs2SnI6 (CSI) photodetectors (PDs) are reported in the present study. The change in crystal plane orientation, surface morphology, and chemical composition of prepared films compared to hydrothermally synthesized CSI particles is confirmed by physical characteristics tools. The optical bandgap of CSI films is estimated to be 1.36 eV. The flexible CSI PDs are fabricated with three top metal electrodes (Mo, Ti, and Ni). The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics under the illumination of light sources with different wavelengths reveal the broadband UV–visible–NIR photodetection properties of flexible CSI PDs. The device with top Ti electrodes demonstrates maximum photoresponsivity (Rph = 1.65 ± 0.45 A W−1) and specific detectivity (Dph = 4.53 ± 0.36) × 1010 Jones for 455 nm compared to other wavelengths at Vb = 5 V. The fast photoresponse/decay time is 18 ms/24 ms for 455 nm at Vb = 1 V. The 85% and 90%–95% retentions of Rph of devices after 12 days keeping in a desiccator and after 500 bending cycle tests suggest the device's good environmental stability and mechanical flexibility, respectively. Thus, it is indicated in the results that CSI materials can be a potential candidate for flexible UV–visible–NIR photodetector for wearable electronic device applications.
Theoretical Insights into Photovoltaic Application of a Novel Family of Perovskite‐Inspired Pb‐Free Metal Halide Materials
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Peng Chuanqian , Zheng Guangping , Zhao Shuai , Guo Zhanglin
Published: May 2023

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite have shown great promise for photovoltaic applications due to their unprecedented optoelectronic properties and low manufacturing cost. However, the commercialization of this emerging technology is hampered by its thermal instability and intrinsic Pb‐toxicity. Here, we report first‐principles investigations on stability and optoelectronic properties of a series of all‐inorganic lead‐free metal halide perovskite‐like materials AMX4 (A = Cs, Ag, and Rb; M = In, Sb, and Bi; X = Cl, Br, and I). Our calculations show that AgSbI4 and AgBiI4 have direct bandgaps of 1.63 and 1.44 eV, which possess strong interband optical absorption (≈105 cm−1). Based on these favorable properties, we also simulated the AgSbI4‐ and AgBiI4‐based thin film solar cells with the SCAPS‐1D code and achieve high PCE of 24.19% and 26.70%, respectively. These results reveal that the AMX4 perovskite‐like materials could serve as potential alternatives to Pb‐based halide perovskites in photovoltaic devices.
Band Gap Energy of Ion‐Doped Multiferroic NaFeO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Apostolova Iliana N. , Apostolov Angel T. , Wesselinowa Julia M.
Published: May 2023

The band gap energy Eg of orthorhombic β‐ and hexagonal α‐NaFeO2‐bulk and nanoparticles is investigated for the first time based on a microscopic model combined with Green's function theory. Eg increases with decreasing nanoparticles size and is shape‐dependent. The competition between Coulomb and electron–phonon interactions is demonstrated. Moreover, Eg decreases with increasing Ge and Si doping concentration or increases by Mn, Cr, and Ni ion doping due to different radii of the doping and the host Fe ions, leading to varying strains. The substitution for Na ion by K or Li(Cu) ions can cause both enhancing or reducing of Eg. Thus, the band gap energy can be regulated by nanoparticles size, ion doping, electron–phonon, and Coulomb interactions.
Robust adaptive guaranteed cost tracking control for high‐order nonlinear systems with uncertainties based on high‐order fully actuated system approaches
Authors: Hu Liyao , Duan Guangren , Hou Mingzhe
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the robust adaptive guaranteed cost tracking (RAGCT) control problems for two class of high‐order nonlinear systems with time‐varying uncertainties. A special nonlinear function, named as the local smooth nonlinear function, is introduced, which is crucial for our controller design. Then, using the function and the recently proposed high‐order fully actuated (HOFA) system approaches, a novel RAGCT controller for HOFA system with time‐varying uncertainty is designed, which guarantees the global boundedness of the closed‐loop system within finite time. Then, based on the result about the above HOFA system, the RAGCT controller for a class of strict‐feedback systems with high‐order form and time‐varying uncertainties is obtained, which also guarantees that the closed‐loop system is globally bounded within finite time. Most importantly, two designed controllers can preset arbitrarily the upper bounds of cost functions characterizing the tracking performance independent of the system initial values and the time‐varying uncertainties, which optimizes greatly the system tracking performance, and is difficult to achieve by using existing guaranteed cost control methods. Finally, two simulation examples including one‐link manipulator are provided to show the effect and the practicability of our proposed control method.
Low nitrogen fertilization enriches nitrogen‐fixing bacteria in the Brassica seed microbiome of subsequent generations
Authors: Wassermann Birgit , Cernava Tomislav , Goertz Simon , Zur Jennifer , Rietz Steffen , Kögl Isabella , Abbadi Amine , Berg Gabriele
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The consequences of overfertilization on agricultural and native ecosystems are well‐documented, but the impact of reduced fertilization on plant–microbe interactions is less understood. Here, we analysed the impact of different nitrogen (N) fertilization regimes over two subsequent growing seasons on the seed microbiome of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.).

Materials and Methods

Seed microbial diversity, composition, and abundance were analysed by a combined approach of amplicon sequencing, quantitative real‐time PCR, and microscopy. A germination assay was conducted to quantify bacteria and nifH genes in roots.

Results

Two consecutive years of either low or high N fertilization resulted in a significant shift in seed microbiota; nine discriminating bacterial orders and 32 bacterial features were identified. Among them, potentially N‐fixing bacteria (Rhizobiales and Rhizobium) were identified as biomarkers for low N fertilization. Moreover, quantitative measurements revealed that 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and bacterial nifH gene counts were significantly higher under lower N availability. Relative to total 16S rRNA genes, seeds and roots contained 0.002% and 0.3% nifH genes on average, respectively. The alternation of N levels between the first and the second growing season (high to low, or low to high) had, however, no impact on seed microbiota, suggesting that a low N availability for at least two generations is required to enrich N‐fixing taxa in seeds.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a flexible, environmentally influenced seed microbiome assembly and suggests innovative microbiome management via biological nitrogen fixation to optimize fertilization regimes in future agriculture.
Investigation on the Drug Loading Efficacy of Protoporphyrin Functionalized Silica Precursors (Tetraethyl orthosilicate: TEOS and Biomass silica) for Enhanced Delivery of 5‐Fluorouracil
Authors: Soundharraj Prabha , Dhinasekaran Durgalakshmi , Rakkesh Rajendran Ajay , Prakasarao Aruna , Ganesan Singaravelu
Published: May 2023

In this study, we have prepared silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) from biomass (rice husk) and organic precursor (TEOS) by sol‐gel precipitation method and compared their efficacy for theranostics applications. In the preparation of SiNPs, we have studied the effects of different parameters such as solvent, catalyst, temperature, water and precursor on the shape and size of SiNPs. It shows that the size of SiNPs was increased with an increase in the concentration of ethanol and acid catalyst; the particle size was decreased with an increase in reaction temperature and precursor. To develop the drug for photodynamic therapy against the target tumor cells, protoporphyrin (PpIX), an efficient photosensitizer is functionalized on the surface of SiNPs. The drug loading potential was studied by the conjugation of 5‐Fluorouracil on the surface of functionalized SiNPs. From the results, we suggest that the functionalized SiNPs will be used for combined therapeutic and diagnostic in biomedical applications.
A Coumarin‐Derived New Chemosensor for Colorimetric and Turn‐Off Fluorescent Sensing of Cu2+, F− and CN− Ions: Studies on Its Antioxidant Property
Authors: Roy Debashis , Chakraborty Arijit , Ghosh Rina
Published: May 2023

A simple coumarin derived novel chemosensor, (E)‐4‐[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)amino]‐3‐[2‐(4‐nitrophenylhydrazonomethyl)]‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (HNHC), has been designed and synthesized which displays colorimetric as well as “turn‐off” fluorescence repercussion for Cu2+ in the nano molar level. This procedure approves the selectivity as well as sensitivity of a chemosensor HNHC within an expansive linear range of (4.6–2094)×10−8 M at λmax of 449 nm; with detection limit (LOD) 9.13×10−8 M for Cu2+, 1.17×10−7 M for F− and 5.64×10−7 M for CN−. Moreover, HNHC may be pursued as a potential antioxidant for its excellent free radical scavenging capability.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Their Onset, Epidemiology, Causes and Treatment
Authors: Zaib Sumera , Javed Hira , Khan Imtiaz , Jaber Fadi , Sohail Ali , Zaib Zainab , Mehboob Tooba , Tabassam Naila , Ogaly Hanan A.
Published: May 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of diseases with several neuropathological symptoms. Degenerative nerve diseases can be serious or life‐threatening. Because of the rise in the older population in recent years, these age‐dependent diseases are becoming more and more common. The WHO reports that within a few years, neurodegenerative diseases will overtake cancer to become the second leading cause of fatalities with cardiovascular diseases being the first. All neurodegenerative diseases have a common ground in that they are all associated with some sort of gene mutation leading to subsequent protein dysfunction. This review focuses on 6 neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, and prions disease. The study aims to provide a basic understanding of the onset, epidemiology, causes, and role of associated proteins of the neurodegenerative diseases and will also go over any treatments which are currently being employed for the specific diseases. This presented data will allow to establish a slight comparison between the mentioned diseases and highlight any similarities and dissimilarities they may possess, thus providing the scientific community with basic knowledge on these diseases to help future research.
Defect‐Mediated Synergistic Effect of POM/UiO‐66(Zr) Host–Guest Catalysts for Robust Deep Desulfurization at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Ye Gan , Zheng Meng , Zhang Qiuli , Zhou Jun , Wu Lei , Wang Jin
Published: May 2023

Stable platforms of host–guest catalysts are indispensable in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, however, clarifying the specific effect of host remains challenging. Herein, polyoxometalate (POM) is encapsulated in three types of UiO‐66(Zr) with different controlled densities of defects by the aperture opening and closing strategy at ambient‐temperature. It is found that catalytic activity of POM for oxidative desulfurization (ODS) at room temperature is turned on when encapsulated in the defective UiO‐66(Zr), and the sulfur oxidation efficiency shows an obvious increasing trend (from 0.34 to 10.43 mmol g−1 h−1) with the increased concentration of defects in UiO‐66(Zr) host. The as‐prepared catalyst with the most defective host displays ultrahigh performance which removed 1000 ppm sulfur with exceptionally diluted oxidant at room‐temperature within 25 min. The turnover frequency can reach 620.0 h−1 at 30 °C, which surpassed all the reported MOFs based ODS catalysts. A substantial guest/host synergistic effect mediated by the defective sites in UiO‐66(Zr) is responsible for the enhancement. Density functional theory calculations reveal that OH/OH2 capped on the open Zr sites of host UiO‐66(Zr) can decompose H2O2 to OOH group and enables the formation of WVI‐peroxo intermediates that determine the ODS activity.
Chelate‐Capped Nano‐AgZn3 Dual Interphase Remodeling the Local Environment for Reversible Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anode
Authors: Luo Yuqing , Hu Jiugang , Cai Shan , Ding Kuixing , Hu Xiaochun , Fu Yanan , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: May 2023

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are among the most promising candidates for next‐generation energy‐storage devices. However, the large voltage polarisation and infamous dendrite growth hinder the practical application of AZIBs owing to their complex interfacial electrochemical environment. In this study, a hydrophobic zinc chelate‐capped nano‐silver (HZC‐Ag) dual interphase is fabricated on the zinc anode surface using an emulsion‐replacement strategy. The multifunctional HZC‐Ag layer remodels the local electrochemical environment by facilitating the pre‐enrichment and de‐solvation of zinc ions and inducing homogeneous zinc nucleation, thus resulting in reversible dendrite‐free zinc anodes. The zinc deposition mechanism on the HZC‐Ag interphase is elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, dual‐field simulations, and in situ synchrotron X‐ray radiation imaging. The HZC‐Ag@Zn anode exhibited superior dendrite‐free zinc stripping/plating performance and an excellent lifespan of >2000 h with ultra‐low polarisation of ≈17 mV at 0.5 mA cm−2. Full cells coupled with a MnO2 cathode showed significant self‐discharge inhibition, excellent rate performance, and improved cycling stability for >1000 cycles. Therefore, this multifunctional dual interphase may contribute to the design and development of dendrite‐free anodes for high‐performance aqueous metal‐based batteries.
Towards effective feature selection in estimating software effort using machine learning
Authors: Jadhav Akshay , Kumar Shandilya Shishir
Published: May 2023

Software effort estimation is a vital process in the software industry for successfully administering 5Ds of the software development life cycle (SDLC). The 5Ds stand for demand, development, direction, deployment, and designated cost of the software. Software development effort estimation (SDEE) is an effort prediction mechanism to calculate the effort for the development of the software product in order to minimize the challenges in the software field. Academics and practitioners are striving to identify which machine learning estimation technique yields more accurate results based on evaluation metrics, datasets, and other pertinent aspects. The feature selection techniques impact accuracy by selecting the main and relevant features in the dataset and eliminating the redundant and irrelevant features in the dataset. To achieve accurate estimations, the paper utilizes feature selection algorithms, along with various machine learning techniques, which predict the desired effort and the performance of the model has been measured in terms of prediction accuracy,
value, relative error, and mean absolute error. The datasets China and Maxwell are trained with the relevant features by applying feature selection algorithms, and estimation techniques are applied to predict the effort. The performance is compared with the regression models and feature selection techniques utilized by many authors previously. The result of the proposed methodology significantly gives the best performance with the combination of feature selection and estimation models than all regression models when applied alone, to both datasets. From the results, it is perceptible that random forest is performing well with the feature selection techniques and obtains the highest prediction accuracy of 99.33% with the China and 89.47% with the Maxwell datasets.
Mitigating Coffee Ring Effects for Efficient Upscaling of Flexible Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Tian Chenyang , Zhang Jianqi , Shen Yifan , Zhang Hao , Zhang Ziqi , Qiu Dingding , Zhang Lili , Wei Zhixiang
Published: May 2023

As a roll‐to‐roll compatible technology, slot‐die coating has shown great potential for manufacturing industrial‐level organic solar cells (OSCs). However, in the slot‐die coatings process, coffee rings are often formed due to the slow film‐forming kinetics, leading to a significant loss of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in upscaling device area. Herein, the coffee rings are suppressed by introducing an airflow‐assisted slot‐die technique to obtain a suitable active layer morphology with improved flatness and homogeneity. Synergistically, optimization of airflow and substrate temperature conditions, the PCE of 1 cm2 flexible OSC devices reaches 13.69%. Moreover, large‐area flexible OSC modules with 30 cm2 achieve a PCE of 13.08%, maintaining 95% of 1 cm2 device, which is the minimum PCE loss from 1 cm2 to large‐area devices. Morphology characterization shows that airflow can suppress excessive molecular aggregation and obtain suitable phase separation. Therefore, this work provides an efficient method to fabricate high‐efficiency flexible large‐area OSC modules, which will promote OSC devices from lab to fab.
DNA Nanomaterials for Delivery of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas Systems
Authors: Lv Zhaoyue , Li Zhemian , Li Peiran , Yao Chi , Yang Dayong
Published: May 2023

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) system has been exploited as an efficient gene editing tool with precise site specificity and high efficiency; the delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system is critical for the efficacy of therapeutics and remains challenging. DNA nanomaterials are widely utilized as promising delivery carriers for gene agents because of their excellent molecular recognition capabilities, sequence programmability, and biocompatibility. Herein, recent advances in DNA nanomaterials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas systems are summarized. Based on their construction strategy, DNA nanomaterial‐based carriers are categorized as branched DNA‐based nanostructures or rolling circle amplification (RCA)‐based DNA nanostructures. Representative studies on the design of DNA nanomaterials as CRISPR/Cas system delivery carriers are highlighted. The current challenges and opportunities for the development of DNA nanomaterials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas systems are also discussed. It is envisioned that with the development of DNA nanotechnology, DNA nanomaterials will open up new possibilities for CRISPR/Cas‐based therapeutics.
Molecular and morphological delimitation of species in Strombomonas (Euglenaceae) including a protocol for DNA isolation utilising a chelating resin
Authors: Fells Alicja , Jiang Xiaodie , Jankowska Katarzyna , Łukomska‐Kowalczyk Maja , Milanowski Rafał , Wang Quanxi , Zakryś Bożena
Published: May 2023

Although Strombomonas verrucosa has been the type of the genus name for almost 100 years, its lack of clear diagnostic traits has rendered morphological distinction from its congeners almost impossible. As such, a study was conducted combining previously unused morphological data (chloroplast characters) with molecular data (sequences of nuclear SSU, LSU and plastid‐encoded SSU rDNA) and extensive literature review. The study focused on environmental samples obtained from Poland and China and resulted in 51 new sequences representing three molecular markers (17 nSSU, 16 nLSU and 18 cpSSU rDNA). Revised delimitations of the genus Strombomonas and its type S. verrucosa are presented that include new and detailed diagnostic characters. In addition to the type, we recognize nine species: S. acuminata, S. borystheniensis, S. eurystoma, S. fluviatilis, S. gibberosa, S. maxima, S. ovalis, S. schauinslandii, S. triquetra. Three of these are incorporated into a phylogeny for the first time (S. fluviatilis, S. gibberosa, S. schauinslandii). To improve the efficiency of DNA isolation from loricate cells, a protocol utilising a chelating resin for DNA isolation – following the lead of diatomologists – has been adjusted for Euglenaceae and is also presented.
Recent Advances On Direct Formylation Reactions
Authors: Kherudkar Aditya , Bhattacharjee Angana , Nawkhare Akash , Mukherjee Soumi , Pramanick Sukhendu , Laha Joydev K.
Published: May 2023

Aldehydes serve as the key functional group in organic synthesis and are valuable intermediates. The various advanced methods of direct formylation reactions have been reviewed in this article. Overcoming the drawbacks of the traditional methods of formylation, newer methods involving homo and heterogenous catalysts, one pot reactions, solvent free techniques are elaborated, which can be performed under mild conditions and using inexpensive resources.
Progress and treatment of “long COVID” in non‐hospitalized patients: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ono Rie , Arita Ryutaro , Takayama Shin , Kanno Takeshi , Kikuchi Akiko , Suzuki Satoko , Ohsawa Minoru , Saito Natsumi , Abe Michiaki , Onodera Koh , Akaishi Tetsuya , Tadano Yasunori , Ishii Tadashi
Published: May 2023

Background

“Long COVID” or “post‐COVID conditions” describes prolonged symptoms after the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, there is a paucity of published reports on its treatment.

Method

This retrospective cohort study included adult, non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 symptoms at least one month after the onset who had been examined at the isolation facility in Miyagi prefecture between October 2020 and September 2021.

Results

In total, 70 patients with a median age of 46 (21–69) years were included, and 37 were women (52.9%). The median time from onset to the end of treatment was 46 (28–396) days. Thirty‐eight patients (53.5%) showed improvement in all symptoms, while four (5.7%) did not recover within the study period. The symptoms at six months with high residual rates were dizziness (33.3%), fatigue (14.3%), myalgia (14.3%), abdominal discomfort (14.3%), and taste dysfunction (11.8%). For treatment of prolonged symptoms, formulae of Kampo medicine (Japanese traditional medicine) were used alone or in combination with Western medications in 76%, 66%, 53%, and 66% of patients at 1–2 months, 2–3 months, 3–6 months, and over 6 months respectively. Kampo formulae with anti‐inflammatory effects were used in the early period; however, tonifying formulae and blood stasis‐resolving formulae were used in the late period.

Conclusion

Non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 may suffer from persistent symptoms after the acute phase of infection. For the management of long COVID, a comprehensive and holistic approach is needed. Kampo medicine should be considered as a treatment option for long COVID.
Bootstrapping closed string field theory
Authors: Fırat Atakan Hilmi
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The determination of the string vertices of closed string field theory is shown to be a conformal field theory problem solvable by combining insights from Liouville theory, hyperbolic geometry, and conformal bootstrap. We first demonstrate how Strebel differentials arise from hyperbolic string vertices by performing a WKB approximation to the associated Fuchsian equation, which we subsequently use it to derive a Polyakov-like conjecture for Strebel differentials. This result implies that the string vertices are generated by the interactions of n zero momentum tachyons, or equivalently, a certain limit of suitably regularized on-shell Liouville action. We argue that the latter can be related to the interaction of three zero momentum tachyons on a generalized cubic vertex through classical conformal blocks. We test this claim for the quartic vertex and discuss its generalization to higher-string interactions.
The Zeta Function of a Recurrence Sequence of Arbitrary Degree
Authors: Serrano Holgado Álvaro , Navas Vicente Luis Manuel
Published: May 2023

We consider a Dirichlet series$$\sum _{n=1}^{\infty } a_{n}^{-s}$$∑n=1∞an-swhere$$a_{n}$$ansatisfies a linear recurrence of arbitrary degree with integer coefficients. Under suitable hypotheses, we prove that it has a meromorphic continuation to the complex plane, giving explicit formulas for its pole set and residues, as well as for its finite values at negative integers, which are shown to be rational numbers. To illustrate the results, we focus on some concrete examples which have also been studied previously by other authors.
Generation of nanobodies acting as silent and positive allosteric modulators of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Li Qimeng , Nemecz Ákos , Aymé Gabriel , Dejean de la Bâtie Gabrielle , Prevost Marie S. , Pons Stéphanie , Barilone Nathalie , Baachaoui Rayen , Maskos Uwe , Lafaye Pierre , Corringer Pierre-Jean
Published: May 2023

The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), a potential drug target for treating cognitive disorders, mediates communication between neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Although many competitive antagonists, agonists, and partial-agonists have been found and synthesized, they have not led to effective therapeutic treatments. In this context, small molecules acting as positive allosteric modulators binding outside the orthosteric, acetylcholine, site have attracted considerable interest. Two single-domain antibody fragments, C4 and E3, against the extracellular domain of the human α7-nAChR were generated through alpaca immunization with cells expressing a human α7-nAChR/mouse 5-HT3A chimera, and are herein described. They bind to the α7-nAChR but not to the other major nAChR subtypes, α4β2 and α3β4. E3 acts as a slowly associating positive allosteric modulator, strongly potentiating the acetylcholine-elicited currents, while not precluding the desensitization of the receptor. An E3–E3 bivalent construct shows similar potentiating properties but displays very slow dissociation kinetics conferring quasi-irreversible properties. Whereas, C4 does not alter the receptor function, but fully inhibits the E3-evoked potentiation, showing it is a silent allosteric modulator competing with E3 binding. Both nanobodies do not compete with α-bungarotoxin, localizing at an allosteric extracellular binding site away from the orthosteric site. The functional differences of each nanobody, as well as the alteration of functional properties through nanobody modifications indicate the importance of this extracellular site. The nanobodies will be useful for pharmacological and structural investigations; moreover, they, along with the extracellular site, have a direct potential for clinical applications.
New Conditions on Maximal Invariant Subgroups That Imply Solubility
Authors: Beltrán Antonio , Shao Changguo
Published: May 2023

Let G be a finite group and assume that a finite group of automorphisms A acts on G, such that the orders of A and G are relatively prime. We prove that the fact of imposing certain conditions on the set of maximal A-invariant subgroups of G, relating to nilpotency, p-nilpotency, normality or having p’-order, determines properties on the structure of G such as solubility, p-solubility or p-nilpotency.
Nesting biology and social organisation of a silk wasp (Microstigmus rosae) from the North–West Ecuadorian Choco
Authors: Bonifacii R. L. , Field J.
Published: May 2023

Microstigmus Ducke (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Crabronidae, Pemphredoninae) is an intriguing genus of wasp, particularly interesting for the study of social evolution as it contains the only species of apoid wasps known to exhibit eusocial behaviours. Thus far, data concerning the genetics and biology of sociality in Microstigmus are restricted to just two species. Through behavioural observations and genetic analyses, we here present a detailed report on the nesting biology and social organisation of a third species, Microstigmus rosae. Our results indicate that M. rosae nests are founded by a single female and social groups appear when emerging female offspring remain on the natal nests as helpers. Adult females mass provision their offspring and developmental data are consistent with sequential brood production, an average egg laying interval of 10 days and a brood developmental period of more than 35 days. Social group formation is atypical, with 20% of nests containing up to a maximum of four adult females and two males. Adult group size is positively correlated with the number of brood in a nest, but negatively correlated with per capita brood. The sex investment ratio was female biased. Our findings support several theories concerning the behavioural characteristics thought to be important for transitions towards sociality, namely: high genetic relatedness generated by monogamous matrifilial associations, hygienic behaviour and the potential for direct reproduction. In contrast, one hypothesised trait, progressive provisioning, is notably absent, highlighting the need for investigations into the significance of post-provisioning parental care for offspring survival in this genus.
Zero-Knowledge Arguments for Lattice-Based Accumulators: Logarithmic-Size Ring Signatures and Group Signatures Without Trapdoors
Authors: Libert Benoît , Ling San , Nguyen Khoa , Wang Huaxiong
Published: May 2023

An accumulator is a function that hashes a set of inputs into a short, constant-size string while preserving the ability to efficiently prove the inclusion of a specific input element in the hashed set. It has proved useful in the design of numerous privacy-enhancing protocols, in order to handle revocation or simply prove set membership. In the lattice setting, currently known instantiations of the primitive are based on Merkle trees, which do not interact well with zero-knowledge proofs. In order to efficiently prove the membership of some element in a zero-knowledge manner, the prover has to demonstrate knowledge of a hash chain without revealing it, which is not known to be efficiently possible under well-studied hardness assumptions. In this paper, we provide an efficient method of proving such statements using involved extensions of Stern’s protocol. Under the Small Integer Solution assumption, we provide zero-knowledge arguments showing possession of a hash chain. As an application, we describe new lattice-based group and ring signatures in the random oracle model. In particular, we obtain: (i) the first lattice-based ring signatures with logarithmic size in the cardinality of the ring and (ii) the first lattice-based group signature that does not require any GPV trapdoor and thus allows for a much more efficient choice of parameters.
Changes in the rate of preterm infants during the COVID-19 pandemic Lockdown Period—data from a large tertiary German University Center
Authors: Delius Maria , Kolben Thomas , Nußbaum Claudia , Bogner-Flatz Viktoria , Delius Antonia , Hahn Laura , Buechel Johanna , Hasbargen Uwe , Flemmer Andreas W. , Mahner Sven , Hertlein Linda
Published: May 2023

Purpose

After living with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 2 years, the impact of lockdown measures on preterm birth rates is inconsistent according to data from different countries. In this study, rates of preterm-born infants during the time of COVID-19-related lockdowns were analyzed in a tertiary perinatal center at Munich University, Germany.

Methods

We analyzed the number of preterm births, infants, and stillbirths before 37 weeks of gestation during the German COVID-19 lockdown period compared to the same time periods in the years 2018 and 2019 combined. Additionally, we expanded the analysis to Pre- and Post-Lockdown Periods in 2020 compared to the respective control periods in the years 2018 and 2019.

Results

Our database shows a reduction in the rate of preterm infants during the COVID-19 lockdown period (18.6%) compared to the combined control periods in 2018 and 2019 (23.2%, p = 0.027). This was mainly based on a reduced rate of preterm multiples during the lockdown period (12.8% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.003) followed by a reversed effect showing a threefold rise in multiple births after the lockdown. In singletons, the rate of preterm births was not reduced during the lockdown. The rate of stillbirths was not affected by the lockdown measures as compared to the control period (0.9% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.750).

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period, we found a reduced rate of preterm-born infants compared to a combined control period in the years 2018 and 2019 in our large tertiary University Center in Germany. Due to the predominant reduction in preterm multiples, we postulate that less physical activity might have led to the protective effect by lockdown measures.
Unbounded Regions of High-Order Voronoi Diagrams of Lines and Line Segments in Higher Dimensions
Authors: Barequet Gill , Papadopoulou Evanthia , Suderland Martin
Published: May 2023

We study the behavior at infinity of the farthest and the higher-order Voronoi diagram of n line segments or lines in a d-dimensional Euclidean space. The unbounded parts of these diagrams can be encoded by a Gaussian map on the sphere of directions $$\mathbb {S}^{d-1}$$

S

d
-
1

. We show that the combinatorial complexity of the Gaussian map for the order-k Voronoi diagram of n line segments and lines is $$O(\min \{k,n-k\}n^{d-1})$$

O
(
min

{
k
,
n
-
k
}

n

d
-
1

)

, which is tight for $$n-k=O(1)$$

n
-
k
=
O
(
1
)

. This exactly reflects the combinatorial complexity of the unbounded features of these diagrams. All the d-dimensional cells of the farthest Voronoi diagram are unbounded, its $$(d-1)$$

(
d
-
1
)

-skeleton is connected, and it does not have tunnels. A d-cell of the Voronoi diagram is called a tunnel if the set of its unbounded directions, represented as points on its Gaussian map, is not connected. In a three-dimensional space, the farthest Voronoi diagram of  $$n \ge 2$$

n
≥
2

lines in general position has exactly $$n(n-1)$$

n
(
n
-
1
)

three-dimensional cells. The Gaussian map of the farthest Voronoi diagram of line segments and lines can be constructed in $$O(n^{d-1} \alpha (n))$$

O
(

n

d
-
1

α

(
n
)

)

time, for $$d\ge 4$$

d
≥
4

, while if $$d=3$$

d
=
3

, the time drops to worst-case optimal $$\Theta (n^2)$$

Θ
(

n
2

)

. We extend the obtained results to bounded polyhedra and clusters of points as sites.
Survival and cause-specific mortality in adult females of a northern migratory ungulate
Authors: Pöllänen Antti T. , Pakanen Veli-Matti , Paasivaara Antti
Published: May 2023

Survival of ungulates can vary seasonally due to changing environmental conditions, e.g. weather or predation pressure. The wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus, “WFR”) migrate between calving and wintering grounds. The annual cycle of female WFR includes four main seasons (wintering, calving, rutting and autumn migration) during which they are subject to different conditions, but almost nothing is known about their survival or mortality patterns. We measured survival in 305 GPS-tagged female WFR in two subpopulations in Finland (2010–2022). Data were analysed for inter-annual and seasonal patterns in survival and cause-specific mortality (predation, traffic, accidents and unknown causes) with known-fate models. Inter-annual survival in Suomenselkä (mean 0.90) showed an increasing trend during the study and was higher than in Kainuu (mean 0.84) which showed a declining trend. Seasonal variation in survival was population dependent. Survival was lowest in Kainuu during the winter while in Suomenselkä, it was lowest during autumn migration. Concerning cause-specific mortality, seasonal variation mirrored variation in predation that was the primary cause of mortality (55% of cases). Wolves (Canis lupus) killed the majority of predated individuals (58%). Predation rates were two times higher in Kainuu where the wolf density was higher. We provide the first adult survival estimates for WFR and show that the seasonal variation in survival is clearly different between these two northern ungulate populations. This indicates that seasonal variation in survival is determined by site-dependent factors and cannot be generalised across populations.
A review of MRI (CT)/US fusion imaging in treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Sakakibara Junta , Nagashima Takeshi , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Takada Mamoru , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: May 2023

The ultrasound fusion imaging system is a diagnostic device developed in Japan that utilizes ultrasound and magnetic positioning/navigation. A position sensor with a probe reads spatial location information from a magnetic field generator and by synchronously displaying ultrasound images and magnetic resonance (MR)/computed tomography (CT) images in real time. Lesions that are difficult to observe via ultrasonography alone, such as non-mass enhancement, can be identified. Furthermore, lesions that are difficult to identify with ultrasound alone indicated for MRI-guided biopsy under the National Health Insurance Scheme can be identified using ultrasound fusion technology, thereby enabling tissue biopsy to be performed under ultrasound guidance. Using this ultrasound fusion technology, not only non-mass enhancement but also small lesions that are difficult to identify using ultrasound alone can be detected, thus ensuring that a more accurate preoperative imaging diagnosis is established, and leading to safer, more reassuring examinations and surgical procedures. In this paper, we outline the use of this ultrasound fusion technology and fusion techniques in the treatment of breast cancer.
Seismic performance and SSI effects of a two-storey RC school building during the 2014 Cephalonia, Greece, earthquake sequence
Authors: Giarlelis Christos , Repapis Constantinos , Lamprinou Evlalia , Mylonakis George , Manolis George , Sextos Anastasios
Published: May 2023

The response of a two-storey RC school building in the town of Argostoli, Cephalonia Island, Greece, during the seismic sequence of January and February 2014, is examined. The structure was built following an older generation of seismic codes dating from the 1950s, which provide limited strength and ductility against lateral loads. Despite the severity of ground shaking and the two successive events, the building suffered relatively minor damage, like most of the RC buildings in the town. Following a short presentation of some basic seismological, structural and geotechnical aspects of the seismic sequence, the paper focuses on the seismic performance of the structure at hand. To this end, a series of detailed non-linear static and time-history dynamic analyses are reported, which highlight the interplay of soil, foundation and superstructure in modifying the seismic demand. It is demonstrated that SSI had an unexpectedly important (detrimental) role in the behaviour of the structure, increasing its natural period by about 25% and aggravating ductility demand in almost all columns, despite the moderately soft soil conditions (average VS = 180 m/s). The results shed light on the seismic performance of the building and help drawing conclusions on the engineering effects of the 2014 Cephalonia earthquake sequence.