bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical study on the inhomogeneity of the contact layer between solid oxide electrolysis cell anode and the interconnect
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Yu Yutian , Cheng Fupeng , Lu Yue , Guan Chengzhi , Xie Leidong , Wang Jian‐Qiang
Published: September 2022

Although the anode‐side contact layer plays a vital role in the performance improvement of solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) stacks, it is hard to prevent defect formation in the process of cell manufacture. Due to the difficulty of in situ observation, in this study, a 2D SOEC model was built to investigate the defects' impacts on the cell regarding laminar fluid flow, steady‐state heat transfer, and electrochemistry. The finite element method was employed to solve the governing equations. The parameters in the calculating field in terms of gas velocity, current density, and temperature were evaluated to identify the impacts of the defects on the contact layer. This evaluation showed that numerically computed temperatures around the defects substantially differ from the main cell, which can lead to stress maldistribution and ultimately result in the delamination between the contact layer and anode.
Maximum utility portfolio construction in the forward freight agreement markets: Evidence from a multivariate skewed t copula
Authors: Gong Yuting , Wang Xueqin , Zhu Mo , Ge Ying‐En , Shi Wenming
Published: September 2022

We form portfolios consisting of diverse quarterly forward freight agreement (FFA) contracts to maximize the market participant's expected utility. The empirical findings indicate that individual FFA returns display clear autocorrelation, seasonality, fat tail, and heteroscedasticity. The multivariate positively skewed t copula is suggested for constructing maximum utility FFA portfolios, implying that the constituent FFA returns exhibit higher correlations when they rise together. The out‐of‐sample trading strategy performance metrics and various robustness checks further indicate that the aforementioned copula performs best and robustly for all portfolios. These findings provide profound methodological and managerial implications for market participants to improve risk management.
Short‐term effects of a novel bronchial drainage device: A pilot cohort study in subjects with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Schmidt Hanna , Toth Monika , Kappler‐Schorn Christine , Siebeneich Ute , Bode Sebastian F. N. , Fabricius Dorit
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

In cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, impaired airway mucociliary clearance and mucus accumulation due to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator defects contribute to inflammation, progressive structural lung damage, and decline of lung function. Physiotherapy is essential to promote mucus mobilization and removal in CF and is a key element of rehabilitation measures, but conventional techniques may be suboptimal to mobilize viscous mucus. This study aimed to test the specific effects of a novel bronchial drainage device (BDD) (Simeox®; PhysioAssist) in subjects with CF and evaluate lung function, diaphragm mobility, and sputum properties.

Methods

This prospective monocentric clinical cohort study in the setting of outpatient physiotherapy of CF patients (n = 21) with stable CF lung disease collected pulmonary lung function tests (PFT), diaphragm mobility, and sputum properties before and after two physiotherapy sessions using the novel BDD. PFT was assessed using spirometry and diaphragm mobility using m‐mode ultrasound analysis. Spontaneous sputum samples were collected before and after using the BDD and analyzed for microstructure and DNA concentrations.

Results

PFT parameters (FEV1, FVC, MEF25/50/75) were not affected by the use of the BDD. Ultrasound analysis of diaphragm mobility revealed an increase in maximum diaphragm excursion upon the intervention. Mucus analysis demonstrated altered microstructure and higher DNA concentrations collected after using the BDD compared to samples collected before. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant correlations between changes in mucus properties and DNA levels in respective mucus samples.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the novel BDD improves diaphragm mobility and alters sputum properties in subjects with CF. The novel BDD with unique properties may be further studied as a device in CF‐specific physiotherapy to facilitate sputum mobilization of CF patients.
Storage variability controls seasonal runoff generation in catchments at the threshold between energy and water limitation
Authors: Grande Emilio , Zimmer Margaret A. , Mallard John M.
Published: September 2022

Annual water balance calculations may elide intra‐annual variability in runoff generation, which could limit understanding of the similarities and differences between water‐ and energy‐limited catchments. This may be especially important in comparisons between catchments close to the threshold between water‐ and energy‐limitation. For this study, we examined runoff generation as a function of catchment storage in four watersheds, with focus on two that exist close to these thresholds, to identify how year‐to‐year variability in storage that results in intra‐annual variations of runoff generation efficiency. Specifically, we focused on one energy‐limited catchment in the humid subtropics and one water‐limited catchment in a Mediterranean climate. We used measured and calculated daily water balance components to calculate variations in the relative magnitude of daily storage. We isolated precipitation events to draw connections between storage and runoff generation at intra‐annual scales and compared our findings to the same metrics in two intensely energy‐limited landscapes. We observed distinct stages in daily storage across water years in watersheds at the threshold, where systems experienced wet‐up, plateau, and dry‐down stages. During the wet‐up, precipitation was partitioned to storage and runoff ratios (RR) were low. In the plateau, storage was filled and precipitation was partitioned to runoff, causing high RRs. During the dry‐down, storage decreased as precipitation was partitioned to evapotranspiration and runoff, causing low RRs. The critical role of evapotranspiration during the growing season resulted in relatively higher RRs during the wet‐up than during the dry‐down for a given storage value. Thus, the same storage amount was partitioned to evapotranspiration or runoff differently throughout the year, depending on the storage stage. Despite their different positions on opposite sides of the threshold, the similarity between the two focus catchments suggests a potential characteristic behaviour of systems at the threshold common to both humid and semi‐arid landscapes.
On the urgent need for standardization in isotope‐based ecohydrological investigations
Authors: Millar Cody , Janzen Kim , Nehemy Magali F. , Koehler Geoff , Hervé‐Fernández Pedro , Wang Hongxiu , Orlowski Natalie , Barbeta Adrià , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2022

Ecohydrological investigations commonly use the stable isotopes of water (hydrogen and oxygen) as conservative ecosystem tracers. This approach requires accessing and analysing water from plant and soil matrices. Generally, there are six steps involved to retrieve hydrogen and oxygen isotope values from these matrices: (1) sampling, (2) sample storage and transport, (3) extraction, (4) pre‐analysis processing, (5) isotopic analysis, and (6) post‐processing and correction. At each step, cumulative errors can be introduced which sum to non‐trivial magnitudes. These can impact subsequent interpretations about water cycling and partitioning through the soil–plant‐atmosphere continuum. At each of these steps, there are multiple possible options to select from resulting in tens of thousands of possible combinations used by researchers to go from plant and soil samples to isotopic data. In a newly emerging field, so many options can create interpretive confusion and major issues with data comparability. This points to the need for development of shared standardized approaches. Here we critically examine the state of the process chain, reflecting on the issues associated with each step, and provide suggestions to move our community towards standardization. Assessing this shared ‘process chain’ will help us see the problem in its entirety and facilitate community action towards agreed upon standardized approaches.
Maribavir Pharmacokinetics and Safety in Participants With Moderate Hepatic Impairment: A Phase 1, Open‐Label, Single‐Dose, Parallel Group Study
Authors: Song Ivy , Chen Grace , Wu Jingyang , Ilic Katarina
Published: September 2022

Maribavir, an orally bioavailable antiviral, has shown superior activity against posttransplant cytomegalovirus infection compared with conventional antivirals. It is primarily metabolized in the liver. This open‐label, single‐center study evaluated the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of maribavir in nontransplant participants. A single 200‐mg dose of maribavir was administered orally under fasting conditions to participants with moderate hepatic impairment (Child–Pugh class B) (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 10) matched for age, weight, sex, and smoking status. Compared with participants with normal hepatic function, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to infinity values for maribavir in participants with moderate hepatic impairment were 1.346‐fold (90%CI of geometric mean ratio, 1.091–1.660) and 1.261‐fold (0.889–1.787) higher, respectively. However, Cmax and AUC values for unbound maribavir were comparable. For VP 44469, the main metabolite of maribavir, the Cmax and AUC from time 0 to infinity values were 1.190‐fold (0.836–1.693) and 1.309‐fold (1.007–1.702) higher, respectively, in participants with moderate hepatic impairment. In total, 7 mild treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported, all in the moderate hepatic impairment group. Dysgeusia was the most frequently reported treatment‐emergent adverse event, at a frequency of 50%. These results indicated that total maribavir concentrations were mildly increased in participants with moderate hepatic impairment, while unbound concentrations were unaffected. Similar maribavir pharmacokinetics in participants with moderate hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function suggest that dose adjustment may not be required for patients with moderate hepatic impairment.
Perspectives of medical students on future work‐life balance in Japan: A qualitative study using postlecture comments
Authors: Matsui Tomoko , Inoue Machiko
Published: September 2022

Background

Recently, work‐life balance (WLB) has grown in popularity among medical professionals, and an increasing number of institutions are including WLB lectures into medical school curricula. In Japan, medical student lectures concerning WLB were given in at least 50% of universities. However, with these changes in social awareness, it is not fully clear how current medical students view WLB. The purpose of this study is to explore how Japanese medical students think about their future WLB from the perspective of constructivism.

Method

We used one of the present authors' work career and life cycle as an example of a physician's career in a lecture for medical students on community medicine in 2020. Students were asked to remark on their thoughts on the talk and their views on future WLB, and we analyzed their comments qualitatively to understand the current male and female medical students' perspectives on future WLB.

Result

We used the feedback of 119 participants (71 males and 48 females). Most students, regardless of gender, thought WLB was essential, but the factors they mentioned as being connected to WLB mirrored the continuing traditional notions of gender‐based division of labor and doctors' fixed‐job image. Male students' views, on the other hand, were more varied, reflecting recent generational shifts.

Conclusions

For the improved WLB in medical doctors, it would be required to tackle the problem from several angles, including not just increasing support for WLB but also fostering an awareness of the essence of WLB in pregraduate medical school.
Rapid and reliable inactivation protocols for the diagnostics of emerging viruses: The example of SARS‐CoV‐2 and monkeypox virus
Authors: Quéromès Grégory , Frobert Emilie , Bouscambert‐Duchamp Maude , Oblette Antoine , Valette Martine , Billaud Geneviève , Escuret Vanessa , Lina Bruno , Morfin Florence , Gaymard Alexandre
Published: September 2022

The emergence and sustained transmission of novel pathogens are exerting an increasing demand on the diagnostics sector worldwide, as seen with the ongoing severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic and the more recent public health concern of monkeypox virus (MPXV) since May 2022. Appropriate and reliable viral inactivation measures are needed to ensure the safety of personnel handling these infectious samples. In the present study, seven commercialized diagnosis buffers, heat (56°C and 60°C), and sodium dodecyl sulfate detergent (2.0%, 1.0%, and 0.5% final concentrations) were tested against infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 and MPXV culture isolates on Vero cell culture. Cytopathic effects were observed up to 7 days postinoculation and viral load evolution was measured by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. The World Health Organization recommends an infectious titer reduction of at least 4 log10. As such, the data show efficacious SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivation by all investigated methods, with >6.0 log10 reduction. MPXV inactivation was also validated with all investigated methods with 6.9 log10 reductions, although some commercial buffers required a longer incubation period to yield complete inactivation. These results are valuable for facilities, notably those without biosafety level‐3 capabilities, that need to implement rapid and reliable protocols common against both SARS‐CoV‐2 and MPXV.
Solving the agency problem via a networked supplier social media platform
Authors: Grant Susan B.
Published: September 2022

This paper considers the use of incentives and signals by a dominant player to solve an agency problem across a network using a social media platform. An information sharing model underpinned by reward incentives and information visibility, to drive competitive information sharing across homogenous suppliers, is proposed, and builds on early work in the area. The study was exploratory in nature and involved conducting 57 interviews and 3 workshops over a 4‐month period across a UK insurance supply chain. The data revealed that when appropriate incentives are combined with information visibility, the Principal can effectively align the suppliers interests with their own desire for supply chain wide information sharing. The research contributes to extant literature on agency theory by extending the Principal Agent (PA) issue arising in a dyadic contractual relationship, to solving agency issues across a network.
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on recruitment for the working women walking program
Authors: Daniel Manju , Buchholz Susan W. , Schoeny Michael , Halloway Shannon , Kitsiou Spyros , Johnson Tricia , Vispute Sachin , Kapp Monica , Wilbur JoEllen
Published: September 2022

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) affected many aspects of randomized controlled trials, including recruiting and screening participants. The purpose of this paper is to (a) describe adjustments to recruitment and screening due to COVID‐19, (b) compare the proportional recruitment outcomes (not completed, ineligible, and eligible) at three screening stages (telephone, health assessment, and physical activity assessment) pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 onset, and (c) compare baseline demographic characteristics pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 onset in the Working Women Walking program. The design is a cross‐sectional descriptive analysis of recruitment and screening data from a 52‐week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART). Participants were women 18–70 years employed at a large urban medical center. Recruitment strategies shifted from in‐person and electronic to electronic only post‐COVID‐19 onset. In‐person eligibility screening for health and physical activity assessments continued post‐COVID‐19 onset with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention precautions. Of those who expressed interest in the study pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 onset (n = 485 & n = 269 respectively), 40% (n = 194) met all eligibility criteria pre‐COVID‐19 onset, and 45.7% (n = 123) post‐COVID‐19 onset. Although there were differences in the proportions of participants who completed or were eligible for some of the screening stages, the final eligibility rates did not differ significantly pre‐COVID‐19 versus post‐COVID‐19 onset. Examination of differences in participant demographics between pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 onset revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of Black women recruited into the study from pre‐ to post‐COVID‐19 onset. Studies recruiting participants into physical activity studies should explore the impact of historical factors on recruitment.
Targeted therapy in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: Where are we now?
Authors: De Vos Nele , Hofmans Mattias , Lammens Tim , De Wilde Bram , Van Roy Nadine , De Moerloose Barbara
Published: September 2022

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare and aggressive clonal neoplasm of early childhood, classified as an overlap myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic neoplasm by the World Health Organization. In 90% of the patients with JMML, typical initiating mutations in the canonical Ras pathway genes NF1, PTPN11, NRAS, KRAS, and CBL can be identified. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) currently is the established standard of care in most patients, although long‐term survival is still only 50–60%. Given the limited therapeutic options and the important morbidity and mortality associated with HSCT, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Hyperactivation of the Ras pathway as disease mechanism in JMML lends itself to the use of targeted therapy. Targeted therapy could play an important role in the future treatment of patients with JMML. This review presents a comprehensive overview of targeted therapies already developed and evaluated in vitro and in vivo in patients with JMML.
Consensus definition of essential, optimal, and suggested components of a pediatric sickle cell disease center
Authors: Hulbert Monica L. , Manwani Deepa , Meier Emily Riehm , Alvarez Ofelia A. , Brown R. Clark , Callaghan Michael U. , Campbell Andrew D. , Coates Thomas D. , Frei‐Jones Melissa J. , Hankins Jane S. , Heeney Matthew M. , Hsu Lewis L. , Lebensburger Jeffrey D. , Quinn Charles T. , Shah Nirmish , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Thornburg Courtney , Kanter Julie
Published: September 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) requires coordinated, specialized medical care for optimal outcomes. There are no United States (US) guidelines that define a pediatric comprehensive SCD program. We report a modified Delphi consensus‐seeking process to determine essential, optimal, and suggested elements of a comprehensive pediatric SCD center. Nineteen pediatric SCD specialists participated from the US. Consensus was predefined as 2/3 agreement on each element's categorization. Twenty‐six elements were considered essential (required for guideline‐based SCD care), 10 were optimal (recommended but not required), and five were suggested. This work lays the foundation for a formal recognition process of pediatric comprehensive SCD centers.
Heritable cancer predisposition testing in pediatric cancer patients excluding retinoblastoma in a middle‐income country
Authors: El Khatib Omar , Yahya Yasser , Mahfouz Rami , Hamadeh Lama , Basbous Maya , Abboud Miguel R. , Muwakkit Samar , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Jeha Sima , Saab Raya
Published: September 2022

Resource‐limited settings often have financial barriers to genetic testing for heritable cancer. This retrospective study investigated the pattern of heritable cancer predisposition testing in a middle‐income country over the period 2014–2021, excluding retinoblastoma. After establishing a specific fund in 2019, rate of tests increased from 1.1% to 10.9% of new diagnoses. Most common testing was for constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), rhabdoid predisposition syndrome, TP53 (tumor protein 53) mutation, and hereditary cancer panel. Of 33 patients, 13 (39%) tested positive, 12 (36%) negative, and eight (24%) had variants of unknown significance. Positivity rate was 43% for a clinical phenotype and 44% for a tumor type indication.
Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of Kevlar fiber composite sandwich panel with truss core reinforced bynano‐SiO2
Authors: Nosratbakhsh Mohammad , Rostamiyan Yasser , Maddah Soroush
Published: September 2022

The present paper addresses the flexural and compressive properties of Kevlar fiber reinforced sandwich panels with a truss core reinforced by nano‐SiO2. For this purpose, a polymer composite sandwich panel with a truss core made of Kevlar fiber and resin epoxy has been fabricated in this experiment using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding method. Afterward, polyurethane foam was injected into the empty space of the sandwich panel. In order to determine the flexural and compressive strength of the composite structures, the sandwich panels have been subjected to three‐point bending and compressive load. The main findings were: adding 1 and 3 wt% of nano‐SiO2into the Kevlar fiber had the most desirable effects on the enhancement of flexural and compressive strength of the sandwich panels, polyurethane foam has improved the mechanical strength of sandwich panels, and the novel lozenge core can well postpone the buckling and failure of the composite sandwich structures.
Thermo‐responsive dielectric pulse in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyethylene glycol fibrous mats
Authors: Zhou Weijie , Gong Yutie , Li Hairong , Huang Jing , Liu Qiongxin , Wang Wei , Qu Xiaoyuan , Jiang Ming , Sun Jiuxiao
Published: September 2022

Thermo‐responsive dielectric materials have attracted broad attention in smart electronic device applications. Here, we present a facile one‐step fabrication technique of thermo‐responsive dielectric fibrous mats via efficient solution blow spinning of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/polyethylene glycol (PVDF/PEG). A strong room‐temperature dielectric pulse is triggered by thermally induced crystalline–amorphous phase transition of the PEG. The PVDF, serving as a host, enables the fibrous mats not only to attain solid–solid phase transition but also to spontaneously provide the self‐supportability. The dielectric pulse mechanism in PVDF/PEG based on crystalline–amorphous phase transition is clearly demonstrated. The all‐polymer dielectric pulsing composites hold great potential in next‐generation electronic engineering, exemplified by the creation of flexible, long‐service‐life, and low‐cost smart electrical devices.
Comparison of survival prediction values of different scoring models for patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yuyi , Mu Zhiyong , Xiong Wei , Hu Hong , Liu Aimin , An Xuan , Xu Yuqiang , Yu Haohong , Wang Jinneng , Wang Jun , Xiao Xiao , Chen Dongfeng , Wen Liangzhi
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare the prognostic values of the Child–Pugh, integrated model for end‐stage liver disease (iMELD), albumin–bilirubin (ALBI), and Freiburg index of postsurvival (FIPS) scores in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study including patients who underwent TIPS by collecting data from several hospitals in southwest China between January 2014 and February 2021. We compared the performance of different scoring models for survival prediction in these patients. The performance of each scoring model was assessed via area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis.

Results

The study included 378 TIPS patients (268 men, 110 women; median age 52 [interquartile range, 45–60] years). Age; cirrhosis etiology; ascites severity; albumin levels; international normalized ratio; total bilirubin levels; sodium levels; and Child–Pugh, iMELD, ALBI, and FIPS scores were significant prognostic factors in cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS. The Child–Pugh, iMELD, ALBI, and FIPS scores were all independent predictors of survival in TIPS patients. Survival analysis showed that all scoring models effectively stratified the prognostic risk of these patients. The Child–Pugh score was the best predictor of postoperative survival, followed by the ALBI and FIPS scores. The iMELD score was the worst predictor. The Child–Pugh, iMELD, ALBI, and FIPS scores predicted the 1‐year postoperative survival, with AUROC values of 0.832, 0.677, 0.761, and 0.745, respectively, and the 3‐year postoperative survival, with AUROC values of 0.710, 0.668, 0.721, and 0.658, respectively. The calibration curve showed that the Child–Pugh, ALBI, and FIPS models performed well in predicting 1‐ and 3‐year survival, whereas the iMELD model was a poor predictor.

Conclusions

The four scoring models can predict survival in cirrhotic patients after TIPS and can effectively stratify prognostic risk. The Child–Pugh score may be more suitable for predicting survival after TIPS in patients with liver cirrhosis.
The crystalline behavior of poly(L‐lactide) induced by nucleating agents with amide structure: The effect of benzamide molecule symmetry
Authors: He Zejian , Shao Haifeng , Zhang Nannan , Li Jie , Xiao Hai , Weng Tianhang , Zhou Mi , Wen Bianying , Chen Yulong
Published: September 2022

Amide nucleating agents have been reported to be effective in promoting poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) crystallization, while few research efforts have focused on the structure–activity relationship of the nucleating agents which is one basic issue to develop new agents. In this work, three amide nucleating agents with different symmetry were designed and synthesized to investigate the effect of the symmetry of benzamide nucleating agents on PLLA crystallization. It is found that the C3 symmetric amide structure of N, N′, N″‐tricyclohexyl‐1,3,5‐benzenetriamine (BTCA) agent can form a highly oriented structure by a triple hydrogen bond of π–π bond and benzene ring and can act as efficient nucleation sites. In addition, the strong intramolecular hydrogen bond with PLLA would further promote the crystallization of PLLA. In general, it is the self‐assembled ability and intramolecular hydrogen bonding with PLLA affects the rate and degree of PLLA crystallinity, and we find the C3 symmetric amide structure exhibits the best performance.
Multistage Electron Distribution Engineering of Iridium Oxide by Codoping W and Sn for Enhanced Acidic Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis
Authors: He Jing , Fu Gang , Zhang Jiaxu , Xu Ping , Sun Jianmin
Published: September 2022

Developing efficient and robust anodic electrocatalysts to implement the proton‐exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is critical for hydrogen generation. Nevertheless, the only known applicable anode catalyst IrOx in PEM electrolyzers still requires high overpotential due to the weak binding energy between oxygen intermediates and active sites, limiting its wide applications. Herein, a ternary Ir0.7W0.2Sn0.1Ox nanocatalyst synthesized through a sol–gel strategy, exhibits a low overpotential of 236 mV (10 mA cm‐2geo) for thoxygen evolution reaction (OER), accompanied with robust durability over 220 h at 1 A cm‐2geo in 0.5 m H2SO4. Moreover, the optimized Ir0.7W0.2Sn0.1Ox delivers a prominent mass activity of 722.7 A g‐1Ir at 1.53 V (vs RHE), which is around 34 times higher compared with that of IrOx. The mircrostructural analyses reveal that codoping of W and Sn stabilizes Ir with a valence state lower than 4+ through multistage charge redistribution, avoiding the overoxidation of Ir above 1.6 V versus RHE and enhancing the acidic OER performance. Additionally, density functional theory calculations reveal that codoping of W and Sn moves the d band center of Ir to the Fermi level, thus enhancing the binding energies of oxygen intermediates with Ir sites and decreasing the energy barrier toward acidic OER.
Self‐Modulation‐Guided Growth of 2D Tellurides with Ultralow Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Lan Haihui , Wang Luyang , Li Yilin , Deng Shugang , Yue Yanan , Zhang Tianzhu , Zhang Shunping , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei
Published: September 2022

Ultralow thermal conductivity materials have triggered much interest due to diverse applications in thermal insulation, thermal barrier coating, and especially thermoelectrics. Two dimensional (2D) indium tellurides with ultralow thermal conductivity provide a versatile platform for tailoring the heat transfer, exploring new candidates for thermoelectrics, and achieving miniature, lightweight, and highly integrated devices. Unfortunately, their nanostructure and structure‐related heat transfer properties at a 2D scale are much less studied due to difficulties in material fabrication. The ionic character between interlayers and strong covalent bonds in 3D directions impede the anisotropic growth of indium telluride flakes; meanwhile, the low environmental stability and chemical reactivity of tellurium also limit the fabrication of high‐quality tellurides, thus hindering the exploration of thermal transport properties. Here, a self‐modulation‐guided growth strategy to synthesize high‐quality 2D In4Te3 single crystals with ultralow thermal conductivity (0.47 W m−1 K−1) is developed. This strategy can also be extended to synthesize a series of highly crystallized metal tellurides, providing excellent candidates for further application in thermoelectrics.
Flexible wearable devices for intelligent health monitoring
Authors: Dai Baoying , Gao Chenchen , Xie Yannan
Published: September 2022

Profited from the rapid development of flexible skin‐like electronic materials and artificial intelligent technology, remarkable achievements have been witnessed in wearable health monitoring devices in recent years. The wearable intelligent systems featured with tailored structures and compositions as well as enriched functions enable human beings to access to next‐generation closed‐loop platform for early disease prevention and diagnosis. In this context, this mini‐review focuses on the recent progress and applications of flexible wearable intelligent health monitoring devices. Specifically, the basic sensing mechanisms and corresponding property requirements for wearable healthcare devices are examined firstly. Secondly, the versatile applications of advanced wearable devices for detecting temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and glucose are scrutinized exclusively. Finally, a brief summary is presented accompanying with future outlook in terms of material preparation, mechanism development and integration design of monitoring systems. This manuscript is expected to provide critical guidelines to those working in skin‐like electronics, flexible sensors, wearable intelligent devices, health monitoring and other related disciplines, especially for the beginners.
Occurrence of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli carrying antimicrobial resistance genes in sheep on smallholdings in Bangladesh
Authors: Gupta Mukta Das , Sen Arup , Shaha Mishuk , Dutta Avijit , Das Ashutosh
Published: September 2022

Background

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens and a significant concern with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Close human contact might have a higher chance of being transmitted to humans from sheep if the sheep population is a potential reservoir of antimicrobial‐resistant STEC. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the sheep population in rural Bangladesh for antimicrobial‐resistant STEC.

Methods

We screened 200 faecal samples collected from sheep in three Upazilas from the Chattogram district. Randomisation of sampling was not performed due to the smaller flock size (two to six animals per smallholding). Phenotypically positive E. coli isolates were examined for two Shiga toxin‐producing genes – stx1 and stx2. PCR‐positive STEC isolates were investigated for the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes – blaTEM, sul1 and sul2.

Results

In total, 123 of the 200 tested samples were confirmed positive E. coli using culture‐based methods. PCR results show 17 (13.8%) E. coli isolates harboured ≥ one virulent gene (stx1 or/and stx2) of STEC. The AMR profile of STEC isolates was determined utilising the disc diffusion method. Of the STEC isolates, 82, 76, 71 and 71% were susceptible to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. In contrast, 47% of isolates were resistant to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, and 41% were resistant to amoxicillin. In addition, six of the tested STEC isolates exhibited the blaTEM gene; eight STEC isolates had the sul1 gene, and the sul2 gene was detected in ten STEC isolates.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal a substantial percentage of STEC isolated from sheep in rural Bangladesh harbouring AMR genes.
Phosphorus sorption characteristics and interactions with leaf litter-derived dissolved organic matter leachate in iron-rich sediments of a sub-tropical ephemeral stream
Authors: Iles Jordan A. , Pettit Neil E. , Donn Michael J. , Grierson Pauline F.
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the influence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) additions on phosphate sorption kinetics of iron-rich sediments (39–50% hematite and goethite) from an ephemeral stream in the arid Pilbara region of sub-tropical northwest Australia. While phosphate sorption in stream sediments is known to be strongly influenced by sediment mineralogy as well as interactions with DOM, the mechanisms and significance of DOM on P-release from sediments with high sorption capacities, are largely undescribed. We assessed phosphorus (P) sorption behaviours by adding a range of solutions of known inorganic P concentrations that were amended with variable loadings of DOM derived from leachates of leaf litter to sediments from stream pools during the non-flowing phase. We compared the sorption capacity of the sediments and concurrent changes in DOM composition measured using fluorescence spectroscopy. We show that the low-dose DOM addition (~ 4 mg L−1 DOC) had the effect of reducing sediment P adsorption capacity, while for the high-dose DOM addition (~ 45 mg L−1 DOC), it was increased. The high-dose DOM was similar to pore water DOC and likely saturated sediment surface adsorption sites and produced P–OM–Fe complexes. This resulted in increased removal of P from solution. Sediment P sorption characteristics were well fitted to both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models regardless of DOC concentration. Langmuir P sorption maxima ranged from 0.106 to 0.152 mg g−1. General P sorption characteristics of these iron-rich sediments did not differ among pools of contrasting hydrological connectivity. Our results show how humic-rich DOM can modulate the sediment P availability in dryland streams. Unravelling the complexities of P availability is of particular significance to further our understanding of biogeochemical processes in aquatic ecosystems where P often acts as a limiting nutrient.
Gender match and negotiation: evidence from angel investment on Shark Tank
Authors: Jetter Michael , Stockley Kieran
Published: September 2022

Using comprehensive data of 4893 interactions from the popular television show Shark Tank, we test whether gender match with entrepreneurs correlates with investors’ likelihood to extend funding offers. We find female investors are 35% more likely to engage with female (rather than male) entrepreneurs, while less systematic gender preferences emerge for male investors. Heterogeneity analyses suggest this result remains exclusive to non-male-dominated product categories, lending support to the industry representation hypothesis. We also find it is exclusive to ventures with lower asking valuations. Estimates are robust to the inclusion of a comprehensive set of control variables (such as asking valuation, investor-, and season-fixed effects) and a range of alternative specifications.
Comparison of long-term bowel symptoms after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy versus abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with cervical cancer
Authors: He Ruiju , Xue Yiwei , Zhuang Xinrong , Wang Huizhong , Lu Ye
Published: September 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of this study was to compare the long-term bowel symptoms between laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

A total of 207 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy (79 underwent LRH and 128 underwent ARH) at Peking University First Hospital from January 2010 to August 2020 were enrolled and their bowel symptoms were investigated using the Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8) of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20. The prevalence and severity of bowel symptoms were compared in the LRH and ARH groups, and multivariate analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with bowel symptoms.

Results

There was no difference in the CRADI-8 scores between the two groups. However, the prevalence of straining at stool was significantly higher in the ARH group than in the LRH group (19.5% versus 1.3%, p<0.001), and the score was significantly higher in the ARH group than in the LRH group too (0.4 versus 0, p<0.001). The prevalence of incomplete defecation was significantly higher in the ARH group than in the LRH group (13.3% versus 3.8%, p=0.029), and the ARH group also had a significantly higher score than the LRH group (0.3 versus 0.1, p=0.028). Multivariate analysis showed that ARH and postoperative interval were independent risk factors for the development of straining at stool.

Conclusions

Patients with cervical cancer who underwent ARH may be more likely to develop symptoms related to constipation than those who underwent LRH. This finding has to be interpreted with caution owing to the study design.
The effects of AUT00206, a novel Kv3.1/3.2 potassium channel modulator, on task-based reward system activation: a test of mechanism in schizophrenia
Authors: Kaar Stephen J. , Angelescu Ilinca , Nour Matthew M. , Marques Tiago Reis , Sharman Alice , Sajjala Anil , Hutchison John , McGuire Philip , Large Charles , Howes Oliver D.
Published: September 2022

The pathophysiology of schizophrenia involves abnormal reward processing, thought to be due to disrupted striatal and dopaminergic function. Consistent with this hypothesis, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using the monetary incentive delay (MID) task report hypoactivation in the striatum during reward anticipation in schizophrenia. Dopamine neuron activity is modulated by striatal GABAergic interneurons. GABAergic interneuron firing rates, in turn, are related to conductances in voltage-gated potassium 3.1 (Kv3.1) and 3.2 (Kv3.2) channels, suggesting that targeting Kv3.1/3.2 could augment striatal function during reward processing. Here, we studied the effect of a novel potassium Kv3.1/3.2 channel modulator, AUT00206, on striatal activation in patients with schizophrenia, using the MID task. Each participant completed the MID during fMRI scanning on two occasions: once at baseline, and again following either 4 weeks of AUT00206 or placebo treatment. We found a significant inverse relationship at baseline between symptom severity and reward anticipation-related neural activation in the right associative striatum (r = -0.461, p = 0.035). Following treatment with AUT00206, there was a significant increase in reward anticipation-related activation in the left associative striatum (t(13) = 4.23, peak-level p(FWE) < 0.05)), but no significant effect in the ventral striatum. This provides preliminary evidence that the Kv3.1/3.2 potassium channel modulator, AUT00206, may address reward-related striatal abnormalities in schizophrenia.
Site-specific carbon isotope measurements of vanillin reference materials by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry
Authors: Le Phuong Mai , Martineau Estelle , Akoka Serge , Remaud Gerald , Chartrand Michelle M. G. , Meija Juris , Mester Zoltán
Published: September 2022

Vanillin, one of the world’s most popular flavor used in food and pharmaceutical industries, is extracted from vanilla beans or obtained (bio)-synthetically. The price of natural vanillin is considerably higher than that of its synthetic alternative which leads increasingly to counterfeit vanillin. Here, we describe the workflow of combining carbon isotope ratio combustion mass spectrometry with quantitative carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (13C-qNMR) to obtain carbon isotope measurements traceable to the Vienna Peedee Belemnite (VPDB) with 0.7‰ combined standard uncertainty (or expanded uncertainty of 1.4‰ at 95% confidence level). We perform these measurements on qualified Bruker 400 MHz instruments to certify site-specific carbon isotope delta values in two vanillin materials, VANA-1 and VANB-1, believed to be the first intramolecular isotopic certified reference material (CRMs).

Graphical abstract
Internistische Differenzialdiagnosen bei akuten Rückenschmerzen
Authors: Thalmann Nicolas F. , Rimensberger Caroline , Blum Manuel R. , Liechti Fabian D. , Wertli Maria M.
Published: September 2022

Die Mehrheit der Patienten mit akuten Rückenschmerzen weist keine schwerwiegende, zugrunde liegende Erkrankung auf. Viele internistische Erkrankungen können sich jedoch mit akuten oder chronischen Rückenschmerzen manifestieren. In der Beurteilung von Patienten mit Rückenschmerzen sind daher die Anamnese und die klinische Untersuchung wichtig, um Hinweise auf eine allfällige, zugrunde liegende Erkrankung zu erfassen. Insbesondere Alarmzeichen, die auf eine akute und lebensbedrohliche Erkrankung hinweisen, sollten dabei nicht verpasst werden. Meist ist bei fehlendem Vorliegen von entsprechenden Alarmzeichen, Risikofaktoren oder klinischen Hinweisen keine systematische Suche von internistischen Grunderkrankungen nötig. Nachfolgend sind die wichtigsten Differenzialdiagnosen und klinischen Hinweise sowie Alarmsymptome zusammengefasst.
Associations between organised leisure-time activities and mental health problems in children
Authors: Boelens Mirte , Smit Michel S. , Windhorst Dafna A. , Jonkman Harrie J. , Hosman Clemens M. H. , Raat Hein , Jansen Wilma
Published: September 2022

Previous studies conducted mainly among adolescents have found associations between participation in sport organised leisure-time activities (OLTAs) and mental health problems (MHP). Fewer research studies have been performed to primary school-aged children and to organised non-sport OLTAs. Therefore, the objective is to examine whether there is an association between participation in sport and non-sport OLTAs and a high risk of MHP in 4- to 12-year-olds. Data were used on 5010 children from a cross-sectional population-based survey conducted between May and July 2018 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Associations between sport OLTAs, non-sport OLTAs and breadth of OLTAs and a high risk of MHP were explored using logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, stressful life events and physical activity. Of all children, 58% participated in sport OLTAs and 22% in non-sport OLTAs. The proportion of children with high risk of MHP among participants in sport OLTAs is smaller than among non-participants (OR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.81). The proportion of children with high risk of MHP among participants in non-sport OLTAs is smaller than among non-participants (OR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.91). The proportion of children with a high risk of MHP among participants in 1 category of OLTAs (OR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.76) and in 2–5 categories of OLTAs (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.71) is smaller than among non-participants.

  Conclusion: The proportion of children with high risk of MHP among participants in OLTAs is smaller than among non-participants.

What is Known:• Around 10–-20% of children and adolescents experiences mental health problems.• Sport organised leisure-time activities have been found to be associated with a lower risk of mental health problems in adolescents.

What is New:• The proportion of children with a high risk of mental health problems in participants in organised leisure-time activities is smaller than among non-participants.• The proportion of children with a high risk of mental health problems in participants with a higher breadth of organised leisure-time activities is smaller compared to non-participants.
Die Finanzpolitik kann nicht alle entlasten
Authors: Boysen-Hogrefe Jens
Published: September 2022

The coming relief packages should be precisely targeted in the form of transfers for those on low incomes. In times of inflation, the efficiency of government fiscal policy is of particular importance. Additional spending projects should be critically examined accordingly. In the face of acute shortages, it may be plausible to postpone projects. Recent developments in commodity markets suggest that some shortages may not be permanent. The possibility that some of the calamities are temporary argues for not betting on new taxes now. An increase in the tax ratio that allows for a temporarily more progressive design of the tax and transfer system is already endogenous. To this end, however, the “cold progression” should not be dismantled (as has been customary in recent years), as this would probably constitute an expansionary impulse in itself in the coming year.
Wirkung der Energiesteuersenkung auf Kraftstoff preise
Authors: Brühl Volker
Published: September 2022

The German federal government intended to alleviate the burden of increasing fuel prices by introducing a temporary reduction of energy taxes on gasoline and diesel. In order to evaluate the impact of this measure on consumer prices at the filling stations the development of procurement costs for crude oil as well as the downstream development of refinery and distribution margins have to be taken into account. It turns out that about 80 % of the tax reduction has been passed on to end consumers on and around the effective date of the tax relief. However, within the first month the impact of the tax reduction has been wiped out for diesel completely as the gross margin of the mineral oil groups have substantially improved since then. On the other hand, for gasoline (E10) at least part of the impact can still be observed as the initial margin improvement has come down in the meantime. For a detailed analysis the German antitrust authority should look into the pricing algorithms of all 14,000 filling stations in Germany.