bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delay in cardiology consultation after primary care physician referrals in heart failure: Clinical implications
Authors: Cinza‐Sanjurjo Sergio , Cordero Alberto , Mazón‐Ramos Pilar , Rey‐Aldana Daniel , Otero García Oscar , Gómez‐Otero Ines , Portela Romero Manuel , Garcia‐Vega David , González‐Juanatey José R.
Published: October 2024

Aims

To investigate the association between the elapsed time to cardiology care following a primary care physician (PCP) referral and 1 year outcomes among patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

Data from electronic medical records at our institution encompassing all PCP referrals to cardiology consultation from 2010 to 2021 (N = 68 518) were analysed. Of these, 6379 patients had a prior diagnosis of HF. Using a Cox regression model for hospitalization and mortality outcomes, the association between delay time in cardiology care post‐PCP referral and 1 year outcomes was examined, adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities.

Results

A significant increase in 1 year mortality rates with delayed cardiology care was observed for each day: all‐cause (0.25%), cardiovascular (CV) (0.13%) and HF (0.11%). In multivariate analysis, continuous delay to consultation was independently associated with higher risk of all‐cause [hazard ratio (HR): 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.01–1.02); P < 0.01], CV [1.01 (1.00–1.02); P < 0.01] and HF mortality (HR: 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.03; P < 0.01). Patients attended in the 25th quartile of time delay (<2 days) had significantly lower mortality and HF readmission rates [1.21 (1.10–1.33); P < 0.01] as compared with patients in the 75th quartile (>14 days).

Conclusions

Delay in cardiology assistance following a PCP referral among patients previously diagnosed with HF was associated with increased in all‐cause, CV, and HF mortality at 1 year.
Ternary Ni−Sb−Te Nanoparticles by Co‐Reduction in a One‐Pot Microwave‐Assisted Polyol Process
Authors: Wang Yiran , Carrillo‐Aravena Eduardo , Roslova Maria , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: October 2024

Utilizing the polyol process to produce ternary or multinary phases is a challenge due to the different redox potentials of the components. We succeeded in synthesizing compounds in the composition range Ni4−δ(SbxTe1−x)6 (−0.20≤δ≤0.36, 0.13≤x≤0.3) by heating a basic ethylene glycol solution containing nickel(II) acetate, antimony(III) acetate, and ammonium tellurate(VI) in a microwave at 280 °C for 25 min without adding auxiliary reducing agents. The products consist of thin nano‐platelets, which can be transformed into larger crystals by annealing. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed a new structure type for the composition Ni4−δ(Sb0.25Te0.75)6 (x=0.25) in the space group P
m1 with a=3.897(1) Å and c=15.701(1) Å. The triple superstructure of the NiAs type is due to a complex concentration profile of the Ni atoms in the octahedral voids. The trigonal TlCdS2 type is found for lower Sb contents (0≤x≤0.20), while for higher Sb contents (x≥0.28) the hexagonal Ni2SbTe2 type is adopted, which both are ordering variants of the NiAs type. Ni4−δ(Sb0.25Te0.75)6 is paramagnetic and exhibits poor metallic conductivity in the temperature range 6 K≤T≤300 K.
The Elite Global Citizen: How Wealth Shapes Cosmopolitan Identity and Charitable Intentions
Authors: Manokara Kunalan , Hornsey Matthew J. , Jetten Jolanda
Published: October 2024

In four studies, we provide the first empirical examination of how wealth relates to cosmopolitan identity and its consequences for charitable intentions. Study 1 demonstrated that wealth positively predicted cosmopolitan identity in a 60‐nation dataset (n = 90,350). Study 2 replicated this finding with multi‐item measures in the United States, India and Australia (total n = 861); self‐esteem and self‐efficacy accounted for this association. Study 3 demonstrated the mediating role of cosmopolitan identity in explaining the link between wealth and charitable intentions (n = 351). Study 4 provided causal evidence for these relationships by experimentally manipulating wealth perceptions in the United States and India (total n = 537). People who were made to feel wealthy (as opposed to poor) reported greater self‐esteem and self‐efficacy, which flowed through to heightened cosmopolitan identification, and finally to increased charitable intentions. Together, these studies suggest that structural economic realities may impose psychological barriers to cultivating global citizenship, hence implicating prosocial downstream consequences.
Degradation autocatalytic epoxidation of oleic acid derived from palm oil via in situ performic acid mechanism
Authors: Habri Hamzah Hafizuddin , Shahrizan Ahmad Shauqi Abrar , Azmi Intan Suhada , Hambali Norhafini , Shamjuddin Amnani , Salaeh Subhan , Jalil Mohd Jumain
Published: October 2024

Owing to the increasing demands for eco‐friendly epoxides derived from vegetable oils, much effort has been made regarding the epoxidation of oleic acid in recent years. However, to date, there is a paucity of studies on the autocatalytic epoxidation specifically epoxidized oleic acid as it is not fully utilized. The autocatalytic epoxidation of oleic acid was carried out by using in situ generated performic acid to produce epoxidized oleic acid. Performic acid was formed by mixing formic acid (as oxygen carrier) and hydrogen peroxide (as oxygen donor). A maximum relative conversion to oxirane (RCO) achieved was 87% at optimal formic acid molar ratio to oleic acid under following conditions: (1) reaction temperature: 75°C, (2) stirring speed: 300 rpm, (3) formic acid/oleic acid molar ratio: 2.5, and (4) hydrogen peroxide/oleic acid molar ratio: 1.0. The degradation of epoxidized oleic acid after oxirane ring opening invites hydroxylation reaction take place called alcoholysis and hydrolysis. The hydroxyl value from alcoholysis was 346.9 mg KOH/g while the hydroxyl value of hydrolysis was 296.4 mg KOH/g using autocatalyzed reaction. In conclusion, high and low hydroxyl value has their own benefits as intermediate product for polymer application such as flexible polyurethane and rigid polyurethane.
Experimental analysis of an agricultural diesel engine powered with biogas as green fuel from waste canteen food
Authors: Tudu Kapura , Barik Debabrata , Chandran Sreejesh S. R. , Paramasivam Prabhu , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh
Published: October 2024

This proposed study aims to characterize and utilize the biogas (BG) derived from the anaerobic co‐digestion of university hostel food waste and Vinasse (waste from the sugarcane industry) in a digester and to run an agricultural diesel engine with BG and Jatropha Curcas methyl ester (JCMS) on a dual fuel (DF) mode. In DF mode, BG from food waste was the main fuel, and JCMS100 was the pilot (secondary) fuel. The engine was run at different BG flow rates as 4, 8, and 12 liters per minute (LPM) with JCMS100 as injected fuel. As per the author's earlier experimental findings, the fuel injection pressure for the JCMS100 was elevated to 240 bar from the base range of 200 bar to enhance the engine performance. The experimental findings for the JCMS, and BG operation were compared with diesel in all aspects. It was revealed that the NOx emission of JCMS100 + 12 LPM of BG was about 7.5% lower than the D100 fuel at full load. Increasing BG intake up to 8 LPM, the BTE increased, however, afterward it started to decline. In a similar consequence, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) declined up to 8 LPM of BG, however, when the engine was fed with 12 LPM of BG the BSFC started to elevate. The carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon also elevated with higher induction of BG. However, interestingly a NOx‐smoke compromised tradeoff was observed for JCME‐BG operation.
Research on mechanism and practice of expansion‐induced fracturing and pressure relief in deep coal mines
Authors: Gu Shitan , Liu Zhiyao , Li Wenshuai , Jiang Bangyou , Chen Changpeng
Published: October 2024

A nonexplosive expansion method is proposed to apply in the field of rock burst prevention and control in coal mine. The principle of the expansive agent reaction was analysed and specimens with one hole and two holes were tested with and without axial stress or an expansive agent. The results showed that the reaction products of the expansive agent exhibited excellent fluidity and did not induce secondary stress concentration within the specimens. The specimens with two holes exhibited more severe and intricate fractures upon introduction of the expansive agent, and the formation of crisscross networks of cracks occurred in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Stress concentration became more pronounced as the distance between the two holes decreased, making the specimen more vulnerable to cracking. A field test was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pressure relief through expansion‐induced fracturing in the roadway of 1318 working face. The results from the field test demonstrated that the quantity of coal powder in the deep area significantly decreased after expansion‐induced fracturing and fell well below the early warning index of the drilling cutting method.
Influence of particle lithology, size and angularity on rates and products of bedload wear: An experimental study
Authors: Bray Erin N. , Litwin‐Miller Kimberly , Cardona Matthew , Pettyjohn Sarah , Sklar Leonard S.
Published: October 2024

Physical wear during bedload transport influences downstream changes in the size distributions and shapes of riverbed sediment, which in turn affect myriad fluvial processes ranging from incision into bedrock to provision of aquatic habitat. Here we use laboratory tumbling experiments to address several remaining knowledge gaps, including the roles of lithologic susceptibility to fragmentation, particle size distributions and particle angularity in controlling wear rates and the size distribution of wear products. To focus on the dynamics of particle wear in headwater channels, we used initially angular sediment and ran the experiments until 10% of the initial bedload particle mass had been lost to fine‐grained wear products. We measured individual particle mass and diameter by hand and used photo analysis to quantify particle shape and angularity. We find strikingly different wear patterns between limestone and welded tuff. Although wear rates in the tuff were an order of magnitude slower than the limestone, tuff wear was primarily by fragmentation while limestone wear was dominantly by attrition. Fragmentation of the tuff resulted in a widening of the bedload size distribution, a lack of consistent particle rounding and a fine‐wear product dominated by sand. In contrast, limestone particles rounded substantially and produced silt‐sized wear products. Differences in wear product size and susceptibility to fragmentation may reflect contrasts in the size distribution of mineral crystals in each lithology. Wear rates in both rock types declined substantially with increasing cumulative mass loss, due to rounding in the limestone and reduced fragmentation in the tuff. These results suggest that applications of the conventional exponential model to predict mass loss with travel distance need to account for lithologic influence on susceptibility to fragmentation and the influence of rounding on particle wear rates.
Leveraging the Kirkpatrick four‐level model to evaluate evaluation capacity building work
Authors: Rucks Lana , Wingate Lori , López Megan , Wilson Becho Lyssa , FitzGerald Mike , Lis Dean Kathleen
Published: October 2024

In this article, we reflect on a decade of using the Kirkpatrick four‐level model to evaluate a multifaceted evaluation capacity building (ECB) initiative. Traditionally used to assess business training efforts, the Kirkpatrick model encourages evidence to be gathered at four levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. We adapted these levels to fit the context and information needs of the EvaluATE project, an ECB initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. As members of the external evaluation and project teams, throughout the article we describe how each level was modified and translated into evaluation questions. Our adapted Kirkpatrick levels are implementation and reach, satisfaction, learning, application, and impact. Using these adapted Kirkpatrick levels to ground our evaluation challenged us to integrate multiple data sources to tell a comprehensive story that served the information needs of the project team and the funder. Overall, we found the Kirkpatrick model to be practical, accessible, and flexible, allowing us to capture the multidimensional aspects of the ECB initiative. However, there are opportunities to enhance the utility of the Kirkpatrick framework by integrating other evaluation approaches, such as culturally responsive and equitable evaluation and principles‐focused evaluation.
The evolutionary origin of human kissing
Authors: Lameira Adriano R.
Published: October 2024

A kiss has been a signal of special affection across continents and cultures for millennia. Between times and peoples, social norms invariably prescribe kissing to specific affiliations and contexts, implying deeper biological bases. Why the protruding of the lips and slight suction when touching another? Capuchin monkeys stick their fingers in their friends' eyes as sign of affection, why have humans developed kissing? Here I briefly review proposed hypotheses for the evolution of human kissing. Great ape social behavior suggests that kissing is likely the conserved final mouth‐contact stage of a grooming bout when the groomer sucks with protruded lips the fur or skin of the groomed to latch on debris or a parasite. The hygienic relevance of grooming decreased over human evolution due to fur‐loss, but shorter sessions would have predictably retained a final “kissing” stage, ultimately, remaining the only vestige of a once ritualistic behavior for signaling and strengthening social and kinship ties in an ancestral ape.
Structural insights and biological activities of flavonoids: Implications for novel applications
Authors: Tang Sheng , Wang Botao , Liu Xin , Xi Wenxia , Yue Yuanyuan , Tan Xiang , Bai Junying , Huang Linhua
Published: October 2024

Flavonoids are a major class of polyphenolic compounds that occur naturally in plants and are widely distributed in various dietary products. Flavonoids exhibit prominent physicochemical properties and biological activities, thereby garnering considerable attention. Notably, the physicochemical properties and functionalities of flavonoids are structurally dependent. Variations in chemical structure lead to differences in physicochemical characteristics among different flavonoid types. Structural alterations can modify these characteristics, influencing biological activities and mechanisms of action. However, these structural variations and their biological implication have not been comprehensively elucidated. In this review, we outline the structural characteristics of flavonoids, discuss biosynthesis, in vivo digestion, and absorption, and particularly emphasize the diverse biological activities and action mechanisms associated with different flavonoid structures. By summarizing the current scientific findings, we aim to elucidate the structure–activity relationships of flavonoids and provide a theoretical basis for the development of new flavonoid applications, which will help to target the design of functional molecules and moieties in the food and pharmaceutical industries for use in drug design and development.

Practical Application: Understanding the structural characteristics and biological activities of flavonoids can guide the development of functional food products and dietary supplements with targeted health benefits. By leveraging the knowledge of flavonoid structure–activity relationships, food, and pharmaceutical industries can innovate formulations to enhance bioavailability and efficacy, potentially leading to the creation of tailored products for specific health conditions or dietary needs. This research lays the groundwork for the design of novel flavonoid‐based interventions aimed at promoting human health and well‐being.
Guidelines for assessing the capacity of food‐derived nutrients to alleviate intestinal inflammation
Authors: Yang Jinfan , Li Zhengqing , Shang Ning , Zhou Hui , Zhang Mingzhen , Li Guanying , Kang Huafeng , Ma Xiaobin , Wu Hao
Published: October 2024

​Nutrients derived from food sources, such as astaxanthin, polyphenols, dietary fiber, probiotics, and short‐chain fatty acids, play a crucial role in alleviating intestinal inflammation caused by sub‐health conditions.​ These sub‐health states are closely associated with a range of diseases, including colitis, gastric ulcers, and colorectal cancer. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive guidelines that summarize quantitative and dynamic analysis methods for assessing the impact of nutrients on gastrointestinal inflammation, which limits accurate comparison and analysis of their mechanisms of action. Therefore, we summarized guidelines for evaluating the in vivo anti‐inflammatory properties of food‐derived nutrients. These guidelines encompass the selection of experimental models, dynamic assessment tools, long‐term evaluation parameters, and exploration of inflammation‐related mechanisms by disease activity index, murine endoscopic index of colitis severity (MEICS), spleen index, changes in colon length, and histology index, assessing inflammatory progression and tissue repair capabilities. By integrating these methods, researchers can conduct in‐depth studies and systematic comparative analyses of the mechanisms by which food‐derived nutrients alleviate intestinal inflammation. This approach will enable a more comprehensive understanding of the role of nutrition in gastrointestinal health and disease prevention.
Reversible Grafting in Surface Organometallic Chemistry with a Late Transition‐Metal Amidinate Precursor
Authors: Ehinger Christian , Copéret Christophe
Published: October 2024

Supported catalysts are central to industrial catalytic processes. While traditional synthesis methods often yield poorly defined materials, thus complicating structural elucidation, Surface Organometallic Chemistry (SOMC) offers a solution, producing well‐defined structures. Recent advances in SOMC precursor development have shown that amidinate‐based complexes are a privileged class of precursors to generate supported metallic nanoparticles. In that context, this study investigates the grafting mechanism of a prototypical amidinate precursor, Ir(COD)(DIA) (1‐Ir), onto SiO2. Unique to amidinate complexes, grafting is shown to occur without ligand release, creating a reversible covalent bond. Using tris(tert‐butoxy)silanol as a molecular analogue for a silanol group on SiO2, the structure of the grafted species is elucidated by single X‐Ray diffraction, comparison of IR spectroscopy, and X‐Ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data. The reversibility of the reaction with O−H groups is demonstrated using variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and is supported by DFT calculations. Notably, we show that a partial degrafting is also possible at elevated temperatures under vacuum.
Retrospective analysis of regional and metropolitan school food environments using Google Street View: A case study in New South Wales, Australia with youth consultation
Authors: Tse Kitty , Zeng Michelle X. , Gibson Alice A. , Partridge Stephanie R. , Raeside Rebecca , Valanju Radhika , McMahon Emily , Ren Bowen , Yan Fulin , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret , Jia Si Si
Published: October 2024

Issue Addressed

Food environments surrounding schools have a strong influence on the adolescent's food choices. Moreover, the prevalence of diet‐related chronic diseases is higher in regional than metropolitan areas in Australia. Understanding school food environments in these different settings is crucial for informing future strategies to improve adolescent health.

Methods

Google Street View was used to identify food outlets within 1.6 km around all secondary schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown in New South Wales which were selected as regional and metropolitan case study areas. Based on food outlet type, healthfulness categories were assigned, and Chi‐squared tests were performed. The Health Advisory Panel for Youth at the University of Sydney (HAPYUS) were engaged to obtain their perspectives on findings.

Results

Unhealthful food outlets were consistently most prevalent around schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown over 17 years. In 2023, these were predominantly restaurants (19.4% vs. 21.1%), cafés (16.8% vs. 11.1%), fast‐food franchise outlets (15.1% vs. 17.4%) and independent takeaway stores (14.1% vs. 9.6%). No significant difference in healthfulness between regional and metropolitan areas was found. Youth advisors recognised price and social reasons as major contributors to food choices.

Conclusions

Google Street View was used as a novel resource to examine school food environments in regional and metropolitan areas which have remained consistently unhealthful for nearly two decades.

So What?

Unhealthful school food environments may encourage poor diets and exacerbate rates of adolescent overweight and obesity. Critical government action is needed to improve school food environments.
Reduction in FEV1 following spinal anesthesia is associated with intraoperative complications: A prospective study
Authors: Agyei‐Fedieley Melody Kwatemah , Darkwa Ebenezer Owusu , Hayfron‐Benjamin Charles F. , Olufolabi Adeyemi , Atito‐Narh Evans , Agudogo Jerry , Dzudzor Bartholomew
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

Although Spinal Anesthesia (SA) remains the technique of choice for many surgeries below the umbilicus, it is associated with multiple intraoperative complications. Sympathetic blockade and Bezold‐Jarisch reflex do not fully explain SA‐related cardiopulmonary complications. Reduction in FEV1 has been reported as a predictor of sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to determine the association between reduction in FEV1 following SA and adverse intraoperative cardiopulmonary complications.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study of 48 patients of ASA status I and II with no history of primary cardiopulmonary disease scheduled for elective surgery under SA. Spirometry was performed based on ATS/ERS guidelines before induction and 30 min after induction of SA. FEV1% predicted was determined using GLI 2012 equations. Participants were grouped into two (∆FEV1% < 10% and ∆FEV1% ≥ 10%) based on reductions (∆) in FEV1% predicted following SA. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between ∆FEV1% and intraoperative hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea/vomiting, with adjustments for age, gender, and BMI.

Results

The mean FEV1% predicted following SA was lower than the mean FEV1% predicted before SA (83.42 vs. 95.31, p = 0.001). In a fully adjusted model, ∆FEV1% ≥ 10% was associated with an increased risk of hypoxia [AOR 13.55; 95% CI, 1.07–171.24, p = 0.044]. The positive associations between ∆FEV1% ≥ 10% and hypotension [2.02 (0.33–12.46), 0.449], bradycardia [1.10 (0.28–4.25), 0.895] and nausea/vomiting [9.74 (0.52–183.94), 0.129] were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Reduction in FEV1% predicted following SA was associated with adverse intraoperative outcomes. FEV1 may play an important role in the association between SA and cardiopulmonary complications.
Health risk behaviors among medical and nursing students of Lumbini Medical College, Nepal: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nepal Samata , Atreya Alok , Adhikari Kishor , Acharya Bhumika , Menezes Ritesh G. , Sapkota Laxmi Prasad
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

Healthcare students are expected to lead healthy lives yet they may engage in health risk behaviors (HRBs) like physical inactivity, poor diet, and substance use. These behaviors can have negative consequences for both the individual's health and well‐being, as well as their ability to perform their future roles as healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HRBs and associated factors among medical and nursing students at Lumbini Medical College, Nepal.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 412 undergraduate healthcare students using a self‐administered questionnaire. HRBs across various domains were assessed. Validated scales screened for anxiety and depression. Regression analyses determined associations between mental health and HRBs.

Results

Low physical activity was prevalent, with only 10.7% exercising ≥5 times/week. Inadequate fruit/vegetable intake (1–2 servings/day) was reported by 79.9% students. Short sleep duration (5–6 h) on weeknights (51.2%) was common. More than three quarter (76.5%) of students met the screening cutoff score for HRBs. The study highlighted that students with addiction, depression and anxiety are more likely to exhibit HRBs (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Multiple HRBs were highly prevalent among the students. A considerable proportion demonstrated a clustering of risky lifestyle factors, which were linked to poor mental health. Interventions should address academic burden, promote positive health behaviors, and target mental well‐being in this vulnerable group.
Nonorthogonal stagnation‐point flow of micropolar fluid past a stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction
Authors: Swapna T. , Salawu S. O. , Shamshuddin MD. , Sunder Ram M.
Published: October 2024

This work has broad applications in areas such as materials engineering, particularly in the manufacturing of polymers, textile fibers, and nanocomposites, thus, inspired the study to examine a continuous two‐dimensional flow of micropolar fluid steadily fluctuated in an oblique impinging on a stretched surface theoretically and computationally. In addition, heat radiation and chemical reactions are taken into account in this work. The flow is composed of a uniform shear flow parallel to the sheet surface and a stagnation‐point flow. Assuming a linear variation in surface temperature, the sheet is extending at a velocity proportionate to the distance from the stagnation point. In terms of partial differential equations, the boundary‐layer regime under discussion is modeled. The nondimensional ordinary differential equations were developed using appropriate similarity variables via a similarity transformation approach. The most effective and powerful too of the numerical approach, known as the pseudospectral collocation technique, is used to solve the micropolar flow model problem. The velocity, angular velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are portrayed through graphs. Moreover, the impression of the input values on the wall drag coefficient, thermal, and solutal transfer rate are computed in a table. A table is used to compare the numerical findings with the results found in the literature to verify the correctness of the results. It is noted that there is great agreement between the found answer and the earlier investigations. Graphs are used to show the impacts of the relevant factors in the problem, which include the magnetic parameter, the impinging angle heat transfer characteristics, the Prandtl number, the Lewis number, Brownian motion, and the thermophoresis parameter.
Transferable, highly crystalline covellite membrane for multifunctional thermoelectric systems
Authors: Choi Myungwoo , Lee Geonhee , Lee Yea‐Lee , Lee Hyejeong , Yang Jin‐Hoon , Jang Hanhwi , Han Hyeonseok , Kang MinSoung , Yoo Seonggwang , Jang A‐Rang , Oh Yong Suk , Park Inkyu , Oh Min‐Wook , Shin Hosun , Jeon Seokwoo , Lee Jeong‐O , Cho Donghwi
Published: October 2024

Emerging freestanding membrane technologies, especially using inorganic thermoelectric materials, demonstrate the potential for advanced thermoelectric platforms. However, using rare and toxic elements during material processing must be circumvented. Herein, we present a scalable method for synthesizing highly crystalline CuS membranes for thermoelectric applications. By sulfurizing crystalline Cu, we produce a highly percolated and easily transferable network of submicron CuS rods. The CuS membrane effectively separates thermal and electrical properties to achieve a power factor of 0.50 mW m−1 K−2 and thermal conductivity of 0.37 W m−1 K−1 at 650 K (estimated value). This yields a record‐high dimensionless figure‐of‐merit of 0.91 at 650 K (estimated value) for covellite. Moreover, integrating 12 CuS devices into a module resulted in a power generation of ~4 μW at ΔT of 40 K despite using a straightforward configuration with only p‐type CuS. Furthermore, based on the temperature‐dependent electrical characteristics of CuS, we develop a wearable temperature sensor with antibacterial properties.

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Beyond the blues: The protective influence of adaptability and well‐being on university students' mental health
Authors: Zhang Keshun , Liu Wenshu , Wang Zhuo , Goetz Thomas , Lipnevich Anastasiya A. , Yanagida Takuya
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Theoretical approaches suggest that adaptability and well‐being could serve as protective factors in influencing mental health. However, it remains empirically unclear how students' prior adaptability and well‐being predict depression (and vice versa) in the long term. Hence, using a longitudinal design, the present study explores the reciprocal relations among university students' adaptability, well‐being, as well as depression before, during, and after the lockdown resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

In a sample of 7527 Chinese university students (51.7% female; mean age = 18.38, standard deviation [SD] = 0.77), we measured adaptability, university‐related well‐being, and depression. Self‐report assessments were administered before (Time 1, October 2019), 1 year after (Time 2, March 2021), and 2 years after (Time 3, March 2022) the COVID‐19 outbreak in a comprehensive public university in China.

Results

Cross‐lagged panel analysis revealed that prior adaptability and university‐related well‐being negatively predicted subsequent depression, even when statistically controlling for demographic factors such as gender, family economic status, and so on. Moreover, results showed positive reciprocal relations between adaptability and university‐related well‐being.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that adaptability and university‐related well‐being have long‐term protective effects on the mental health of university students, which could mitigate the negative effects of COVID‐19 or other crises. The implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Probing the performance of DFT in the structural characterization of [FeFe] hydrogenase models
Authors: Matczak Piotr , Buday Philipp , Kupfer Stephan , Görls Helmar , Mlostoń Grzegorz , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

In this work, a series of DFT and DFT‐D methods is combined with double‐ζ basis sets to benchmark their performance in predicting the structures of five newly synthesized hexacarbonyl diiron complexes with a bridging ligand featuring a μ‐S2C3 motif in a ring‐containing unit functionalized with aromatic groups. Such complexes have been considered as [FeFe] hydrogenase catalytic site models with potential for eco‐friendly energetic applications. According to this assessment, r2SCAN is identified as the density functional recommended for the reliable description of the molecular and crystal structures of the herein studied models. However, the butterfly (μ‐S)2Fe2 core of the models demonstrates a minor deformation of its optimized geometry obtained from both molecular and periodic calculations. The FeFe bond length is slightly underestimated while the FeS bonds tend to be too long. Adding the D3(BJ) correction to r2SCAN does not lead to any improvement in the calculated structures.
Latin squares with five disjoint subsquares
Authors: Kemp Tara
Published: October 2024

Given an integer partition of , is it possible to find an order latin square with pairwise disjoint subsquares of orders ? This question was posed by Fuchs and has been answered for all partitions with . In this paper, we answer the question in the case and expand on results for special cases of this, such as when the largest part is at most three times the smallest part.
Population Pharmacokinetic Simulations for Dose Optimization of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in HIV‐Infected Patients with Moderate‐to‐Severe Renal Impairment
Authors: Boonpeng Apinya , Singkham Noppaket , Wutthikul Chanadda , Rattanakul Thanawan , Weeket Pinmanee , Saengpraphanan Chananan , Plaengnok Rungrawin
Published: October 2024

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) requires dosage adjustments from the standard 300 mg once daily to every 48‐96 h for moderate‐to‐severe renal impairment to avoid excessive exposure. However, this extended interval can lead to variable drug exposure and inconvenience. This study aimed to utilize the population pharmacokinetic (PPK) models to optimize TDF dosing regimens for HIV‐infected patients with renal impairment. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases to identify relevant PPK studies of TDF in HIV‐infected patients. From the included studies, the PPK models and associated parameters were extracted. Monte Carlo simulations (n = 2000) were performed to generate concentration–time profiles and derive PK parameters compared against reference ranges. For moderate renal impairment, the TDF 150 mg once‐daily regimen achieved cumulative exposure comparable to the approved 300 mg every‐other‐day regimen. In severe renal impairment, TDF 75‐100 mg administered once daily provided similar cumulative exposure as 300 mg every 72‐96 h regimen while maintaining daily exposure comparable to the standard dose in patients with normal renal function. The approved extended dosing intervals of 72‐96 h exhibited high drug exposure variability, initially resulting in supratherapeutic levels followed by suboptimal levels preceding the subsequent dose administration. In conclusion, administering smaller once‐daily doses of TDF maintains consistent daily drug exposure comparable to the standard dose in patients with normal renal function while reducing variability in drug exposure, potentially mitigating the risk of nephrotoxicity. However, additional clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.
Removal of impurities from industrial hydrogen peroxide using carbon‐based adsorbents
Authors: Yoneslouei Neda Hamzehzad , Meshkat Seyyed Salar , Behroozsarand Alireza , Afghan Arash
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Adsorption is a widely used technique for separating impurities in various industries. This method offers flexibility in design and operation and results in the production of high‐quality purified wastewater. This experimental research investigates the effectiveness of carbon‐based adsorbents, such as graphene, graphene oxide and carbon dots, in removing impurities and increasing hydrogen peroxide concentration through adsorption.

RESULTS

Various characterization techniques were used to investigate each adsorbent's chemical properties and surface morphology, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. According to adsorption tests under the defined conditions, the synthesized graphene showed the highest efficiency in impurities removal from hydrogen peroxide, with purity level of 45%. Graphene showed higher efficiency than graphene oxide and carbon dot samples, with a purity of 36% and 32%, respectively. Various factors, such as time, temperature and adsorbent dosage, were investigated at different stages of the experiments. The results show that the adsorption of impurities on carbon‐based adsorbents is an exothermic process.

CONCLUSION

It was shown that graphene structure results in an adsorption capacity of up to 147.06 mg g−1, which was increased by 45% in comparison to graphene oxide and carbon dot as adsorbents. To gain further insights, isothermal and kinetic experiments on the adsorption of hydrogen peroxide were performed. The results indicate compliance with the Freundlich isotherm, suggesting multilayer adsorption and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Simulating PFAS transport in effluent‐irrigated farmland using PRZM5, LEACHM, and HYDRUS‐1D models
Authors: Liao Shuchi , Garza‐Rubalcava Uriel , Abriola Linda M. , Preisendanz Heather E. , Lee Linda S. , Pennell Kurt D.
Published: October 2024

Application of wastewater effluent to agricultural lands can serve as a sustainable approach to meet irrigation and nutrient needs for crop production. While nitrogen and phosphorous loadings can be effectively managed, concerns have been raised regarding the fate of emerging contaminants, including per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely detected in wastewater effluent. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the ability of three unsaturated flow and transport models, Pesticide Root Zone Model 5 (PRZM5), LEACHM, and HYDRUS‐1D, to predict the distribution of PFAS in the soil profile at the Pennsylvania State University Living Filter site, which has received daily wastewater effluent applications for several decades. The models were modified to include adsorption at the air–water interface (AWI), which has been shown to be an important factor governing PFAS transport and phase distribution in the vadose zone. Simulations showed that PRZM5 did not accurately reproduce the observed perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) behavior, which was attributed to the “tipping bucket” approach used for water flow that results in the disappearance of AWI during water flow. In contrast, both LEACHM and HYDRUS‐1D captured the observed retention of PFOS and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) over a 50‐year simulation period. Due to differences in the approach used to calculate the AWI area, LEACHM predicted greater accumulation of PFOS and PFOA at the AWI compared to HYDRUS‐1D. These findings indicate that mathematical models that directly account for unsaturated water flow and adsorption at the AWI are able to provide reasonable predictions of long‐term PFAS leaching resulting from land application of wastewater effluent.
Using syringe filtration after lab‐scale adsorption processes potentially overestimates PFAS adsorption removal efficiency from non‐conventional irrigation water
Authors: Zheng Yu‐Hua , Carter Erika , Zou Shiqiang , Williams Clinton F. , Chow Alex T. , Chen Huan
Published: October 2024

The adsorption process, known for its cost‐effectiveness and high efficiency, has been extensively investigated at the laboratory scale for removing per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from non‐conventional irrigation water. However, a syringe filtration step is commonly used when quantifying PFAS removal during this adsorption process, potentially leading to PFAS retention onto the filters and an overestimate of adsorption removal efficiency. Here, we assessed the retention of three prevalent PFAS (i.e., perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctane sulfonic acid [PFOS], and perfluorobutanoic acid [PFBA]) on six syringe filters. When filtering distilled deionized water spiked with 1 µg/L and 100 µg/L of each PFAS, we observed the highest and lowest PFAS recovery percentages by mixed cellulose ester (MCE) (0.20 µm, 25 mm; 97 ± 11%, 101 ± 4.8%) and polytetrafluoroethylene (0.45 µm, 13 mm; 61 ± 37%, 80 ± 28%), respectively. Under the initial concentration of 1 µg/L and 100 µg/L, PFOS had recovery percentages of 55 ± 25% and 68 ± 24%, significantly lower than 96 ± 12% and 99 ± 5% for PFOA and 95 ± 8% and 97 ± 4% for PFBA, highlighting the importance of PFAS functional groups. PFAS recovery percentage increased with filtration volume in the order of 80 ± 28% (1 mL) < 85 ± 21% (5 mL) < 90 ± 18% (10 mL). Using MCE to filter treated municipal wastewater spiked with 1 µg/L and 100 µg/L of each PFAS, we found recovery percentages >90% for all three PFAS. Our study underscores the significance of syringe filter selection and potential overestimate of PFAS removal efficacy by the lab‐scale adsorption processes.
Isolation of CD63‐positive epididymosomes from human semen and its application in improving sperm function
Authors: Luo Jingwen , Zhu Shiqing , Kang Yafei , Liu Xinyu , Tan Xia , Zhao Jieyi , Ding Xiaofang , Li Honggang
Published: October 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are highly heterogeneous, and different EV subpopulations from various origins mediate different biological effects. The separation of different subpopulations of EVs from mixtures is critical but challenging. Epididymosomes are secreted by the epididymal epithelium and play a key role in sperm maturation and function. However, limited access to human epididymal tissue and epididymal fluid has hampered further study of epididymosomes and their potential clinical applications. Here, we established a novel strategy based on flow cytometry sorting to isolate human CD63‐positive epididymosomes from ejaculate. We identified CD52, a membrane‐located protein expressed exclusively in the epididymis, as the sorting marker for human epididymosomes. Then, CD63‐positive epididymosomes were isolated from human semen using a flow cytometry sorting instrument and concentrated. Additionally, we observed that isolated CD63‐positive epididymosomes improved sperm function more than other CD63‐positive seminal EV subpopulations did, demonstrating the successful isolation of a subpopulation of epididymosomes from human semen and their potential application in the clinic.
Understanding characteristics and trajectories of patients experiencing early death after interhospital transfer
Authors: Hadler Rachel A. , Yoon Catherine , Mueller Stephanie K.
Published: October 2024

Twenty‐ to fifty‐thousand patients die annually within 72 h of interhospital transfer (early death after transfer; EDAT). The characteristics and trajectories of these patients are ill‐defined. In this retrospective cohort study, we characterized EDAT at three representative major referral centers. Primary outcomes included the presence and timing of goals of care (GOC) and/or prognostic discussions. Among 190 medical patients experiencing EDAT, 95 (50.0%) were >65 years, 115 (60.5%) male, and 137 (72.6%) White; 140 (73.7%) patients traveled >50 miles from home, and 174 (91.6%) were referred for specialty care. Whereas GOC were documented pretransfer for 40 patients (21.1%) and unknown for 97 patients (51%); 152 (80.0%) had posttransfer discussions, often within 24 h of death (125; 82.2%). Transfer >50 miles was associated with death ≤24 h after transfer and with posttransfer changes in code status. Further research is needed to evaluate disparities and describe the potential burdens of transfer at end‐of‐life. Infrequent pretransfer discussions of GOC suggest potential targets for improvement.
Evolution of Placentation in Eugongylini (Squamata: Scincidae): Ontogeny of Extraembryonic Membranes in Oviparous and Viviparous Species of New Zealand
Authors: Stewart James R. , Hare Kelly M. , Thompson Michael B.
Published: October 2024

New Zealand scincid lizards, genus Oligosoma, represent a monophyletic radiation of a clade, Eugongylini, of species distributed geographically throughout the South Pacific with major radiations in Australia and New Caledonia. Viviparity has evolved independently on multiple occasions within these lineages. Studies of Australian species have revealed that placental specializations resulting in substantial placentotrophy have evolved in two lineages. The pattern of extraembryonic membrane development of oviparous species differs from viviparous species and identical placental architecture has evolved in both placentotrophic lineages. We analyzed extraembryonic membrane development in two New Zealand species, the sole oviparous species, Oligosoma suteri, and placental development of a representative viviparous species, Oligosoma polychroma, using histological techniques. We conclude that these two species share a basic pattern of extraembryonic membrane development with other squamates. Comparisons with Australian species indicate that morphogenesis of the yolk sac of O. suteri results in an elaborate structure previously known only in Oligosoma lichenigerum with a geographic distribution on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. This finding supports a close relationship between these two taxa. We conclude also that the pattern of placental development of O. polychroma is identical to that of viviparous species of Australia. The terminal placental stage for each of these lineages includes a chorioallantoic placenta and an elaborate omphaloplacenta. This level of homoplasy in placental evolution is consistent with a hypothesis that selection favors regional differentiation of the maternal–embryonic interface and that the omphaloplacenta is an adaptation for histotrophic transport.
Genomic and phenotypic characterization of the Oropouche virus strain implicated in the 2022–24 large‐scale outbreak in Brazil
Authors: Azevedo Elisa de A. N. , Silva Alexandre F. da , Silva Verônica G. da , Machado Lais C. , de Lima Gustavo B. , Ishigami Bruno I. M. , Silva Keilla M. Paz e , Costa Mayara M. de O. M. da , Falcão Diego A. , Vasconcelos Andreza P. , Silva Clintiano C. da , Naveca Felipe G. , Bezerra Matheus F. , Campos Tulio de L. , Acioli‐Santos Bartolomeu , Paiva Marcelo H. S. , de Morais Clarice N. L. , Wallau Gabriel L.
Published: October 2024

The Orthobunyavirus oropoucheense species encompasses a group of arthropod‐borne zoonotic viruses transmitted by biting midges to animals including humans. Several large‐scale human outbreaks caused by the prototype member of this species, Oropouche virus (OROV) have been documented since the 1970s and were primarily confined to the Amazon basin. However, since 2022, more widespread OROV outbreaks have been unfolding in Brazil and across South America, with cases exported to Cuba, Italy, Spain, USA and Germany. In Brazil, the virus has reached and established communitary transmission in all geographic areas of the country. We isolated, characterized the cytopathic effect and recovered the full genome of two OROV isolates from the 2022–24 outbreak detected in patients from the Pernambuco state. Phylogenetic data supports a direct introduction from the Amazonas state, the epicenter of the epidemics in the country. As case counts accumulate in the state mounting evidence is supporting the establishiment of sustained transmission chains. Continued studies are critical to understand the transmission cycle in this region, including the most important vectors and reservoirs, to appropriately deploy control measures.