bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cationic telluroviologen derivatives as type‐I photosensitizers for tumor photodynamic theranostics
Authors: Sun Qi , Su Qi , Gao Yujing , Zhou Kun , Song Weijie , Quan Penghe , Yang Xiaojian , Ge Zhishen , Zhang Yanmin , He Gang
Published: December 2022

The hypoxia of the tumor microenvironment (TME) seriously restricts the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect of conventional type‐II photosensitizers, which are highly dependent on O2. In this work, a new type‐I photosensitizer (TPE‐TeV‐PPh3) consisting of a tetraphenylethylene group (TPE) as a bioimaging moiety, triphenyl‐phosphine (PPh3) as a mitochondria‐targeting group, and telluroviologen (TeV2+) as a reactive oxygen species (O2•−, •OH) generating moiety is developed. The luminescence intensity of TPE‐TeV‐PPh3 increased significantly after specific oxidation by excess H2O2 in the TME without responding to normal tissues via the formation of Te═O bond, which can be used for monitoring abnormal H2O2, positioning, and imaging of tumors. TPE‐TeV‐PPh3 with highly reactive radicals generation and stronger hypoxia tolerance realizes efficient cancer cell killing under hypoxic conditions, achieving 88% tumor growth inhibition. Therefore, TPE‐TeV‐PPh3 with low phototoxicity in normal tissue achieves tumor imaging and effective PDT toward solid tumors in response to high concentrations of H2O2 in the TME, which provides a new strategy for the development of type‐I photosensitizers.
Investigation of photocatalytic properties of cobalt phthalocyanines on benzyl alcohol photoxidation
Authors: Yalazan Halise , Akkol Cagla , Saka Ece Tugba , Kantekin Halit
Published: December 2022

Photocatalysis is a fast and economically attractive option for oxidation reactions. Herein, 4‐(5‐iodopyridin‐2‐yloxy)phthalocyaninato cobalt(II) (P‐CoPc) and 4‐(4‐methylquinolin‐2‐yloxy)phthalocyaninato cobalt(II) (Q‐CoPc) were synthesized and characterized with spectroscopic data (FT‐IR, UV‐Vis, and mass spectra). The parameters affecting the photocatalytic activity such as substrate amount, oxidant type, substitution group, and solvent effect were studied. Both catalysts show high benzaldehyde selectivity with high TON and TOF values (470 and 1880 forP‐CoPcand 375 and 1500 forQ‐CoPc, respectively). The best photoxidation conditions were determined that 1/1500/500 (cat/subs./ox. ratio) in DMSO and in the presence of light. Aggregation and photodegradation studies ofP‐CoPc and Q‐CoPchave also carried out in this work.
Measurement of physicochemical properties of green aqueous amino acid‐based ionic liquids and their correlation with temperature and concentration
Authors: Nashed Omar , Talib Nur Khairunnisa , Lal Bhajan , Ghanem Ouahid Ben , Mohshim Dzeti Farhah , Sabil Khalik M. , Shariff Azmi Mohd
Published: December 2022

Ionic liquids have attracted immense attention due to their unique properties and potential industrial applications. Green ionic liquids such as amino acid‐based ionic liquids (AAILs) are promising solvents due to their proven low toxicity. The properties of newly known substances are unavailable, especially when they are in aqueous solutions. This information is essential, and they must be understood before employing these materials in any application for technical, safety, and economical reasons. In this study, three types of AAILs were examined, namely; 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium glycine [OMIM][Gly], 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium alanine [OMIM][Ala], and 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium proline [OMIM][Pro]. The aqueous solutions were prepared at concentrations of 1, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%. The pH and electrical conductivity were measured at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Moreover, volumetric properties such as density, molar volume, excess molar volume, and thermal expansion were also determined at atmospheric pressure over a temperature range of 298.15–338.15 K. An empirical correlation was also developed to correlate the volumetric parameters with temperature and concentration. The results showed that AAILs solutions are alkaline in nature. Moreover, they increase the electrical conductivity of water. Additionally, molar volume, excess molar volume, and isobaric thermal expansion increased as the temperature increased, whereas the density decreased with an increase in temperature. A discussion on the effect of anions was presented. The developed empirical correlation exhibited an accurate prediction of the volumetric properties with R2 > 0.9762.
Flexural behavior of pMWCNTs filled glass fiber/epoxy nanocomposites: Synthesis and interfacial failure
Authors: Mandal Samir , Sethi Sanghamitra , Biswas Krishanu
Published: December 2022

Glass fiber reinforced polymer composite (GFRP) encounter many practical situations during its application, exposed to different temperature fluctuation. Absorption of moisture and the fluctuated thermal environment cause mechanical degradation of GFRP. The current plan is to explore the mechanical and chemical behavior of pristine multiwall carbon nanotubes(pMWCNTs)‐glass fiber strengthens epoxy composites during thermal shock (TS). The laminates were prepared by the hand‐lay‐up process followed by compression molding. The thermal shock was performed at the temperature for the required samples was 135°C for 24 h, followed by −135°C for 24 h. A flexural test has been carried out at 1 mm/min loading speed. 0.2 wt% pMWCNTs filled nanocomposite appeared to have the highest flexural strength and modulus compared to ambient samples. The thermomechanical behavior of nanocomposites has been accomplished by analyzing the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis graph (DMTA). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyzed the fracture surface of in‐situ mechanical failure samples to find out the primary failure modes for strengthening and weakening mechanisms. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the nanocomposite observed decreased due to homogeneous dispersion of pMWCNTs, imparting some effect on crosslink density and reinforcement up to 0.2 wt%. This study reveals that the uniform distribution of pMWCNTs and thermal shock treatment enhances the matrix stiffness and improves the mechanical properties.
Degradation of wheat straw/polylactic acid composites with and without sodium alginate in natural soil and the effects on soil microorganisms
Authors: Chai Xicun , He Chunxia , Liu Yutao , Niyitanga Evode , Wang Luyang , Zhang Weixing
Published: December 2022

In order to improve the degradability of polylactic acid (PLA) composites and screen PLA degradation microorganisms. Sodium alginate was added into the wheat straw/PLA composites, and both composites (with/without sodium alginate) were buried in natural soil for 100 consecutive days subsequently. Weight loss and characterization of the PLA composites, carbon and nitrogen content in soil and microbial community composition were detected after degradation, with the result that the degradability of the PLA composites was greatly improved after the addition of sodium alginate. The weight loss of PLA composites with sodium alginate was 8.5%, which was 1.81 times that of PLA composites without sodium alginate. Sodium alginate and/or wheat straw in the PLA composites took the lead in the beginning course of the degradation. The added sodium alginate serves the purpose of making it easier to degrade the crystallization zone of the PLA composites. Bionectriaceae in the soil shoots up in the number after degradation, signifying its potential to be part of the microorganism family serving to degrade PLA composites. The results would help reveal the degradation mechanism of PLA composites and provide support for the screening of PLA composites degradation microorganisms.
Synthesis and properties of copolyarylates containing phenol red units
Authors: Wang Zhoufeng , Hu Junwei , Wang Bolin , Liu Yingying , Long Xiubo
Published: December 2022

A series of novel copolyarylates(co‐PARs) containing phenol red units in the backbone were synthesized by interfacial polymerization at 10°C from bisphenol A (BPA), phenol red (PR) and diacid chloride monomers. The obtained copolyarylates (co‐PARs) are all amorphous, the inherent viscosity (ηinh) of 0.22–0.62 dl g−1, and the number‐ and weight‐average molecular weight are 10,200–46,200 and 38,600–203,600, respectively. Adding a small number of PR units to the molecular chains improved the processing fluidity of polyarylates, and the glass transition temperatures (Tg) decreased from 202.8 to 166.7°C. In addition, the co‐PARs have excellent thermal stability with the maximum thermal decomposition temperature of 532.4–545.2°C. The co‐PARs show the best mechanical properties (57.6 MPa) when the PR content is 15 mol%. The transmittances of the co‐PARs at 400 and 450 nm are 79.2%–97.9% and 87.0%–99.8%, respectively, and the cut‐off wavelength is between 320 and 328 nm. The designed and synthesized copolyarylates can be considered as a promising and easy‐to‐process high‐performance engineering plastic.
The Characteristics of Patients With COVID‐19–Associated Pediatric Vasculitis: An International, Multicenter Study
Authors: Batu Ezgi D. , Sener Seher , Ozomay Baykal Gulcan , Arslanoglu Aydin Elif , Özdel Semanur , Gagro Alenka , Esen Esra , Heshin‐Bekenstein Merav , Akpınar Tekgöz Nilüfer , Demirkan Fatma G. , Ozturk Kubra , Vougiouka Olga , Sonmez H. Emine , Maggio Maria Cristina , Kaya Akca Ummusen , Jelusic Marija , Pac Kısaarslan Aysenur , Acar Banu , Aktay Ayaz Nuray , Sözeri Betül , Özen Seza ,   the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS) Vasculitis Working Party
Published: December 2022

Objective

COVID‐19–associated pediatric vasculitis, other than Kawasaki disease (KD)–like vasculitis in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C), is very rare. This study sought to analyze the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in patients with COVID‐19–associated pediatric vasculitis (excluding KD‐like vasculitis in MIS‐C).

Methods

The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) age <18 years at vasculitis onset; 2) evidence of vasculitis; 3) evidence of SARS–CoV‐2 exposure; and 4) ≤3 months between SARS–CoV‐2 exposure and vasculitis onset. Patients with MIS‐C were excluded. The features of the subset of patients in our cohort who had COVID‐19–associated pediatric IgA vasculitis/Henoch Schönlein purpura (IgAV/HSP) were compared against a pre‐pandemic cohort of pediatric IgAV/HSP patients.

Results

Forty‐one patients (median age 8.3 years; male to female ratio 1.3) were included from 14 centers and 6 countries. The most frequent vasculitis subtype was IgAV/HSP (n = 30). The median duration between SARS–CoV‐2 exposure and vasculitis onset was 13 days. Involvement of the skin (92.7%) and of the gastrointestinal system (61%) were the most common manifestations of vasculitis. Most patients (68.3%) received glucocorticoids, and 14.6% also received additional immunosuppressive drugs. Remission was achieved in all patients. All of the patients with IgAV/HSP in our cohort had skin manifestations, while 18 (60%) had gastrointestinal involvement and 13 (43.3%) had renal involvement. When we compared the features of this subset of 30 patients to those of a pre‐pandemic pediatric IgAV/HSP cohort (n = 159), the clinical characteristics of fever and renal involvement were more common in our COVID‐19–associated pediatric IgAV/HSP cohort (fever, 30% versus 5%, respectively [P < 0.001]; renal involvement, 43.3% versus 17.6%, respectively [P = 0.002]). Recovery without treatment and complete recovery were each less frequent among our COVID‐19‐associated pediatric IgAV/HSP patients compared to the pre‐pandemic pediatric IgAV/HSP cohort (recovery without treatment, 10% versus 39%, respectively [P = 0.002]; complete recovery, 86.7% versus 99.4%, respectively [P = 0.002]).

Conclusion

This is the largest cohort of children with COVID‐19–associated vasculitis (excluding MIS‐C) studied to date. Our findings suggest that children with COVID‐19–associated IgAV/HSP experience a more severe disease course compared to pediatric IgAV/HSP patients before the pandemic.
Oxoiron(IV)‐dominated Heterogeneous Fenton‐like Mechanism of Fe‐Doped MoS2
Authors: Hu Shiyu , Guo Rujia , Gao Yiqian , Chen Feng
Published: December 2022

Oxoiron(IV) species are a critical intermediate in the Fe‐based Fenton‐like process at circumneutral pH, and its oxidative reactivity is closely related to the ligands. An optional inorganic host material, MoS2, is selected to construct a highly reactive sulfur ligand coordinated Fe species in this work. The Fe species doped in MoS2 is presented as the FeII centre and triggers the transformation of the 2H phase to the octahedral 1T phase MoS2. The role of the interaction between doped Fe and the MoS2 host lattice on the formation of oxoiron(IV) is studied. A significant Fenton‐like reactivity and a remarkable accumulation of oxoiron(IV) species were observed for Fe‐MoS2. The quenching experiment was implemented to disclose the predominant role of oxoiron(IV) species in the Fe‐MoS2/H2O2 Fenton‐like system. Furthermore, oxoiron(IV) species could transform into the ⋅O2− and 1O2, which further expedites the Fenton‐like reaction.
Ancient Darwinian replicators nested within eubacterial genomes
Authors: Bertels Frederic , Rainey Paul B.
Published: December 2022

Integrative mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as transposons and insertion sequences, propagate within bacterial genomes, but persistence times in individual lineages are short. For long‐term survival, MGEs must continuously invade new hosts by horizontal transfer. Theoretically, MGEs that persist for millions of years in single lineages, and are thus subject to vertical inheritance, should not exist. Here we draw attention to an exception – a class of MGE termed REPIN. REPINs are non‐autonomous MGEs whose duplication depends on non‐jumping RAYT transposases. Comparisons of REPINs and typical MGEs show that replication rates of REPINs are orders of magnitude lower, REPIN population size fluctuations correlate with changes in available genome space, REPIN conservation depends on RAYT function, and REPIN diversity accumulates within host lineages. These data lead to the hypothesis that REPINs form enduring, beneficial associations with eubacterial chromosomes. Given replicative nesting, our hypothesis predicts conflicts arising from the diverging effects of selection acting simultaneously on REPINs and host genomes. Evidence in support comes from patterns of REPIN abundance and diversity in two distantly related bacterial species. Together this bolsters the conclusion that REPINs are the genetic counterpart of mutualistic endosymbiotic bacteria.
EEG‐biomarker theta/beta ratio and attentional quotients in adults who stutter: An electrophysiological and behavioral study
Authors: Poormohammad Ahmad , Pourrahimi Ali Mohammad , Fathi Mazyar , Sardari Sara , Razavi Mahdiye Sarrafe , Bahrasemani Mohammad Karimi , Mozaffary Anusheh Mosanen , Mazhari Shahrzad
Published: December 2022

Introduction

There is increasing evidence that connects developmental stuttering to attention. However, findings have represented contradiction. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the possible relationship between stuttering and attention in resting and undertask conditions.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 26 right‐handed AWS (adults who stutter) and 25 matched fluent speakers were enrolled. Demographic data were collected, and the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) was filled out for all participants. Then, QEEG was conducted, followed by IVA2. CPT test for all subjects. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.

Results

AWS indicated significantly weaker auditory focus attention in the task (p = .02) than the control group, while a similar resting‐state EEG marker of attention was found between groups (p > .05). Moreover, attention was not correlated between the two conditions (p > .05).

Conclusion

The EEG marker of attention did not necessarily designate the attentional performance of AWS under the task. Furthermore, attentional skills could be considered in the assessment and therapeutic programs of at least some groups of AWS.
Selective Conversion of Glycerol to Value‐Added C3 Products: Effect of Catalyst Surface Structure
Authors: Gupta Geet , Roling Luke T.
Published: December 2022

Glycerol, a major byproduct of biodiesel processing, could be leveraged as a platform to higher‐value products if the selectivity of its transformations could be improved. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to identify reactivity trends for the initial glycerol dehydrogenation steps involving C−H and O−H bond cleavage on a variety of transition metals including Ag, Au, Cu, Pd, Pt, and Rh considering both (111) and (100) surface facets. Additional activation energies calculated on Pt(111), Pt(100), Au(111), and Au(100) surfaces indicate that the most energetically favorable pathway is highly sensitive to the local surface structure and depends on the adsorption strength of reactive intermediates to the metal surface. Finally, adsorbate‐based and structure‐based energy scaling approaches for glycerol are identified, suggesting the ability to screen candidate materials using both structure‐ and composition‐based reactivity descriptors.
Clarifying the Active Site Role of meso‐Carboxyphenyl Group for Free Base Porphyrins in Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Lei , Yang Tian‐Yi , Zhang Jijie , Zhang Ying‐Hui
Published: December 2022

Three kinds of free base meso‐carboxyphenylporphyrins were compared about their photocatalytic activity to elucidate the role of −COOH group playing in H2 evolution from water splitting. Meso‐tetra(3,5‐dicarboxyphenyl)porphyrin (H2TDCPP) gives a much larger H2 evolution rate than other two porphyrins, attributable to more −COOH groups involved that may interact with H2O. This interaction, as revealed by DFT calculation, initiates H2 evolution from the splitting of associated H2O under ultraviolet light irradiation resulted by effective transfer of photogenerated electron from central porphine ring to meso‐substituents and then further to the interacted water. Improving the accessibility of −COOH groups to water molecule by optimizing H2TDCPP dosage induces an H2 evolution rate around 31.21 mmol ⋅ h−1 ⋅ g−1 (pH=7, full‐spectrum light), which is unprecedented for free based porphyrin photocatalysts without metal‐cocatalysts. This work clarifies the active site role of −COOH groups and paves a new way to design high‐performed organic photocatalysis by introducing polar groups‐based active sites.
Cool‐season golf course fairway species irrigation requirements under limited irrigation
Authors: Powlen Jada S. , Bigelow Cale A.
Published: December 2022

Improving water conservation efforts for golf course turf is a constant industry goal. While creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.; CBG) is the preferred fairway species throughout most of the cool‐humid regions, water requirements of alternative cool‐season species with better acute drought tolerance at fairway mowing heights (e.g., <0.5 inch) are not well documented. A 2‐yr field study compared two irrigation strategies (80% reference evapotranspiration, ETo, replacement or a green cover threshold, GCT, response‐based approach) for a 60‐d summer period for six cool‐season species grown under a fixed roof rainout structure on a silt‐loam soil. For the GCT approach, plots were imaged three times per week and if a plot fell below the GCT, 55 and 65% green cover in 2017 and 2018, respectively, a predetermined amount of water was added. The 80% ETo replacement plots received a total of 8.63 and 8.26 inches of irrigation in 2017 and 2018, respectively. By contrast, the GCT strategy required substantially less water which varied by species and year. Among species, turf‐type tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.] and a Mid‐Atlantic type Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) required approximately 45 and 52% less irrigation compared to CBG in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Where water conservation is paramount, planting more drought tolerant species and cultivars and employing alternative irrigation strategies like a GCT can result in significant water savings.
A meta‐analysis of the effects of Striga control methods on maize, sorghum, and major millets production in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dossa Emeline N. , Shimelis Hussein , Shayanowako Admire I. T. , Laing Mark D.
Published: December 2022

Parasitic Striga weeds severely damage cereal crops in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), leading to yield losses in susceptible varieties. A range of Striga control methods are commonly recommended, including cultural practices, chemical herbicides, biological control agents, and host resistance, either as solo treatments or in combinations of these approaches (i.e., integrated Striga management [ISM]). A limited number of studies compared the relative efficacy of the recommended Striga control methods, or their combinations for ISM, in cereal crop production in SSA. The objective of this paper was to undertake a meta‐analysis and provide a detailed comparison of the Striga control methods in the production of maize, sorghum, and the major millets, as a guide to effective Striga management. The study was conducted as a meta‐analysis of 66 research articles that reported on various control measures. The following agronomic data were collected: grain yield (GY) response of the assessed crops and Striga parameters such as damage rating score (SDR) and emergence count (SEC). Maize varieties possessing Striga‐resistant genes displayed high mean yield values at 2053.00 kg ha−1, varying from 281.00 to 6260.00 kg ha−1, and a mean SDR of 4.70, ranging from 2.00 to 7.00. Likewise, sorghum varieties with Striga resistance genes achieved greater GY with a mean yield response of 1738.00 kg ha−1, ranging from 850.00 to 2162.00 kg ha−1. A relatively low GY was achieved in maize and sorghum production when deploying ISM (e.g., cultural control + host resistance and host resistance + chemical herbicides) and chemical Striga control. Effective ISM and pre‐ and post‐emergent herbicides have not yet been identified for Striga control and yield gains. Striga damage negatively affected GY in maize, as revealed by the significant correlation (r = −0.36, P < 0.001) between GY and SDR. A relatively weak correlation was detected in maize between GY and SEC (r = 0.003, P = 0.96). Sorghum GY was negatively correlated with SEC, although nonsignificantly (r = −0.30, P = 0.36). Few studies have evaluated Striga control methods in pearl millet and finger millet, limiting the opportunity for an effective comparison. The study recommends SDR as the best selection criterion for improving GY performance in maize, while SEC and SDR are the parameters of choice in sorghum selection programs for better GY under Striga infestation. Overall, the meta‐analysis indicates that host resistance is the most effective method for controlling Striga infestation and boosting GY in maize and sorghum. There is an ongoing need for research into the best combinations of the reported control methods as a sound basis for the recommendation of an ISM package across target production environments of common cereals in Africa.
Direct heat energy harvesting from wind by a permanent magnet eddy currents heater with different magnet arrangements
Authors: Khanjari Ali , Kang Sangkyun , Lee Sang‐Il , Lee Jang‐Ho , Kim Yong‐Su
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we study the input torque of a permanent magnet eddy current heater (PMECH) as the main important parameter to generate heat directly from wind energy. The PMECH contains a metallic stator, which acts as a conductor, and a rotor covered by permanent magnets to generate a magnetic field on the conductor. We studied nine configurations varying in magnet arrangements on the rotor to show their effects on the input torque of the heat generator under different angular velocities from 100 to 500 RPMs. It is shown that having enough space between permanent magnets perpendicular to the rotational direction can increase the induced magnetic flux on the conductor, and we see a growth in the input energy of PMECH. Moreover, having an energy efficiency of more than 95% at different rotational speeds, PMECH can be an alternative energy converter system when it needs to generate thermal energy directly from the wind.
The variations of terrestrial trace fossils and sedimentary substrates after the end‐Permian extinction in the Dengfeng area, North China
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wan En‐zhao , Xu Xin , Li Da , Dai Ming‐yue , Qi Yong‐An , Xing Zhi‐Feng , Liu Yun‐Long
Published: December 2022

Evolution of terrestrial infauna in the Early Triassic enables to understand terrestrial biotic recovery after the end‐Permian mass extinction (EPME). Six ichnospecies in two ichnogenera, including Skolithos linearis, S. verticalis, S. annulatus, S. isp., Planolites montanus, and P. beverleyensis, were recognized from the Lower Triassic Liujiagou Formation (Induan Stage) and Heshanggou Formation (Olenekian Stage) in the Baiping section of the Dengfeng area, North China. The ichno‐ecological analyses of ichno‐taxonomic abundance, ichnodiversity, bioturbation index, burrow size, and tiering level revealed that terrestrial infauna expanded from epibenthic to endobenthic through the Early Triassic. The tiering deepening suggested that tracemakers gradually began to excavate into the sediments instead of moving on the microbial mats, indicating that the burrowing capability of trace‐making animals has recovered in the Olenekian. Four types of sedimentary substrates were summarized: non‐bioturbated matground, matground with bioturbated patches, weakly bioturbated mixed ground, and moderately bioturbated mixed ground. Occurrence of the substrate of mixed ground may be a sign of the initial recovery of the terrestrial ecosystem after the EPME.
The impact of community midwives on maternal healthcare utilization
Authors: Musaddiq Tareena
Published: December 2022

Globally 800 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. One of the major reasons for high maternal mortality ratios in many developing countries is the low proportion of births attended by Skilled Birth Attendants (SBA). To address the high number of maternal deaths, in 2008 the Government of Pakistan introduced the Community Midwives Program. Under the program, women from across the country were trained and deployed as Community Midwives. In this study, I use six rounds of Pakistan Social and Living Measurement Survey to estimate the impact of this program on maternal healthcare utilization. I find that women residing in districts with higher Community Midwives per capita were 9 percentage points more likely to be attended by a SBA at the time of delivery and were 8 percentage points more likely to give birth at a medical facility as opposed to birthing at home. I find no evidence of impact on take up of prenatal and post‐natal check‐ups. The use of Community Midwives may be a cost effective tool to reduce maternal deaths, especially for developing countries with low health budgets.
Epidemiology of peer cybervictimization and its relationship with health‐related quality of life in adolescents: A prospective study
Authors: González‐Cabrera Joaquín , Díaz‐López Adoración , Caba‐Machado Vanessa , Ortega‐Barón Jessica , Echezarraga Ainara , Fernández‐González Liria , Machimbarrena Juan M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Research focused on the association between peer cybervictimization and declining health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is scarce. Currently, few longitudinal studies find an association between these phenomena, and none focus on cybervictimization profiles. The main objectives are: (1) to analyze the point and period prevalence, and incidence of cybervictimization profiles (uninvolved, new, ceased, intermittent, and stable cybervictims); (2) to study the relationship between cybervictimization and HRQoL over time; (3) to determine the longitudinal impact on the HRQoL of each type of profile.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in three waves over 13 months. A total of 1142 adolescents aged 11–18 years participated in all the waves (630 girls, 55.2%).

Results

The prevalence of victimization for the three waves was 21.6% (Wave 1; W1), 23.5% (W2), and 19.6% (W3), respectively. The period prevalence was 41.3%, and the accumulated incidence was 25.1%. It was found that 24% of the participants were new victims, 5.9% were intermittent victims, and 6% were stable victims. Being a cybervictim at W1 poses a relative risk of 1.73 [1.29–2.32], that is, a twofold increased risk of presenting a low HRQoL 13 months later compared to those who are not cybervictims.

Conclusion

One in four adolescents became a new cybervictim during the 13 months of the study. The adolescents who presented poorer HRQoL were the stable cybervictims.
Safety and usefulness of fluorescence imaging using methylene blue as a fluorophore in a Japanese population with hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases: A phase I study
Authors: Fukuda Kaito , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Abe Satoru , Kobayashi Yuta , Maki Harufumi , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Arita Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: December 2022

Background

Methylene blue (MB) has been used to treat methemoglobinemia. Recently, a fluorescence imaging technique using MB as a fluorophore was used in several region but still not in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery; thus, information on the safety of intraoperative fluorescence imaging using MB in a healthy Japanese population is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of MB fluorescence imaging in patients undergoing hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and the safety of intraoperative administration of MB in patients without methemoglobinemia.

Methods

Eighteen patients undergoing hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery were enrolled. We developed and used a fluorescence imaging system to visualize MB as fluorescence. The fluorescence intensity of the blood vessels, tumors, liver, and intestine were measured. The primary endpoint was the ability of the MB fluorescence imaging to visualize vessels and tumors with fluorescence. The secondary endpoint was the safety of fluorescence imaging using MB in patients without methemoglobinemia.

Results

For the 18 patients undergoing MB fluorescence imaging, no intraoperative and postoperative complications related to MB administration occurred. Seventeen patients (94%) successfully visualized the target object as fluorescence by MB fluorescence imaging, including 100% of neuroendocrine tumors (four tumors) and peripancreatic vessels (n = 13).

Conclusion

The administration of MB and application of fluorescence imaging using MB can visualize blood vessels and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. And it also showed the safety of using MB as a fluorophore in Japanese patients without methemoglobinemia.
Arterial reinforcement following pancreatoduodenectomy: The solution to prevent delayed hemorrhage caused by postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Kim Ji Su , Lee Tae Yoon , Kwak Bong Jun , Lee Jun Suh , Kwon Yong Kyong , Yoon Young Chul
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Delayed hemorrhage (DH) is a rare and yet well‐known fatal complication associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The study aimed to investigate whether arterial reinforcement (AR) using polyglycolic acid sheets (PAS) followed by fibrin sealant (FS) to the hepatic artery could prevent DH in the setting of POPF after PD.

Methods

A total of 345 patients underwent PD for periampullary tumors from March 2011 to March 2022. From March 2011 to March 2018, 225 patients underwent PD, and AR was not performed (non‐AR group). From April 2018 to March 2022, 120 patients underwent PD, and AR was performed (AR group). AR was achieved by wrapping the proper hepatic artery all the way down to the celiac artery with PAS followed by coating with FS. Demographic profile and various outcomes including DH of these two groups were compared and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

In non‐AR group, 48 (21.3%) and 12 (5.3%) patients had grade B and C POPF, respectively. In AR group, 26 (21.7%) and four (3.3%) patients had grade B and C POPF, respectively. The incidence of POPF was not statistically significant (p = .702) between the groups. Among the patients with grade B or C POPF, DH occurred in 14 (23.3%) patients in non‐AR group and only one patient in AR group (p = .016). Of the 15 patients with DH, four (26.7%) patients died.

Conclusion

AR using PAS and FS is effective in preventing DH in the setting of POPF.
Stop and go strategy for Lagrange stability of quaternion‐valued memristive neural networks
Authors: Li Ruoxia , Cao Jinde , Li Ning
Published: December 2022

This paper introduces a novel approach to study the quaternion‐valued memristive neural networks and uses this method to investigate the Lagrange stability of the memristive system. By utilizing the logical switching signal, a stop and go strategy is proposed, which makes the model translated into a system contain two different switching parameters; thus, the derived conclusions contain much more information of the states. Moreover, the difficulty of comparing the “size” of quaternions can be avoided. In the case of discrete‐time system, a very useful lemma is presented, which makes the analysis of the discrete‐time quaternion‐valued memristive network easy to operate. Through simulations, the main results regarding to the Lagrange stability are illustrated.
Toward standardization of statistical reporting in studies on entheseal changes
Authors: van der Pas Stéphanie , Schrader Sarah
Published: December 2022

Statistical analysis, while at first glance an objective way to extract insights from data, remains at its core a human endeavor. Elements of subjectivity are introduced by the many decisions that go into the selection of a statistical method. Such subjectivity may harm the evidentiary value of results from statistical analyses. Standardization of statistical methods decreases the degrees of freedom available to researchers and may thus be seen as a way to increase the objectivity of the analysis. Here, we argue that standardization of methods is not only impossible because statistical methods rely on assumptions that need to be considered on a case‐by‐case basis but also undesirable because it may block innovation. We propose that the entheseal changes field is better served by standardization of reporting and discuss how reporting guidelines may be developed based on examples from biostatistics.
Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult breast and reproductive tumors
Authors: Harris Courtney J. , Rowell Erin E. , Jayasinghe Yasmin , Cost Carrye , Childress Krista J. , Frederick Natasha N. , McNally Orla , Appiah Leslie , Anazodo Antoinette
Published: December 2022

Tumors of the breast and reproductive organs that occur in children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA) have different biological features and can present special challenges. Although prognosis for these tumors is generally favorable, the long‐term effects of treatment can be debilitating. Treatments are often multimodal and may include surgery as well as chemotherapy and/or radiation, which can cause considerable distress and anxiety related to loss of femininity or masculinity, concern over future fertility, or sexual dysfunction. Thus, tumors of the reproductive organs in pediatric/AYA patients require special consideration of the treatment effects beyond the intended oncologic outcome. Multidisciplinary teams should be involved in their care and address issues of fertility, sexual dysfunction, and psychosexual concerns before treatment begins. This review addresses histology, risk factors, prognosis, staging and treatment of gynecologic, breast and testicular cancers in pediatric and AYA patients.
Waxberry‐Shaped Ordered Mesoporous P‐TiO2−x Microspheres as High‐Performance Cathodes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenna , Xu Yuanmei , Liu Jiabing , Li Yebao , Akinoglu Eser Metin , Zhu Yaojie , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: December 2022

As a candidate for a new generation of inexpensive and high‐performance energy storage systems, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have attracted widespread research. However, the development and application of Li–S batteries are limited by severe polysulfide dissolution and slow reaction kinetics. Herein, a type of ordered mesoporous P‐TiO2−x microsphere with a waxberry‐like shape as the sulfur host material for Li–S batteries is put forward, which combines the radially arranged mesoporous structure with oxygen defects in the mesoporous framework. In addition, the introduction of phosphorus impurities greatly improves the conductivity of the sulfur electrode, enhances electron mobility, and promotes the interaction between the sulfur species and P‐TiO2−x microspheres. Finally, S/P‐TiO2−x cathodes have achieved a high capacity of 1174.9 mAh g−1 at 0.2C and stable cycling (the average capacity attenuation is only 0.086% per cycle at 1C after 600 cycles).
Electrospun Fiber as a Facile Means of Studying Silver Nanowires under Mechanical Stretching
Authors: Huang Jie , He Guangyu , Hu Yuxiong , Sun Yiwei , Wang Dongfu , Wang Zhu-Jun , Liu Xueyang , Chen Hongyu
Published: December 2022

It is a great challenge to study the mechanical property of nanomaterials because it is difficult to get a hold of them and apply force. A convenient alternative method via electrospun fibers is shown, where silica‐coated fivefold twinned silver nanowires are well aligned in the fiber and the fibers are aligned in the membrane to a similar direction of macroscopic stretching. The product silver nanowires show necks whereas the fractured silica shell acts as the internal marker for the extent of stretching. Surprisingly, the stretched neck length depends on the nanowire diameter but is independent of the degree of stretching, indicating that the necks have arrived at a limiting intermediate state, which is otherwise hard to achieve for nanomaterials. The necks are studied by transmission electron aberration‐corrected microscopy and steered molecular dynamics simulation, revealing that the build‐up of dislocations and stacking faults (the Lomer–Cottrell (LC) locks) are responsible for trapping the necks at similar limiting states.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Photocatalysis for Solar Fuel Production
Authors: Xiao Juan‐Ding , Li Rui , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: December 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a novel class of crystalline inorganic–organic hybrid materials with tunable semiconducting behavior. MOFs have potential for application in photocatalysis to produce sustainable solar fuels, owing to their unique structural advantages (such as clarity and modifiability) that can facilitate a deeper understanding of the structure–activity relationship in photocatalysis. This review takes the photocatalytic active sites as a particular perspective, summarizing the progress of MOF‐based photocatalysis for solar fuel production; mainly including three categories of solar‐chemical conversions, photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen fuel, photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction to hydrocarbon fuels, and photocatalytic nitrogen fixation to high‐energy fuel carriers such as ammonia. This review focuses on the types of active sites in MOF‐based photocatalysts and discusses their enhanced activity based on the well‐defined structure of MOFs, offering deep insights into MOF‐based photocatalysis.
Minimizing the Ohmic Resistance of Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite for Semitransparent and Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Ye Haoran , Xu Weiquan , Tang Fei , Yu Bohao , Zhang Cuiling , Ma Nanxi , Lu Feiping , Yang Yuzhao , Shen Kai , Duan Weiyuan , Lambertz Andreas , Ding Kaining , Mai Yaohua
Published: December 2022

To overcome the efficiency limit of perovskite single‐junction solar cells, it is vital to develop various types of tandem solar cells. Especially, wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have played an important role in high‐efficiency tandem solar cells. Herein, an indium zinc oxide‐based interfacial structure is developed to improve the performance of a WBG PSC and used as the transparent electrode for semitransparent (ST) PSCs. This approach minimizes ohmic contact between the electron‐transport layer and metallic electrode, which also accelerates electron transfer and suppresses trap‐assisted carrier recombination. As a result, the WBG PSC (1.71 eV) shows the best power conversion efficiency of 19.26% and improves operational stability. When the optimized ST‐PSC is used as the ST‐top cell, perovskite/CdTe four‐terminal and perovskite/silicon (double‐side polished) two‐terminal tandem solar cells achieve a maximum efficiency of 22.59% and 26.34%, respectively.
Molecular detection and occurrence of vancomycin resistance genes (van A, B, C1, C2/C3) among Enterococcus species isolated from farm ostriches
Authors: Mirzaie Sara , Faghiri Isa , Askari Badouei Mahdi , Madani Seyed Ahmad
Published: December 2022

Background

Evaluating the prevalence of vancomycin resistance genes (van genes) in enterococcal isolates from food‐producing animals is an important public health issue because of the possibility of resistance genes spread to human.

Objectives

The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of vancomycin resistance genes among Enterococcus species obtained from ostrich faecal samples.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐five faecal samples of apparently healthy ostriches from five different farms were investigated. Genes encoding vancomycin resistance were studied by multiplex‐PCR, and susceptibility to six antibiotics was evaluated by disk‐diffusion method.

Results

In total, 107 Enterococcus spp. isolates were obtained and confirmed by biochemical and molecular tests. Enterococcus faecium was the prevailing species (56 isolates of 107; 52.3%), followed by E. hirae (24 isolates; 22.4%) and E. gallinarum (12 isolates; 11.2%). Of the 107 recovered isolates, 44% harboured at least a type of van genes. vanA, vanC2/3 and vanC1 were identified in 34 (31.7%), 13 isolates (12.1%) and 4 (3.7%) isolates respectively. Additionally, four isolates (E. gallinarum, E. rafinosus) co‐harboured the the vanA and vanC1 or vanA and vanC2/3. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus hirae strains with the vanA genotype were the most frequent van‐carrying enterococci from ostrich faecal samples. Among van‐carrying enterococcal isolates, 23.4% were phenotypically resistant to vancomycin. This study revealed a relatively high prevalence (44%) of van‐carrying enterococci in ostrich faecal samples.

Conclusions

Results of the present study suggest that ostrich faeces could be considered as a reservoir of vancomycin resistance genes, especially vanA containing enterococci that could be potentially transferred to human through the food chain.
Addressing Traceability in Social Measurement Establishing a Common Metric for Dependence
Authors: Salzberger Thomas
Published: December 2022

Measurement in the social sciences is typically characterized by a multitude of instruments that are assumed to measure the same concept but lack comparability. Underdeveloped conceptual theories that fail to expose a measurement mechanism are one reason for the incommensurable measurements. Without such a mechanism measurements cannot be linked to a fundamental reference as required by metrological traceability. However, traditional metrological concepts can be extended by allowing for direct links between different instruments, so-called crosswalks. In this regard, Rasch Measurement Theory proves particularly useful as it facilitates a co-calibration of different instruments onto a common metric. The example of the measurement of nicotine dependence through self-report instruments serves as a showcase of the problems in social measurement and how they can be overcome contributing to metrological traceability in the social sciences.
Structure of Development in a Smart Society: An Application of Input–Output Analysis
Authors: Washizu Ayu , Nakano Satoshi
Published: December 2022

The construction of a smart societyutilizing information and communication technology (ICT) is attracting attention to simultaneously achieve various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using input–output analysis, this chapter elucidates the economic structure of a smart society. This content is an extension of Leontief’s “Structure of Development” study of the 20th-century industrial society. Here, a smart society enables waste to be eliminated and the utility of people to be increased by strengthening management in all fields of society using ICT. It is shown that a smart society will achieve an industrial structure with a lighter environmental load and sustain moderate economic growth. Therefore, the movement aiming to build a smart society in Asia and other regions of the world is deemed beneficial and expected to contribute to achieving the SDGs. Additionally, Japan is a developed country with advanced ICT in Asia, and improving the efficiency of Japan’s ICT has been found to profoundly affect the entire Asian region. Japan plays a key role in building a smart society in the Asian region. This chapter is not only directly related to SDG9, but also to SDGs2, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13.
Global Food Security, and Economic and Agricultural Development
Authors: Gemma Masahiko
Published: December 2022

This chapter aims to present factors affecting global fooddemandand supply conditions and to find potential solutions to global food security problems. First, the factors determining the supply and demand conditions of food are detailed in relation to the linkages among food, agriculture, and rural development. Second, Japan's success in securing food in the early stage of economic growth as a developing country is presented as example. Discussions on supplyand demand determinants in the first part are needed to understand the reasons for success in achieving Japan’s food security objectives. Policy implications are derived for developing countries that struggle to ensure global food security. Reading this chapter will assist the readers in discussing potential solutions to global food security problems. Climate change issues are also discussed in relation to global food and energy security. We examine the effectiveness of crop-based energy production and potential conflicts with food production using examples from Japan and the United States of America.
The Rectangle Complex of a Relation
Authors: Brun Morten , Salbu Lars M.
Published: December 2022

We construct a simplicial complex, the rectangle complex of a relation R, and show that it is homotopy equivalent to the Dowker complex of $$R$$
R
. This results in a short and conceptual proof of functorial versions of Dowker’s Theorem used in topological data analysis.