bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When cash costs you: The pain of holding coins over banknotes
Authors: Zenkić Jay , Mead Nicole L. , Millet Kobe
Published: November 2023

We hypothesize that the physical characteristics of cash lead to differences in “pain of holding” which influences spending. In one field study (rural India) and two controlled experiments (N = 1710), we tested that hypothesis by endowing people with coins or equivalently valued banknotes and measuring their pain of holding and spending. Holding denomination constant (e.g., $1 coins vs. $1 banknotes), participants reported a greater pain of holding for coins (vs banknotes) which in turn increased spending. These findings were consistent across three incentive‐compatible experiments using a range of contexts (spending/donation), populations (Americans/Indians), and currencies (USD/INR). There was no evidence that coins were spent more than banknotes because of lower perceived purchasing power. Our findings suggest that the pain of holding contributes to under‐saving, which may be especially problematic among vulnerable populations who rely on cash. Conceptually, we shed new insight on the denomination effect (greater spending of smaller than larger denominations) and the pain of paying (the aversive experience of spending money). Practically, we provide recommendations for practitioners who wish to encourage donations, spending, or saving.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride‐supported Ni/NiO microflower structures for urea electro‐oxidation
Authors: Taha Mohamed , Attia Yasser A. , Medany Shymaa S.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

In this study, a 3D heterostructure of Ni/NiO microflower‐decorated graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) with different ratios was synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The aim was to investigate the electrocatalytic activity of these materials toward urea electrochemical oxidation (UEO) and compare them with various Ni‐based catalysts in NaOH solution.

RESULTS

The crystal structure and morphology of the synthesized electrocatalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Among the different ratios studied, the Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity and stability. The anodic current density of Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 was approximately 1.5 times higher than that of NiO microflowers, indicating its superior capability for facilitating the electro‐oxidation of urea at its surface. Furthermore, the Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 composition showed a lower Tafel slope, low charge transfer resistance, and higher current density, making it a promising material for urea fuel cells.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study highlight the significance of the Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 composition in achieving efficient electrocatalytic activity for UEO. The 3D heterostructure design, combining the synergistic effects of Ni/NiO and g‐C3N4, offers enhanced performance and stability. These findings contribute to the development of advanced electrocatalysts for urea fuel cells, with potential applications in energy conversion systems. Further research should focus on optimizing the composition and exploring the underlying mechanisms to improve the performance of these electrocatalysts for practical applications. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Ultrastructural characterization of maturing iPSC‐derived nephron structures upon transplantation
Authors: Wiersma L. E. , Avramut M. C. , Koster A. J. , van den Berg C. W. , Rabelink T. J.
Published: November 2023

Pluripotent stem cell‐derived kidney organoids hold great promise as a potential auxiliary transplant tissue for individuals with end‐stage renal disease and as a platform for studying kidney diseases and drug discovery. To establish accurate models, it is crucial to thoroughly characterize the morphological features and maturation stages of the cellular components within these organoids. Nephrons, the functional units of the kidney, possess distinct morphological structures that directly correlate with their specific functions. High spatial resolution imaging emerges as a powerful technique for capturing ultrastructural details that may go unnoticed with other methods such as immunofluorescent imaging and scRNA sequencing. In our study, we have applied software capable of seamlessly stitching virtual slides generated from electron microscopy, resulting in high‐definition overviews of tissue slides. With this technology, we can comprehensively characterize the development and maturation of kidney organoids when transplanted under the renal capsule of mice. These organoids exhibit advanced ultrastructural developments upon transplantation, including the formation of the filtration barrier in the renal corpuscle, the presence of microvilli in the proximal tubule, and various types of cell sub‐segmentation in the connecting tubule similarly to those seen in the adult kidney. Such ultrastructural characterization provides invaluable insights into the structural development and functional morphology of nephron segments within kidney organoids and how to advance them by interventions such as a transplantation.

Research Highlights

High‐resolution imaging is crucial to determine morphological maturation of hiPSC‐derived kidney organoids. Upon transplantation, refined ultrastructural development of nephron segments was observed, such as the development of the glomerular filtration barrier.
The disequilibrium of hope: A grounded theory analysis of parents' experiences of receiving a “no primary finding” result from genome sequencing
Authors: Gurasashvili Jana , Silverio Sergio A. , Hill Melissa , Peter Michelle , Stafford‐Smith Bethany , Lewis Celine
Published: November 2023

Genome sequencing (GS) has the potential to reduce the “diagnostic odyssey” that many parents of children with rare undiagnosed conditions experience. While much research has considered the impact of receiving a diagnostic result, research has rarely focused solely on the impact of receiving a “no primary finding” (NPF) result. This study aimed to investigate the experience of parents of children with rare and undiagnosed conditions following an NPF result from GS. Nine parents whose child had an NPF result from GS were recruited through the social media platform of the charity SWAN (Syndromes Without A Name) UK. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using grounded theory. Analysis led to the emergence of two main themes. The first theme “Striving to Solve the Unsolved Puzzle” concerned the experience of striving to end the “diagnostic odyssey.” The second theme “Navigating Hope, Lost then Found” plots the trajectory of hope raised by the promise of a new technology, dashed by the NPF, and the eventual return of small and distant hope for the future. Taken together, these themes allowed for a proposed theory: “The Disequilibrium of Hope,” which highlights the dynamic and modifiable experience of hope participants experience in their GS journey. These results suggest GS can be an emotional rollercoaster for parents. While hope plays an important role in coping with the day‐to‐day life of living with a rare disease, careful management of expectations from GS is important during pre‐test counseling, and continued follow‐up and support are needed beyond result disclosure. An understanding of the disappointment and distress caused by an NPF result is valuable for healthcare professionals in this field to ensure counseling can be tailored. Further research should consider how to support parents after an NPF result.
A new synthesis of 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐fluoroadenosine, a key intermediate of cyclic dinucleotide
Authors: Qiu Yayun , Li Zixing , Ning Fangmin , Tang Dandan , Chen Huansheng
Published: November 2023

A new synthesis of 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐fluoroadenosine for use as an important intermediate of antitumor‐active cyclic dinucleotide is disclosed. The synthesis started with the known 5‐O‐TBDPS‐D‐lyxofuranose 1,2‐acetonides, which was first transformed into a fluorinated compound after the DAST reaction. Desilylation and acidic methanolysis were then finished in one pot. After a sequence of triflation, displacement by OBz as well as benzoylation, perbenzoylated 3‐deoxy‐3‐fluoro‐D‐ribofuranoside was obtained, which would be transformed to 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐fluoroadenosine as the key intermediate of cyclic dinucleotide after ammonolysis.
Palmitoleic acid‐rich oleaginous yeast Scheffersomyces segobiensis DSM 27193 exerts anti‐obesity effects by ameliorating hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue hypertrophy
Authors: Peng Yujia , Zhang Lili , Bao Xinhui , Qian Xiujuan , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Yeast biomass, encompassing fatty acids, terpenoids, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds have been extensively utilized in food‐related fields. The safety and potential bioactivities of Scheffersomyces segobiensis DSM 27193, an oleaginous yeast strain, are unclear.

RESULTS

Scheffersomyces segobiensis DSM 27193 accumulated large palmitoleic acid (POA) levels (43.4 g kg−1 biomass) according to the results of whole‐cell components. We annotated the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and predicted the categories and host of the pathogen–host interactions (PHI) genes in S. segobiensis DSM 27193. However, S. segobiensis DSM 27193 did not exert toxic effects in mice. Administration of S. segobiensis DSM 27193 led to substantial weight reduction by diminishing food intake in an obesity mouse model. Additionally, it reversed hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue hypertrophy, and improved abnormalities in serum biochemical profiles such as triglyceride, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to illustrate the safety and effects of S. segobiensis DSM 27193 against obesity and offers a scientific rationale for its application in functional food supplements. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of rock outcrops on runoff and erosion from karst slopes under simulated rainfall
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Ma Qianhong , Qihua Ke , Zhang Keli , Zhu Tong
Published: November 2023

Rock outcrops play a crucial role in affecting hydrological and erosion processes on karst hillslopes. However, due to various difficulties in constructing runoff plots on field rocky slopes, previous studies used small metal flumes to simulate outcropped slopes, which greatly differed from the natural rock outcropped slopes. In this study, the effects of rock outcrops on runoff and erosion were studied on karst slopes with natural soil–rock conditions at a larger plot scale (10 m in length × 2.2 m in width, 25° in gradient). Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on the four runoff plots with different rock outcrop coverages (0%, 5%, 13%, and 42%) under five rainfall intensities (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 mm·h−1). The study indicated that the rock outcrops complexed the water erosion processes by playing multiple and opposite roles simultaneously. It positively influences water erosion by serving as impermeable surfaces, providing preferential flow paths, and offering flow barriers to hillslopes. Conversely, it can exacerbate erosion by causing increased runoff, concentrating flow paths, and thus intensifying erosion in specific areas. Besides, the effects of these roles varied with the coverage of rock outcrops and rainfall intensity. The main results showed that (i) limited rock outcrop coverage (5% and 13%) increased runoff and erosion, but the opposite was observed on the severe rocky slope (42%). Both “infiltration‐excess” and “saturation‐excess” mechanisms coexisted by turns on karst slopes during rainfall; the break of “saturation balance” tended to occur on the severe rock outcrop slope with abundant soil–rock interface and underground fissures. (ii) Rock outcrops greatly increased the spatial variability and uncertainty of hydrological and erosion processes on karst slopes. The rock outcrops resulted in a larger range of variation in flow velocity and a greater difference among the three slope positions; it also brought more spatial heterogeneity in the development of rill erosion. (iii) Rock outcrops tended to increase flow velocity, and intensify flow turbulence, stream power, and flow energy. The severe rock outcrops significantly reduced the soil erosion induced by the limited soil detachment. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind how rock outcrops influence runoff and erosion and provides insights for improving soil erosion prediction in karst regions.
Lithology‐mediated soil erodibility characteristics after vegetation restoration in the karst region of Southwest China
Authors: Liang Peining , Wang Xing , Xu Qinxue , Zhang Jun , Fang Rongjie , Fu Zhiyong , Chen Hongsong
Published: November 2023

Ecological restoration projects have significantly increased global vegetation cover and reduced soil erosion. However, it is very challenging to clarify the complex soil erosion mechanisms of limestone and dolomite in the southwest karst region and to identify the key factors affecting erosion. The study site has a subtropical monsoon climate with precipitation concentrated during the rainy season from May to September. In this study, four plantation restoration measures with a recovery time of approximately 16 years were selected, which included arbor forest, orchard, grassland, and cropland (control). Soil physical–chemical properties and soil erodibility K values were used to evaluate the soil erosion characteristics. The results showed that both limestone and dolomite exhibited lower soil bulk density as well as higher capillary porosity, and soil water‐stable aggregates after revegetation. The limestone and dolomite K values were reduced by 12%–15% and 15%–17%, respectively. However, the K value of limestone was 17.9% higher than that of dolomite, indicating that dolomite exhibited a higher stability. Through redundancy analysis and structural equation modeling, revegetation was found to reduce soil erosion by influencing the soil particle composition. The silt was the key factor influencing soil erosion, accounting for 84.4% and 78.2% of the variation in the limestone and dolomite K values, respectively. These findings suggest that vegetation restoration enhances soil erosion resistance; however, the effectiveness of restoration is controlled by the lithology in the southwest karst region. These findings provide a reference for soil and water management and vegetation restoration.
Core@Double–Shell Engineering of Zn Particles toward Elevated Dielectric Properties: Multiple Polarization Mechanisms in Zn@Znch@PS/PVDF Composites
Authors: Zhang Yanqing , Zhou Wenying , Peng Weiwei , Yao Tian , Zhang Yang , Wang Bo , Cai Huiwu , Li Bo
Published: November 2023

Flexible dielectrics with large dielectric constant (ε′) coupled with low loss are highly pursued in many applications. To bolster the ε′ of raw Zn (zinc)/poly(vinylidene fluoride, PVDF) while maintaining pimping dielectric loss, in this study, the core@double–shell structured Zn@zinc carbonate (ZnCH)@polystyrene (PS) particles are first synthesized through a suspension polymerization of styrene, and then composited with PVDF to elevate the ε′ and keep low loss of the composites. By optimizing the PS shells’ thickness and tailoring the electrical resistivity of Zn@ZnCH@PS particles, both the slow inter‐particle polarization and fast intra‐particle polarization in the composites can be decoupled and synergistically tuned, thus, the Zn@ZnCH@PS/PVDF achieves a much higher ε′ and lower dielectric loss, simultaneously, which far exceed the unmodified Zn/PVDF. Both experiment and theoretic calculation reveal that the double‐shell ZnCH@PS not only induces and promotes multiple polarizations enhancing the composites’ ε′, especially at the optimized PS's thickness, but also maintains suppressed loss and conductivity thanks to their obvious barrier effect on long‐range charge migration. The core@double–shell filler design strategy facilitates the development of polymer composites with desirable dielectric properties for applications in electronic and electrical power systems.
High‐resolution three‐dimensional dosimetry in clinically relevant volumes utilizing optically stimulated luminescence
Authors: Jensen Mads L. , Julsgaard Brian , Turtos Rosana M. , Skyt Peter S. , Jensen Morten B. , Muren Ludvig P. , Balling Peter
Published: November 2023

Background

The continued development of new radiotherapy techniques requires dosimetry systems that satisfy increasingly rigorous requirements, such as high sensitivity, wide dose range, and high spatial resolution. An emerging requirement is the ability to read out doses in three dimensions (3D) with high precision and spatial resolution. A few dosimetry systems with 3D capabilities are available, but their application in a clinical workflow is limited for various reasons, primarily originating from their chemical nature. The search for a 3D dosimetry system with potential for clinical implementation is thus ongoing.

Purpose

To demonstrate the capabilities of a novel optically‐stimulated‐luminescence (OSL)‐based 3D dosimetry system capable of measuring radiation doses in clinically relevant volumes.

Methods

A laser‐based readout system was used to measure dose distributions delivered by both photons and protons, utilizing the OSL from a  mm YSO:Ce crystal. A homogeneous treatment plan consisting of two opposing photon fields was used to establish an inhomogeneity correction map of the crystal response and demonstrated the accuracy and precision of the system. The crystal was additionally irradiated with a photon treatment plan consisting of three overlapping  mm fields delivered from different angles, and a proton treatment plan consisting of four pencil beams with energies 90 MeV (), 115 MeV, and 140 MeV. The system abilities were quantified by comparing the 3D‐resolved measurements to Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

The dose map reproducibility of the system was found to be within 2% including both statistical and systematic errors. The measurements yielded integrated doses from a volume of  mm with voxel volumes of just  mm . An excellent agreement between the 3D‐resolved measurements and the simulations was found for both photon‐ and proton‐irradiation.

Conclusions

The capabilities of the devised system for measuring clinically relevant fields of photons and proton pencil beams within a clinically relevant volume were demonstrated. The system poses as a promising candidate for clinical applications, and enables future research in the field of OSL‐based tissue‐equivalent 3D dosimetry.
Postrelease mortality of spring Chinook Salmon from a mark-selective recreational fishery in the Yakima River, Washington
Authors: Fritts Anthony L. , Temple Gabriel M. , Lillquist Cade , Rawding Dan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Fishery managers often implement mark-selective fishing regulations that provide harvest opportunity on abundant hatchery salmon populations while requiring release of at-risk natural-origin populations. However, implementing these decisions requires fisheries managers to account for postrelease mortality of any natural-origin fish caught and released by anglers, which can be variable and is unknown for spring Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha recreational fisheries in eastern Washington. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate and examine the factors affecting, the postrelease mortality of spring Chinook Salmon caught and released from an inland recreational mark–selective fishery in the Yakima River, Washington.

Methods

We conducted a 2-year paired control and treatment radio-telemetry study using 171 treatment fish caught and released during a recreational fishery and 194 control fish captured in a nearby fishway. Subjects were subsequently tracked throughout the summer, and postrelease mortality was estimated on September 1. Stepwise logistic regression was used to analyze potential explanatory variables recorded at the time of capture.

Result

The estimated postrelease mortality of these fish was 12% (95% CI = 2–23%) just prior to the onset of spawning. We also inferred using logistic regression that anatomical hook location explained most of the variation in mortality rates of angled fish.

Conclusion

Our estimate of postrelease mortality is similar to estimates derived in other studies for recreational freshwater Chinook Salmon fisheries as well as the current 10% rate used to manage Columbia River spring Chinook Salmon recreational fisheries.
Metabolic and structural remodeling during browning of primary human adipocytes derived from omental and subcutaneous depots
Authors: Lee Mi‐Jeong , Puri Vishwajeet , Fried Susan K.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study investigated remodeling of cellular metabolism and structures during browning of primary human adipocytes derived from both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Effects of glucocorticoids on the browning were also assessed.

Methods

Differentiated omental and subcutaneous human adipocytes were treated with rosiglitazone, with or without dexamethasone, and expression levels of brite adipocyte markers, lipolysis, and lipid droplet and mitochondrial structures were examined.

Results

Both omental and subcutaneous adipocytes acquired brite phenotypes upon peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ agonist treatment, and dexamethasone tended to enhance the remodeling. Although rosiglitazone increased lipolysis during treatment, brite adipocytes exhibited lower basal lipolytic rates and enhanced responses to β‐adrenergic agonists or atrial natriuretic peptide. Transcriptome analysis identified induction of both breakdown and biosynthesis of lipids in brite adipocytes. After 60+ days in culture, lipid droplet size increased to ~50 microns, becoming almost unilocular in control adipocytes, and after browning, they acquired paucilocular morphology, clusters of small lipid droplets (1–2 micron) surrounded by mitochondria appearing on the periphery of the central large one.

Conclusions

Metabolic and structural remodeling during browning of primary human adipocytes is similar to previous findings in human adipocytes in vivo, supporting their uses for mechanical studies investigating browning with translational relevance.
Surrogate‐based optimization for active drag reduction of turbulent boundary layer flows
Authors: Hübenthal Fabian , Albers Marian , Meinke Matthias , Schröder Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Two surrogate‐based optimization strategies using support vector regression (SVR) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) as surrogates are investigated to guide the design of actuation parameters for active drag reduction techniques in turbulent boundary layer flows encountered at civil airplanes in cruise flight and high‐speed trains. As an approximation, the turbulent flow over a flat plate subjected to spanwise traveling transversal sinusoidal surface waves is simulated by wall‐resolved large‐eddy simulations (LESs). These simulation data are used to model the dependence of the objective drag reduction on the actuation parameters, that is, the optimization variables. In this work, the previous purely exploitative approach of SVR‐based ridgeline optimization is extended to GPR‐based Bayesian optimization to further automate the simulation‐driven tuning of the actuation parameters.
The subjective assessment of work and social adjustment impairments and associated psychopathologies in Japanese adult female patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Iida Naoko , Ono Junko , Mizuhara Yuki , Narumoto Jin
Published: November 2023

Aim

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) sometimes undergo a chronic course, and they hardly maintain social participation. Work and social adjustment impairments are generally significantly associated with the clinical symptoms of eating disorders. Psychopathologies associated with the subjective social difficulties of patients with AN have been unclear. This study examined the association between AN psychopathologies and work and social adjustment impairments in adult female patients with AN.

Methods

This study included 36 Japanese adult female patients with AN who completed the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) and the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between WSAS and EDI‐2 or demographic variables.

Results

The mean age was 31.8 years, the mean current body mass index was 13.4 kg/m2, and the median illness duration was 5 years. Patients demonstrated social difficulties, especially in social leisure activities. The total WSAS scores were significantly correlated with EDI‐2 “impulse regulation” and “asceticism.” WSAS “social leisure” was significantly correlated with EDI‐2 “bulimia,” “interoceptive awareness,” “impulse regulation,” and “asceticism.”

Conclusion

Psychopathologies, such as impulse regulation, asceticism, and interoceptive awareness, may be related factors to social difficulties. Emotion regulation, such as impulse regulation and emotional awareness, could be an important realm of treatment not only for psychopathology but also for social functioning in patients with AN.
Extracellular vesicles from non‐neuroendocrine SCLC cells promote adhesion and survival of neuroendocrine SCLC cells
Authors: Jimenez Lizandra , Stolzenbach Victor , Ozawa Patricia M. M. , Ramirez‐Solano Marisol , Liu Qi , Sage Julien , Weaver Alissa M.
Published: November 2023

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) tumors are made up of distinct cell subpopulations, including neuroendocrine (NE) and non‐neuroendocrine (non‐NE) cells. While secreted factors from non‐NE SCLC cells have been shown to support the growth of the NE cells, the underlying molecular factors are not well understood. Here, we show that exosome‐type small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) secreted from non‐NE SCLC cells promote adhesion and survival of NE SCLC cells. Proteomic analysis of purified SEVs revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and integrins are highly enriched in SEVs of non‐NE cells whereas nucleic acid‐binding proteins are enriched in SEVs purified from NE cells. Addition of select purified ECM proteins identified in purified extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically fibronectin, laminin 411, and laminin 511, were able to substitute for the role of non‐NE‐derived SEVs in promoting adhesion and survival of NE SCLC cells. Those same proteins were differentially expressed by human SCLC subtypes. These data suggest that ECM‐carrying SEVs secreted by non‐NE cells play a key role in supporting the growth and survival of NE SCLC cells.
Characterization of single synthetic polymers via magnetic tweezers
Authors: Xie Jin , Zhou Wenqiao , Mao Xianwen , Liu Chunming
Published: November 2023

Due to the ability to perform the parallel measurement of multiple single chains and exert precise control over stretching force in the sub‐nanonewton regime, magnetic tweezers (MT) are a suitable tool to study the individual chain conformations and inherent behaviors of polymers. Herein, we examined the applications of MT in studying single synthetic polymers, distinct from previous reviews focusing on biological polymers such as DNAs. We first presented an overview of the technical aspects of MT, including the imaging setup, the algorithm of three‐dimensional single particle tracking, the configuration of magnets, the calibration and control of magnetic forces, the assembly of flow cells, and the polymer tethering methods. Then, we discussed selected examples highlighting the utilization of MT in studying the chain conformation, mechanical properties, ion and ligands effect, regime transition mechanism, and polymerization dynamics of single synthetic polymers. We envision that MT can serve as a powerful toolbox for delving into the structure–property correlations at the single chain level, which provides quantitative validations for building the theoretical models of synthetic polymers. In the end, we contemplated potential avenues and opportunities for future research in this domain.
Factors influencing human papillomavirus vaccination uptake in European women and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiboc Nicoleta‐Monica , Paşca Andrei , Tăut Diana , Băban Adriana‐Smaranda
Published: November 2023

Objective

Cervical Cancer (CC) lingers as a severe public health issue due to low vaccination coverage and poor screening addressability. Hence, this systematic review explored psychological factors influencing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination uptake in European women.

Methods

As of September 2022, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched to include English studies assessing diverse factors influencing vaccination uptake in European women. Only studies comparing vaccinated with unvaccinated women were included. Quality assessment, publication attrition assessment, and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Eighteen studies were included, totaling a population of 18,611 participants. Results indicated that knowledge about HPV infection could positively influence vaccination rates with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.82 and a confidence interval (CI) between 1.27 and 2.61, showing statistical significance at aZvalue of 3.24 with ap‐value of 0.001. Neither knowledge about HPV vaccination (OR = 1.39, CI: 0.73–2.65,Z = 1.01,p = 0.31) nor knowledge about CC screening (OR = 1.05, CI: 0.55–1.98,Z = 0,14,p = 0.89) seem to affect vaccination rates. Regardless, intention to undertake CC screening (CCS) showed an OR = 1.68 in favor of the group intending to perform it, with a CI between 1.37 and 2.07, showing statistical significance at aZ = 4.94 andp = 0.00001. Other aspects affecting vaccination uptake were fear of side effects, insufficient information, and belief that chances of being infected are low.

Conclusions

Results demonstrated that diverse aspects could affect the vaccination intent, while personalized interventions focusing on population and country characteristics need to be assembled to mitigate vaccination coverage.
Microscopic quantum mechanical Marcus theory for chemical reactions and its relationship to theButler‐Volmerequation used in redox flow battery analysis
Authors: Krowne Clifford M.
Published: November 2023

The vanadium redox flow battery has been intensively examined since the 1970s. What is missing is a connection between the current‐overpotential Butler‐Volmer equation, which provides an extremely helpful starting point for analytical and numerical studies, and microscopic quantum mechanical behavior at the atomic level. Such a connection will allow further advancements beyond the macroscopic, though very useful and insightful, modeling already done in the literature. Here we show rigorously the connection between the Butler‐Volmer transfer coefficients, and the Marcus Gibbs free energy quantum mechanical parameters, and develop the equation directly in terms of the quantum mechanical parameters.
Upgrading adaptation: How digital transformation promotes organizational resilience
Authors: Browder Russell E. , Dwyer Sean M. , Koch Hope
Published: November 2023

Research Summary

This study explores how digital transformation can promote organizational resilience when incumbent firms face crises. We examine the intersection of digital transformation and resilience‐seeking processes through two longitudinal case studies of incumbent firms designated as “essential businesses” during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We analyze 72 crisis adaptations the firms implemented during the crisis to understand how previously underutilized digital capabilities upgraded each firm's ability to adapt to mitigate stakeholder risks and engage in resilience‐seeking rather than advantage‐ or opportunity‐seeking. We identify five digital capabilities—virtual access, virtual collaboration, data‐driven decision‐making, algorithmic reprogrammability, and assisted decision‐making—that arose from technologies acquired to enable digital transformation before the crisis. We discuss the concept of resilience opportunities and contribute to the literatures on digital transformation and organizational resilience.

Managerial Summary

While studying the digital transformation of incumbent firms, we found that digital capabilities helped firms adapt during the COVID‐19 pandemic in ways that crisis management plans did not anticipate. As a result, these adaptations accelerated digital transformation initiatives that years of strategic planning had failed to achieve. We explain why the quantum leap in digital transformation helped these firms not only adapt during crisis, but digital adaptation also enabled them to bounce back more resilient and competitive than before the crisis. We show how the pursuit of organizational resilience can be a vital justification for investments in digital transformation. Strategic leaders play a critical role in not only adopting new technologies, but also in helping firms become more adaptive by combining new and legacy technologies.
Local false discovery rate estimation with competition‐based procedures for variable selection
Authors: Sun Xiaoya , Fu Yan
Published: November 2023

Multiple hypothesis testing has been widely applied to problems dealing with high‐dimensional data, for example, the selection of important variables or features from a large number of candidates while controlling the error rate. The most prevailing measure of error rate used in multiple hypothesis testing is the false discovery rate (FDR). In recent years, the local false discovery rate (fdr) has drawn much attention, due to its advantage of accessing the confidence of individual hypotheses. However, most methods estimate fdr through ‐values or statistics with known null distributions, which are sometimes unavailable or unreliable. Adopting the innovative methodology of competition‐based procedures, for example, the knockoff filter, this paper proposes a new approach, named TDfdr, to fdr estimation, which is free of ‐values or known null distributions. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that TDfdr can accurately estimate the fdr with two competition‐based procedures. We applied the TDfdr method to two real biomedical tasks. One is to identify significantly differentially expressed proteins related to the COVID‐19 disease, and the other is to detect mutations in the genotypes of HIV‐1 that are associated with drug resistance. Higher discovery power was observed compared to existing popular methods.
Density Functional Theory, Spectroscopic and Receptor Binding Analysis of Pyriproxyfen – A Commercial Insect Growth Regulator
Authors: Kumari Neetika , Devi Vandna , Sharma Priyanka , Awasthi Pamita
Published: November 2023

In the present study, the spectroscopic investigation of pyriproxyfen (PYR) has been carried out using density functional theory and experimental methods. The FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectra of PYR were recorded, interpreted and compared with the theoretical spectra. The polarizability and hyperpolarizabilities are responsible for higher lipophilicity which leads to the acute aquatic toxicity of the PYR molecule. The UV‐Visible spectra of PYR exhibited the presence of π
π* transition between the π‐orbitals of phenoxyphenyl and pyridyl ring. The standard entropy, heat capacity at constant volume and total energy have been computed to assess the toxicity of the compound. Molecular docking revealed the insecticidal potential of PYR owing to the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between PYR and mosquito juvenile hormone binding protein of aedes aegypti. The biophysical study predicts the possible DNA‐PYR interactions and carcinogenic properties of PYR molecule.
Efficiently Paired Electrosynthesis of Hydroquinone from Phenol by Refreshing the Passivated Pb Anode
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhu Yuejin , Ahmed Waqas , Niu Dongfang
Published: November 2023

In this work, a novel paired electrosynthesis was adopted to prepare hydroquinone from phenol at Pb electrodes. The electrolysis results showed that the anode was passivated during the phenol oxidation, leading to a decrease in anode activity. Characterizations of the passivated anode revealed that the by‐products were absorbed on the anode surface, such as polymers (produced from the electrochemical polymerization of phenol), and poorly conductive PbSO4 appeared. Therefore, the exchange of anode and cathode in the reaction intervals was done to refresh the passivated anode. No sticking organics were basically found on the refreshed anode surface and the Pb oxides were reduced to Pb. The yield of hydroquinone reached to 77.4 % by refreshing the passivated anode at the optimized conditions of 20 mA/cm2, 4.8 A ⋅ h, and 30 °C. Furthermore, the 71.1 % yield of hydroquinone was maintained when the catholyte was recycled after four extraction cycles. This study presents a promising technique for hydroquinone preparation.
Oriented External Electric Field Modulated Superhalogen Characteristic and Photoelectric Properties of Al4N2 Cluster: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Cai Bi‐Jun , Lei Jian , Chen Jing , Cheng Shi‐Bo , Wei Qiang
Published: November 2023

Designing superatoms with special structural and photoelectric properties is vital for the applications in multiple fields including condensed matter physics, nanomaterials science etc. In this study, the effects of an oriented external electric field (OEEF) on the geometry, electronic properties, photoelectron spectrum (PES), and nonlinear optical (NLO) response of the main group metal‐doped cluster Al4N2 were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results demonstrate that the OEEF has the capability to increase the value of the electron affinity (EA) of Al4N2 continuously and dramatically, transforming it into a member of superhalogens while maintaining its geometrical stability. Such an enhancement of the EA value of Al4N2 is attributed to the downward shift of the electronic spectrum under the effect of the OEEF. Strikingly, the relationship between the EA value of Al4N2 and the OEEF strength can be fitted by a perfect polynomial formula, which indicates that the OEEF can realize the accurate and continuous regulation of the electronic properties of Al4N2. In addition, the simulated PES of the Al4N2− cluster was observed to be blue shifted following the enhancement of the OEEF intensities, and the NLO response of the cluster can also be remarkably altered by the OEEF.
ZnO@C Coated Cellulose‐Based Separators Control Lithium Deposition Direction to Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Mei , Fan Yiqi , Zhou Hongfang , Li Guoneng
Published: November 2023

Li metal anodes have attracted attention due to their high specific capacity and low electrochemical potential. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled growth of Li dendrites hinders the practical application of Li metal batteries. Although the various approaches have made performance improvements, safety hazards still exist since Li dendrites are still growing along the anode to the separator during the continuous plating/stripping process. Herein, a straightforward method is proposed to achieve stable Li metal batteries with directional growth control by using a functional ZnO@C/cellulose membrane as a separator. The abundant pore structure and functional groups of biomass cellulose enhance the Li‐ion transport and interface compatibility. The ZnO transforms in situ to form a Li–Zn alloy layer which is uniformly coated to the separator to direct uniform ion concentration polarization and charge distribution polarization, control the growth direction of Li, significantly improve the cycling stability, and promote the reversibility of the Li plating/exfoliation process. As a result, the symmetric cell exhibits an extreme lifetime of more than 4500 h and low polarization at 3 mA cm−2. The cycling performance of the Li||LiFePO4 full cell reaches a capacity retention of 98% after 270 cycles at a mass loading of 10 mg cm−2.
Dynamic Micropatterning Reveals Substrate‐Dependent Differences in the Geometric Control of Cell Polarization and Migration
Authors: Isomursu Aleksi , Alanko Jonna , Hernández‐Pérez Sara , Saukkonen Karla , Saari Markku , Mattila Pieta K. , Ivaska Johanna
Published: November 2023

Cells are highly dynamic and adopt variable shapes and sizes. These variations are biologically important but challenging to investigate in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. Micropatterning, confining cells on microfabricated substrates with defined geometries and molecular compositions, is a powerful tool for controlling cell shape and interactions. However, conventional binary micropatterns are static and fail to address dynamic changes in cell polarity, spreading, and migration. Here, a method for dynamic micropatterning is reported, where the non‐adhesive surface surrounding adhesive micropatterns is rapidly converted to support specific cell‐matrix interactions while allowing simultaneous imaging of the cells. The technique is based on ultraviolet photopatterning of biotinylated polyethylene glycol‐grafted poly‐L‐lysine, and it is simple, inexpensive, and compatible with a wide range of streptavidin‐conjugated ligands. Experiments using biotinylation‐based dynamic micropatterns reveal that distinct extracellular matrix ligands and bivalent integrin‐clustering antibodies support different degrees of front‐rear polarity in human glioblastoma cells, which correlates to altered directionality and persistence upon release and migration on fibronectin. Unexpectedly, however, neither an asymmetric cell shape nor centrosome orientation can fully predict the future direction of migration. Taken together, biotinylation‐based dynamic micropatterns allow easily accessible and highly customizable control over cell morphology and motility.
Structural evaluation of RC overhang cantilever slab strengthened with FRP near‐surface mounted (NSM) composites for bridge applications
Authors: Mosallam Ayman S. , Ghaban Naif , Mirnateghi Ehsan , Khalek Ashraf Abdel , Mahdy Ibrahim , Xin Haohui
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the findings of a large‐scale experimental study that focus on assessing structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) cantilever slabs with carbon/epoxy fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite strips using a near‐surface‐mounted (NSM) approach. The NSM/CFRP system evaluated in this study was implemented in strengthening the shoulders of the Slide Canyon Bridge in California, USA. The experimental phase is divided into two main parts: (i) determining the design parameters for NSM, including the bondline strength through pull‐out tests, and (ii) conducting a practical evaluation of the bending behavior of original and retrofitted RC cantilever slabs, each with varying NSM reinforcement and three different development lengths. Results of this study indicated that the use of NSM‐CFRP has a considerable benefit in that it significantly improves ductility and changes the failure mode of the unstrengthened RC slab from the typical brittle shear‐based failure mode to a more ductile flexural‐based failure mode. The large‐scale slab specimens' performances, which had different development lengths, showed little variance, except for the slab specimen with a development length of 457.0 mm that exhibited an appreciable flexural stiffness as compared to other specimens evaluated in this study. In order to simulate the serviceability and ultimate behavior of the RC slab specimens, linear and nonlinear finite element analyses were performed. A satisfactory agreement between numerical and experimental results was achieved especially at load level prior the initiation of large‐size cracks.
Reclassification and Multilingual Learners' Science Achievement
Authors: Pacheco Mark B. , Curran F. Chris , Boza Lelydeyvis , Deig Amber W. , Harris Katharine T. , Tan Tiffany S.
Published: November 2023

This study contributes to a growing body of scholarship at the intersection of bilingual education and education policy and examines reclassification, or the transition out of formal English language services in schools, as one potential lever in accelerating or decelerating multilingual learners’ science learning. More specifically, it traces multilingual learners’ science academic achievement vis‐à‐vis science test scores over a six‐year period using the nationally‐representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study of 2010–11 (ECLS‐K:2011) data set. We use regression analyses with panel data to explore the relationship of reclassification with MLs’ science achievement at a national scale, and then, how variation in contextual factors (including family, school, and individual characteristics) shapes this relationship. Results show that, after controlling for covariates and prior test scores, reclassification is not significantly associated with differential science test scores when compared to students that retain their EL status. Results further show that reclassification is associated with higher science achievement for MLs who were previously in a dual‐language program but lower scores for those with higher prior achievement. We conclude with implications for the reclassification process, as well as directions for future research on reclassification, multilingual learners, and academic achievement.
Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A impairs cognitive function via the gamma‐aminobutyric acid signaling pathway in male rat offspring
Authors: Guo Yi , Kang Yuxin , Bai Wenjie , Liu Qiling , Zhang Rongqiang , Wang Yuxin , Wang Chong
Published: November 2023

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common synthetic endocrine disruptor that can be utilized in the fabrication of materials such as polycarbonates and epoxy resins. Numerous studies have linked BPA to learning and memory problems, although the precise mechanism remains unknown. Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system, and it is intimately related to learning and memory. This study aims to evaluate whether altered cognitive behavior involves the GABA signaling pathway in male offspring of rats exposed to BPA during the prenatal and early postnatal periods. Pregnant rats were orally given BPA (0, 0.04, 0.4, and 4 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day) from the first day of pregnancy to the 21st day of breastfeeding. Three‐week‐old male rat offspring were selected for an open‐field experiment and a new object recognition experiment to evaluate the effect of BPA exposure on cognitive behavior. Furthermore, the role of GABA signaling markers in the cognition affected by BPA was investigated at the molecular level using western blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The research demonstrated that BPA exposure impacted the behavior and memory of male rat offspring and elevated the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), GABA type A receptors subunit (GABAARα1), and GABA vesicle transporter (VGAT) in the hippocampus while decreasing the expression levels of GABA transaminase (GABA‐T) and GABA transporter 1 (GAT‐1). These findings indicate that the alteration in the expression of GABA signaling molecules may be one of the molecular mechanisms by which perinatal exposure to BPA leads to decreased learning and memory in male rat offspring.