bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Miscellanea: A simple matter of interest
Authors: Clifford Paul C. , Struyk Adrian
Published: January 2021

In a discussion of interest and savings in a junior high-school class, the question arose, “What procedure is actually followed by local banks in computing interest on savings accounts?” A little investigation disclosed a variety of procedures. Most of the banks credited interest twice a year.
Devices for a Mathematics Classroom: Using a carpenter s folding rule to teach the meaning of perimeter
Authors: Gibbins Neil L.
Published: January 2021

A device that can be used as an aid for giving meaning to the term perimeter and the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is the carpenter's folding rule.
The angle mirror—a teaching device for plane geometry
Authors: Woodby Lauren G.
Published: January 2021

The uses of a simple angle mirror are brought to the attention of teachers of plane geometry. Junior high school teachers might well consider the feasibility of using the angle mirror as an interest-catching device.
“The mathematics news”
Authors: Turner Ethel M.
Published: January 2021

It will be welcomed by junior and senior high-school teachers who are looking for a live assembly program.
Editorial
Authors: Smith Eugene R. , Gaylord Harry D. , Babb Maurice J. , Breckenridge William E.
Published: January 2021

The editors of this magazine are so often asked to recommend teachers for positions in various educational institutions, that it has been thought best to offer the use of the magazine to institutions which need teachers, and to teachers of mathematics who wish to obtain better positions. The service will be confidential, no names being published, and letters from teachers applying for positions will be forwarded to the school in which the position is open.
The Study of Mathematics as an Aid to General Logical Power
Authors: Passano Leonard M.
Published: January 2021

In a paper read before a joint meetif!g of the New England Association of Mathematics Teachers and the Association of Teachers of Mathematics of the Middle States and Maryland,* Mr. George G. Chambers analyzes the answers to a set of simple questions in logical reasoning made by forty-four “high school girls who had just completed a half year’s work in plane geometry, … the first two books,” and who had previously “studied algebra through simultaneous quadratics, spending on that five periods a week for one school year and two periods a week of one fourth of a school year, … followed by two periods a week for one fourth of a school year in constructive geometry.” Before reading his paper Mr. Chambers obtained answers to the same set of questions from forty-eight persons present at the meeting.
Regulating Mass Transport Behavior for High‐Performance Lithium Metal Batteries and Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Guoxing
Published: January 2021

Mass transport plays an important role in the process of metal deposition and the charging/discharging kinetics in a rechargeable battery. The rational regulation of mass transport behavior to realize optimum ion‐transfer direction and rate can enable uniform metal nucleation and reduced concentration polarization, which is favorable for overcoming the dendrite growth and lithium plating issues in metal batteries and fast‐charging batteries, respectively. Here, recent progress in lithium metal batteries and fast‐charging batteries achieved through the mass‐transport regulation are summarized. An introduction of mass transport and a discussion of its decisive role in battery operation are provided, followed by an exploration of the correlation between mass‐transport regulation and battery performance. Some future perspectives and research directions for regulating mass transport to enable high‐performance rechargeable batteries are also discussed.
Exploring the Interface of Skin‐Layered Titanium Fibers for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Chang , Shviro Meital , Gago Aldo S. , Zaccarine Sarah F. , Bender Guido , Gazdzicki Pawel , Morawietz Tobias , Biswas Indro , Rasinski Marcin , Everwand Andreas , Schierholz Roland , Pfeilsticker Jason , Müller Martin , Lopes Pietro P. , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Pivovar Bryan , Pylypenko Svitlana , Friedrich K. Andreas , Lehnert Werner , Carmo Marcelo
Published: January 2021

Water electrolysis is the key to a decarbonized energy system, as it enables the conversion and storage of renewably generated intermittent electricity in the form of hydrogen. However, reliability challenges arising from titanium‐based porous transport layers (PTLs) have hitherto restricted the deployment of next‐generation water‐splitting devices. Here, it is shown for the first time how PTLs can be adapted so that their interface remains well protected and resistant to corrosion across ≈4000 h under real electrolysis conditions. It is also demonstrated that the malfunctioning of unprotected PTLs is a result triggered by additional fatal degradation mechanisms over the anodic catalyst layer beyond the impacts expected from iridium oxide stability. Now, superior durability and efficiency in water electrolyzers can be achieved over extended periods of operation with less‐expensive PTLs with proper protection, which can be explained by the detailed reconstruction of the interface between the different elements, materials, layers, and components presented in this work.
Is volunteer wheat an economic weed in annual winter wheat production?
Authors: Wuest Stewart B. , Genna Nicholas G. , Barroso Judit
Published: January 2021

Annual winter grasses are competitive weeds in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to their similar life cycle, root system, and morphology. Volunteer wheat is clearly a weed when infesting a crop of a different species. However, should substantial expense be invested in reducing volunteer wheat in a subsequent wheat crop? The effects of volunteer wheat in winter wheat were investigated in three fields of the inland Pacific Northwest (PNW) during 2015 and 2016. Volunteer wheat was found evenly distributed in fields harvested with a commercial combine with a chaff spreader. The ratio of volunteer to seeded wheat density was constant even in high productivity areas that had higher wheat densities. Volunteer head densities ranged from 13 to 28% of total heads with a high of 66% found in chaff rows (formed in fields harvested without a residue spreader). Volunteer wheat produced between 8 and 19% of total yield. The productivity per head of seeded wheat was higher than volunteer wheat and volunteer wheat reduced seeded wheat yield in all fields. The estimated total yield loss across fields was 10.8%. Volunteer wheat may cause less yield loss than other winter annual weeds because of its contribution to yield. However, a 10% yield loss is significant and practices to minimize volunteer wheat in wheat fields are recommended.
The chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID‐19: The need for a prospective study of viral impact on brain functioning
Authors: de Erausquin Gabriel A. , Snyder Heather , Carrillo María , Hosseini Akram A. , Brugha Traolach S. , Seshadri Sudha ,   the CNS SARS‐CoV‐2 Consortium
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The increasing evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 impact on the central nervous system (CNS) raises key questions on its impact for risk of later life cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other dementia.

Methods

The Alzheimer's Association and representatives from more than 30 countries—with technical guidance from the World Health Organization—have formed an international consortium to study the short‐and long‐term consequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the CNS—including the underlying biology that may contribute to AD and other dementias. This consortium will link teams from around the world covering more than 22 million COVID‐19 cases to enroll two groups of individuals including people with disease, to be evaluated for follow‐up evaluations at 6, 9, and 18 months, and people who are already enrolled in existing international research studies to add additional measures and markers of their underlying biology.

Conclusions

The increasing evidence and understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2's impact on the CNS raises key questions on the impact for risk of later life cognitive decline, AD, and other dementia. This program of studies aims to better understand the long‐term consequences that may impact the brain, cognition, and functioning—including the underlying biology that may contribute to AD and other dementias.
Dialogical Co‐therapy
Authors: Hornova Lucie
Published: January 2021

Co‐therapy has been used widely in marriage and family therapy and counselling, especially in the second half of the last century. In recent years, there has been a decline in the use of co‐therapy, especially for financial reasons. However, currently, with the focus on dialogical ideas, co‐therapy has emerged as a preferable option. Although co‐therapy is now commonly used in dialogical practices, no clear description of the qualities of dialogical co‐therapy exist. Using practitioner research, we attempt to discover/describe specific qualities defining dialogical co‐therapy. The results show how a specific dialogical epistemology is evident in the co‐therapy setting and demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of such a setting, as well as identifying the challenges co‐therapists working dialogically might face.
Subjective versus objective symptom intensities ratings in cervical dystonia and hemifacial spasm across a botulinum neurotoxin cycle
Authors: Wöllner Julia , Weise David , Leplow Bernd
Published: January 2021

Background

Subjective symptom complaints often do not match the expert’s ratings in focal dystonia. Nonetheless, perceived symptom intensities drive compliance and outcome of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) treatment.

Methods

Perception of symptom development across a BoNT cycle was obtained in 21 cervical dystonia (CD) and 15 hemifacial spasm (HFS) patients at four time points during a BoNT cycle. Subjective assessments were recorded by means of a quality‐of‐life questionnaire and a patient diary containing items related to subjective severity of disease, mood, pain, social impairment, and quality of life. Medical investigation used the Tsui score and TWSTRS, and a HFS rating score, respectively.

Results

In both patient groups, subjective intensities were strongly associated with psychological variables. Only in CD did objective assessment moderately correlate with subjective ratings solely at the beginning and the end of the BoNT cycle. Overall, the beneficial effects of BoNT treatment were only loosely associated with subjective experiences in both groups.

Conclusion

The emotional situation should be assessed regularly in patients undergoing BoNT therapy.
Elucidating a holistic and panoptic framework for analysing circular economy
Authors: Lozano Rodrigo , Bautista‐Puig Núria , Barreiro‐Gen María
Published: January 2021

Circular economy (CE) has been proposed as a concept to help address sustainability issues. CE was first proposed in 1928 as a way of understanding causal relationships in the economic sphere. Recently, CE has been focused, mainly, on environmental issues main typically represented by closing material loops through recovery. Literature on CE has been increasing during this time, where a number of bibliometric analyses have been carried out with, mainly, descriptive outputs. This paper uses a nested approach, with grounded theory's constant comparative analysis as the overarching one and bibliometric analyses within it. A total of 4,045 documents from CE during the period 1999–2019 were analysed against an initial framework composed of economic issues, recovery and CE levels. The results helped to improve the economic category, to change the level category into a scope one and to add two categories (collaboration and themes). The results were then integrated to propose the holistic and panoptic framework for analysing circular economy, which can help to understand the economic, environmental and scope interlinkages of CE literature, in order to better position CE theory and practice and to detect gaps that should be addressed. For CE to achieve its potential in helping societies become more sustainable, theory and practice must take a holistic approach that integrates the economic and environmental dimensions, the scope of CE, and collaboration.
Analysis of Chemical Components in the Roots of Eight Intersubgeneric Hybrids of Paeonia
Authors: Sun Miao , Wang Yi‐Zhou , Yang Yong , Lv Meng‐Wen , Li Shan‐Shan , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Wang Liang‐Sheng , Yu Xiao‐Nan
Published: January 2021

Paeonia cultivars are famous ornamental plants, and some of them are also traditional Chinese medicinal resources. Intersubgeneric hybrids of Paeonia (IHPs) are formed by the hybridization of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora) and tree peony (Paeonia×suffruticosa or lutea hybrid tree peony). The phenotypic characteristics of IHPs are similar to those of herbaceous peony, and their root systems are large and vigorous. However, their medicinal value has not been reported yet. In this study, the roots of eight IHP samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS). A total of 18 compounds were identified, including phenols, paeonols, monoterpene glycosides, and tannins. The contents of monoterpene glycosides and tannins in IHPs were higher than herbaceous peony and tree peony, exceeding 44.76 mg/g DW and 11.50 mg/g DW, respectively. Three IHPs, ‘Prairie Charm’, ‘Garden Treasure’, and ‘Yellow Emperor’, with more types and a higher content of medicinal compounds, were screened out by cluster analysis. These IHPs have considerable potential for the development of medicinal resources.
Stepwise Post‐glycosylation Modification of Sugar Moieties in Kanamycin Biosynthesis
Authors: Kudo Fumitaka , Kitayama Yukinobu , Miyanaga Akimasa , Numakura Mario , Eguchi Tadashi
Published: January 2021

Kanamycin A is the major 2‐deoxystreptamine (2DOS)‐containing aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by Streptomyces kanamyceticus. The 2DOS moiety is linked with 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (6ADG) at O‐4 and 3‐amino‐3‐deoxy‐d‐glucose at O‐6. Because the 6ADG moiety is derived from d‐glucosamine (GlcN), deamination at C‐2 and introduction of C‐6‐NH2 are required in the biosynthesis. A dehydrogenase, KanQ, and an aminotransferase, KanB, are presumed to be responsible for the introduction of C‐6‐NH2, although the substrates have not been identified. Here, we examined the substrate specificity of KanQ to better understand the biosynthetic pathway. It was found that KanQ oxidized kanamycin C more efficiently than the 3′′‐deamino derivative. Furthermore, the substrate specificity of an oxygenase, KanJ, that is responsible for deamination at C‐2 of the GlcN moiety was examined, and the crystal structure of KanJ was determined. It was found that C‐6‐NH2 is important for substrate recognition by KanJ. Thus, the modification of the GlcN moiety occurs after pseudo‐trisaccharide formation, followed by the introduction of C‐6‐NH2 by KanQ/KanB and deamination at C‐2 by KanJ.
Eosinophilic arthritis—A case report
Authors: Yamabe Hideaki , Kudo Fumiko , Shimada Michiko
Published: January 2021

Eosinophilic arthritis is characterized by arthritis, eosinophilia, normal laboratory findings, unresponsiveness to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and favorable response to corticosteroids. We diagnosed a female patient with this rare disease.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from Water‐Annealed TiO2 Nanotubes with White and Grey Modification
Authors: Fu Fan , Cha Gihoon , Wu Zhenni , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Yan , Chen Yuyue , Schmuki Patrik
Published: January 2021

In recent years, photocatalytic reactions on anodic TiO2 nanotubes have been intensively investigated. In order to show photocatalytic activity, anodically formed nanotubes need to be crystallized to anatase. This is conventionally done by thermal annealing in air at temperatures 400–600 °C. Recently, a so‐called “water annealing” treatment has been reported to be effective to also create a highly active form for photocatalysis. Here we report on the feasibility of using a water annealing treatment of TiO2 nanotubes to create a photocatalyst for H2 production that is as active as conventional thermal annealing. If the water‐annealed samples are additionally hydrogenated to a so‐called “grey” modification, a further significant improvement of the photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution can be achieved – this without the use of any noble metal co‐catalyst. A combination of water annealing, thermal annealing, followed by hydrogenation can deliver a H2 generation activity that is more than five times higher than that achieved by thermal annealing of anodic TiO2 nanotubes.
Spin‐selective electron transmission through self‐assembled monolayers of double‐stranded peptide nucleic acid
Authors: Möllers Paul Valerian , Ulku Selma , Jayarathna Dilhara , Tassinari Francesco , Nürenberg Daniel , Naaman Ron , Achim Catalina , Zacharias Helmut
Published: January 2021

Monolayers of chiral molecules can preferentially transmit electrons with a specific spin orientation, introducing chiral molecules as efficient spin filters. This phenomenon is established as chirality‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) and was demonstrated directly for the first time in self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA)1. Here, we discuss SAMs of double‐stranded peptide nucleic acid (dsPNA) as a system which allows for systematic investigations of the influence of various molecular properties on CISS. In photoemission studies, SAMs of chiral, γ‐modified PNA show significant spin filtering of up to P = (24.4 ± 4.3)% spin polarization. The polarization values found in PNA lacking chiral monomers are considerably lower at about P = 12%. The results confirm that the preferred spin orientation is directly linked to the molecular handedness and indicate that the spin filtering capacity of the dsPNA helices might be enhanced by introduction of chiral centers in the constituting peptide monomers.
Realization of Wafer‐Scale 1T‐MoS2 Film for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kim Hyeong‐U. , Kim Mansu , Seok Hyunho , Park Kyu‐Young , Moon Ji‐Yun , Park Jonghwan , An Byeong‐Seon , Jung Hee Joon , Dravid Vinayak P. , Whang Dongmok , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Kim Taesung
Published: January 2021

The octahedral structure of 2D molybdenum disulfide (1T‐MoS2) has attracted attention as a high‐efficiency and low‐cost electrocatalyst for hydrogen production. However, the large‐scale synthesis of 1T‐MoS2 films has not been realized because of higher formation energy compared to that of the trigonal prismatic phase (2H)‐MoS2. In this study, a uniform wafer‐scale synthesis of the metastable 1T‐MoS2 film is performed by sulfidation of the Mo metal layer using a plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE‐CVD) system. Thus, plasma‐containing highly reactive ions and radicals of the sulfurization precursor enable the synthesis of 1T‐MoS2 at 150 °C. Electrochemical analysis of 1T‐MoS2 shows enhanced catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared to that of previously reported MoS2 electrocatalysts 1T‐MoS2 does not transform into stable 2H‐MoS2 even after 1000 cycles of HER. The proposed low‐temperature synthesis approach may offer a promising solution for the facile production of various metastable‐phase 2D materials.
Some new efficient mean–variance portfolio selection models
Authors: Dai Zhifeng , Kang Jie
Published: January 2021

The poor out‐of‐sample performance of mean–variance portfolio model is mainly caused by estimation errors in the covariance matrix and the mean return, especially the mean return vector. Meanwhile, in financial practice, what most investors actually like is to hold a few stocks in their portfolio. The goal of this paper is to propose some new efficient mean–variance portfolio selection models by considering the following aspects: (i) use the L1‐regularization in objective function to obtain sparse portfolio; (ii) use the shrinkage method of Ledoit and Wolf, Journal of Economics Financial, 2003, 10, 603–621 to estimate the covariance matrix; (iii) use the robust optimization method to mitigate the estimation errors of the expected return. Finally, empirical analysis demonstrates that the proposed strategies have better out‐of‐sample performance.
The effect of integration processes of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa on the economic growth of the member states
Authors: Haiyun Liu , Yahia Yassin Elshain , Hossain Md Ismail , Shah Sayyed Sadaqat Hussain
Published: January 2021

This study aims to identify the significant effects of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) integration processes on the economic growth of the member states over the period 2004–2016. By applying the system generalized method of moments (GMM) technique, the results show that the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, with a 1‐year lag, has a robust effect on economic growth. Both per capita domestic value‐added (PCDVA) and institutional quality (IQ) exhibit a positive impact on economic growth in the long‐run performance compared to the short‐run performance. Human capital (HC) suggests statistical significance and adverse impact on economic growth in the short and long runs. However, our key variable of interest, namely the regional integration dummy variable (free trade area, FTA), has no robust effect on economic growth and exhibits insignificant effects across all interaction models and shows “inverted‐U interaction relationships” with trade openness, intra‐community export, and PCDVA. Other regional economic communities shows a statistically significant negative effect on the GDP per capita in both the short and long runs as well as in its interactions with FTA. The study suggests, among others, that there is a need for COMESA to address the issue of overlapping membership and to promote appropriate PCDVA, IQ, financial development, and HC policies and strategies to boost the economic growth of the member states.
Measuring panoramic radiomorphometric indices for mandible bone using active shape model and Bayesian information criterion‐support vector machine
Authors: Rafati Mehravar , Farnia Fateme , Romoozi Elham , Nickfarjam Ali Mohammad , Hosseini Farahnaz
Published: January 2021

This article proposes an automatic method based on a combination of active shape model (ASM) and nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) accompanied with Bayesian information criterion which is utilized in order to measure radiomorphometric indices for digital X‐ray panoramic system. After omitting Poisson noise of input images, the image is divided. It attempts to choose suitable region of interest (ROI) in order to extract indices. This region becomes small and smaller during some steps until the final ROI is found and the mandible's cortex and ramus are detected. Finally, because of measuring the required parameters, ASM and SVM are used in order to evaluate exact setting of the detected region. Experimental results show no significant differences between right and left sides in terms of mental index (MI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), gonial angle (GA), gonial index (GI), antegonial index (AGI), ramus height (RH), and ramus width (RW); however, in terms of GI and AGI for both sexes. There are significant differences between men and women for all indices in the mandible (P‐value <.05). There was a mild negative significant correlation among GA and MI, GI, AGI and a moderate negative significant correlation among GA and PMI, RH, RW for both genders (P‐value <.05). Besides, it has been shown measuring the panoramic indices provide useful information about trauma and prediction of asymptomatic subjects with osteoporosis at an earlier step.
Green and efficient Beckmann rearrangement by Cu(II) contained nano‐silica triazine based dendrimer in water
Authors: Bahreininejad Mohammad Hasan , Moeinpour Farid
Published: January 2021

In this research, a Cu(II) contained nano‐silica triazine based dendrimer was prepared, characterized, and utilized as a retrievable catalytic system (Cu(II)‐TrDen@nSiO2) for green formation of primary amides in water at room temperature. The structure of nanoparticles was fully characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The results revealed that the nanoparticles have spherical morphology and an average size of around 40 nm. The analysis also illustrated that the copper nanoparticles had been successfully loaded on the nitrogen‐rich dendritic structure with a uniform distribution. The inductively coupled plasma analysis showed that about 0.67 mmol/g of Cu was loaded on the Cu(II)‐TrDen@nSiO2support. Mild reaction conditions, excellent yields, environment‐friendly synthesis, and easily prepared starting materials are the key features of the present method. The catalyst is easily removed from the reaction media using a simple filtration and can be re‐used at least five times without any considerable loss of its catalytic activity.
Quantitative Evaluation of Subglottic Stenosis Using Ultrashort Echo Time MRI in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Gandhi Deep B. , Rice Andrew , Gunatilaka Chamindu C. , Higano Nara S. , Fleck Robert J. , de Alarcon Alessandro , Hart Catherine K. , Kuo I‐Chun , Amin Raouf S. , Woods Jason C. , Hysinger Erik B. , Bates Alister J.
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To assess the ability of ultra‐short echo time (UTE)‐MRI to detect subglottic stenosis (SGS) and evaluate response to balloon dilation. To correlate measurements from UTE‐MRI with endotracheal‐tube (ETT)‐sizing and to investigate whether SGS causes change in airway dynamics.

Study Design

Animal research study.

Methods

Eight adult New‐Zealand white rabbits were used as they approximate neonatal airway‐size. The airways were measured using ETT‐sizing and 3D UTE‐MRI at baseline, 2 weeks post‐cauterization induced SGS injury, and post‐balloon dilation treatment. UTE‐MR images were acquired to determine airway anatomy and motion. Airways were segmented from MR images. Cross‐sectional area (CSA), major and minor diameters (Dmajor and Dminor), and eccentricity were measured.

Results

Post‐injury CSA at SGS was significantly reduced (mean 38%) compared to baseline (P = .003) using UTE‐MRI. ETT‐sizing correlated significantly with MRI‐measured CSA at the SGS location (r = 0.6; P < .01), particularly at the post‐injury timepoint (r = 0.93; P < .01). Outer diameter from ETT‐sizing (OD) correlated significantly with Dmajor (r = 0.63; P < .01) from UTE‐MRI at the SGS location, especially for the post‐injury timepoint (r = 0.91; P < .01). Mean CSA of upper trachea did not change significantly between end‐expiration and end‐inspiration at any timepoint (all P > .05). Eccentricity of the upper trachea increased significantly post‐balloon dilation (P < .05).

Conclusions

UTE‐MRI successfully detected SGS and treatment response in the rabbit model, with good correlation to ETT‐sizing. Balloon dilation increased CSA at SGS, but not to baseline values. SGS did not alter dynamic motion for the trachea in this rabbit model; however, tracheas were significantly eccentric post‐balloon dilation. UTE‐MRI can detect SGS without sedation or ionizing radiation and may be a non‐invasive alternative to ETT‐sizing.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E1971–E1979, 2021
Stretchable and highly sensitive strain sensor based on conductive polymer aerogel for human physiological information detection
Authors: Wu Hanguang , Chen Hongwu , Yao Pengjun , Wang Rui
Published: January 2021

Wearable sensors with conductive polymer as the sensing material exhibit the combined advantages including comfortable attachment above epidermis, regulable configurations, and cost‐effective fabrication. It is highly desired to fabricate the conductive polymer‐based strain sensor that can precisely detect all the human physiological information. In this paper, we report a high‐performance strain sensor with the H2SO4 doped poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) sensing network. This sensor exhibits comprehensive properties integrating high sensitivity (gauge factor up to 32), excellent stability (> 2000 cycles), and wide strain range detectability (0.1% to 70% strain). This sensor is attractive and promising for the practical full‐range detection of human physiological information from subtle vital signs to large human motions.
Retaining volunteers for the cause: Hope and pride associated with cause‐related charity events in cancer control
Authors: Legg Melissa , Hyde Melissa K. , Chambers Suzanne K. , Ng Shu‐Kay , Scuffham Paul , Stein Kevin , Dunn Jeff
Published: January 2021

Special charity events are an important source of revenue for non‐profit organisations in cancer control yet volunteering is declining and turnover is high. Experiences at cause‐related events may influence retention, particularly emotions connected to the cause and ceremonies which honour cancer survivors and remember loved ones. We explore the degree to which emotions associated with cause‐related volunteering and collective action in the literature are felt in response to Relay For Life and what emotions predict three indicators of retention: intention to return for future events, satisfaction with volunteering, and organisational commitment. Volunteers (n = 410) completed a cross‐sectional survey at Relay For Life events in Queensland, Australia. Multiple regression analyses examined whether emotions associated with events predicted each indicator of retention, adjusting for number of years spent volunteering for events. Sixty‐two percent reported an intention to return the following year. The most commonly reported event‐related emotions were hope, pride, and empathy (62–69%). Intention to return, satisfaction, and commitment were each significantly predicted by hope and pride. The findings suggest special charity events in cancer control could retain volunteers by fostering pride and hope (e.g., for a cancer free future); however, future prospective research which examines the mechanisms of these relationships is warranted.
Assessing the Field of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine's Interest in Expanding Fellowship Training to Pediatricians
Authors: Pruitt David W. , Zigler Christina K. , Massagli Teresa L. , Houtrow Amy J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Training opportunities to pursue a career in pediatric rehabilitation medicine (PRM) have evolved over the last 40 years, with the most recent change being the development and accreditation of PRM fellowships and subspecialty certification in PRM. Currently the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (ABPMR) requires all candidates for PRM subspecialty certification to have completed a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency. The small number of certified PRM physicians has prompted debate within the field about permitting pediatricians to enter PRM fellowships without having to complete a PM&R residency.

Objective

To assess the level of interest within the field of PRM in creating a pathway to PRM for pediatricians.

Design

Survey of pediatric physiatrists in the United States in 2017.

Setting

National.

Participants

Pediatric physiatrists.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measurements

Favorability toward pediatricians becoming certified in PRM.

Results

Most respondents (62%) were in favor of pediatricians having the opportunity to pursue training in PRM, with an increase in support (70%) after being introduced to workforce issues in PRM. Training time for pediatricians was the largest concern identified by respondents who were not in favor (80%), with additional themes identified including dilution of the essence of the field and operationalization issues.

Conclusions

With a small number of practicing pediatric physiatrists, the growing number of children with disabilities, and the limited access to our services, most pediatric physiatrists are in agreement that it is time to consider the opportunity to expand the PRM workforce by creating a fellowship pathway to subspecialty board certification in PRM after pediatric residency.
Tailoring virtual human‐delivered interventions: A digital intervention promoting colorectal cancer screening for Black women
Authors: Vilaro Melissa J. , Wilson‐Howard Danyell S. , Griffin Lauren N. , Tavassoli Fatemeh , Zalake Mohan S. , Lok Benjamin C. , Modave Francois P. , George Thomas J. , Carek Peter J. , Krieger Janice L.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Despite efforts to reduce cancer disparities, Black women remain underrepresented in cancer research. Virtual health assistants (VHAs) are one promising digital technology for communicating health messages and promoting health behaviors to diverse populations. This study describes participant responses to a VHA‐delivered intervention promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with a home‐stool test.

Methods

We recruited 53 non‐Hispanic Black women 50 to 73 years old to participate in focus groups and think‐aloud interviews and test a web‐based intervention delivered by a race‐ and gender‐concordant VHA. A user‐centered design approach prioritized modifications to three successive versions of the intervention based on participants' comments.

Results

Participants identified 26 cues relating to components of the VHA's credibility, including trustworthiness, expertise, and authority. Comments on early versions revealed preferences for communicating with a human doctor and negative critiques of the VHA's appearance and movements. Modifications to specific cues improved the user experience, and participants expressed increased willingness to engage with later versions of the VHA and the screening messages it delivered. Informed by the Modality, Agency, Interactivity, Navigability Model, we present a framework for developing credible VHA‐delivered cancer screening messages.

Conclusions

VHAs provide a systematic way to deliver health information. A culturally sensitive intervention designed for credibility promoted user interest in engaging with guideline‐concordant CRC screening messages. We present strategies for effectively using cues to engage audiences with health messages, which can be applied to future research in varying contexts.
Ullmann Coupling Reaction of Bicyclic Amidines DBU/DBN with Aryl Halides: A Pathway to the Synthesis of ϵ‐Caprolactam Derivatives
Authors: Babu Gogu V. Surendra , Bhaskaran Aathira , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Rao Tumula Venkateshwar , Parvathaneni Sai Prathima
Published: January 2021

This paper demonstrates a selective, mild approach to Ullmann amination of aryl halides to synthesizeN‐alkylated derivatives of ϵ‐caprolactam. The synthetic route involves anin‐situring‐opening of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐8‐ene (DBU) followed by concurrent arylation with aryl halides in the presence of copper iodide as a catalyst under ligand‐free conditions. This method provides a new entry to a wide variety of ϵ‐caprolactam derivatives in good to excellent yields in a single synthetic sequence. Similarly, other bicyclic amidines such as 1, 5‐diazabicyclo‐[4.3.0]non‐5‐ene (DBN), and 1,5,7 triazabicyclo[4.4.0] dec‐5‐ene (TBD) also showed good to very high reactivity.

Azepan‐2‐one, or Caprolactam, is an important synthon in polymer chemistry and has a global demand as it is employed to make Nylon 6 filament, fiber, and plastics.[1]The global caprolactam market size is expected to expand for the growing textile industry with rising demand for plastics in the construction of automotive, electrical, and electronic sectors. Additionally, technological advancements aimed at improving the cost‐effective manufacturing process of caprolactam, to minimize the release of hazardous waste into the environment is of vital necessity. Derivatives of ϵ‐caprolactam are of interest for the production of modified nylons[2]and nanogels.[3]Several Azepinones and their analogs play an important role in medicinal chemistry,[4]used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs including Benazepril,[5]Telcagepant,[6]and Ivabradine.[7]
Integrating of Aqueous Enzymolysis with Ethanolic Ultrasonication to Ameliorate Cordycepin Content from Vietnamese Cordyceps militaris and Biological Analysis of Extracts
Authors: Thanh Vuong Hoai , Le Thao My Phan , Do Dat Tran , Viet Nguyen Duc , Phuc Nguyen Cao Minh , Thao Ngo Hong , Nam Hoang Minh , Phong Mai Thanh , Hieu Nguyen Huu
Published: January 2021

In this study, the employment of aqueous enzymolysis using alcalase with ethanolic ultrasonication extraction method was investigated. The cordycepin content was analyzed by using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The result showed that the highest cordycepin content of 0.4365±0.0309 mg/g could be obtained under extraction conditions including total enzyme volume of 240 μL, incubation time of 50 min, incubation temperature of 55 °C, and ultrasonic power of 840 W. The comparative studies of antioxidant activities of the extract were determined in terms of the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, ferric ion reducing power assay, and H2O2 scavenging assay. Additionally, the MTT assay was conducted to evaluate the anticancer activities of the extract, illustrating the cytotoxic property against Hep‐G2 cancer cells with the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 12.20±0.03 μg/mL compared to that of 0.36±0.03 μg/mL for ellipticine, MCF‐7 cancer cells with the IC50 value of 11.60±0.09 μg/mL compared to that of 0.51±0.04 μg/mL for ellipticine, and Lu cancer cells with the IC50 value of 34.50±0.25 μg/mL compared to that of 0.32±0.03 μg/mL for ellipticine.
Amino‐Decorated Activated Carbon Fibers with Efficient Static Adsorptivity for Low‐Concentration Formaldehyde Gas in a Confined Space
Authors: Yu Junwei , Wu Jiahao , Li Manjia , Zhou Fan , Xiao Qinglin , Zhang Shengnan , Li Chen , Zhu Bo , Qiao Kun
Published: January 2021

To develop an absorbent with high removal rate and adsorptivity for low‐concentration formaldehyde (FA) gas, amino‐decorated viscose‐based activated carbon fiber (VACF‐N) was synthesized by ethylenediamine (EDA) grafting process on the surface of viscose‐based activated carbon fiber (VACF). A simulated static adsorption of low‐concentration FA gas in a confined space was used as research target. For 2.45 and 8.15 ppm of FA gas, both the FA removal rate and the adsorptivity of VACF‐N were enhanced significantly after the EDA grafting process. The maximum of FA adsorptivity was 0.59 mg/g (1.92 times that of pristine VACF) for 2.45 ppm FA gases and 1.17 mg/g for 8.15 ppm FA gases. In particular, FA removal rate reached 100 % in only 28 minutes under the static adsorption of 2.45 ppm of FA gas. Predictably, VACF‐N has wide application prospects in the field of low‐concentration FA gas purification in a confined space.
Reactivity and Charge Transfer Beyond the Parabolic Model: the “|Δμ| Big is Good” Principle
Authors: Miranda‐Quintana Ramón Alain , Ayers Paul W. , Heidar‐Zadeh Farnaz
Published: January 2021

We discuss an extension of the venerable Parr‐Pearson parabolic charge transfer model that explicitly includes 3rd order effects. We then use this new model to provide new arguments supporting the validity of Parr and Yang's “|Δμ| big is good” (DMB) principle. Additionally, we show how to re‐derive this principle from the Parr‐Pearson parabolic model, using simpler arguments than those presented in our previous proof of the DMB rule.
Humic acid: A Biodegradable Organocatalyst for Solvent‐free Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes, Bis(pyrazolyl)methanes, Bis‐coumarins and Bis‐lawsones
Authors: Mitra Bijeta , Ghosh Pranab
Published: January 2021

Humic acid, a biodegradable, non‐toxic and easily accessible high molecular weight organocatalyst has been explored for the straightforward and environmentally benign approach towards the preparation of diverse array of functionalized bis(indolyl)methanes, bis(pyrazolyl)methanes, bis‐coumarins and bis‐lawsones by the reaction of a vast range of aldehydes with indole, 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl pyrazolone, 4‐hydroxycoumarin and 2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione respectively under solvent‐free condition. These protocols proceed without any hazardous solvents, toxic metal catalysts and harsh reaction conditions. In addition, low catalyst loading, good yield and excellent functional group tolerance are the key advantages of these protocols. The used catalyst and solvent‐free approach make this strategy safe to our mother earth. For the first time reusability of humic acid was investigated and found that it can be recycled up to fifth run without any significant loss of its activity at the end of the reaction. Some bioactive molecules such as arundine, trisindoline and vibribdole A were easily synthesized in our lab by utilizing this designed strategy.
Knoevenagel‐Friedel‐Crafts‐Hemiketalization Triple Cascade Reaction: A Diastereoselective Formal [1+2+3] Cyclization Towards Indenonaphthopyran Scaffolds
Authors: Settipalli Poorna Chandrasekhar , Reddy Yeruva Pavankumar , Gudise Veera Babu , Anwar Shaik
Published: January 2021

A simple and efficient cascade reactionviaformal [1+2+3] cyclization of 1,3‐indanedione, aldehyde and 2‐naphthol is reported using K2CO3as a base. The advantage includes metal‐free conditions, varied substrate scope and shortened reaction duration with high diastereoselectivity (i. e., 99 : 1) resulting in the formation of two carbon‐carbon as well as two carbon‐oxygen bonds through Knoevenagel‐Friedel‐Crafts‐Hemiketalization sequence resulting in three contiguous stereocenters.
Heterogeneous Water Oxidation Catalysts for Molecular Anodes and Photoanodes
Authors: Sheridan Matthew V. , Sherman Benjamin D. , Xie Yi , Wang Ying
Published: January 2021

Water oxidation is a critical half reaction in alternative energy and essential to producing solar fuels from light‐driven water splitting. Molecular complexes, especially those based on ruthenium, represent a promising class of catalysts for use in these systems. Studies of ruthenium complexes in homogeneous solutions represent an overwhelming majority of the literature on molecular catalysts thus far. Nonetheless, the development of devices for light‐driven water splitting necessitates the translation of catalysts to surfaces, namely, semiconductor metal‐oxide surfaces. Progress in this equally important area of heterogeneous molecular water oxidation and mechanistic studies at surfaces is reviewed herein.
Synergies of river and land circulation in towns with small rivers: The case of Poitiers (France)
Authors: Gorin Camille
Published: January 2021

The development of waterfront archeology since the 1970s has motivated the study of the synergies between cities and rivers. The increasing number of excavations in city waterfronts with its inception in Northern Europe, emphasize the complexity and value of riparian areas. These city‐river synergies shed light on such natural and cultural complexity, which requires a multidisciplinary approach and highlights the dynamics of a changing, hybrid and multifunctional riverine area. Although this interdisciplinary field of research has recently been growing, archeological research in France is focused primarily on large hydro systems with respect to smaller ones. This paper focuses on two secondary watercourses—the Clain and the Boivre—surrounding the city of Poitiers in Western France. Studying river and land circulation of the city in a longue durée perspective highlights the importance of small rivers in waterway traffic, as well as their archeological potential. These findings call for a reconsideration of the rich heritage of small rivers in future urban development projects, taking into account the sensitivity of small hydro systems to environmental changes.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Human Water
Fundamental research for a new confocal line X‐ray spectrometer
Authors: Nakano Hitomi , Sonoda Shota , Matsuyama Tsugufumi , Komatani Shintaro , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: January 2021

Confocal X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry can be used to perform three‐dimensional elemental analysis, which is impossible using general micro XRF spectrometry without any collimating optics in the detection channel. In this study, we designed, for the first time, a new confocal line XRF (C‐L‐XRF) system that can obtain elemental information of a larger area and higher intensity in XRF analysis than conventional confocal point XRF (C‐P‐XRF) analysis. We evaluate the basic performance of C‐L‐XRF, such as XRF intensity and horizontal and depth spatial resolutions. We identified that the spatial resolution of C‐L‐XRF in the horizontal and depth directions is approximately 2.9 and 2.6 times those of conventional C‐P‐XRF. However, it is possible to obtain an XRF intensity that is approximately 33 times higher than C‐P‐XRF intensity. C‐L‐XRF is expected to be effective for analyzing wide‐area samples such as layered samples.
Priorisierung intensivmedizinischer Behandlungsplätze – Konzeptvorschlag
Authors: Deppe A. C. , Kolibay F. , Burst V. , Simon S. , Rothschild M. , Kochanek M. , Annecke T. , Adler C. , Dusse F. , Hof M. , Langebartels G. , Reimers S. , Muckel S. , Roth B. , Wolff J. , Onur O. A.
Published: January 2021

In der Situation des Beatmungsbettenmangels sind ethisch begründbare, transparente und nachvollziehbare Entscheidungen zu treffen. Dieses Konzept sieht vor, dass zunächst alle Patienten nach Notwendigkeit intubiert und dann von einem Triage-Team beurteilt werden. Dabei stehen neu aufgenommene COVID-Patienten mit neu aufgenommenen Nicht-COVID-Patienten und bereits intensivmedizinisch behandelte Patienten in Konkurrenz um ein Beatmungsgerät. Die Kombination der kurz- und langfristigen Prognose soll dem interprofessionellen Triage-Team ermöglichen, nachvollziehbare Entscheidungen zu treffen. Ziel des Priorisierungskonzeptes ist es, möglichst viele Menschenleben zu retten und die Behandlungsteams von der schwierigen Entscheidung der Priorisierung zu entlasten.
Criminal victimization, cognitive social capital and mental health in an urban region in Germany: a path analysis
Authors: Kilian Reinhold , Müller-Stierlin Annabel , Lamp Natalie , von Gottberg Carolin , Becker Thomas
Published: January 2021

Purpose

There is ample evidence that experiencing a criminal victimization is associated with lasting emotional problems among victims. To date, the mechanisms behind this association are not well understood. Based on the theoretical assumptions derived from a transactional stress-appraisal and coping model this study analyses the role of cognitive social capital (SC) in the association between criminal victimization (CV) and victims’ mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional, computer-aided telephone survey including a representative sample of 3005 persons from three German cities was conducted. Respondents were asked about CV during their lifetime, cognitive SC, perceived victimization risk, perceived safety and perceived ability to prevent victimization. The PHQ-4 was used as a measure of anxiety and depression. The data were analyzed by means of logistic regression models and a path model controlled for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Lifetime CV with any type of crime was associated with a clinically relevant increased risk of mental disorder (PHQ-4 ≥ 9; OR 1.8, p ≤ 0.05). Path analyses revealed that the direct association between CV and PHQ-4 (β = 0.454; p ≤ 0.01) was significantly diminished by cognitive SC (β =  − 0.373; p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that cognitive SC is an individual resilience factor against negative experiences related to CV and that it holds the potential to diminish negative mental health consequences of CV. Further research should explore to what extent an enhancement of cognitive SC can help to prevent anxiety and depression among crime victims.