bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three models for ordering constitutional orders
Authors: Belov Martin
Published: January 2023

The article explores constitutional transitions from the viewpoint of three explanatory and ordering paradigms proposed by the author. These are Westphalian constitutionalism, post-Westphalian constitutionalism and neo-Westphalian constitutionalism. The analysis focusses on the crisis of the two main paradigms of Westphalian Modernity - the territoriality of power and the hierarchy having projections on constitutional supremacy and political sovereignty. It explores how these two main forms of Westphalian constitutional geometry are challenged by globalism and neo-regionalism. The paper revolves around the metamorphoses of the pillars of constitutionalism in the context of globalization, as a holistic and universal project that has been unfolding in recent decades, and the current trends toward redefining globalization in terms of global regionalism and post-territorial technocratic governance.
Can we talk about digital economy taxation without Improved administrative cooperation between countries?
Authors: Ivanov Iva
Published: January 2023

Finding the right rules for taxation of corporate income in digital economy has been at the centre of attention of international tax community. Three proposals have received most attention, even though it is still uncertain whether any of them would be elected as a final solution. What these proposals show us is that in order to adopt new rules for taxation of digital economy, it is necessary to provide a functional global environment where information would be readily available and where countries would provide assistance in tax collection. However, existing mutual assistance instruments fall short of that. In this paper it is argued that current political momentum around the need to reach an international consensus should be used to enhance mutual assistance mechanisms. It is argued that CRS should become main global instrument for automatic exchange of information, or at least that CRS and FATCA rules should be harmonised so that there are no differences between them. Furthermore, it is argued that all countries should start providing assistance in tax collection based on OECD MAC. And secondly, it is argued that programs for technical assistance and capacity building offered by the OECD should be expanded so that more countries have access to them and that more resources are dedicated to each country.
Desigualdad social y segregación residencial en áreas urbanas en globalización. Un estudio comparado de los casos de Madrid, Barcelona y Valencia
Authors: Mazorra Alvaro
Published: January 2023

Durante las últimas tres décadas, las ciudades españolas de mayor dimensión demográfica han experimentado profundas transformaciones espaciales, sociales y económicas. Las nuevas economías urbanas han tenido un rol esencial en la aceleración de tales transformaciones, lo que conlleva un abanico de impactos tanto positivos como negativos a nivel espacial, social, económico, y ambiental. En este artículo se presenta un análisis cuantitativo sobre cómo la implantación de las nuevas formas de economía urbana —enmarcadas en lo que, a nivel académico, se denomina capitalismo global— ha incentivado la polarización social de las ciudades de Madrid, Barcelona y Valencia, así como un significativo aumento de la segregación residencial intraurbana. El artículo concluye con el argumento de que este deterioro de los niveles de polarización social y segregación residencial reflejan el avance hacia modelos urbanos polarizados.
La Inequidad de Género en el Mercado Laboral de América Latina y sus Efectos Económicos. Una mirada desde Colombia
Authors: Cristancho Giraldo Laura Andrea , Rios Yepes Gloria Nancy , Salamanca Olmos Marisol
Published: January 2023

Este artículo presenta reflexiones de equidad de género en el mercado laboral en América Latina, donde se evidencia que el empoderamiento de las mujeres estimula la productividad y el crecimiento económico. Se analiza desde el contexto internacional y se realiza una radiografía postpandemia en la región, así como la política laboral de género en Colombia. Este estudio refleja que, si bien se ha logrado avanzar, hay mucho por aportar desde diferentes frentes, como seguridad, protección social y economía, para tener una sociedad más prospera.
Value Assignment of Standard Reference Material® 1849b Infant/Adult Nutritional Formula I
Authors: Phillips Melissa M , Wood Laura , Barber Charles , Scruggs Bruce , Sieber John , Yen James H. , Yu Lee L.
Published: January 2023

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material® (SRM®) 1849b Infant/Adult Nutritional Formula I delivers certified or non-certified values for over 100 analytes. This material is intended to be used for the evaluation of methods for the determination of elements, amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides, proximates, sugars, and vitamins and in this and similar matrices. The material was purchased pre-packaged from a commercial vendor. The measurement results used to assign values to the measurands were provided by NIST staff, the manufacturer, and/or interlaboratory comparison exercises. This document describes the material, measurement processes and results, and data analysis used to produce SRM 1849b.
Ready and waiting to go
Authors: Rivino Laura , Wooldridge Linda
Published: January 2023

Some T cells that have been activated by a herpesvirus can also respond to SARS-CoV-2, even if the original herpesvirus infection happened before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Riddle’s Court, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh
Authors: Cressey Michael , Crone Anne , Dundas Karen , Hills Christina , Ross Alasdair
Published: January 2023

Riddle’s Court, a former merchant’s house situated off the Royal Mile, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, underwent major refurbishment and transformation into the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning from 2015 to 2017. The results from historical research, building survey and architectural watching briefs are as yet unparalleled, as no other building on the Royal Mile has received the level of historical and archaeological research carried out at Riddle’s Court.

In the late 16th century much of the Royal Mile was a plethora of mainly stone and timber-framed houses. However, Riddle’s Court was an amalgam of predominantly ashlar and rubble construction with tall thatched roofs with dormer windows. Slate was a later addition in the early 18th century. The interior of the complex was furnished with several turnpike staircases of which only one now survives. During the 17th and 18th centuries Riddle’s Court was bedecked with all the fine trappings of a country mansion house and was occupied by major and minor aristocracy until the late 18th century. The status of the building was further elevated by its earlier royal connections that led to its partial remodelling for ceremonial purposes. A legacy of a lavish royal banquet in honour of King James VI of Scotland (James I of England) and his bride Queen Anne of Denmark was a painted ceiling in the so-called ‘King’s Chamber’ which commemorated their royal union. This ornate and historically significant painted beam and board ceiling was discovered in the 1960s during a period of building renovation by Edinburgh City Council. The ceiling was restored and is a focal point among a large collection of ornate plaster and painted ceilings. Subsequent removal of more modern lined ceilings during the present refurbishment led to the discovery of three more painted beam and board ceilings, and a concealed fireplace and bread oven that are rare survivors within not only the Royal Mile but elsewhere in Scotland. The presence of so much hitherto unrecorded artwork has significantly raised the importance of the Court’s North Block.
Analysis of Sampling Bias in Large Health Care Claims Databases
Authors: Dahlen Alex , Charu Vivek
Published: January 2023

This cross-sectional study characterizes variation in sampling in a large health care claims database at the zip code level in 2018 and assesses whether socioeconomic and demographic factors are associated with inclusion.
Clinical and genetic characterization of NIPA1 mutations in a Taiwanese cohort with hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Fang Shih‐Yu , Chou Ying‐Tsen , Hsu Kuo‐Chou , Hsu Shao‐Lun , Yu Kai‐Wei , Tsai Yu‐Shuen , Liao Yi‐Chu , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Lee Yi‐Chung
Published: January 2023

Objective

NIPA1 mutations have been implicated in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) as the cause of spastic paraplegia type 6 (SPG6). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and genetic features of SPG6 in a Taiwanese HSP cohort.

Methods

We screened 242 unrelated Taiwanese patients with HSP for NIPA1 mutations. The clinical features of patients with a NIPA1 mutation were analyzed. Minigene‐based splicing assay, RT‐PCR analysis on the patients' RNA, and cell‐based protein expression study were utilized to assess the effects of the mutations on splicing and protein expression.

Results

Two patients were identified to carry a different heterozygous NIPA1 mutation. The two mutations, c.316G>A and c.316G>C, are located in the 3′ end of NIPA1 exon 3 near the exon–intron boundary and putatively lead to the same amino acid substitution, p.G106R. The patient harboring NIPA1 c.316G>A manifested spastic paraplegia, epilepsy and schizophrenia since age 17 years, whereas the individual carrying NIPA1 c.316G>C had pure HSP since age 12 years. We reviewed literature and found that epilepsy was present in multiple individuals with NIPA1 c.316G>A but none with NIPA1 c.316G>C. Functional studies demonstrated that both mutations did not affect splicing, but only the c.316G>A mutation was associated with a significantly reduced NIPA1 protein expression.

Interpretation

SPG6 accounted for 0.8% of HSP cases in the Taiwanese cohort. The NIPA1 c.316G>A and c.316G>C mutations are associated with adolescent‐onset complex and pure form HSP, respectively. The different effects on protein expression of the two mutations may be associated with their phenotypic discrepancy.
NIH ups its commitment to study harm reduction approaches
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2023

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) last month announced the grant awardees for its new initiative representing its largest funding commitment yet to evaluating harm reduction approaches to reducing fatal overdoses. Among the concepts to be tested as part of NIH's harm reduction research network are mobile van‐delivered naloxone, contingency management strategies and “secondary distribution” of harm reduction supplies from one drug user to another.
Spatiotemporal On–Off Immunomodulatory Hydrogel Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome for the Treatment of Biofilm‐Infected Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Zhou Jun , Mei Jiawei , Liu Quan , Xu Dongdong , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Xianzuo , Zhu Wanbo , Zhu Chen , Wang Jiaxing
Published: January 2023

Biofilm‐infected diabetic wounds (BIDWs) with hyperglycemia and bacterial colonization are characterized by disordered inflammation and abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to sustained macrophage M1 polarization and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. An immoderate anti‐inflammatory treatment that downregulates NLRP3 in turn promotes the persistence of biofilm infections and impairs the healing of BIDWs. Therefore, reconciling biofilm elimination and immune regulation holds the promise of curing BIDWs. Herein, a novel spatiotemporal on–off immunomodulatory therapy (SOIT) is proposed for treating BIDWs through biphasic regulation of NLRP3. Methacrylate gelatin hydrogels (Gel‐MA) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) and metformin‐loaded mesoporous silicone nanospheres are synthesized and photo cross‐linked to construct a nanocomposite hydrogel (MGO@GM). First, GO nanosheets released from MGO@GM inhibit bacterial biofilm formation and disrupt mature biofilms under near‐infrared irradiation. Meanwhile, GO activates the NLRP3 to induce a macrophage‐associated proinflammatory response against biofilms. Afterward, with the subsequent degradation of MGO@GM, released metformin reduces local hyperglycemia, downregulates NLRP3, and inhibits NETs formation. Furthermore, repolarized M2 macrophages alleviate the inflammatory microenvironment and promote tissue regeneration. Briefly, this SOIT strategy regulates the NLRP3 and rescues impaired innate immunity to facilitate anti‐infection and tissue repair, which provides a new perspective for the future clinical treatment of BIDWs.
“Exciton Recovery” Strategy in Hot Exciton Emitter toward High‐Performance Non‐Doped Deep‐Blue and Host‐Sensitized Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Baoxi , Lou Jingli , Zhang Han , Li Ganggang , He Xin , Huang Yu , Zheng Nan , Wang Zhiming , Ma Dongge , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2023

The “hot exciton” mechanism based on high‐lying reverse intersystem crossing process has great advantages in achieving high‐performance deep‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Nevertheless, how to solve the loss of high‐lying excitons to improve device performance further is a pressing and challenging issue. To break through this shackle, a novel deep‐blue emitter based on “exciton recovery” strategy is successfully design, namely CAT. By combining the transient absorption spectrum, theoretical calculation, magneto‐electroluminescence, and transient‐electroluminescence measurements, the multi‐channeled pathways of excitons utilization via hot exciton and triplet‐triplet annihilation processes is comprehensively demonstrated, and the proportion of singlet excitons by each channel. Finally, a high exciton utilization efficiency is successfully achieved, and the non‐doped OLED based on CAT exhibit an excellent external quantum efficiency of 10.39% with the CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.087). Furthermore, the sensitized blue fluorescent OLED by CAT as host also achieves excellent performance. More importantly, the operational lifetime of the “multi‐channel” sensitized device is evaluated for the first time, performing the remarkable LT50(lifetime to 50% of the initial luminance) of 320 h at 540 cd m−2. These results fully reveal the significance of the “exciton recovery” strategy and give new inspiration for exploring high‐performance blue OLEDs.
Stable and Dynamic Multiparameter Monitoring on Chests Using Flexible Skin Patches with Self‐Adhesive Electrodes and a Synchronous Correlation Peak Extraction Algorithm
Authors: Wu Ziyue , Li Xueting , Feng Zhijie , Wan Chunxue , Li Ya , Li Tianyu , Yang Qing , Liu Xinyu , Ren Miaoning , Li Jiameng , Shang Xue , Zhang Xiangyu , Huang Xian
Published: January 2023

Advances in wearable bioelectronics interfacing directly with skin offer important tools for non‐invasive measurements of physiological parameters. However, wearable monitoring devices majorly conduct static sensing to avoid signal disturbance and unreliable contact with the skin. Dynamic multiparameter sensing is challenging even with the advanced flexible skin patches. This epidermal electronics system with self‐adhesive conductive electrodes to supply stable skin contact and a unique synchronous correlation peak extraction (SCPE) algorithm to minimize motion artifacts in the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. The skin patch system can simultaneously and precisely monitor electrocardiogram (ECG), PPG, body temperature, and acceleration on chests undergoing daily activities. The low latency between the ECG and the PPG signals enables the SCPE algorithm that leads to reduced errors in deduced heart rates and improved performance in oxygen level determination than conventional adaptive filtering and wavelet transformation approaches. Dynamic multiparameter recording over 24 h by the system can reflect the circadian patterns of the wearers with low disturbance from motion artifacts. This demonstrated system may be applied for health monitoring in large populations to alleviate pressure on medical systems and assist management of public health crisis.
In situ ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy for evidencing the adsorption mechanism of ammonium on a pinewood‐derived biochar
Authors: Saini Priya , de Koff Jason P. , Rakshit Sudipta
Published: January 2023

Biochar is used as a soil amendment for improving soil health. Biochar is known to possess high adsorption capacity for nutrient ions, especially toward NH4+. However, there is limited information regarding the direct binding mechanisms of NH4+ on biochar. Although few infrared spectroscopic studies were conducted by characterizing the biochar solid phase, no research was reported, in which the adsorption mechanism was deciphered in the presence of water. Here we report NH4+ adsorption mechanism on pinewood biochar using in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that NH4+ adsorbed strongly on pinewood biochar at pH 8.5 and less at pH 5.5 as revealed by infrared band shifts and symmetry change. Macroscopic adsorption envelope corroborated the spectroscopic finding by resulting in higher adsorption capacity with increasing pH.
Neonatal diagnosis of ACTA2‐related disease: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Lupo Viviana , Di Gregorio Maria Grazia , Mastrogiorgio Gerarda , Magliozzi Monia , Scapillati Maria Eleonora , Maglione Vittorio , Romanelli Ester , Alegiani Caterina , Haass Cristina , Novelli Antonio
Published: January 2023

Multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome (MSMDS, OMIM # 613834) is a rare autosomal dominant condition caused by pathogenetic variants of ACTA2 gene that result in impaired muscle contraction. MSMDS is characterized by an increased susceptibility to aneurismal dilatations and dissections, patent ductus arteriosus, early onset coronary artery disease, congenital mydriasis, chronic interstitial lung disease, hypoperistalsis, hydrops of gall bladder, and hypotonic bladder. Here, we report an early diagnosis of a MSMDS related to ACTA2 p.Arg179His (R179H) mutation in a newborn and performed a review of the literature. An early diagnosis of MSMDS is extremely important, because of the severe involvement of cardiovascular system in the MSMDS. Multidisciplinary care and surveillance and timely management of symptoms are important to reduce the risk of complications.
Getting Back to ADR Business in the Wake of the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Clift Rhys
Published: January 2023

In last month's Part 1 (see link below), London author/mediator/attorney Rhys Clift provided background on technological changes preceding the global pandemic, and how they combined to affect alternative dispute resolution processes. This month, he continues on how and why Covid‐19 changed business mediation even more, and why these changes are now a permanent part of the dispute resolution landscape.
CPR News
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: January 2023

The website for the 2023 CPR Annual Meeting is now open, and there's still time for early bird registration discounts.
Supramolecular Polymerization of Polymeric Nanorods Mediated by Block Copolymers
Authors: Yao Yike , Gao Liang , Cai Chunhua , Lin Jiaping , Lin Shaoliang
Published: January 2023

Introducing a second component is an effective way to manipulate polymerization behavior. However, this phenomenon has rarely been observed in colloidal systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles. Here, we report the supramolecular polymerization of polymeric nanorods mediated by block copolymers. Experimental observations and simulation results illustrate that block copolymers surround the polymeric nanorods and mainly concentrate around the two ends, leaving the hydrophobic side regions exposed. These polymeric nanorods connect in a side‐by‐side manner through hydrophobic interactions to form bundles. As polymerization progresses, the block copolymers gradually deposit onto the bundles and finally assemble into helical nanopatterns on the outermost surface, which terminates the polymerization. It is anticipated that this work could offer inspiration for a general strategy of controllable supramolecular polymerization.
Progress on carbon for electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Bizuneh Girum G. , Adam Amir M. M. , Ma Jianmin
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical capacitors bridge the energy gap between conventional dielectric capacitors and batteries. The energy storage mechanism relies on purely physical electrical double‐layer charging (EDL) and the faradaic process involving fast electrochemical redox reactions. These processes are strongly influenced by the surface area, porosity, electrical conductivity of the electrode materials, and the operating potential window of the electrolyte used. Carbonaceous materials play enormous roles in delivering outstanding electrochemical performance in electrochemical supercapacitors (ESCs) due to attractive material features suitable for high charge storage and release. However, due to the purely EDL‐based charge storage mechanism in only carbon‐based ESCs, the achievable energy density is low and hardly meets the high energy density demanding applications. Therefore, various carbon structures such as activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and so on are designed and integrated with other hetero atoms or combined with transition metal oxides and polymer components to induce the pseudo‐capacitive contributions via the electrochemical faradaic reaction. Thus, promoting the electrochemical performance of ESC based on the hybrid/composite material attributed to synergistic capacitances from EDLC and pseudocapacitance. Therefore, this review overviews the general perspective of the ESCs based on nanocarbons with various forms trending the progressive research contributions in developing high‐performance ESCs.
Critical intermediate β‐Li2NiO3 phase for structural degradation of Ni‐rich layered cathodes during thermal runaway
Authors: Gao Ang , Li Xinyan , Zhang Qinghua , Lyu Yingchun , Tang Zhexin , Shang Tongtong , Meng Fanqi , Luo Yanhong , Ji Pengxiang , Wang Xuefeng , Xiao Dongdong , Su Dong , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Li Hong , Chen Zhen , Gu Lin
Published: January 2023

Ni‐rich layered (NRL) cathodes have been widely considered to undergo a degeneration from layered to spinel‐like phases and finally to a rock−salt phase, which jeopardizes the battery's performance and safety. However, this process does not sufficiently explain the drastic structure collapse that occurs during thermal runaway, as the lattice constants of these structures are similar. Herein, an intermediate β‐Li2NiO3 phase is identified during the thermally driven structural evolution via in situ heating scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging. The antihoneycomb‐ordered structure leads to a larger lattice mismatch of up to ∼15% with the layered structure. The resulting strain triggers huge bulk stress and the labile oxygen of the β‐Li2NiO3 phase aggravates the oxygen release, severely reducing the thermal stability of NRL materials. Finally, based on the screening for 3d transition metals, doping elements are chosen to suppress the β‐Li2TMO3 phase and enhance thermal stability. The findings provide comprehensive insights into the structural degradation process of NRL materials and pave the way to design high‐performance and safe battery systems.
Recent developments in Nb‐based oxides with crystallographic shear structures as anode materials for high‐rate lithium‐ion energy storage
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Russo Patrícia A. , Montoro Luciano A. , Pinna Nicola
Published: January 2023

High‐power lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are required for a variety of technological applications, especially in the field of electric vehicles (EVs). Oxides based on niobium, titanium, and tungsten, and having crystallographic shear structures, are considered promising materials for high‐rate anodes of LIBs. The unique structures with open channels, multielectron redox processes, and a moderate potential window with a resulting solid electrolyte interface‐free interface provide them with rapid Li‐ion diffusion pathways, fairly high capacities, and high safety. In this review, the recent advancements in diverse crystallographic shear structure Nb‐based oxide anodes for fast Li‐ion energy storage are comprehensively presented, with a specific focus on the relationships between the crystal structures and electronic properties, lithiation mechanisms, kinetic properties, and electrochemical performance. The challenges in the design, optimization, and practical application of oxides with crystallographic shear structures are also discussed, together with strategies to overcome these challenges and prospects for the future.
Construction of Chemical Libraries of Volatile Compounds by Combinatorial Synthesis of Homologous Mixtures: Alk‐4‐en‐1‐ols, Alk‐4‐enals and Methyl Alk‐4‐enoates
Authors: Perrin Coline , Baldovini Nicolas
Published: January 2023

A compound library of sixty six linear compounds, eleven representatives of six molecular families: (E)‐ and (Z)‐isomers of alk‐4‐en‐1‐ols, alk‐4‐enals, and methyl alk‐4‐enoates, was prepared by combinatorial syntheses to allow the creation of a mass spectral database directly usable for their identification in GC/MS analyses. We demonstrate here that compound libraries can be prepared by combinatorial syntheses using long linear synthetic sequences, i. e., eight step in the case of 4‐enals. The resulting mixtures of homologues are still perfectly exploitable to deliver the requested information such as clean mass spectra and good gas chromatographic retention indices.
Anodic Etching of Amorphous Ni81P19 Alloy in Hot Concentrated Chloride Solution for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution in Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Flis‐Kabulska Iwona , Flis Janusz
Published: January 2023

Highly active and easily available electrocatalysts are of great importance for a wider use of water electrolysis for hydrogen production. Herein, electroactivity toward hydrogen evolution reaction was examined in 1.0 M KOH on commercial Ni81P19 (MBF‐60) and Ni70Cr6Fe2B14Si8 (MBF‐20A) amorphous alloys and for comparison on Ni, untreated and modified by anodic etching in hot concentrated NaCl solutions. This treatment increased the electroactivity of all the materials, but especially of Ni81P19 and particularly of matte side of its ribbons, decreasing overpotential at −10 mA cm−2 to −0.14 V. XRD, SEM/EDS and XPS studies were carried out. EIS measurements indicated that the rise of hydrogen evolution after etching was related mainly to the increase of surface area, and only slightly to the rise of intrinsic electroactivity, probably being due to the formation of NiO. It is proposed that etched Ni81P19 might be an efficient cathode for hydrogen production by water electrolysis.
Dual atomic catalysts from COF‐derived carbon for CO2RR by suppressing HER through synergistic effects
Authors: Liu Minghao , Liu Sijia , Xu Qing , Miao Qiyang , Yang Shuai , Hanson Svenja , Chen George Zheng , He Jun , Jiang Zheng , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: January 2023

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) for high‐value‐added products is a promising strategy to tackle excessive CO2 emissions. However, the activity of and selectivity for catalysts for CO2RR still need to be improved because of the competing reaction (hydrogen evolution reaction). In this study, for the first time, we have demonstrated dual atomic catalytic sites for CO2RR from a core–shell hybrid of the covalent–organic framework and the metal–organic framework. Due to abundant dual atomic sites (with CoN4O and ZnN4 of 2.47 and 11.05 wt.%, respectively) on hollow carbon, the catalyst promoted catalysis of CO2RR, with the highest Faradic efficiency for CO of 92.6% at –0.8 V and a turnover frequency value of 1370.24 h–1 at –1.0 V. More importantly, the activity and selectivity of the catalyst were well retained for 30 h. The theoretical calculation further revealed that CoN4O was the main site for CO2RR, and the activity of and selectivity for Zn sites were also improved because of the synergetic roles.
Silver‐Nanoparticle‐Embedded Short Amphiphilic Peptide Nanostructures and Their Plausible Application to Reduce Bacterial Infections
Authors: Kumar Tripathi Satyendra , Kesharwani Khushboo , Saxena Deepanshi , Singh Ramesh , Kautu Aanand , Sharma Shruti , Pandey Archna , Chopra Sidharth , Ballabh Joshi Khashti
Published: January 2023

The microbiota‐gut‐brain axis (GBA) plays a critical role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome causes a significant alteration in the gut microbiota of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, followed by neuroinflammatory processes. Thus, AD beginning in the gut is closely related to an imbalance in gut microbiota, and hence a multidomain approach to reduce this imbalance by exerting positive effects on the gut microbiota is needed. In one example, a tyrosine‐based short peptide amphiphile (sPA) was used to synthesize antibacterial AgNPs−sPA nanostructures. Such nanostructures showed high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, and therefore work as model drug delivery agents for addressing local bacterial infections. These may have therapeutic value for the treatment of microbiota‐triggered progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Monosynaptic restriction of the anterograde herpes simplex virus strain H129 for neural circuit tracing
Authors: Fischer Kyle B. , Collins Hannah K. , Pang Yan , Roy Dheeraj S. , Zhang Ying , Feng Guoping , Li Shu‐Jing , Kepecs Adam , Callaway Edward M.
Published: January 2023

Identification of synaptic partners is a fundamental task for systems neuroscience. To date, few reliable techniques exist for whole brain labeling of downstream synaptic partners in a cell‐type‐dependent and monosynaptic manner. Herein, we describe a novel monosynaptic anterograde tracing system based on the deletion of the gene UL6 from the genome of a cre‐dependent version of the anterograde Herpes Simplex Virus 1 strain H129. Given that this knockout blocks viral genome packaging and thus viral spread, we reasoned that co‐infection of a HSV H129 ΔUL6 virus with a recombinant adeno‐associated virus expressing UL6 in a cre‐dependent manner would result in monosynaptic spread from target cre‐expressing neuronal populations. Application of this system to five nonreciprocal neural circuits resulted in labeling of neurons in expected projection areas. While some caveats may preclude certain applications, this system provides a reliable method to label postsynaptic partners in a brain‐wide fashion.
Trunk muscle forces and spinal loads during heavy deadlift: Effects of personalization, muscle wrapping, muscle lever arm, and lumbopelvic rhythm
Authors: Ramirez Vanessa , Ghezelbash Farshid , Shirazi‐Adl Aboulfazl , Bazrgari Babak
Published: January 2023

Heavy deadlift is used as a physical fitness screening tool in the U.S. Army. Despite the relevance of such a screening tool to military tasks performed by Service Members, the biomechanical impact of heavy deadlift and its risk of low‐back injury remain unknown. A kinematics‐driven musculoskeletal model of spine was implemented to investigate biomechanics of the lower back in a volunteer (23 years old, height of 1.82 m, and body mass of 98.8 kg) during a 68 kg deadlift. In search of protective mechanisms, effects of model personalization and variations in trunk musculature and lumbopelvic rhythm were also investigated. The net moment, compression and shear forces at the L5‐S1 reached peaks of 684 Nm, 17.2 and 4.2 kN, respectively. Geometrical personalization and changes in lumbopelvic rhythm had the least effects on predictions while increases in muscle moment arms (40%) had the largest effects that caused, respectively, 32% and 36% decrease in the maximum compressive and shearing forces. Initiating wrapping of back muscles at farther distances from the spine had opposing effects on spinal loads; peak compression at the L5‐S1 decreased by 12% whereas shear increased by 19%. Despite mechanisms considered, spinal loads during heavy deadlift exceed the existing evidence concerning the threshold of injury for spinal segments, suggesting the vulnerability to injury. Chronic exposure to such high‐spinal loads may lead to (micro) fractures, degeneration, pathoanatomical changes and finally low‐back pain.
Technological advancements in cancer diagnostics: Improvements and limitations
Authors: Pulumati Akhil , Pulumati Anika , Dwarakanath Bilikere S. , Verma Amit , Papineni Rao V. L.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cancer is characterized by the rampant proliferation, growth, and infiltration of malignantly transformed cancer cells past their normal boundaries into adjacent tissues. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 19.3 million new diagnoses and 10 million deaths globally in 2020. In the United States alone, the estimated number of new diagnoses and deaths is 1.9 million and 609 360, respectively. Implementation of currently existing cancer diagnostic techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), X‐ray computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and molecular diagnostic techniques, have enabled early detection rates and are instrumental not only for the therapeutic management of cancer patients, but also for early detection of the cancer itself. The effectiveness of these cancer screening programs are heavily dependent on the rate of accurate precursor lesion identification; an increased rate of identification allows for earlier onset treatment, thus decreasing the incidence of invasive cancer in the long‐term, and improving the overall prognosis. Although these diagnostic techniques are advantageous due to lack of invasiveness and easier accessibility within the clinical setting, several limitations such as optimal target definition, high signal to background ratio and associated artifacts hinder the accurate diagnosis of specific types of deep‐seated tumors, besides associated high cost. In this review we discuss various imaging, molecular, and low‐cost diagnostic tools and related technological advancements, to provide a better understanding of cancer diagnostics, unraveling new opportunities for effective management of cancer, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Recent Findings

Herein we discuss various technological advancements that are being utilized to construct an assortment of new diagnostic techniques that incorporate hardware, image reconstruction software, imaging devices, biomarkers, and even artificial intelligence algorithms, thereby providing a reliable diagnosis and analysis of the tumor. Also, we provide a brief account of alternative low cost‐effective cancer therapy devices (CryoPop®, LumaGEM®, MarginProbe®) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), emphasizing the need for multi‐disciplinary collaboration among radiologists, pathologists, and other involved specialties for improving cancer diagnostics.

Conclusion

Revolutionary technological advancements in cancer imaging and molecular biology techniques are indispensable for the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of cancer.
Clinimetric properties of the diagnostic criteria for psychosomatic research among the elderly
Authors: Romaniello Caterina , Romanazzo Sara , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Among the elderly, the availability of tool assessing psychosomatic syndromes is limited. The present study aims at testing inter‐rater reliability and concurrent validity of the semi‐structured interview for the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR‐R‐SSI) in the elderly of the general population.

Method

One hundred eight subjects were recruited. Participants received a clinical assessment which included the DCPR‐R‐SSI, the Illness Attitude Scale (IAS), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Psychosocial Index (PSI), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 (TAS‐20). Analyses of inter‐rater reliability of DCPR‐R‐SSI and concurrent validity between DCPR‐R‐SSI and self‐administered questionnaires were conducted.

Results

DCPR‐R‐SSI showed excellent inter‐rater reliability with a percent of agreement of 90.7% (K Cohen: 0.856 [SE = 0.043], 95% CI: 0.77–0.94). DCPR‐R demoralization showed fair concurrent validity with GDS; concurrent validity was also fair between DCPR‐R Alexithymia and TAS‐20, and between DCPR‐R allostatic overload and PSI allostatic load, while the concurrent validity between DCPR‐R Disease Phobia and IAS was moderate.

Conclusion

DCPR‐R‐SSI represents a reliable and valid tool to assess psychosomatic syndromes in the elderly. DCPR‐R is in need of being implemented in the elderly clinical evaluation.
Multistate Pharmacometric Model to Define the Impact of Second‐Line Immunotherapies on the Survival Outcome of the IMpower131 Study
Authors: Krishnan Sreenath M. , Friberg Lena E. , Mercier François , Zhang Rong , Wu Ben , Jin Jin Y. , Hoang Tien , Ballinger Marcus , Bruno René , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: January 2023

Overall survival is defined as the time since randomization into the clinical trial to event of death or censor (end of trial or follow‐up), and is considered to be the most reliable cancer end point. However, the introduction of second‐line treatment after disease progression could influence survival and be considered a confounding factor. The aim of the current study was to set up a multistate model framework, using data from the IMpower131 study, to investigate the influence of second‐line immunotherapies on overall survival analysis. The model adequately described the transitions between different states in patients with advanced squamous non‐small cell lung cancer treated with or without atezolizumab plus nab‐paclitaxel and carboplatin, and characterized the survival data. High PD‐L1 expression at baseline was associated with a decreased hazard of progression, while the presence of liver metastasis at baseline was indicative of a high risk of disease progression after initial response. The hazard of death after progression was lower for participants who had longer treatment response, i.e., longer time to progression. The simulations based on the final multistate model showed that the addition of atezolizumab to the nab‐paclitaxel and carboplatin regimen had significant improvement in the patients' survival (hazard ratio = 0.75, 95% prediction interval: 0.61–0.90 favoring the atezolizumab + nab‐paclitaxel and carboplatin arm). The developed modeling approach can be applied to other cancer types and therapies to provide a better understanding of efficacy of drug and characterizing different states, and investigate the benefit of primary therapy in survival while accounting for the switch to alternative treatment in the case of disease progression.
Emulating Randomized Controlled Trials with Hybrid Control Arms in Oncology: A Case Study
Authors: Sengupta Sanhita , Ntambwe Ives , Tan Katherine , Liang Qixing , Paulucci David , Castellanos Emily , Fiore Joseph , Lane Stephen , Micsinai Balan Mariann , Viraswami‐Apanna Kalyanee , Sethuraman Venkat , Samant Meghna , Tiwari Ram
Published: January 2023

This proof‐of‐concept study retrospectively assessed the feasibility of applying a hybrid control arm design to a completed phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT; CheckMate‐057) in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer using a real‐world data (RWD) source. The emulated trial consists of an experimental arm (patients from the RCT experimental cohort) and a hybrid control arm (patients from the RCT and RWD control cohorts). For the RWD control cohort, this study used a nationwide electronic health record‐derived de‐identified database. Three frequentist statistical borrowing methods were evaluated: a two‐step Cox model, a fixed Cox model, and propensity score‐integrated composite likelihood (“Methods 1–3”). The experimental treatment effect for hybrid control designs were evaluated using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) estimated from the Cox models accounting for covariate differences. The reduction in study duration compared to the RCT was also evaluated. All three statistical borrowing methods achieved comparable experimental treatment effects to that observed in the CheckMate‐057 clinical trial, with HRs of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.92), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.91), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.88) for Methods 1–3, respectively. Reduction in study duration time was 99–115 days when borrowing 30–38 events for Methods 1–3, respectively. This study demonstrated that it is feasible to emulate an RCT using a hybrid control arm design using three frequentist propensity‐score based statistical borrowing methods. Selection of an appropriate, fit‐for‐use RWD cohort is critical to minimizing bias in experimental treatment effect.
The role of landscape in shaping bird community and implications for landscape management at Nanjing Lukou International Airport
Authors: Yuan Sijia , Miao Keer , Qian Ruen , Zhao Yang , Hu Dongfang , Hu Chaochao , Chang Qing
Published: January 2023

Understanding the patterns of bird diversity and its driving force is necessary for bird strike prevention. In this study, we investigated the effects of landscape on phylogenetic and functional diversity of bird communities at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NLIA). Bird identifications and counting of individuals were carried out from November 2017 to October 2019. Based on the land‐cover data, the landscape was divided into four main types, including farmlands, woodlands, wetlands, and urban areas. Bird phylogenetic and functional diversity were strongly affected by landscape matrix types. Species richness and Faith's phylogenetic distance were highest in woodlands, while mean pairwise distance (MPD), mean nearest‐taxon distance (MNTD), and functional dispersion (FDis) were highest in wetlands. Based on the feeding behavior, carnivorous birds had the lowest species richness but had the highest FDis, which implied that carnivorous birds occupied most niches at the NLIA. Moreover, bird assemblages exhibited phylogenetic and functional clustering in the four kinds of landscapes. A variety of landscape attributes had significant effects on species diversity, phylogenetic and functional diversity. Landscape‐scale factors played an important role in the shaping of bird communities around NLIA. Our results suggest that landscape management surrounding airports can provide new approaches for policymakers to mitigate wildlife strikes.
Odontocete spatial patterns and temporal drivers of detection at sites in the Hawaiian islands
Authors: Ziegenhorn Morgan A. , Hildebrand John A. , Oleson Erin M. , Baird Robin W. , Wiggins Sean M. , Baumann‐Pickering Simone
Published: January 2023

Successful conservation and management of marine top predators rely on detailed documentation of spatiotemporal behavior. For cetacean species, this information is key to defining stocks, habitat use, and mitigating harmful interactions. Research focused on this goal is employing methodologies such as visual observations, tag data, and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data. However, many studies are temporally limited or focus on only one or few species. In this study, we make use of an existing long‐term (2009–2019), labeled PAM data set to examine spatiotemporal patterning of at least 10 odontocete (toothed whale) species in the Hawaiian Islands using compositional analyses and modeling techniques. Species composition differs among considered sites, and this difference is robust to seasonal movement patterns. Temporally, hour of day was the most significant predictor of detection across species and sites, followed by season, though patterns differed among species. We describe long‐term trends in species detection at one site and note that they are markedly similar for many species. These trends may be related to long‐term, underlying oceanographic cycles that will be the focus of future study. We demonstrate the variability of temporal patterns even at relatively close sites, which may imply that wide‐ranging models of species presence are missing key fine‐scale movement patterns. Documented seasonal differences in detection also highlights the importance of considering season in survey design both regionally and elsewhere. We emphasize the utility of long‐term, continuous monitoring in highlighting temporal patterns that may relate to underlying climatic states and help us predict responses to climate change. We conclude that long‐term PAM records are a valuable resource for documenting spatiotemporal patterns and can contribute many insights into the lives of top predators, even in highly studied regions such as the Hawaiian Islands.
Harsh nutritional environment has positive and negative consequences for family living in a burying beetle
Authors: Keppner Eva M. , Laubenthal Melina , Prang Madlen A. , Conrad Taina , Steiger Sandra
Published: January 2023

Harsh environmental conditions in form of low food availability for both offspring and parents alike can affect breeding behavior and success. There has been evidence that food scarce environments can induce competition between family members, and this might be intensified when parents are caring as a pair and not alone. On the other hand, it is possible that a harsh, food‐poor environment could also promote cooperative behaviors within a family, leading, for example, to a higher breeding success of pairs than of single parents. We studied the influence of a harsh nutritional environment on the fitness outcome of family living in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. These beetles use vertebrate carcasses for reproduction. We manipulated food availability on two levels: before and during breeding. We then compared the effect of these manipulations in broods with either single females or biparentally breeding males and females. We show that pairs of beetles that experienced a food‐poor environment before breeding consumed a higher quantity of the carcass than well‐fed pairs or single females. Nevertheless, they were more successful in raising a brood with higher larval survival compared to pairs that did not experience a food shortage before breeding. We also show that food availability during breeding and social condition had independent effects on the mass of the broods raised, with lighter broods in biparental families than in uniparental ones and on smaller carcasses. Our study thus indicates that a harsh nutritional environment can increase both cooperative as well as competitive interactions between family members. Moreover, our results suggest that it can either hamper or drive the formation of a family because parents choose to restrain reproductive investment in a current brood or are encouraged to breed in a food‐poor environment, depending on former experiences and their own nutritional status.
A voltammetric method for diuron determination in river water
Authors: Soares Fernanda S. , Ramalho Raissa T. E. , Silva Amanda C. , Araujo Mario C. U.
Published: January 2023

A sensitive, simple, fast, and inexpensive method for determining diuron in water using square wave voltammetry and a glassy carbon electrode is presented. This method was developed to evaluate diuron contamination in river waters close to sugarcane cultivation, located in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa, in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. An analytical curve with a linear response ranging from 38.5–115.0 nmol L−1 (r2 = 0.993), a LOD equal 0.2 nmol L−1, and recovery rates from 88.0 to 108.0 %. The proposed method does not require any previous chemical treatment of the sample, thus contributing to green analytical chemistry.