bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEX-IDENTIFICATION AND SEX-TYPING IN SOME NIGERIAN CHILDREN'S DRAWINGS
Authors: Pfeffer K.
Published: May 2006

Sex-identification and sex-typing were examined in some Nigerian primary school children using Draw-A-Person. Subjects were from the Yoruba ethnic group. Sex-role differentiation in the Yoruba culture was outlined. The effects of sex and social class on sex-identification and sex-typing
were examined. The results suggest that Yoruba girls are less likely to show own-sex identification than Yoruba boys (p<.001) and that this tendency is more marked for low-income than ‘elite’ girls (p<.01). Regarding sex-typing, marginal sex differences were observed though
the number of drawings amenable for analysis was too small for meaningful statistical comparisons.
SEX-RATIOS AS A BASIS FOR OCCUPATIONAL EVALUATIONS: A CONTEMPORARY VIEW
Authors: Shaffer David R. , Gresham April , Clary E. Gilmer , Thielman Thomas J.
Published: May 2006

The present experiment failed to replicate a widely-cited sexist bias in people's evaluations of occupations that was originally reported by Touhey (1974x; 1974b). Not only were contemporary college students unwilling to downgrade the prestige of masculine professions or to upgrade
that of feminine professions when told that the proportion of other-sex (i.e., minority) practitioners was increasing; they actually rated one traditionally masculine occupation (college professor) in more favorable terms if informed that women would be making greater contributions to this
profession in the future. Some present and future implications of these findings are discussed.
CONSIDERATION AND INITIATING STRUCTURE: ARE THEY BASIC DIMENSIONS OF LEADER BEHAVIOR?
Authors: Tracy Lane
Published: May 2006

Although consideration and initiating structure are widely accepted as basic dimensions of leader behavior and scales measuring these dimensions have been employed in research for almost thirty years, the validity of the scales and the interpretation of the factors on which they are
based were never fully tested. Two recent studies indicate that the factors are multi-dimensional and probably do not represent fundamental dimensions of leader behavior. Furthermore, the Consideration and Initiating Structure scales of the LBDQ and LBDXII are heavily contaminated by judgments
of desirability and dynamism, rendering them unsuitable as descriptions of behavior in research involving similar judgment variables such as job satisfaction.
CAUSAL PREFERENCES AS A FACTOR IN THE CHOICE AND DIAGNOSIS OF SOCIAL CONTINGENCIES
Authors: Patch Michael E.
Published: May 2006

A variety of social contingencies have been described in terms of the patterning of self and/or social causality along a chain of responses between two persons. Non-reciprocal (pseudo and asymmetrical) contingencies focus the researcher on the comparative implications of self and
socially caused behavior as a matter of causal preference and relationship style. Two laboratory studies were conducted with this point of view in mind. In the first study it was shown that subjects who had indicated a preference for socially caused behavior were more likely to choose spontaneous
interactions with strangers while those who preferred self causality were more likely to choose scripted or nonspontaneous interactions. In the second study it was found that subjects who preferred social causality were more accurate in assessing their own influence over in the behavior of
others in a self disclosure task than were those who preferred self causality. The findings were discussed in terms of both the need for a causal preference assessment technique as well as further research into the phenomena of “pseudo relationships.“
SELF-ESTEEM IN EARLY ADOLESCENCE AS A FUNCTION OF POSITION WITHIN OLSON'S CIRCUMPLEX MODEL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY SYSTEMS
Authors: Kawash George , Kozeluk Lorene
Published: May 2006

Three hundred and twenty seven eighth grade students completed the Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) (Coopersmith, 1984) and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluations Scale (FACES III) (Olson, Portner, & Lavee, 1985), as participants in a study investigating the relationship between self-esteem and perceptions of family characteristics. The students' scores on the FACES 111 scale were cast into the sixteen cells of the Circumplex Model (Olson, Russell, & Sprenkle 1979, 1983), so that variations in SEI scores could be examined in this framework. Consistent with expectations, there was systematic covariation between SEI and FACES scores. Mean SEI scores increased monotonically with increases in cohesion, while they varied in a curvilinear fashion with increases in adaptability. This latter pattern was more in line with Olson et al.'s theoretical formulations than the former one. Results of a correlational analysis between SEI scores and Olson et al.'s “Distance from the Center” index, were consistent with the view that optimal functioning tended to be found towards the center, that is at moderate overall combined levels of cohesion and adaptability. These results were examined in the light of the relevant parent-child relations literature. It was noted that the most important parallel appeared to be between parental warmth and family cohesion.
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS OF RURAL AND URBAN NEPALESE CHILDREN
Authors: Watkins David , Regmi Murari
Published: May 2006

The significant others of 641 Nepalese secondary school children are reported according to gender and school grade level and location (rural or urban). Unlike findings from other cultures ‘father’ was of similar salience to ‘mother’, and ‘teacher’
was of importance to about half the sample. These trends were stronger in the rural areas where traditional Hindu values are strongest.
FOLLOWERS' PHENOMENOLOGICAL FIELD AS AN EXPLANATORY FRAMEWORK TO FIEDLER'S SITUATIONAL FAVORABILITY DIMENSION
Authors: Bar-Tal Yoram
Published: May 2006

Fiedler's contingency model (FCM) is based on the assumption that the interaction between leader's characteristics (leader's LPC) and the controllability of the situation determines followers’ productivity. The present paper, based on Lewinian analysis, suggests
that followers' productivity is determined by followers' goals and motivations. These goals and motivation are partially determined by the situation and partially by the followers' perception of the situation. The leader is only a part of this. To demonstrate this claim a role
play study was conducted. Subjects received a description of a leader (high or low LPC) and information about the followers' motivation in the situation. Four sets of situational conditions, characterized by octants 1, 4, 5 and 8 of the FCM were used. The dependent variable consisted
of subjects' predictions of followers' productivity. It was hypothesized that the correlations between the projected group's productivity and leader's LPC would not be lower those that obtained by Fiedler, although the situational variables were replaced by information
about followers'motivation. The hypothesis was confirmed.
THE MATERNAL BEHAVIOR INVENTORY: MEASURING THE BEHAVIORAL SIDE OF MOTHER-TO-INFANT ATTACHMENT
Authors: Becker Gilbert , Becker Constance
Published: May 2006

This study examined the psychometric properties of four indicators of mother-to-infant attachment. Observations were made on 200 maternity ward patients during an infant feeding period on the third day postpartum. The results suggested that a single dimension underlying all four indicators can account fairly well for the interindicator correlation matrix. The mean interindicator correlation was .43, implying a total scale interitem reliability of .75. The interrater reliability for a single rater was estimated to be .95. All four indicators, based on a five-point rating format, produced inverted J-shaped frequency distributions. Nontrivial structural differences, but only inconsequential elevational differences, were found in comparisons between primiparous and multiparous mothers, and between mothers with male infants and those with female infants. Of several background variables, working outside the home was the best predictor of optimal total scale scores. Given its favorable psychometric properties, and because it takes only up to five minutes to administer, the Maternal Behavior Inventory or MBI was recommended as a research tool in the study of mother-to-infant attachment, and as a possible predictor of children at risk.
PERCEPTIONS OF RELIGIOUS AND NONRELIGIOUS TARGETS WHO PARTICIPATE IN PREMARITAL SEX
Authors: Isaac Susan V. , Bailey Roger C. , Isaac Walter L.
Published: May 2006

University students (N=276) read one of twelve scenarios that varied a target's gender, the target's length of delay in a dating relationship before onset of sexual intercourse (1 month vs. 6 months), and degree of a target's religious involvement (never
attended church, occasionally attends church, or regularly attends church). Subjects then rated how moral and trustworthy they thought the target person was and how likely they thought the dating relationship would lead to marriage. Results indicated that female targets, targets
who delay sex in a relationship, and regular churchgoers were perceived and evaluated most favorably. The findings were interpreted in terms of earlier research on the religious “halo” and religious “boomerang” effects.
STRESS AND ETHNIC IDENTITY IN ETHNIC MINORITY YOUTH IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: Vollebergh W.A.M. , Huiberts A.M.
Published: May 2006

In this article emotional problems - operationalized in terms of well-being and feelings of stress/depression - were investigated in secondary school pupils in the Netherlands. Girls, both autochthonous and allochthonous, appear to have more emotional problems than boys. Educational
levels did not have an effect on emotional problems. Allochthonous pupils reported more emotional problems than autochthonous pupils. The difference was most pronounced between allochthonous pupils and autochthonous pupils in ethnic autochthonous (white) schools. Ethnic self-identification
is not by itself related to feelings of well-being or stress, but appears to serve as a moderator in this respect: in ethnic minority youngsters with a bicultural orientation (identification with both their own ethnic group and the Dutch), no effect of ethnic attitudes on stress was found,
while in those identifying solely with their own ethnic group, negative attitudes towards their own group or towards the Netherlands increases feelings of stress.
A COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING INDETERMINACIES IN THE THEORY OF REASONED ACTION
Authors: Sapp Stephen G. , Jensen Helen H.
Published: May 2006

Five suggested alternatives for resolving indeterminacies in the theory of reasoned action resulting from ill-formed intentions were examined for their ability to predict Japanese consumer intentions to eat U.S. beef. Assessment relied upon structural equation analysis of data collected from 594 respondents in a nationwide survey of Japanese beef consumers. The alternative that incorporated product characteristics associated with the diffusion of innovations model provided the best fit to the data and the best prediction of intentions. Implications are suggested for procedures for resolving attitude- and subjective norm-intention indeterminacies in the theory of reasoned action.
THE EFFECTS OF PRIOR EXPERIENCE AND THOUGHT ON THE ATTITUDE-BEHAVIOR RELATION
Authors: Millar Murray G. , Millar Karen U.
Published: May 2006

Millar and Tesser (l986, 1992) have proposed that thought may make either the affective or cognitive component of the attitude more salient and, thus, more important in the formation of a general evaluation. They further proposed that behaviors may either be cognitively or affectively
driven and that when there is a match between the component emphasized by thought and the component driving behavior, the attitude behavior relation will increase. Alternatively, a mismatch will decrease the attitude-behavior relation. If this model is correct then we would expect the match
and mismatch effects only when attitudes are low in affective-cognitive consistency. The current study examined the effects of affective-cognitive consistency on this model. The degree of affective-cognitive consistency was manipulated by varying the degree of exposure to analytic puzzles.
As expected, the match and mismatch effects were obtained with low affective-cognitive consistency only.
CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON OF RESPONSES TO THE MONTY HALL DILEMMA
Authors: Granberg Donald
Published: May 2006

Students in Brazil, China, Sweden, and the United States were compared as to how they responded to a two-stage conditional probability problem. In each culture, there was not only a significant tendency to stick with an initial decision when they should stick, but also to stick when
they should switch. On this type of problem, the four cultures did not differ significantly.
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF VIOLENCE, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, DISABILITY, AND GENDER
Authors: Li Li , Ford Jo Ann , Moore Dennis
Published: May 2006

Using a random sample of 1,876 individuals with disabilities, this study examines relationships between victimization as a result of violence, substance abuse, disability, and gender. Multivariate analyses reveal that women with disabilities are more likely to be victims of substance abuserelated violence than are male counterparts. Some disability conditions such as disability onset, multiple disabilities and chronic pain – are significantly associated with violence for both men and women with disabilities. For people with disabilities, this study finds that victims of substance abuse-related violence are more likely to have their own substance abuse problems than are those who have not been victimized. The authors discuss several issues relevant to a better understanding of violence, substance abuse, disability and gender.
JORDANIAN STUDENTS' BELIEFS ABOUT NONVERBAL BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH DECEPTION IN JORDAN
Authors: Al-Simadi Fayez A.
Published: May 2006

Are cues to deception similar from culture to culture? The present study identifies some of those cues in previous studies in the United States, and tests Jordanian beliefs about cues associated with deception. Jordanian college students were asked to indicate their beliefs about
cues associated with deception on a 20-item Likert type scale. Results showed that Jordanian students identified ten behaviors to be significantly related to their beliefs about liars. These cues are discussed in terms of cultural differences from the United States and cultural values in Jordan.
THE LIKELIHOOD OF VICTIM RESTITUTION IN MOCK CASES: ARE THE ‘RULES OF THE GAME’ DIFFERENT FROM PRISON AND PROBATION?
Authors: TSOUDIS OLGA
Published: May 2006

Criminal justice studies have examined the significance of factors on punishment likelihoods for offenders. However, these studies typically emphasize imprisonment and probation. With the growing concern for victim's rights, the criminal justice system has included the option of
victim restitution. Researchers, however, have not examined the significance of factors for the likelihood of victim restitution. The present study explores differences in punishment likelihoods through social psychology — more specifically, affect control theory. Participants, after
reading a presentence report, answer questions regarding the offender, the victim and the crime. Results demonstrate a difference in factors depending on the type of punishment, thus raising issues concerning the distinction between victim restitution and other punishments. The significance
of social psychology and affect control theory is emphasized.
ALEXITHYMIA AND PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS IN A POPULATION OF NURSERY WORKERS: A STUDY USING THE 20-ITEM TORONTO ALEXITHYMIA SCALE
Authors: Posse M. , Backenroth-Ohsako G. , HåKanson C-E. , HÄllström T.
Published: May 2006

This study investigated alexithymia in a sample of professional nursery workers in Huddinge community, Sweden. In a previous study in general practice it was found that alexithymia, in a mixed population seeking medical advice, was associated with higher age, male gender, low education
and the personality traits suspicion and distance as well as undetected depression. The choice of a professional female population allowed alexithymia to be studied in a refined way without the impact of some of the confounding elements of previous studies. The six variables investigated apart
from alexithymia were feelings of well-being, symptoms of somatic and psychic anxiety, depressive symptoms, gastro-intestinal symptoms, and level of social dysfunction. The prevalence of alexithymia was 7.9%. Fifty percent of the items assessing somatic anxiety and 28.5% of those
assessing depressive symptoms were related to high TAS- 20 scores in this healthy all-female population. The feeling factors of TAS-20, difficulty in identifying and expressing feelings, accounted in this study for the majority of relations to the other variables whilst the third factor, externally
oriented thinking, remained independent and mainly nonrelated to the other measured variables. It had been hypothesised that a deficit in the cognitive processing and modulation of emotions may leave alexithymic individuals prone to states of heightened sympathetic arousal. Confirmation of
these theories was found in this study where subjects expressing high levels of vegetative and visceral symptoms of anxiety also scored high for alexithymia and depressive symptoms.
PATIENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS: THE INFLUENCE OF ETHNICITY AND SEX OF DENTIST
Authors: Newton J. Timothy , Davenport-Jones Lucy , Idle Matthew , Patel Mina , Setchell Alex , Turpin Caroline
Published: May 2006

A total of 126 participants were asked to select, from a series of photographs, the dentist which they perceived as: most caring, most competent, and which they would wish to have as their own dentist. White European male dentists were most likely to be chosen as the respondents'
general dental practitioner. Men were generally perceived as more competent than women. Women were more likely to be chosen as the most caring dentists. It is concluded that, in the absence of other information, sex and ethnicity of the dentist exert an influence on patients' perceptions
of general dental practitioners.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPATHY AND THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS IN A SAMPLE OF SPANISH ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Barrio Victoria del , Aluja Anton , García Luis F.
Published: May 2006

Empathy has been considered a central feature of our temperamental dispositions in childhood and adolescence. It plays a central role in the development of prosocial behavior and moral reasoning. However, the links between empathy and the major factors of personality have not yet been
well described. This study explores the relationships between an index of empathy and the Big-Five personality model in a sample of 832 Spanish adolescents. As expected, results show that empathy correlates strongly with Friendliness. Positive correlations with Conscientiousness, Energy, and
Openness traits have also been observed, but regression analyses show that relationships of empathy with those three factors were of negligible importance. Contrary to expectations, empathy did not correlate with Emotional stability. This pattern of results was replicated across boys and girls.
THE UNIVERSALITY OF RELATIONSHIP CHARACTERISTICS: A CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ATTACHMENT AND LONELINESS IN CANADIAN AND VISITING CHINESE STUDENTS
Authors: DiTommaso Enrico , Brannen Cyndi , Burgess Melissa
Published: May 2006

This study investigated the universality of loneliness and attachment in family, romantic and social relationships by comparing Canadian home students with Chinese visiting students. A total of 223 students completed measures assessing peer, parent and romantic attachment, and emotional
and social loneliness. The results indicate significant main effects of culture and gender for both attachment and loneliness, as well as a significant two-way interaction for family loneliness. The findings support the universality of loneliness and attachment, but also lend credence to the
notion that the expression, or intensity, of these constructs may differ among cultures and genders.
SUICIDAL IDEATION IN TURKISH ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Ulusoy M. Demet , Demir Nilüfer Ozcan
Published: May 2006

This paper primarily aims to examine the impacts of sociodemographic and risk factors (smoking cigarettes, alcohol and substance use) as well as school achievement and anxiety-depression on suicidal ideation of Turkish adolescents. Focussing on a nonclinical adolescent sample and based on an ecological riskfactor approach, this study sought to identify risk factors related to suicidal ideation in a sample of 726 adolescents (aged 17–18 years) drawn from the high schools in Ankara, Turkey. More than half of the sample reported that they had suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation is significantly more endorsed among female adolescents. Regression analysis revealed that there are statistically significant relationships among gender, cigarette smoking, school achievement, anxiety/depression and suicidal ideation.
APPLIED STUDY OF AFFINITIES FOR PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES USING AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MODEL
Authors: Hartz Arthur , Watson David , Noyes Russell
Published: May 2006

Relationship choices are critical to one's psychological and physical well-being. Yet prior investigations of factors that influence these choices have been determinedly nonutilitarian. Many studies have assessed the attractiveness of specific personal attributes, the benefits of having attractive or unattractive characteristics, and the influence of evolutionary pressures on the attractiveness of certain qualities. However, attributes have not been investigated for their effect on those who have an affinity for them in today's society. Research should be directed toward identifying affinities that are normative but maladaptive because they decrease the likelihood of forming good relationships. This research would parallel epidemiological studies of risk factors for health problems and would yield information that could be used to improve relationship choices.
SEXUALITY OF 16- TO 17- YEAR-OLD SOUTH AFRICANS IN THE CONTEXT OF HIV/AIDS
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Pengpid Supa
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to better understand the sexuality of youth in the context of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Participants (400 male and 400 female 16- and 17- year-olds) 400 were from rural and 400 from urban areas, and almost all were of African descent. Results indicate that two-thirds of the girls and more than half of the boys had had sexual intercourse and had petted. Almost half of the boys (44.3%) and 24% of the girls took less than a week to have sexual intercourse in their current steady relationship. Only 40% of the girls and 57% of the boys had used a condom during their first sexual intercourse; HIV-AIDS prevention efforts should be linked to research on sexuality to advance effectiveness.
INVESTIGATION OF EARLY SEPARATION ANXIETY SYMPTOM LEVELS IN TURKISH YOUNG ADULTS
Authors: Ceyhan Aydogan Aykut
Published: May 2006

This study aimed to determine whether the early separation anxiety symptom levels of young adults differ according to their personal and familial characteristics. It is retrospective. The sample consisted of 284 university students attending Anadolu University in Turkey, in the 2004–2005
academic years. Data were collected from the Separation Anxiety Symptoms Scale (Ceyhan, 2000) and a questionnaire. Analysis of the data was conducted using independent t-test and ANOVA. Results revealed that the levels of early separation anxiety symptoms of females are significantly
higher than those of males. Also, that the level of early separation anxiety symptoms of young adults who were only children was significantly higher than those of first, middle, and last children. There was no significant difference in terms of the variables such as mothers' and fathers'
attitudes perceived retrospectively, attendance at nursery school, or mothers' working conditions during childhood. Results are discussed in the light of literature regarding the limitations of the study.
How repeated epiphylly correlates with gene expression of resident knox1 in the leaves of tobacco epiphyllous shoots
Authors: Müller Kai , Lin Jinxing , Fischer Rainer , Prüfer Dirk
Published: May 2006

The tobacco knox1 genes tokn1 and tokn2 were isolated and their neomorphic capacities were tested while expressed in tobacco and potato. In addition, their neomorphic capacities were compared to barley bkn3 transgenic plant material. While tokn2 and bkn3 induced epiphylly in tobacco and supercompound leaves in potato, tokn1 failed to produce such prominent knox1 specific phenotypes. In wild type tobacco, alleles of the tokn genes were found to be expressed within distinct zones of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), leaving out regions that correlated with leaf founder cells [1]. In contrast, the expression of the tokn genes was detected throughout the meristem and in leaf primordia of epiphyllous shoots that developed in tobacco over-expressing the barley hooded gene bkn3. It was determined that such extended expression domains of resident tobacco knox1 genes were mediated through an enhanced expression domain of bkn3 within the tissue confined to the epiphylls, and this contributed to “repeated epiphylly”, i.e. an iterated development of epiphyllous shoots on leaves of progenitor epiphylls.
Survival Among Patients With High-Risk Gastrointestinal Cancers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Janczewski Lauren M. , Browner Amanda E. , Cotler Joseph H. , Palis Bryan E. , Chan Kelley , Joung Rachel H. , Bentrem David J. , Merkow Ryan P. , Boffa Daniel J. , Nelson Heidi
Published: March 2024

Importance

Prior reports demonstrated that patients with cancer experienced worse outcomes from pandemic-related stressors and COVID-19 infection. Patients with certain malignant neoplasms, such as high-risk gastrointestinal (HRGI) cancers, may have been particularly affected.

Objective

To evaluate disruptions in care and outcomes among patients with HRGI cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing for signs of long-term changes in populations and survival.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Cancer Database to identify patients with HRGI cancer (esophageal, gastric, primary liver, or pancreatic) diagnosed between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed between August 23 and September 4, 2023.

Main Outcome and Measures

Trends in monthly new cases and proportions by stage in 2020 were compared with the prior 2 years. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to assess 1-year mortality in 2020 compared with 2018 to 2019. Proportional monthly trends and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate 30-day and 90-day mortality in 2020 compared with prior years.

Results

Of the 156 937 patients included in this study, 54 994 (35.0%) were aged 60 to 69 years and 100 050 (63.8%) were men. There was a substantial decrease in newly diagnosed HRGI cancers in March to May 2020, which returned to prepandemic levels by July 2020. For stage, there was a proportional decrease in the diagnosis of stage I (−3.9%) and stage II (−2.3%) disease, with an increase in stage IV disease (7.1%) during the early months of the pandemic. Despite a slight decrease in 1-year survival rates in 2020 (50.7% in 2018 and 2019 vs 47.4% in 2020), survival curves remained unchanged between years (all P > .05). After adjusting for confounders, diagnosis in 2020 was not associated with increased 1-year mortality compared with 2018 to 2019 (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-1.01). The rates of 30-day (2.1% in 2018, 2.0% in 2019, and 2.1% in 2020) and 90-day (4.3% in 2018, 4.4% in 2019, and 4.6% in 2020) operative mortality also remained similar.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study, a period of underdiagnosis and increase in stage IV disease was observed for HRGI cancers during the pandemic; however, there was no change in 1-year survival or operative mortality. These results demonstrate the risks associated with gaps in care and the tremendous efforts of the cancer community to ensure quality care delivery during the pandemic. Future research should investigate long-term survival changes among all cancer types as additional follow-up data are accrued.
The extremophilic Andean isolate Acinetobacter sp. Ver3 expresses two ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase isoforms with different catalytic properties
Authors: Palavecino Alejandro , Sartorio Mariana Gabriela , Carrillo Néstor , Cortez Néstor , Bortolotti Ana
Published: March 2024

Ferredoxin/flavodoxin‐NADPH reductases (FPRs) catalyze the reversible electron transfer between NADPH and ferredoxin/flavodoxin. The Acinetobacter sp. Ver3 isolated from high‐altitude Andean lakes contains two isoenzymes, FPR1ver3 and FPR2ver3. Absorption spectra of these FPRs revealed typical features of flavoproteins, consistent with the use of FAD as a prosthetic group. Spectral differences indicate distinct electronic arrangements for the flavin in each enzyme. Steady‐state kinetic measurements show that the enzymes display catalytic efficiencies in the order of 1–6 μm−1·s−1, although FPR1ver3 exhibited higher kcat values compared to FPR2ver3. When flavodoxinver3 was used as a substrate, both reductases exhibited dissimilar behavior. Moreover, only FPR1ver3 is induced by oxidative stimuli, indicating that the polyextremophile Ver3 has evolved diverse strategies to cope with oxidative environments.
The thalamic covariance network is associated with cognitive deficits in patients with cerebral small vascular disease
Authors: Yan Wei , Tang Siwei , Chen Li , Lei Ting , Li Haiqing , Jiang Yuxing , He Miao , Zhou Lijing , Li Yajun , Zeng Chen , Li Hongjian
Published: March 2024

Objective

Abnormalities in the gray matter structure of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) have been observed throughout the brain. However, whether cortico‐cortical connections exist between regions of gray matter atrophy in patients with CSVD has not been fully elucidated. This question was tested by comparing the gray matter covariance networks in CSVD patients with and without cognitive impairment (CI).

Methods

We performed multivariate modeling of the gray matter volume measurements of 61 patients with CI (CSVD‐CI), 85 patients without CI (CSVD‐NC), and 108 healthy controls using source‐based morphological analysis (SBM) to obtain gray matter structural covariance networks at the population level. Then, correlations between structural covariance networks and cognitive functions were analyzed in CSVD patients. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used with the gray matter covariance network as a classification feature to identify CI among the CSVD population.

Results

The results of the analysis of all the subjects showed that compared with healthy controls, the expression of the thalamic covariance network, cerebellum covariance network, and calcarine cortex covariance network was reduced in patients with CSVD. Moreover, CSVD‐CI patients showed a significant reduction in the expression of the thalamic covariance network, encompassing the thalamus and the parahippocampal gyrus, relative to CSVD‐NC patients, which persisted after excluding CSVD patients with thalamic lacunes. In patients with CSVD, cognitive functions were positively correlated with measures of the thalamic covariance network. More than 80% of CSVD patients with CI were correctly identified by the SVM classifier.

Interpretation

Our findings provide new evidence to explain the distribution state of gray matter reduction in CSVD patients, and the thalamic covariance network is the core region for early gray matter reduction during the development of CSVD disease, which is related to cognitive deficits. Reduced expression of thalamic covariance networks may provide a neuroimaging biomarker for the early identification of cognitive impairment in CSVD patients.
Lebbeus – A Postmodernist? Early Scenes of Shopping and Dwelling
Authors: Betsky Aaron
Published: March 2024

Vivid colours, commedia dell’arte, collage and hypergraphics, and villae jutting out of the cliffsides designed for the unknown dwellers – are these projects postmodern? American art, architecture and design critic Aaron Betsky investigates this question and its context, focusing on the V.I.P. Center Shopping Mall, an unbuilt scheme that was to win Lebbeus Woods his first professional acknowledgement under the auspices of the Progressive Architecture Award.
A Zombie Macrophage‐Based “Trojan horse” Enhances the Effect of Efferocytosis Through Immune Regulation for Atherosclerosis Treatment
Authors: Yao Yuying , Chen Haoting , Barkat Ali , Liao Fangling , Xiao Yafang , Zhao Zhuangzhuang , Liu Lu , Wang Weiping , Ma Jing , Fu Chenxing , Chen Xiaoyuan , Guo Weisheng
Published: March 2024

Various immune cell‐mediated drug delivery systems have been reported for precision medicine, but the proinflammatory differentiation of immunocyte vehicles can exacerbate disease progression, resulting in a formidable obstacle to efficacious pharmacotherapy. The progression of atherosclerosis is closely related to the recruitment of blood immunocytes into the plaques, as the migrated macrophages can differentiate into harmful foam cells, leading to dysregulation of macrophage immunity. In this study, a “Trojan horse” based on zombie macrophages (denoted as Z‐Møs) as a biomimetic drug delivery system (denoted as ZARMs) is constructed to regulate macrophage immunity inside plaques. Reactive oxygen species‐responsive nanoparticles (denoted as AR‐NPs) loaded with atorvastatin (denoted as ATT) are encapsulated into Z‐Møs to construct ZARMs. After intravenous administration, ZARMs selectively migrate into plaques, and insusceptible biological characteristics are kept even in the presence of high levels of ROS within the plaques, which simultaneously triggers ATT release from AR‐NPs loaded in Z‐Møs. Treatment assessments indicate that ZARMs can efficiently boost macrophage immunity to reduce the inflammatory burden by inhibiting the expression of CD47 on foam cells without the risk of detrimental domestication of immunocytes in the plaques. This Z‐Møs‐mediated drug delivery system may arouse an advanced therapeutic strategy for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Magnetic Supraparticles Capable of Recording High‐Temperature Events
Authors: Wolf Andreas , Sauer Julian , Hurle Katrin , Müssig Stephan , Mandel Karl
Published: March 2024

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are prone to oxidation at elevated temperatures (>300 °C) and lose their magnetizability upon transition from magnetite/maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3 / Fe3O4) to hematite (α‐Fe2O3). Silica (SiO2) shells can effectively prevent this undesired effect up to ≈1000 °C. Herein, the study shows how to utilize SPIONs with varying SiO2 shell thickness and thus, different oxidation susceptibility, and how to combine them in micrometers sized assemblies – so‐called supraparticles (SPs), to create a structurally emerging magnetic temperature recording functionality. The desired oxidation of non or weakly‐protected SPIONs within SPs upon temperature events reduces dipole–dipole interactions of well‐protected SPIONs in the confined SP entity. The resulting change of magnetic interactions therefore contains information on the thermal history of the SP, which can be spectrally read out via magnetic particle spectroscopy within seconds. Their working range can be tuned from 400 to 1000 °C on two independent structural hierarchy levels, namely the SiO2 shell thickness and the freely selectable ratios of different building blocks in the SP. The application of such SPs as particulate additives for magnetic recording of high‐temperature events, especially relevant in metal, alloy, and ceramic processing, representing a yet unexplored and optically‐independent option for bulk temperature recording is proposed.
Interface Effect on the Out‐of‐Plane Spin‐Orbit Torque in the Ferromagnetic CoPt Single Layers
Authors: Li Jialiang , Guo Qixun , Lin Ting , Zhang Qinghua , Bai He , Cheng Sheng , Zhan Xiaozhi , Gu Lin , Zhu Tao
Published: March 2024

Field‐free switching of a perpendicularly magnetized heavy metal/ferromagnetic metal bilayer or single alloy layer through spin‐orbit torque (SOT) provides a potential way for next‐generation spintronic devices with fast speed and high efficiency. Here, a sizable symmetry dependence of field‐free magnetization switching via an out‐of‐plane torque in CoxPt100−x single layers is reported. It is found that the sign of in‐plane SOT in CoxPt100−x when x ≤ 25 is positive. However, it changes to negative when x > 25, while the out‐of‐plane SOT changes its sign when x > 30. The polarized neutron reflectometry measurement further suggests an interface layer with rich Pt content near the substrate, which could have a strong interface effect on the out‐of‐plane SOT. The sign of the out‐of‐plane SOT, and then the polarity of the field‐free magnetization switching, is determined by the competition between the out‐of‐plane torques arising from the bulk and interface parts in the CoxPt100−x single layers. It is expected that such interface effect of the out‐of‐plane torque is desirable to the applications in spin logic devices using symmetry dependence of field‐free magnetization switching in the ferromagnetic CoPt single layers.
Perylenedioic Acid‐Derived Carbon Dots with Near 100% Quantum Yield in Aqueous Solution for Lasing and Lighting
Authors: Liu Yupeng , Wang Bingzhe , Zhang Yunsen , Guo Jia , Wu Xiaoyi , Ouyang Defang , Chen Shi , Chen Yeqing , Wang Shuangpeng , Xing Guichuan , Tang Zikang , Qu Songnan
Published: March 2024

Carbon dots (CDs) are a burgeoning star of luminescent carbon‐based nanomaterials with emerging interest for various applications. Luminescence from the sp2‐conjugated domains in the carbon cores is considered to be the intrinsic bandgap emission of CDs, whereas the relationship between them remains poorly understood. Simultaneously, the solvent relaxation of water molecules will quench the fluorescence of CDs, thus, obtaining strong luminescence from CDs aqueous solutions remains a great challenge. Herein, a facile one‐step spatial‐confined cross‐condensation method that uses a heat‐induced self‐foaming process in ambient pressure has been developed to synthesize highly luminescent CDs with unprecedented photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) over 97.2% in water. The unique precursor‐derived cross‐arranged perylene skeleton in the cores hinders π–π stacking, while the hydrophobicity of the conjugated units mitigates solvent relaxation by water molecules, resulting in near‐unity PLQY in aqueous solutions, enabling this to demonstrate the first optically pumped green lasing emission in the CDs aqueous solution. Moreover, a biomaterial‐based white light emitting diode is fabricated using the CDs‐stained silks as a fluorescence conversion cover to realize a high luminous efficiency of 60.7 lm W−1 with CIE color coordinate of (0.33, 0.35).
Recent Advances in 4D Printing of Advanced Materials and Structures for Functional Applications
Authors: Wan Xue , Xiao Zhongmin , Tian Yujia , Chen Mei , Liu Feng , Wang Dong , Liu Yong , Bartolo Paulo Jorge Da Silva , Yan Chunze , Shi Yusheng , Zhao Ruike Renee , Qi Hang Jerry , Zhou Kun
Published: March 2024

4D printing has attracted tremendous worldwide attention during the past decade. This technology enables the shape, property, or functionality of printed structures to change with time in response to diverse external stimuli, making the original static structures alive. The revolutionary 4D‐printing technology offers remarkable benefits in controlling geometric and functional reconfiguration, thereby showcasing immense potential across diverse fields, including biomedical engineering, electronics, robotics, and photonics. Here, a comprehensive review of the latest achievements in 4D printing using various types of materials and different additive manufacturing techniques is presented. The state‐of‐the‐art strategies implemented in harnessing various 4D‐printed structures are highlighted, which involve materials design, stimuli, functionalities, and applications. The machine learning approach explored for 4D printing is also discussed. Finally, the perspectives on the current challenges and future trends toward further development in 4D printing are summarized.
Gold‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Ortho‐Quinone Methide Analogues as Reactive Synthetic Precursors
Authors: Yamada Tsuyoshi , Fujii Akiko , Furugen Chikara , Kobayashi Kwihwan , Hyodo Tomoki , Ikawa Takashi , Sajiki Hironao
Published: March 2024

2‐Exomethylene indolin‐3‐ones are useful synthetic intermediates with a unique indole scaffold. However, their synthesis has not yet been reported owing to their reactivity and instability. In this study, a gold(I)‐catalyzed method for generating 2‐exomethylene indolin‐3‐one derivatives via the 5‐exo‐dig‐selective cyclization of 2‐(2‐amino)phenyl alkynyl ketones with an alkyne terminus was developed. The subsequent pseudo‐dimerization of the generated 2‐exomethylene indolin‐3‐ones and their [4+2] cyclization reactions with 1,1‐disubstituted alkenes afforded spiropseudoindoxyl and pyranoindole derivatives, respectively, in 21% to quantitative yields. Density functional theory calculations of the gold‐catalyzed cyclization provided insights into the 5‐exo‐dig selectivity. Furthermore, the reactive 2‐exomethylene indolin‐3‐one was isolated for the first time based on the results from 1H NMR spectroscopic monitoring. The isolated product was applied to various transformations. Our synthesis method promotes the development of bioactive agents and functional materials with complex cyclic structures.
Analyzing Mushroom Structural Patterns of a Highly Compressible and Expandable Hemostatic Foam for Gastric Perforation Repair
Authors: Shu Zhenzhen , Liu En , Huang Yu , Luo Qiang , Wang Tongchuan , Li Xin , Mequanint Kibret , Yang Shiming , Xing Malcolm , Fan Chaoqiang
Published: March 2024

Nature presents the most beautiful patterns through evolving. Here, a layered porous pattern in golden ratio (0.618) is reported from a type of mushroom ‐Dictyophora Rubrovalvata stipe (DRS). The hierarchical structure shows a mathematical correlation with the golden ratio. This unique structure leads to superior mechanical properties. The gradient porous structure from outside to innermost endows it with asymmetrical hydrophilicity. A mathematical model is then developed to predict and apply to 3D printed structures. The mushroom is then explored to repair gastric perforation because the stomach is a continuous peristaltic organ, and the perforated site is subject to repeated mechanical movements and pressure changes. At present, endoscopic clipping is ineffective in treating ulcerative perforation with fragile surrounding tissues. Although endoscopic implant occlusion provides a new direction for the treatment of gastric ulcers, but the metal or plastic occluder needs to be removed, requiring a second intervention. Decellularized DRS (DDRS) is found with asymmetric water absorption rate, super‐compressive elasticity, shape memory, and biocompatibility, making it a suitable occluder for the gastric perforation. The efficacy in blocking gastric perforation and promoting healing is confirmed by endoscopic observation and tissue analysis during a 2‐month study.
Molecular Design for In‐Situ Polymerized Solid Polymer Electrolytes Enabling Stable Cycling of Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Peng Hao , Long Tairen , Peng Jun , Chen Hui , Ji Lifei , Sun Hui , Huang Ling , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: March 2024

The practical application of polymer electrolytes is hindered due to the low ionic conductivity and the interfacial instability between the electrodes. Herein, a strategy for designing solid polymer electrolytes is developed that facilitates the rapid lithium‐ion migration through weak coordination with polymer chain segments, as well as the fast ion channel transport of oligomers. Moreover, the in situ‐produced solid polymer electrolyte (PFVS) can form stable LiF‐rich interfaces with both the lithium metal anode and different cathodes. When the PFVS is applied in Li‐metal batteries, excellent properties are achieved at room temperature. A Li||Li symmetric cell can be stably cycled for 4000 h at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−1, a Li||LiFePO4 full cell can maintain capacity retention as high as still 94.4% after 600 cycles at 1 C, and a Li||NCM811 full cell can retain 80% capacity after 180 cycles at 1 C. A 2.6 Ah Graphite|PFVS|NCM90 pouch cell is made for demonstrating the practical application potential, and it can be also stably cycled. The developed strategy provides a promising path for designing solid polymer electrolytes that can effectively extend the lifespan of Li metal batteries.
Azomethine Fe3+ coordination compounds containing carbazole units: Synthetic approach, spectral characterization, and magnetic studies
Authors: Gruzdev Matvey S. , Chervonova Ulyana V. , Starichenko Denis V. , Vorobeva Valerya E. , Bichan Nataliya G. , Alexandrov Anatoly I. , Pashkova Tamara V. , Korolev Aleksander V.
Published: March 2024

The main aim of our study is to investigate various types of hybrid systems with a paramagnetic iron (III) ion as a core and photoactive derivatives of carbazole at the periphery. We have synthesized a variety of biligand coordination compounds with the composition [FeL2]A (where L is 2‐[2‐[(E)‐[4‐[4‐(3,6‐di‐tert‐butylcarbazol‐9‐yl)benzoyl]oxy‐2‐phenolate]methyleneamino]ethylamino]ethyl 4‐(3,6‐di‐tert‐butylcarbazol‐9‐yl)benzoate, A− is NO3− (I), Cl− (II), PF6− (III)). These systems were studied by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry and X‐band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Magnetic measurements revealed mixed spin states (high spin [HS], low spin [LS]) of Fe (III) ions at room temperatures. Estimates of the corresponding spin contributions were made. It was found that all samples exhibit AFM exchange interactions between iron (III) ions. The ground spin state at 2.0 K was established and analyzed. EPR measurements confirmed the HS states of iron (III) and revealed two types of them: with weak distorted and strong low‐symmetry octahedral crystal fields.
X‐ray computed tomography study of microstructure weakening by high‐temperature hydrogen attack on refractories
Authors: Razavi Anita , Henn Isabelle , Sax Almuth , Quirmbach Peter
Published: March 2024

X‐ray computed tomography (XRT) is a three‐dimensional (3D), non‐destructive, and reproducible investigation method capable of visualizing and examining internal and external structures of components independent of the material and geometry. In this work, XRT with its unique abilities complements conventionally utilized examination methods for the investigation of microstructure weakening induced by hydrogen corrosion and furthermore provides a new approach to corrosion research. The motivation for this is the current inevitable transformation to hydrogen‐based steel production. Refractories of the system Al2O3‐SiO2 are significant as lining materials. Two exemplary material types A and B, which differ mainly in their Al2O3:SiO2 ratio, are examined here using XRT. Identical samples of the two materials are measured, analyzed, and then compared before and after the hydrogen attack. In this context, hydrogen corrosion‐induced porosity and its spatial distribution and morphology are investigated. The results show that sample B has a higher resistance to hydrogen‐induced attack than sample A. Furthermore, the 3D representation revealed a differential porosity increase within the microstructure.