bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Sensitivity and Low‐Hysteresis GONH2/Mesoporous SiO2 Nanosphere‐Fabric‐Based Humidity Sensor for Respiratory Monitoring and Noncontact Sensing
Authors: Zhu Junrong , Zhang Ningyi , Yin Yunjie , Xu Bo , Zhang Wan , Wang Chaoxia
Published: December 2021

Flexible humidity sensor, a promising device for monitoring humidity, is widely used for patients’ respiratory analysis due to its portability and cost‐effectiveness. However, through intrinsic rigid nature of traditional flexible substrate such as polymer and paper, the fiber‐based device exhibits great application potential in wearable platform. In this work, a fabric humidity sensor based on diamine‐decorated graphene oxide/mesoporous silica nanospheres (GONH2/mSiO2) is designed via screen printing. The decoration of diamine is introduced to improve the hydrophilic properties of GO, and the mesoporous structure of mSiO2 is employed to adjust the adsorption and desorption of water molecules. As a result, the fabric humidity sensor exhibits fast response (≈12.6 s), high sensitivity (14.8 MΩ/% relative humidity (RH)), and low hysteresis (2.71% RH) at the humidity interval from 23% to 97% RH. Owing to the GONH2/mSiO2 composite materials screen‐printed on the medical mask, the fabric humidity sensor can delicately detect respiratory rates, mouth and nose breathing, as well as coughing. Moreover, the GONH2/mSiO2 humidity sensor is applied for noncontact sensation (such as the detection of fingertip approaching). These properties allow the sensor to serve as excellent wearable electronics for real‐time and successive human health detecting.
High Temperature Mid‐IR Polarizer via Natural In‐Plane Hyperbolic Van der Waals Crystals
Authors: Sahoo Nihar Ranjan , Dixit Saurabh , Singh Anuj Kumar , Nam Sang Hoon , Fang Nicholas X. , Kumar Anshuman
Published: December 2021

Integration of conventional mid to long‐wavelength infrared (IR) polarizers with chip‐scale platforms is restricted by their bulky size and complex fabrication. Van der Waals materials based polarizer can address these challenges due to its nonlithographic fabrication, ease of integration with chip‐scale platforms, and room temperature operation. In the present work, mid‐IR optical response of the sub‐wavelength thin films of α‐phase molybdenum trioxide (α‐MoO3 ) is investigated for application toward high temperature mid‐IR transmission and reflection type thin film polarizer. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of above room temperature mid‐IR optical response of α‐MoO3 to determine the thermal stability of the proposed device. It is found that the α‐MoO3 based polarizer retains high extinction ratio with peak value exceeding 10 dB, up to a temperature of 140 °C. The experimental findings are explained by natural in‐plane hyperbolic anisotropy of α‐MoO3 in the mid‐IR, high temperature X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic measurements. This work opens up new avenues for naturally in‐plane hyperbolic van der Waals thin‐films to realize sub‐wavelength IR optical components without lithographic constraints.
Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis genotype classification and fluorescence visual identification
Authors: Yin Hongxiang , Zhang Kaiyuan , Ren Zixuan , Zhao Jiawen , Gao Chi , Chen Rong
Published: December 2021

Paris polyphylla Smith. var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.‐Mazz (PPY) is the legal species of Rhizoma Paridis recorded in the Chinese pharmacopeia. Therefore, accurate and convenient identification of PPY and its adulterants is key to the quality control of Rhizoma Paridis. In this research, according to single nucleotide polymorphism of internal transcribed spacer, two genotypes (YN‐I and YN‐II) of PPY are in existence. To avoid false‐negative results from the omission of the genotype during authenticity identification of PPY, two pairs of specific primers for YN‐I and YN‐II were designed, respectively. Furthermore, with the fluorescent dye SYBR Green I introduced into the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system, the identification results were directly observed in virtue of the green fluorescent color of the PCR products. After methodological validation based on 25 batches of commercial medicinal material, a rapid and specific visual fluorescent identification method for two genotypes of PPY from its adulterants was established. This research also provided a model for accurate and intuitive identification of traditional Chinese medicine from multiple species of the same genus.
A mutation in the neonatal isoform of SCN2A causes neonatal‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Penkl Anja , Reunert Janine , Debus Otfried M. , Homann Anna , Och Ulrike , Rust Stephan , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: December 2021

SCN2A (sodium channel 2A) encodes the Nav1.2 channel protein in excitatory neurons in the brain. Nav1.2 is a critical voltage‐gated sodium channel of the central nervous system. Mutations in SCN2A are responsible for a broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from autism and developmental delay to severe encephalopathy with neonatal or early infantile onset. SCN2A can be spliced into two different isoforms, a neonatal (6N) and an adult (6A) form. After birth, there is an equal or higher amount of the 6N isoform, protecting the brain from the increased neuronal excitability of the infantile brain. During postnatal development, 6N is gradually replaced by 6A. In an infant carrying the novel SCN2A mutation c.643G > A (p.Ala215Thr) only in the neonatal transcript, seizures started immediately after birth. The clinical presentation evolved from a burst‐suppression pattern with 30–50 tonic seizures per day to hypsarrhythmia. The first exome analysis, focusing only on common transcripts, missed the diagnosis and delayed early therapy. A reevaluation including all transcripts revealed the SCN2A variant.
Comparison of endoscopic sinus surgery timing in lung transplant patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Johnson Joseph R. , Hwang Peter H. , Nayak Jayakar V. , Patel Zara M.
Published: December 2021

Background

No studies have investigated when endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is best performed in lung transplant patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We sought to examine the effects of ESS timing on pulmonary health in this population.

Methods

A retrospective review of all adult lung transplant patients with CF who underwent ESS at our academic medical center over a near 25‐year period was performed. Patients were split into two groups based on median time from lung transplantation to ESS. Twenty‐three patients were included (12 ESS early and 11 ESS delayed). Outcomes included changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) from baseline, preoperative to postoperative measurements, the number and duration of hospitalizations for pulmonary exacerbations, and the number of antibiotic courses used specifically to treat pulmonary exacerbations during the 12 months before and after ESS.

Results

Baseline demographics, operative history, and pulmonary function characteristics were similar between groups. While the ESS early group saw significant improvement from preoperative percent‐predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) at 12 months postoperatively (confidence interval [CI]: 0.729–11.452, p = 0.030), there were no significant postoperative PFT changes for the ESS delayed group. Postoperative improvement in FEV1 and ppFEV1 at 12 months was significantly higher for the ESS early group relative to the ESS delayed group (CI: 0.010–0.583, p = 0.043; CI: 1.240–16.692, p = 0.025; respectively). The ESS early group had a significant reduction in the need for total antibiotic courses compared with the ESS delayed group (ESS early median: ‐1, interquartile range [IQR]: ‐1.5 to ‐0.5 vs. ESS delayed median: 0, IQR: 0 to 0; p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Earlier ESS interventions following lung transplantation may improve pulmonary function and attenuate pulmonary exacerbations in CF patients.
The Chemistry of Organic Contrast Agents in the NIR‐II Window
Authors: Mu Jing , Xiao Ming , Shi Yu , Geng Xuewen , Li Hui , Yin Yuxin , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: December 2021

Optical imaging, especially fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, is a non‐invasive imaging approach with high spatial and temporal resolution and high sensitivity, compared to positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the merits of imaging using the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window, like deeper penetration depth, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, high resolution, and low tissue damage, researchers have devoted great effort to developing contrast agents with NIR‐II absorption or emission. In this Review, we summarize recently developed organic luminescent and photoacoustic materials, ranging from small molecules to conjugated polymers. Then, we systematically introduce engineering strategies and describe the imaging performance classified by the skeleton cores. Finally, we elucidate the challenges and prospects of these NIR‐II organic dyes for potential clinical applications. We expect our summary can inspire researchers to expand the spectrum of NIR‐II contrast agents for diverse bioapplications.
Dianion and Dication of Tetracyclopentatetraphenylene as Decoupled Annulene‐within‐an‐Annulene Models
Authors: Miyoshi Hirokazu , Sugiura Ryosuke , Kishi Ryohei , Spisak Sarah N. , Wei Zheng , Muranaka Atsuya , Uchiyama Masanobu , Kobayashi Nagao , Chatterjee Shreyam , Ie Yutaka , Hisaki Ichiro , Petrukhina Marina A. , Nishinaga Tohru , Nakano Masayoshi , Tobe Yoshito
Published: December 2021

The dianion and dication of tetramesityl‐substituted tetracyclopentatetraphenylene, a circulene consisting of alternating five‐ and six‐membered rings, have been generated by reduction with alkali metals and oxidation with antimony(V) halides, respectively. They are theoretically predicted to adopt double annulenoid structures called annulene‐within‐an‐annulene models in which the outer and inner conjugation circuits are significantly decoupled. The theoretical structures were experimentally proven by X‐ray crystallographic analyses and the electronic configurations were supported by MCD spectra. Based on the 13C NMR chemical shifts, negative and positive charges are shown to be located mainly at the outer periphery, indicating that the dianion and dication have delocalized 22‐π and 18‐π electron outer perimeters, respectively, and 8‐π electron structure at the inner ring. Notably, the dianion has an open‐shell character, whereas the dication has a closed‐shell ground state.
Site‐Specific Reduction‐Induced Hydrogenation of a Helical Bilayer Nanographene with K and Rb Metals: Electron Multiaddition and Selective Rb+ Complexation
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Fernández‐García Jesús M. , Zhu Yikun , Evans Paul J. , Rodríguez Rafael , Crassous Jeanne , Wei Zheng , Fernández Israel , Petrukhina Marina A. , Martín Nazario
Published: December 2021

The chemical reduction of π‐conjugated bilayer nanographene 1 (C138H120) with K and Rb in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 affords [K+(18‐crown‐6)(THF)2][{K+(18‐crown‐6)}2(THF)0.5][C138H1223−] (2) and [Rb+(18‐crown‐6)2][{Rb+(18‐crown‐6)}2(C138H1223−)] (3). Whereas K+ cations are fully solvent‐separated from the trianionic core thus affording a “naked” 1.3− anion, Rb+ cations are coordinated to the negatively charged layers of 1.3−. According to DFT calculations, the localization of the first two electrons in the helicene moiety leads to an unprecedented site‐specific hydrogenation process at the carbon atoms located on the edge of the helicene backbone. This uncommon reduction‐induced site‐specific hydrogenation provokes dramatic changes in the (electronic) structure of 1 as the helicene backbone becomes more compressed and twisted upon chemical reduction, which results in a clear slippage of the bilayers.
Methodology for the observation of radio sources using Ku‐band compact radio telescopes
Authors: Galeano David , Quintero Edwin A. , Salazar Miguel A.
Published: December 2021

Given the rise of satellite television, radio telescopes in the Ku‐band (12–18 GHz) constitute a potential alternative to introduce low‐scale astronomical observatories and amateur astronomers to radio astronomy. In this paper, we show a methodology for the calibration of Ku‐band radio telescopes and the evaluation of the techniques used for the observation of celestial bodies in this frequency range. To reduce the pointing error, we present a method of observation through matrix windows around the Sun. By observing the solar transits, our methodology allows to determine the system temperature, the beamwidth, the gain, the effective area, and the efficiency of the radio telescope. In addition, we developed the Compact Radio Telescope (CRT) software, designed to perform the calibration, and carry out observations. We tested our methodology with the Ku‐band radio telescope of the Observatorio Astronómico of the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (OAUTP), Colombia. After observing the Sun and the Moon, we obtained a brightness temperature of 8,600 ± 800 K and 240 ± 50 K, and radiation fluxes of 2,970,000 ± 690,000 Jy and 55,000 ± 10,000 Jy, respectively. These observations demonstrated the usefulness of our methodology and CRT software in the calibration of compact Ku‐band radio telescopes for the observation of celestial bodies in radio waves.
Unmasking the history of 3C 293 with LOFAR sub‐arcsecond imaging
Authors: Kukreti Pranav , Morganti Raffaella , Shimwell Timothy W. , Morabito Leah K. , Beswick Robert J. , Brienza Marisa , Hardcastle Martin J. , Sweijen Frits , Jackson Neal , Miley George K. , Moldon Javier , Oosterloo Tom , Gasperin Francesco de
Published: December 2021

Active galactic nuclei show episodic activity, which can be evident in galaxies that exhibit restarted radio jets. These restarted jets can interact with their environment, leaving signatures in the radio spectral energy distribution. Tracing these signatures requires resolved spectral index measurements over a broad frequency range. We present such a study for the radio galaxy 3C 293. Using the International Low Frequency Array Telescope (ILT), we probe spatial scales as fine as ∼0.2″ at 144 MHz and to constrain the spectrum, we combine these data with Multi‐Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network and Very Large Array archival data at frequencies up to 8.4 GHz. In the inner lobes (∼2 kpc), we detect the presence of a compact steep spectrum (CSS) source with a spectral turnover at ∼225 MHz, caused by free‐free absorption from the rich surrounding medium. We find evidence of interaction of the lobes with the rich interstellar medium of the host galaxy. The outer lobes (extending up to ∼100 kpc) have a remarkably uniform spatial distribution of spectral index and only mild spectral curvature (of ∼0.2). Overall, it appears that 3C 293 has gone through multiple (two to three) epochs of activity. This study adds 3C 293 to the new sub‐group of restarted galaxies with short interruption time periods (≲1 Myr). This is the first time a spatially resolved study has been performed that simultaneously studies a young CSS source as well as the older outer lobes at such low frequencies.
Energetische Kennzahlen von Theaterbauten im Bestand – Klassifizierung des Energieverbrauchs und Potenzial energetischer Sanierungen
Authors: Paulukat Carolin , Pape Eva‐Maria
Published: December 2021

Im Zuge der Klimaziele der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ist der Energieverbrauch von Gebäuden stark in den Fokus gerückt. Der Energieverbrauch sowie die energetischen Einsparpotenziale von Gebäuden differieren in Abhängigkeit von der Gebäudetypologie. Verlässliche Aussagen diesbezüglich können nur durch die sukzessive Analyse der einzelnen Gebäudetypologien getroffen werden. Die komplexe Gebäudetypologie der Theaterspielstätten war bisher noch nicht Gegenstand der Forschung, sodass keine energetischen Kennwerte für den Gebäudebestand vorlagen. Mittels einer Querschnittserhebung wurde in Deutschland durch die Technische Hochschule Köln eine entsprechende Datenbasis geschaffen. Hierbei wurde festgestellt, dass der durchschnittliche Stromverbrauch des Gebäudebestands von Theaterspielstätten bei 60,5 kWh/(m2a) liegt. Der spezifische Verbrauch für Heizung und Warmwasser fällt mit 104,6 kWh/(m2a) höher aus. Die Gegenüberstellung mit normativen Referenzwerten hat gezeigt, dass der durchschnittliche Stromverbrauchskennwert der Stichproben diese um ein Vielfaches übersteigt, während der Verbrauchskennwert für Heizung und Warmwasser leicht darunter liegt. Einzelne Faktoren, die das Energieverbrauchsniveau maßgeblich beeinflussen, konnten auf Basis der Stichproben nicht eindeutig identifiziert werden.
Quantitative Standards of 4‐O‐Acetyl‐ and 9‐O‐Acetyl‐N‐Acetylneuraminic Acid for the Analysis of Plasma and Serum
Authors: Cheeseman Jack , Badia Concepcion , Thomson Rebecca I. , Kuhnle Gunter , Gardner Richard A. , Spencer Daniel I. R. , Osborn Helen M. I.
Published: December 2021

N‐Acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid, Neu5Ac) is one of a large, diverse family of nine‐carbon monosaccharides that play roles in many biological functions such as immune response. Neu5Ac has previously been identified as a potential biomarker for the presence and pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and cancer. More recent research has highlighted acetylated sialic acid derivatives, specifically Neu5,9Ac2, as biomarkers for oral and breast cancers, but advances in analysis have been hampered due to a lack of commercially available quantitative standards. We report here the synthesis of 9‐O‐ and 4‐O‐acetylated sialic acids (Neu5,9Ac2 and Neu4,5Ac2) with optimisation of previously reported synthetic routes. Neu5,9Ac2 was synthesised in 1 step in 68 % yield. Neu4,5Ac2 was synthesised in 4 steps in 39 % overall yield. Synthesis was followed by analysis of these standards via quantitative NMR (qNMR) spectroscopy. Their utilisation for the identification and quantification of specific acetylated sialic acid derivatives in biological samples is also demonstrated.
Reactivation of herpes zoster after vaccination with an inactivated vaccine: A case report from Nepal
Authors: Shah Sangam , Baral Bikash , Chamlagain Rajan , Murarka Hritik , Raj Adhikari Yagya , Sharma Paudel Basanta
Published: December 2021

COVID‐19 has been linked to a number of cutaneous symptoms in COVID‐19 patients. Although herpes zoster (HZ) was the first sign of COVID‐19 infection in several patients, cases of HZ after COVID‐19 vaccination are rare. Here, we report a case of 51‐year‐old male patient with herpes zoster after Sinopharm (Vero cell) vaccination.
Predicting mortality from credit reports
Authors: De Giorgi Giacomo , Harding Matthew , Vasconcelos Gabriel F. R.
Published: December 2021

Data on hundreds of variables related to individual consumer finance behavior (such as credit card and loan activity) is routinely collected in many countries and plays an important role in lending decisions. We postulate that the detailed nature of this data may be used to predict outcomes in seemingly unrelated domains such as individual health. We build a series of machine learning models to demonstrate that credit report data can be used to predict individual mortality. Variable groups related to credit cards and various loans, mostly unsecured loans, are shown to carry significant predictive power. Lags of these variables are also significant thus indicating that dynamics also matters. Improved mortality predictions based on consumer finance data can have important economic implications in insurance markets but may also raise privacy concerns.
Novel ideas to further expand the applicability of rhythm analysis
Authors: Burchardt Lara S. , Briefer Elodie F. , Knörnschild Mirjam
Published: December 2021

The temporal structure of animals’ acoustic signals can inform about context, urgency, species, individual identity, or geographical origin. We present three independent ideas to further expand the applicability of rhythm analysis for isochronous, that is, metronome‐like, rhythms. A description of a rhythm or beat needs to include a description of its goodness of fit, meaning how well the rhythm describes a sequence. Existing goodness‐of‐fit values are not comparable between methods and datasets. Furthermore, they are strongly correlated with certain parameters of the described sequence, for example, the number of elements in the sequence. We introduce a new universal goodness‐of‐fit value, ugof, comparable across methods and datasets, which illustrates how well a certain beat frequency in Hz describes the temporal structure of a sequence of elements. We then describe two additional approaches to adapt already existing methods to analyze the rhythm of acoustic sequences of animals. The new additions, a slightly modified way to use the already established Fourier analysis and concrete examples on how to use the visualization with recurrence plots, enable the analysis of more variable data, while giving more details than previously proposed measures. New methods are tested on 6 datasets including the very complex flight songs of male skylarks. The ugof is the first goodness‐of‐fit value capable of giving the information per element, instead of only per sequence. Advantages and possible interpretations of the new approaches are discussed. The new methods enable the analysis of more variable and complex communication signals. They give indications on which levels and structures to analyze and enable to track changes and differences in individuals or populations, for instance, during ontogeny or across regions. Especially, the ugof is not restricted to the analysis of acoustic signals but could for example also be applied on heartbeat measurements. Taken together, the ugof and proposed method additions greatly broaden the scope of rhythm analysis methods.
Current nest box designs may not be optimal for the larger forest dormice: Pre‐hibernation increase in body mass might lead to sampling bias in ecological data
Authors: Farhadi Hesamaddin
Published: December 2021

Biologists commonly use nest boxes to study small arboreal mammals, including the forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula). Hibernating dormouse species often experience pronounced seasonal variations in body mass, which might lead to sampling biases if it is not taken into account when designing nest boxes. In my study of the forest dormouse, I noticed that the entrance hole of nest boxes had been gnawed. I hypothesized that this behavior was exhibited by the individual dormice of higher body mass, who were unable to pass through the entrance holes.

To test my hypothesis, I categorized the individual dormice present inside nest boxes based on their body mass and then compared the seasonal body mass dynamics with the timing of the gnawing behavior. I also compared nest box occupancy by the forest dormouse before and after the gnawing behavior.

Interestingly, I found that the gnawing behavior was displayed exclusively when part of the dormouse population increased considerably in body mass, which supports my hypothesis. Additionally, nest box occupancy decreased significantly from 20% before to 4.6% after the gnawing behavior.

I suggest that researchers include nest boxes with entrance holes larger than 4 cm in future studies of the forest dormouse to prevent the possible exclusion of the conspecifics that have higher body mass before hibernation. This type of sampling bias might also concern studies of other species, such as the fat dormouse, that similarly show pronounced seasonal variations in body mass. I recommend that biologists consider the seasonal body mass dynamics of the target species when designing nest boxes to minimize bias in ecological data and improve management actions.
Modification of the toxic effects of methylmercury and thimerosal by testosterone and estradiol in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line
Authors: Erdemli‐Köse Selinay Başak , Yirün Anıl , Balci‐Özyurt Aylin , Erkekoğlu Pınar
Published: December 2021

Short‐chained alkyl mercury compounds accumulate in particularly in the brain. Exposure to these compounds is associated with various neurotoxic effects. Gender‐based differences are observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, and testosterone and estradiol may alter the toxic effect of the compounds. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of methylmercury and thimerosal on SH‐SY5Y cells in high testosterone/low estradiol and high estradiol/low testosterone containing cellular environment and estimate whether male and female brains react differently to the toxic effects of methylmercury and thimerosal. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as control: growth medium, thimerosal (T): 1.15‐μM thimerosal, methylmercury (M): 2.93‐μM methylmercury, high testosterone/low estradiol + thimerosal (TT): 1‐μM testosterone + 0.75‐μM estradiol + 1.15‐μM thimerosal, high estradiol/low testosterone + thimerosal (ET): 0.1‐μM testosterone + 7.5‐μM estradiol + 1.15‐μM thimerosal, high testosterone/low estradiol + methylmercury (TM): 1‐μM testosterone + 0.75‐μM estradiol + 2.93‐μM methylmercury and high estradiol/low testosterone + methylmercury (EM): 0.1‐μM testosterone + 7.5‐μM estradiol + 2.93‐μM methylmercury. While a significant decrease in glutathione levels was observed in M group, it was not seen in EM group. A significant increase in the protein carbonyl levels was detected in T group. A similar increase was observed in the TM and TT groups in which testosterone was dominant. It was determined that methylmercury, but not thimerosal, caused significant DNA damage and in TT group. The results showed that both thimerosal and methylmercury are toxic on SH‐SY5Y cells and toxic effects of methylmercury are more severe than thimerosal. It has been determined that testosterone and estradiol alter the toxic effects of thimerosal and methylmercury.
Improving rural hospital clinical pharmacy services through workforce innovation with ward‐based pharmacy technicians
Authors: Hwang Euna , Withers Amelia P. , Gordon Lachlan Andrew Neil
Published: December 2021

Australian regional hospitals regularly face significant challenges in the recruitment and retainment of clinical pharmacists. An audit conducted at a regional hospital in Southern New South Wales (NSW) demonstrated that 79% of patients did not receive clinical pharmacy services during their admission. It was recognised that there was an urgent need for innovation within the current workforce. The ward‐based pharmacy technician (WBPT) model was implemented by establishing a 14‐day training program with subsequent assessment by clinical pharmacists. WBPTs undertook activities including assisting clinical pharmacists in compiling medication histories and participating in ward‐specific medication safety audits. An audit of comparison indicators before and after implementation demonstrated significant improvements in all comparative measures. Implementation of WBPTs in this regional hospital has demonstrated improved workflow for the clinical pharmacist, and contributed to patient and medication safety via increased completion rates of medication reconciliation.
Sensory profiling and consumer evaluation of solar dried tomato powder in Ghana
Authors: Owureku‐Asare Mavis , Oduro Ibok , Agyei‐Amponsah Joyce , Saalia Firibu K , Tortoe Charles , Ambrose Rose Prabin Kingsly , Adjei Maame Yaa Blay
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is an important vegetable in Ghana, with high post‐harvest losses due to absence of facilities to store, process and extend the shelf life of fresh tomatoes. Solar drying has been proven to be a more efficient and low‐cost method of enhancing quality and adding value to tomato and other vegetables. However, there are concerns about sensory appeal of the dried products. In this study a natural mixed mode solar dryer was developed to dry pre‐treated fresh Roma tomatoes. The sensory characteristics of the solar dried product was profiled and compared to the sensory properties of similar commercial dried tomato on the market using quantitative descriptive analysis methodology. Consumer testing using qualitative methods provided consumer feedback on the appeal of the solar dried tomatoes.

RESULTS

Results showed that the solar dried tomato powder had a stronger tomato aroma intensity (scoring 127 on a 150 mm intensity scale) than the market products (0.7 on the same 150 mm intensity scale). When reconstituted, the solar dried tomato powder had a coarse appearance and texture, and a strong cooked tomato aroma compared to tomato paste. Consumers indicated that tomato powder was used as a thickener because it was highly viscous and when reconstituted imparted a desirable cooked tomato aroma and flavor.

CONCLUSION

Considering the positions of the tomato products in the sensory space, although tomato powder had its own unique sensory properties, it also exhibited some sensory characteristics found in tomato paste. From this study, high‐quality tomato powder has great potential for commercialization. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Performance and self‐perceived hearing impairment after cochlear implantation in Menière's disease
Authors: Wrobel Christian , Bevis Nicholas F. , Klinge‐Strahl Astrid , Strenzke Nicola , Beutner Dirk
Published: December 2021

Objective

Evaluation of the self‐perceived hearing impairment and performance after cochlear implantation in patients with definite Menière's disease (MD).

Patients and Methods

Seventeen unilaterally or bilaterally profoundly hearing‐impaired patients suffering from MD who received a cochlear implantat (CI) were eligible for inclusion in this study. Their self‐perceived hearing impairment using the short Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) as well as their performance in speech perception (German language Freiburger mono‐ and multisyllable test, Oldenburger sentence test) were compared with a best‐matched control group of non‐MD patients up to 24 months of follow‐up.

Results

MD patients improved significantly in perception of monosyllables presented at 65 dBSPL, from preoperatively best aided 18.2% [2.4, 34.0] to 51.7% [39.4, 63.9] 1 year after cochlear implantation (mean [95% confidence interval]). Their performance approached the matched controls with 63.2% [55.7, 70.8]. Monosyllables presented at a lower intensity of 55 dBSPL revealed a significant underperformance of the MD patients (21.1% [12.6, 29.6]) in contrast to the non‐MD controls (39.1% [30.9, 47.4]) 12 months post‐CI. Self‐assessed hearing disability was significantly more pronounced in MD patients with a mean total SSQ12 score of 3.6 [2.4, 4.9] in comparison to 6.1 [5.4, 6.8] of the matched non‐MD controls after 12 months of cochlear implantation.

Conclusion

Cochlear implantation substantially improves hearing capabilities in profoundly hearing‐impaired patients with MD, but they tend to underperform in comparison to non‐MD patients at least at lower sound pressure levels. This is likely one reason for the poorer self‐assessed hearing function of cochlear implanted MD patients.

Level of Evidence

3, retrospective, nonrandomized follow‐up study.
THE IMPACT PLAYERS OF THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Wiseman Liz , Hancock Lauren
Published: December 2021

The authors explain what separates “impact players” in workplaces from other individuals who, while smart and capable, are less impactful to organizational success. They talked to 170 leaders at Adobe, Google, LinkedIn, NASA, Salesforce, SAP, Splunk, Stanford Health, and Target. A major differentiator is how impact players approach problems and challenges, categorized in their words as: Messy Problems, Unclear Roles, Unforeseen Obstacles, Moving Targets, and Unrelenting Demands. The authors contend that “these challenges don’t typically amount to major crises, but they are all situations fraught with ambiguity and uncertainty, scenarios where people can easily feel out of control.” Impact Players tend to see these situations and take action through an Opportunity Lens, while others use a Threat Lens. The authors identify five practices (identified in depth in the article), which in their words are (1) Do the Job That’s Needed; (2) Step Up, then Step Back; (3) Finish Stronger; (4) Ask and Adjust; (5) Make Work Light. In order to wear opportunity goggles, four techniques are explained: (1) Recognize Ambiguous Situations; (2) Check Your Lens; (3) Reframe the Situation; (4) Replace with an Opportunity Lens. Recognize also that that “one’s impact level is not necessarily static throughout their career: growth is possible.”
Dynamic interspecies interactions and robustness in a four‐species model biofilm
Authors: Baliarda Aurélie , Winkler Michèle , Tournier Laurent , Tinsley Colin R. , Aymerich Stéphane
Published: December 2021

Interspecific interactions within biofilms determine relative species abundance, growth dynamics, community resilience, and success or failure of invasion by an extraneous organism. However, deciphering interspecific interactions and assessing their contribution to biofilm properties and function remain a challenge. Here, we describe the constitution of a model biofilm composed of four bacterial species belonging to four different genera (Rhodocyclus sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Kocuria varians, and Bacillus cereus), derived from a biofilm isolated from an industrial milk pasteurization unit. We demonstrate that the growth dynamics and equilibrium composition of this biofilm are highly reproducible. Based on its equilibrium composition, we show that the establishment of this four‐species biofilm is highly robust against initial, transient perturbations but less so towards continuous perturbations. By comparing biofilms formed from different numbers and combinations of the constituent species and by fitting a growth model to the experimental data, we reveal a network of dynamic, positive, and negative interactions that determine the final composition of the biofilm. Furthermore, we reveal that the molecular determinant of one negative interaction is the thiocillin I synthesized by the B. cereus strain, and demonstrate its importance for species distribution and its impact on robustness by mutational analysis of the biofilm ecosystem.
New class of three‐dimensional close‐to‐cyclic systems of difference equations solvable in closed form
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: December 2021

We present the following new class of three‐dimensional systems of difference equations

where
, and show that the systems are solvable in closed form, considerably extending some results in the literature.
The usage of different types of food outlets was not significantly associated with body mass index during the third COVID‐19 national lockdown in the United Kingdom
Authors: Albalawi Ahmad , Hambly Catherine , Speakman John R.
Published: December 2021

Background

The United Kingdom (UK) implemented several national lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic during which restaurants were closed and people were advised to stay at home if possible. These restrictions were eased and reapplied multiple times between March 2020 and May 2021. The change in restaurant access and prolonged restriction of activity may have an impact on body weight.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of multiple lockdowns on body mass index (BMI) change from pre‐pandemic till during the third lockdown and on the use of different types of food outlets and their association with BMI change.

Materials and Method

Surveys of usage of different types of food outlets were distributed online before the lockdown between 06 January and 12 December 2019 and during the third national lockdown between 29 March and 25 April 2021. The food outlet usage surveys were filled out for seven consecutive days. Self‐reported BMI was reported before the pandemic and during the third phase of the lockdown. The total number of individuals who started the study before the pandemic was 681, and 60 participants completed the surveys during the third phase of lockdown.

Results

For the 60 participants in both surveys mean BMI was significantly higher during the third lockdown (28.6 ± 5.9 kg.m2) in comparison with the mean BMI before the pandemic 2019 (28.0 ± 5.5 kg.m2) (paired T = 3.09, p < 0.003). There was a significant positive association between BMI change, total number of days spent in lockdown (β = 0.05, p < 0.01, R2 = 9.99), and age (β = 0.06, p < 0.007, R2 = 11.8). There was no significant association between change in BMI and change in the frequency of using fast food restaurants (FFRs), full‐service restaurants (FSRs), and delivery and takeaways.

Conclusion

BMI was increased significantly during the lockdown in comparison with prior to the pandemic. Individuals gained more weight the longer they stayed at home during lockdowns, and physical activity was reduced to approximately half. However, the BMI change was not related to the change in use of different types of food outlets. This pattern does not support the widespread belief that visiting restaurants or using delivery and takeaway services has a significant impact on body weight.
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Authors: Doat Olivier , Barboza Bruno H , Batagin‐Neto Augusto , Bégué Didier , Hiorns Roger C
Published: December 2021

The cover image is based on the Review Review: materials and modelling for organic photovoltaic devices by Olivier Doat et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6280.

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Significant Change of Metal Cations in Geometric Sites by Magnetic‐Field Annealing FeCo2O4 for Enhanced Oxygen Catalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Zhengmei , Li Junfu , Qian Jinmei , Li Zhiwei , Jia Lei , Gao Daqiang , Xue Desheng
Published: December 2021

The application of magnetic fields in the oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) testing for electrocatalysts has attracted increasing interest, but it is difficult to characterize on‐site surface reconstruction. Here, a strategy is developed for annealing‐treated FeCo2O4 nanofibers at a magnetic field of 2500 Oe, named FeCo2O4‐M, showing a right‐shifted half‐wave potential of 20 mV for the ORR and a left‐shifted overpotential of 60 mV at 10 mV cm−2 for the OER as compared with its counterpart. Magnetic characterizations indicate that FeCo2O4‐M shows the spin‐state transition of cations from a low‐spin state to an intermediate‐spin state compared with FeCo2O4. Mössbauer spectra show that the Fe3+ ion in the octahedral site (0.76) of FeCo2O4‐M is more than that of FeCo2O4 (0.71), indicating the effective stimulus of metal cations in geometric sites by magnetic‐field annealing. Furthermore, theoretical calculations demonstrate that the d‐band centers (εd) of Co 3d and Fe 3d in the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the FeCo2O4‐M nanofibers shift close to the Fermi level, revealing the enhanced mechanism of the ORR/OER activity.
P‐Doped Ni/NiO Heterostructured Yolk‐Shell Nanospheres Encapsulated in Graphite for Enhanced Lithium Storage
Authors: Xu Liqianyun , Zhang Xixue , Chen Renjie , Wu Feng , Li Li
Published: December 2021

The development of high‐efficiency lithium‐ion battery electrodes composed of recycled materials is crucial for the commercialization of retired batteries, but it remains a significant barrier. The usage and recycling of spent graphite are encouraged by the huge number of batteries that are going to be dismantled. Here, an anode made of phosphorus‐doped Ni/NiO yolk‐shell nanospheres embedded on wasted graphite is developed. Electroless deposition and a subsequent heat‐treatment procedure are used to make it in a methodical manner. The internal vacuum space of the nanospheres mitigates volume expansion and facilitates Li+ diffusion, whereas the embedded metallic Ni and conductive graphite layer expedite charge transfer. The optimal reusable composite electrode is ecologically benign and has high specific capacities (724 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) as well as outstanding cycle stability (500 cycles). The unusual 3D sandwich‐like arrangement with strong spent graphite, the yolk‐shell hetero‐structure, continuous electron/ion transport routes, and attractive structure stability all contribute to this degree of performance. Such a nanoscale design and engineering strategy not only provides a green recovery method for anode graphite, but also enlightens other nanocomposites to boost their lithium storage performance.
Capacity of Two Sierra Nevada Rivers for Reintroduction of Anadromous Salmonids: Insights from a High‐Resolution View
Authors: Boughton David A. , Harrison Lee R. , John Sara N. , Bond Rosealea M. , Nicol Colin L. , Legleiter Carl J. , Richardson Ryan T.
Published: December 2021

Historically, anadromous steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss and spring‐run Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha used high‐elevation rivers in the Sierra Nevada of California but were extirpated in the 20th century by construction of impassable dams. Plans to reintroduce the fish by opening migratory passage across the dams and reservoirs can only succeed if upstream habitats have the capacity to support viable populations of each species. To estimate capacity in the Tuolumne and Merced rivers of the central Sierra Nevada, we used a high‐resolution approach based on remote sensing and dynamic habitat modeling. Our results suggested that for both species in both systems, sediment grain sizes would support widespread spawning and the water temperatures, depths, and velocities would generate ample capacity for fry and juveniles. However, the unregulated Merced River was consistently too warm for adult Chinook Salmon to hold in the dry season prior to spawning, while the regulated Tuolumne River maintained a cooler, more stable thermal regime with a capacity for thousands of holding adults. In our high‐resolution approach, we also discovered several specific physical controls on life history expression, including thermal constraints on the timing of spawning, hydraulic prompts for downstream migration of fry, divergence of the hydraulic niches of steelhead and Chinook Salmon, and a key but uncertain role for thermal tolerance in adult Chinook Salmon. Our results suggested that steelhead reintroduction could succeed in either system and Chinook Salmon could succeed in the Tuolumne River if passage strategies account for large numbers of migrant fry and juveniles driven downstream by winter storms and snowmelt. The Merced River appeared too warm for adult Chinook Salmon, which raises questions about the current limited understanding of thermal tolerance in holding adults. Our study shows how a high‐resolution approach can provide valuable insights on specific limiting factors that must be addressed for reintroduction to succeed.
Observation, practice, and purpose: Recalibrating curriculum to enhance professional development
Authors: Schwab Jacqueline E. , Murowchick Elise , Yaure Robin G. , Cruz Laura
Published: December 2021

This article describes the development and assessment of teaching strategies to enhance student professional identity development by shifting the pedagogical focus from content knowledge to the practice of interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, and reflection to create awareness, observe growth, and find meaning.
Developing a self‐assessment instrument to evaluate practice‐readiness among student pharmacists
Authors: Ford Channing R. , Astle Kevin N. , Kleppinger Erika L. , Sewell Jeanna , Hutchison Amber , Garza Kimberly B.
Published: December 2021

This chapter explores the role of self‐assessment in the development of professional identity formation within student pharmacists.
GEPSdb: The Gene Expression Database of Poplar under Stress
Authors: Liu Shifan , Wang Zihao , Lan Yangang , He Ting , Xiong Rui , Wu Caijuan , Xiang Yan , Yan Hanwei
Published: December 2021

As a model tree species, poplar (Populus L.) has important economic and ecological value. Here, we constructed the GEPSdb (Gene Expression Database of Poplar under Stress; http://gepsdb.ahau‐edu.cn/), which is an integrated database of poplar gene expression profiles derived from RNA‐seq and microarray library data. This database provides a comprehensive collection of gene expression data from poplar exposed to 14 types of environmental stress from 11 high‐quality RNA‐seq experiments and 51 microarray libraries. The GEPSdb includes 56 genes from previous literature that have been examined in poplar and functionally verified. By incorporating data from numerous expression analyses, GEPSdb provides a user‐friendly web interface for querying, browsing, and visualizing the expression profiles of related genes. Consequently, GEPSdb can be used to link transcription data with phenotypes and can enhance our understanding of important biological processes and mechanisms underlying complex agronomic traits in poplar.
Democracy Movement and Alternative Knowledge in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Kin-man
Published: December 2021

This chapter’s author discusses the role of social movement in producing alternative knowledge based on the case of the Umbrella Movement of Hong Kong. This set of knowledge includes at least the definition of a problematic situation, the problem’s causes, and possible solutions. It is alternative/counter knowledge because it involves the unlearning of dominant discourses and the learning of counter-discourses. This learning is particularly intense when people are involved in social actions. Social movements as “repertoires of knowledge practices,” as suggested by della Porta and Pavan, foster the coordination of disconnected personal experiences and rationalities within a shared cognitive system to provide a common orientation for making claims and producing change. In this chapter, the author analyzes the mobilization period (March 2013–September 2014) of the Umbrella Movement to demonstrate how the movement affected public agenda setting, interpretation of law, and formulation of reform proposal.
Civility, Education, and the Embodied Mind—Three Approaches
Authors: Meyer Heinz-Dieter
Published: December 2021

In this paper I explore conceptions of the embodied mind or heart-mind in three major global traditions: the Chinese (Confucian and Daoist) teachings on inner cultivation, especially the integration of hot and cold cognition (Slingerland 2014); the idea ofsophrosyneor self-regulation in accord with wisdom that has long been the chief educational ideal of the Greek cultural cosmos; and the Buddhist-inspired idea of mindfulness which is now finding increasing applications in education. All three, I suggest, agree on a for our contemporary debates crucial point: that the reliably “civil” person is one whose moral development has matured to a point where their intellectual and moral capacities, their heartandmind (or “heart-mind”), achieve a degree of balanced integration. As the commonalities of these traditions are coming into view to a global community of education, we have a perhaps a new opportunity to recover a deeper sense of education that goes beyond the mere technical and instrumental competence that now preoccupies educational thought in many national and international influential reform projects.
The Dialectic of Civil and Uncivil Society—Fragility, Fault Lines, and Countervailing Forces
Authors: Meyer Heinz-Dieter
Published: December 2021

In light of the experience of the past three decades—1989 to 2020—the civil society appears as a fragile institution that seems capable of giving rise to the overthrow of dictators as well as to their ready installation; to engender movements of solidarity and inclusion as well as of hatred and violence. To understand what allows these different tendencies to arise from within the civil society requires that we move past a pre-occupation with the structural and socio-economic dimension of the civil society and recover a conception of the civil society as an inherently moral institution. In this regard, the tradition of social analysis pioneered by Alexis de Tocqueville remains singularly instructive. The cultivation of civility, we can learn, is not an automatic by-product of tamed markets, limited government, and vibrant associational life—necessary and important though these are. The dispositions needed to maintain the civil society do not arise with causal necessity even where associations flourish, markets are tamed, and institutions are well-designed. By facing more squarely the deep moral fault-lines of the civil society we can develop a keener sense of the countervailing forces needed to keep the project of the civil society on track.