bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent Carbon Dots: Fantastic Electroluminescent Materials for Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhao Biao , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: February 2021

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as fantastic luminescent nanomaterials with significant potentials on account of their unique photoluminescence properties, high stability, and low toxicity. The application of CDs in electroluminescent light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) have aroused much interest in recent years. Herein, the state‐of‐the‐art advances of CD‐based electroluminescent LEDs are summarized, in which CDs act as active emission layer and interface transport layer materials is discussed and highlighted. Besides, the device structure of CD‐based LEDs and preparation methods of CDs are also introduced. Furthermore, the opportunities and challenges for achieving high performance CD‐based electroluminescent LED devices are presented. This review article is expected to stimulate more unprecedented achievements derived from CDs and CD‐based electroluminescent LEDs, thus further promoting their practical applications in future solid‐state lighting and flat‐panel displays.
Engineering Textile Electrode and Bacterial Cellulose Nanofiber Reinforced Hydrogel Electrolyte to Enable High‐Performance Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Yuan Libei , Liu Rong , He Hanna , Hao Junnan , Lu Yan , Wang Yuanming , Liang Gemeng , Yuan Guohui , Guo Zaiping
Published: February 2021

The fabrication of highly durable, flexible, all‐solid‐state supercapacitors (ASCs) remains challenging because of the unavoidable mechanical stress that such devices are subjected to in wearable applications. Natural/artificial fiber textiles are regarded as prospective materials for flexible ASCs due to their outstanding physicochemical properties. Here, a high‐performance ASC is designed by employing graphene‐encapsulated polyester fiber loaded with polyaniline as the flexible electrodes and bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofiber‐reinforced polyacrylamide as the hydrogel electrolyte. The ASC combines the textile electrode capable of arbitrary deformation with the BC‐reinforced hydrogel with high ionic conductivity (125 mS cm−1), high tensile strength (330 kPa), and superelasticity (stretchability up to ≈1300%), giving rise to a device with high stability/compatibility between the electrodes and electrolyte that is compliant with flexible electronics. As a result, this ASC delivers high areal capacitance of 564 mF cm−2, excellent rate capability, good energy/power densities, and more importantly, superior mechanical properties without significant capacitance degradation after repeated bending, confirming the functionality of the ASC under mechanical deformation. This work demonstrates an effective design for a sufficiently tough energy storage device, which shows great potential in truly wearable applications.
Mesoporous Thorn‐Covered Core–Shell Cathode and 3D Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel Composite Anode with Conductive Multivalence Metal Sulfides for High‐Performance Aqueous Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Park Min Gyu , Choi Jae Won , Ock Il Woo , Kim Gi Hwan , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: February 2021

Aqueous hybrid capacitors (AHCs) are very promising electrochemical energy devices due to their being safe, cheap, and environmentally friendly, but their low energy and power densities are yet to be overcome for prolonged operation in a single fast charging device. Herein, a strategy to realize high‐energy density and ultrafast rechargeable AHCs is reported. A thorn‐covered core–shell conductive multivalence metal sulfide is synthesized as a cathode material that achieves high capacity via multivalence Ni and Co states and contains multiple mesoporous channels for fast ion transfer and ultrafine nanoparticles for efficient contact with electrolyte ions. Moreover, the multivalence metal states of the Fe1−xS anode units loaded on a three‐dimensional carbon structure with the mesoporous holes attain high capacity even at a very fast charging rate (20 A g−1, ≈86.4 C rate). The proposed AHC exploits the advantages of capacitive and diffusion‐controlled reactions. This is demonstrated by its high‐energy density (up to 120.5 Wh kg−1) surpassing that of state‐of‐the‐art AHCs and the ultrafast rechargeable power density (up to 23,998 W kg−1) that exceeds those of battery‐type reactions more than 100‐fold and provides long‐life stability for over 50 000 charge–discharge cycles.
Three Digital Agriculture Problems in Cotton Solved by Distributed Ledger Technology
Authors: Griffin Terry W. , Harris Keith D. , Ward Jason K. , Goeringer Paul , Richard Jessica A.
Published: February 2021

Distributed ledger technology applied to Big Data in agriculture presents challenges and opportunities. Opportunities exist to solve decades‐old farm data management problems. Real‐world examples of applying distributed ledger technology to current farm data problems in cotton include (1) yield monitor data quality assurance, (2) sustainability metrics and resource tracking of cotton lint quality data from ginner back to subfield locations, and (3) increasing supply chain coordination by providing more information to warehouse managers. The culmination of the discussion across three aspects of cotton production data is of interest to farmers, researchers, policy makers, and consumers.
Research environment and resources to support pediatric emergency medicine fellow research
Authors: DesPain Angelica W. , Gutman Colleen K. , Cruz Andrea T. , Aronson Paul L. , Chamberlain James M. , Chang Todd P. , Florin Todd A. , Kaplan Ron L. , Nigrovic Lise E. , Pruitt Christopher M. , Thompson Amy D. , Gonzalez Victor M. , Mistry Rakesh D.
Published: February 2021

Background

There is a need for pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) researchers, but the current state of PEM fellow research training is not well described. We sought to (1) describe resources and gaps in PEM fellowship research training and (2) assess agreement between fellow and program director (PD) perceptions of these in fellow research experience.

Methods

Surveys were distributed electronically to U.S. PEM fellows and PDs from March to April 2020. Fellows and PDs were queried on program research infrastructure and current gaps in fellow research experience. For programs that had at least one fellow and PD response, each fellow response was compared to their PD’s corresponding response (reference standard). For each binary survey item, we determined the percent of responses with agreement between the fellow and PD.

Results

Of 79 fellowship programs, 70 (89%) were represented with at least one response, including responses from 59 PDs (75%) and 218 fellows (39% of all fellows, representing 80% of programs). Fellows and PDs identified mentorship and faculty engagement as the most important needs for successful fellowship research; for every one fellow there was a median of 0.8 potential faculty mentors in the division. Twenty percent of fellows were not satisfied with mentorship opportunities. There was no association between fellow career research intent (high, defined as ≥20% dedicated time, or low) with current year of training (p = 0.88), program size (p = 0.67), and area of research focus (p = 0.40). Fellows were often unaware of research being performed by division faculty.

Conclusion

PEM fellows were not consistently aware of resources available to support research training. To better support PEM fellows’ research training, many programs may need to expand mentorship and increase fellows’ awareness of local and external resources and opportunities.
Association among length of residence, physical activity, and obesity in the US immigrants: A regression‐based mediation analysis
Authors: Jung Myungjin , Kim Heontae , Loprinzi Paul D. , Kang Minsoo
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To examine the mediated relationship between objectively measured obesity, accelerometer‐based moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and length of residence among US immigrants.

Methods

A total of 885 adults (≥18 years) who were born outside the United States from the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the analysis. The participants were categorized into two groups (i.e., living in the United States ≥15 years vs. <15 years). MVPA time (minutes/day) was measured by ActiGraph accelerometry. Obesity was defined as body fat percentage measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Regression‐based mediation analysis was conducted using SURVEY procedures in SAS version 9.4.

Results

When controlling for covariates, immigrants living in the United States for ≥15 years were significantly less likely to spend time participating in MVPA (c;β = −4.50,p = .04), and more likely to be at high risk of obesity (a;β = 1.70,p = .01) compared to those living in the United States for <15 years. Also, the relationship between obesity and MVPA was statistically significant (b;β = −0.80,p = .003). Length of residence was indirectly associated with MVPA (ab;β = −1.37,p = .03), suggesting that obesity mediated the association of length of residence on MVPA (c';β = −3.13,p = .20).

Conclusions

Obesity mediated the association between length of residence and MVPA in the US immigrants. These findings may encourage long‐term US immigrants to prevent and treat obesity for increasing the amount of MVPA time.
Progress in Photoinduced Radical Reactions using Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complexes
Authors: Zheng Lvyin , Cai Liuhuan , Tao Kailiang , Xie Zhen , Lai Yin‐Long , Guo Wei
Published: February 2021

Photocatalyzed organic synthesis transformation is a remarkable green synthetic strategy because of the advantages of operational simplicity, high chemoselectivities, cheap, and environmental benignancy, along with the extensive applications in the fields of organic, pharmaceutical and functional material chemistry. Generally, photoredox catalysts or photosensitizers are necessary for the generation of their excited states to perform the successive oxidative or reductive reactions through the single electron transfer (SET) or energy transfer (ET) process. Furthermore, the exploration of a colored electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex or a charge transfer (CT) complex between an electron‐rich and an electron‐poor substrate provides the chance to deliver the excited intermediate under the irradiation of light, resulting in the formation of radical activate species through a single electron transfer to induce successive various radical reactions. These reactions were performed without the need of any external photocatalysts under mild reaction conditions. Herein, this review focuses on the recent progress on photoinduced radical addition reactions, radical borylations, reductive reactions, radical‐radical cross‐coupling reactions, degradation reactions and radical cascade cyclization via EDA complexes. We highlight these novel green synthetic methodologies and applications, as well as the mechanisms. This review will help to provide references for organic and medicinal chemists who are charmed by these green organic photochemical transformations based on EDA complexes.
Palladium Nanocatalysts for Cascade C−N Cross‐Coupling/Heck Reaction
Authors: Rodriguez‐Oliva Ivan , Losada‐Garcia Noelia , Santos A. Sofia , Marques M. Manuel B. , Palomo Jose M.
Published: February 2021

Highly stable nanocatalysts have been synthesized in aqueous medium at room temperature by thein situformation of Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) embedded in an enzyme net. Different parameters in the synthesis were evaluated such as T, ratio enzyme/Pd salt, usingCandida antarctica Blipase (CALB) as enzyme. In all different CALB/PdNPs hybrids synthesized, crystalline Pd(0) as a unique metallic species was confirmed by XRD. Spherical nanoparticles were obtained with diameter size from 2 to 11 nm, depending on the synthetic conditions. These CALB/PdNPs hybrids were employed as catalyst in the C−N/Heck reaction cross‐coupling cascade for the synthesis of substituted azaindoles using various amino‐o‐bromopyridines as starting material in moderate conditions. The best conversion with high selectivity of the formation of C2‐substituted azaindoles was obtained at 90 °C using dioxane containing 5% water as the best reaction solvent from the different solvents tested, using potassium carbonate as milder base. The catalysis with these CALB/PdNPs hybrids at these conditions was also successful in the production of several isomers of azaindoles, especially relevant for the formation of the 7‐ azaindole, where 65% conversion was obtained, a very good improvement when compared to the reported protocol using a Pd2(dba)3/XPhos/t‐BuONa catalytic system.
Behavioral and physiological responses to instability in group membership in wild male woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii)
Authors: Pain Evelyn L. , Koenig Andreas , Di Fiore Anthony , Lu Amy
Published: February 2021

In group‐living species, integrating into a new social group after dispersal is an important life history milestone associated with physical and social challenges. Generally, this process seems to be accompanied by heightened glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations; however, most studies of physiological responses to group transfer have been conducted on species with despotic social relationships, where integrating individuals are often targets of frequent aggression. Here we present data on fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) concentrations during periods of unstable group membership for male woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii), a species with extremely low rates of male–male aggression and generally tolerant male–male associations. We collected data on males in four study groups at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuador, and observed three attempted transfer events, involving a total of four adult males, in one study group. We observed only three instances of overt aggression (chases) between males across the entire study period, though male display behaviors were more frequent. We tested whether rates of displays were higher during periods of unstable group membership using a generalized linear mixed model (LMM). We also examined whether male status, group stability, and the occurrence of intergroup encounters affected fGC concentrations using LMMs. Contrary to our predictions, rates of display behaviors were not higher during periods of unstable group membership. However, both transient/integrating males and those who were already group members showed elevated fGC concentrations during these unstable periods. Our results suggest that even in species with tolerant male–male relationships, the integration of unfamiliar individuals can provoke an increase in GCs.
COVID‐19 and dementia: Analyses of risk, disparity, and outcomes from electronic health records in the US
Authors: Wang QuanQiu , Davis Pamela B. , Gurney Mark E. , Xu Rong
Published: February 2021

Introduction

At present, there is limited data on the risks, disparity, and outcomes for COVID‐19 in patients with dementia in the United States.

Methods

This is a retrospective case‐control analysis of patient electronic health records (EHRs) of 61.9 million adult and senior patients (age ≥ 18 years) in the United States up to August 21, 2020.

Results

Patients with dementia were at increased risk for COVID‐19 compared to patients without dementia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.00 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.94–2.06], P < .001), with the strongest effect for vascular dementia (AOR: 3.17 [95% CI, 2.97–3.37], P < .001), followed by presenile dementia (AOR: 2.62 [95% CI, 2.28–3.00], P < .001), Alzheimer's disease (AOR: 1.86 [95% CI, 1.77–1.96], P < .001), senile dementia (AOR: 1.99 [95% CI, 1.86–2.13], P < .001) and post‐traumatic dementia (AOR: 1.67 [95% CI, 1.51–1.86] P < .001). Blacks with dementia had higher risk of COVID‐19 than Whites (AOR: 2.86 [95% CI, 2.67–3.06], P < .001). The 6‐month mortality and hospitalization risks in patients with dementia and COVID‐19 were 20.99% and 59.26%, respectively.

Discussion

These findings highlight the need to protect patients with dementia as part of the strategy to control the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Radical‐Pairing Interactions in a Molecular Switch Evidenced by Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Infrared Ion Spectroscopy
Authors: Hanozin Emeline , Mignolet Benoit , Martens Jonathan , Berden Giel , Sluysmans Damien , Duwez Anne‐Sophie , Stoddart J. Fraser , Eppe Gauthier , Oomens Jos , De Pauw Edwin , Morsa Denis
Published: February 2021

The digital revolution sets a milestone in the progressive miniaturization of working devices and in the underlying advent of molecular machines. Foldamers involving mechanically entangled components with modular secondary structures are among the most promising designs for molecular switch‐based applications. Characterizing the nature and dynamics of their intramolecular network following the application of a stimulus is the key to their performance. Here, we use non‐dissociative electron transfer as a reductive stimulus in the gas phase and probe the consecutive co‐conformational transitions of a donor‐acceptor oligorotaxane foldamer using electrospray mass spectrometry interfaced with ion mobility and infrared ion spectroscopy. A comparison of collision cross section distributions for analogous closed‐shell and radical molecular ions sheds light on their respective formation energetics, while variations in their respective infrared absorption bands evidence changes in intramolecular organization as the foldamer becomes more compact. These differences are compatible with the advent of radical‐pairing interactions.
Single‐Stranded DNA as Supramolecular Template for One‐Dimensional Palladium(II) Arrays
Authors: Pérez‐Romero Antonio , Domínguez‐Martín Alicia , Galli Simona , Santamaría‐Díaz Noelia , Palacios Oscar , Dobado José A. , Nyman May , Galindo Miguel A.
Published: February 2021

Atomic‐level control over the position and growth of a single and continuous metal chain is an ambitious goal that often requires complex and costly processes. Herein, we demonstrate that 1Pd‐DNA molecules, comprising a continuous single chain of PdII ions, can be prepared by a simple self‐assembly reaction between the complex [Pd(Cheld)(CH3CN)] (1Pd_CH3CN) (Cheld=chelidamic acid) and single‐stranded DNA homopolymers (ss‐DNA) containing adenine (A) or 7‐deazaadenine (X) bases. The single PdII‐base pairs [1Pd(N1‐A)] and [1Pd(N1‐X)] were synthesized and characterized in solution and solid‐state (X‐ray diffraction) revealing an arrangement similar to that of natural Watson–Crick base pairs. Subsequently, 1Pd‐DNA hybrids were prepared, characterized, and their structures studied by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and ab‐initio calculations. The results indicate that the 1Pd‐DNA structures resemble that of double‐stranded DNA, with one strand being replaced by a supramolecular stack of continuous PdII complexes.
AIE‐Active Chiral [3]Rotaxanes with Switchable Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Li Wei‐Jian , Gu Qingyi , Wang Xu‐Qing , Zhang Dan‐Yang , Wang Yu‐Te , He Xiao , Wang Wei , Yang Hai‐Bo
Published: February 2021

The construction of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) switches with multiple switchable emission states and high dissymmetry factors (glum) has attracted increasing attention due to their broad applications in diverse fields such as the development of smart devices and sensors. Herein, a new family of AIE‐active chiral [3]rotaxanes were designed and synthesized, from which a novel CPL switching system was successfully constructed. The switching process was realized through the controlled motions of the chiral pillar[5]arene macrocycles along the axle through the addition or removal of the acetate anions, which not only modulated the chirality information transfer but also tuned the aggregations of the integrated [3]rotaxanes, thus resulting in reversible transformations between two emission states with both high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and high dissymmetry factors (glum) values.
Twin Pathways: Discerning the Origins of Multiply Twinned Colloidal Nanoparticles
Authors: Du Jingshan S. , Zhou Wenjie , Rupich Sara M. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: February 2021

The structure of multiply twinned particles (MTPs) provides an example of how specific crystallographic features dictate the geometric shape of finite‐sized crystals. The formation of MTPs during colloidal synthesis can occur through at least two different pathways: 1) growth from multiply twinned seeds or 2) the stepwise formation of new twin boundaries on single‐crystalline seeds (either by particle overgrowth or multiparticle attachment). By utilizing in situ transmission electron microscopy, recent studies have provided real‐time evidence for both pathways. Looking forward, the knowledge of specific evolution pathways that occur under a given synthetic condition will aid in the design of robust MTP syntheses. More importantly, further studies pertaining to the structural evolution and energetics of nanoparticles are needed to provide a complete understanding of MTP formation pathways.
Lewis Acid Strength of Interfacial Metal Sites Drives CH3OH Selectivity and Formation Rates on Cu‐Based CO2 Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Noh Gina , Lam Erwin , Bregante Daniel T. , Meyet Jordan , Šot Petr , Flaherty David W. , Copéret Christophe
Published: February 2021

CH3OH formation rates in CO2 hydrogenation on Cu‐based catalysts sensitively depend on the nature of the support and the presence of promoters. In this context, Cu nanoparticles supported on tailored supports (highly dispersed M on SiO2; M=Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta) were prepared via surface organometallic chemistry, and their catalytic performance was systematically investigated for CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH. The presence of Lewis acid sites enhances CH3OH formation rate, likely originating from stabilization of formate and methoxy surface intermediates at the periphery of Cu nanoparticles, as evidenced by metrics of Lewis acid strength and detection of surface intermediates. The stabilization of surface intermediates depends on the strength of Lewis acid M sites, described by pyridine adsorption enthalpies and 13C chemical shifts of ‐OCH3 coordinated to M; these chemical shifts are demonstrated here to be a molecular descriptor for Lewis acid strength and reactivity in CO2 hydrogenation.
Application of blocked isocyanate in preparation of polyurethane(urea) elastomers
Authors: Sang Shilin , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Kaijie , Tang Jialing
Published: February 2021

High‐performance casting polyurethane elastomers (CPUe) were successfully synthesized by the reaction of polyurethane prepolymer (PUP) blocked by methyl ethyl ketone oxime (MEKO) with diamine chain extenders. The effects of blocking agent were systematically studied on the structures, thermal stabilities, mechanical properties, and processability of polyurethane. The addition of MEKO significantly improved the tensile strength and toughness. The maximum tensile strength was 35.6 MPa, and the maximum elongation at break was 1065%. The high strength and toughness were attributed to the fact that under mild reaction conditions, the reaction tended to extend the molecular chains, which indicated that the formation of long chains was conducive to the extension and self‐reinforcement of chain segments. Crystallization and strong hydrogen bonds between molecules also led to low loss factor. This deblocking polymerization strategy solves the gel problem in the polymerization process, and provides a new idea for the preparation of CPU.
Reinforcement of agricultural wastes liquefied polyols based polyurethane foams by agricultural wastes particles
Authors: Zhang Jingmiao , Hori Naruhito , Takemura Akio
Published: February 2021

Four kinds of agricultural wastes particles (XS: oilseed rape straw [OS], rice straw [RS], wheat straw [WS], and corn stover [CS]) were used to reinforce agricultural wastes liquefied polyol (P‐XS) based polyurethane (PU) foam. Different XS loading dosages (0% ~ 15%) are investigated to confirm suitable filler concentrations for modifying foams. RS particles show great promoting ability, OS particles reveal complex influence, while WS and CS particles display mild effect on foaming process. With 1% of OS, 6% of RS, 3% of WS, or 1% of CS incorporating in matrix materials, the reinforced foam could keep applicable density, reach better physical and mechanical property, display more uniform cellular structure, and show higher thermal stability with more excellent water absorption ability. Using of agricultural wastes as polymer filler is economical, simple, environmental, and wide applicable for biomass utilization and biopolymer preparation.
Decentralisation and government trust in South Korea: Distinguishing local government trust from national government trust
Authors: Lee Jae Hyun , Suh Jaekwon
Published: February 2021

This article examines how people's confidence in their governments changed in the context of South Korean decentralisation. South Korea provides a unique case to answer the question because it is one of the world's most rapid modernisers and has maintained autonomous local systems across three decades of decentralisation. Analysing data from the first and fourth wave of the Asian Barometer Survey in a seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model, we find that the trust function of the local governments correlates with the trust function of the national government in 2003 and then disappears in 2015. We understand this finding as a piece of indirect evidence that South Korean local autonomy encourages local government trust, which does not reflect merely trust in the national government. This article also discusses the need for normalisation of the National Assembly, the creation of regional political parties and the dispersion of presidential power.
Distribution of demersal fish assemblages along the west coast of St Lucia: Implications for planning no‐take marine reserves
Authors: Mitchell Peter J. , Bolam Stefan G. , Close Hayden L. , Garcia Clement , Monk Jacquomo , Alliji Khatija
Published: February 2021

Evidence‐based decisions relating to effective marine protected areas as a means of conserving biodiversity require a detailed understanding of the species present. The Caribbean island nation of St Lucia is expanding its current marine protected area network by designating additional no‐take marine reserves on the west coast. However, information on the distribution of fish species is currently limited.

This study used baited remote underwater stereo‐video to address this shortcoming by investigating the effects of depth and seabed habitat structure on demersal fish assemblages and comparing these assemblages between regions currently afforded different protection measures.

From the 87 stations visited a total of 5,921 fish were observed comprising 120 fish taxa across 22 families. Species richness and total abundance were higher within the highly managed region, which included no‐take reserves. Redundancy analysis explained 17% of the total variance in fish distribution, driven predominantly by the seabed habitats. The redundancy analysis identified four main groups of demersal fishes each associated with specific seabed habitats.

The current no‐take marine reserves protected two of these groups (i.e. fishes associated with the ‘soft corals, hard corals or gorgonians’ and ‘seagrass’ groups). Importantly, habitats dominated by sponges, bacterial mats, algal turfs or macroalgae, which also supported unique fish assemblages, are not currently afforded protection via the marine reserve network (based on the five reserves studied). These results imply that incorporation of the full breadth of benthic habitat types present would improve the efficacy of the marine reserve network by ensuring all fish assemblages are protected.
Early Pandemic Experiences of Autistic Adults: Predictors of Psychological Distress
Authors: Bal Vanessa H. , Wilkinson Ellen , White L. Casey , Law J. Kiely ,   The SPARK Consortium, Feliciano Pamela , Chung Wendy K.
Published: February 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted lives around the world. Autistic adults are at higher risk for co‐occurring medical and psychiatric conditions and may be more prone to difficulties adapting to pandemic‐related changes and social distancing mandates and coping with ongoing uncertainties. On the other hand, the pandemic may lead to greater understanding and acceptance of accommodations in the broader community that may facilitate supports for autistic adults beyond the pandemic. To learn more about their early pandemic experiences, online surveys were sent to independent adults enrolled in the Simons Powering Autism Research Knowledge (SPARK). The first survey was open from March 30 to April 19, 2020; a follow‐up survey sent to original responders was open from May 27 to June 6, yielding 396 participants with data for both surveys. We found that adults who were female, younger, had prior diagnoses of a mental health condition, personal COVID‐19 experience (i.e., knowing someone who had symptoms or tested positive) or less frequent hope for the future reported the greatest negative impacts. Decrease in feelings of hopefulness over time predicted greater psychological distress at T2, accounting for T1 impact and distress levels and increases in total COVID‐19 impact. Less perceived benefit of online services also predicted later distress. Although there tends to be a focus on coping with negative effects of the pandemic, mental health providers may consider approaches that focus on positives, such as fostering hope and understanding factors that facilitate benefit from online services.

Lay Summary

Autistic adults may be at risk for psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The current study suggests that autistic adults who were younger, female, had a mental health diagnosis before the pandemic and knew someone who showed symptoms or tested positive for COVID‐19 reported more areas negatively impacted by COVID‐19 and greater difficulty coping with those effects. Decreases in hope over time were associated with greater psychological distress. Less perceived benefit from online services also predicted distress 2 months later. These results suggest important areas to further explore as we develop supports for autistic adults during the pandemic.
Evidence for a cluster of rare birth defects in the Ain department (France)
Authors: Gnansia Elisabeth , Michon Lucas , Amar Emmanuelle , Estève Jacques
Published: February 2021

Background

REMERA (REgistre des Malformations En Rhône‐Alpes) is a registry of congenital malformations that covers 58,000 births annually in Central‐East France. In 2010, the registry raised an alarm to the health authorities (Santé publique France, SpF) about three cases of a unilateral isolated transverse upper limb reduction defect (UITULRD) in a small subarea; the general prevalence of this defect is one case in 10,000 births. In the following years, more infants were born with the same malformation in the same territory of the Ain department. Public health authorities, supported by an expert committee, rejected the existence of a cluster, but we aim here at providing evidence for this cluster.

Methods

Geocoded data for all UITULRD cases (ICD‐10 codes Q71.2 and Q71.3) were extracted from the REMERA database. We conducted a Kulldorff cluster analysis of these data, using the spatial SaTScanTM algorithm.

Results

The analysis found a cluster of eight cases of UITULRD among the 8,204 births occurring between 2009 and 2014 within a circle of 16.24 km radius centered on a village of the Ain department, whereas 0.82 cases were expected under a uniform probability of such a birth throughout the registry territory. This represents an almost 10fold excess over the expected number of cases (p = .0057).

Conclusions

The arguments used to deny the cluster are disputed and we present the evidence supporting its reality. The controversy that has followed the alarm has compromised the search for the cause(s) of this excess of rare malformations.
Modellentwicklung torsionsbeanspruchter Kreisringsegmente mit trockenen Fugen
Authors: Hartwig Steffen , Marx Steffen
Published: February 2021

Die Segmentbauweise bei Türmen für Windenergieanlagen (WEA) hat sich bei der Herstellung von großen Nabenhöhen in Form von hybriden Konstruktionen etabliert. Hybride Türme bestehen im oberen Bereich aus Stahlrohrtürmen und im unteren Bereich häufig aus segmentierten vorgespannten Stahlbetontürmen. Die in der Stahlbetonkonstruktion entstehenden horizontalen Fugen werden in der Regel als trockene geschliffene Fugen ohne Schubverzahnungen ausgebildet. Schubkräfte können in den Fugen nur durch Reibung übertragen werden. Speziell der Lastfall der Torsion ist im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit (GZT) beim Aufklaffen der Fugen aufgrund einer Biegebeanspruchung häufig bemessungsrelevant. Die aktuellen Theorien beruhen auf den bekannten Torsionstheorien nach Saint‐Venant, sind jedoch auf diese Bauweise nur bedingt anwendbar. In diesem Artikel wird, aufbauend auf den theoretischen Betrachtungen aus [1], ein Torsionstragmodell für Kreisringsegmente mit trockenen Fugen entwickelt. Das Modell wird mit numerischen Berechnungen und versuchstechnischen Ergebnissen verglichen.
Carbonstäbe im Bauwesen
Authors: Wagner Juliane , Curbach Manfred
Published: February 2021

In den vergangenen Jahren nahm der Einsatz von nichtmetallischer Bewehrung im Bauwesen immer weiter zu. Vor allem in Deutschland lag dabei das Augenmerk der Forschung in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten hauptsächlich auf dem Einsatz textiler Bewehrungsstrukturen. Seit einiger Zeit gewinnen jedoch stabförmige Bewehrungselemente ebenfalls an Bedeutung. Um diese auch in Strukturen mit ermüdungswirksamen Belastungen einsetzen zu können, ist es erforderlich, deren Ermüdungsverhalten genauer zu untersuchen.

Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt daher einen Überblick über die Untersuchung von Carbonstäben unter Zugschwellbelastung. Neben der Erstellung von Last‐Schwingspiel (S‐N)‐Linien und der Untersuchung der Resttragfähigkeit von Durchläufern werden auch die Stabdehnungen und Steifigkeiten während der Ermüdungsbelastung betrachtet. Letztendlich kann festgestellt werden, dass das Ermüdungsverhalten der Carbonstäbe, welche den Faserverbundkunststoffen (FVK) zugeordnet werden können, im Großen und Ganzen auch dem bekannten Ermüdungsverhalten von FVK entspricht.
Simple production of photoluminescent polyester coating using lanthanide‐doped pigment
Authors: Abumelha Hanna M.
Published: February 2021

A long‐persistent phosphorescent surface coating was developed from a simple inorganic/organic nanocomposite towards the simple industrial manufacture of glow‐in‐the‐dark products. This glow‐in‐the‐dark smart coating is able to continue to emit light for proloned time periods. The organic/inorganic nanocomposite consisted of an organic polyester resin and inorganic europium‐ and dysprosium‐doped strontium aluminate oxide nanoparticles. The phosphorescent lanthanide‐doped strontium aluminate oxide pigment nanoparticles were added to the synthetic polyester resin in a generated pigment‐loaded viscous solution that could then be harden in a few minutes using a cross‐linking process in the presence of methylethyl ketone peroxide as a catalyst. The transparency of the produced glow‐in‐the‐dark coating was accomplished simply by homogenous dispersion of the phosphorescent lanthanide‐doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles into the sticky polyester resin before adding the catalyst to prevent pigment accumulation. This translucent long‐persistent phosphorescent polyester nanocomposite can be simply applied under ambient conditions onto different surfaces such walls, textiles, tiles and glasses, ceramics, paper sheets, metals, and wood. The photoluminescent film displayed durable long‐persistence emission with high reversibility. An optimum excitation wavelength was monitored at 360 nm, while the emission was monitored at 525 nm. Both the blank and the luminescent coating exhibited a transparent white colour in normal visible light. Conversely, the photoluminescent coating generated a bright green colour under an ultraviolet light lamp, a bright white colour after maintaining the sample for 10 sec in the dark, and a green phosphor after maintaining the sample for 100 min in the dark. The coloration parameters were explored using Commission Internationale de l'éclairage CIELAB colour coordinates. The hardness, as well as photophysical properties including emission, excitation, and life‐time were studied. The surface morphology and elemental content were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence, elemental mapping, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The films displayed an enhanced superhydrophobic activity without negatively influencing its native physico‐mechanical properties.
Hydrocyclones as cell retention devices for an N‐1 perfusion bioreactor linked to a continuous‐flow stirred tank production bioreactor
Authors: Kundu Anita M. , Hiller Gregory W.
Published: February 2021

A continuous Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture process comprised of a highly proliferative N‐1 perfusion bioreactor utilizing a hydrocyclone as a cell retention device linked to a production continuous‐flow stirred tank reactor (CSTR) is presented. The overflow stream from the hydrocyclone, which is only partially depleted of cells, provides a continuous source of high viability cells from the N‐1 perfusion bioreactor to the 5–20 times larger CSTR. Under steady‐state conditions, this linked‐bioreactor system achieved a peak volumetric productivity of 0.96 g/L/day, twofold higher than the optimized fed‐batch process. The linked bioreactor system using a hydrocyclone was also shown to be 1.8–3.1 times more productive than a dual, cascading CSTR system without cell retention.
Chelation‐driven Regioselective 1,2‐Dearomatizations of N‐Aromatic Zwitterions
Authors: Ko Donguk , Kim Jiyoung , Lee Jiyoun , Yoo Eun Jeong
Published: February 2021

In this study, several dearomative reactions of N‐aromatic zwitterions were carried out to determine the factors controlling site selectivity. A series of organometallic species were applied as nucleophiles for dearomative additions, which revealed that chelation between metal and nitrogen anion dominantly affected the site selectivity of the dearomative reaction in N‐aromatic zwitterions. A cascade process, involving dearomative addition followed by intermolecular cyclization, to synthesize fused cyclic molecules was also demonstrated using ylides, which were selected as capable chelation substrates.
Environmental performance, sustainability, governance and financial performance: Evidence from heavily polluting industries in China
Authors: Nguyen Thi H.H. , Elmagrhi Mohamed H. , Ntim Collins G. , Wu Yue
Published: February 2021

This study seeks to contribute to the existing business strategy and the environment literature by examining the effect of governance structures on Chinese firms' environmental performance, and consequently ascertain the extent to which the financial performance–environmental performance nexus is moderated by governance mechanisms. Using a sample of Chinese companies from heavily polluting industries over a 5‐year period, our baseline findings suggest that, on average, board size and governing board meetings are positively associated with Chinese firms' environmental performance, whilst board independence and gender diversity have positive, but insignificant association with firms' environmental performance. Our evidence suggests further that the examined internal governance mechanisms have a mixed moderating effect on the link between financial performance and environmental performance. Our findings have important implications for company executives, environmental activists, policy‐makers, and regulators. Our results support insights drawn from agency, resource dependence, stakeholder, and legitimacy theories.
Feasibility and acceptability of a brief suicide intervention for youth involved with the family court
Authors: Kemp Kathleen , Pederson Casey A. , Webb Margaret , Williamson Shannon , Elwy A. Rani , Spirito Anthony
Published: February 2021

As efforts to develop models for suicide prevention and intervention in the juvenile justice (JJ) system continue to grow, research to understand the feasibility and acceptability of implementing these models is critical. Examining organizational readiness for implementation, ensuring leadership and staff buy‐in for delivering the intervention, and planning for sustainability of staff participation in implementation efforts is essential. The current study involved semi‐structured formative evaluation interviews with key JJ stakeholders (n = 10) to determine perspectives on the acceptability (perceived need and fit of the intervention) and feasibility (organizational readiness for change) of a proposed brief safety planning intervention for youth with suicidal ideation delivered by nonclinical staff and integrated into the existing system. Qualitative data revealed stakeholders' perceived need for the intervention in the family court context and their agreement that the aims of the intervention were congruent with the goals of the family court. Some barriers to successful implementation were noted, which, addressed through selection of appropriate implementation strategies, can be overcome in a future test of the safety intervention.
Apoptotic profiling of chronic myeloid leukaemia patients' platelets ex vivo before and after treatment with Imatinib
Authors: Repsold Lisa , Pool Roger , Karodia Mohammed , Tintinger Gregory , Becker Piet , Joubert Anna Margaretha
Published: February 2021

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a malignancy of the haematopoietic stem cells. The first line of treatment for CML, especially in developing countries, remains the first‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Imatinib. Patients with CML are frequently diagnosed with platelet abnormalities. However, the specific mechanism of platelet abnormalities in CML remains unclear and poorly understood. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the apoptotic profiles of CML patients ex vivo on platelets before and after treatment with Imatinib. Blood samples of healthy volunteers and CML patients at diagnosis and after 6 months treatment with Imatinib were collected. Platelet counts, viability and activation were determined. Results showed that CML patients' platelet counts were elevated upon diagnosis and these levels statistically significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment. Platelet activation was significantly increased after 6 months of treatment compared to levels at diagnosis (P‐value < .05). Similarly, platelet apoptosis was also increased after 6 months of treatment. Abnormalities in platelet functioning found in this study may partly be due to clonal proliferation of haematopoietic cells in CML patients, specifically of megakaryocyte precursors as well as the inhibition of platelet tyrosine kinase's and the inhibition of platelet‐derived growth factor.
HOXD1 functions as a novel tumor suppressor in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Yuanbo , Zhang Chunyan , Li Ya , Ma Shanshan , Cao Wei , Guan Fangxia
Published: February 2021

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a common malignant tumor in human genitourinary system. Previous studies have shown that the homeobox‐D (HOXD) cluster genes, which belong to the homeobox (HOX) family, are involved in the progression of multiple types of cancer. However, the expression profile and prognostic values of the HOXD genes in KIRC remain largely unknown. Herein, we comprehensively analyzed the transcriptional levels and prognosis of HOXD genes in KIRC using four online The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis databases (GEPIA, UALCAN, starBase v3.0, and LinkedOmics). We found that several members of the HOXD gene family were abnormally expressed in KIRC and correlated with patient prognosis. The messenger RNA levels of HOXD1, HOXD8, and HOXD10 were significantly downregulated in KIRC tissues as compared with the normal tissues. Low expression of HOXD1 or HOXD8 predicted poor overall survival (OS) of KIRC patients, and downregulated HOXD1, HOXD3, or HOXD4 indicated unfavorable patient disease‐free survival (DFS) in KIRC. Through integrated analysis, we found that HOXD1 was lowly expressed in KIRC and correlated with patient OS, DFS and advanced tumor stages. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis showed that HOXD1 may be mainly implicated in cell cycle regulation, tumor growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and Wnt signaling pathways in KIRC. Furthermore, both loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function experiments demonstrated that HOXD1 inhibited cell proliferation, cell cycle and the TGF‐β signaling in KIRC. Taken together, our findings suggest that HOXD1 is a novel potential tumor suppressor in KIRC.
Circ‐Zfp644 acts as a pro‐hypertrophic mediator in an Ang‐II induced in vitro myocardial hypertrophy model
Authors: Chen Yongquan , Song Daifu , Gao Jiaxin , Zhang Xuehuang , Chen Ximing
Published: February 2021

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a common risk factor for heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. Molecules have emerged as vital regulators in cardiac disorders. LIM domain kinase 1 (Limk1) is reported as a pro‐fibrotic mediator in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and it has also been suggested to aggravate cardiac dysfunction in rats with chronic heart failure. The present study observed that Limk1 was significantly upregulated in the in vitro model of CH induced by angiotensin II (Ang‐II). Interestingly, silencing Limk1 led to inhibition of the hypertrophic phenotypes in Ang‐II‐treated cardiomyocytes. Next, through a series of mechanistic assays including RIP assay, RNA pull‐down assay, and luciferase reporter assay, miR‐93‐5p was verified to target Limk1. Furthermore, circ‐Zfp644 was validated as the sponge of miR‐93‐5p. Circ‐Zfp644 functioned as a ceRNA to upregulate Limk1 expression via sequestering miR‐93‐5p in Ang‐II‐treated cardiomyocytes. Finally, a range of rescue assays revealed that circ‐Zfp644 stimulated hypertrophic effects in Ang‐II‐treated cardiomyocytes via upregulating Limk1 while miR‐93‐5p exerted the opposite effects via its inhibition on Limk1. On the whole, the present study revealed that circ‐Zfp644 aggravated CH through modulating the miR‐93‐5p/Limk1 axis. The findings observed on the in vitro model of CH provided new potential for developing CH treatment.
Incoordination during the pharyngeal phase in severe dysphagia due to lateral medullary syndrome
Authors: Kunieda Kenjiro , Sugi Takafumi , Ohno Tomohisa , Nomoto Akiko , Shigematsu Takashi , Kanazawa Hideaki , Fujishima Ichiro
Published: February 2021

One of the mechanisms of severe dysphagia due to lateral medullary syndrome may be a reversed pressure gradient caused by incoordination of pharyngeal contractility and UES opening during swallowing.
Comparative Study of the Combined Supersonic Separator and Vortex Tube Performance for Hydrocarbon Gas Drying
Authors: Yudakov Alexandr , Vlasenko Victor , Slesarenko Vyacheslav
Published: February 2021

Experimental investigation of the combined supersonic separator (CSS) characteristics was carried out and the results were compared with those from the vortex tube. The separator is a counter‐flow vortex tube with an energy separation chamber in the shape of a Laval nozzle; it can be used for hydrocarbon gas transportation preparation and power plant fuel gas drying. Numerical modeling was carried out to confirm the flow specifics in the examined separator structure. Although the cooling capability of the CSS is 30–50 % less than that of the vortex tube, its efficiency of moisture removal is twice as large, as is shown by the experimental research. The maximal cooling power corresponds to a cold flow fraction level of 0.39, while the range of optimal values for the moisture separation is 0.4–0.6.