bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Synthesis of AB-Ring Model System of Taxane Framework by Way of Intramolecular Knoevenagel Cyclization
Authors: Arai Hidehiro , Ohno Ayako , Tani Yu-ichirou , Imachi Shouhei , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: September 2002

Methyl 1,2-dialkoxy-11,11-dimethyl-9-oxobicyclo[5.3.1]-undec-7-en-8-carboxylate 19 was synthesized by cesium fluoride-mediated intramolecular Knoevenagel reaction of methyl 4-(1,8-dialkoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxocyclooctyl)-3-oxobutanonate 18.
Formation of Uniform Mesopores in ZSM-5 Zeolite upon Alkaline Post-treatment?
Authors: Groen J C , Pérez-Ramírez J , Peffer L A A
Published: September 2002

Alkaline post-treatment (0.2 M NaOH at 353 K) of ZSM-5 leads to substantial formation of mesoporosity. The created mesopores do not have a uniform size of 4 nm,1 but show a broad distribution around 10 nm. The sharp peak at 4 nm in the pore size distribution derived from the N2 desorption isotherm should be attributed to the Tensile Strength Effect of the adsorbate instead.
Orange Emission of TbF3-Containing Fluoride Oxide Glass
Authors: Takashima Masayuki , Yonezawa Susumu , Nishibu Shiori
Published: September 2002

A new fluoride oxide glass containing TbF3 was prepared in the composition of xTbF3·20BaF2·10AlF3·(70-x)GeO2 (x=10-40). The temperature of melt was 1200 °C. The glass transition temperatures were 600–800 °C, depending on composition. Fluorescence spectra of the glasses were changed with Tb3+ concentration. The color of emission light changed from green to orange for x=10-30 and from orange to green for x=30-40.
Ultrasound-Assisted Self-Regulation Route to Ag Nanorods
Authors: Xiong Yujie , Xie Yi , Du Guoan , Liu Xianming , Tian Xiaobo
Published: September 2002

An ultrasound-assisted self-regulation route was reported to prepare silver nanorods. Ag nanorods were obtained from a mixture of AgNO3 and gallic acid, with 1,10-phenanthroline as a type of coordination agent to regulate the products, under the ultrasonic condition.
Early Tecovirimat Treatment for Mpox Disease Among People With HIV
Authors: Aldred Bruce , Lyles Robert H. , Scott Jane Y. , Gromer Daniel J. , Aldredge Amalia , Workowski Kimberly A. , Wiley Zanthia , Titanji Boghuma K. , Szabo Brittany , Sheth Anandi N. , Rebolledo Paulina A. , Nguyen Minh Ly , Marconi Vincent C. , Kelley Colleen F. , Kandiah Sheetal , Kalapila Aley , Jacob Jesse T. , Hall Betsy , Colasanti Jonathan A. , Cartwright Emily J. , Cantos Valeria D.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Despite a lack of effectiveness data in humans, tecovirimat was widely prescribed to people with HIV (PWH) with mpox during the 2022 mpox epidemic, particularly PWH with low CD4+ T-cell counts or severe mpox clinical manifestations.

Objective

To evaluate if PWH with mpox who were treated with tecovirimat within 7 days of symptom onset were less likely to have mpox disease progression.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included PWH diagnosed with mpox at 4 hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia, between June 1 and October 7, 2022. Patients were grouped according to whether they were treated with tecovirimat within 7 days of mpox symptom onset (early tecovirimat cohort) or they did not receive tecovirimat or received the drug 7 or more days after symptom onset (late or no tecovirimat cohort). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with progression of mpox disease. The 2 cohorts were then matched 1:1 using propensity scores based on the identified factors, and mpox disease progression was compared.

Exposures

Treatment with tecovirimat within 7 days of mpox symptom onset.

Main Outcome and Measures

Progression of mpox disease, defined as the development of at least 1 severe mpox criterion established by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after symptom day 7.

Results

After propensity score matching, a total of 112 PWH were included in the analysis; 56 received tecovirimat within 7 days of mpox symptom onset (early tecovirimat group) and 56 were either treated later or did not receive tecovirimat (late or no tecovirimat group). In the early tecovirimat group, the median (IQR) age was 35 (30-42) years; 54 individuals (96.4%) were cisgender men, 46 (82.1%) were Black individuals, and 10 (17.9%) were individuals of other races (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or White) or unknown race. In the late or no tecovirimat group, the median (IQR) age was 36 (32-43) years; 54 (96.4%) were cisgender men, 49 (87.5%) were Black individuals, and 7 (12.5%) were individuals of other races or unknown race. Mpox disease progression occurred in 3 PWH (5.4%) in the early tecovirimat group and in 15 PWH (26.8%) in the late or no tecovirimat group (paired odds ratio, 13.00 [95% CI, 1.71-99.40]; P = .002).

Conclusion and Relevance

Results of this cohort study support starting tecovirimat in all PWH as soon as an mpox diagnosis is suspected. Additional research is warranted to confirm these findings.
Place of Death Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Teasdale Ben , Narayan Aditya , Harman Stephanie , Schulman Kevin A.
Published: January 2024

This quality improvement study examines the national and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the place of death among individuals in the US.
Ophthalmoplegia With Isolated Extraocular Muscle Hypertrophy
Authors: Li Cathy Meng Fei , Kim David Dongkyung , Allen Larry H.
Published: January 2024

A 60-year-old man is experiencing diplopia but no problems with visual acuity, pain, or other symptoms. A magnetic resonance image of the head shows abnormal thickening and T2 hyperintensity of the right lateral rectus muscle. What is your diagnosis?
The diagnostic value of the central vein sign in radiologically isolated syndrome
Authors: Landes‐Chateau Cassandre , Levraut Michael , Okuda Darin T. , Themelin Albert , Cohen Mikael , Kantarci Orhun H. , Siva Aksel , Pelletier Daniel , Mondot Lydiane , Lebrun‐Frenay Christine ,   on behalf RISConsortium
Published: January 2024

Objective

The radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) represents the earliest detectable preclinical phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). Increasing evidence suggests that the central vein sign (CVS) enhances lesion specificity, allowing for greater MS diagnostic accuracy. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the CVS in RIS.

Methods

Patients were prospectively recruited in a single tertiary center for MS care. Participants with RIS were included and compared to a control group of sex and age‐matched subjects. All participants underwent 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, including postcontrast susceptibility‐based sequences, and the presence of CVS was analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed for different CVS lesion criteria, defined by proportions of lesions positive for CVS (CVS+) or by the absolute number of CVS+ lesions.

Results

180 participants (45 RIS, 45 MS, 90 non‐MS) were included, representing 5285 white matter lesions. Among them, 4608 were eligible for the CVS assessment (970 in RIS, 1378 in MS, and 2260 in non‐MS). According to independent ROC comparisons, the proportion of CVS+ lesions performed similarly in diagnosing RIS from non‐MS than MS from non‐MS (p = 0.837). When a 6‐lesion CVS+ threshold was applied, RIS lesions could be diagnosed with an accuracy of 87%. MS could be diagnosed with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 83%. Adding OCBs or Kappa index to CVS biomarker increased the specificity to 100% for RIS diagnosis.

Interpretation

This study shows evidence that CVS is an effective imaging biomarker in differentiating RIS from non‐MS, with similar performances to those in MS.
Study: Educating prescribers may help buprenorphine uptake
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

More than a year ago the X‐waiver for buprenorphine prescribing was eliminated, but that did not increase prescribing (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33832). States where the preauthorization requirement was eliminated did not see increases in buprenorphine prescribing (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33956). So what is the problem? A study published last month, “Prescriptions for Buprenorphine in Michigan Following an Education Intervention,” compared counties that had education about buprenorphine for prescribers with those that didn't and found that educating general (not addiction) clinicians might be one solution. (Addiction medicine specialists already know how to prescribe buprenorphine.)
AUD connected to dementia risk: Swedish cohort study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

A recent study has found that patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have increased rates of dementia and diagnosis at a younger age, compared with patients without AUD. If alcohol‐related liver disease is also present, that increases the diagnosis rate and age of diagnosis further, according to the study, “Disentangling the contributions of alcohol use disorder and alcohol‐related liver disease towards dementia: A population‐based cohort study,” which is by Sixian Zhao and colleagues and published in the January issue of Addiction.
Just pass it: NAATP backs both SUPPORT Act versions
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

The SUPPORT Act reauthorization was passed five years ago, but has yet to be funded. In December before Congress went on vacation for the holiday, the House of Representations passed their version of the new bill, H.R. 4531 (H.R.4531 ‐ Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act). Mark Dunn, lobbyist for the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), reported back at the end of the year that this version “provides continued coverage for Medicaid individuals who are incarcerated and made positive changes to the IMD [Institution for Mental Diseases] exclusion,” as well as funding the previous programs. In the Senate, two committees advanced that version of the bill (S. 3393 SUPPORT Act). “The Senate bill provides a 70% increase in funding for training of mental health and substance use disorder professionals and a 25% increase in student loan forgiveness for counselors who practice in underserved areas,” Dunn reported. The Senate bill would require the federal government to study whether peer support individuals should be excluded if they have criminal histories, as some states already screen them out, which, as Dunn noted, “eliminates a segment of people in recovery.” NAATP has been advocating for passage and for many of the components included in both bills, Dunn said. “While all our priorities were not included, major advancements were made. We will continue to work with the various congressional leaders as the legislative process continues.” The next steps will be for the full Senate to consider and pass its version of the Support Act reauthorization, and then the two bodies will reconcile the two bills before final passage by both congressional bodies.
Fully Transparent Flexible Piezoelectric Sensing Materials Based on Electrospun PVDF and Their Device Applications
Authors: Qiu Xunlin , Bian Yuqing , Mei Xudong , Luo Xingsheng , Hu Zheng , Xuan Fu‐Zhen , Xiang Yanxun , Zhu Guodong
Published: January 2024

Advanced transducer materials have become increasingly important with the rapid development of the internet of things and flexible electronics. Herein, fully transparent flexible polyvinylidene fluoride/polydimethylsiloxane (PVDF/PDMS) composite piezoelectric films are fabricated using scrape coating techniques based on electrospun PVDF nanofiber films. Compared to the electrospun PVDF, the PVDF/PDMS not only owns high transparency and a more uniform and stable structure but also has superior piezoelectric properties. Based on the electrospun PVDF and the PVDF/PDMS films, flexible piezoelectric sensors are developed, which can effectively detect weak mechanical signals including finger tapping and bending signals, radial artery pulses, and environmental sound signals. The PVDF/PDMS sensor performs better than the electrospun PVDF sensor and presents great potential for applications in flexible sensors and transducers. Especially, thanks to their high transparency, the PVDF/PDMS composite piezoelectric films lend themselves easily to application fields requiring transparent sensors such as imperceptible sensors and human‐machine interfaces, display devices, electronic skins, intelligent windows, etc.
Short‐term dynamics of linear growth among Peruvian infants in the first year of life in a population with linear growth faltering
Authors: Lee Gwenyth O. , McCormick Benjamin J. J. , Yori Pablo P. , Paredes‐Olortegui Maribel , Caulfield Laura E. , Kosek Margaret N.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Infant growth is recognized to vary over the short term, with periods of greater and lesser linear growth velocity. Our objectives were to (1) examine the potential differences in overall growth profiles between children who experienced cumulative growth faltering in the first year of life consistent with that seen by many children living in poverty in low‐ and middle‐income countries, versus children without growth faltering and (2) test whether biological factors were associated with the timing of magnitude of growth saltations.

Methods

Thrice‐weekly measurements of length were recorded for n = 61 Peruvian infants (28 boys and 33 girls) enrolled from birth to 1 year. A total of 6040 measurements were analyzed. We tested for the evidence of saltatory growth and used hurdle models to test whether the timing and magnitude of saltations varied between children with greater or lesser growth faltering.

Results

There were no differences in the duration of stasis periods or magnitude of growth saltations between children who were stunted at 1 year old (N = 18) versus those who were not stunted (N = 43). Children who experienced greater declines in LAZ in the first year of life trended toward longer periods between saltations than those with less of a decline (14.5 days vs. 13.4 days, p = .0512). A 1‐unit increase in mid upper arm circumference for age Z‐score in the 21 days prior was associated with 35% greater odds of a saltation occurring (p < .001), and a 0.128 cm greater saltation (p < .001).

Conclusions

After characterizing infant growth into periods of saltation and stasis, our results suggest that increases in weight preceded increases in length.
Stimuli‐Responsive Nanocarriers for Transcytosis‐Based Cancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Zhehao , Sun Yuji , Shen Youqing , Zhou Zhuxian
Published: January 2024

Significant challenges persist in enhancing the delivery efficiency of tumor nanomedicines, predominantly due to the difficulty of successfully surpassing pathophysiological barriers. Enhancing tumor penetration of nanomedicines in such conditions represents a pivotal goal in advancing anticancer nanotherapeutics. Transcytosis emerges as a promising solution in this context, addressing the limitations of passive drug delivery. By harnessing diverse stimuli to induce transcytosis, nanocarriers can achieve precise drug delivery and deep tumor penetration, resulting in high therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic exposure to the therapeutic compound. This review briefly examines various stimuli‐responsive nanosystems and offers an overview and outlook on the development of stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers for transcytosis‐based cancer drug delivery, aiming to provide informative insights for the design of nanomedicines capable of deep tissue penetration and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Deterministic Conversion of Hyperentangled States with Error‐Heralded Quantum Units
Authors: Du Fang‐Fang , Ma Ming , Ren Xue‐Mei , Fan Gang , Du Xin‐Shan , Li Ling‐Hui , Fan Zhi‐Guo , Guo Jing
Published: January 2024

In the paper, the possibility of two complete conversions is investigated, one is from the two‐photon hyperentangled Knill–Laflamme–Milburn (KLM) state to hyperentangled Bell states, the other is from three‐photon KLM state to the hyperentangled Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger states, for photonic systems hyper‐encoded in polarization and spatial degrees of freedom assisted by error‐heralded quantum units (EHQUs). The system inhomogeneity and/or the imperfect photon scattering often restrict the performance of effective conversions of two types of hyperentangled states, and result in the reductions of the fidelity and the efficiency in tangible quantum information technologies. The polarization EHQU and spatial EHQU are two critical tools for actualizing two hyperentangled conversions in a heralded way, as the errors stemming from the system inhomogeneity and practically imperfect scattering are converted into efficacious responses of the detectors in our protocols. Thus, the fidelities of these conversion cases keep unchanged and have close to unity fidelities, which deepen the understanding of the properties of hyperentanglement.
Intrinsic Solubilization of Lithium Nitrate in Ester Electrolyte by Multivalent Low‐Entropy‐Penalty Design for Stable Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Jin Zhekai , Liu Yuncong , Xu Hao , Chen Tao , Wang Chao
Published: January 2024

LiNO3 is a remarkable additive that can dramatically enhance the stability of ether‐based electrolytes at lithium metal anodes. However, it has long been constrained by its incompatibility with commercially used ester electrolytes. Herein, we correlated the fundamental role of entropy with the limited LiNO3 solubility and proposed a new low‐entropy‐penalty design that achieves high intrinsic LiNO3 solubility in ester solvents by employing multivalent linear esters. This strategy is conceptually different from the conventional enthalpic methods that relies on extrinsic high‐polarity carriers. In this way, LiNO3 can directly interact with the primary ester solvents and fundamentally alters the electrolyte properties, resulting in substantial improvements in lithium‐metal batteries with high Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability. This work illustrates the significance of regulating the solvation entropy for high‐performance electrolyte design.
Coordinated metal complexes with curcumin Schiff base: Synthesis, investigation, antibacterial screening, antioxidant studies, molecular docking and density function theory calculations
Authors: Deghadi Reem G. , Elgendi Mostafa A. , Omar Mohamed M. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Ahmed Yasmin M.
Published: January 2024

Condensation of curcumin with furfuryl amine led to the synthesis of H2L Schiff base in a 1:1 Molar ratio. Subsequently, complexes of this Schiff base with several transition metal ions were prepared also in one‐to‐one molar ratio. Multiple characterization techniques were employed to identify the structure of all compounds. Infrared, UV, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic tests, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, molar conductivity, and density function theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of their structures. Except for the nickel (II) complex, which exhibits non‐electrolyte behavior, all complexes were found to exhibit electrolytic behavior based on molar conductivity studies. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis was employed to learn more about the complexes' thermal breakdown and the Schiff base ligand's thermal behavior. From DFT studies, some parameters were obtained as bond angles and lengths, chemical hardness, softness, energy levels of highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, electrophilic index, dipole moment, electronegativity, and other variables. Against one or more bacterial species, it was discovered that the antibacterial activity of the metal complexes was superior to that of the free Schiff base. Furthermore, the complexes exhibited notable antioxidant activity according to the results obtained using DPPH scavenging. Overall, a detailed characterization of the synthesized compounds was performed, revealing their structural features, functional properties, and potential applications. Lastly, research on molecular docking was investigated toward all compounds against 3C1L antioxidant protein receptor.
Indian cricket, popular culture and “national Thing”: Reflections from sport‐induced nationalism
Authors: Anuranj Cheriya Kelambath , Sircar Ajanta
Published: January 2024

Cricket in India has evolved much beyond its fundamental definition as a game or form of entertainment in the present century. The liberalization process in the 1990s, followed by the drastic social changes in the country, impacted the game, leading it to acquire new meanings as cultural text. Currently, Indian cricket forms part of collective enjoyment, forming people's habitus and playing a central ideological role in the politics of ethnonationalism. This article attempts to analyze Indian Cricket using Slavoj Zizek's concept of “national Thing,” to critically understand its potential to evoke hyper‐nationalism in the Indian polity. The concept of “national Thing,” proposed by Zizek, postulates that the recourse to nationalism can cause a pleasure‐in‐pain situation and evoke extreme “enjoyment” (jouissance), which functions on the idea of sudden sense of loss. Drawing insights from this, this paper theoretically investigates sport‐induced nationalism in cricket in the backdrop of escalating neo‐nationalist sentiments in India. Additionally, the article expounds on how cricket becomes a “lost Thing” in Indian popular culture by critically analyzing the Indian film Kai Po Che (2013), in which cricket emerges as a social and political entity, intervening with the lives of ordinary youths in India.
In vitro and in vivo assessment of antimicrobial, enzymatic, and antifouling properties of self‐potent lichen symbiotic bacteria
Authors: Subbaiyan Rubavathi , Ganesan Ayyappadasan
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the antimicrobial, antifouling, and antibiofilm‐forming potential of lichen symbiotic bacteria against marine fouling bacterial strains. A total of 50 lichen‐associated bacteria (LAB) isolates were successfully characterized and evaluated for their effectiveness in mitigating biofouling caused by various marine biofoulers. Through a battery of biological assays encompassing enzymatic, antagonistic, antimicrobial, and antifouling assays, 15 LAB isolates were identified based on their antagonist activities. Notably, the strain LAB4 exhibited remarkable performance across all bioassays, demonstrating its proficiency as an antifouling agent. The production of crude LAB extracts was successfully scaled up using a large‐scale fermentor and further optimized. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis of the isolated strain Bacillus proteolyticus D65's 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed a high query coverage and percentage identity of 92.62% (accession no. MK883171.1). In conclusion, the lichen bacterial symbiotic isolate B. proteolyticus exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo inhibition of foulants. This study highlights the potential of lichens as a valuable source of yet unexplored bacteria. The bacterial consortium associated with Parmotrema sp. holds promise in combatting biofouling, which poses a substantial threat to the maritime industries and their economic stability.
Donor‐Acceptor Interactions Enhanced Colorimetric Sensors for Both Acid and Base Vapor Based on Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zheng Xuhan , Qiu Wenqi , Cui Jialin , Liu Hui , Zhao Yunzheng , Zhang Jianming , Zhang Zhenxiu , Zhao Yingjie
Published: January 2024

Due to the high surface area and uniform porosity of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), they exhibit superior properties in capturing and detecting even trace amounts of gases in the air. However, the COFs materials that possess dual detected functionality are still less reported. Here, an imine‐based COF containing thiophene as a donor and triazine as an acceptor to form spatial‐distribution‐defined D‐A structures was prepared. D‐A system between thiophene and triazine facilitates the charge transfer process during the protonation process of the imine and the triazine units. The obtained COF exhibits simultaneous sensing ability toward both acidic and alkaline vapors with obvious colorimetric sensing functionality.
Visible‐Light Driven Control Over Triply and Quadruply Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Hilton Eleanor M. , Jinks Michael A. , Burnett Andrew D. , Warren Nicholas J. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: January 2024

Supramolecular polymers offer tremendous potential to produce new “smart” materials, however, there remains a need to develop systems that are responsive to external stimuli. In this work, visible‐light responsive hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular polymers comprising photoresponsive supramolecular synthons (I–III) consisting of two hydrogen bonding motifs (HBMs) connected by a central ortho‐tetrafluorinated azobenzene have been characterized by DOSY NMR and viscometry. Comparison of different hydrogen‐bonding motifs reveals that assembly in the low and high concentration regimes is strongly influenced by the strength of association between the HBMs. I, Incorporating a triply hydrogen‐bonded heterodimer, was found to exhibit concentration dependent switching between a monomeric pseudo‐cycle and supramolecular oligomer through intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the HBMs. II, Based on the same photoresponsive scaffold, and incorporating a quadruply hydrogen‐bonded homodimer was found to form a supramolecular polymer which was dependent upon the ring‐chain equilibrium and thus dependent upon both concentration and photochemical stimulus. Finally, III, incorporating a quadruply hydrogen‐bonded heterodimer represents the first photoswitchable AB type hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular polymer. Depending on the concentration and photostationary state, four different assemblies dominate for both monomers II and III, demonstrating the ability to control supramolecular assembly and physical properties triggered by light.
Tuning Reactivities of tert‐Butyllithium by the Addition of Stoichiometric Amounts of Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Kleinheider Johannes , Schrimpf Tobias , Scheel Rebecca , Mairath Tristan , Hermann Andreas , Knepper Kathrin , Strohmann Carsten
Published: January 2024

In alkyllithium chemistry the highest reactivity has historically been linked to the smallest degree of aggregation possible. Since tert‐butyllithium is known to form a monomer in tetrahydrofuran solution, using just stoichiometric amounts of the lewis base to selectively form a dimeric species seemed irrational. In this study, we showed a considerable increase of the reactivity of t‐BuLi when using stoichiometric amounts of THF in the non‐polar solvent n‐pentane in order to enable the deprotonation of simple methyl silanes and other low C−H−acidic substrates. In this context, we were able to obtain the corresponding aggregates of t‐BuLi with the ligand THF in suspension and as crystalline solids and investigate them by single crystal X‐ray structural analysis, in situ FTIR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Furthermore, we were able to explain the enhanced reactivity of t‐BuLi with stoichiometric amounts of THF on the basis of structural features of the bridged dimer obtained under these conditions. With these findings, we present a new target in the aggregation of alkyllithium reagents: the selectively formed “frustrated” aggregates!
Neocortical neurogenesis in development and evolution—Human‐specific features
Authors: Huttner Wieland B. , Heide Michael , Mora‐Bermúdez Felipe , Namba Takashi
Published: January 2024

In this review, we focus on human‐specific features of neocortical neurogenesis in development and evolution. Two distinct topics will be addressed. In the first section, we discuss the expansion of the neocortex during human evolution and concentrate on the human‐specific gene ARHGAP11B. We review the ability of ARHGAP11B to amplify basal progenitors and to expand a primate neocortex. We discuss the contribution of ARHGAP11B to neocortex expansion during human evolution and its potential implications for neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors. We then review the action of ARHGAP11B in mitochondria as a regulator of basal progenitor metabolism, and how it promotes glutaminolysis and basal progenitor proliferation. Finally, we discuss the increase in cognitive performance due to the ARHGAP11B‐induced neocortical expansion. In the second section, we focus on neocortical development in modern humans versus Neanderthals. Specifically, we discuss two recent findings pointing to differences in neocortical neurogenesis between these two hominins that are due to a small number of amino acid substitutions in certain key proteins. One set of such proteins are the kinetochore‐associated proteins KIF18a and KNL1, where three modern human‐specific amino acid substitutions underlie the prolongation of metaphase during apical progenitor mitosis. This prolongation in turn is associated with an increased fidelity of chromosome segregation to the apical progenitor progeny during modern human neocortical development, with implications for the proper formation of radial units. Another such key protein is transketolase‐like 1 (TKTL1), where a single modern human‐specific amino acid substitution endows TKTL1 with the ability to amplify basal radial glia, resulting in an increase in upper‐layer neuron generation. TKTL1's ability is based on its action in the pentose phosphate pathway, resulting in increased fatty acid synthesis. The data imply greater neurogenesis during neocortical development in modern humans than Neanderthals due to TKTL1, in particular in the developing frontal lobe.
Anisotropic Colloidal Particles by Molecular Self‐Assembly: Synthesis and Application
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Li Minchao , Liu Bing
Published: January 2024

Anisotropic colloidal particles have attracted great attention over the past few decades because of their significant properties that differ from isotropic particles. Molecular self‐assembly provides the possibility to design and construct anisotropic colloidal particles from the single‐molecule level, and molecular assemblies can both inherit the properties of molecules in single states and integrate the functions of molecules in collective states, which has attracted great interest to researchers. Even in recent years, the self‐assembly strategy of anisotropic colloidal particles has been greatly developed. This review article briefly summarizes the research progress of molecules from small molecules, block copolymers and homopolymers to anisotropic particles, including their self‐assembly strategies and applications. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges of this topic and we expect that by manipulating the design of diverse molecules/polymers, anisotropic colloidal particles can evolve into a new era.
Estimating the temporal scale of lagged responses in species abundance and occurrence
Authors: Sollmann Rahel
Published: January 2024

Understanding drivers of species distributions is a central theme in ecology, and species are known to respond to drivers at multiple spatiotemporal scales. Yet, little attention has been paid to the temporal dimensions of predictors of species abundance or occurrence. Studies considering lagged responses typically contrast few points in time, rather than integrating multiple temporal scales. Here, I transfer an approach developed for the integration of predictors across spatial scales into the temporal realm. In this approach, a weighted mean predictor is used in a generalized linear model for abundance or occurrence; weights are estimated for each temporal scale based on a parametric function, and the parameters defining the function are estimated within the model. In a simulation study using a half‐normal declining weight function, I show that the scale parameter σ (measuring temporal scale of response) and effect strength of the predictor, , can be estimated accurately in abundance models with and without imperfect detection for a range of sample sizes and input values of σ and . Accuracy for both parameters was lower in occurrence‐based models. Estimates of σ improved in accuracy with increasing , and precision of both estimates tended to be lower in models with imperfect detection. A higher resolution time series of predictor values improved estimates of both parameters, and lower detection probability most strongly increased bias in in occurrence models. The approach can be viewed as a more parsimonious but less flexible case of memory models or distributed lag models. It is easily incorporated into standard methods used to model animal abundance and occurrence and therefore hopefully will open up avenues for future research into lagged responses in wildlife distribution to environmental conditions.
Disaster management policy changes in Bangladesh: Drivers and factors of a shift from reactive to proactive approach
Authors: Choudhury Mahed , Haque C. Emdad
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we argue that, while it is necessary to modify existing policy using the lessons learned from disaster events (i.e., reactive learning), this approach is insufficient on its own for dealing with ongoing and emerging climate‐induced disaster risks. Rather, we assert that policymakers must also adopt a proactive and anticipatory learning approach that would enable policy learning and policy evolution in the absence of a major disaster event. We examine drivers, actors, and processes of change in disaster‐management policy paradigms in Bangladesh. A longitudinal learning perspective is applied. We categorize disaster management (DM) policy regimes into three learning episodes: (i) reactive, (ii) transitional, and (iii) proactive. The roles of reactive and proactive learning in shifting DM policy paradigms within these learning episodes are particularly determined. Finally, five interrelated factors that triggered proactive policymaking are identified, which are: risk‐oriented policymaking; cross‐scale (i.e., lesson drawing and policy transfer) and cross‐level (i.e., from local, regional, and national experience) learning; participation of multiple stakeholders; research‐informed and knowledge‐based policymaking; and the presence of a strong advocacy group and a participatory policy process.
An In‐Situ‐Formed Copper‐Based Perfluorinated Catalytic System for the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Drymona Maria , Kaplanai Entzy , Vougioukalakis Georgios C.
Published: January 2024

Herein, we report a new catalytic protocol for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols. The catalytic system is formed in situ, in a straightforward and user‐friendly manner, combining a widely available copper source (Cu2O) with one imidazolium salt precursor bearing perfluorinated moieties. Our protocol uses TEMPO, as additive, and the reaction takes place at the interface of a biphasic solvent system, consisting of anisole and 1‐bromoperfluorooctane. The as‐prepared carbonyl compounds remain in the organic solvent, while the catalytic system remains in the fluorous phase. In this manner, the isolation and purification of the desired products are quite facile. Our protocol uses low catalytic loadings and is more efficient with primary alcohols, affording the desired products in good to excellent yields. The fluorous phase containing the catalytic system can be efficiently recovered and reused for at least six times, without a significant decrease in its catalytic efficiency.
Research on the stability evolution mechanism and combinatorial optimization decision‐making of multitype heterogeneous energy cooperative operation
Authors: Cui Yong , Andriamahery Anselme , Mu Shilei , Ji Desen , Zheng Qian , Liu ZongFei , Han Yichun , Zheng Jian , Wu Chengqi
Published: January 2024

Considering the cooperative willingness of multiple heterogeneous energy sources to participate in the alliance, the stability of the cooperative operation of each entity (hereinafter referred to as stability) and the supporting mechanism of its optimal combination to realize the high proportion of new energy generation are studied. Through simulating load peak‐cutting and valley‐filling in the power system, the difference between the load value and the base load in the 24 h of the daily load curve is used as the calculation condition for the supply balance of the alliance. Based on the source‐load power balance model, the feasibility of power data normalization is derived and demonstrated. Simultaneously, taking into account the time‐of‐use price cost of each entity, a multiscale operation cost allocation and stability evolution analysis model for the alliance is constructed using the Shapley value and the largest consistent set method. By comparing the willingness of each entity to engage in the alliance, as well as the multiscale operation stability and economic change rule of different alliances, the results demonstrate that: (1) Alliance 1 has the advantage of economic operation. (2) The common stability period of different alliances is influenced by the participation preferences of each entity (wind power, photovoltaic, and thermal power tend to participate in Alliance 1, while hydropower tends to participate in Alliance 2). (3) Alliance internal restructuring can be carried out by utilizing spatial and temporal difference characteristics of different entities’ participation in alliance preferences, thereby achieving alliance stability and efficient operation. This study provides a theoretical basis for making decisions regarding the optimized stable operation of the alliance.
Uncovering collateral damages and advanced defense strategies in cloud environments against DDoS attacks: A comprehensive review
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Bharot Nitesh , Breslin John G. , Sharma Mukta , Chaurasia Nisha , Vidyarthi Ankit
Published: January 2024

Cloud computing (CC) offers on‐demand computing and resources to users, and organizations, and is also used in many human‐centric intelligent systems. Attacks in cloud networks cause huge damage to service providers and users. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is one of them that greatly impacts the cloud network. The unavailability of resources is the major concern pertaining to cloud service and resources. Apart from the direct targets of a DDoS attack, there are also indirect effects on non‐targets within a cloud network. These effects on the non‐target stakeholders of the cloud are called collateral damages. However, this area of research is not explored much by researchers. Thus, the defense methods pertaining to direct and indirect effects need to be explored. This article aims to describe the consequences of DDoS attacks and the solutions available in the cloud network. The novelty of this article lies in shedding light on the indirect impacts of DDoS in cloud networks and possible solution approaches. The article also provides a comparative analysis of the existing defense solution under different categories and available tools and datasets to evaluate the proposed solutions. The article also mentions the solution considerations and effective solution scenarios. The idea behind this article is to impart guidelines to the researchers, for developing efficient defense solutions against direct target and indirect target DDoS attacks. Moreover, the research shortcomings, pros–cons, and existing challenges are outlined, and directions for future research are mentioned.
Visual art therapy and its effects in older people with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review
Authors: Chiang Lynn , Cheong David , Cordato Nicholas J. , Smerdely Peter
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a known risk factor for the development of dementia. The potential benefits on cognition from non‐pharmacological measures such as art‐based interventions are of increasing interest. This systematic review examines the evidence for the impact of one form of art‐based intervention, visual art therapy (VAT), on the cognition and psychological wellbeing of older people with MCI.

Methods

Randomised controlled and quasi‐experimental trials evaluating the efficacy of VAT in older persons aged over 60 years with MCI were included. A search was performed on electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal and extraction tools were utilised for risk of bias assessment and data extraction, respectively. A narrative descriptive approach was used to outline the findings.

Results

Seven studies were identified from 4311 articles screened. Improvement in cognition was reported in five studies, with two of these reporting sustained improvement at 6–9 months, while the remaining three studies showed improvement only at the immediate post‐intervention period. A positive impact was reported in four of six studies that examined the effect of VAT on participant psychological wellbeing. The overall methodological quality of the studies ranged from moderate in four of five RCTs, to high in the quasi‐experimental studies and one RCT. However, the low study power in the context of small sample sizes limits the applicability of these studies to the population of interest.

Conclusions

VAT is potentially an effective non‐pharmacological intervention that may enhance cognition and provide benefits for psychological wellbeing in older persons with MCI. Given the limited studies available, with the majority emerging over the last 5 years, further research is required to confirm these reported benefits, as well as to determine whether VAT impacts on the progression of cognitive decline in MCI.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia in those with and without a recorded history of psychological trauma: A comparative study from an Australian dementia support service
Authors: Cations Monica , Atee Mustafa , Morris Thomas , Whiting Daniel
Published: January 2024

Objective

To compare the number and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and associated caregiver distress between those with and without a noted history of psychological trauma among those referred to a specialised national dementia NPS support service.

Methods

This was a 5‐year retrospective observational study of records from the Dementia Support Australia NPS support service. NPS were reported by formal or informal caregivers at service entry using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version or Questionnaire version. A history of psychological trauma was recorded in the person's social or medical history and/or endorsed as a contributor to NPS by a trained dementia consultant after a comprehensive clinical review. Regression was used to examine the impact of a recorded history of psychological trauma on NPS severity and associated caregiver distress, controlling for age and sex.

Results

Among 41,876 eligible referrals with dementia, 6% (n = 2529) had some reference in their records to a history of psychological trauma. Referrals with a recorded history of psychological trauma were rated with a higher rate of both NPS severity (mean = 12.0) and associated caregiver distress (mean = 16.5) at service entry than those without a recorded history of psychological trauma (means = 10.7 and 14.5, respectively). A recorded history of psychological trauma was associated with higher odds of psychotic symptoms, agitation/aggression, irritability, disinhibition, affective symptoms and night‐time behaviours.

Conclusions

Traumatic stress symptoms may represent a neglected target for intervention to reduce the impact of NPS in people with dementia.
The new meaning of retirement for bridge employees: Situating bridge employment through the lens of the Kaleidoscope Career Model
Authors: Mazumdar Bishakha , Warren Amy M. , Brown Travor C.
Published: January 2024

Retirees re‐entering the workforce, popularly termed as bridge employment, is a phenomenon that is anticipated to increase in the coming years. Though research establishes that these employees have unique aspirations and work motives (see Mazumdar et al., 2020), primary research on how the retirement transition and bridge employment shape each other is scarce. This is troubling because a better understanding of the aspirations and motives of potential employees is an important step in designing suitable employee development strategies. To fill this gap in the literature, our paper explores the significance of retirement for those retirees who engage in bridge employment. We also explore whether bridge employment is unique from pre‐retirement employment. We interviewed 26 bridge employees and analyzed their narrations using the thematic analysis method. We utilized the Kaleidoscope Career Model by Mainiero and Sullivan (2005) to contextualize our analysis. Our study reveals that bridge employees uniquely reconstruct the meaning of retirement as a frontier between “prioritizing the obligations” and “prioritizing self.” Our findings also demonstrate how this view allows retirees to prioritize self‐directed goals during bridge employment. Our paper enriches the human resource development literature on careers and retirement by examining it from the vantage point of bridge employees. We shed light on how re‐framing the narratives of retirement helps distinguish between bridge employment and pre‐retirement employment for retirees. Better understanding this distinction can help lay the foundation for crafting suitable employee development programs for improved motivation and retention.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID‐19 among chronic disease patients: A global perspective
Authors: Sotoodeh Jahromi Abdolreza , Jokar Mohammad , Sharifi Nader , Zahernasab Amir Ehsan , Kariminezhad Negin , Rahmanian Vahid
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic health conditions were significantly correlated with an increased clinical severity of coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) and a heightened risk of COVID‐19 mortality. This study aims to determine global knowledge, attitudes, and practices (Knowledge Abuse Profile) of the patients with chronic diseases toward COVID‐19.

Methods

The study was initiated in December 2019 and extended until April 2023, during which an extensive search for relevant English‐language literature was conducted as part of this systematic review and meta‐analysis. Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest were utilized for the search. The quality of included studies was assessed using a quality rating checklist created by Joanna Briggs Institute for cross‐sectional research. In the STATA software version 14, inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics were used for statistical analysis to assess heterogeneity among the studies. The Dersimonian and Liard random‐effects models were applied in cases where heterogeneity existed.

Results

A total of 23 studies involving 14,587 patients contributed to this meta‐analysis. These studies comprised 21 studies focused on knowledge, with 6864 participants, 12 studies on attitudes involving 3597 patients, and 12 on practices, encompassing 4126 patients. The pooled estimates for sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and COVID‐19 preventive behaviors among chronic disease patients were determined as 48.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 33.9%–62.5%), 60.8% (95% CI: 46.8%–74.8%), and 58.3% (95% CI: 39.5%–77.0%), respectively. Over the years, there was a consistent decrease in adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and COVID‐19 preventive behaviors among the population. Specifically, regarding knowledge, the rates declined from 50.2% in 2020 to 49.7% in 2021 and dropped to 45.1%. Similarly, the percentage of individuals with a positive attitude fell, decreasing from 64.1% in 2020 to 60.3% in 2021 and dropping to 57.9% in 2022. Furthermore, COVID‐19 preventive behaviors showed fluctuations, with the rates recorded at 63.7% in 2020, increasing to 75.4% in 2021, and then decreasing to 47% in 2022, in line with the publication dates of included studies.

Conclusion

The findings of meta‐analysis show a significant decrease in the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to preventative interventions for COVID‐19 among individuals with chronic diseases. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, and ongoing education to address this trend.