bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual Welfare Gains from Deferred Life-Annuities under Stochastic Mortality
Authors: Post Thomas
Published: June 2012

At the end of the deferment period a deferred annuity’s policyholder can choose between receiving annuity payouts or the capital accumulated. Considering stochastic mortality improvements, this is a valuable option for the policyholder. Whenever mortality improves less than expected at contract inception, the policyholder will choose the lump-sum and buy an annuity at current market prices. Otherwise, he will retain the more favorable deferred annuity. We use a life-cycle model and calculate the welfare gains of deferred annuities considering stochastic mortality improvements. Deferred annuities are found to substantially improve the welfare of an individual. The option feature is especially valuable in the presence of adverse selection problems. The results derived are relevant for individual retirement planning and pension system design.
Nonprofit-Public Partnerships for Local Development: Social Inputs in Policy Implementation
Authors: Natal Alejandro , Brichter William
Published: June 2012

This paper analyzes a partnership between a civil society organization and a local government (CPP) for development planning in an emerging democracy. The paper shows that CPPs can promote better policy design and implementation of public policy by benefiting from the strengths of both nonprofits and government. The paper answers pending questions like, ‘in which contexts are CPPs effective?’, ‘what characteristics of nonprofits improve policy implementation?’; ‘how does the reputation and public trust that local nonprofits enjoy transfer to the partnership?’ and ‘to what extent does non-profit participation create more citizens engagement?’, among others. By answering these questions the paper shows the potential benefits that local government-nonprofits partnerships can bring to the policymaking process, but it also argues that effective CPPs are fraught with challenges. The paper demonstrates the need for more inclusive and identity-sensitive local governance mechanisms, and for institutional arrangements that anticipate conflict and address increasing inequalities and community disengagement. The paper shows that effective governance is a collaborative venture in which social inputs need to be taken into account in program design; and a shared vision of the common good needs to be built-up for policy implementation.By exposing the tensions and conflicts of this governance experiment, the paper draws lessons for nonprofits, governments, and policymakers who seek to participate or design collaborative ventures.The case studied is the program of Pueblos Magicos in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, an instructive object of study, which lessons are not unique to this small town in central Mexico, but common to towns experiencing rapid demographic and economic growth elsewhere.
Debating Future Harmonization of European Union VAT Regulations: Protests Among Swedish Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Wallman Lundasen Susanne
Published: June 2012

The article discusses how the introduction of common European Union tax (VAT) regulations may affect the voluntary sector in Sweden. Historically nonprofit organizations in Sweden have enjoyed tax exemption given that their activities are considered to be of a common good purpose. The Commission of the European Union considers the tax exemption to be too generous in the case of Sweden and that it may distort competition in the free market. The protests are analyzed through a historical institutionalism framework where the Swedish paradigm for the voluntary sector is seen as deeply embedded in a specific institutional setting. The EU policy is interpreted by many nonprofit actors as threatening the existing institutional setting.
Nonprofit-State Relations in Ireland: Contexts, Issues and Alternatives
Authors: Donnelly-Cox Gemma , Reid Caroline , Begley Ciara , Finn Jennifer , Harmon Declan
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the major nonprofit policy issues in Ireland from the perspectives of government, nonprofits themselves and society generally. We have identified the key areas for examination as: economic, legislative, political and cultural contexts of nonprofit-state interaction. We have taken these dimensions as the template for the paper. We commence each section with a context setting overview of the factors relevant to a discussion of the policy issues. We then detail the major policy issues and available options. To conclude, we review the alternatives facing nonprofits.
Molecular mechanisms of the glucocorticoid receptor in steroid therapy – lessons from transgenic mice
Authors: Hübner Sabine , Tuckermann Jan
Published: June 2012

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent anti-inflammatory agents that are used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, allergic conditions, and some cancers. However, their therapeutic effects are hampered by severe side effects, such as muscle weakness, insulin resistance, fat redistribution, and osteoporosis. GCs act on many cell types that express the GC receptor (GR) via several modes of action. One of them includes GR homodimers recognizing binding sequences in the DNA of gene promoters. Another mode involves the modulation of other DNA-bound transcription factors via dimer-independent mechanisms. To what extent these mechanisms contribute to GC-mediated effects is currently being elucidated from analyses of mice with conditional and function-selective mutations of the GR and is summarized in this review. Whether GR homodimerization or its monomer activity is decisive in the therapeutic effectiveness and associated side effects of GCs for the treatment of inflammatory conditions depends on the type of the pathological condition. Thus, the classic criterion for selective GR modulators, discrimination between GR dimer- and GR monomer-dependent protein-protein interaction, will not help in any condition to avoid side effects and maintain anti-inflammatory activity. Rather, novel criteria for selective GR modulators have to be defined that take into consideration the tissue-specific mechanisms of the GR to achieve optimized anti-inflammatory therapies with reduced side effects. In the case of avoiding osteoporosis as a side effect, a first example of such optimized compounds can be provided.
The intracellular phospholipase A1 protein family
Authors: Tani Katsuko , Kogure Takeshi , Inoue Hiroki
Published: June 2012

Phospholipase A1 is an enzyme that hydrolyzes phospholipids, producing 2-acyl-lysophospholipids and fatty acids. The intracellular phospholipase A1 (iPLA1) protein family is a relatively recently discovered lipid-metabolizing enzyme family. Lower eukaryotes, such as yeasts and nematodes, and plants have only one iPLA1 protein, whereas mammals have three iPLA1 family proteins (PA-PLA1/DDHD1/iPLA1α, p125/Sec23IP/iPLA1β and KIAA0725p/DDHD2/iPLA1γ). Mammalian iPLA1 proteins are localized in different cellular compartments, and two of them, p125 and KIAA0725p, have been implicated in membrane trafficking events. Recent gene targeting studies on several organisms showed that iPLA1 family proteins are involved in various physiological functions, including plant shoot gravitropism, epithelial stem cell differentiation and spermiogenesis. In this review, we describe the features of iPLA1 family proteins and recent progress regarding our understanding of their physiological functions.
Efficient Cooperative Spectrum Sensing with Minimum Sensing Error Probability in Heterogeneous Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Hu Hang , Li Ning , Xu Youyun
Published: June 2012

To improve the sensing performance, cooperation among secondary users can be utilized to collect space diversity. We focus on the optimization of cooperative spectrum sensing in which multiple secondary users efficiently cooperate to achieve superior detection accuracy with minimum sensing error probability in heterogeneous cognitive radio (CR) networks. Rayleigh fading and Nakagami fading are considered respectively in cognitive network I and cognitive network II. For each cognitive network, we derive the optimal randomized rule for different decision threshold. Then, the optimal decision threshold is derived according to the rule of minimum sensing error (MSE). MSE rule shows better performance on improving the final false alarm and detection probability simultaneously. By simulations, our proposed strategy optimizes the sensing performance for each secondary user which is randomly distributed in the heterogeneous cognitive radio networks.
A Compact Cross-Shaped Slot Antenna with a Coplanar Waveguide Fed Rotated Patch for UWB Applications
Authors: Wang Ping , Wen Guang-Jun , Jin Hai-Yan
Published: June 2012

In this letter, a compact cross-shaped slot antenna with a coplanar waveguide fed rotated patch is presented and experimentally studied. By properly designing the dimensions of cross-shaped slot and rotated patch, good UWB property can be obtained. In comparison with the previous slot antennas, the proposed antenna has a smaller size as high as
Statistische Modellierung
Authors: Gries Stefan Th.
Published: June 2012

This paper provides an overview of central aspects of statistical modeling of linguistic data. Starting from a general definition of model, the paper discusses the goals of modeling as well as a variety of issues bearing upon the formulation/definition of statistical models. It then surveys model selection, the choice of ‘the best model’ and three fundamental notions affecting the interpretation of models. Finally, the paper turns to validation and replicability and addresses a variety of challenges researchers face during modeling processes.
Comparison of the Performance of Copper Oxide Nanofluid with Water in Electronic Cooling
Authors: Namburu Praveen K. , Das K. Debendra , Vajjha S. Ravikanth
Published: June 2012

A numerical study to compare the performance of water and copper oxide (CuO) nanofluid flowing under laminar regime in a parallel-plate channel, serving as a heat sink in an electronic device, has been presented. The geometry considered here is commonly used in the design of heat sinks suitable for cooling an array of microprocessor chips for which air cooling is insufficient. The influence of nanofluids concentration on local and average skin friction coefficients, Nusselt numbers, and convective heat-transfer coefficients in the channel have been analyzed in detail. The increases in the skin friction and heat transfer with volumetric concentration of nanoparticles have been evaluated from numerical simulations in the Reynolds number range of 100 to 2000. The analysis shows that the flow in this heat sink is hydrodynamically and thermally developing, for which the axial variations of local skin friction and local Nusselt number are presented. As an example, computational results for an 8 % volumetric concentration of CuO nanofluid shows that at a Reynolds number of 2000, the average heat-transfer coefficient increases nearly by a factor of 2 in comparison with pure water. From a detailed analysis summarized in Table 2, it is observed that there is an increase in the pressure loss as the particle concentration increases. For the CuO nanofluid of dilute concentration of 2 %, a slightly higher pumping power of about 10 % compared to water is predicted. This may be tolerable for the thermal protection of expensive electronic chips, in applications where the chip cost is the dominant factor.
Serotonin Transporter Role in Identifying Similarities Between SIDS and Idiopathic ALTE
Authors: Filonzi Laura , Magnani Cinzia , Nosetti Luana , Nespoli Luigi , Borghi Camilla , Vaghi Marina , Nonnis Marzano Francesco
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Considering previous genetic studies on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the role of L/L serotonin transporter (5HTT) genotype and correlated genes monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and dopamine transporter (DAT) in unexpected death, an investigation was carried out verifying their involvement in apparent life-threatening events (ALTE and idiopathic form [IALTE]), also assessing common molecular basis with SIDS.

METHODS:

Differential diagnoses in 76 ALTE infants, distinguishing ALTE from IALTE was elaborated by using clinical-diagnostic data. Genotypes/allelic frequencies of DAT, MAOA, and 5HTT were determined in ALTE and IALTE infants and compared with data obtained from 20 SIDS and 150 controls.

RESULTS:

No association was found between DAT polymorphisms and ALTE/IALTE groups either at the genotype or allelic level (P range .11–.94). MAOA genotypes and allele data comparison between ALTE and controls was not significant; IALTE data showed a tendency for genotypes (P = .09) and were statistically significant for alleles (P = .036); however, MAOA significance disappeared once the Bonferroni correction was applied. 5HTT polymorphisms in IALTE remarked the role of L/L genotype (P < .00001) and L (P < .00001), as previously demonstrated in SIDS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Considering correspondence between 5HTT and MAOA in IALTE and SIDS, we hypothesize that the 2 syndromes are different expressions of a common ethiopathogenesis. In particular, genetic data suggest SIDS events could derive from IALTE episodes occurred during sleep, and therefore out of parental control. Despite its functional role, results highlight the usefulness of 5HTT as a valuable tracer of SIDS risk in IALTE infants. Owing to the small sample size, the results are to be considered preliminary and should be reevaluated in an independent sample.
Effect of grass on soil reinforcement and shear strength
Authors: Rai Rajesh , Shrivastva Bal Krishan
Published: June 2012

Plants are used to reduce erosion and stabilise slopes in many places. The present paper discusses the reinforcement effect of two different types of grass (Cynodon dactylon and Imperata cylindrica) roots with soil. Root distributions are also investigated with depth and lateral directions. The shear strength test is conducted to understand the root interaction system with soil. Pull-out tests are performed for Imperata cylindrica to investigate the interaction of roots with soil. The increased shear strength is calculated by a large shear box instrument (30 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm). The results show that the roots significantly increase the shear strength of soil. This is primarily dependent on the properties of the roots and their profile. The increased shear strength owing to Imperata cylindrica and Cynodon dactylon grass is 36 kPa and 11 kPa respectively. Relative shear strength is also defined and used to quantify the reinforcement capacity of grasses. The relative shear strength owing to Imperata cylindrica grass is around three, whereas that owing to Cynodon dactylon grass is approximately two.
Fly ash influences on sulfate-heave in lime-stabilised soils
Authors: McCarthy Michael J , Csetenyi Laszlo J , Sachdeva Anisha , Dhir Ravindra K
Published: June 2012

The paper describes a study carried out to investigate how fly ash influences sulfate-heave in lime-stabilised soils. Five different clays having a range of total potential sulfate contents were tested. Quicklime was added at 3·0, 4·5 and 6·0% (by mass of dry soil) and two fly ashes with different characteristics were used at levels of 6, 12, 18 and 24%. A ground granulated blastfurnace slag was also considered for comparative purposes. Swelling tests followed the BS EN 13286-49:2004 accelerated (40°C) volumetric method. Mellowing period, exposure temperature, mineralogical development, unconfined compressive strength and porosity of the test mixes were also considered in studying fly ash effects on the process. Swelling generally increased with overall sulfate content in the lime-stabilised mixes and reduced with increasing fly ash level and coarseness. The mechanisms involved appeared to depend on the characteristics of the fly ash used. In the case of coarse fly ash, this was attributed to a mainly physical phenomenon associated with increased pore space in the system to accommodate expansive sulfate products forming, which contrasted with enhanced fly ash reactivity and increased strength of the lime-stabilised structure for fine material.
Ethanol Production in Actinomycetes after Expression of Synthetic adhB and pdc
Authors: Hardter Uwe , Luzhetska Marta , Ebeling Sandra , Bechthold Andreas
Published: June 2012

Streptomyces strains are producing many important secondary metabolites, in many cases used as pharmaceuti-cal drugs. Though the usage of these bacteria for the production of fuel has never been described. We could show, that the expression of two artificial ethanologenic genes of Zymomonas mobilis in different actinomycetes strains resulted in the production of ethanol. The synthetic genes adhB and pdc encoding an alcohol dehydrogenase and a pyruvate decarboxy-lase, respectively, were expressed in eight different Streptomyces strains. Best production was obtained using Streptomy-ces coelicolor A3(2) harboring both genes. By variation of the cultivation conditions, the amount of ethanol produced by the strain could be increased up to 2.6 g/l.
Determinants of stress in the company perfecting quality
Authors: Chojnacka Małgorzata , Witkowski Krzysztof
Published: June 2012

Continuous development and changes in the areas of technology, organization, management and marketing may bring a number of benefits to enterprises. This can, however, also contribute significantly to employee anxiety. This article is an attempt to answer the question: What are the sources of tension and conflict, and to what degree are they being experienced? The study among employees of a quality-oriented company is intended to identify issues of stress in such organizations with particular emphasis on the determinants of this phenomenon. The paper also proposes remedial action to address such issues.
The solutions for improving the urban transport system based on resident surveys
Authors: Witkowski Krzysztof
Published: June 2012

The urban transport system is one of the key components affecting the improvement of human communication, especially in terms of availability and organization of the resources of the transport infrastructure of the city. The author concerns an impact of urban transport infrastructure on the perception of the quality of life for residents of mid-sized city. The article has been given to factors affecting the level of utilization of the urban transport system by the inhabitants and their expectations in terms of shaping conditions for the development of urban infrastructure. This article is part of a research project "Referential model of city logistics versus quality of life of citizens" funded by funds for science in the years 2010-2013 as a research project.
The imperfections of a credit market in agriculture
Authors: Kułyk Piotr
Published: June 2012

In the article the relations of the credit market with the agricultural sector were evaluated. The significance of the imperfections in the allocation of resources with help of the credit market was presented. The attention was paid to both the specificity of the very agriculture and the external conditions, which were created as a result of the process of globalization. The effects of the impact of the selected macroeconomic indicators on the adjustments within the interest rate calculated with use of the changes of the prices of agricultural products were examined. Ten highly-developed countries were analyzed for regard of the similar conditions of functioning. The research period referred to 1990-2010. The conducted deliberations allowed to distinguish a group of factors influencing the terms of creating the costs of obtaining the credit money. The character of the existing correlations was analyzed. The different meaning of particular relations was proved. The presented results raise the significance of retransfers dedicated to agriculture with help of the state.
Changes in Local People’s Perceptions of the Sumava National Park in the Czech Republic over a Ten Year Period (1998–2008)
Authors: Gorner Tomas , Najmanova Klara , Cihar Martin
Published: June 2012

The Sumava National Park (NP), the largest protected area of its kind in Central Europe, is as interesting as it is problematic (historical development, conflicts between regional development and landscape protection). In order to evaluate the success of the Park’s policies, local park inhabitants’ attitudes were assessed over a ten-year period. Two surveys (N = 181 and N = 200) were conducted in August, 1998 and 2008. The questionnaires consisted of 43 queries from three thematic areas; (a) socio-demographic data, (b) environment and nature conservation, and (c) sustainable tourism and local development. The comparison of the results 1998 with 2008 showed that the Park inhabitants perceived living in the Park as improving and the scheme for nature conservation as either “optimal” or “more strict”. The surveys also showed the loss of job opportunities as the most prevalent local concern. In a cluster analysis based on perceptions of (a) the Park, (b) the environment and (c) Park Administration, subjects were divided into four opinion groups ranging from “optimists” to “grumblers”. The most “positive (optimistic)” group saw little connection between the Park’s existence and job losses, while the most “negative” group saw a strong connection in that regard.
Population structure, demographic history, and evolutionary patterns of a green‐fruited tomato,Solanum peruvianum(Solanaceae), revealed by spatial genetics analyses
Authors: Nakazato Takuya , Franklin Robert A. , Kirk Burton C. , Housworth Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2012

•Premise of the study:Wild relatives of crop species have long been viewed as an important genetic resource for crop improvement, but basic information about the population biology of these species is often lacking. This study investigated the population structure, demographic history, and evolutionary patterns of a green‐fruited relative of the cultivated tomato,Solanum peruvianum.

•Methods:We investigated spatial genetics ofS. peruvianumand screened for loci potentially under natural selection by integrating amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genotypes, phenotypic data, geography, and geographic information system (GIS)‐derived climate data of 19 natural populations.

•Key results:Solanum peruvianumhad a moderate degree of population differentiation, likely reflecting partial geographic isolation between species. Populations had a distribution pattern consistent with north‐to‐south “stepping‐stone” dispersal with significant isolation by distance (IBD), similar to other tomato species. Several AFLP loci showed evidence of selection and associated with climate variables. However, phenotypic traits generally did not correlate with climate variables.

•Conclusions:Geographic features of the coastal Andes is likely an important factor that determines the migration pattern and population structure ofS. peruvianum, but climatic factors do not appear to be critical for its phenotypic evolution, perhaps due to a high degree of phenotypic plasticity. Spatial genetics of wild relatives of crop species is a powerful approach to understand their evolutionary patterns and to accelerate the discovery of their potential for crop improvements.
Transposon-Derived and Satellite-Derived Repetitive Sequences Play Distinct Functional Roles in Mammalian Intron Size Expansion
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Su Yao , Wang Xumin , Lei Hongxing , Yu Jun
Published: June 2012

Background

Repetitive sequences (RSs) are redundant, complex at times, and often lineage-specific, representing significant “building” materials for genes and genomes. According to their origins, sequence characteristics, and ways of propagation, repetitive sequences are divided into transposable elements (TEs) and satellite sequences (SSs) as well as related subfamilies and subgroups hierarchically. The combined changes attributable to the repetitive sequences alter gene and genome architectures, such as the expansion of exonic, intronic, and intergenic sequences, and most of them propagate in a seemingly random fashion and contribute very significantly to the entire mutation spectrum of mammalian genomes.

Principal findings

Our analysis is focused on evolutional features of TEs and SSs in the intronic sequence of twelve selected mammalian genomes. We divided them into four groups–-primates, large mammals, rodents, and primary mammals–-and used four non-mammalian vertebrate species as the out-group. After classifying intron size variation in an intron-centric way based on RS-dominance (TE-dominant or SS-dominant intron expansions), we observed several distinct profiles in intron length and positioning in different vertebrate lineages, such as retrotransposon-dominance in mammals and DNA transposon-dominance in the lower vertebrates, amphibians and fishes. The RS patterns of mouse and rat genes are most striking, which are not only distinct from those of other mammals but also different from that of the third rodent species analyzed in this study–-guinea pig. Looking into the biological functions of relevant genes, we observed a two-dimensional divergence; in particular, genes that possess SS-dominant and/or RS-free introns are enriched in tissue-specific development and transcription regulation in all mammalian lineages. In addition, we found that the tendency of transposons in increasing intron size is much stronger than that of satellites, and the combined effect of both RSs is greater than either one of them alone in a simple arithmetic sum among the mammals and the opposite is found among the four non-mammalian vertebrates.

Conclusions

TE- and SS-derived RSs represent major mutational forces shaping the size and composition of vertebrate genes and genomes, and through natural selection they either fine-tune or facilitate changes in size expansion, position variation, and duplication, and thus in functions and evolutionary paths for better survival and fitness. When analyzed globally, not only are such changes significantly diversified but also comprehensible in lineages and biological implications.
Regionalization of meso-scale physically based nitrogen modeling outputs to the macro-scale by the use of regression trees
Authors: Künne A. , Fink M. , Kipka H. , Krause P. , Flügel W.-A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. In this paper, a method is presented to estimate excess nitrogen on large scales considering single field processes. The approach was implemented by using the physically based model J2000-S to simulate the nitrogen balance as well as the hydrological dynamics within meso-scale test catchments. The model input data, the parameterization, the results and a detailed system understanding were used to generate the regression tree models with GUIDE (Loh, 2002). For each landscape type in the federal state of Thuringia a regression tree was calibrated and validated using the model data and results of excess nitrogen from the test catchments. Hydrological parameters such as precipitation and evapotranspiration were also used to predict excess nitrogen by the regression tree model. Hence they had to be calculated and regionalized as well for the state of Thuringia. Here the model J2000g was used to simulate the water balance on the macro scale. With the regression trees the excess nitrogen was regionalized for each landscape type of Thuringia. The approach allows calculating the potential nitrogen input into the streams of the drainage area. The results show that the applied methodology was able to transfer the detailed model results of the meso-scale catchments to the entire state of Thuringia by low computing time without losing the detailed knowledge from the nitrogen transport modeling. This was validated with modeling results from Fink (2004) in a catchment lying in the regionalization area. The regionalized and modeled excess nitrogen correspond with 94%. The study was conducted within the framework of a project in collaboration with the Thuringian Environmental Ministry, whose overall aim was to assess the effect of agro-environmental measures regarding load reduction in the water bodies of Thuringia to fulfill the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive (Bäse et al., 2007; Fink, 2006; Fink et al., 2007).
Cannabis, Tobacco Use, and COVID-19 Outcomes
Authors: Griffith Nicholas B. , Baker Timothy B. , Heiden Brendan T. , Smock Nina , Pham Giang , Chen Jingling , Yu Justin , Reddy James , Lai Albert M. , Hogue Eric , Bierut Laura J. , Chen Li-Shiun
Published: June 2024

Importance

It is unclear whether cannabis use is associated with adverse health outcomes in patients with COVID-19 when accounting for known risk factors, including tobacco use.

Objective

To examine whether cannabis and tobacco use are associated with adverse health outcomes from COVID-19 in the context of other known risk factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used electronic health record data from February 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022. This study included patients who were identified as having COVID-19 during at least 1 medical visit at a large academic medical center in the Midwest US.

Exposures

Current cannabis use and tobacco smoking, as documented in the medical encounter.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Health outcomes of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and all-cause mortality following COVID-19 infection. The association between substance use (cannabis and tobacco) and these COVID-19 outcomes was assessed using multivariable modeling.

Results

A total of 72 501 patients with COVID-19 were included (mean [SD] age, 48.9 [19.3] years; 43 315 [59.7%] female; 9710 [13.4%] had current smoking; 17 654 [24.4%] had former smoking; and 7060 [9.7%] had current use of cannabis). Current tobacco smoking was significantly associated with increased risk of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% CI, 1.62-1.82; P < .001), ICU admission (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10-1.34; P < .001), and all-cause mortality (OR, 1.37, 95% CI, 1.20-1.57; P < .001) after adjusting for other factors. Cannabis use was significantly associated with increased risk of hospitalization (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.68-1.93; P < .001) and ICU admission (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.14-1.41; P < .001) but not with all-cause mortality (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.82-1.14, P = .69) after adjusting for tobacco smoking, vaccination, comorbidity, diagnosis date, and demographic factors.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that cannabis use may be an independent risk factor for COVID-19–related complications, even after considering cigarette smoking, vaccination status, comorbidities, and other risk factors.
Manufacturing of Continuous Core–Shell Hydrated Salt Fibers for Room Temperature Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Toomey Michael D. , Kanbargi Nihal , Kearney Logan T. , Hinton Holly , Gupta Sumit , Sawafta Reyad , Naskar Amit K. , Sharma Jaswinder
Published: June 2024

The encapsulation of salt hydrate phase change materials (PCMs) in uniform microscale bodies has yet been reported in research due in part to the delicate relationship between thermal performance and water‐to‐salt ratios which are easily altered during manufacturing. Herein, core–shell composite fibers comprised of a salt hydrate PCM core and a poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) shell are wet spun in a continuous process using a syringe pump and coaxial die. The PCM phase comprises calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2·6H2O) with strontium chloride hexahydrate (SrCl2·6H2O) (3 wt%) and fumed silica (SiO2) (2 wt%) as additive, acomposition that is prepared from homogenous melt at 40 °C. 15 wt% PAN in dimethylsulfoxide solvent is used to prepare the shell‐forming polymer gel. PCM and polymer gel injection rates of 10–40 mL h−1 are used tospin coaxial fibers through a coagulation bath, yielding continuous microtubules with diameters in the range of 850–1500 μm. Cyclic testing shows that after 1000 cycles, melting enthalpies incurred only a 3.5% decline from 131.46 to 126.9 J g−1. Success here overcomes several coincidental drawbacks of PCM fiber performance and manufacturing and delivers the first example of scalable roll‐to‐roll PCM fiber produced by wet spinning for building material applications.
Tough and Transparent Supramolecular Cross‐Linked Co‐Assembled Silk Fibroin Films for Passive Radiative Cooling
Authors: Wen Zhongyuan , Tang Jingzhi , Zhai Maomao , Wang Sihuan , Zhang Shouwei , Wang Jinfeng , Cui Yongming , Liu Qingtao , Zhang Jinming , Wang Xungai
Published: June 2024

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural biomaterial from silk, which has outstanding biocompatibility. However, regeneration SF materials usually suffer from brittleness, which restricts their applications. Here, a novel supramolecular co‐assembly strategy is reported for the preparation of a Bolas‐shaped polyethylene glycol peptide (BPP)/SF film, where the peptide and SF form a robust payload co‐assembled network and polyethylene glycol (PEG) fragments form supramolecular cross‐linking in this network. The obtained BPP/SF film shows both high stress (27.8 MPa), high toughness (3.64 MJ m−3), high transparency (89%), and high mid‐infrared (MIR) emissivity (90.5%). In passive radiative cooling, the BPP/SF film results in a 2.7 °C reduction in the temperature of the human arm skin and a 14.6 °C reduction in the temperature of the solar cell. More importantly, this novel BPP co‐assembly SF material can be recycled and reused while maintaining its original mechanical strength. This work provides a novel strategy for fabricating regenerative SF materials with ultra‐strong and ultra‐tough mechanical performance.
Amino‐Acid‐Encoded Supramolecular Nanostructures for Persistent Bioluminescence Imaging of Tumor
Authors: Huang Yifan , Yu Zian , Peng Jiancheng , Yu Qin , Xu Hao , Yang Miaomiao , Yuan Sijie , Zhang Qianzijing , Yang Yanyun , Gao Jin , Yuan Yue
Published: June 2024

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a powerful technique for noninvasive monitoring of biological processes and cell transplantation. Nonetheless, the application of D‐luciferin, which is widely employed as a bioluminescent probe, is restricted in long‐term in vivo tracking due to its short half‐life. This study presents a novel approach using amino acid‐encoded building blocks to accumulate and preserve luciferin within tumor cells, through a supramolecular self‐assembly strategy. The building block platform called Cys(SEt)‐X‐CBT (CXCBT, with X representing any amino acid) utilizes a covalent‐noncovalent hybrid self‐assembly mechanism to generate diverse luciferin‐containing nanostructures in tumor cells after glutathione reduction. These nanostructures exhibit efficient tumor‐targeted delivery as well as sequence‐dependent well‐designed morphologies and prolonged bioluminescence performance. Among the selected amino acids (X = Glu, Lys, Leu, Phe), Cys(SEt)‐Lys‐CBT (CKCBT) exhibits the superior long‐lasting bioluminescence signal (up to 72 h) and good biocompatibility. This study demonstrates the potential of amino‐acid‐encoded supramolecular self‐assembly as a convenient and effective method for developing BLI probes for long‐term biological tracking and disease imaging.
A Highly Stretchable, Conductive, and Transparent Bioadhesive Hydrogel as a Flexible Sensor for Enhanced Real‐Time Human Health Monitoring
Authors: Roy Arpita , Zenker Shea , Jain Saumya , Afshari Ronak , Oz Yavuz , Zheng Yuting , Annabi Nasim
Published: June 2024

Real‐time continuous monitoring of non‐cognitive markers is crucial for the early detection and management of chronic conditions. Current diagnostic methods are often invasive and not suitable for at‐home monitoring. An elastic, adhesive, and biodegradable hydrogel‐based wearable sensor with superior accuracy and durability for monitoring real‐time human health is developed. Employing a supramolecular engineering strategy, a pseudo‐slide‐ring hydrogel is synthesized by combining polyacrylamide (pAAm), β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), and poly 2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (AETAc) bio ionic liquid (Bio‐IL). This novel approach decouples conflicting mechano–chemical effects arising from different molecular building blocks and provides a balance of mechanical toughness (1.1 × 106Jm−3), flexibility, conductivity (≈0.29 S m−1), and tissue adhesion (≈27 kPa), along with rapid self‐healing and remarkable stretchability (≈3000%). Unlike traditional hydrogels, the one‐pot synthesis avoids chemical crosslinkers and metallic nanofillers, reducing cytotoxicity. While the pAAm provides mechanical strength, the formation of the pseudo‐slide‐ring structure ensures high stretchability and flexibility. Combining pAAm with β‐CD and pAETAc enhances biocompatibility and biodegradability, as confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies. The hydrogel also offers transparency, passive‐cooling, ultraviolet (UV)‐shielding, and 3D printability, enhancing its practicality for everyday use. The engineered sensor demonstratesimproved efficiency, stability, and sensitivity in motion/haptic sensing, advancing real‐time human healthcare monitoring.
Unveiling the In Situ Evolution of Li2O‐Rich Solid Electrolyte Interface on CoOx Embedded Carbon Fibers as Li Anode Host
Authors: Hao Zhimin , Liu Dapeng , Zuo Xintao , Yu Haohan , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2024

Modification of three‐dimensional (3D) carbon hosts with metal oxides has been considered as advantageous for the formation of Li2O‐rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which can show fast Li+ diffusion, and meanwhile alleviate dendrite problems caused by fragility and nonuniformity of native SEIs. However, the lack of convincing experimental evidence has made it difficult to unveil the true origin of oxygen in Li2O‐rich SEIs until now. Herein, CoOx embedded carbon nanofibers (CNF‐CoOx) are successfully prepared as high‐performance Li anode hosts. By employing 18O isotope labeling, the role of CoOx during SEI evolution is elucidated, revealing that CoOx contributes significantly to Li2O formation by delivering oxygen. Benefiting from the rich Li2O content, the as‐formed SEIs greatly improve the Li+ migration kinetics, and therefore, the CNF‐CoOx@Li anode can exhibit excellent cycling stability in half, symmetrical, and full cells.
Controlled Nucleation and Oriented Crystallization of Methylammonium‐Free Perovskites via In Situ Generated 2D Perovskite Phases
Authors: Gao Yuping , Song Zonglong , Fu Qiang , Chen Yu , Yang Liu , Hu Ziyang , Chen Yongsheng , Liu Yongsheng
Published: June 2024

Enhancing stability while maintaining high efficiency is among the primary challenges in the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, a crystal growth technique assisted by in situ generated 2D perovskite phases has been developed to construct high‐quality 2D/3D perovskite films. The in situ generated 2D perovskite serve as templates for regulating the nucleation and oriented crystal growth in the α‐FAPbI3‐rich film. This led to a high film quality with much reduced trap density and an ultralong carrier lifetime. The obtained perovskite film shows excellent stability under extreme environment conditions (T = 200 °C, RH = 75 ± 5%). The corresponding PSC achieved an efficiency of 26.16% (certified 25.84%), along with excellent operational stability (T93 > 1300 h, T ≅ 50 °C) as well as outstanding high and low temperature cycle stability.
Ultraflexible Ring‐Shaped Organic Photodetectors for Motion Artifact‐Less Photoplethysmography
Authors: Liu Limei , Lu Zihan , Yan Zhenyu , Wang Haoyang , Su Zhicheng , Yokota Tomoyuki , Someya Takao , Wang Binghao
Published: June 2024

Owing to compact size and affordability, wearable photoplethysmogram sensors provide real‐time physiological parameters that are critical for vital signs monitoring. However, the measurement accuracy, especially during physical activities, is the main obstacle toward clinical practice. Here, ring‐shaped ultraflexible organic photodetectors （OPDs） are proposed that can form conformal contact with the skin fingerprints and monitor pulse wave under faint light source of ≈22 µW cm−2. The ring‐shape and ultraflexible design, together with optimized donor‐acceptor composition, active layer thickness, and large active area (0.1 cm2) endow the OPDs with low dark current (3.66 × 10−10 A cm−2 at −1 V), high detectivity (1.5 × 1013 Jones), and motion artifact‐free when moving at a speed of 5 cm s−1.
Synthesis and Properties of Polysilsesquioxane Functionalized Poly(p‐terphenyl‐co‐N‐methyl‐4‐piperidine) Membrane for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Lele , Wang Ting , Wang Qian , Wang Jin , Yang Jingshuai
Published: June 2024

The development of high‐performance, cost‐effective high temperature polymer electrolyte membranes (HT‐PEMs) is a great challenge for HT‐PEM fuel cells. In this study, a new HT‐PEM of polysilsesquioxane functionalized poly(p‐terphenyl‐co‐N‐methyl‐4‐piperidine) (PTP‐CPTMS) is reported. Owing to the incorporation of the polysilsesquioxane network, the PTP‐CPTMS membrane demonstrates an excellent phosphoric acid (PA) doping capacity and controlled swelling, compared to the benchmarks, that is, pristine PTP membrane and propyl group grafted PTP membrane (PTP‐C3). As a result, the PTP‐CPTMS/208%PA membrane exhibits a low volume swelling of 77%, a high conductivity of 0.070 S cm−1 at 180 °C and a satisfactory tensile strength of 4.9 MPa at room temperature. Based on the above membrane, the H2‐O2 single cell is assembled and displays a steadily increased peak power density up to 220 °C, which is 769 mW cm−2 without the need for external humidification or backpressure. This work provides a kind of polysilsesquioxane functionalized HT‐PEMs, which hold substantial potential for application in HT‐PEM fuel cells.
Unveiling the Three Stages of Li Plating and Dynamic Evolution Processes in Pouch C/LiFePO4 Batteries
Authors: Lin Ying , Hu Wenxuan , Ding Meifang , Hu Yonggang , Peng Yufan , Liang Jinding , Wei Yimin , Fu Ang , Lin Jianrong , Yang Yong
Published: June 2024

Li plating is widely known as the key factor leading to degradation and safety issues in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, the feasibility of monitoring the onset and progression of Li plating is proposed and justified in the graphite/LiFePO4 pouch cell by an operando impedance‐thickness combinational technique. First, as a proof‐of‐concept, the real‐time thickness/impedance variations of LIBs during charging at low temperature (≈0 °C) are obtained and dissected. Three distinct stages corresponding to different Li plating patterns are observed with the critical changing points of charge‐transfer resistance, which match well with the counterpoints in the differential thickness/capacity curves. Post‐mortem analysis by Mass Titration and Scanning Microscopy also indicate that these stages are Li intercalation, Li nucleation & nuclei growth, and Li dendrite growth, respectively. Thereafter, different cycling protocols are proposed and carried out to test the as‐mentioned Li plating processes by this novel technique. The results disclose that the extensive deposition of metallic Li significantly intensifies the loss of Li inventory, leading to cell aging or even a “capacity plunge”, and depict a safer boundary plot about preventing the occurrence of “Li plating” region. This work provides new insights on Li plating behavior and battery safety control under harsh operational conditions.
Lattice Strain and Charge Localization Dual Regulation of Phosphorus‐Doped CoSe2/MXene Catalysts Enable Kinetics‐Enhanced and Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Yucong , Zhuang Yanhui , Li Yuhang , Chang Hao‐Hsiang , Min Huihua , Shen Xiaodong , Chen Han‐Yi , Yang Hao , Wang Jin
Published: June 2024

Phase engineering is considered an effective strategy to regulate the electrocatalytic activity of catalysts for Li–S batteries (LSBs). However, the underlying origin of phase‐dependent catalytic ability remains to be determined, which significantly impedes the design principles of high‐performance catalytic materials for LSBs. Herein, heteroatom‐doped engineering can trigger phase transformation from mixed‐phased cubic and orthorhombic cobalt diselenide into pure orthorhombic structure with a tensile strain and enhanced charge localization. The upshift of the d‐band center and enhanced Bader charge at Se sites synergistically strengthen the interaction with Li and S sites in polysulfide species, thus endowing the transformed P‐MoSe2/MXene with high catalytic activity and uniform lithium deposition for LSBs. Consequently, the P‐CoSe2/MXene Li–S batteries demonstrate a high‐rate capability of 603 mAh g−1 at 4C, and an excellent cyclability of 652 mAh g−1 at 1C over 500 cycles with a degradation rate of 0.076% per cycle. The work provides an in‐depth insight into the fundamental design principles of effective catalysts for LSBs.
The diagnostic yield of genetic and metabolic investigations in syndromic and nonsyndromic patients with autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay, or intellectual disability from a dedicated neurodevelopmental disorders genetics clinic
Authors: Postma Julianne K. , Harrison Mary‐Ann , Kutcher Stephen , Webster Richard J. , Cloutier Mireille , Bourque Danielle K. , Yu Andrea C. , Carter Melissa T.
Published: June 2024

First‐tier genetic investigations for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) may include chromosomal microarray, Fragile X testing, and screening for inherited metabolic diseases, but most remain undiagnosed upon completion of testing. Here, we report the diagnostic yields of genetic testing for 537 patients with at least one of autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay, and/or intellectual disability. Patients were assessed in a single neurodevelopmental genetics clinic, and each underwent a standardized history and physical examination. Each patient was characterized as syndromic or nonsyndromic based on clinical features. Our results demonstrate that multigene sequencing (with an NDD gene panel or exome) had a higher diagnostic yield (8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5%, 13%) than chromosomal microarray and Fragile X testing combined (4%; 95% CI: 3%, 7%). Biochemical screening for inherited metabolic diseases had a diagnostic yield of zero. The diagnostic yield of genetic testing was significantly higher for syndromic patients than for nonsyndromic patients (odds ratio [OR] 3.09; 95% CI: 1.46, 6.83) and higher for female patients than for male (OR 3.21; 95% CI: 1.52, 6.82). These results add to the growing evidence supporting a comprehensive genetic evaluation that includes both copy number analysis and sequencing of known NDD genes for patients with NDDs.
Modulating the Microenvironments of Robust Metal Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks for Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Lu Chong‐Jiu , Shi Wen‐Jie , Gong Yun‐Nan , Zhang Ji‐Hong , Wang Yu‐Chen , Mei Jian‐Hua , Ge Zhao‐Ming , Lu Tong‐Bu , Zhong Di‐Chang
Published: June 2024

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are outstanding candidates for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, most of reported HOFs suffer from poor stability and photocatalytic activity in the absence of Pt cocatalyst. Herein, a series of metal HOFs (Co2‐HOF‐X, X=COOMe, Br, tBu and OMe) have been rationally constructed based on dinuclear cobalt complexes, which exhibit exceptional stability in the presence of strong acid (12 M HCl) and strong base (5 M NaOH) for at least 10 days. More impressively, by varying the ‐X groups of the dinuclear cobalt complexes, the microenvironment of Co2‐HOF‐X can be modulated, giving rise to obviously different photocatalytic H2 production rates, following the −X group sequence of −COOMe>−Br>−tBu>−OMe. The optimized Co2‐HOF‐COOMe shows H2 generation rate up to 12.8 mmol g−1 h−1 in the absence of any additional noble‐metal photosensitizers and cocatalysts, which is superior to most reported Pt‐assisted photocatalytic systems. Experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that the −X groups grafted on Co2‐HOF‐X possess different electron‐withdrawing ability, thus regulating the electronic structures of Co catalytic centres and proton activation barrier for H2 production, and leading to the distinctly different photocatalytic activity.