bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal morphology and ontogeny of foregut‐fermenting primates
Authors: Matsuda Ikki , Takano Tomo , Shintaku Yuta , Clauss Marcus
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Colobines are a group of foregut‐fermenting AfroEurasian monkeys that includes more than 70 species grouped into 10 genera which are widely distributed throughout Asia and Africa. Colobines are classified as tripartite or quadripartite based on the number of compartments in their stomach. To expand our understanding of their morphophysiological digestive characteristics, we attempted to visualize their stomach using photographs, examine the ontogenetic development of gastrointestinal size, and evaluate the interspecific differences in gastrointestinal size relative to the body size with a special reference to differences in stomach types.

Materials and Methods

Gastrointestinal tracts were dissected from 144 deceased colobine specimens in the Japan Monkey Centre stored in formalin. We measured the gastrointestinal tracts of nine species with a tripartite stomach and two species with a quadripartite stomach. We used an allometric linear regression model to establish how body mass was related to stomach weights and all intestine lengths.

Results and discussion

Our results support previous findings about primate and colobine macroscopic digestive tracts. In particular, we document the small size of the openings connecting stomach compartments and found that it may be difficult to differentiate between a bulging haustrated pouch and a real praesaccus. The stomach mass analyses indicated hyperallometric stomach growth in colobine infants as opposed to isometric scaling in juvenile specimens and hypoallometric scaling in mature specimens, which is similar to findings in other foregut fermenters. Stomach weight was greater in species with quadripartite stomachs than in species with tripartite stomachs, which suggests that species with a quadripartite stomach possibly have a larger stomach capacity, supporting the concept of their evolutionary adaptation to folivory.
Inhibition of ACE2‐Spike Interaction by an ACE2 Binder Suppresses SARS‐CoV‐2 Entry
Authors: Shin Young‐Hee , Jeong Kiyoung , Lee Jihye , Lee Hyo Jung , Yim Junhyeong , Kim Jonghoon , Kim Seungtaek , Park Seung Bum
Published: January 2022

The emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants is a significant concern in developing effective therapeutics and vaccines in the middle of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. Here, we have identified a novel small molecule that inhibited the interactions between SARS‐CoV‐2 spike RBDs and ACE2 by modulating ACE2 without impairing its enzymatic activity necessary for normal physiological functions. Furthermore, the identified compounds suppressed viral infection in cultured cells by inhibiting the entry of ancestral and variant SARS‐CoV‐2. Our study suggests that targeting ACE2 could be a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 entry into host cells and prevent the development of COVID‐19.
A Facile Potential Hold Method for Fostering an Inorganic Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase for Anode‐Free Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Shin Woochul , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: January 2022

Anode‐free lithium batteries are regarded as an ultimate form of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries. Unfortunately, irreversible lithium loss during cycling plays a major role in degrading the overall cell performance in the anode‐free configuration. To alleviate the deterioration, building a robust solid‐electrolyte interface on an anode current collector is an indispensable requirement. Here, we present a facile in‐situ electrochemical method of a potential hold during the first charge to guide more salt‐derived (less solvent‐derived) decomposition on the anode interface. We show the distinctive decomposition potential of lithium salts and ether/carbonate solvents, where the Li‐solvation structures with salt contact‐ion‐pairs preferentially decompose to form LiF‐rich and less organic components, leading to enhanced lithium Coulombic efficiency in Li||Cu cells as well as mitigating the capacity fade of Cu||LiFePO4 and Cu||LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cells.
A Metallofullertube of Ce2@C100 with a Carbon Nanotube Segment: Synthesis, Single‐Molecule Conductance and Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Li Wang , Qu Fayu , Liu Linshan , Zhang Zhuxia , Liang Jiayi , Lu Yuxi , Zhang Jie , Wang Lin , Wang Chunru , Wang Taishan
Published: January 2022

Tubular fullerenes can be considered as end‐capped carbon nanotubes with accurate structure, which are promising nanocarbon materials for advanced single‐molecule electronic devices. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a metallofullertube Ce2@D5(450)‐C100, which has a tubular C100 cage with a carbon nanotube segment and two fullerene end‐caps. As there are structure correlations between tubular Ce2@D5(450)‐C100 and spherical Ce2@Ih‐C80, their structure–property relationship has been compared by means of experimental and theoretical methods. Notably, single‐molecule conductance measurement determined that the conductivity of Ce2@D5(450)‐C100 was up to eight times larger than that of Ce2@Ih‐C80. Furthermore, supramolecular assembly of Ce2@D5(450)‐C100 and a [12]CPP nanohoop was investigated, and theoretical calculations revealed that metallofullertube Ce2@D5(450)‐C100 adopted a “standing” configuration in the cavity of [12]CPP. These results demonstrate the special nature of this kind of metallofullertube.
The Role of Copper Salts and O2in the Mechanism of C≡N Bond Activation for Facilitating Nitrogen Transfer Reactions**
Authors: Ghosh Boyli , Banerjee Ambar , Roy Lisa , Manna Rabindra Nath , Nath Rounak , Paul Ankan
Published: January 2022

C≡N bond scission can be a potential avenue for the functionalization of chemical bonds. We have conducted a computational study, using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio multireference CASSCF methods, to unravel the intricate mechanistic pathways traversed in the copper‐promoted, dioxygen‐assisted reaction for the formation of aryl isocyanate species from aryl aldehyde. This aryl isocyanate species acts as an active species for C≡N bond cleavage of coordinated cyanide anion enabling nitrogen transfer to various aldehydes. Electronic structure analysis revealed that under all the reaction conditions radical‐based pathways are operative, which is in agreement with the experimental findings. The major driving force is a CuII/Iredox cycle initiated by single‐electron transfer from the carbon center of the nitrile moiety. Our study reveals that the copper salts act as the “electron pool” in this unique nitrogen transfer reaction forming an aryl isocyanate species from aryl aldehydes.
Sodium‐Ion Battery with a Wide Operation‐Temperature Range from −70 to 100 °C
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhang Yu , Zhang Jianhua , Cao Yongjie , Chen Jiawei , Liu Haimei , Wang Yonggang
Published: January 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), as one of the potential candidates for grid‐scale energy storage systems, are required to tackle extreme weather conditions. However, the all‐weather SIBs with a wide operation‐temperature range are rarely reported. Herein, we propose a wide‐temperature range SIB, which involves a carbon‐coated Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP@C) cathode, a bismuth (Bi) anode, and a diglyme‐based electrolyte. We demonstrate that solvated Na+ can be directly stored by the Bi anode via an alloying reaction without the de‐solvent process. Furthermore, the NFPP@C cathode exhibits a high Na+ diffusion coefficient at low temperature. As a result, the Bi//NFPP@C battery exhibits perfect low‐temperature behavior. Even at −70 °C, this battery still delivers 70.19 % of the room‐temperature capacity. Furthermore, benefitting from the high boiling point of the electrolyte, this battery also works well at a high temperature of up to 100 °C. These results are encouraging for the further exploration of wide‐temperature range SIBs.
Layered Biomimetic Composites from MXenes with Sequential Bridging
Authors: Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: January 2022

Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly is a widely used technique for the self‐assembly of layered nanocomposites from clay sheets, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, nanoparticles, and other materials. Other approaches for fabricating layered nanocomposites include vacuum‐assisted filtration and blade coating. They are simpler than LbL assembly, but they all introduce voids into the layered structure, thereby reducing the performance of the resulting nanocomposites. A team from Beihang University evaluated the void structure in Ti3C2Tx MXene composites and found that the fundamental problem with voids can be solved by the sequential nanoscale bonding of MXEne platelets with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose combined with covalent bridging with borate ions, thereby opening a new path to self‐assemble two‐dimensional platelets into continuous high‐performance layered nanocomposites.
“Click”‐Like η6‐Metalation/Demetalation of Aryl Iodides as a Means of Turning “ON/OFF” Halogen Bond Donor Functionality
Authors: Kelly Andrew W. , Holman K. Travis
Published: January 2022

η6‐Metalated aryl halides are recognized as a class of halogen bond (XB) donors. Click‐like η6‐metalation/demetalation of aryl iodides by cyclopentadienylruthenium(II) ([CpRuII]+) is shown to turn ON/OFF (amplify/suppress) XB donor functionality. [CpRu(MeCN)3][PF6] is shown to react quantitatively with iodobenzenes (ArIn, n=1,2) to yield [CpRu(η6‐ArIn)][PF6] compounds. Photochemical demetalation (405 nm) quantitatively reverts these compounds to ArIn and [CpRu(MeCN)3][PF6]. Crystal structures of [CpRu(ArXn)]+ salts show that the [CpRu(ArIn)]+ cations are strong, charge‐assisted XB donors analogous to iodopyridinium cations. XB‐induced association of [CpRu(C6H5I)]+ with diazobicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) is established by NMR spectroscopy. [CpRu(C6H5I)][BPh4] and [CpRu(1,4‐C6H4I2)][BPh4] co‐crystallize with DABCO and the structure of [CpRu(1,4‐C6H4I2)][BPh4]⋅DABCO⋅Et2O is reported. DFT calculations support amplification of the XBing capabilities of aryl iodides upon [CpRu]+‐metalation.
Development of a novel electrochemical nitrite sensor based on Zn‐Schiff base complexes
Authors: Akbari Zahra , Montazerozohori Morteza , Bruno Giuseppe , Moulaee Kaveh , Neri Giovanni
Published: January 2022

A novel electrochemical sensor for the determination of nitrites based on the modified screen‐printed electrode (SPCE) by Zn‐bidentate Schiff base complexes (ZnLX2) is presented. ZnLX2 complexes have been synthesized and characterized using several morphological and microstructural techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and fourier transformed‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CVs) proved the good electrochemical performances of the ZnLX2/SPCE for nitrite ions determination. The influence of pH, scan rate, nitrite concentration, and interfering ions was investigated. After optimization of the operating parameters, the developed ZnLX2/SPCE sensor displayed two linear relationships between response current and nitrite concentration in the overall range 2–4838 μM and a lower detection limit estimated to be 0.78 μM based on 3σ/m. Finally, the analytical application of the developed sensor was evaluated to quantify nitrite in a real sample of mineral water. Results obtained demonstrate that the ZnLX2/SPCE electrochemical sensor provided an effective tool for the detection of nitrite ions.
Identifying enablers and outcomes of circular economy for sustainable development: A systematic literature review
Authors: Sinha Ekta
Published: January 2022

Circular economy (CE) is considered as one of the most preferred ways to survive the challenges of dynamic business environment as it facilitates businesses to achieve their sustainability goals by eliminating waste creation. However, there exists limited understanding regarding the enablers to the circular business strategies (CBS) and its desired outcomes at the firm level. Existing literature is diffused and fragmented, hence no comprehensive framework exists. This work presents CBS as a second‐order construct and identifies its firm level enablers and outcomes. Unlike case‐based research, the present work is based on a systematic review of literature to present an overarching and generalized framework of CBS to achieve the CE objectives. With the help of seven major enablers and three significant outcomes to CBS, this study holds some important implications for businesses and academia. By presenting information in a scientific and organized manner, it helps them unlock the potential of various circular factors that can lead to sustainable development.
Identification of compendial nonionic detergents for the replacement of Triton X‐100 in bioprocessing
Authors: Hunter Alan K. , Rezvani Kamiyar , Aspelund Matthew T. , Xi Guoling , Gadre Dhanesh , Linke Thomas , Cai Kang , Mulagapati Sri Hari Raju , Witkos Tomasz
Published: January 2022

We have systematically investigated six compendial nonionic detergents as potential replacements for Triton ×‐100 in bioprocessing applications. Use of compendial raw materials in cGMP bioprocessing is advantageous for a variety of reasons including material specifications developed to meet stringent pharmaceutical product quality requirements, regulatory familiarity and comfort, and availability from vendors experienced supplying the biopharmaceutical industry. We first examine material properties of the detergents themselves including melting point and viscosity. Process performance and product contact in real‐world bioprocess applications are then investigated. Lastly, we test the detergents in virus inactivation (VI) experiments with recombinant proteins and adeno‐associated virus. Two of the detergents tested, PEG 9 Lauryl Ether and PEG 6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, showed favorable properties that make them attractive for use as potential Triton X‐100 replacements. Process performance testing indicated negligible impact of the detergents on product yield, purity, and activity compared to a control with no detergent. Importantly, both PEG 9 Lauryl Ether and PEG 6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides demonstrated very fast VI kinetics with complete inactivation of XMuLV observed in less than 1 min at a target 1% detergent concentration. Potential advantages and disadvantages of both candidate detergents for use in cGMP bioprocessing are summarized and discussed.
To taste not to waste: Can exposure to TV cooking shows cultivate food waste reduction?
Authors: Elhoushy Sayed
Published: January 2022

Food waste reduction is a global sustainable development target. The rise of television (TV) cooking shows across countries presents a powerful media for educating millions of consumers about food. Yet, whether exposure to TV cooking shows increases or decreases consumer food waste is not clear. Drawing on the cultivation theory, theory of planned behavior, norm‐activation model, and activism self‐identity, this study uniquely examines the relationships between exposure to TV cooking shows and food waste reduction intentions. Data from 429 consumers in Egypt were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. All variables in the extended theory of planned behavior model, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personal norms, and activism self‐identity were supported. Our results reveal indirect relationships between exposure to TV cooking shows and food waste reduction intentions. Specifically, exposure diversity (i.e., watching different shows) is negatively related to food waste reduction intentions through personal norms and perceived behavioral control. Additionally, more time spent watching TV cooking shows may encourage food waste. Yet, exposure to these shows can cultivate food waste reduction if suitable content is displayed. These results have important implications for marketers and policy makers.
Carbon Aerogel Based Thin Electrodes for Zero‐Gap all Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries – Quantifying the Factors Leading to Optimum Performance
Authors: Parra‐Puerto Andres , Rubio‐Garcia Javier , Markiewicz Matthew , Zheng Zhuo , Kucernak Anthony
Published: January 2022

Direct growth of resorcinol−formaldehyde carbon aerogels (CAGs) on carbon paper electrodes was achieved using a new approach. Materials with variations in density, mesoporosity and microporosity were prepared. Microstructural properties of the resultant thin electrodes are shown to directly influence performance in zero‐gap redox flow battery (RFB). BET analysis shows a total surface area between 643 to 931 m2 g−1. Deposition of only ≈15 wt.% CAG on the carbon electrode leads to a 320‐fold increase in electrochemical surface area. Analysis of the results saw a strong positive correlation of RFB performance with surface area. The best performing electrodes had a good balance between microporous and external surface area, and on the macroscopic scale had sufficiently large pores to allow efficient electrolyte permeation. The poorest performing electrodes which had the highest surface area, also had poor macroscopic porosity leading to large mass transport and solution resistance losses. The best performing electrodes were tested in a zero‐gap setup using polarization curves, showing a 25 % increase in power density at 100 mA cm−2 and a peak power density of 706 mW cm−2 at 1 V using thin electrodes.
Role of Anionic Backbone in NHC‐Stabilized Coinage Metal Complexes: New Precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition**
Authors: Boysen Nils , Philip Anish , Rogalla Detlef , Karppinen Maarit , Devi Anjana
Published: January 2022

Cu and Ag precursors that are volatile, reactive, and thermally stable are currently of high interest for their application in atomic‐layer deposition (ALD) of thin metal films. In pursuit of new precursors for coinage metals, namely Cu and Ag, a series of new N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐based CuI and AgI complexes were synthesized. Modifications in the substitution pattern of diketonate‐based anionic backbones led to five monomeric Cu complexes and four closely related Ag complexes with the general formula [M(tBuNHC)(R)] (M=Cu, Ag; tBuNHC=1,3‐di‐tert‐butyl‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene; R=diketonate). Thermal analysis indicated that most of the Cu complexes are thermally stable and volatile compared to the more fragile Ag analogs. One of the promising Cu precursors was evaluated for the ALD of nanoparticulate Cu metal deposits by using hydroquinone as the reducing agent at appreciably low deposition temperatures (145–160 °C). This study highlights the considerable impact of the employed ligand sphere on the structural and thermal properties of metal complexes that are relevant for vapor‐phase processing of thin films.
Highly Site‐ and Enantioselective N—H Functionalization of N‐Monosubstituted Aniline Derivatives Affording Pyrazolones Bearing a Quaternary Stereocenter
Authors: Wang Guan‐Jun , Zhang Shu‐Yu , Sun Zhen‐Liang , Li Peng , Ding Tong‐Mei
Published: January 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed the regio‐ and enantioselective N—H functionalization of N‐alkylaniline with pyrazolones derived ketimines as electrophiles, providing a variety of chiral pyrazolones containing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter bearing a new N,N’‐acetal motif in excellent yields and high enantioselectivities. This strategy was featured by low catalyst loading, mild conditions, and high efficiency and selectivity.
Flow splitting scheme over link‐disjoint multiple paths in software‐defined networking
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhou Jian‐Tao , Xing Hai‐Feng , Guo Xiao‐Yong
Published: January 2022

Multipath networking schemes can be employed to efficiently balance traffic and address link failures. However, these schemes can also cause packet disorder, thereby deteriorating the overall network performance. To address these problems, we propose splitting a single flow over a multipath scheme (SFMS) at a fine granularity based on software‐defined networking. The SFMS splits an elephant flow into several subflows according to the residual bandwidths and delays of the link‐disjointed paths inter the data centers (inter‐DC) network to enhance the transmission efficiency of traffic. The experimental results confirm that the SFMS not only reduces the flow completion time required from the time the first packet of an elephant flow is sent until the last packet is received while avoiding packet disorder.
Retrospective analysis of the efficacy of adjuvant cytokine‐induced killer cell immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients after surgery
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhou Haodong , Huang Wenwen , Wang Xuejuan , Meng Mingyao , Hou Zongliu , Liao Liwei , Tang Weiwei , Xie Yanhua , Wang Ruotian , Yu Haidong , Wang Liqiong , Zhu Huirong , Wang Wenju , Tan Jing , Li Ruhong
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Even though postoperative chemotherapy can eliminate residual tumor cells in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), severe adversity, weakened immunity and drug resistance are still problems. Adjuvant cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cell therapy is an alternative to CRC patients after surgery. The present study investigated the efficacy of adjuvant CIK cell therapy combined with chemotherapy in postoperative CRC patients.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 137 postoperative CRC patients, including 71 who received adjuvant chemotherapy alone (control group) and 66 who received adjuvant immunotherapy based on CIK cells combined with chemotherapy (CIT group).

Results

Long‐term follow‐up study indicated that overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were significantly longer in the CIT group than in the control group. Subgroup analyses showed that CIT treatment significantly improved OS and PFS of CRC patients classified as stage II and N0 stage and in patients with primary tumors in the rectum. Increasing the number of CIK infusions resulted in better prognosis. CRC patients aged < 65 years were found to benefit more from CIT‐based therapy than patients aged ≥ 65 years. A retrospective case–control study indicated that the primary tumor expression of signalling lymphocytes activating molecule family 7 (SLAMF7) was associated with increased efficacy of CIT treatment.

Conclusions

Adjuvant CIT therapy was an effective therapeutic strategy for postoperative CRC patients prolonging OS and PFS. Patient age, tumor stage and expression of SLAMF7 may be potential indicators of the efficacy of CIT therapy.
Socio‐ecological drivers of public conservation voting: Restoring gray wolves to Colorado, USA
Authors: Ditmer Mark A. , Niemiec Rebecca M. , Wittemyer George , Crooks Kevin R.
Published: January 2022

Understanding factors that influence real‐world public conservation behaviors is critical for developing successful conservation policies and management actions. Citizens of Colorado, USA recently passed a ballot initiative to restore the gray wolf to its former range within the state. The >3 million votes offer an unprecedented opportunity to test factors that influenced decisions to support or oppose this conservation action. We created spatial linear regression models to assess the relationship between support for wolf restoration and (1) the presidential vote, (2) distance to conservation intervention (i.e., proposed wolf reintroduction and existing wolves), and measures of (3) livelihood and (4) demographics using precinct‐level data. Our results demonstrate the strong relationship between support for wolf restoration and political support for the Democratic candidate for president in the 2020 election, and highlight how other factors, including increased age, participation in elk hunting, and proximity to the reintroduction region were associated with less support. Our findings underscore the critical role of politicization on public conservation action and the need to develop outreach and engagement strategies to mitigate polarization.
Increasing taxonomic diversity and spatial resolution clarifies opportunities for protecting US imperiled species
Authors: Hamilton Healy , Smyth Regan L. , Young Bruce E. , Howard Timothy G. , Tracey Christopher , Breyer Sean , Cameron D. Richard , Chazal Anne , Conley Amy K. , Frye Charlie , Schloss Carrie
Published: January 2022

Continental‐ and regional‐scale assessments of gaps in protected area networks typically use relatively coarse range maps for well documented species groups, creating uncertainty about the fate of unexamined biodiversity and providing insufficient guidance for land managers. By building habitat suitability models for a taxonomically diverse group of 2216 imperiled plants and animals, we revealed comprehensive and detailed protection opportunities in the conterminous United States. Summing protection‐weighted range‐size rarity (PWRSR, the product of the percent of modeled habitat outside of protected areas and the inverse of modeled habitat extent) uncovered novel patterns of biodiversity importance. Concentrations of unprotected imperiled species in places such as the northern Sierra Nevada, central and northern Arizona, the Rocky Mountains of Utah and Colorado, southeastern Texas, southwestern Arkansas, and Florida's Lake Wales Ridge have rarely if ever been featured in continental‐ and regional‐scale analyses. Inclusion of diverse taxa (vertebrates, freshwater mussels, crayfishes, bumble bees, butterflies, skippers, and vascular plants) partially drove these new patterns. When analyses were restricted to groups typically included in previous studies (birds, mammals, and amphibians), up to 53% of imperiled species in other groups were left out. The finer resolution of modeled inputs (990 m) also resulted in a more geographically dispersed pattern. For example, 90% of the human population of the conterminous United States lives within 50 km of modeled habitat for one or more species with high PWRSR scores. Over one‐half of the habitat for 818 species occurs within federally lands managed for biodiversity protection; an additional 360 species have over one‐half of their modeled habitat on federal multiple use land. Freshwater animals occur in places with poorer landscape condition but with less exposure to climate change than other groups, suggesting that habitat restoration is an important conservation strategy for these species. The results provide fine‐scale, taxonomically diverse inputs for local and regional priority‐setting and show that although protection efforts are still widely needed on private lands, notable gains can be achieved by increasing protection status on selected federal lands.
The force that rules the world: Commentary on Fenton‐O'Creevy and Tuckett (2021)
Authors: von der Gracht Heiko A.
Published: January 2022

In their submission to Futures and Foresight Science (2021), Fenton‐O'Creevy and Tuckett explore an extensive theme in human cultural and scientific history: the conviction narrative. In their article, they discuss the fundamental importance of narratives for foresight practice. This commentary acknowledges that approach and expands on it with some additional generalized considerations. But not only foresight is shaped by persuasive narratives—What about science, politics, management, and society? Does not every kind of long‐term activity, and even more so one of the proactive measures, presupposes a conviction on the part of the active stakeholder that is based on an exceedingly convincing story? The conviction narrative is the force that rules the world.
Primary temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma: Comparing the prognostic value of the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification (8th edition) with the revised Pittsburgh staging system
Authors: Zanoletti Elisabetta , Franz Leonardo , Favaretto Niccolò , Cazzador Diego , Franchella Sebastiano , Calvanese Leonardo , Nicolai Piero , Mazzoni Antonio , Marioni Gino
Published: January 2022

Background

Retrospectively considering a temporal bone squamous cell carcinomas (TBSCCs) series, our aim was to compare the predictive power of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system (8th edition) with the revised Pittsburgh staging system (rPSS) in terms of disease‐free survival (DFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS).

Methods

Forty‐three TBSCCs consecutively treated surgically were reviewed. The prognostic performance of AJCC and rPSS was compared.

Results

The areas under the curves for the prediction of DFS, DSS, and OS did not differ significantly between both staging systems (p = 0.518, p = 0.940, and p = 0.910, respectively). Harrel's C‐indexes for respectively the AJCC and rPSS were 0.76 and 0.70 for DFS, 0.73 and 0.76 for DSS, 0.66 and 0.63 for OS.

Conclusion

Comparable prognostic accuracy was observed between AJCC and rPSS. Levels of prognostic performance were only acceptable for both systems, according to Hosmer–Lemeshow scale. Further efforts are needed to define new TBSCC staging modalities with higher prognostic reliability.
Risk Associations of Glycemic Burden and Obesity With Liver Cancer—A 10‐Year Analysis of 15,280 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mao Dandan , Lau Eric S.H. , Wu Hongjiang , Yang Aimin , Fan Baoqi , Shi Mai , Tam Claudia H.T. , Chow Elaine , Kong Alice P.S. , Ma Ronald C.W. , Luk Andrea , Chan Juliana C.N.
Published: January 2022

Liver is a major site for glucose metabolism. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity have increased risk of liver cancer. We explored the association of glycemic burden (GB) and obesity with liver cancer in T2D in the prospective Hong Kong Diabetes Register (1995‐2019). We calculated GB using the area under the curve above hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 5.7% and defined obesity as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between GB and liver cancer. We included 15,280 patients with at least 10 years of disease duration before liver cancer occurred or censor date, ≥3 years of observation, and ≥5 HbA1c measurements (64% male, age: 58.23 ± 12.47 years, HbA1c: 7.60 ± 1.65%, BMI: 25.58 ± 4.10 kg/m2). We excluded 3 years of HbA1c values before liver cancer to avoid reverse causality. Every 1‐SD increase in GB was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of liver cancer of 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01‐1.47). The top GB quartile group (range: >2.41) had aHR of 1.78 (1.01‐3.13) versus the lowest quartile group (0‐1.19). The aHRs for each SD increase in GB were 1.34 (1.05, 1.70) in the obese group and 1.12 (0.81‐1.53) in the nonobese group, but no interaction (P
interaction = 0.120). When stratified by GB median (1.69 [1.13, 2.43]) and obesity, obese patients with high GB had the highest aHR of 2.51 (1.44‐4.37) for liver cancer versus the nonobese group with low GB, but no interaction (P
interaction = 0.071). Subgroup analysis of patients with available hepatitis B surface antigen status (n = 9,248) yielded similar results. Conclusion: Our results emphasized the importance of glycemic and weight control for reducing the risk of liver cancer in T2D.
Long‐term inflation expectations and inflation dynamics
Authors: Pétursson Thórarinn G.
Published: January 2022

After rising sharply following the Global Financial Crisis, inflation in Iceland has been low and stable in recent years despite a strong cyclical recovery. This not only reflects favourable external conditions but also coincides with a significant decline in long‐term inflation expectations in financial markets. It is argued, however, that this market‐based measure of inflation expectations actually underestimates the true decline in long‐term inflation expectations of price setters. To extract this unobserved wedge between inflation expectations of price setters and financial agents, we estimate a time‐varying parameter Phillips curve model for the inflation‐targeting period since 2001, adjusting also for an unobserved risk premium in market‐based inflation expectations. The empirical results suggest that the expectations wedge was significantly positive until early 2012, after which it starts to gradually decline towards zero. The true decline in long‐term inflation expectations of actual price setters is, therefore, much steeper than is captured by the market‐based measure and taking this into account results in a stable and plausible specification of the Phillips curve that can explain key features of the recent inflation developments in Iceland.
Obstetrical anal sphincter injury and unnecessary episiotomy are both associated with anal incontinence 8 years after childbirth: A nationwide database analysis
Authors: Levaillant Mathieu , Legendre Guillaume , Rebmann Emeline , Hamel Jean‐François , Venara Aurélien
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the relationship between anal incontinence (AI) 8 years after childbirth and the occurrence of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and/or performance of an episiotomy during childbirth.

Methods

This is a nationwide database analysis performed on two national medico‐administrative databases, including all the women aged 18 years or older who delivered infants in France in 2012. The main outcome measure was AI in the 8 years after delivery.

Results

Of the 163 443 perineal tears reported, 0.47% were grade 3 (n = 3173) and 0.08% were grade 4 (n = 579); 8938 women experienced AI (1.33%) and 261 women experienced severe AI (0.04%). Episiotomies performed in the absence of risk factors for OASIS were significantly associated with an increased risk of AI (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.49–1.69; P < 0.001). Grade 3 and 4 OASIS also significantly increased the risk of AI and severe AI. Mediolateral episiotomy was preventive of OASIS when performed in women at risk (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.23–0.30; P < 0.001) but contributed to OASIS in the absence of risk (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.98–2.40; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

OASIS present a risk factor for AI. Episiotomies could reduce the occurrence of OASIS, but they could also increase the risk of long‐term AI in the absence of risk factors for OASIS.
Five‐factor model trait profiles of narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability in Iranian university students
Authors: Soleimani Mehdi , Pincus Aaron L. , Alizadeh Hamid , Mohammadi Abolfazl , Nokani Mostafa , Paast Negin , Qaderi Bagajan Kaveh , Tahmasbi Najme
Published: January 2022

This study examined the relationship between pathological narcissism, narcissistic grandiosity, narcissistic vulnerability and the five‐factor model of personality. Participants consisted of 290 undergraduate students from four universities in three different cities in Iran, recruited by available sampling, Instruments, including, Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) and the NEO Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) were also completed for the participants. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that narcissistic grandiosity was positively associated with extraversion and openness, while narcissistic vulnerability and overall pathological narcissism were positively associated with neuroticism and negatively related to agreeableness and openness (only for narcissistic vulnerability). The results are consistent with prior research in Western cultures (e.g., United States, Germany) and revealed that neuroticism is a common factor in narcissistic vulnerability and pathological narcissism which suggested pathological narcissism may be a distinct dimension from normal narcissism. Also, there were various contributors of personality traits for narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability which can be considered as a support for the distinction of two phenotypes of pathological narcissism.
Highly efficient removal of 2,4‐dichlorophenal over a novel dual Z‐scheme heterojunction of Bi7O9I3/BiOIO3/g‐C3N4 under visible‐light irradiation: performance and mechanism
Authors: You Dandan , Li Ming , Pan Zhuren , Yin Zhenyang , Wang Ning
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

2,4‐Dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP) is widely used as a preservative, pesticide, germicide, etc. However, it is very damaging to organisms and the environment, and it is difficult to decompose because of its high stability. To improve the photocatalytic ability of photocatalysts for degrading hazardous substances, like 2,4‐DCP, constructing heterojunction is an effective strategy because of its restraint of electron–hole recombination and extension of light absorption spectra.

RESULTS

A novel photocatalyst Bi7O9I3/BiOIO3/g‐C3N4 was successfully synthesized by one‐step in‐situ co‐crystallization method. The formation of Bi7O9I3/BiOIO3/g‐C3N4 composite was confirmed by X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR spectrometer) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The obtained optimal composite exhibited an excellent photocatalytic performance of degrading 2,4‐DCP with an efficiency of 95% under visible‐light irradiation. The trapping experiments indicated that superoxide radicals, electrons, and singlet oxygen played vital roles in 2,4‐DCP decomposition and confirmed the dual Z‐scheme heterojunction structure of Bi7O9I3/BiOIO3/g‐C3N4. Furthermore, the possible reaction pathway was deduced based on the trapping experiments and the intermediate products detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

The photocatalytic performance of Bi7O9I3/BiOIO3/g‐C3N4 was enhanced because the more efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers was achieved due to the formation of dual Z‐scheme heterojunction. This work presented a simple and feasible synthesis method to prepare a ternary photocatalyst for improving the photocatalytic ability, and it can assist in further understanding the reaction mechanism of 2,4‐DCP degradation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Synthesis of acrylic acid through aldol condensation of acetic acid with formaldehyde catalyzed by Bi‐,W‐ and Cs‐doped B2O3/SiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Aili , Ye Chunlin , Yu Dejian , Ding Yun , Yin Hengbo
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Acrylic acid commercially produced by the successively catalytic oxidation of propylene has a high cost. The synthesis of acrylic acid by aldol condensation between coal derivatives, acetic acid and formaldehyde, is an economic alternative to the propylene oxidation process. However, the development of an environmentally friendly and effective catalyst has remained a challenge.

RESULTS

Diboron trioxide [B2O3(6–20%)]/silica (SiO2) nanocomposites with B2O3 particle sizes of 1–2 nm prepared by the wetness impregnation of boric acid into silica aerogel and subsequent calcination at 500 °C effectively catalyzed the gas‐phase aldol condensation reaction between acetic acid and formaldehyde (trioxymethylene) to acrylic acid with a selectivity of ≈87% at 340–400 °C. Bismuth (Bi‐), tungsten (W‐) and caesium (Cs)‐doped B2O3/SiO2 nanocomposites had higher catalytic activities in the gas‐phase aldol condensation reaction to acrylic acid than the undoped B2O3/SiO2 nanocomposite.

CONCLUSION

Weak‐strength Lewis acid and alkali sites of the B2O3(6–20%)/SiO2 nanocomposites co‐catalyzed the aldol condensation reaction to form acrylic acid. The doping of B2O3/SiO2 nanocomposites with Bi, W and Cs components results in the formation of BiBO3, WO3 and CsBO2 phases, which lead to an increase in acidity and basicity resulting in higher catalytic activity in the formation of acrylic acid. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Breast microscopic cancer segmentation and classification using unique 4‐qubit‐quantum model
Authors: Amin Javaria , Sharif Muhammad , Fernandes Steven Lawrence , Wang Shui‐Hua , Saba Tanzila , Khan Amjad Rehman
Published: January 2022

The visual inspection of histopathological samples is the benchmark for detecting breast cancer, but a strenuous and complicated process takes a long time of the pathologist practice. Deep learning models have shown excellent outcomes in clinical diagnosis and image processing and advances in various fields, including drug development, frequency simulation, and optimization techniques. However, the resemblance of histopathologic images of breast cancer and the inclusion of stable and infected tissues in different areas make detecting and classifying tumors on entire slide images more difficult. In breast cancer, a correct diagnosis is needed for complete care in a limited amount of time. An effective detection can relieve the pathologist's workload and mitigate diagnostic subjectivity. Therefore, this research work investigates improved the pre‐trained xception and deeplabv3+ design semantic model. The model has been trained on input images with ground masks on the tuned parameters that significantly improve the segmentation of ultrasound breast images into respective classes, that is, benign/malignant. The segmentation model delivered an accuracy of greater than 99% to prove the model's effectiveness. The segmented images and histopathological breast images are transferred to the 4‐qubit‐quantum circuit with six‐layered architecture to detect breast malignancy. The proposed framework achieved remarkable performance as contrasted to currently published methodologies.

Highlights

This research proposed hybrid semantic model using pre‐trained xception and deeplabv3 for breast microscopic cancer classification in to benign and malignant classes at accuracy of 95% accuracy, 99% accuracy for detection of breast malignancy.
Racial and ethnic differences in pediatric unintentional injuries requiring hospitalization
Authors: Jeffries Kristyn , Puls Henry T. , Hall Matthew , Bettenhausen Jessica L. , Markham Jessica L. , Synhorst David C. , Dowd M. D.
Published: January 2022

Background/Objective

This study aims to comprehensively examine racial and ethnic differences in pediatric unintentional injuries requiring hospitalization by age across injury mechanisms.

Study Design

This was a retrospective, nationally representative cross‐sectional analysis of discharge data within the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database for 98,611 children ≤19 years with unintentional injuries resulting in hospitalization. Injury categories included passengers and pedestrians injured in a motor vehicle crash, falls, drownings, burns, firearms, drug and nondrug poisonings, suffocations, and other injuries. Relative risk (RR) for injuries requiring hospitalization were calculated for children of Black, Hispanic, and Other races and ethnicities compared with White children, and then RR were further stratified by age. Excessive hospitalizations were calculated as the absolute number of hospitalizations for each race and ethnicity group that would have been avoided if each group had the same rate as White children.

Results

Black children were significantly more likely to be hospitalized compared with White children for all injury mechanisms except falls, and in nearly all age groups with the greatest RR for firearm injuries (RR 9.8 [95% confidence interval: 9.5–10.2]). Differences were associated with 6263 excessive hospitalizations among all racial and ethnic minority children compared with White children.

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic minority children represent populations at persistent disproportionate risk for injuries resulting in hospitalization; risk that varies in important ways by injury mechanism and children's age. These findings suggest the importance of the environmental and societal exposures that may drive these differences, but other factors, such as provider bias, may also contribute.
Help or harm? The impact of property titling on women's acceptance of intimate partner violence
Authors: Shwachman Kaminaga Allison , Sheldon Hannah
Published: January 2022

We examine if having legal documentation of one's property rights reduces women's tolerance of intimate partner violence (IPV) in eight countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Whilst property titling may have numerous benefits, decreased justification of IPV does not appear to consistently be one of those benefits. Results indicate that out of eight countries examined, only in Ethiopia and Benin did inclusion of women's names on property titles reduce acceptance of IPV. Our findings reinforce the notion that context matters. Whilst in some countries, policies that promote titling may have positive spillover effects, in other contexts, property titling simply is not enough to counter traditional beliefs that IPV is socially acceptable.
Environmental risk factors and genetic markers of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection among Uygur population in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhang Xin , Fang Qiwen , Zhu Sibo , Wu Xuefu , Yuan Huangbo , Liu Zhenqiu , Xu Yiyun , Chen Tao , Zeng Yan , Zhang Tiejun
Published: January 2022

Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in Xinjiang, China. Determinants of KSHV seropositivity among high‐risk groups are not well understood. We seek to identify genetic and environmental predisposing factors for KSHV infection among Uygurs in this endemic region. A cross‐sectional study was performed among the Uygur population in Xinjiang, China. KSHV‐antibodies were detected using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles were genotyped. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the environmental and genetic risk factors of KSHV seropositivity. Finally, a total of 721 participants were included. The seroprevalence of KSHV was 24.1% among this population. Sweet‐food preference (odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–3.34), and coronary heart disease (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.24–2.94) were statistically correlated with KSHV infection. HLA‐DQB1*06:09 were found to significantly increase the risk of KSHV infection under all 3 models (ORAllelic = 4.06; ORDominant = 3.27; and ORRecessive = 8.06). Six SNPs (SNP0260, SNP0361, SNP0797, SNP0852, SNP1159, and SNP1375) in the DQB1 and DRB1 region and haploid type GTCTAACTAATC in block 17 were statistically associated with KSHV infection. We demonstrated that genetic variations in HLA‐DQB1/DRB1 and environmental risk factors were strongly associated with KSHV infection among this population.
Neural heterogeneity underlying late adolescent motivational processing is linked to individual differences in behavioral sensation seeking
Authors: Demidenko Michael I. , Huntley Edward D. , Weigard Alexander S. , Keating Daniel P. , Beltz Adriene M.
Published: January 2022

Adolescent risk‐taking, including sensation seeking (SS), is often attributed to developmental changes in connectivity among brain regions implicated in cognitive control and reward processing. Despite considerable scientific and popular interest in this neurodevelopmental framework, there are few empirical investigations of adolescent functional connectivity, let alone examinations of its links to SS behavior. The studies that have been done focus on mean‐based approaches and leave unanswered questions about individual differences in neurodevelopment and behavior. The goal of this paper is to take a person‐specific approach to the study of adolescent functional connectivity during a continuous motivational state, and to examine links between connectivity and self‐reported SS behavior in 104 adolescents (MAge = 19.3; SDAge = 1.3). Using Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation (GIMME), person‐specific connectivity during two neuroimaging runs of a monetary incentive delay task was estimated among 12 a priori brain regions of interest representing reward, cognitive, and salience networks. Two data‐driven subgroups were detected, a finding that was consistent between both neuroimaging runs, but associations with SS were only found in the first run, potentially reflecting neural habituation in the second run. Specifically, the subgroup that had unique connections between reward‐related regions had greater SS and showed a distinctive relation between connectivity strength in the reward regions and SS. These findings provide novel evidence for heterogeneity in adolescent brain‐behavior relations by showing that subsets of adolescents have unique associations between neural motivational processing and SS. Findings have broader implications for future work on reward processing, as they demonstrate that brain‐behavior relations may attenuate across runs.