bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large Predominance of Off‐Label Prescriptions of C1‐Inhibitor Concentrates and Icatibant in a Real‐Life Setting: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Rocour Samuel , Cochard Baptiste , Daniel Valérie , Martin Ludovic , Corvaisier Mathieu
Published: July 2022

C1‐inhibitor (C1INH) concentrates and the selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist icatibant are approved only for treating hereditary angioedema with C1INH deficiency. Yet, they are regularly prescribed off label in other types of bradykinin‐mediated angioedema including angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)‐related and undetermined angioedema.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of inpatient prescriptions of C1INH concentrates and icatibant between 2016 and 2020 in the University Hospital of Angers. The first outcome was the proportion of prescriptions with explicit indication. Then, we determined the compliance of prescriptions with European Medicines Agency approvals and the French bradykinin‐mediated angioedema reference center guidelines. Finally, we estimated the economic impact of inappropriate prescribing.

The therapeutic indication was explicit in 90.4% of prescriptions (n = 66/73). Only 17.8% of prescriptions were for hereditary angioedema with C1INH deficiency, while 31.5% were for ACEi‐related and 28.7% for undetermined angioedema. However, most off‐label prescriptions were consistent with the French bradykinin‐mediated angioedema reference center guidelines (73.3%). We estimated that 13% of drug expenditures were potentially excessive.

The predominance of off‐label prescriptions may be explained by the infrequency of hereditary angioedema and the absence of approved alternatives in other types of bradykinin‐mediated angioedema. Most attacks were related to ACEis. Epinephrine was rarely prescribed as first‐line therapy in attacks of unknown origin. Given the high prices of these drugs, we advocate the development of a readily available management algorithm of angioedema to reduce inappropriate prescriptions in our center. In addition, we think that the drug prescription circuit should be redesigned to ensure the traceability of prescribed vials in the dispensing areas.
Experimental removal of nematode parasites increases growth, sprint speed, and mating success in brown anole lizards
Authors: Wittman Tyler N. , Carlson Torun A. , Robinson Christopher D. , Bhave Rachana S. , Cox Robert M.
Published: July 2022

Parasites interact with nearly all free‐living organisms and can impose substantial fitness costs by reducing host survival, mating success, and fecundity. Parasites may also indirectly affect host fitness by reducing growth and performance. However, experimentally characterizing these costs of parasitism is challenging in the wild because common antiparasite drug formulations require repeated dosing that is difficult to implement in free‐living populations, and because the extended‐release formulations that are commercially available for livestock and pets are not suitable for smaller animals. To address these challenges, we developed a method for the long‐term removal of nematode parasites from brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) using an extended‐release formulation of the antiparasite drug ivermectin. This treatment eliminated two common nematode parasites in captive adult males and dramatically reduced the prevalence and intensity of infection by these parasites in wild adult males and females. Experimental parasite removal significantly increased the sprint speed of captive adult males, the mating success of wild adult males, and the growth of wild juveniles of both sexes. Although parasite removal did not have any effect on survival in wild anoles, parasites may influence fitness directly through reduced mating success and indirectly through reduced growth and performance. Our method of long‐term parasite manipulation via an extended‐release formulation of ivermectin should be readily adaptable to many other small vertebrates, facilitating experimental tests of the extent to which parasites affect host phenotypes, fitness, and eco‐evolutionary dynamics in the wild.
Ontogenic differences and sexual dimorphism of the locomotor performance in a nocturnal gecko, Tarentola mauritanica
Authors: Oliveira Pedro , Gomes Verónica , Riaño Gabriel , Rato Catarina
Published: July 2022

Locomotion performance in reptiles is deeply associated with habitat use, escape from predators, prey capture, and territory defense. As ectotherms, this trait in lizards is extremely sensitive to body temperature (BT). However, most studies rarely look at locomotion patterns in an ontogenic perspective. The Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica, was used to investigate the possible effects of distinct BTs on the locomotor performance within juveniles and adults. Not surprisingly, adult individuals significantly outperform the juveniles in speed at every BT. Moreover, except in the 30‐day‐old juveniles, there is a general trend for an increase of speed with BT. The comparison of these speed values with the ones obtained for diurnal lizard species, corroborates the premise that because nocturnal species are subject to low thermal heterogeneity, little selection for behavioral thermoregulation, but strong selection for high performance at relatively cool temperatures are expected. Furthermore, the higher locomotor performance in adults at 29°C, roughly coincides with previously obtained preferred BTs. However, further studies need to be conducted to build the full performance curve, and to validate the existence of coadaption between behavioral thermoregulation and thermal sensitivity of physiological performance. Finally, this study has found that adult males run significantly faster than females at the highest BTs, highlighting the importance in understanding sex differences, and its potential to drive sex‐specific behaviors, ecology, and ultimately fitness.
Effects of micronutrients on Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice in Thai paddy soils and assessment of their availability indices
Authors: Thanachit Suphicha , Anusontpornperm Somchai , Yoojaroenkit Nuttawadee
Published: July 2022

Background

Micronutrient deficiency is currently the major cause of declining productivity in rice‐growing countries, including Thailand. A pot experiment was conducted to determine limiting micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) for Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105) rice, in four soil types. Soil micronutrient speciation and in‐soil extracts were examined to identify the species controlling the availability to the plant and the efficiency of soil extract to assess the availability indices of multi‐micronutrients for KDML 105 rice.

Results

Micronutrients in the studied soils were in the order Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn, mostly in stable forms accounting for 96.8%–99.7%, 81.3%–96.5%, 95.6%–97.6%, and 83.3%–98.0%, respectively, and in available fractions of only 0.32%–3.2%, 3.55%–18.66%, 2.44%–4.42%, and 2.03%–16.74% respectively. The omitted Fe had the greatest effect on limiting the rice grain yield with a significant reduction of 24.12%–46.46%, whereas the omitted Zn had the least effect. To assess the availability for KDML 105 rice, DTPApH 7.3 was the most suitable multipurpose extractant for Fe, Mn, and Cu, while HCl was superior to other extractants for Zn. All oxide fractions were responsible for supplying available Fe, Mn, and Cu, while Zn was generated from the organic and exchangeable fractions.

Conclusions

The yield of KDML 105 rice can be increased by adding each of these micronutrients but yield magnitude was different depending upon their deficient levels in soils. The oxide‐bonded micronutrients were the species controlling its availability and DTPApH 7.3 was suggested as the multipurpose extractant for micronutrient availability indices indicators.
Analysis of metabolites in green tea during the roasting process using non‐targeted metabolomics
Authors: Liu Fei , Tu Zheng , Chen Lin , Lin Jiazheng , Zhu Hongkai , Ye Yang
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Roasting plays an important role in the formation of flavor of roasted green tea; however, the changes in chemicals during this process have not been systematically studied until now. To reveal the dynamic changes in chemicals in green tea during roasting, non‐targeted metabolomics, coupled with chemometrics, was employed.

RESULTS

A total of 101 non‐volatile metabolites were identified in tea samples, and 29 metabolites were identified as characteristic metabolites of roasting. A significant increase in catechins and their derivatives, organic acids, and flavonoid glycosides was observed, while the content of some amino acids and their derivatives decreased over 50% during roasting. The content of theanine glucoside increased dramatically (by 21.23‐fold at the roasting stage), and Maillard‐derived compounds also increased to varying degrees.

CONCLUSION

Glycosylation, oxidative polymerization, and pyrolysis were important reactions responsible for the formation and transformation of flavor compounds in roasted green tea during roasting. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Isolation, structure identification, and immunostimulatory effects in vitro and in vivo of polysaccharides from Onosma hookeri Clarke var. longiforum Duthie
Authors: Wu Qiang , Er‐bu Aga , Liang Xiaoxia , He Changliang , Yin Lizi , Xu Funeng , Zou Yuanfeng , Yin Zhongqiong , Yue Guizhou , Li Lixia , Song Xu , Tang Huaqiao , Zhang Wei , Lv Cheng , Jing Bo , Sang Geng , Rangnanjia Car
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

This study characterized an acidic polysaccharide (OHC‐LDPA) isolated from the medicinal and edible homologous plant Onosma hookeri Clarke var. longiforum Duthie. The structure of OHC‐LDPA was elucidated based on the analysis of infrared, one‑/two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data. The immunostimulatory effects of OHC‐LDPA were identified by both in vitro and in vivo models.

RESULTS

The structure of OHC‐LDPA was elucidated as a typical pectin polysaccharide, consisting of galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose, and rhamnose as the primary sugars, with linear galacturonic acid as the main chain and arabinogalacturonic acid as the main branched components. OHC‐LDPA could significantly stimulate the proliferation and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 macrophages and the release of nitric oxide in vitro. Also, it could accelerate the recovery of spleen and thymus indexes, enhance the splenic lymphocyte proliferation responses, and restore the levels of interleukin‐2, interleukin‐10, interferon‐γ, and immunoglobulin G in the serum in a cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed‐mice model. In addition, OHC‐LDPA could restore the intestinal mucosal immunity and reduce the inflammatory damage.

CONCLUSION

OHC‐LDPA could improve the immunity both in vitro and in vivo and could be used as a potential immunostimulant agent. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Efficient enzymatic synthesis of d‐allulose using a novel d‐allulose‐3‐epimerase from Caballeronia insecticola
Authors: Li Zijie , Feng Linxue , Chen Zhou , Hu Yangfan , Fei Kangqing , Xu Huilin , Gao Xiao‐Dong
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Rare sugars have become promising ‘sugar alternatives’ because of their low calories and unique physiological functions. Among the family of rare sugars, d‐allulose is one of the sugars attracting interest. Ketose 3‐epimerases (KEase), including d‐tagatose 3‐epimerase (DTEase) and d‐allulose 3‐epimerase (DAEase), are mainly used for d‐allulose production.

RESULTS

In this study, a putative xylose isomerase from Caballeronia insecticola was characterized and identified as a novel DAEase. Caballeronia insecticola DAEase displayed prominent enzymatic properties, and 150 g L−1 d‐allulose was produced from 500 g L−1 d‐fructose in 45 min with a conversion rate of 30% and high productivity of 200 g L−1 h−1. Furthermore, DAEase was employed in a phosphorylation–dephosphorylation cascade reaction, which significantly increased the conversion rate of d‐allulose. Under optimized conditions, the conversion rate of d‐allulose was approximately 100% when the concentration of d‐fructose was 50 mmol L−1.

CONCLUSION

This research described a very beneficial and facile approach for d‐allulose production based on C. insecticola DAEase. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Noninvasive genetic sampling with a spatial capture‐recapture analysis to estimate abundance of Roosevelt elk
Authors: Henk Makenzie , Hilson Carrington , Bean William T. , Barton Daniel C. , Gunther Micaela Szykman
Published: July 2022

Precise abundance estimates of large mammals are important for effective conservation, harvest, and conflict management. Determining abundance of wide‐ranging, herding ungulate species has presented a unique challenge to wildlife managers because of factors such as dense forest, elusive behavior, and heterogeneity in density across the landscape. Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) populations in Northern California, USA, are no exception to these challenges, and as the elk population has grown, so has human–wildlife conflict, necessitating the need for efficient and repeatable methods to determine population abundance for management decisions. We explored non‐invasive genetic sampling combined with spatial capture‐recapture (SCR) as an alternative for monitoring populations that are difficult to observe directly. We combined an SCR model with a binomial point process and an unstructured single survey search method to estimate elk abundance in Northern California via Bayesian inference. We searched open grassy hillsides for female‐calf groups and used a detection dog team to search forested areas to increase the number of detections of males and other solitary individuals. For the SCR analysis, we used sex and survey effort as detection covariates, and used a trap‐level random effect to account for overdispersion in the count data from the herding behavior of elk. Our population estimate (N ± SD) for the study area was 618 ± 36.34 individuals (95% Bayesian credible interval = 551–693) with a mean density of 1.09 ± 0.06 elk/km2. Our work demonstrates a potential method to estimate population size of ungulates in an area that is not conducive to traditional monitoring methods.
The Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on Polymerization Behavior of Monofunctional Vinyl Cyclopropane‐Amides with Different Side Chains
Authors: Schumacher Sören , Pantawane Sanwardhini , Gekle Stephan , Agarwal Seema
Published: July 2022

The synthesis of four different monofunctional vinyl cyclopropane (VCP) amides and their photopolymerization behavior are presented. All VCPs can form hydrogen bonds, with one being the amide linkage of the VCP unit and the other one being the side chain. The number of additional hydrogen bonds is regulated by the different side chains being, carbonate, urethane, urea, and amide. Hydrogen bonds should lead to a preorganization of the monomers, leading to a fast polymerization. Kinetic studies of the photopolymerization, analysis of hydrogen bond strength via solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments, and theoretical calculations are used to correlate the degree of conversion and the amount of preorganization. A fast polymerization could be observed due to hydrogen bonding near the active site, while hydrogen bonds in the side chain make a minor difference.
Barriers and facilitators of experiencing pregnancy and motherhood with congenital heart disease: A secondary qualitative analysis
Authors: Ghizzardi Greta , Caruso Rosario , Barello Serena , Flocco Serena Francesca , Arrigoni Cristina , Baroni Irene , Nania Tiziana , Dellafiore Federica
Published: July 2022

Aims

To explore and describe perceived factors that favour or hinder the challenges faced by mothers with congenital heart disease during pregnancy and motherhood.

Design

A secondary qualitative analysis, according to the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach.

Methods

A previous study by Flocco et al., 2020 led us to identify that this population share risks, fear, worries and challenges related to pregnancy. To better understand two a priori themes, barriers and facilitators, we adopted The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines, and the processes of credibility, transferability and dependability guaranteed the rigour.

Results

The perceived barriers that were identified from the twelve semi‐structured interviews were mainly identified in clinical and psychological risks, uncertainty about the future. The main facilitators were identified in positive mental attitude, self‐motivation, trust in support by clinicians and nurses.

Conclusion

The study results confirmed two main a priori themes, revealing that CHD women perceive considerable obstacles and figure out facilitators to face the difficulties encountered in their path to become mothers.
Challenges and coping strategies of nurses and midwives after maternity leave: A cross‐sectional study in a human resource‐constrained setting in Ghana
Authors: Konlan Kennedy Dodam , Pwavra Joyce Batagidewe Paladaga , Armah‐Mensah Mavis , Konlan Kennedy Diema , Aryee Rita , Narkotey Stephen
Published: July 2022

Aim

This study examined the challenges and coping strategies adopted by nurses and midwives after child birth when they return to work.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used.

Method

Two hundred nurses and midwives with history of maternity leave were recruited from the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital to take part in this study. Data were collected using a pre‐tested self‐administered questionnaire. The data were analysed with the aid of Stata 13.0.

Results

Most of the respondents claimed that they received support from relatives, day care centres and paid house helps while they resumed work. Seventy percent of the respondents indicated that they were given off day when they needed to send their child for postnatal care. Nurses and midwives depend on family members, paid house helps and day care centres to help them cater for their babies. It is recommended that hospitals set‐up day care centres and breastfeeding bays attached to the institutions.
Quantitative proteome remodeling characterization of two human reference pluripotent stem cell lines during neurogenesis and cardiomyogenesis
Authors: Nam Ki Hong , Ordureau Alban
Published: July 2022

Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have become popular tools within the research community to study developmental and model diseases. While many induced‐PSCs (iPSCs) from various genetic background sources are currently available, scientific advancement has been hampered by the considerable phenotypic variations observed between different iPSC lines. A recent collaborative effort selected a novel iPSC line to address this and encourage the adoption of a standardized iPSC line termed KOLF2.1J. Here, leveraging the multiplexing power of isobaric labeling, we systematically investigate, at the 10k proteome level, the relative protein abundance profiles of the KOLF2.1J reference iPSC line upon two distinct cell state differentiation trajectories. In addition, we side‐by‐side systematically compare this line with the H9 line, an established embryonically derived PSC line that we previously characterized. We noticed differences in the basal proteome of the two cell lines and highlighted the differentially expressed proteins. While the difference between the cell line's proteome subsisted upon differentiation, the global proteome remodeling trajectory was highly similar during the tested differentiation routes. We thus conclude that the KOLF2.1J line performs well at the proteome level upon the neuro and cardiomyogenesis differentiation protocol used. We believe this dataset will serve as a resource of value for the research community.
Mechanism of the phosphine‐catalyzed [3 + 3] annulation with MBH carbonates as the potential dipoles
Authors: Li Tiantian , Chen Zitong , Liu Jiying , Sun Tianhua , Xia Hui , Zhang Wenjing
Published: July 2022

The [3 + 3] cylcloaddition/annulation is an important complementary for construction of six‐membered ring. With addition of organophosphine to the Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman (MBH) carbonate, a potential C3 synthon can be furnished. In this work, the catalytic mechanisms for using this synthon as the nucleophilic or electrophilic dipole to react with the cyclohexa‐2,5‐dienone‐substituted benzenesulfonamide are studied by the density functional theory method. The computational results reveal that the nucleophilic addition of the amide anion to the allylic phosphonium is more favorable than the electrophilic addition of alkenyl in the benzenesulfonamide with the allylic phosphorus ylide. Namely, the allylic phosphonium adduct, rather than the allylic phosphorus ylide that is generated by deprotonation of the allylic phosphonium, is more likely to act as the potential dipole. The global reactivity index calculations indicate that species involved in the favored pathway have better reactivities (both in nucleophilicity and electrophilicity), especially the significantly higher nucleophilicity of the amide anion.
Computational characterization of homologous ligands binding to a deep hydrophobic pocket in Shigella flexneri pilot protein MxiM
Authors: Zhu Shun
Published: July 2022

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is an important molecular machinery in gram‐negative bacteria Shigella flexneri as it provides ways for translocating virulence factors from the bacteria into host cells, eventually leading to severe disease symptoms such as bacillary dysentery. Due to the rising concerns of antibiotics resistance in bactericidal strategy, the anti‐virulence strategy that primarily targets the T3SS components becomes an attractive alternative. MxiM, the secretin pilot protein of Shigella flexneri, binds the secretin MxiD and facilitates the formation of the secretin ring in outer membrane in T3SS assembly. MxiM harbors a large hydrophobic pocket that has been shown to be important in MxiM‐MxiD interaction. In this work, I examined the ligand binding property of MxiM by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the association between MxiM and a series of hydrophobic ligands, with simulation time amounted to 30 μs. MD simulations successfully captured spontaneous ligand binding events in 153 of the 300 trajectories. The ligand binding can be categorized into two types: a fast type, in which the ligand binds quickly into the hydrophobic pocket and a slow type, in which the ligand forms an encounter complex with the protein before binding into the hydrophobic pocket. Using the MxiM‐ligand binding poses captured in MD simulations, I additionally performed umbrella‐sampling MD simulations with total simulation time amounted to 63 μs to obtain protein–ligand binding free energies. The relationship between the ligand binding free energy and ligand size appears to be nonlinear and exhibits an exponential decay pattern. In summary, I performed computational characterization of MxiM‐hydrophobic ligand binding capabilities and properties, which may provide valuable insights into designing anti‐bacterial medicine against antibiotics resistance in Shigella flexneri.
Moment based model predictive control for linear systems: Additive perturbations case
Authors: Saltık Muhammed Bahadır , Özkan Leyla , Weiland Siep
Published: July 2022

In this article, we present a novel linear model predictive control (MPC) strategy for controlling uncertain dynamical systems. The moment based MPC strategy is based on the (centralized) moments of the stochastic cost and constraint functions. We show that moment based MPC formulations yield computationally tractable predictive control problems, due to the explicit analytic expressions of the moments and linearity in the dynamics. This article considers (i) the output regulation MPC configuration, where the output is steered towards a reference and state vector is not correctly accessible to the controller at the decision instants; (ii) the moment based MPC formulation with uncertainties that are non‐Gaussian random variables, and (iii) bound and polytopic constraints in the uncertain MPC problem subject to either Gaussian disturbances or uncertainties with symmetric distributions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MPC technique on simulation examples such as a double integrator system and a quadruple tank system.
Effect of Commercial Gas Diffusion Layers on Catalyst Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells in Varied Cathode Gas Environment
Authors: Khedekar Kaustubh , Satjaritanun Pongsarun , Stewart Sarah , Braaten Jonathan , Atanassov Plamen , Tamura Nobumichi , Cheng Lei , Johnston Christina M. , Zenyuk Iryna V.
Published: July 2022

Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) play a crucial role in heat transfer and water management of cathode catalyst layers in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Thermal and water gradients can accelerate electrocatalyst degradation and therefore the selection of GDLs can have a major influence on PEFC durability. Currently, the role of GDLs in electrocatalyst degradation is poorly studied. In this study, electrocatalyst accelerated stress test studies are performed on membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) prepared using three most commonly used GDLs. The effect of GDLs on electrocatalyst degradation is evaluated in both nitrogen (non‐reactive) and air (reactive) gas environments at 100% relative humidity. In situ electrochemical characterization and extensive physical characterization is performed to understand the subtle differences in electrocatalyst degradation and correlated to the use of different GDLs. Overall, no difference is observed in the electrocatalyst degradation due to GDLs based on polarization curves at the end of life. But interestingly, MEA with a cracked microporous layer (MPL) in the GDL exhibited a higher electrocatalyst loading loss, which resulted in a lower and more heterogeneous increase in the average electrocatalyst nanoparticle size.
Bending‐Insensitive Intrinsically Flexible Ultraviolet Encoding Devices Based on Piezoelectric Nanogenerator‐Supplied Liquid Crystalline Polymer Fabrics
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiong , Liu Zhefeng , Wang Rui , Chen Aihua
Published: July 2022

It is significantly challenging for state‐of‐the‐art wearable electronics to stably monitor physicochemical signals under dynamic motions. Herein, a bending‐insensitive, self‐powered, and intrinsically flexible UV detector has been realized based on well‐designed oriented composite fabrics, consisting of ionic liquid (IL)‐containing liquid crystalline polymers (ILCPs) and piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)] nanogenerators. The novel composite fabrics establish effective UV illuminance‐internal stress‐electric signal conversion by coupling resistive and piezoelectric effects, with a fast response time of 190 ms. Particularly, benefiting from the intrinsic flexibility of composite fabrics, the ILCP/P(VDF‐TrFE) device can maintain stable performance under dynamic bending even if the frequency is up to 2.5 Hz, with a bending insensitivity of less than 1% performance variation under 1.0 mW cm−2 UV light. Combined with the Internet of Things and the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII), wearable encoding electronics have been successfully implemented with a printing speed of 3.2 s per character under dynamic bending.
Metallopolymer Particle Engineering via Etching of Boronate Polymers toward High‐Performance Overall Water Splitting Catalysts
Authors: Wu Tong , Li Yaying , Hong Jing , He Liu , Mao Jie , Wu Xiaoling , Zhou Xiangfu , Zeng Peixin , Zeng Birong , Xu Yiting , Luo Weiang , Chen Guorong , Yuan Conghui , Dai Lizong
Published: July 2022

Metallopolymers combine the property features of both metallic compounds and organic polymers, representing a typical direction for the design of high‐performance hybrid materials. Here, a highly adaptive etching method to create pores and cavities in the metallopolymer particles is established. Starting from boronate polymer (BP) and inorganic@BP core–shell particles, porous, hollow, and yolk–shell metallopolymer particles can be fabricated, respectively. By taking advantage of the easy control over composition and pore/cavity structure, these metallopolymer particles provide a universal platform for the fabrication of nitrogen, boron co‐doped carbon nanocomposites loaded with metals (M‐NBCs). The as‐prepared M‐NBCs exhibit remarkable catalytic activities toward oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction. An alkaline overall water splitting cell assembled by using M‐NBCs as the anode and cathode can be driven by a single AAA battery. The proposed strategy for the construction of metallopolymer composites may enlighten for the design of complex hybrid nanomaterials.
Bidirectional Lithiophilic Gradients Modification of Ultralight 3D Carbon Nanofiber Host for Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Li Tong , Gu Sichen , Chen Likun , Zhang Lihan , Qin Xianying , Huang Zhijia , He Yan‐Bing , Lv Wei , Kang Feiyu
Published: July 2022

Using 3D host is an effective way to solve the dendrite growth problem and accommodate volume changes of lithium (Li) metal anode. However, the preferred Li deposition on the top surface leads to the Li metal agglomeration at the surface. In addition, the large weight of the 3D host also greatly decreases the capacity based on the whole anode. Herein, a bidirectional lithiophilic gradient modification, including a top‐down ZnO gradient and a bottom‐up Sn gradient, is applied to an ultralight 3D carbon nanofiber host (density: 0.1 g cm−3) and ensures the evenly filling lithium deposition in the 3D host. ZnO transforms into highly ionic conductive Li–Zn alloy and Li2O during cycling, enhancing the Li‐ion transportation from top to bottom. The metallic Sn also lowers the Li nucleation potential, guiding the preferential Li deposition from the bottom. With such a host, a stable CE of 97.5% over 100 cycles at 1 mA cm−2 and 3 mAh cm−2 is achieved, and the full battery also delivers good cycling stability over 300 cycles with a high CE of 99.8% coupled with high loading LiFePO4 cathode (10 mg cm−2) and low N/P ratio (≈3).
Floating Hydrogel Beads Made by Droplet Impact
Authors: Chu Yanji , Liao Shenglong , Wang Qianci , Ma Yingchao , Wang Yapei
Published: July 2022

Droplet impact is a ubiquitous natural phenomenon that has been widely utilized to inspire and facilitate many industrial applications. Compared to the widely studied water droplet impact onto identical liquid surfaces, the water droplet impact onto an oil layer floating on a water bath (OLW) receives far less attention and its potential application has never been exploited. Herein, the process of water droplet impact onto the OLW is investigated with emphasis on the metastable states and potential applications. It is found that the dramatic deformation of the oil–water interface caused by the water droplet impact leads to two metastable states: oil in water in oil in water (O/W/O/W) and oil in water in oil (O/W/O). Through the subsequent introduction of gelation process, the metastable states can be frozen into floating hydrogel beads with similar shape to the roly‐poly toys, which are attempted in gastric retentive drug delivery and algae bloom control. Specifically, the floating hydrogel beads perform well in gastric retentive drug delivery in vitro due to their inherent slow‐release properties and floating capability. In addition, the floating hydrogel beads loading photocatalysts can capture more sunshine, and exhibit high photocatalytic efficiency, which is thus responsible for efficient algae bloom control.
Rational Design of WSe2/WS2/WSe2 Dual Junction Phototransistor Incorporating High Responsivity and Detectivity
Authors: Luo Zhongtong , Yang Mengmeng , Wu Dongsi , Huang Zihao , Gao Wei , Zhang Menglong , Zhou Yuchen , Zhao Yu , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Li Jingbo
Published: July 2022

The excellent semiconducting properties and ultrathin morphological characteristics allow van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on 2D materials to be promising channel materials for the next‐generation optoelectronic devices, especially in photodetectors. Although various 2D heterostructure‐based photodetectors have been developed, the unavoidable trade‐off between responsivity and detectivity remains a critical issue for these devices. Here, an ingenious phototransistor based on WSe2/WS2/WSe2 dual‐vdW heterostructures is constructed, performing both high responsivity and detectivity. In the charge neutrality point (gate voltage of −15 V and bias voltage of 1 V), this device demonstrates a pronounced photosensitivity, accompanying with high detectivity of 1.9 × 1014 Jones, high responsivity of 35.4 A W−1, and fast rise/fall time of 3.2/2.5 ms at 405 nm with power density of 60 µW cm−2. Density functional theory calculations, energy band profiles, and optoelectronic characteristics jointly verify that the high performance is ascribed to the distinctive device design, which not only facilitates the separation of photogenerated carriers but also produces a strong photogating effect. As a feasible application, an automotive radar system is demonstrated, proving that the device has considerable potential for application in vehicle intelligent assisted driving.
Control of Quantum Noise: On the Role of Dilations
Authors: Burgarth Daniel , Facchi Paolo , Hillier Robin
Published: July 2022

We show that every finite-dimensional quantum system with Markovian (i.e. GKLS-generated) time evolution has an autonomous unitary dilation which can be dynamically decoupled. Since there is also always an autonomous unitary dilation which cannot be dynamically decoupled, this highlights the role of dilations in the control of quantum noise. We construct our dilation via a time-dependent version of Stinespring in combination with Howland’s clock Hamiltonian and certain point-localised states, which may be regarded as a C*-algebraic analogue of improper bra-ket position eigenstates and which are hence of independent mathematical and physical interest.
Hydroacoustic Signals Originating from Marine Volcanic Activity at Kadovar Island, Papua New Guinea, Recorded by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty International Monitoring System
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Zampolli Mario , Haralabus Georgios , Stanley Jerry , Robertson James , Özel Nurcan Meral
Published: July 2022

Hydroacoustic signals originating from marine volcanic activity at Kadovar Island (Papua New Guinea), recorded by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) International Monitoring System (IMS) hydroacoustic (HA) station HA11 Wake Island (USA), are examined herein. Episodes of high volcanic activity were identified on two occasions, separated by a period of 1 month. The events studied pertain to an initial eruption series during a period between January and February 2018. Based on local visual observations, the Kadovar volcano began to erupt at the summit and then created a new vent spot near the coast. This series of events also included the collapse of a lava dome. Direction-of-arrival estimates for the hydroacoustic signals detected at HA11 were computed using a cross-correlation technique, which allowed for the discrimination between hydroacoustic signals originating from the Kadovar volcanic activity and numerous other hydroacoustic signals attributed to seismic activity in the Pacific Ocean. The Kadovar-related seismic signals could not be identified by regional IMS seismic stations, suggesting a submarine origin of these events. On the other hand, hydroacoustic signals originating from the Kadovar volcanic activity were identified by the seismometer at Manus Island, which is located between Kadovar and HA11. The study suggests that a series of explosive bursts followed by an unusual rumble and a broadband signal plus rumble may constrain the time of the lava dome collapse event at Kadovar Island to 00:30 UTC, 00:33 UTC, and 00:46 UTC on 09 February 2018. Given the compatibility of this observation with the tsunami generation reported by eyewitnesses on the nearby island of Blup Blup, the authors interpret this particular hydroacoustic signal as being a remote observation of this tsunamigenic event. The objective of this study was to assess the potential added value of IMS hydroacoustic data for remote surveillance of geohazards in otherwise sparsely monitored areas.
Television and fertility: evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Bönisch Peter , Hyll Walter
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study the effect of television exposure on fertility. We exploit a natural experiment that took place in Germany after WWII. For topographical reasons, Western TV programs, which promoted one/no child families, could not be received in certain parts of East Germany. We find robust evidence that access to West German TV results in lower fertility. This conclusion is robust to alternative model specifications and different data sets. Using individual level information on TV consumption, we employ IV techniques to estimate the direct effect of Western TV consumption on fertility. By using aggregate level fertility data, we furthermore show the robustness of our analysis in a difference-in-difference setting. Our results suggest that individual fertility decisions are affected by role models or information about other ways of life promoted by media.
Impact of PhD Degree Versus Non‐PhD Research Fellowship on Future Research Productivity Among Academic Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Authors: Bajaj Simar S. , Wang Hanjay , Williams Kiah M. , Heiler Joseph C. , Pickering Joshua M. , Manjunatha Keerthi , O'Donnell Christian T. , Sanchez Mark , Boyd Jack H.
Published: July 2022

Background

A PhD degree can offer significant research experience, but previous studies yielded conflicting conclusions on the relationship between a PhD degree and future research output. We compared the impact of a PhD degree versus research fellowship (RF) training on research productivity in cardiothoracic surgeons, hypothesizing that training pathways may influence potential associations.

Methods

CT surgeons practicing at all accredited United States CT surgery training programs in 2018 who pursued dedicated time for research (n = 597), including earning a PhD degree (n = 92) or completing a non‐PhD RF (n = 505), were included. To control for training pathways, we performed subanalyses of U.S. medical school graduates (n = 466) and international medical school graduates (IMGs) (n = 131). Surgeon‐specific data were obtained from publicly available sources (e.g., institutional webpages, Scopus).

Results

PhD surgeons published greater total papers (68.5 vs. 52.0, p = 0.0179) and total papers per year as an attending (4.6 vs. 3.0, p = 0.0150). For U.S. medical school graduates, there were 40 PhD surgeons and 426 non‐PhD RF surgeons; both groups published a similar number of total papers (64.5 vs. 54.0, p = 0.3738) and total papers per year (3.2 vs. 3.0, p = 0.7909). For IMGs, there were 52 PhD surgeons and 79 non‐PhD RF surgeons; the PhD surgeons published greater total papers (80.5 vs. 45.0, p = 0.0101) and total papers per year (5.7 vs. 2.7, p = 0.0037).

Conclusion

CT surgeons with dedicated research training are highly academically productive. Although a PhD degree may be associated with enhanced career‐long research productivity for IMGs, this association was not observed for U.S. medical school graduates.
Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Carotid Body Tumors: Data from the Carotid Paraganglioma Cooperative International Registry (CAPACITY) Group
Authors: Gonzalez‐Urquijo Mauricio , Viteri‐Pérez Victor Hugo , Becerril‐Gaitan Andrea , Hinojosa‐Gonzalez David , Enríquez‐Vega María Elizabeth , Soto Vaca Guzmán Ivan Walter , Valda‐Ameller Gregorio Eloy , de Jesús García‐Pérez José , Vaquero‐Puerta Carlos , Jaramillo‐Vergara Victor Hugo , Cisneros‐Tinoco Miguel Angel , Santoscoy‐Ibarra Joaquin Miguel , Fabiani Mario Alejandro ,   CAPACITY, Cárdenas‐Figueroa Edgar Geovanny , Borja‐Rojas Verónica Elizabeth , Salinas‐Ramos Ingrid Valeria , Gonzalez‐Valladares Alfonso Juan , Katherine‐Perez Aneiva Claudia , Bañuelos‐Gutierrez Gael , Garcia‐Palafox Jesus Isaias , Gardeazabal‐Diaz Gregorio Fernando , López‐Aldayuz César Armando , Barajas‐Colón José Ángel
Published: July 2022

Background

This study's objective was to conduct a multinational registry of patients with carotid body tumors (CBTs) and to analyze patients’ clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective study from the Carotid Paraganglioma Cooperative International Registry involving eleven medical centers in Bolivia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Spain, of all patients with a CBT who underwent resection between 2009 and 2019.

Results

A total of 1432 patients with a CBT surgically treated were included. Median patient age was 54 years (range: 45–63 years), and 82.9% (1184) of the study cohort were female. While at low altitude, the proportion of female‐to‐male cases was 2:1, at high altitude, this proportion increased to 8:1, with statistically significant differences (p = .022). Median operative time was 139 min (range: 110–180 min), while median operative blood loss was 250 ml (range: 100–500 ml), with statistically significant difference in increased blood loss (p = .001) and operative time (p = .001) with a higher Shamblin classification. Eight (0.6%) patients suffered stroke. Univariate analysis analyzing for possible factors associated with increased odds of stroke revealed intraoperative vascular lesion to present an OR of 2.37 [CI 95%; 1.19–4.75] (p = 0.001). In 245 (17.1%), a cranial nerve injury was reported. Seven (0.5%) deaths were recorded.

Conclusion

The most common CBT type on this cohort was hyperplasic, which might be partially explained by the high altitudes where these patients lived. Increased blood loss and operative time were associated with a higher Shamblin classification, and the risk of stroke was associated with patients presenting transoperative vascular lesions.
Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Appendectomy: Trends, Risk Factors and Outcomes. A 15‐Year Single‐Center Analysis of 2193 Adult Patients
Authors: Monrabal Lezama Manuela , Casas María A. , Angeramo Cristian A. , Bras Harriott Camila , Schlottmann Francisco
Published: July 2022

Background

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has become the standard of care for the management of acute appendicitis in adult patients. Despite the increasing experience in laparoscopy, conversion to open surgery might still occur. We aimed to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for conversion and determine surgical outcomes in this population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients undergoing LA during the period 2006–2020. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients who underwent a fully laparoscopic appendectomy (FLA) and patients who were converted to open appendectomy (CA). Demographics, perioperative variables and postoperative outcomes were compared between both groups. Independent risk factors for conversion were determined by logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 2193 patients were included for analysis; 2141 (98%) underwent FLA and 52 (2%) CA. Conversion rates decreased significantly over time (p = 0.006). Patients with CA had significantly higher overall postoperative morbidity rates (FLA 14.9% vs. CA 48.0%, p < 0.0001) and longer mean length of hospital stay (FLA 1.7 vs. CA 5 days). In the multivariate analysis, obesity (p < 0.001), previous abdominal operations (p = 0.013), peritonitis (p = 0.003) and complicated appendicitis (p < 0.001) were independent risk factor for conversion.

Conclusions

Although conversion from laparoscopic to open appendectomy is infrequent and has decreased over time, it is associated with significantly higher postoperative morbidity. Patients with previous abdominal operations, obesity and complicated appendicitis should be thoroughly advised about the higher risk of conversion.
Phenotypical variability of the sigmoid sinus in translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid surgeries
Authors: Al-Fauri Maryna , Lee Daniel , Kelly Paul
Published: July 2022

Introduction

We hypothesized that the cranial phenotype influences the shape of the posterior cranial fossa and the relative position of the sigmoid sinus.

Materials and methods

The topography of the sigmoid sinus was studied on 26 magnetic resonance venograms and 35 embalmed cadavers by morphometric analysis, dissection, and photo modeling techniques.

Results

The data show that the transverse diameter of the posterior cranial fossa correlates positively with the laterolateral diameter of the skull. The majority of cases with the low-anterior position of the sigmoid sinus were recorded in the brachycephalic group (82%), while the high-posterior localization of the sigmoid sinus was typical for the dolichocephalic patients (63%). The results of the ANOVA test confirm the significance of differences.

Conclusions

The shape of the skull reflects the morphology of the posterior cranial fossa and influences the topographic characteristics of the sigmoid sinus that must be considered in the selection of surgical approach to the inner ear and pontocerebellar angle.
MHz burst mode processing as a tool for achieving removal rates scalability in ultrashort laser micro-machining
Authors: Le Hoang , Karkantonis Themistoklis , Nasrollahi Vahid , Penchev Pavel , Dimov Stefan
Published: July 2022

The average power of ultrashort laser source has been increasing continuously and, therefore, solutions are required to employ fully these technology advances for improving the ablation efficiency in laser micro-processing. The use of burst mode processing is one of the solutions that has attracted a significant research and industrial interest in the past decade. A novel empirical methodology is proposed and implemented in this research to assess the MHz burst mode impact on the specific removal rate (SRR) and processing efficiency in ultrashort laser micro-machining. Especially, the capability of the MHz burst mode processing is investigated to scale up SRRs achievable on copper and stainless steel while utilising fully the available maximum pulse energy and average laser power. The results showed that the MHz burst mode offer a significant SRR scalability potential that can be attributed to beneficial near optimum fluence level and other side effects such as heat accumulation. Also, it is evidenced from the obtained results that the surface quality attained with the burst mode processing was comparable to that achieved with the single-pulse processing and even better at some specific process settings. Thus, the obtained SRR improvements were not in expense of the surface quality and the MHz bust mode processing represents a promising solution to employ fully the constantly increasing average power in ultrashort laser processing operations.
Borda-optimal taxation of labour income
Authors: Ivanov Asen
Published: July 2022

I numerically compute Borda-optimal, i.e., optimal based on the Borda count as the normative criterion, labour-income tax schedules for the United States. I do so in the context of a Mirrlees-style model with quasilinear preferences and a constant elasticity of labour supply. Because the Borda count is defined for finitely many alternatives, the computations restrict attention to a finite subset of the set of continuous, piecewise linear tax schedules with (in the baseline analysis) four or fewer pieces.