bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation implications of mapping the potential distribution of an Ethiopian endemic versatile medicinal plant, Echinops kebericho Mesfin
Authors: Tafesse Bedilu , Bekele Tamrat , Demissew Sebsebe , Dullo Bikila Warkineh , Nemomissa Sileshi , Chala Desalegn
Published: May 2023

Echinops kebericho is a narrow‐range multipurpose medicinal plant confined to Ethiopia. Intense land use change and overharvesting for traditional medicine have resulted in narrow distributions of its populations. It is a threatened species with a decreasing population trend. This study aims to map its potential distribution, which is key to guide conservation efforts and sustainable use. We modeled the potential distribution of E. kebercho using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) employing 11 less correlated predictor variables by calibrating the model at two complexity levels and replicating each model 10 times using a cross validation technique. We projected the models into the whole of Ethiopia and produced binary presence–absence maps by classifying the average map from both complexity levels applying three threshold criteria and ensembling the resulting maps into one for the final result. We mapped suitable habitat predicted with high certainty and identified local districts where E. kebericho can be cultivated or introduced to enhance its conservation. We estimated that E.kebercho has about 137,925 km2 of suitable habitat, mainly concentrated in the western highlands of the Ethiopian mountains. Our models at both complexity levels had high average performances, AUC values of 0.925 for the complex model and 0.907 for the simpler model. The variations in performance among the 10 model replicates were not remarkable, an AUC standard deviation of 0.040 for complex and 0.046 for simple model. Although E. kebericho is locally confined, our models predicted that it has a remarkably wider potential distribution area. We recommend introducing E. kebericho to these areas to improve its conservation status and tap its multiple benefits on a sustainable basis. Locally confined threatened plants and animals likely have wider potential distributions than their actual distributions and thus similar methodology can be applied for their conservation.
Six‐Membered NHC Stabilized Monomeric Zinc Complexes
Authors: Gour Kritika , Kundu Gargi , Dash Soumya Ranjan , Vanka Kumar , Tothadi Srinu , Sen Sakya S.
Published: May 2023

This paper describes the rare use of a 6‐membered saturated N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) known as 1,3‐di(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) tetrahydropyrimidine‐2‐ylidene (abbreviated as 6‐SIDipp) as a ligand in zinc chemistry. We report on the investigation of the reactions between 6‐SIDipp and ZnX2, which resulted in a range of new monomeric 6‐SIDipp⋅ZnX2 complexes (X=Et (1), Cl (2), Br (3), and I (4)). We also prepared a new NHC zinc complex where the two substituents of the zinc atom are different, 6‐SIDipp⋅Zn(Et)Br (7) through the reaction of the proligand [6‐SIDippH]Br with ZnEt2. We have observed that the reactions of complex 1 with sulfur and HBpin led to the removal of the ZnEt2 moiety, resulting in the formation of a C=S double bond and a B−H activation product, respectively. Lastly, the reaction of 1 with five‐membered NHCs led to the exchange of carbene and the formation of either 5‐IDipp⋅ZnEt2 (8) or 5‐SIDipp⋅ZnEt2 (9).
Catalyst‐ and Oxidant‐Free Electrochemical Regioselective Halogenation and Trifluoromethylation of 4H‐Pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones
Authors: Su Meiyun , Guo Lina , Mao Peiyu , Xiao Meng , Liu Wenjie , Wang Shaohua
Published: May 2023

The catalyst‐free electrochemical halogenation and trifluoromethylation of 4H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones was realized under external‐oxidant‐free conditions. This strategy provides an easy and green access to functionalized new 4H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐one derivatives with broad scope, good functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity.
Fitted finite difference technique for singularly perturbed reaction diffusion equations of third order with integral boundary condition
Authors: Raja V. , Tamilselvan A. , Jayalakshmi G. Janani , Sekar E.
Published: May 2023

We have considered a third order singularly perturbed reaction diffusion equations with integral boundary condition. On a Shishkin mesh, a numerical technique based on a finite difference scheme is provided. The proposed approach is almost first order convergent. In the discrete norm, an error estimate is obtained. Numerical examples are provided to validate the theoretical estimates.
Effect of infection of potato plants by Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus S (PVS), and Potato virus M (PVM) on content and physicochemical properties of tuber starch
Authors: Ospankulova Gulnazym , Khassanov Vadim , Kamanova Svetlana , Toimbayeva Dana , Saduakhasova Saule , Bulashev Berdibek , Aidarkhanova Gulnar , Yermekov Yernaz , Murat Linara , Shaimenova Bakhyt , Muratkhan Marat , Li Wenhao
Published: May 2023

Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus S (PVS), and Potato virus M (PVM) infection of potato plants leads to decreased dry matter and starch content in tubers. Starch samples from potato tubers infected with PVY, PVS, and PVM had higher amylose content. Granules of starch isolated from potato tubers infected by PVS exhibit larger granules than starch granules isolated from tubers of healthy plants. In contrast, in the case of PVM and PVY infection, starch granules were significantly smaller in diameter. A decrease in the degree of crystallinity has been observed in all samples of starches obtained from the tubers of infected plants compared to starch isolated from tubers of healthy plants. A slight decrease in gelatinization temperature was noted for starch samples isolated from tubers infected by PVY and PVM, and a slight increase in gelatinization temperature for starch samples isolated from tubers infected by PVS compared to starch isolated from tubers of healthy plants. In all samples of starch obtained from tubers of infected plants, an increase in the value of gelatinization enthalpy was observed. Thus, it can be concluded that damage to potato plants by PVM and PVY leads to a significant decrease in the quality of starch in tubers. At the same time, infection by PVS had practically no considerable effect.
Bisphenol A release from food and beverage containers – A review
Authors: Khalili Sadrabad Elham , Hashemi Sayed Aliasghar , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Askari Elaheh , Akrami Mohajeri Fateme , Ramroudi Fereshteh
Published: May 2023

Dietary exposure was introduced as the primary way Bisphenol A (BPA) enters the human body. Although significant efforts have been made to analyze BPA's presence in different foodstuffs, less attention has been given to introducing the conditions that facilitate BPA release. This review aimed to mention possible factors affecting BPA release into foods and beverages. According to the results, the critical factors in BPA release are temperature, manufacturing process, food and packaging type, pH, mineral elements, repeated use, irradiation, washing, contact time, and using detergents. It showed that using PC containers, high temperature and pH, storage under solar irradiation, alkaline detergents, water hardness, and repeated use could increase the BPA release from containers into foodstuff. During various conditions, hydrolysis of the carbonate linkage and d‐spacing will increase. Considering these parameters and limiting the use of PC containers, the potential risk of BPA exposure could be eliminated.
The social value of a SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine: Willingness to pay estimates from four western countries
Authors: Costa‐Font Joan , Rudisill Caroline , Harrison Sayward , Salmasi Luca
Published: May 2023

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines give rise to positive externalities on population health, society and the economy in addition to protecting the health of vaccinated individuals. Hence, the social value of such a vaccine exceeds its market value. This paper estimates the willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine (or shadow prices), in four countries, namely the United States (US), the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy during the first wave of the pandemic when COVID‐19 vaccines were in development but not yet approved. WTP estimates are elicited using a payment card method to avoid “yea saying” biases, and we study the effect of protest responses, sample selection bias, as well as the influence of trust in government and risk exposure when estimating the WTP. Our estimates suggest evidence of an average value of a hypothetical vaccine of 100–200 US dollars once adjusted for purchasing power parity. Estimates are robust to a number of checks.
Adaptive Encapsulation of 1,ω‐Amino‐Acids within the “Pyrene Box”
Authors: Zheng Shao‐Ping , Feng Wei‐Xu , Jiang Ji‐Jun , Wang Dawei , van der Lee Arie , Barboiu Mihail
Published: May 2023

Pyrene boxes, self‐assembled from 1,3,5,8‐pyrene‐tetrasulfonate anions, PTS4− and Guanidinium G+, amino‐guanidinium AG+ and hydrated alkali counter cations have been used for the encapsulation of 1,ω‐amino‐acids of variable lengths. The NMR spectroscopy illustrates that these systems are stable in aqueous solution and encapsulation process involves dynamic or fixed guest molecules within Pyrene box, depending of the nature of the counter‐cations. The amide bond coupling between the amino‐guanidinium AG+ and encapsulated 1,ω‐amino‐acid guests occur in water in the absence of coupling catalysts. The variable co‐encapsulation of the guests via multivalent stabilizing interactions shed light that chemical selection can be obtained from mixtures of 1,ω‐amino‐acids. Our study involving a comprehensive screening of 18 co‐crystal structures help to understand the in‐situ fixation of 1,ω‐amino‐acid guests and their accurate determination of unconventional structures under confinement.
Mind from Matter: The Chemical Connection
Authors: Pascal Robert , Pross Addy
Published: May 2023

One of life's most extraordinary features is its mental dimension, one whose origin and essence remain a deep scientific mystery. Given the modern scientific view that life emerged from non‐life, how was ‘dead’ matter able to take on mental capabilities? In this Review we report on two recent scientific discoveries, which together offer new insights into the possible physical basis of mind and the origin of ‘self’. First, recent thinking in microbiology now contends that simplest life manifests highly developed cognitive capabilities, suggesting that such capabilities were initiated early in the evolutionary process, likely within chemistry. Second, the recent discovery of a new dimension within chemical space of energized dynamic kinetically stable (DKS) chemical systems appears able to explain the emergence of systems with distinct non‐physical characteristics, including cognition and ‘self’. These two developments, when coupled to a physically based description of the evolutionary process, offer a feasible means of outlining the physical/chemical basis for life's mental state and a means for its emergence. A door toward resolution of the seemingly intractable ‘mind from matter’ problem may have opened up.
Improved multiple sclerosis diagnosis with advanced deep learning techniques
Authors: Pandian A. , Udhayakumar G.
Published: May 2023

White matter pathologies analysis is important for segmenting multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in MRI slices. Myelin damage affects motor function, sensory conflicts, paralysis, and vision. Extracting an optimistic number of hidden characteristic features induces high feature maps and reduces redundancy and dimensionality. A framework based on Hybrid Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (HD‐CNN) is presented to classify MS based on the acquired optimistic feature characteristic. First, Chaotic Leader‐Selective Particle Swarm Optimization uses the pixel intensity ratio of the targeted region to extract the most hidden white matter features. Second, Refined Slime Mold categorizes hidden features and ensures that the necessary features are selected effectively for a better segmentation result. An effective inbuilt Maximum Bidirectional Gradient Classifier accurately classifies MS lesions by detecting white matter spots in the target region. Finally, we will evaluate the proposed HD‐CNN framework using the industry‐standard University Medical Centre Ljubljana (UMCL) and international symposium on biomedical imaging (ISBI) 2015 datasets as benchmarks. It reaches 98.56%, 93.15%, and 98.44% accuracy for FLAIR, T1W, and T2W, respectively. Our HD‐CNN improves MS classification over other state‐of‐the‐art techniques, compared with accuracy, F‐score, Recall, Precision, Dice, and Jaccard indexes values.
Systematic review of the impact of medication synchronization on healthcare utilization, economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes
Authors: Waghmare Prajakta H. , Lindsey Rachel , Reed Jason B. , Gao Sujuan , Zillich Alan J.
Published: May 2023

Medication synchronization (med‐sync) or appointment‐based medication synchronization (ABMS) programs allow patients to have their chronic medication refills aligned to one pickup day. For patients on multiple chronic medications, it provides a more manageable way of picking up those medications. The objective of the study was to systematically characterize literature describing economic and healthcare utilization, clinical, and humanistic outcomes for patients enrolled in med‐sync. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they were conducted at a pharmacy in the United States, between January 2008 and October 2022, and evaluated the impact of med‐sync on at least one of the four outcomes of interest (utilization, economic, clinical, and humanistic). The title and abstracts were screened, followed by a full‐text review and final data extraction by two researchers. A data extraction template and Cochrane risk of bias tool were used for data collection and quality assessments, respectively. The search resulted in 1617 studies and finally, 27 studies were included in the systematic review. All studies included patients enrolled in either ABMS, med‐sync, or in conjunction with other pharmacy services. Across all studies evaluating medication adherence, proportion of days covered (PDC) increased. All studies that administered patient surveys showed a majority of patients were satisfied with their med‐sync program. One study showed a reduction in healthcare utilization and costs, while another study indicated no change. Med‐sync programs have shown clinical outcomes, specifically to improve adherence in patients taking chronic medications. In terms of humanistic outcomes, patient surveys have shown high rates of satisfaction with med‐sync programs. Additional studies are needed to determine if med‐sync can lead to improvements in healthcare utilization and cost outcomes.
Bounds on Ramsey games via alterations
Authors: Guo He , Warnke Lutz
Published: May 2023

We present a refinement of the classical alteration method for constructing ‐free graphs for suitable edge‐probabilities , we show that removing all edges in ‐copies of the binomial random graph does not significantly change the independence number. This differs from earlier alteration approaches of Erdős and Krivelevich, who obtained similar guarantees by removing one edge from each ‐copy (instead of all of them). We demonstrate the usefulness of our refined alternation method via two applications to online graph Ramsey games, where it enables easier analysis.
Today's Kaposi sarcoma is not the same as it was 40 years ago, or is it?
Authors: Damania Blossom , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: May 2023

This review will provide an overview of the notion that Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a disease that manifests under diverse and divergent circumstances. We begin with a historical introduction of KS and KS‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV), highlight the diversity of clinical presentations of KS, summarize what we know about the cell of origin for this tumor, explore KSHV viral load as a potential biomarker for acute KSHV infections and KS‐associated complications, and discuss immune modulators that impact KSHV infection, KSHV persistence, and KS disease.
Effectiveness of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles against bacterial biofilms: Perspectives and limitations
Authors: Mukherjee Dipro , Sil Moumita , Goswami Arunava , Lahiri Dibyajit , Nag Moupriya
Published: May 2023

In the last few years, there has been a necessary demand in the pharmaceutical industries for finding a treatment against biofilms formed by different bacterial species. We are aware of the fact that classical processes, which are already there for the removal of bacterial biofilms gives a very low efficiency and consequently antimicrobial resistance makes it even worse. To cope up with the cited problems, scientists from the past few years are inclining toward various types of nanoparticle based treatment procedures as a pharmaceutical agent against bacterial biofilms. Nanoparticles are known for their extremely efficient antimicrobial properties. The current review gives a description of different types of metal oxide nanoparticles and their antibiofilm properties. It also shows a comparative analysis of the nanoparticles and depicts the efficiency rates of biofilm degradation in each of them. It explains the mechanism of the nanoparticles through which the disintegration of bacterial biofilm is carried out. Lastly, the review throws light upon the limitations of different nanoparticles, their safety issues, the mutagenicity, genotoxicity concerns, and toxicity hazards caused by them.
Regional anesthesia is associated with improved metastasis free survival after surgical resection of bone sarcomas
Authors: Abar Bijan , Gao Junheng , Fletcher Amanda N. , Sachs Elizbeth , Wong Andrew H. , Lazarides Alexander L. , Okafor Chinedu , Brigman Brian E. , Eward William C. , Jung Sin‐Ho , Kumar Amanda H. , Visgauss Julia D.
Published: May 2023

There is increasing evidence that perioperative factors, including type of anesthesia, may be an important consideration regarding oncological disease progression. Previous studies have suggested that regional anesthesia can improve oncological outcomes by reducing the surgical stress response that occurs during tumor resection surgery and that may promote metastatic progression. The purpose of this study is to provide the first robust investigation of the impact of adding regional anesthesia to general anesthesia on oncological outcomes following sarcoma resection. One hundred patients with bone sarcoma were retrospectively analyzed in this study. After adjusting for confounding variables such as age and grade of the tumor, patients with bone sarcoma receiving regional anesthesia in addition to general anesthesia during resection had improved metastasis free survival (multivariate hazard ratio of 0.47 and p = 0.034). Future studies are needed to confer the beneficial effect of regional anesthesia, and to further investigate the potential mechanism. Clinical significance: The results from this study provide evidence that regional anesthesia may be advantageous in the setting of bone sarcoma resection surgery, reducing pain while also improving oncological outcomes and should be considered when clinically appropriate.
Early anthropic occupation and geomorphological changes in South America: human–environment interactions and OSL data from the Rincão I site, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Cheliz Pedro Michelutti , Giannini Paulo Cesar Fonseca , Moreno de Sousa João Carlos , Ladeira Francisco Sergio Bernardes , Rodrigues Juliana Alves , Mingatos Gabriela Sartori , Pupim Fabiano Nascimento , Mineli Thays Desiree , Galhardo Danilo , Rodrigues Robson Antonio
Published: May 2023

This article aims to refine the description of the artefacts and the geomorphological, geological, pedological and chronological (optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) analyses of sedimentary deposits) characterisation of the Rincão I site (southeastern Brazil) to contribute to the understanding of early human–environment interactions. The archaeological site occupation took place on hillslopes truncated by the Mogi‐Guaçu River's lateral (~1200 m) and vertical (~5 m) movements during the Late Quaternary, in an area wherein situbedrock outcrops are uncommon. This geological context favoured human groups simultaneously having access to the resources provided by the alluvial plain and hillslopes. Here we describe how about three hundred lithic artefacts are associated with soils that originated from sandy colluvium with OSL ages between 20.3 and 5.5 thousand years. These ages are consistent with the local palaeopedological and geomorphological contexts of landscape changes, and partly controversial from the perspective of models currently in vogue for the human occupation of southeastern Brazil. The vestiges of past human presence amid the hillslope sandy colluvium deposits include: 1) a set of flakes and formal artefacts (one stemmed point and three convex artefacts) made of sandstone obtained from hillslopes near (<10 km) the site; and 2) predominant detritus and flakes of quartz and flint obtained mostly from the adjacent (<1.5 km) alluvial plain, linked to flaking sequences other than those of the formal artefacts. Only quartz artefacts were found in the lower levels of the site stratigraphy, whereas in the intermediate and upper levels quartz, flint and sandstone artefacts were found, suggesting that there were changes in the raw materials used for flaking over time. The formal artefacts from the site have technological attributes like the ones observed in assemblages associated with a previously known lithic industry (Rioclarense), but a different pattern of choice of raw materials. This suggests that technical standards underwent a process of adaptation to the environmental particularities surrounding the Rincão I site.
Persecution and migration experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other sexual and gender minority asylum seekers
Authors: Lasowski Patrick , Moscicki Olivia , Liu Clifford Z. , Katzenstein Cecilia , Singer Elizabeth K. , Baranowski Kim A.
Published: May 2023

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) asylum seekers are exposed to high rates of persecution. This study aimed to identify the forms of ill treatment and the impact of these experiences on the mental health of 66 self‐identified LGBTQ+ asylum seekers from 24 nations through the analysis of human rights program intakes, sworn declarations, and pro bono forensic psychological evaluation affidavits. The results indicate that participants experienced physical assault (92.4%), harassment and intimidation (84.8%), and sexual assault (56.1%). Psychological sequelae included symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 83.3%), depression (72.7%), and anxiety (57.6%). LGBTQ+ asylum seekers faced additional hazards upon arrival in the United States. Still, these asylum seekers experienced resilience as they leveraged internal and external support. The results can serve to inform clinical professionals about the range and impact of exposures to harm experienced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers as well as possible strategies for support and advocacy for this diverse community.
Do phytoplankton require oxygen to survive? A hypothesis and model synthesis from oxygen minimum zones
Authors: Wong Jane C. Y. , Raven John A. , Aldunate Montserrat , Silva Sebastián , Gaitán‐Espitia Juan Diego , Vargas Cristian A. , Ulloa Osvaldo , von Dassow Peter
Published: May 2023

It is commonly known that phytoplankton have a pivotal role in marine biogeochemistry and ecosystems as carbon fixers and oxygen producers, but their response to deoxygenation has scarcely been studied. Nonetheless, in the major oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), all surface phytoplankton groups, regardless of size, disappear and are replaced by unique cyanobacteria lineages below the oxycline. To develop reasonable hypotheses to explain this pattern, we conduct a review of available information on OMZ phytoplankton, and we re‐analyze previously published data (flow cytometric and hydrographic) on vertical structure of phytoplankton communities in relation to light and O2 levels. We also review the physical constraints on O2 acquisition as well as O2‐dependent metabolisms in phototrophs. These considerations, along with estimates of the photosynthetic capacity of phytoplankton along OMZ depth profiles using published data, suggest that top‐down grazing, respiratory demand, and irradiance are insufficient to fully explain the vertical structure observed in the upper, more sunlit portions of OMZs. Photorespiration and water–water cycles are O2‐dependent pathways with low O2 affinities. Although their metabolic roles are still poorly understood, a hypothetical dependence on such pathways by the phytoplankton adapted to the oxic ocean might explain vertical patterns in OMZs and results of laboratory experiments. This can be represented in a simple model in which the requirement for photorespiration in surface phytoplankton and O2‐inhibition of OMZ lineages reproduces the observed vertical fluorescence profiles and the replacement of phytoplankton adapted to O2 by lineages restricted to the most O2‐deficient waters. A high O2 requirement by modern phytoplankton would suggest a positive feedback that intensifies trends in OMZ extent and ocean oxygenation or deoxygenation, both in Earth's past and in response to current climate change.
A Robust, Thermally Stable, and Efficiently Reprocessable Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Elastomers Based on Activated Dynamic Silyl Ether Linkages by Neighboring Groups
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Bai Lu , Xu Zhirui , Chen Siyuan , Zheng Junping
Published: May 2023

Dynamic bonds are usually used to endow thermoset materials with excellent reprocessability. Nevertheless, this strategy sacrifices the thermal stability in most instances. In recent years, the dynamic silyl ether (SiOR) has attracted great attention due to its excellent thermal stability. However, the reprocessability of thermoset materials based on it is far from satisfactory because of the inactive dynamic exchange reaction. Herein, a species of activated silyl ether with neighboring groups is identified via small‐molecule model reaction and the corresponding activation energy is calculated by reaction kinetics for the first time. Based on the activated silyl ether linkages, the poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomers with high mechanical strength, effective reprocessability, and thermal stability are further designed and prepared. In a word, this work fills a research gap about the effect of neighboring groups on the dynamic characteristic of silyl ether and provides a theoretical basis for the construction of activated silyl ether linkages, endowing the materials with thermal stability and efficient reprocessability.
Electro‐Responsive Aggregation and Dissolution of Cationic Polymer Using Reversible Redox Reaction of Electron Mediator
Authors: Matsuno Ryohei , Zhou Hongyao , Yamada Teppei
Published: May 2023

Stimuli‐responsive aggregation of polymer chains in water has found a variety of applications in polymer science, biology, and chemical engineering. To date, the majority of the phase transitions between the aggregated and dissolved forms has been observed by changing the solution temperature, and an active and precise control on the phase transition with a high time resolution has been challenging. Herein, a reversible phase transition of poly(allylamine‐co‐allylurea) (PAU) in an aqueous electrolyte is achieved by electrochemical redox cycling of hexacyanoferrate(II/III) ([Fe(CN)6]4−/3−) ion pair. The aggregation and dissolution cycle can be completed in a high‐resolution time frame of as short as 5 s. The strong electrostatic interaction between the protonated primary amino group of PAU and the tetravalent [Fe(CN)6]4− anion induces the aggregation, while the oxidation to the trivalent [Fe(CN)6]3− anion reduces the attractive force, and the polymer chain redissolves in solution. The ureido group of PAU helps the chain‐folding process through the formation of inter/intrachain hydrogen‐bonding networks, resulting in the sharp phase transition. By using [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− as the electron mediator, the electrochemical control on the large transparency change of polymer aqueous solution is realized for the first time.
Singular limit of planar magnetohydrodynamic equations with vacuum free boundary
Authors: Liang Min , Ou Yaobin , Shi Pan
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study the low Mach and Froude number limit of global strong solutions to the fluid‐vacuum free boundary problem of the planar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations with degenerate viscosity coefficients and well‐prepared initial data. Only the initial energy at the basic level is required to be small. The main difficulties are the degeneracy of the system yielded by vanishing of the density close to the free boundary, the singular terms due to the large coefficients inversely proportional to the Mach number and the Froude number, and the strong coupling of the magnetic field and the velocity. The uniform estimates of solutions with respect to the Mach number and the Froude number are established, which is the first result on the MHD equations with vacuum free boundary. At the same time, we obtain the convergence rates for the strong solutions global in time with well‐prepared initial data as the Mach number and the Froude number vanish.
Existence, uniqueness, and averaging principle for Hadamard Itô–Doob stochastic delay fractional integral equations
Authors: Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Mchiri Lassaad , Mtiri Foued
Published: May 2023

In this article, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of Hadamard Itô–Doob Stochastic delay Fractional integral equations (HIDSDFIE) under non‐Lipschitz condition and by using the successive approximation. We study the convergence of the averaged HIDSDFIE to that of the standard HIDSDFIE in the concept of both in mean square and in probability.
The initial layer problem of the Euler–Poisson in collisionless plasma
Authors: Jiang Limin , Ren Ming , He Jinman
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study the initial layer problem of the Euler–Poisson in collisionless plasma that is rigorously proved by using the weighted energy method coupled with multiscaling asymptotic expansions. We apply a formal expansion for Debye length and derive the inner and the initial layer equations, which are used for deriving the error equations, and give out uniform estimate.
Design and analysis of MEMS tuning fork gyroscope with dual mode ordering
Authors: Jia Lu , Han Guowei , Wei Zhenyu , Si Chaowei , Ning Jin , Yang Fuhua , Han Weihua
Published: May 2023

This paper reports a MEMS tuning fork gyroscope which can effectively reduce the acceleration output in both drive and sense directions. The structure adjusts the order of mechanical vibration modes through the design of internal and external lever coupling mechanism, moves the spurious in‐phase mode frequency above the antiphase operating frequency, and provides a large frequency separation between the two modes. It provides true mechanical rejection of external shocks and accelerations. Two comparative tuning fork gyroscopes (TFG) structures are designed, which have traditional coupling in the drive direction and sense direction respectively. Through modal simulation, the internal lever‐coupling brings the antiphase drive mode before the in‐phase drive mode and the external lever‐coupling brings the antiphase sense mode before the in‐phase sense mode. The harmonic response simulation of three stiffness unbalanced TFGs verifies that the mode ordering of two directions can effectively suppress the acceleration output. The results show that the new TFG structure can suppress the acceleration output by more than 80%, and the finite element simulation results are consistent with the theoretical calculation.
Gonadal development and function after immature testicular tissue banking as part of high‐risk gonadotoxic treatment
Authors: Braye Aude , Delgouffe Emily , van der Werff ten Bosch Jutte , Gies Inge , Ferster Alina , Goossens Ellen
Published: May 2023

Background

Experimental fertility preservation programs have been started to safeguard the future fertility of prepubertal and pubertal males requiring high‐risk gonadotoxic treatment protocols. However, long‐term follow‐up studies evaluating the effects on their gonadal development and function related to the testicular biopsy procedure are rather limited.

Design

This two‐center follow‐up study (between 2002 and 2020) evaluated the gonadal development and function of a cohort of 59 prepubertal and pubertal males who have been offered immature testicular tissue banking (TTB) prior to conventional high‐risk chemo‐ and/or radiotherapy (HR‐C/R) or conditioning therapy before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (CT‐HSCT). The aim is to investigate the long‐term impact of the testicular biopsy procedure and the high‐risk gonadotoxic treatment. Testicular growth and the reproductive hormones luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), and inhibin B (INHB) were analyzed after treatment completion, and compared between males accepting TTB and those refusing TTB (control) as well as between HR‐C/R and CT‐HSCT treatment protocols.

Results

Of the 59 prepubertal and pubertal males included, 25 were treated by HR‐C/R and 34 required CT‐HSCT. TTB was accepted for 39 males and refused for 20 males. Most patients were prepubertal at diagnosis (85%), at TTB (79%), and at treatment completion (76%), and pubertal or postpubertal at their last follow‐up visit (66%). After 5.0 (1.0–13.0) years post treatment, most patients show normal testicular volumes (83%) and normal LH (89%), FSH (87%), T (87%), and INHB (79%) serum levels. The testicular biopsy procedure did not have an effect on testicular growth, LH, FSH, T, and INHB. Significantly more small postpubertal testicular volumes (p = .0278) and low INHB serum levels (p = .0130) were recorded after CT‐HSCT, especially after myeloablative conditioning.

Conclusion

The clinical follow‐up data demonstrate no effect related to the biopsy procedure, but a substantial risk for impaired gonadal development after high‐risk gonadotoxic treatment, in particular myeloablative CT‐HSCT. Longer follow‐up studies with a larger study population are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
An animal glycerol potassium salt without volatile organic compounds emission combined with plasma‐atomization technology and its application in green tires
Authors: Xiao Yao , Xu Zhenchun , Gong Zheng , Zhou Yukun , Wang Chuansheng , Bian Huiguang
Published: May 2023

In this study, a VOC‐free animal glycerol potassium salt is introduced to replace the silane coupling agent, and the plasma is used to treat the modifier and silica. The impact of high‐energy electrons in the plasma increases the contact area between the modifier and silica. Combined with the atomization technology, the velocity difference realizes the microscopic dispersion of silica, the instantaneous thin‐layer drying reduces the oxidation of the rubber chains. XPS and SEM show that the plasma promotes the silanization reaction of silica. FTIR demonstrates that the existence of chemical bonds and hydrogen bonds between potassium oleate (PO) and silica, and there is a crosslinking between PO and sulfur. The PO/Si69‐silica/NR composites prepared by plasma‐atomization technology have better processing fluidity, mechanical properties and lower rolling resistance. The plasma‐atomization technology promotes the silanization reaction of silica, saves energy consumption and reduces dust pollution, meanwhile, the replacement of Si69 by PO reduces VOC emissions and the rolling resistance of the rubber, which provides an innovative idea for the development of green tires.
Gender digital health literacy gap across age: A moderated moderation effect on depression among in‐school adolescents in Ghana during COVID‐19
Authors: Hagan John Elvis , Quansah Frank , Frimpong James B. , Agormedah Edmond K. , Nugba Regina Mawusi , Srem‐Sai Medina , Schack Thomas
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic amplified the need for digital health literacy aimed at reducing the psychological distress levels of people, including in‐school adolescents. Available evidence suggests the presence of a gender health literacy gap among adolescents in schools in Ghana and beyond. Previous literature has established the role of age in digital health literacy levels. What is unknown is how gender and age interact with digital health literacy levels to influence the levels of depression. This research assessed how gender digital health literacy gap across different age groups relates to the depression levels of adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using 942 students from secondary schools in Ghana who were sampled using the stratified sampling technique. Study participants completed the digital health literacy scale and World Health Organization (WHO‐5) well‐being index. Results from the two‐way analysis of variance revealed a nonsignificant interaction between age and gender on digital health literacy, with significant main effects for gender and age. Further analysis from the moderated moderation analysis revealed that gender and age interact to moderate the relationship between digital health literacy and depression. The findings of this research stress the need for gender‐age‐specific intervention programs on digital health literacy to moderate depression levels during pandemics and other stressful situations.
Revisiting complex text instruction: A study of 11th‐grade history students
Authors: Paige David D. , Rupley William H.
Published: May 2023

The reading of complex text has become part of the reading curriculum since the introduction of the Common Core State Standards. However, little research has been conducted to determine the effect of complex text instruction on comprehension and fluency in secondary readers. This study randomly assigned 53 11th‐grade US history students to one of two classroom conditions. In one classroom, students were taught using a business‐as‐usual approach while the treatment classroom taught students to use text annotation and writing to improve their understanding of complex texts over a 24‐week period. Students were pre‐ and post‐tested using a standardized reading comprehension assessment and curriculum‐based measurement fluency measures. Results revealed statistically significant improvement favoring the treatment group for both reading comprehension and fluency. Results and implications for instruction are discussed.
Elucidating pathways of polypropylene chain cleavage and stabilization for multiple loop mechanical recycling
Authors: von Vacano Bernhard , Reich Oliver , Huber Gregor , Türkoglu Gazi
Published: May 2023

Mechanical recycling is a decisive contribution for a sustainable circular economy of polypropylene (PP) but faces the challenge of processing‐induced and use‐phase accumulated molecular damage, exacerbated by multiple loop recycling. In this contribution, the molecular origin of degradation of PP under up to 30 repetitive reprocessing loops is analyzed together with the influence of stabilization, and processability data linked to changes of the entire molecular weight distribution. By comparison of experiments with simple Monte Carlo simulations, a coupled mechanism of random scission and shear‐induced cleavage can be inferred, while stabilizing additives effectively protect the material from progressing along this combined degradation pathway.
Atmospheric plasma deposition of conductive and corrosion‐resistant composite coatings for proton exchange membrane fuel cell bipolar plates
Authors: Chemin Jean‐Baptiste , Del Frari Doriane , Ghahramanzadehasl Hadi , Baba Kamal , Leturcq Renaud , Boscher Nicolas D.
Published: May 2023

The straightforward synthesis and application of conductive and corrosion‐protective composite coatings suitable for the preparation of bipolar plates of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are achieved by a scalable and solvent‐free atmospheric plasma deposition process. Small three‐dimensional (3D) carbon black nanoparticles and large two‐dimensional (2D) natural graphite flakes are investigated independently and together as conductive fillers. It is demonstrated that the dual‐sized conductive fillers strategy traditionally used for the preparation of composite bipolar plates is not transposable for the proposed atmospheric plasma deposition process. Only the composite coatings prepared from large 2D natural graphite flakes enable a significant decrease of the corrosion current in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell conditions while ensuring interfacial contact resistance in the order of several tens of mΩ·cm2.
The contributions of urban horticulture to cities' liveability and resilience: Insights from Singapore
Authors: Sia Angelia , Tan Puay Yok , Er Kenneth B. H.
Published: May 2023

Social Impact Statement

The importance of urban horticulture, a practice of growing plants in an urban environment, is increasingly recognized. It is widely acknowledged that such initiatives contribute towards liveable, sustainable, and resilient cities. Based on Singapore as a case example, this study highlights how urban horticulture programs, informed by research and implemented at a national level, bring about important benefits to urban dwellers including health and well‐being, and social cohesion through people and plant interactions. They support Singapore's vision to be a City in Nature, in addition to promoting food security. The experience in Singapore holds useful lessons for other cities.

Over the past few decades, there has been widespread recognition of the importance of urban vegetation to support cities' goals to be liveable, sustainable, and resilient to disturbances brought about by climate change. In this opinion article, we further highlight the importance of urban horticulture and its role in fostering the vision of Singapore to be a green city. Through the discussion of four national level programs, we illustrate how urban horticulture initiatives contributed to the social imperative to cultivate community ownership of green estates, community ties, and interest in horticulture. Community gardens offer distinct platforms for people to get together. Allotment gardens in parklands enable individuals to engage with nature through the various gardening activities and reap produce. The Gardening with Edibles program encourages home gardening through provision of resources. Lastly, specially designed therapeutic horticulture programs engage target groups to receive benefits from the facilitated nature‐based activities. The involvement of relevant governmental agencies, driven by taking an expanded view of urban horticulture targeted at delivering social objectives and achieving the environmental and ecological objectives of city greening, has contributed to the growth and expansion of the initiatives.
Worldwide research trends on bronchiolitis in pediatrics
Authors: Nievas‐Soriano Bruno José , Martín‐Latorre María del Mar , Martín‐González Manuel , Manzano‐Agugliaro Francisco , Castro‐Luna Gracia
Published: May 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in cases of bronchiolitis among children. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of publications on this topic. It is essential to examine the main areas of focus within the scientific literature to understand the current trends in research on pediatric bronchiolitis. This research aims to analyze the types of scientific advances related to pediatric bronchiolitis, the research trends being pursued, and the countries and research institutions leading these efforts. By understanding these aspects of bronchiolitis research, we can better understand the current state of knowledge and identify areas where further research is needed.

Methods

To conduct a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on pediatric bronchiolitis, all relevant publications were retrieved from the Scopus database. The Scopus API and the SW VosViewer software with optimized modularity functions were used. This analysis was intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on this topic, including the types of scientific advances being developed, the research trends being pursued, and the countries and research institutions leading these efforts.

Results

A total of 3810 publications were reviewed. We observed an increasing number of publications, particularly in recent years. Of these, 73.7% were articles, 95% were written in English, and 29.4% were from the United States. The main keywords used in these publications included: human, bronchiolitis, child, preschool, preschool child, major clinical study, controlled study, pneumonia, asthma, adolescent, hospitalization, infant, and newborn. These keywords were grouped into six clusters: outpatient management, long‐term consequences, etiology, intensive care management, diagnostic methods, and the main cluster, which focused on hospital treatment and clinical studies.

Conclusions

The bibliometric analysis of bronchiolitis research in pediatrics reveals that there has been a significant increase in the number of publications on this topic, particularly in recent years. Most of these publications are articles written in English and published in the United States. The main keywords used in these studies relate to various aspects of bronchiolitis, including diagnosis, treatment, and long‐term consequences. The results of this analysis suggest that bronchiolitis is a topic of significant interest and concern for researchers and practitioners in the field of pediatrics and that further research is needed to improve our understanding and management of this condition.
Local salvage of radiorecurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Henderson Randal H. , Bryant Curtis , Nichols R. Charles , Mendenhall William M. , Mendenhall Nancy P.
Published: May 2023

Background

Locally recurrent prostate cancer following primary external beam radiotherapy without distant metastasis is a challenging problem, with no current consensus on the optimal management of these patients. Traditional whole‐gland salvage treatments offered up to a 50% 5‐year disease‐free survival rate but with troubling levels of risk for significant complications. Recent progress in advanced imaging techniques has allowed a more accurate selection of patients with local‐only recurrence and a selection of patients that may be suitable for newer partial‐gland salvage treatments that may reduce late complications.

Methods

This article reviews advances in patient selection and provides an overview of whole‐ and partial‐gland salvage results from selected recent meta‐analyses, multi‐institutional series, and studies from centers of excellence for these treatment approaches.

Results

Salvage radical prostatectomy produces 5‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) rates in the 50%–60% range with severe gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity in < 2% but severe genitourinary (GU) toxicity in 15%–23% of patients. The whole‐gland options of high and low dose rate brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy appear to offer similar 5‐year control rates, with low severe GU and GI toxicity rates of 4%–8% and <2%, respectively. Cryotherapy and high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) offer similar 5‐year RFS rates but carry significant risks for severe GU and GI toxicity in the range of 10%–27% and <2%, respectively. Early results of partial‐gland salvage techniques in selected patients appear promising, with 3‐year RFS rates of 48%–72% and rare grade 3 toxicity.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the relative effectiveness and risks of the various treatment options to effectively counsel patients who face this distressing clinical situation. Whole‐gland salvage options offer the possibility of long‐term control but with significant risks of severe toxicity. Emerging data for the partial‐gland salvage options in appropriately selected patients may offer hope of reasonable control rates with reduced severe toxicity.