bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light-Related Cutaneous Symptoms of Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and Associations With Light Sensitivity Measurements
Authors: Raef Haya S. , Rebeiz Lina , Leaf Rebecca Karp , Hughes Olivia , Jiang Paul , ElSeht Abrahim , Anderson Karl E. , Wheeden Kristen , Kochevar Irene , Elmariah Sarina B. , Dickey Amy K.
Published: January 2023

Importance

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare and underdiagnosed genetic disease characterized by painful sensitivity to light. A better understanding and characterization of its light-induced cutaneous symptoms may aid in the identification of EPP in patients.

Objectives

To describe the cutaneous symptoms of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and to determine if these symptoms are associated with the degree of light sensitivity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cross-sectional study of adolescent and adult (≥15 years) patients with EPP across the US conducted by a single academic hospital via a remotely administered survey, measurements of light sensitivity by light dosimetry and by text message symptom assessments. Data analyses were conducted from November 2020 to April 2022.

Exposures

Sunlight exposure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Self-reported symptoms and association with measured light sensitivity.

Results

The study sample consisted of 35 patients with EPP (mean [SD] age, 39.1 (15.5) years; 21 [60%] female; 14 [40%] male; 35 [100%] White individuals). The patients’ median [range] skin tone was 3.0 (1.0-8.0), based on self-reporting from 1 (lightest) to 12 (darkest). A total of 24 participants completed the light dosimeter measurements. Phototoxic reactions were characterized by pain (97%; 34 patients), burning (97%; 34), tingling (97%; 34), pruritus (83%; 29), allodynia (89%; 31), improvement of symptoms with cold (89%; 31), achiness (24%; 12), fatigue (46%; 16), mild swelling (83%; 29), severe swelling (63%; 22), erythema (51%; 18), petechiae (40%; 14), skin cracking (43%; 15), scabbing (46%; 16), scarring (66%; 23), and other chronic skin changes (40%; 14). Patients with EPP reported that their hands, feet, and face were most sensitive to light and that their shoulders and legs were least sensitive; 25.7% (9 patient) reported no chronic skin changes, and 5.7% (2 patients) reported never having had any visible symptoms. None of these findings varied with the degree of light sensitivity except that lower overall light sensitivity was associated with lower ranked sensitivity of the neck and arms.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that patients with EPP have distinctive cutaneous symptoms that may aid in identification of this underdiagnosed disease. Characteristic EPP symptoms include light-induced cutaneous burning pain and occasional swelling, particularly over the hands, with a prodrome of pruritus and paresthesias. Minimal skin changes or the absence of visible skin changes during reactions to light, including lack of erythema, do not exclude an EPP diagnosis nor suggest low EPP disease burden.
Association Between State-Level Medicaid Expansion and Eviction Rates
Authors: Linde Sebastian , Egede Leonard E.
Published: January 2023

Importance

Prior research has identified associations between housing insecurity and poor health outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the association between US state Medicaid expansions and reductions in eviction; to examine the persistence of these associations and how they vary across US states and counties.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study of 25 398 county-year observations (across 40 states) used US eviction and census data for the years 2002 through 2018 (ie, 17 years). County-level associations were estimated using interactive fixed effects counterfactual estimators, and models were selected using cross validation. Across-county treatment association heterogeneities were assessed using multivariable regression methods. Analyses were performed in July of 2022.

Exposure

State-level Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Eviction judgments; eviction judgments per 100 renter-occupied households.

Results

Among a total of 774 treated counties (with Medicaid expansion) and 720 control counties (untreated, without Medicaid expansion), mean (SD) eviction judgments for treated counties were 534.78 (1945.84) eviction judgments in the pre-2014 period (mean [SD] eviction rate, 2.25 [2.18] per 100 households), which decreased to 463.67 (1499.39) eviction judgments in the post-2014 period (mean [SD] eviction judgment rate, 2.02 [1.81] per 100 households). Control group mean (SD) county eviction judgments were 477.22 (1592.18) eviction judgments (mean [SD] eviction judgment rate, 1.91 per 100 households) pre-2014, and 490.22 (1575.19) eviction judgments (mean [SD] eviction judgment rate, 1.89 per 100 households) post-2014. Model estimates indicate that Medicaid expansion was associated with reductions in county eviction judgments by −66.49 (95% CI, −132.50 to −0.48; P = .047) and reductions of the eviction judgment rate by −0.25 (95% CI, −0.35 to −0.14; P < .001). Associations remained broadly consistent between 2014 and 2018, although some diminishment of associations occurred in 2018. Approximately 29% of the across-county treatment association variation was explained by across-state differences, while 9% was explained by county-level demographic and uninsurance differences.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, Medicaid expansion was associated with reductions in eviction judgments and eviction judgment rates; however, these associations were found to vary considerably both across as well as within states (across counties). These findings suggest that the channel between Medicaid expansion and evictions is sensitive to state environments as well as county specific population demographics and uninsurance levels.
Association Between State Opioid Prescribing Limits and Duration of Opioid Prescriptions From Dentists
Authors: Chua Kao-Ping , Nguyen Thuy D. , Waljee Jennifer F. , Nalliah Romesh P. , Brummett Chad M.
Published: January 2023

Importance

In part to prevent the harms associated with dental opioid prescriptions, most states have enacted policies limiting the duration of opioid prescriptions for acute pain. Whether these limits are associated with changes in the duration of opioid prescriptions written by dentists is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the association between state opioid prescribing limits and the duration of opioid prescriptions from dentists.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This difference-in-differences cross-sectional study used data from the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Database, an all-payer database reporting prescription dispensing from 92% of retail pharmacies in the US. The sample included opioid prescriptions from dentists dispensed to children aged 0 to 17 years and adults 18 years or older from January 2014 through February 2020. Treatment states were those that implemented limits between January 2016 and December 2018. Control states were those that did not implement limits during the study period. Data on opioid prescribing limits were derived from the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System. Data were analyzed from January 1 to September 30, 2022.

Exposures

State opioid prescribing limits.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome was opioid prescription duration, as measured by days’ supply. The association between limits and duration was evaluated using a linear model with a 2-way fixed-effects specification. Covariates included patient characteristics, prescription characteristics, and indicators of implementation of prescription drug monitoring program use mandates. Separate analyses of data from adults and children were conducted owing to differences in the number of treatment states and restrictiveness of limits by age.

Results

The adult analysis included 56 607 314 opioid prescriptions for 34 364 775 patients (18 448 788 females [53.7%]; mean [SD] age at the earliest fill, 44.0 [17.4] years) in 22 treatment states and 12 control states. The child analysis included 3 720 837 opioid prescriptions for 3 165 880 patients (1 740 449 females [55.0%]; mean [SD] age at the earliest fill, 14.4 [3.5] years) in 23 treatment states and 12 control states. In both analyses, the median (25th-75th percentile) duration of opioid prescriptions was 3.0 (2-5) days. Implementation of limits, most of which allowed up to a 7-day supply of opioids, was not associated with changes in the duration of opioid prescriptions for adults (mean days’ supply: −0.06 days; 95% CI, −0.11 to <0.001 days) or children (mean days’ supply: −0.07 days; 95% CI, −0.15 to 0.02 days).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of national pharmacy dispensing data, opioid prescribing limits were not associated with changes in the duration of opioid prescriptions from dentists. Future research should investigate the potential role of alternative interventions in reducing opioid prescribing by dentists.
Digital daydreaming: Introducing the spontaneous smartphone checking scale
Authors: Berntsen Dorthe , Hoyle Rick H. , Munkholm Møller Daniel , Rubin David C.
Published: January 2023

Smartphones are a ubiquitous part of many people's lives, but little is known about their impact on everyday thought processes. Here we introduce the spontaneous smartphone checking scale (SSCS)—which measures the tendency to direct attention toward one's smartphone, unpreceded by external prompts (e.g., notifications, or alerts) and with no specific conscious goal in mind, as a parallel to mind‐wandering directed toward internal thoughts. The SSCS showed good psychometric properties and construct validity. It separated from measures of daydreaming and mind‐wandering by not loading on dimensions related to self‐consciousness, reflection, and rumination, but instead loading highly on a factor associated with other aspects of digital communication and concerns about public appearance on social media. This suggests that spontaneous smartphone checking serves different mental and social functions than internally generated spontaneous thought processes. We discuss possible long‐term effects of spontaneous smartphone checking taking up time for internally generated spontaneous thoughts.
Crocodile Skin‐Inspired Protective Composite Textiles with Pattern‐Controllable Soft‐Rigid Unified Structures
Authors: Mao Lizhou , Zhou Mengjuan , Yao Lu , Yu Hang , Yan Xuefeng , Shen Yue , Chen Wenshuai , Ma Pibo , Ma Yan , Zhang Songlin , Tan Swee Ching
Published: January 2023

Functional textiles with desirable protective properties (i.e., high cut‐, stab‐, and abrasion resistance) and wearability (i.e., excellent flexibility and permeability) remain unmet goals for personal protective equipment. Herein, inspired by crocodile skin, a unique and soft‐rigid unified structure (SRUS) is reported by integrating rigid protective blocks onto a soft textile substrate while obtaining a high cut‐, stab‐, and abrasion‐resistant composite textile that is flexible, waterproof, and breathable. Rigid blocks, consisting of epoxy resin reinforced by inorganic powders, strongly adhere to the soft textile surface with small intervals between each other via a pattern‐controllable integrated molding (PCIM) approach. Consequently, the SRUS design guarantees superior protective performance through rigid protective blocks and satisfactory flexibility and permeability via soft textiles and intervals. The SRUS textile achieves excellent cut‐resistance (58 N), the highest grades of stab‐ (38 N) and abrasion‐resistance (600 r mg−1), and good flexibility (65 mN cm) and permeability (60 mm s−1) values, indicating a distinct combination of desirable protective and wearable performance. The proposed SRUS protective textiles, incorporating the PCIM approach, offer a novel strategy for manufacturing functional soft composite textiles that combine high protective performance and good wearability, opening up a new avenue for the development of personal protective equipment.
Linear and Nonlinear Optical Field Manipulations with Multifunctional Chiral Coding Metasurfaces
Authors: Jiang Yifan , Liu Wenwei , Li Zhancheng , Choi Duk‐Yong , Zhang Yuebian , Cheng Hua , Tian Jianguo , Chen Shuqi
Published: January 2023

Optical chirality, which describes the property of asymmetric light–matter interactions for different handedness of polarization, plays an important role in physical photonics, biochemical processes, and molecular recognition. Recently, asymmetric optical responses of chiral nanostructures provide a wide platform for arbitrary and artificial manipulation of optical chirality. Here, a design strategy is theoretically and experimentally introduced to realize a spin‐selective coding metasurface in both linear and third harmonic regimes with giant chirality. Significant chiral transmission and wavefront control are realized by a chiral coding metasurface composed of amorphous silicon (a‐Si) resonators with C2 symmetry. The resonators and the enantiomers are encoded with different transmission amplitude and phase. The information channels are expanded to six‐fold with simultaneous multi‐foci focusing and multi‐vortex generation operating in different polarization and linear/nonlinear channels. The nonlinear chiral high‐contrast imaging is also achieved for spin‐selective pattern information transmission. The study significantly expands the information capacity of coding metasurfaces, and can be readily applied in optical systems for information transmission in both linear and nonlinear regimes.
Visible‐light Induced Cerium‐catalyzed N‐Demethylation of N‐Methyl Amides under Air Conditions
Authors: Teng Qing‐Hu , Sun Gui‐Xia , Huang Fang‐Ping , Wang Kai , Liang Fu‐Pei
Published: January 2023

A visible‐light induced cerium‐catalyzed N‐demethylation of N‐methyl amides under air atmosphere to the corresponding of N‐demethylated amides is presented. Upon irradiation the excited states of [CeIVCln]2− are able to activate N‐methyl amides. This reaction provides a methodology to cleave the C−N bond of amides under air conditions.

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Electrochemical Synthesis of Hetero[7]helicenes Containing Pyrrole and Furan Rings via an Oxidative Heterocoupling and Dehydrative Cyclization Sequence
Authors: Salem Mohamed S. H. , Khalid Md. Imrul , Sako Makoto , Higashida Keigo , Lacroix Charlie , Kondo Masaru , Takishima Ryo , Taniguchi Taisei , Miura Masahiro , Vo‐Thanh Giang , Sasai Hiroaki , Takizawa Shinobu
Published: January 2023

The electrochemical synthesis of hetero[7]helicenes including pyrrole and furan rings has been established. A single electrochemical operation led to an oxidative heterocoupling and dehydrative cyclization sequence to afford oxaza[7]helicenes in 50–86% yields with 45–77% Faradic efficiencies. Their derivatization and chiroptical properties were also investigated.

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Engineering Cyborg Bacteria Through Intracellular Hydrogelation
Authors: Contreras‐Llano Luis E. , Liu Yu‐Han , Henson Tanner , Meyer Conary C. , Baghdasaryan Ofelya , Khan Shahid , Lin Chi‐Long , Wang Aijun , Hu Che‐Ming J. , Tan Cheemeng
Published: January 2023

Natural and artificial cells are two common chassis in synthetic biology. Natural cells can perform complex tasks through synthetic genetic constructs, but their autonomous replication often causes safety concerns for biomedical applications. In contrast, artificial cells based on nonreplicating materials, albeit possessing reduced biochemical complexity, provide more defined and controllable functions. Here, for the first time, the authors create hybrid material‐cell entities termed Cyborg Cells. To create Cyborg Cells, a synthetic polymer network is assembled inside each bacterium, rendering them incapable of dividing. Cyborg Cells preserve essential functions, including cellular metabolism, motility, protein synthesis, and compatibility with genetic circuits. Cyborg Cells also acquire new abilities to resist stressors that otherwise kill natural cells. Finally, the authors demonstrate the therapeutic potential by showing invasion into cancer cells. This work establishes a new paradigm in cellular bioengineering by exploiting a combination of intracellular man‐made polymers and their interaction with the protein networks of living cells.
Current Boosting of Self‐Aligned Top‐Gate Amorphous InGaZnO Thin‐Film Transistors under Driving Conditions
Authors: Park Jingyu , Choi Sungju , Kim Changwook , Shin Hong Jae , Jeong Yun Sik , Bae Jong Uk , Oh Chang Ho , Oh Saeroonter , Kim Dae Hwan
Published: January 2023

Oxide semiconductor transistors control the brightness and color of organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays in large‐screen televisions to portable telecommunications devices. Oxide semiconductor thin‐film transistors under driving conditions are required to maintain a steady current through the OLED for constant illuminance. Interestingly, for driving conditions under strong saturation where both gate and drain bias are high, a boosting phenomenon of the drain current is discovered, even with compensation of the threshold voltage. In this paper, the current boosting effect of self‐aligned InGaZnO transistors under driving conditions is comprehensively investigated. Based on experimental extraction methods, two distinct regions within the device are identified: an electron‐capture‐dominant region including electron trapping in the gate insulator and O–O dimer bond‐breaking, and an electron‐emission‐dominant region caused by peroxide formation. A dual‐transistor‐in‐series model is proposed, where each region is modeled as a local transistor. The current boosting phenomena as a function of time are well‐reproduced for various channel length devices, which validate the accuracy of the model. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms enables increased effectiveness of compensation schemes for transistors under long‐term current‐driving conditions.
Ein neues bakterielles, von Adenosin abgeleitetes Nukleosid als Beispiel für RNA‐Modifikationsschäden
Authors: Bessler Larissa , Vogt Lea‐Marie , Lander Marc , Dal Magro Christina , Keller Patrick , Kühlborn Jonas , Kampf Christopher J. , Opatz Till , Helm Mark
Published: January 2023

Die Bereiche RNA‐Modifikation und RNA‐Schaden weisen beide eine Vielzahl nicht‐kanonischer Nukleosidstrukturen auf. Während sich RNA‐Modifikationen zur Verbesserung der RNA‐Funktion entwickelt haben, impliziert die Bezeichnung RNA‐Schaden negative Auswirkungen. Auf Grundlage der Markierung mit stabilen Isotopen und Massenspektrometrie berichten wir von der Identifizierung und Charakterisierung von 2‐Methylthio‐1,N6‐ethenoadenosin (ms2ϵA), welches mit 1,N6‐Ethenoadenin, einer Läsion, die durch Exposition von Nukleinsäuren gegenüber alkylierenden Chemikalien in vivo entsteht, verwandt ist. Im Gegensatz dazu zeigte ein ausgefeiltes Konzept zur Isopren‐Markierung, dass die Biogenese von ms2ϵA die Spaltung eines Prenylrests in der bekannten transfer‐RNA (tRNA)‐Modifikation 2‐Methylthio‐N6‐isopentenyladenosin (ms2i6A) beinhaltet. Die relative Häufigkeit von ms2ϵA in tRNAs von translatierenden Ribosomen lässt eine verminderte Funktionalität im Vergleich zur ursprünglichen RNA‐Modifikation vermuten, wodurch die Natur der neuen Struktur in einer neu wahrgenommenen Überschneidung der beiden zuvor getrennten Bereiche, nämlich ein RNA‐Modifikationsschaden, begründet wird.
Untersuchung einer Wasserstoff‐π Wechselwirkung in einem eingeschlossenen Wassermolekül im Festkörper
Authors: Bartalucci Ettore , Malär Alexander A. , Mehnert Anne , Kleine Büning Julius B. , Günzel Lennart , Icker Maik , Börner Martin , Wiebeler Christian , Meier Beat H. , Grimme Stefan , Kersting Berthold , Wiegand Thomas
Published: January 2023

Der Nachweis und die Charakterisierung von eingeschlossenen Wassermolekülen in chemischen Gebilden und Biomakromolekülen ist weiterhin eine Herausforderung für feste Materialien. Wir präsentieren hier Protonen‐detektierte Festkörper‐Kernspinresonanzspektroskopie (NMR) Experimente bei Rotationsfrequenzen von 100 kHz um den magischen Winkel und bei hohen statischen Magnetfeldstärken (28.2 T), die den Nachweis eines einzelnen Wassermoleküls ermöglichen, das im Calix[4]aren‐Hohlraum eines Lanthan‐Komplexes durch eine Kombination von drei Arten nicht‐kovalenter Wechselwirkungen fixiert ist. Die Protonenresonanzen des Wassers werden bei einer chemischen Verschiebung nahe Null ppm nachgewiesen, was wir durch quantenchemische Berechnungen bestätigen. Berechnungen mit der Dichtefunktionaltheorie zeigen, wie empfindlich der Wert der chemischen Verschiebung der Protonen auf Wasserstoff‐π‐Wechselwirkungen reagiert. Unsere Studie unterstreicht, wie sich die Protonen‐detektierte Festkörper NMR zur Methode der Wahl für die Untersuchung schwacher nicht‐kovalenter Wechselwirkungen entwickelt, die einen ganzen Zweig molekularer Erkennungsvorgänge in der Chemie und Biologie bestimmen.
ZIF‐8 Nanoparticles Evoke Pyroptosis for High‐Efficiency Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Ding Binbin , Chen Hao , Tan Jia , Meng Qi , Zheng Pan , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: January 2023

Although zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) has been applied in various tumor therapies, the intrinsic immunogenicity remains unclear. Here, we initiatively discover that ZIF‐8 nanoparticles (NPs) can intrinsically induce pyroptosis by a caspase‐1/gasdermin D (GSDMD)‐dependent pathway. The pyroptotic cell death is accompanied by necrosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD) simultaneously for efficient in situ immunity initiation. Meanwhile, carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), a mitochondrial depolarizing agent, is successfully loaded into ZIF‐8 NPs and found to further enhance the pyroptosis process. Collectively, the obtained Pluronic F127‐modified CCCP‐incorporated ZIF‐8 NPs (F127ZIF‐8CCCPNPs) activate antitumor immunity and reprogram immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), realizing high‐efficiency tumor growth inhibition. This work will facilitate biomedicine applications of ZIF‐8 and provide good inspiration for pyroptosis‐induced cancer therapy.
Targeted Synthesis of Isomeric Naphthalene‐Based 2D Kagome Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Li Yusen , Su Xi , Zheng Wenhao , Zheng Jia‐Jia , Guo Linshuo , Bonn Mischa , Gao Xingfa , Wang Hai I. , Chen Long
Published: January 2023

Targeted synthesis of kagome (kgm) topologic 2D covalent organic frameworks remains challenging, presumably due to the severe dependence on building units and synthetic conditions. Herein, two isomeric “two‐in‐one” monomers with different lengths of substituted arms based on naphthalene core (p‐Naph andm‐Naph) are elaborately designed and utilized for the defined synthesis of isomerickgmNaph‐COFs. The two isomeric frameworks exhibit splendid crystallinity and showcase the same chemical composition and topologic structure with, however, different pore channels. Interestingly, C60is able to uniformly be encapsulated into the triangle channels ofm‐Naph‐COF via in situ incorporation method, while not the isomericp‐Naph‐COF, likely due to the different pore structures of the two isomeric COFs. The resulting stable C60@m‐Naph‐COF composite exhibits much higher photoconductivity than them‐Naph‐COF owing to charge transfer between the conjugated skeletons and C60guests.
Organometallic Borromean Rings and [2]Catenanes Featuring Di‐NHC Ligands
Authors: Lu Ye , Dutschke Patrick D. , Kinas Jenny , Hepp Alexander , Jin Guo‐Xin , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: January 2023

We report herein a series of organometallic Borromean rings (BRs) and [2]catenanes prepared from benzobiscarbene ligands. The reaction of dinickel complexes of the benzobiscarbenes 1 a–1 c with a thiazolothiazole bridged bipyridyl ligand L2 led by self‐assembly to a series of organometallic BRs. Solvophobic effects played a crucial role in the formation and stability of the interlocked species. The stability of BRs is related to the N‐alkyl substituents at the precursors 1 a–1 c, where longer alkyl substitutes improve stability and inter‐ring interactions. Solvophobic effects are also important for the stability of [2]catenanes prepared from 1 a–1 c and a flexible bipyridyl ligand L3. In solution, an equilibrium between the [2]catenanes and their macrocyclic building blocks was observed. High proportions of [2]catenanes were obtained in concentrated solutions or polar solvents. The proportion of [2]catenanes in solution could be further enhanced by lengthening of the N‐alkyl substitutes.
Fault detection in wind turbine transmission systems via finite frequency observers
Authors: Wang Shaoping , Zhou Jun , Duan Zhaoxia
Published: January 2023

This paper addresses fault detection for wind turbine transmission system (WTTS) subject to actuator stuck faults and wind disturbances. Taking into account the frequency domain characteristics of such faults and disturbances, a modified observer is designed in terms of finite frequency (FF) performance indices that have detection performances superior to some formerly proposed ones. With the generalized Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov (GKYP) lemma and the Lyapunov theory, the FF performance indices are related to linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and parametrization of the corresponding FF modified observer is completed by convex optimization under LMI constraints. One typical advantage of the modified observer is that fault and disturbance signals in distinctive FF domains can be dealt with simultaneously. This makes the residual system sensitive to actuator stuck faults and robust against external wind disturbances. Simulations are included to show that the design method achieves fault detection performances better than those of the entire frequency observers.
Guessing, math, or something else? Lay people's processes for valuing annuities
Authors: Post Thomas
Published: January 2023

Researchers have long been trying to understand why individuals dislike annuities. Here, we investigate if the process individuals use to assess the financial value of annuities may lead them to inaccurately value annuities. In Study 1, participants were asked to assess the monthly payments associated with a specific annuity lump sum or the annuity lump sum associated with a specific monthly payment. They were then asked to describe how they arrived at their answers. We find that when making this assessment, 42% of participants report attempts at using math, with some even describing mathematical formulas. Most other participants reported guessing instead. Reporting attempts at math is more common among participants with higher financial literacy and numeracy. Reported attempts at math, financial literacy, and numeracy predict arriving at more realistic financial values for annuities, as well as incorporating assessments of life expectancy in the math. Based on this process knowledge, we then designed an experiment in Study 2 and tested the effect of presenting information about life expectancy, providing feedback about payouts or their combination. We find that we can thereby change the assessed financial value of annuities and increase participants' interest in annuities, especially among participants that reported attempts at using math. Understanding the processes individuals use to assess the value of annuities informs theory and practice.
Food supplier sorting model for strategic supply chain sustainable development
Authors: Causil Over Manuel Montes , Morais Danielle Costa
Published: January 2023

The sustainable supplier assessment has emerged as a strategic activity that seeks to green the value chain. Plentiful studies evaluating sustainable suppliers in the agroindustry field have been proposed. These investigations focus on selecting or ranking from the best to the worst performance. However, the sorting approach that would be more adequate when it comes to investigating the performance of partners with a view to making improvements to their systems is generally not considered to solve this problem, being an important gap in the literature. In this scenario, this research provides a food supplier sorting model using Value‐Focused Thinking (VFT) and Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff (FITradeoff) method for sorting problematic to suggest upgrades and advancements in the operation of the suppliers searching for a sustainable development. The suppliers were sorted into predefined categories depending on sustainability level: sustainable suppliers; suppliers in path of development; and non‐green suppliers. The method was applied for evaluating suppliers in a Colombian food industry. Finding shows that the proposed model is useful to categorize suppliers, serving to design particular green programs for each class to improve them, while also suggesting a strategic direction to greener the food supply chain in accordance with the goals of the sustainable development.
A European comparison of screening and referral by childcare professionals of maltreatment in children aged 0–3: A wild goose chase or maybe not
Authors: Bisagno Elisa , Cadamuro Alessia , Dierickx Serafine , Mosleh Dima Bou , Linde‐Ozola Zane , Kandāte Annija , Varga‐Sabjan Dora , Morva Dorottya , Laszlo Noemi , Rozsa Monika , Gruber Andrea , De Fazio Giovanna Laura , Wuyts Dorien , Blom Johanna M. C.
Published: January 2023

Framed within the European project ECLIPS (Enhancing the Capacity to combat chiLd abuse through an Integral training and Protocol for childcare professionalS), this study aims at understanding the needs related to the screening and referral of child maltreatment by childcare professionals working with children aged 0–3 in daycare settings of four European countries (Belgium, Hungary, Italy and Latvia). While children in this age group display the highest risk of abuse compared to older children, research and practice are less focused on them. Given their daily exposure, childcare professionals are in a unique position to identify and refer child maltreatment of infants and toddlers. However, data from desk research and focus groups held in the four countries revealed significant gaps in both processes. Screening for abuse is not mandatory for childcare professionals, and many barriers limit its effectiveness, such as the lack of training and the absence of standardised practices. Referral is mainly undermined by psychological barriers, namely fear and lack of self‐efficacy. This is a fundamental first step to developing strategies to face underreporting and filling knowledge gaps while supporting the fundamental competencies necessary to safeguard the young child's best interest, which is the final goal of the ECLIPS project.
Left and right coronary artery blood flow distribution method based on dominant type
Authors: Wang Xue , Liu Jincheng , Li Na , Ma Junling , Chen Mingyan , Feng Yili , Li Bao , Liu Jian , Liu Youjun , Zhang Liyuan
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of left/right coronary artery flow distribution on calculation of fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (FFRct) in different dominant types. First, 195 patients were collected to count the distribution ratios of the three categories: right dominance (RD), balanced dominance (BD), and left dominance (LD). Ratios of diameters of the left/right coronary arteries (DLCA:DRCA) of the three types were calculated and used to represent the ratio of flow distribution (QLCA:QRCA) in the dominant type method. The other method was known as the fixed ratio method (QLCA:QRCA = 6:4). Second, a total of 73 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled for numerical calculation. A 0D/3D geometric multiscale model was used for the numerical simulation of FFR and the results of the fixed ratio method and the dominant type method were recorded as F‐FFRct and D‐FFRct. Lastly, invasive FFR(clinic‐FFR)was used as a standard to evaluate the consistency and diagnostic performance of F‐FFRct and D‐FFRct. Corresponding flow distributions for the dominant type method were QLCA:QRCA = 5:5 for RD, QLCA:QRCA = 5.5:4.5 for BD, and QLCA:QRCA = 6:4 for LD. D‐FFRct showed a better correlation than F‐FFRct (r = 0.85 vs. r = 0.81, both p < .001); the AUC (95%CI) were 0.974 (0.906–0.997, p < .0001) and 0.960 (0.886–0.992, p < .0001). Accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for D‐FFRct and F‐FFRct were 94.52%, 93.75%, 94.74%, 83.33%, 98.18% and 90.41%, 87.50%, 91.23%, 73.68%, 96.30%, respectively. Overall, the left/right coronary artery flow distribution was affected by the dominant type and the dominant type method was superior to the fixed ratio method in detecting coronary ischemic lesions.
New fusion features convolutional neural network with high generalization ability on rolling bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Hao Run Fang , Liu Chuang , Cheng Yong Qiang
Published: January 2023

This study proposes a feature fusion one‐dimensional convolutional neural network algorithm model with a portable non‐dimensionality reduction attention mechanism to resolve the limitations pertaining to the small training sample capacity of conventional deep learning models, single feature‐extractor size, insufficient feature extraction of the bearing faults, and low recognition rate of the bearing health status under variable loads and strong noise. This model regarded raw vibration signal as input, used the feature fusion module to extract multiscale time information, and the convolution‐pooling alternating layer adaptively overcome the time‐dependent limitations. An adaptive batch normalization was introduced to reduce the divergence in sample distribution between the source and target domains and enhance the model generalization capabilities. Moreover, the non‐dimensionality reduction attention mechanism is a more efficient channel weight distribution algorithm that can enhance the anti‐noise performance of the model. After embedding the non‐dimensionality reduction attention mechanism, the proposed network could enhance the anti‐noise performance of the model through a special channel‐weight learning method. It combined the Softmax classification layer to construct a feature extraction feature classification dual intelligent fault diagnosis algorithm. The experiments were performed on the rolling bearing fault dataset. The results revealed that the method provided a rather high generalization ability and stable anti‐noise ability. Simultaneously, the introduction of t‐SNE dimensionality reduction visualization revealed the strong feature‐extraction ability of the deep network model for large‐volume samples.
Mechanistic Study of the Transition from Antimony Oxide to Antimony Sulfide in the Hydrothermal Process to Obtain Highly Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Xiao Peng , Che Bo , Yang Junjie , Cai Zhiyuan , Wang Haolin , Gao Jinxiang , Liang Wenhao , Wu Chunyan , Chen Tao
Published: January 2023

Obtaining high‐quality absorber layers is a major task for constructing efficient thin‐film solar cells. Hydrothermal deposition is considered a promising method for preparing high‐quality antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) films for solar cell applications. In the hydrothermal process, the precursor reactants play an important role in controlling the film formation process and thus the film quality. In this study, Sb2O3 is applied as a new Sb source to replace the traditional antimony potassium tartrate to modulate the growth process of the Sb2S3 film. The reaction mechanism of the transition from Sb2O3 to Sb2S3 in the hydrothermal process is revealed. Through controlling the nucleation and deposition processes, high‐quality Sb2S3 films are prepared with longer carrier lifetimes and lower deep‐level defect densities than those prepared from the traditional Sb source of antimony potassium tartrate. Consequently, a solar cell device based on this improved Sb2S3 delivers a high power conversion efficiency of 6.51 %, which is in the top tier for Sb2S3‐based solar devices using hydrothermal methods. This research provides a new and competitive Sb source for hydrothermal growth of high‐quality antimony chalcogenide films for solar cell applications.
Tungsten Disulfide‐Interfacing Nickel‐Porphyrin For Photo‐Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Minadakis Michail P. , Canton‐Vitoria Ruben , Stangel Christina , Klontzas Emmanuel , Arenal Raul , Hernández‐Ferrer Javier , Benito Ana M. , Maser Wolfgang K. , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: January 2023

Covalent functionalization of tungsten disulfide (WS2) with photo‐ and electro‐active nickel‐porphyrin (NiP) is reported. Exfoliated WS2 interfacing NiP moieties with 1,2‐dithiolane linkages is assayed in the oxygen evolution reaction under both dark and illuminated conditions. The hybrid material presented, WS2−NiP, is fully characterized with complementary spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermal techniques. Standard yet advanced electrochemical techniques, such as linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and calculation of the electrochemically active surface area, are used to delineate the catalytic profile of WS2−NiP. In‐depth study of thin films with transient photocurrent and photovoltage response assays uncovers photo‐enhanced electrocatalytic behavior. The observed photo‐enhanced electrocatalytic activity of WS2−NiP is attributed to the presence of Ni centers coordinated and stabilized by the N4 motifs of tetrapyrrole rings at the tethered porphyrin derivative chains, which work as photoreceptors. This pioneering work opens wide routes for water oxidation, further contributing to the development of non‐noble metal electrocatalysts.
Neutrophil, neutrophil extracellular traps and endothelial cell dysfunction in sepsis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Yanghanzhao , Qu Mengdi , Li Wenqian , Wu Dan , Cata Juan P. , Miao Changhong
Published: January 2023

Sepsis is a persistent systemic inflammatory condition involving multiple organ failures resulting from a dysregulated immune response to infection, and one of the hallmarks of sepsis is endothelial dysfunction. During its progression, neutrophils are the first line of innate immune defence against infection. Aside from traditional mechanisms, such as phagocytosis or the release of inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species and other antibacterial substances, activated neutrophils also release web‐like structures composed of tangled decondensed DNA, histone, myeloperoxidase and other granules called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which can efficiently ensnare bacteria in the circulation. In contrast, excessive neutrophil activation and NET release may induce endothelial cells to shift toward a pro‐inflammatory and pro‐coagulant phenotype. Furthermore, neutrophils and NETs can degrade glycocalyx on the endothelial cell surface and increase endothelium permeability. Consequently, the endothelial barrier collapses, contributing to impaired microcirculatory blood flow, tissue hypoperfusion and life‐threatening organ failure in the late phase of sepsis.
Ecological constraint, rather than opportunity, promotes adaptive radiation in three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) on North Uist
Authors: Begum Mahmuda , Nolan Victoria , MacColl Andrew D. C.
Published: January 2023

The context and cause of adaptive radiations have been widely described and explored but why rapid evolutionary diversification does not occur in related evolutionary lineages has yet to be understood. The standard answer is that evolutionary diversification is provoked by ecological opportunity and that some lineages do not encounter the opportunity. Three‐spined sticklebacks on the Scottish island of North Uist show enormous diversification, which seems to be associated with the diversity of aquatic habitats. Sticklebacks on the neighboring island of South Uist have not been reported to show the same level of evolutionary diversity, despite levels of environmental variation that we might expect to be similar to North Uist. In this study, we compared patterns of morphological and environmental diversity on North and South Uist. Ancestral anadromous sticklebacks from both islands exhibited similar morphology including size and bony “armor.” Resident sticklebacks showed significant variation in armor traits in relation to pH of water. However, North Uist sticklebacks exhibited greater diversity of morphological traits than South Uist and this was associated with greater diversity in pH of the waters of lochs on North Uist. Highly acidic and highly alkaline freshwater habitats are missing, or uncommon, on South Uist. Thus, pH appears to act as a causal factor driving the evolutionary diversification of stickleback in local adaptation in North and South Uist. This is consistent with diversification being more associated with ecological constraint than ecological opportunity.
Superbase‐Catalyzed Steric‐Hindrance‐Induced Dimerization of Alkynones to Highly Functionalized Furans
Authors: Dvorko Marina Yu. , Shabalin Dmitrii A. , Ushakov Igor A. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: January 2023

The cascade dimerization of alkynones bearing sterically hindered secondary alkyl groups at the carbonyl function has unexpectedly furnished highly functionalized furans. The reaction efficiently occurs in the presence of potassium tert‐butoxide/dimethylsulfoxide superbase catalytic system at room temperature. Alkynones having additional C−H active site at the carbon‐carbon triple bond have followed another dimerization pathway to afford 3‐alkenylpyran‐4‐ones. The discovery of these reactions expands the traditional knowledge about the reactivity of alkynones in strong basic medium.
Assessing testicular germ cell DNA damage in the comet assay; introduction of a proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Dirven Yvette , Eide Dag Markus , Henriksson Erika Witasp , Hjorth Rune , Sharma Anoop Kumar , Graupner Anne , Brunborg Gunnar , Ballangby Jarle , Boisen Anne Mette Zenner , Swedmark Stellan , Gützkow Kristine Bjerve , Olsen Ann‐Karin
Published: January 2023

The in vivo comet assay is widely used to measure genotoxicity; however, the current OECD test guideline (TG 489) does not recommend using the assay to assess testicular germ cells, due to the presence of testicular somatic cells. An adapted approach to specifically assess testicular germ cells within the comet assay is certainly warranted, considering regulatory needs for germ cell‐specific genotoxicity data in relation to the increasing global production of and exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. Here, we provide a proof‐of‐concept to selectively analyze round spermatids and primary spermatocytes, distinguishing them from other cells of the testicle. Utilizing the comet assay recordings of DNA content (total fluorescence intensity) and DNA damage (% tail intensity) of individual comets, we developed a framework to distinguish testicular cell populations based on differences in DNA content/ploidy and appearance. Haploid round spermatid comets are identified through (1) visual inspection of DNA content distributions, (2) setting DNA content thresholds, and (3) modeling DNA content distributions using a normal mixture distribution function. We also describe an approach to distinguish primary spermatocytes during comet scoring, based on their high DNA content and large physical size. Our concept allows both somatic and germ cells to be analyzed in the same animal, adding a versatile, sensitive, rapid, and resource‐efficient assay to the limited genotoxicity assessment toolbox for germ cells. An adaptation of TG 489 facilitates accumulation of valuable information regarding distribution of substances to germ cells and their potential for inducing germ cell gene mutations and structural chromosomal aberrations.
Environmental toxicity study using invertebrates and plants against PbO nanoparticles prepared in biological synthesis using Farfarae folium extract
Authors: Szymanski Marcin , Dobrucka Renata
Published: January 2023

In this work, we developed and used research methods that will make it possible to quickly assess the toxic activity of, among others, metal nanoparticles. In this work, we assessed the toxicity of PbO nanoparticles obtained from biological synthesis using Farfarae folium. The obtained PbO nanoparticles were characterized with the use of such methods as UV–VIS, XRD, SEM with EDS, AFM and FTIR. The techniques applied in the work confirmed the presence of 30–40 nm PbO nanoparticles. The toxic properties of biologically synthesized nanoparticles were assessed with the use of plants and invertebrates. The phytotoxicity studies were conducted on the following plant seeds: radish, garden cress, bean, rape, chia, lupine, corn, and beetroot. The IC50 coefficient was calculated on the basis of the logarithmic relationship Aw = a*ln(C) + b. The studies also used the following invertebrates: Daphnia pulex, Tubifex tubifex, Chaoborus sp. (larva), Chironomus aprilinus, Artemia sp. The EC50 coefficient was calculated after the incubation period. For PbO nanoparticles, we managed to identify the IC50 coefficient for selected plants. It was, respectively, 0.150 mg/ml for lupine; 0.274 mg/ml for bean; and 0.655 mg/ml for radish. As regards the studies on invertebrates, it was observed that the most sensitive organisms were Daphnia pulex (EC50 = 0.32 mg/ml) and Tubifex tubifex (EC50 = 0.38 mg/ml), and the most resistant one was Chironomus aprilinus (EC50 = 0.83 mg/ml).
Gut microbiota and synbiotic foods: Unveiling the relationship in COVID‐19 perspective
Authors: Akram Noor , Saeed Farhan , Afzaal Muhammad , Shah Yasir Abbas , Qamar Aiza , Faisal Zargham , Ghani Samia , Ateeq Huda , Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem , Tufail Tabassum , Hussain Muzzamal , Asghar Aasma , Rasheed Ammara , Jbawi Entessar Al
Published: January 2023

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has spread across the globe and is causing widespread disaster. The impact of gut microbiota on lung disease has been widely documented. Diet, environment, and genetics all play a role in shaping the gut microbiota, which can influence the immune system. Improving the gut microbiota profile through customized diet, nutrition, and supplementation has been shown to boost immunity, which could be one of the preventative methods for reducing the impact of various diseases. Poor nutritional status is frequently linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can affect the immune system. This review emphasizes the necessity of maintaining an adequate level of important nutrients to effectively minimize inflammation and oxidative stress, moreover to strengthen the immune system during the COVID‐19 severity. Furthermore, the purpose of this review is to present information and viewpoints on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as adjuvants for microbiota modification and its effects on COVID‐19 prevention and treatment.