bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of Engagement
Authors: Gardenier Matthijs
Published: January 2023

This chapter questions the trajectories of engagement of anti-migrant activists in Calais. Most of them have been active within the field of the far right for several years. Two matrices of previous engagement appear. The first is a Labour background, with a break with the party, linked to positions regarding immigration or issues around racism. The second, for almost all interviewees, is a passage through UKIP, then a break with the party after the Brexit referendum. If the oppositions between civic nationalism and ethno-nationalism and the radical and extreme right wing seem clear-cut at the level of the analysis of organisations, this is not the case at the individual level, with the paths and positions showing greater ambivalence. A new form of engagement is that of video activism, where activists film social movement activity and report live on the situation in Dover. This video activism makes it possible to reach large audiences but also to call for demonstrations. Moreover, the monetisation of video content allows the various video activists to receive sometimes significant sums of money, renewing the issue of the professionalisation and financial remuneration of activism.
Introduction
Authors: Freeland Jane
Published: January 2023

The introduction outlines the main themes and arguments of Feminist Transformations. It situates the book's findings within existing literatures on feminism and the history of divided Germany. It provides an historical and historiographical overview of feminism in Germany, showing both how the history of feminism has thus far been written and how women's rights and gender roles have featured in Germany in the long-twentieth century. Additionally, it reflects on contemporary studies on processes of co-optation, feminist mainstreaming, and social change. In doing so, it lays out the central claim of the book that feminist domestic violence activism has been one of the most successful campaigns of the women's movement in Germany, but one that has come at a price. It further asserts the importance of including East Germany in the history and historiography of feminism in Germany.
The Cost of Political Support
Authors: Freeland Jane
Published: January 2023

This chapter examines how feminists broke the taboo of domestic violence and created popular and political support for their movement. It particularly focuses on the opening of the first women's shelter in West Berlin in 1976. Despite starting as an initiative of a small group of women at the Berlin women's centre in 1974, less than two years later the shelter opened as a publicly funded three-year pilot project sponsored by the federal government and the Berlin Senate. This chapter argues that such support was only possible due to the transformation and deradicalization of feminist politics, whereby the federal government and Berlin Senate required feminists to move away from their grassroots, autonomous organization to fit into an institutional framework. While these changes helped corral support for the shelter, by simplifying feminist practices and politics the broader fight for women's equality was simultaneously undercut. Examining this process of deradicalization, this chapter reveals the normative boundaries of the putative ‘success story’ historians have mapped out for West Germany after 1945.
Race, Class and Everyday Life in the Shelter
Authors: Freeland Jane
Published: January 2023

This chapter examines what happened after the first women's shelter in West Berlin opened. In particular, it looks at how feminists sought to realize their political aims in the shelter, and how women responded to them. Everyday interactions within the shelter and between activists often served as a reality-check for feminists, as they discovered that ‘battered women’ had their own ideas and opinions about how best to respond to domestic violence. This was both a productive and transformative experience for shelter activists and led to more responsive and differentiated support for survivors of gender-based violence. Focusing on the role of class and race in these interactions and domestic violence work more broadly, this chapter shows how shelter work and feminism evolved in response to challenges from within the women's movement.
Domestic Violence and Women’s Lives Under Socialism
Authors: Freeland Jane
Published: January 2023

This chapter examines how the courts, the criminal justice system, and the media addressed domestic violence in East Berlin. It further asks what these official responses meant for women living with an abusive husband in the German Democratic Republic. Focused on the era of late socialism under leader Erich Honecker, this chapter shows how legal and social reform in the 1970s changed the landscape for women living with a violent husband. It further shows that a critical attitude to official narratives of gender-based violence even developed among artists and activists in the late 1970s and into the 1980s. However, it argues that such evidence of liberalization had distinctly gendered limits. For the Socialist Unity Party, domestic violence represented an opportunity to intervene in marital relationships and shape commitment to socialism. For women experiencing domestic violence this meant they were often not able to leave an abusive spouse. In making this argument, the chapter reveals important information about the changing nature of socialist authority, and the meaning of gender, sexuality, marriage, and the family under state socialism.
The Possibilities of Feminism After Reunification
Authors: Freeland Jane
Published: January 2023

This chapter examines feminist activism across Berlin from 1989 to 2002. It specifically compares the experiences of abortion rights activists with those working to address domestic violence. Abortion was an important flashpoint for women's rights during reunification as East German women fought to save the more expansive socialist abortion law. Although this ultimately failed, gender-based and domestic violence activism were in contrast revitalized after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Comparing these two key issues of women's rights, the chapter's aims are twofold. Firstly, by decentring abortion from the history of women's activism in reunified Germany, this chapter reveals the legacies—if not successes—of East German approaches to feminism and domestic violence activism. Secondly, it asks why some women's issues, like domestic violence, found political traction, where others, in this case reproductive rights, did not. Ultimately, this chapter argues that only those rights that fit most closely with gendered ideals and norms, like protecting women from domestic violence, have made inroads in the Federal Republic.
Conclusion
Authors: Freeland Jane
Published: January 2023

This chapter summarizes the main findings of the book. It reflects on what domestic violence reveals about the trajectory of Germany after 1945 and 1990, and about the changing nature of feminism and women's rights during German division. It argues that women, especially feminists, have been important agents of change contributing to the liberalization and democratization of Germany after Nazi defeat. It further queries the co-optation of feminism in Germany, showing it to be essential to the protection of women from domestic violence. But it also shows that popular support for women's rights has racialized and gendered boundaries. Specifically, it reflects critically on the ways feminists have both contested and complied with normative structures of power in the fight for gender equality.
Introduction
Authors: Faucher Charlotte
Published: January 2023

In a period that witnessed the growth of mass media and related theories on how to influence public opinion, cultural diplomacy emerged as a specific model of communication that sought to appeal to particular social groups or a government. The introduction argues that there is value in lending agency to cultural initiatives in diplomacy, not only because it forces scholars to examine how cultural institutions and policies have affected government policy, but also because it shows that diplomats and civil society actors fought over the ways in which their countries were represented overseas. The book's transnational approach to cultural diplomacy allows us to capture this complex story of cooperation between non-state actors who crossed national boundaries. In addition, the transnational framework also allows us to consider the disruption of contacts and flow between countries, such as during the two world wars, when communication links as well as political relations between Britain and mainland Europe were renegotiated. The introduction then moves to a discussion about the gender of cultural diplomacy and the changing vocabulary of this policy domain. It ends with a discussion on European encounters and cosmopolitanism in late nineteenth and twentieth century Britain.
Projections and Perceptions of France in Late Victorian and Edwardian Britain
Authors: Faucher Charlotte
Published: January 2023

This chapter probes why French migrants in Britain, British Francophiles, and transnational actors began to judge that the French language, and to some extent culture, were relevant means of establishing outward-looking connections with diverse British audiences. In the late nineteenth century, French migrants wanted to promote specific national ideas, but this process was, at the time, distinct from a conscious reflection on how such efforts may serve the French state. Indeed, diplomats were remarkably indifferent or unable to comprehend what their attitude should be regarding the growing number of private French cultural institutions that emerged in Britain in the late nineteenth century. The French government was certainly no novice in formulating and implementing cultural policies outside mainland France. At the same time, it was developing an intense ‘civilising mission’ that relied on French culture and the French language in the Empire. By focusing on the activities of exiles, migrants, and transnational agents, this chapter considers early attempts at French cultural diplomacy in Britain at a time when the French government paid little attention to these questions in non-imperial spaces.
Women and the Professionalisation of Cultural Diplomacy in the Interwar Period
Authors: Faucher Charlotte
Published: January 2023

The experience of the First World War led European states to reflect on new ways to promote their nations' interests overseas, both within and outside their empires. During the interwar period, European foreign ministries began to increasingly consider artistic and literary productions as effective tools to promote their nations abroad. These diplomatic reforms meant that diplomats were entering the sphere of cultural diplomacy that had, in Britain, largely been peopled by upper-middle-class women, and, to a lesser extent, male academics. While diplomats would harmoniously cooperate with the latter, building upon a long tradition of welcoming academics and writers as staff of the Quai d'Orsay, they refused to attribute much responsibility to women in Britain. As none of the women cultural diplomats enjoyed diplomatic status, many were subject to gendered-based criticism on the part of official male diplomats. But, as the chapter shows, French cultural diplomacy in Britain did not became entirely restricted to an instrument of state policy; civil society individuals, including women, remained important players in this area.
Conclusion
Authors: Faucher Charlotte
Published: January 2023

This chapter outlines the key findings of the book. It highlights that ‘French messianism’ (or the idea that the French form a community of confident thinkers devoted to their national culture, and who spread that life-style throughout the world) does not account for the making of cultural diplomacy in Britain. Structural issues concerning the poor provision of French language teaching, and negative ideas about France proved to be urgent motivations for the making of cultural diplomacy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. They were joined, in certain cases, by economic incentives. Often the competition with Germany loomed large in the impetus to set up French cultural events. After a brief overview of the book's chapters, the conclusion briefly discusses the careers of key French female diplomats: Suzanne Borel, Marcelle Campana and Laurence Auer, reminding readers to be careful not to overemphasise the success of women in diplomacy. The relative gains made by women within high-society cultural diplomacy in the 1910s, international organisations in the interwar period, and cultural propaganda during the Second World War, did not lead to field-defining changes for women in post-war diplomacy.
Introduction
Authors: Ushiyama Rin
Published: January 2023

This introductory chapter begins by noting the cultural significance of Aum Shinrikyō's terrorism as a watershed moment in recent Japanese history. This chapter highlights the wide-ranging impacts of the Aum Affair on Japanese culture and politics, including public distrust of controversial religions, debates about ‘brainwashing’, and victims' rights. Contrasting the scope of this book with existing research on Aum Shinrikyō, this chapter argues that the social consequences of the Affair cannot be adequately understood without reference to issues of collective memory and commemoration. It proffers ‘cultural trauma’ as a useful framework for understanding the multiple symbolic representations that have emerged in response to Aum's religious terrorism. This is followed by an outline of the chapters which follow.
The Prelude to Destruction: The 1994 Matsumoto Sarin Attack
Authors: Ushiyama Rin
Published: January 2023

This chapter provides an historical overview of Aum Shinrikyō's development from its foundation in 1984 by the charismatic leader Asahara Shōkō to its first sarin attack in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, in June 1994. This chapter details Aum's doctrinal evolution from its beginnings as a yoga class to its turn to a secretive militarised organisation committing indiscriminate terrorism on civilian populations. This chapter shows how missteps by the police and the media in the initial aftermath of the Matsumoto attack implicated an innocent victim as a potential suspect. Although the case generated intense media coverage at first, when investigators failed to solve the case throughout 1994, the Matsumoto attack did not become a cultural trauma and fell back into obscurity. As a result, it was only after the Tokyo attack that Matsumoto belatedly became incorporated into a wider cultural trauma of the ‘Aum Affair’.
Shock and Anger: Societal Responses to the Tokyo Subway Attack
Authors: Ushiyama Rin
Published: January 2023

This chapter details the months leading up to the March 1995 Tokyo sarin subway attack and the social responses to the attack in the immediate aftermath. This chapter reconstructs the societal responses to the Aum Affair, mainly focusing on mass media and state reactions in public discourse. It shows that the mass media and the government alike quickly converged on the narrative of an evil ‘brainwashing cult’ plotting to take over Japan by force. As the Aum Affair quickly became a media spectacle inundating the news every day, the narrative of Aum as a ‘brainwashing cult’ became the predominant narrative frame through which Aum Affair was debated. As ordinary members placed the blame on the senior leadership, Asahara became a demonic figure with no redeeming qualities, a symbol of ‘sacred evil’ diametrically opposed to Japan's positive civil values. The Aum Affair prompted critical examinations about the causes of Aum's growth, which commentators attributed to various causes including anomie, the education system, popular culture, and transnational religious developments.
Public Intellectuals and the Struggle Over Mind Control
Authors: Ushiyama Rin
Published: January 2023

This chapter analyses the struggles over ‘brainwashing’ and ‘mind control’ debates in public intellectual discourse. This chapter begins with a dichotomy of ‘authoritative intellectuals’ who provide authoritative, monological accounts of traumatic events, and ‘dialogical intellectuals’, who create dialogical and polyphonic trauma narratives. It then shows how anti-cult intellectuals and activists were successful in disseminating the authoritative narrative that Asahara had mind-controlled his followers. By contrast, religious scholars were marginal to these debates, as some academics had made positive assessments of Aum in the past. This chapter then explores the works of two dialogical intellectuals who offered counter-narratives to the orthodox ‘mind control’ paradigm: novelist Murakami Haruki and documentary film-maker Mori Tatsuya. Murakami's collection of interviews and Mori's documentary films both employed dialogical methods to produce multiple and open-ended narratives about the causes and consequences of the Aum Affair.
Conclusions
Authors: Ushiyama Rin
Published: January 2023

This concluding chapter begins with a summary of the societal impacts of the 2018 mass executions, which stirred debate on the necessity and the morality of the death penalty. It concludes that the Aum Affair was a pivotal moment in Japanese history that irreversibly changed its society and culture, and that it is a useful case study for developing cultural trauma theory. Summarising the debates discussed in preceding chapters, it argues that the Aum Affair reveals three important features about contemporary Japanese society. Firstly, the Aum Affair strengthened a negative bias against religions in general and new religions in particular. Secondly, the Affair elicited stakeholders to engage in social ostracism as a primary mechanism for punishing transgressors. Thirdly, the Affair showed that restorative justice remains inchoate in a cultural context which sees capital punishment as both desirable and necessary.
Reflexiones sobre el derecho a recurrir fallos en el juicio político
Authors: Silva Bustamante Luis Alberto
Published: January 2023

El presente estudio realiza un análisis exegético de los conceptos procesales y aplicación del derecho de recurrir a resoluciones y fallos de la función legislativa en el juicio político, en el marco interpretativo y casuístico de los ordenamientos jurídicos de Latinoamérica. La omisión de este derecho supone una vulneración al derecho a la defensa y al debido proceso. Cabe considerar también que un juicio político supone un grado de delicadeza por su propia naturaleza, pues está sujeto a múltiples acepciones y posturas que pueden obnubilar y perjudicar el proceso.

La metodología utilizada para este artículo es de tipo explicativo y descriptivo. En los resultados de la investigación, se aborda el análisis e interpretación de los elementos jurídicos recopilados. Además, se revisan indicadores político-sociales recabados en el análisis de la coyuntura nacional de cada país, dados por los informes investigativos de prensa nacional e internacional de reconocidos medios de comunicación. 

Todo esto permite identificar las fallas y/o carencias presentadas en la aplicación del ius puniendi para castigar ilícitos financieros en cada uno de los países abordados. El objetivo es superar la corrupción que afecta el espectro político y evitar que Perú, Chile y Colombia atraviesen nuevamente episodios de crisis e incertidumbre política, influenciados por las altas esferas de poder y la corrupción nacional e internacional. De esta manera, se apunta a que en el futuro se le pueda hacer frente a la corrupción de manera efectiva.
Intertextuality in the short story "The Death of Robert Browning" by Jane Urquhart
Authors: Kovačević Branka
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to explore the intertextual dialogue and its meaning that is continuously articulated as cultural heritage in the prose of the well-known Canadian writer Jane Urquhart. By including the famous Victorian poet Robert Browning in the plot of her short story "The Death of Robert Browning," Urquhart highlights the postmodern tendency to express the basic human need to mythologize and perpetuate illusions about death. In a broader context, as an author from Canada, she emphasizes the difference between reality and fiction by revising historical facts through various textual interactions and revisions that help to construct an entirely new literary world freed from the psychological influence of British heritage in the context of Canadian culture. The story "The Death of Robert Browning" demonstrates a literary procedure in which a real person was placed at the center of the plot and his fictional life, which continued less than a hundred years after his death, served to allow readers to experience the real character of a historical figure in a special way. Thus, we get a completely new text in which all the sensibility and syncretism that the poet himself reflected are imprinted, but also a text in which the boundaries between values, rules, and prohibitions disappear and in which the mixture of reality and fiction gives way to the classical vision of the text.
Ksenija Atanasijevic on ethical foundation of feminism
Authors: Prnjat Aleksandar
Published: January 2023

This paper explores Ksenija Atanasijević's understanding of the ethical basis of feminism. It highlights her understanding that feminism as such has an ethical basis. Her criticism of the degrading position of women which, according to her, has its origins in a family based on the male violence against women is also pointed out. The paper also points to Ksenija Atanasijević's understanding of the universal goals of feminism, goals that are not directed only at women. The author points out that despite the explicit distancing of Ksenija Atanasijević in relation to Marxism, especially the Marxist conception of class hatred, some of her positions are similar to the positions which Karl Marx presented criticizing Hegel. The author notes that at the time when she wrote her works, these views of Marx could not have been known to her. In conclusion, the author points out that for Ksenija Atanasijević the freedom of the individual forms the ethical basis of feminism.
Rapid assessment of canola spoilage under sub-optimal storage condition using FTIR spectroscopy
Authors:   Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5V6 Canada, Erkinbaev Chyngyz , Morse Whitney ,   Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5V6 Canada, Paliwal Jitendra ,   Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5V6 Canada
Published: January 2023

The storage environment of grains and oilseeds influences their physico-chemical properties that determine shelf-life and nutritional quality. In case of oilseeds, and more specifically canola, analytical chemistry methods are commonly used to determine their quality which is characterized by fatty acid value (FAV) of samples. As wet chemistry methods are time consuming and require the use of chemicals, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis was investigated for rapid assessment of canola quality as affected by sub-optimal storage. Moreover, in order to conduct the analysis on-site outside of a laboratory setting, the feasibility of using a portable instrument was studied. An FTIR spectrum of canola seeds stored at sub-optimal storage condition (35°C and 84% relative humidity) was obtained weekly for a period of five weeks. The quality degradation over this storage period was measured in terms of reduction in germination and FAV content. Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied on FTIR spectral data for dimensionality reduction and the first two principal components could successfully separate canola samples of different qualities (based on their respective storage durations). Quantitative analysis for prediction of FAV using partial least squares (PLS) regression method was done and models were built utilizing the entire spectral data as well by grouping the spectral into three spectral bands. A root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 4.4% and R2=0.96, was achieved with the model built using the entire mid-infrared region. The spectral bands of 1000–1500 cm-1 and 2500–3000 cm-1 were also able to provide comparable results. Various combinations of spectral pre-processing of data were also explored. The results establish that portable FTIR instruments provide an accurate and rapid alternative to chemical analysis for predicting spoilage and determining canola quality.
Identification of the potential biomarkers associated with circadian rhythms in heart failure
Authors: Sun Qiang , Zhao Jun , Liu Li , Wang Xiaoliang , Gu Xinshun
Published: January 2023

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome with multiple clinical symptoms resulting from damage to the heart’s structure and/or function with various pathogenic factors, which has developed as one of the most severe threats to human health. Approximately 13% of genes and about 8% of proteins contained in the heart are rhythmic, which could lead to HF if disrupted. Herein, we aimed to identify the circadian rhythms-related hub genes as potential biomarkers contributing to the identification and treatment of HF.

Methods

Expression data of ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy samples with or without HF were collected from the GEO database. First, genes with differential expression in HF and healthy samples were identified, named as differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were then intersected with circadian rhythms-related genes to identify circadian rhythms-related DEGs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to screen hub genes. The performance of the hub genes to identify HF among healthy controls was assessed by referring to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was run to further validate the hub genes depending on clinical human peripheral blood samples.

Results

A total of 10,163 DEGs were determined, composed of 4,615 up-regulated genes and 5,548 down-regulated genes in HF patients in comparison to healthy controls. By overlapping the circadian rhythms-related genes in the Circadian Gene DataBase (CGDB), 723 circadian rhythms-related DEGs were obtained, mainly enriched in regulating lipid metabolic process, circadian rhythm and AMPK signaling pathway. Eight hub genes were screened out through the PPI network. The ROC curve indicated the high accuracy of five hub genes with AUC > 0.7, which also showed high accuracy validated by the external validation dataset. Furthermore, according to the results of quantitative RT-PCR, the HF group showed significantly increased relative mRNA expression of CRY2 and BHLHE41 while the decreased ARNTL and NPAS2 in comparison to controls, indicating the four hub genes as potential biomarkers of HF.

Conclusion

Our study validated that ARNTL, CRY2, BHLHE41 and NPAS2 could serve as potential biomarkers of circadian rhythm in HF. These results may provide a reference for employing novel markers or targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HF.
Linking emotional intelligence and transformational leadership: an application to technology sector firms’ leaders
Authors: Moreira Joana Filipa Amorim , Rua Orlando Manuel Martins Marques de Lima
Published: January 2023

This study aims to analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership.This exploratory and transversal study takes a quantitative methodological approach based on survey data from 180 Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) technology sector leaders. Data analysis was performed using the structural equation model (SEM).The results demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between three emotional intelligence dimensions (SEA - self-emotion appraisal, OEA - others emotion appraisal and UE - use of emotions) and transformational leadership (TL). However, the relationship between intelligence dimension regulation of emotions (RE) and transformational leadership was not supported.This study differs from the others as it seeks to establish relationships between emotional intelligence dimensions’ and transformational leadership rather than treating the emotional intelligence’s construct as a whole. Therefore, considering the scarce literature relating to the mentioned constructs fills the literature’s lack. Its applicability in the Portuguese technology sector SMEs is also an innovative factor. We recommend that future studies explore the relevance of digital services for the enhancement of the linkage between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership.
Effects of Bran and Hull Retention on the Sensory and Nutrients Composition of “Ogi Flour” Prepared from Maize, Millet and Sorghum
Authors: Friday Owuno , Monday Akusu , Jessica Obioma
Published: January 2023

The effect of Bran and Hull retention on the sensory and nutrient composition of “Ogi flour prepared from maize, millet are sorghum were investigated. The maize and sorghum were soaked for 72 hours, while the millet was soaked for 48 hours, decanted, washed and wet milled into a paste which was oven dried at 50°C for 24 hours and milled into fine flour. The proximate composition, functional properties, pasting properties of the “Ogi” flour was determined as well as evaluating the sensory properties. The moisture content, ash, fat, crude fibre, protein and carbohydrate respectively ranged thus: 2.63 – 8.67%, 1.13 – 1.41%, 4.57 – 7.20%, 1.30 – 5.75%, 4.27 – 7.87% and 75.84 – 82.88%. The presence of Bran and Hulls led to a decrease in moisture content, on increase in ash fat and protein content with decrease in carbohydrate values. The bulk density, water absorption capacity, swelling power and solubility respectively ranged as follows: 0.56 – 0.61g/ml, 1.00 – 2.00g/g, 5.50 – 6.95g/g, 16.10 – 24.40% the presence of Bran led to a decrease in bulk density in maize and millet ogi, a decrease in water absorption capacity in millet and sorghum ogi. The pastry properties of peak, trough breakdown, final and setback viscosities showed a decrease in values from the control samples values for peak time died not differ significantly (P<0.05) between the sieved and unseived ogi flours. While the presence of Bran and Hulls increased pasting temperature in maize and sorghum ogi flours. Result for sensory evaluation showed the control samples were the most preferred for all the attributes.  This study revealed that ogi flour can be prepared with a by-pass of the sieving process to enhance nutrient retention.
Áfricas: instigando o pensar complexo
Authors: Lima Priscila  Henriques
Published: January 2023

Apresentação do dossiê "Áfricas: instigando o pensar complexo" pela professor Priscila Henriques Lima (PPGH-UERJ)
The Importance of Shifting Sepsis Quality Measures From Processes to Outcomes
Authors: Klompas Michael , Rhee Chanu , Singer Mervyn
Published: January 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the failure of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ SEP-1 sepsis outcome improvement initiative to improve patients’ sepsis outcomes and suggests changing the focus of sepsis quality metrics from processes to outcomes.
Characterization of Applicant Preference Signals, Invitations for Interviews, and Inclusion on Match Lists for Residency Positions in Urology
Authors: Grauer Ralph , Ranti Daniel , Greene Kirsten , Gorin Michael A. , Menon Mani , Zorc Saša
Published: January 2023

Importance

Preference signals were to be implemented in over 15 specialties during the 2022-2023 residency match. Analyzing results from the implementation of signals during the American Urological Association (AUA) urology match may inform future behavior.

Objective

To characterize applicant and program signal usage and results in the Society of Academic Urology and AUA databases with respect to interview invites and rank list creation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study involved all applicants and residencies in the 2021-2022 AUA match with data analysis conducted in April through July 2022.

Exposures

Five signals indicating interest.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Using verified match and survey data reported by applicants and programs, a logistic regression was performed on applicant factors associated with obtaining an interview—the main outcome (using inclusion on rank list as a proxy): age, gender, degree (MD or DO), dispersal of signal, US senior status, racial minority group status, Latino ethnicity, international medical graduate status, presence of a home program, AUA geographic section, and US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score. Applicant signal dispersal strategies were stratified by applicant and program competitiveness, as well as program behavior upon receipt of signal with respect to extending interviews and rank list ordering of applicants.

Results

A total of 2659 signals were sent by 553 candidates (mean [SD] age, 27.4 [2.9] years; 179 female [32.4%], 154 racial minority candidates [38.8%]) submitting rank lists for 364 positions at 143 programs. Programs received a median (IQR) of 352 (295-411) applications and were signaled to a median of 16 (8-26) times each. In a logistic regression estimating interview status, geographic proximity (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 2.05-5.15; P = .001) and signal status (OR, 6.04; 95% CI, 3.50-10.40; P < .001) were associated with receiving an interview. Using multiple imputation by chained equations to impute missing data and broadening the data set, male gender (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.92; P = .04) and international medical graduate status (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.81; P = .04) were negative variables, while MD degree (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.27-4.36; P = .02) and US senior status (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.13-3.23; P = .04) were positive variables.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study of the usage and trends of the newly added preference signals reported the most common strategies for signal dispersal; in an analysis of factors involved in obtaining an interview, geographic similarity between applicant and program and preference signal usage were associated with successful applications.
The histidine brace: nature's copper alternative to haem?
Authors: Walton Paul H. , Davies Gideon J. , Diaz Daniel E. , Franco‐Cairo João P.
Published: January 2023

The copper histidine brace is a structural unit in metalloproteins (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2011, 108, 15079). It consists of a copper ion chelated by the NH2 and π‐N atom of an N‐terminal histidine, and the τ‐N atom of a further histidine, in an overall T‐shaped coordination geometry (Nat Catal 2018, 1, 571). Like haem‐containing proteins, histidine‐brace‐containing proteins have peroxygenase and/or oxygenase activity, where the substrates are notable for resistance to oxidation, for example, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). Moreover, the histidine brace is an invariant unit around which different protein structures exert different activities. Given the similarities in the diversity of function of proteins that contain either the copper histidine brace or haem, the question arises as to whether the functions of histidine brace‐containing proteins duplicate those containing haem groups.
Flexural strength and load–deformation relationship of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concrete beams
Authors: Shibayama Atsushi , Nishiyama Minehiro
Published: January 2023

Four‐point bending tests were conducted to investigate the flexural properties of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concrete beams. Although geopolymer concrete has a stress–strain relationship with brittle compressive softening behavior, it can be used as a flexural member because it exhibits ductile bending moment–deflection relationships when used with compression reinforcing bars and transverse reinforcement. The test results revealed that the conventional design method can be used to estimate the bending moment–deflection relationship of geopolymer concrete beams. However, the stiffness reduction ratio for yielding must be modified to consider the difference in the modulus of elasticity between geopolymer concrete and ordinary Portland cement concrete.
NIDA‐CDC: No bupe OD deaths from bupe telemedicine
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2023

A study published last week in JAMA Network Open by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the proportion of opioid overdose deaths involving buprenorphine did not increase in the months after prescribing flexibilities were put in place during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The data provides further evidence that expanding treatment access may help patients, and is consistent with last year's study, also by NIDA and the CDC showing that increased methadone take‐homes did not result in increased methadone overdose deaths.
Construction of Fluorinated Propane‐Trap in Metal–Organic Frameworks for Record Polymer‐Grade Propylene Production under High Humidity Conditions
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Tong , Li Libo , Lin Rui‐Biao , Jia Xiaoxia , Chang Zeyu , Wen Hui‐Min , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Li Jinping
Published: January 2023

Propane/propene (C3H8/C3H6) separation is essential in the petrochemical industry but challenging because of their similar physical and chemical properties. Adsorptive separation with C3H8‐selective porous materials can energy‐efficiently produce high‐purity C3H6, which is highly promising for replacing conventional cryogenic distillation but suffers from unsatisfactory performance. Herein, through the precise incorporation of fluorinated functional groups into the confined pore space, a new fluorinated metal–organic framework (FDMOF‐2) featuring the unique and strong C3H8‐trap is successfully constructed. FDMOF‐2 exhibits an unprecedented C3H8 capture capacity of 140 cm3 cm−3 and excellent C3H8/C3H6 (1:1, v/v) selectivity up to 2.18 (298 K and 1 bar), thus setting new benchmarks for all reported porous materials. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that the tailored pore confinement in FDMOF‐2 provides stronger and multiple attractive interactions with C3H8, enabling excellent binding affinities. Breakthrough experiments demonstrate that C3H8 can be directly extracted from various C3H8/C3H6 mixtures with FDMOF‐2, affording an outstanding C3H6 production (501 mmol L−1) with over 99.99% purity. Benefiting from the robust framework and hydrophobic ligands, the separation performance of FDMOF‐2 can be well maintained even under 70% relative humidity conditions.
Interface Modulation of Metal Sulfide Anodes for Long‐Cycle‐Life Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Mei , Chang Xiaoqing , Wang Liuqi , Wang Xingyu , Gu Mengyan , Huang Hao , Tang Lingyu , Zhong Yiren , Xia Hui
Published: January 2023

Although studies of transition metal sulfides (TMS) as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries are extensively reported, the short cycle life is still a thorny problem that impedes their practical application. In this work, a new capacity fading mechanism of the TMS electrodes is demonstrated; that is, the parasitic reaction between electrolyte anions (i.e., ClO4−) and metal sulfides yields non‐conductive and unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and meanwhile, corrosively turns metal sulfides into less‐active oxides. This knowledge guides the development of an electrochemical strategy to manipulate the anion decomposition and construct a stable interface that prevents extensive parasitic reactions. It is shown that introducing sodium nitrate to the electrolyte radically changes the Na+ solvation structure by populating nitrate ions in the first solvation sheath, generating a stable and conductive SEI layer containing both Na3N and NaF. The optimized interface enables an iron sulfide anode to stably cycle for over 2000 cycles with negligible capacity loss, and a similar enhancement in cycle performance is demonstrated on a number of other metal sulfides. This work discloses metal sulfides’ cycling failure mechanism from a unique perspective and highlights the critical importance of manipulating the interface chemistry in sodium‐ion batteries.
Chemical Tuning of Metal Nanocatalysts Interface for ORR Electrocatalysis
Authors: Lenne Quentin , Mattiuzzi Alice , Jabin Ivan , Hamon Jonathan , Leroux Yann R. , Lagrost Corinne
Published: January 2023

A series of surface‐functionalized gold nanocatalysts are synthesized. Through diazonium chemistry, calix[4]arene molecules are grafted at the gold surface. Sharing the same anchoring function and a common backbone, the calix[4]arene ligands possess distinct terminal chemical functions where the length, hydrophobic nature, and oxygen affinity are varied. Thanks to the versatility of the calix[4]arene platform, this paper only focuses on the molecular tuning of the solid/liquid interface through the change of the tail groups while electronic effects that are regulated by the anchoring function will be similar for all catalysts. Electrocatalytic tests demonstrate the influence of the tails group on the oxygen reduction reaction performances, including efficiency, selectivity, and durability. Beyond a pure geometric steric effect, it is shown that chemical properties of the ligands can effectively tune the interactions between the metallic catalyst and the electrolyte and reactants.
Flat Bands for Electrons in Rhombohedral Graphene Multilayers with a Twin Boundary
Authors: Garcia‐Ruiz Aitor , Slizovskiy Sergey , Fal'ko Vladimir I.
Published: January 2023

Topologically protected flat surface bands make thin films of rhombohedral graphite an appealing platform for searching for strongly correlated states of 2D electrons. In this work, rhombohedral graphite is studied with a twin boundary stacking fault and the semimetallic and topological properties of low‐energy bands, localized at the surfaces and at the twinned interface, are analyzed. An effective 4‐band low energy model is derived, where the full set of Slonczewski–Weiss–McClure (SWMcC) parameters is implemented, and the conditions for the bands are found to be localized at the twin boundary, protected from the environment‐induced disorder. This protection together with a high density of states at the charge neutrality point, in some cases—due to a Lifshitz transition, makes this system a promising candidate for hosting strongly‐correlated effects.
Photochromism and Long Persistent Luminescence in Pr3+‐Doped Garnet Transparent Ceramic via UV or Blue Light Up‐Conversion Charging
Authors: Du Qiping , Ueda Jumpei , Zheng Ruilin , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: January 2023

Multifunctional phosphors with photochromism and persistent luminescent (PersL) properties have attracted increasing interest owing to the capability of absorbing the photon energy and trapping the generated carriers via defects. However, the opacity of materials compromises the enhancement of photochromism and PersL properties; besides, the need of high energy excitation light source limits their applicability. To bridge these obstacles, Pr3+‐doped Y3Al2Ga3O12 transparent ceramic with in‐line transmittance over 80% at 1,800 nm is reported, which exhibits strong red PersL after several minutes UV light or blue light up‐conversion charging. The luminance duration time can reach >7 h at 0.32 mcd m−2 threshold value after UV light charging. Interestingly, the phosphor also displays photochromic properties with robust fatigue resistance, i.e., the color changes from light green to red by UV/blue light illumination and is bleached at 300 °C. The nature of trap centers, trapping and detrapping processes is explored based on thermoluminescence and electron spin resonance. Finally, the mechanism of photochromism and PersL is discussed by using vacuum referred binding energy diagram. This work opens new avenues for future research on multifunctional materials and brings potential applications in optical information encryption media and optical sensors.
Site Selective Concerted Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitutions of Azole‐Ligated Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Vlasenko Yulia A. , Kuczmera Thomas J. , Antonkin Nikita S. , Valiev Rashid R. , Postnikov Pavel S. , Nachtsheim Boris J.
Published: January 2023

Diaryliodonium salts are electrophilic arylation reagents in transition metal‐catalyzed and transition metal‐free reaction methods. Herein we present the application of azole‐stabilized diaryliodonium salts with additional thiophene‐2‐yl‐ligands as substrates for metal‐free nucleophilic arylations. Besides their synthesis, we demonstrate their application in chemoselective nitrations, oxygenations, aminations as well as thiolations under umpolung conditions. Convenient one‐pot procedures based on their in situ formation are also discussed.

magnified image
Synthesis and Functionalization of Graphene Materials for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Xiao Yuqin , Pang Yoong Xin , Yan Yuxin , Qian Ping , Zhao Haitao , Manickam Sivakumar , Wu Tao , Pang Cheng Heng
Published: January 2023

Since its discovery in 2004, graphene is increasingly applied in various fields owing to its unique properties. Graphene application in the biomedical domain is promising and intriguing as an emerging 2D material with a high surface area, good mechanical properties, and unrivalled electronic and physical properties. This review summarizes six typical synthesis methods to fabricate pristine graphene (p‐G), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), followed by characterization techniques to examine the obtained graphene materials. As bare graphene is generally undesirable in vivo and in vitro, functionalization methods to reduce toxicity, increase biocompatibility, and provide more functionalities are demonstrated. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro behaviors of various bare and functionalized graphene materials are discussed to evaluate the functionalization effects. Reasonable control of dose (<20 mg kg−1), sizes (50–1000 nm), and functionalization methods for in vivo application are advantageous. Then, the key biomedical applications based on graphene materials are discussed, coupled with the current challenges and outlooks of this growing field. In a broader sense, this review provides a comprehensive discussion on the synthesis, characterization, functionalization, evaluation, and application of p‐G, GO, and rGO in the biomedical field, highlighting their recent advances and potential.
The Rising Aerogel Fibers: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Sheng Zhizhi , Liu Zengwei , Hou Yinglai , Jiang Haotian , Li Yuzhen , Li Guangyong , Zhang Xuetong
Published: January 2023

Aerogel fibers garner tremendous scientific interest due to their unique properties such as ultrahigh porosity, large specific surface area, and ultralow thermal conductivity, enabling diverse potential applications in textile, environment, energy conversion and storage, and high‐tech areas. Here, the fabrication methodologies to construct the aerogel fibers starting from nanoscale building blocks are overviewed, and the spinning thermodynamics and spinning kinetics associated with each technology are revealed. The huge pool of material choices that can be assembled into aerogel fibers is discussed. Furthermore, the fascinating properties of aerogel fibers, including mechanical, thermal, sorptive, optical, and fire‐retardant properties are elaborated on. Next, the nano‐confining functionalization strategy for aerogel fibers is particularly highlighted, touching upon the driving force for liquid encapsulation, solid–liquid interface adhesion, and interfacial stability. In addition, emerging applications in thermal management, smart wearable fabrics, water harvest, shielding, heat transfer devices, artificial muscles, and information storage, are discussed. Last, the existing challenges in the development of aerogel fibers are pointed out and light is shed on the opportunities in this burgeoning field.