bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Twenty Fish Species in Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-Potou Sectors Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Théophile Bedia Aké , Bakari Coulibaly , Sylvie N’da Amalan , Valentin N’douba
Published: June 2022

Aims: This study investigated Length-weight relationships and condition factors of fish species in Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-Potou sector, Côte d’Ivoire)

Place and Duration of Study: Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-potou sector) from April 2019 to March 2020.

Methodology: study was conducted during 3 to 4 days continuously in Ebrie Lagoon (Aghien-Potou Sector). Furthermore, monthly fish samples were collected from commercial fishing area at random using gillnets, cast nets, traps, hooks and beach seines.

Results: All Length-Weight regressions were highly significant with the coefficient of determination (r2) ranging from 0.61 in Schilbe mandibularis to 0.90 in Monodactylus sebae and Chrysichthys maurus. An isometric growth was observed for most of species except three of them namely Ethmalosa fimbriata, Pseudotolithus elongatus, and polydactylus quadrifilis. The k values varied from 0.19±0.001 in S. melanotheron to 6.10±0.3 in Monodactylus sebae. The values of b and k denote that the Ebrie lagoon could provide a favourable environment and suitable habitat for the growth of those fish species.

Conclusion: The study provides basic information on length-weight parameters for twenty major fish species collected from Ebrie lagoon (Aghien-Potou sector). Three species namely Ethmalosa fimbriata, Pseudotolithus elongatus and Polydactylus quadrifilis exhibited a trend of positive growth whereas seventeen fish species showed isometric growth. The condition factor k was superior to 1 for 75% of the fish species and inferior to 1 for 25 % of the fish species. These growth trends denote that the lagoon could provide a favourable environment and suitable habitat for the growth of those fish species. Thus it would be interesting to create a protected area near the lagoon in order to ensure the protection of fish species.
Survey of noncontrolled medication misuse patterns
Authors: Slane Amelia , Robert Sophie , Rarrick Christine , Weeda Erin
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The abuse potential of opioids and other controlled substances is well-known; however, reports of noncontrolled prescription medication (NCPM) misuse deserves further attention. Whereas several studies investigate patterns, motivations, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the misuse potential of NCPM, the clinical significance of NCPM misuse is not well-understood. The primary objectives of this project were to identify prescriber perceptions of NCPM misuse and evaluate patient reported patterns of misuse through survey responses.

Methods

Adult patients admitted to psychiatry services and prescribers working in psychiatry or on a general medicine service during the study time frame were invited to participate. Surveys were collected anonymously for both patients and prescribers.

Results

NCPM misuse was reported by 38.4% of patients. Trazodone (35%) and quetiapine (30%) were most commonly reported as being misused. Opioid (24.1% vs 4.3%; P = .023) and cannabis use disorders (13.8% vs 0%; P = .019) were reported more frequently in patients who misuse NCPM, whereas no difference was seen for other SUDs (P > .05). There was no difference between psychiatric and general medicine prescribers regarding familiarity with NCPM misuse (n = 21 [87.5%] vs n = 13 [81.3%]; P = .668).

Discussion

High rates of NCPM misuse were seen in this patient population. Our findings confirm previous reports of quetiapine misuse and also reveal that trazodone is frequently misused. Based on the observations in this study, the misuse of NCPM is identified as prevalent and noteworthy at our institution, warranting provider education and future studies.
Radicalization
Authors: Bosi Lorenzo , Porta Donatella della
Published: June 2022

Social movement scholars challenging the dominant normative use of conflating radical beliefs with violent means have started to refer to radicalization as an individual or organizational process that leads to a shift from nonviolent forms of action to violent ones in order to promote or oppose political, social, and/or cultural change. Their approach has the main merit to de‐exceptionalize and de‐essentialize radicalization processes by: (i) considering political violence as a component of broader repertoires of action, not equating violent forms of action with nonviolent ones, but rather transcending an artificial compartmentalization of different forms of actions; (ii) interpreting political violence as emerging from interactive processes within heterogeneous arenas of actors, in which strategic choices become intertwined with self‐reinforcing dynamics; and (iii) locating political violence within larger political and social conflicts as well as shifting forms of control and political arenas that create opportunities for and constraints upon political actors.
Hong Kong Anti‐Extradition Movement (2019)
Authors: Cheng Edmund W. , Yuen Samson
Published: June 2022

The Anti‐extradition Law Amendment Bill movement, in short the Anti‐extradition movement, was a mass mobilization that erupted in Hong Kong between February 2019 and January 2020. Also known as an anti‐authoritarian uprising or the freedom summer, the year‐long movement was triggered by the Hong Kong SAR government's attempt to amend its extradition law that would allow suspects to be extradited to Mainland China. The movement comprised hundreds of protest events, with a few of them featuring turnouts of over a million people. While opposition against the bill began to foment in February with a series of small‐scale demonstrations and online campaigns that framed it as an existential threat to civil freedoms, the movement officially started on 9 June, when an estimated one million people took part in a peaceful rally. Protesters shouted “no extradition to China” throughout the protest, a Cantonese homonym that carries the double meaning of anti‐extradition and anti‐death. The slogan epitomized the angst of the local community as they saw that their cherished rule of law and civil liberties under One Country Two Systems were under severe threat.
Dark‐Operative Protochlorophyllide Oxidoreductase (DPOR)
Authors: Deveryshetty Jaigeeth , Sorg Garrett R , Antony Edwin
Published: June 2022

Dark‐operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (DPOR) is a nitrogenase‐like enzyme that catalyzes the stereospecific two‐electron reduction of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) to chlorophyllide (Chlide). Like other electron transfer enzymes, DPOR has an intricate structural assembly of two identical functional halves with a twofold symmetry featuring a homodimer of electron donor subunits (BchL) and a substrate‐binding complex (BchNB) that coordinates a Fe‐S cluster. DPOR higher‐order assembly provides an exquisite allosteric control and long‐range communication. Electron transfer from BchL to BchNB reduces the Pchlide sequentially one electron at a time on each half allowing the complex to count how many electrons have been transferred. Further, Asp274 donates a proton to the substrate bound in the opposite half of the symmetric complex. Mutation of D274 in one‐half of the assembled complex completely abolishes reduction activity, suggesting proton donors are critical allosteric residues in other oxidoreductases. Further study of DPOR and other oxidoreductases is necessary to establish the biophysical principles governing electron transfer processes.
Machine learning for contour classification in TG‐263 noncompliant databases
Authors: Livermore David , Trappenberg Thomas , Syme Alasdair
Published: June 2022

A large volume of medical data are labeled using nonstandardized nomenclature. Although efforts have been made by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) to standardize nomenclature through Task Group 263 (TG‐263), there remain noncompliant databases. This work aims to create an algorithm that can analyze anatomical contours in patients with head and neck cancer and classify them into TG‐263 compliant nomenclature. To create an accurate algorithm capable of such classification, a combined approaching using both binary images of individual slices of anatomical contours themselves, as well as center of mass coordinates of the structures are input into a neural network. The center of mass coordinates were scaled using two normalization schemes, a simple linear normalization scheme agnostic of the patient anatomy, and an anatomical normalization scheme dependent on patient anatomy. The results of all of the individual slice classifications are then aggregated into a single classification by means of a voting algorithm. The total classification accuracy of the final algorithms was 97.6% mean accuracy per class for nonanatomically normalization scheme, and 97.9% mean accuracy per class for anatomically normalization scheme. The total accuracy was 99.0% (13 errors in 1302 structures) for the nonanatomically normalization scheme, and 98.3% (22 errors in 1302 structures) for the anatomically normalization scheme.
All‐Recyclable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Sustainable Ocean Monitoring Systems
Authors: Ahn Junseong , Kim Ji‐Seok , Jeong Yoonsang , Hwang Soonhyoung , Yoo Hyunjoon , Jeong Yongrok , Gu Jimin , Mahato Manmatha , Ko Jiwoo , Jeon Sohee , Ha Ji‐Hwan , Seo Hee‐Seon , Choi Jungrak , Kang Mingu , Han Chankyu , Cho Yohan , Lee Chong Hyun , Jeong Jun‐Ho , Oh Il‐Kwon , Park Inkyu
Published: June 2022

The growing severity of environmental problems such as plastic waste and climate change has inspired active research into solutions based on recyclable and renewable energy devices. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that convert wasted mechanical energy into electrical energy offer a solution that needs to be made recyclable to reduce or eliminate the generation of electronic waste (e‐waste) on their disposal. In this study, an all‐recyclable TENG (AR‐TENG) based on a thermoplastic polymer with a nanohole pattern is developed; it delivers an excellent output power density of 1.547 W m−2 (peak output voltage = 360 V, current = 22 µA) and shows superior mechanochemical stability by maintaining its performance after immersion into seawater or 1 000 000 cyclic tests. The practical utility of this AR‐TENG is demonstrated through its use to power a buoy‐type ocean monitoring system and an intelligent life jacket, whereas recyclability is demonstrated by the re‐fabrication of the AR‐TENG; reusability in other devices is validated by the successful fabrication of a plasmonic color filter. This work paves the way for the efficient harvesting of renewable energy without the concomitant production of e‐waste; therefore, it contributes to the mitigation of global environmental problems such as global warming and ozone depletion.
Long‐term tillage management affects claypan soil properties and soybean cyst nematode
Authors: Belknap Renee Adler , Nelson Kelly A. , Singh Gurbir
Published: June 2022

Use of cover crops with conservation tillage systems can affect soil chemical and biological properties. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effect of long‐term (1994–2016) no‐till (NT) and reduced‐till (RT) cropping systems on soil chemical properties and soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) egg population densities on claypan soils in northeast Missouri. Treatments included a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation with three tillage–cropping systems: (a) NT corn–soybean–wheat with double‐crop soybean (NTDCS), (b) NT corn–soybean–wheat with frost‐seeded red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) cover crop (NTFSC), and (c) RT corn–soybean–wheat. Each crop (corn, soybean, and wheat) and tillage system (NTDCS, NTFSC, and RT) was represented every year in nine large plots and replicated four times. Soil was sampled to a 15 cm depth to evaluate soil chemical properties (1994, 2002–2016) and SCN egg densities (2002–2015). Soil test pHs, P, and K were ranked RT = NTDCS > NTFSC, RT > NTDCS = NTFSC and RT > NTFSC > NTDCS, respectively. Long‐term NTFSC cover crop had the greatest soil organic matter levels in four of the 16 yr. When combined over years, SCN egg densities were lowest in NTFSC following corn, soybean, or wheat, which indicates the benefit of NT and extended crop rotations to help manage this pest.
3D imaging and quantification of PLL coated fluorescent ZnO NP distribution and ROS accumulation using laser scanning confocal microscopy
Authors: Dey Aishee , Gare Suman , Swain Sarpras , Bhattacharya Proma , Dhyani Vaibhav , Giri Lopamudra , Neogi Sudarsan
Published: June 2022

Investigations on nanomedicine involve conventional two dimensional (2D) imaging techniques for observing the nanoparticle internalization at a single time point where various phases of internalization can be overlooked. In contrast, three dimensional (3D) imaging of fluorescent nanoparticles with anticancer potential can be used for obtaining the time course of cellular retention of particles, and cells can be followed for days. This article demonstrates the application of laser scanning confocal microscopy to quantify poly‐l‐lysine coated fluorescent ZnO nanoparticle retention and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation using volumetric imaging. Synthesis of these particles allows monitoring of ROS formation, internalization, and cytotoxicity using the same imaging platform that offers an advantage over measurement using various instruments. PLL‐coated ZnO particles' ability to induce a significant reduction in cell‐viability suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent. The proposed framework opens up a new avenue for investigating mechanistic aspects of ZnO adsorption and the evaluation of therapeutic efficiency.
Non‐invasive Brain Stimulation Can Reduce Unilateral Spatial Neglect after Stroke: ELETRON Trial
Authors: da Silva Taís Regina , de Carvalho Nunes Hélio Rubens , Martins Laís Geronutti , da Costa Rafael Dalle Molle , de Souza Juli Thomaz , Winckler Fernanda Cristina , Sartor Lorena Cristina Alvarez , Modolo Gabriel Pinheiro , Ferreira Natalia Cristina , da Silva Rodrigues Josiela Cristina , Kanda Rafael , Fogarolli Marcelo Ortolani , Borges Guilherme Ferreira , Rizzatti Gabriela Rizzo Soares , Ribeiro Priscila Watson , Favoretto Diandra B. , dos Santos Luan R. Aguiar , Bazan Silméia Garcia Zanati , Betting Luiz Eduardo , de Oliveira Antunes Leticia Cláudia , Pereira Vitor Mendes , Edwards Taiza G. S. , Pontes‐Neto Octávio Marques , Conforto Adriana Bastos , Bazan Rodrigo , Luvizutto Gustavo José
Published: June 2022

Objective

Rehabilitation top‐down techniques based on brain stimulation present variable outcomes in unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke. This study aimed to examine the effects of physical therapy after anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A‐tDCS and C‐tDCS, respectively) to improve visuospatial and functional impairments in individuals with USN after stroke.

Methods

This double‐blinded, pilot randomized clinical trial enrolled patients with USN after ischemic stroke. Randomization was stratified according to the Behavior Inattention Test–Conventional (BIT‐C) and Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS). Outpatient physical therapy was conducted for 7.5 weeks after 20 minutes of tDCS. The primary outcome was the USN degree evaluated by the BIT‐C. Secondary outcomes were the difference in CBS score, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), disability (modified Rankin Scale), autonomy (Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure), and quality of life (EuroQol Group 5‐Dimension Self‐Report Questionnaire). Outcomes were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model corrected by age, baseline NIHSS, and baseline BIT‐C. Pairwise post hoc comparisons were performed using Bonferroni correction.

Results

In the primary outcomes, A‐tDCS led to greater improvement in BIT‐C after intervention (mean difference [MD] = 18.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9–32.8, p = 0.008) compared to sham. However, no significant differences were observed between A‐tDCS and C‐tDCS (MD = 13.9, 95% CI = −0.3 to 28.1, p = 0.057), or C‐tDCS and sham (MD = 4.5, 95% CI = −9.7 to 18.8, p = 0.99). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes.

Interpretation

A‐tDCS associated with physical therapy can decrease the severity of USN after stroke. However, these preliminary findings must be confirmed by collecting additional evidence in a larger phase 3 trial. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:400–410
Craniovascular variation in four late Holocene human samples from southern South America
Authors: Eisová Stanislava , Menéndez Lumila Paula , Velemínský Petr , Bruner Emiliano
Published: June 2022

Craniovascular traits in the endocranium (traces of middle meningeal vessels and dural venous sinuses, emissary foramina) provide evidence of vascular anatomy in osteological samples. We investigate the craniovascular variation in four South American samples and the effect of artificial cranial modifications (ACM). CT scans of human adult crania from four archeological samples from southern South America (including skulls with ACM) are used for the analyses. The craniovascular features in the four samples are described, skulls with and without ACM are compared, and additionally, South Americans are compared to a previously analyzed sample of Europeans. Of the four South American samples, the Southern Patagonian differs the most, showing the most distinct cranial dimensions, no ACM, and larger diameters of the emissary foramina. Unlike previous studies, we did not find any major differences in craniovascular features between modified and non‐modified skulls, except that the skulls with ACM present somewhat smaller foramina. South Americans significantly differed from Europeans, especially in the anteroposterior dominance of the middle meningeal artery, in the pattern of sinus confluence, in the occurrence of enlarged occipito‐marginal sinuses, and in foramina frequencies and diameters. Craniovascular morphology is not affected by the cranial size, even in skulls with ACM, indicating a minor or null influence of structural topological factors. Concerning the samples from distinct geographic and climatic environments, it must be evaluated whether the craniovascular morphogenesis might be partially influenced by specific functions possibly associated with thermoregulation, intracranial pressure, and the maintenance of intracranial homeostasis.
Recent progress on performances and mechanisms of carbon dots for gas sensing
Authors: Sun Yuqiong , Li Jiean , He Daowei , Wang Xinran , Shi Yi , Pan Lijia
Published: June 2022

Carbon dots (CDs), as an attractive zero‐dimensional carbon nanomaterial with unique photoluminescent merits, have recently exhibited significant application potential in gas sensing as a result of their excellent optical/electronic characteristics, high chemical/thermal stability, and tunable surface states. CDs exhibit strong light absorption in the ultraviolet range and tunable photoluminescence characteristics in the visible range, which makes CDs an effective tool for optical sensing applications. Optical gas sensor based on CDs have been investigated, which generally responds to the target gas by corresponding changes in optical absorption or fluorescence. Moreover, electrical gas sensor and quartz crystal microbalance sensor whose sensing layer involves CDs have also been designed. Electrical gas sensor exhibits an increase or a decrease in electrical current, capacitance, or conductance once exposed to the target gas. Quartz crystal microbalance sensor responds to the target gas with a frequency shift. CDs greatly promote the absorption of the target gas and improve the sensitivity of both sensors. In this review, we aim to summarize different types of gas sensors involving CDs, and sensing performances of these sensors for monitoring diverse gases or vapors, as well as the mechanisms of CDs in different types of sensors. Moreover, this review provides the prospect of the potential development of CDs based gas sensors.
Potential Loading of Virgin Coconut Oil into Centrifugally‐Spun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Priyanto Aan , Hapidin Dian Ahmad , Khairurrijal Khairurrijal
Published: June 2022

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has become a multifunctional material for biomedical applications due to its remarkable health benefits. The use of VCO for biomedical applications has seen tremendous growth over recent years, triggering researchers to develop various approaches for VCO utilization. Nanofibers‐based structure offers promising properties to encapsulate VCO, enhancing its performance and broadening its application in the medical field. Studies of VCO‐loaded polymeric nanofibers for biomedical applications are currently gradually rising. Recently, in nanofibers technology, centrifugal jet spinning (CJS) offers cost‐efficient and higher production rates to yield nanofibers compared to the other methods. This review summarizes recent advances of VCO for biomedical applications. Comprehensive suggestions for encapsulating VCO into nanofibers using the CJS technique are also provided. Highlights of future challenges in utilizing the CJS technique to produce VCO‐loaded nanofibers for biomedical applications are also elaborated.
Bifunctional Acid‐Base Zirconium Phosphonate for Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid and Cascade Transformation of Furfural to Biofuel Molecules
Authors: Manal Arjun K. , Advani Jacky H. , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: June 2022

The production of biofuels, such as furfural ether and γ‐valerolactone (GVL) from biomass platform chemicals furfural (FFA) and Levulinic acid (LA) is of significant interest. In this study, a nanoporous inorganic‐organic Zr−phosphonate catalyst (ZrNPO3) was synthesized and employed in the selective production of GVL (98.2 %) via catalytic transfer hydrogenation of LA. The catalyst containing acid‐base sites was further used to produce biofuel molecules like GVL and furfuryl ether under a mild reaction condition via cascade furfural transformation. The GVL selectivity was further improved using phosphotungstic acid@ZrNPO3. The catalytic optimization studies were combined with poisoning studies and the detailed physicochemical characterization to acquire insight into the structure‐activity correlation and reaction mechanism. The synergistic presence of the Lewis acidity and basicity on the catalyst was responsible for its remarkable activity. Designing a single catalyst for the one‐pot tandem transformation of FFA to GVL would be highly motivating for catalysis researchers and industrialists.
Reagentless detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B via electrochemical interrogation of conformational changes
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Da Jianping , Liu Yuanjian
Published: June 2022

An electrochemical biosensor for staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) detection has been designed on the basis of electrochemical interrogation of conformational changes. Ferrocene‐labeled hairpin probe (Fc‐HP) and SEB aptamer are introduced for the construction of the platform. Without SEB, the rigid construction of DNA duplex that included SEB aptamer and Fc‐HP prevented Fc getting access to the electrode surface, keeping the “eT‐off” state in the detection system. In the presence of SEB, the interaction between SEB and the aptamer could trigger the disruption of DNA duplex and the restoration of hairpin structure, accompanied by the increase of Fc oxidation current. The decreasing distance between the redox probe and electrode upon the nucleic acid reconfiguration substantially increased the efficiency of eT, which resulted in the enhanced Fc signal. The proposed strategy presented a wide linear detection range from 0.005 to 100 ng mL−1 with a detection limit down to 3 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3). To investigate the applicability and reliability of the method in real food samples such as milk samples, we compared the results between this method and the commercial ELISA kit. The relative percentage error between the two assays ranged from −6.42% to 6.31%, indicating that there was no obvious difference between the results.
Data‐Driven Analysis of High‐Throughput Experiments on Liquid Battery Electrolyte Formulations: Unraveling the Impact of Composition on Conductivity**
Authors: Narayanan Krishnamoorthy Anand , Wölke Christian , Diddens Diddo , Maiti Moumita , Mabrouk Youssef , Yan Peng , Grünebaum Mariano , Winter Martin , Heuer Andreas , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora
Published: June 2022

A specially designed high‐throughput experimentation facility, used for the highly effective exploration of electrolyte formulations in composition space for diverse battery chemistries and targeted applications, is presented. It follows a high‐throughput formulation‐characterization‐optimization chain based on a set of previously established electrolyte‐related requirements. Here, the facility is used to acquire large dataset of ionic conductivities of non‐aqueous battery electrolytes in the conducting salt‐solvent/co‐solvent‐additive composition space. The measured temperature dependence is mapped on three generalized Arrhenius parameters, including deviations from simple activated dynamics. This reduced dataset is thereafter analyzed by a scalable data‐driven workflow, based on linear and Gaussian process regression, providing detailed information about the compositional dependence of the conductivity. Complete insensitivity to the addition of electrolyte additives for otherwise constant molar composition is observed. Quantitative dependencies, for example, on the temperature‐dependent conducting salt content for optimum conductivity are provided and discussed in light of physical properties such as viscosity and ion association effects.
MicroRNA‐200c overexpression in cancer‐associated fibroblasts decreases interleukin‐2 secretion
Authors: Shariati Laleh , Vaseghi Golnaz , Vaziri Nazanin , Shenavar Nasim , Zarrabi Ali , Haghjooy Javanmard Shaghayegh
Published: June 2022

miR‐200c‐3p is demonstrated to play the role of tumour suppressor in different tumours. However, the miR‐200c‐3p biological function in normal fibroblast (NF) and cancer‐associated fibroblast (CAF) remains unclear. This investigation aims to study the regulatory role of miR‐200c‐3p in the secretion of Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) in CAF and NF. CAFs and NFs were isolated from tumour and normal tissue specimens respectively. Immunocytochemistry was used to confirm the presence of a fibroblast specific marker, alpha‐actin smooth muscle, in NFs and CAFs. NF and CAF were transfected with scramble and miR‐200c‐3p utilizing the lipofectamine 2000 reagent. The protein levels of IL‐2 were measured in CAFs, NFs, and transfected groups with miR‐200c‐3p and scrambled using an IL‐2 enzyme‐linked immunoassay kit. miR‐200c decreased secretion of IL‐2 in transfected CAF and NF compared to controls. Results elucidated that transfection of MiR‐200c‐3p can decrease the IL‐2 secretion and consequently reduce IL‐induced tumourigenic manner in the CAF.
Association between haemoglobin A1c and cerebral microbleeds in community‐based stroke‐free individuals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yu Miaoxin , Jia Yanan , Yang Dandan , Zhang Runhua , Jiang Yong , Zhang Guitao , Qiao Huiyu , Han Hualu , Shen Rui , Ning Zihan , Zhao Xihai , Liu Gaifen , Wang Yongjun
Published: June 2022

Aims

The association between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between HbA1c and CMBs in community‐based individuals without stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and whether the association differs between individuals with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and Methods

All individuals were recruited from a community in Beijing, China, from January 2015 to September 2019. All individuals completed a questionnaire and underwent blood tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging. A susceptibility‐weighted imaging sequence was acquired to detect CMBs, which were defined as small, round and low‐signal lesions with <10 mm diameter. The association between HbA1c and CMBs was analysed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for demographics, medical history and blood sample test results. Subgroup analyses stratified by history of DM were performed.

Results

Of 544 recruited individuals, 119 (21.88%) had CMBs. HbA1c was independently associated with CMBs (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–2.22). In 87 individuals with DM, multivariable logistic analysis showed that HbA1c was significantly associated with CMBs (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.04–2.69), whereas in individuals without DM, no significant association was observed between HbA1c and CMBs (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.50–2.30).

Conclusions

HbA1c was associated with CMBs in individuals without stroke or TIA, particularly in individuals with DM, suggesting that the status of glycaemic control warrants attention for the prevention of CMBs. It would be beneficial to manage HbA1c specifically to control the risk of CMBs, especially in individuals with DM.
Mining‐induced failure characteristics and surrounding rock control of gob‐side entry driving adjacent to filling working face in the deep coal mine
Authors: Chen Dongdong , Guo Fangfang , Xie Shengrong , Wang En , Wu Yiyi , Jiang Zaisheng , Wang Long , Cui Junqi , Zhang Xiao , Liu Ruipeng
Published: June 2022

This paper studies the width of narrow coal pillars, mining‐induced failure characteristics, and surrounding rock control effect of gob‐side entry driving (GED) adjacent to 2‐1208 filling working face with an approximately 900 m depth. Laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, loosening circle tests, and engineering practices are conducted. The mechanical properties of the filling body, the distribution and evolution law of the second invariant deviatoric stress (J2), and the variation in the plastic zone of the surrounding rock in GED are studied. The conditions of various coal pillar widths and the gob backfilled or not of the adjacent working face are also considered. The results of roadway driving along the filling working face in the deep coal mine are that: (1) The evolution law of J2 and the plastic zone features of the surrounding rock in GED have changed significantly. Thus, it is unreasonable to still adopt the customary theory of narrow coal pillar determination and roadway support design method of GED adjacent to nonfilling working face. (2) The plastic zone of GED has typically asymmetric distribution characteristics during driving and retreating, which is mainly concentrated at the upper corner of the virgin coal rib. And the elastic zone changes slightly by the influence of mining‐induced pressure on the working face, indicating that support in this area is easier. (3) During the stable period of roadway driving, there includes a “ring‐shaped” J2 depression zone at the upper corner of the coal pillar rib. While the peak zone distribution of J2 in the virgin coal rib of GED is approximately “crescent‐shaped,” and the peak zone is inclined to the upper corner of the virgin coal rib, which implies that this area is a crucial control region. (4) During the retreating period of panel 2‐1210, the direction of the maximum principal stress of GED gradually deflects from the direction of the gob to that perpendicular to the roof and floor, which represents that the key support area of GED has changed. Therefore, the advanced support of GED needs to be reinforced by single hydraulic props. The width of the coal pillar was determined to be 5 m, and a targeted truss anchor cable support method with bidirectional resistance function is proposed for the roof and both ribs, which realized the stability control of GED during deep filling mining.
Morphology and stratigraphy of aeolian sand stringers in southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Shandonay Kenzie L. , Bowen Mark W. , Larson Phillip H. , Running Garry L. , Rittenour Tammy , Mataitis Richard
Published: June 2022

Sand stringers are subtle, aeolian landforms that reach hundreds to thousands of metres in length and lack a slipface. While hundreds of sand stringers exist beyond the Last Glacial Maximum margin in the Upper Midwest, USA, little is known about the timing and nature of their formation. This research characterizes the morphology and stratigraphy and provides geochronological data from two sand stringers in the upper Mississippi River basin in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The sand stringers investigated have similar west–northwest to east–southeast orientations and are located ~100 km from each other on uplands west and east of the Mississippi River valley. The sand stringer in Goodhue County, Minnesota (GC site) is ~870 m long and 50–80 m wide. To the east, the sand stringer in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin (ECC site) is ~925 m long and 30–50 m wide. The main body of the GC sand stringer is characterized by an ~80–270 cm‐thick silt‐rich surface unit overlying a sandy unit that is underlain by a dark brown paleosol, while the main body of the ECC sand stringer is sandier/coarser, stratified, and overlies outwash.

14C ages, interpreted as minima, at GC indicate formation began prior to 25–20 cal yr BP, while OSL and14C ages indicate ECC formed ~11.25–8.9 ka. We interpret the main body of GC as equivalent to Peoria Loess, with minor inputs of reworked outwash. We interpret ECC as composed of reworked outwash and local bedrock‐derived sands. Pedogenesis at GC and ECC indicates stabilization with possible minor modification of near‐surface sediments through the Holocene. Differences in stratigraphy and chronology between the two sites highlight the complexity of aeolian systems in the Upper Midwest, interpreted as indicative of the variety of sediment sources contributing to landform development via aeolian processes due to spatial and temporal variability in deglaciation and permafrost melting.
Enhanced reversible hydrogen storage efficiency of zirconium‐decorated biphenylene monolayer: A computational study
Authors: Mane Pratap , Kaur Surinder Pal , Chakraborty Brahmananda
Published: June 2022

Metal decorated carbon‐containing two‐dimensional monolayers have been explored as potential hydrogen storage materials because of their open structures which improve the storage capacity. Here, the H2 storage capability of the Zr‐decorated biphenylene nanosheet is studied with the aid of first‐principles calculations. Biphenylene is a recently synthesized ultra‐flat material consisting of different‐sized carbon rings. Zr atom interacts strongly with the monolayer with a binding energy of −4.79 eV due to charge transfer from Zr 3d orbital to C‐2p orbital of biphenylene nanosheet. The hydrogen molecules bind to the Zr‐decorated biphenylene monolayer with an average adsorption energy of −0.4 eV per H2 due to Kubas‐type interactions involving charge transfer between metal d orbital and H‐1s orbital. The Zr decoration helps to adsorb up to 9 hydrogen molecules per metal atom on the monolayer resulting in the H2 uptake of 9.95 wt%, higher than the target of 6.5 wt% set by the Department of Energy (DoE), USA. The high diffusion barrier for the Zr atom prevents metal‐metal clustering. The ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations show that the complexes remain stable even at the highest desorption temperature. The present study shows that the Zr‐decorated biphenylene can be considered a prospective two‐dimensional material for reversible hydrogen storage.
The flow of MHD Maxwell liquid over an extending surface with variable free stream temperature
Authors: Mandal Mani Shankar , Mukhopadhyay Swati
Published: June 2022

The aim of this article is to investigate the steady two‐dimensional flow of a magnetohydrodynamics Maxwell liquid over a stretched exterior having prescribed exterior hotness in the presence of changeable free stream temperature. Here the Maxwell liquid replica reflects non‐Newtonian liquid behavior. By means of similarity alterations, the leading differential equations which are partial in nature are altered to differential equations that are ordinary in nature and subsequently numerical solutions are received via a shooting scheme. The motion and heat transport characteristics for the leading parameters is scrutinized and talked about elaborately using their graphical demonstration. It is established that the liquid speed reduces with escalating magnetic parameter. The consequences of growing Maxwell parameter are to hold back the speed of liquid. An increment in heat movement speed has been observed for enhancing the temperature ratio and Maxwell parameters.
CoviDetNet: A new COVID‐19 diagnostic system based on deep features of chest x‐ray
Authors: Aslan Muzaffer
Published: June 2022

COVID‐19 has emerged as a global pandemic affecting the world, and its adverse effects on society still continue. So far, about 243.57 million people have been diagnosed with COVID‐19, of which about 4.94 million have died. In this study, a new model, called COVIDetNet, is proposed for automated COVID‐19 detection. A lightweight CNN architecture trained instead of the popular and pretrained convolution neural network (CNN) models such as VGG16, VGG19, AlexNet, ResNet50, ResNet100, and MobileNetV2 from scratch with chest x‐ray (CXR) images was designed. A new feature set was created by concatenating the features of all layers of the designed CNN architecture. Then, the most efficient features chosen among the features concatenating with the Relief feature selection algorithm were classified using the support vector machine (SVM) method. The experimental works were carried out on a public COVID‐19 CXR database. Experimental results demonstrated 99.24% accuracy, 99.60% specificity, 99.39% sensitivity, 99.04% precision, and an F1 score of 99.21%. Also, in comparison to AlexNet and VGG16 models, the deep feature extraction durations were reduced by approximately 6‐fold and 38‐fold, respectively. The COVIDetNet model provided a higher accuracy score than state‐of‐the‐art models when compared to multi‐class research studies. Overall, the proposed model will be beneficial for specialist medical staff to detect COVID‐19 cases, as it provides faster and higher accuracy than existing CXR‐based approaches.
Seasonality of prolactin in birds and mammals
Authors: Stewart Calum , Marshall Christopher J.
Published: June 2022

In most animals, annual rhythms in environmental cues and internal programs regulate seasonal physiology and behavior. Prolactin, an evolutionarily ancient hormone, serves as a molecular correlate of seasonal timing in most species. Prolactin is highly pleiotropic with a wide variety of well‐documented physiological effects; in a seasonal context prolactin is known to regulate annual changes in pelage and molt. While short‐term homeostatic variation of prolactin secretion is under the control of the hypothalamus, long‐term seasonal rhythms of prolactin are programmed by endogenous timers that reside in the pituitary gland. The molecular basis of these rhythms is generally understood to be melatonin dependent in mammals. Prolactin rhythmicity persists for several years in many species, in the absence of hypothalamic signaling. Such evidence in mammals has supported the hypothesis that seasonal rhythms in prolactin derive from an endogenous timer within the pituitary gland that is entrained by external photoperiod. In this review, we describe the conserved nature of prolactin signaling in birds and mammals and highlight its role in regulating multiple diverse physiological systems. The review will cover the current understanding of the molecular control of prolactin seasonality and propose a mechanism by which long‐term rhythms may be generated in amniotes.
Highly Bio‐Based Unsaturated Polyester Resins with Improved Performance by Incorporating Isosorbide into the Polyester Prepolymer
Authors: Li Yong , Qu Jiehao , Dai Zenghui , Jiang Junyi , Fu Jiajia , Fu Feiya , Liu Xiangdong
Published: June 2022

Herein, the successful design of a highly bio‐based family of unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) is presented, comprising of an isosorbide (ISO) incorporated unsaturated polyester prepolymer (UP) and a reactive diluent of 4‐vinylguaiacol acetyl ester (ACVG). A series of UPs are prepared by copolymerizing ISO with other green monomers, i.e., itaconic acid, ethylene glycol and oxalic acid, in a variation of ISO fraction. The UP/ACVG mixtures exhibit very low viscosity ranging from 2.8 to 3.7 Pa s. After curing at 135 °C to form a network, the resulting thermosets exhibit remarkable improvements in terms of glass transition (Tg, about 131 °C), storage modulus (2564–3342 MPa), and tensile strength (around 76.6 MPa), which are significantly better than the UP thermosets reported in previous works, The incorporation of ISO units into the UPs reveals a favorable effect on thermal stability of the thermosets as well. The best Td5% is measured to be 320.4 °C, and the volatile molecular information collected using a TGA‐GC/MS set suggests that the decomposition mechanism of the cross‐linked resins becomes heat‐resistant due to the ISO incorporation. Moreover, after being reinforced by cotton fabrics, an outstanding compatibility between the ISO containing UPRs and cotton fibers is found to be suitable for composite fabrication.
Tic Disorders, Anti‐Tic Medications, and Risk of Atopy
Authors: Hakimi Mathew , Skinner Sandra , Maurer Carine W.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To clarify patterns of comorbid atopic disorders in children with tic disorders compared to controls, and to evaluate whether medications commonly used for treatment of tics and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with differing risks of atopy.

Background

Inflammatory mechanisms are increasingly recognized as playing a role in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. The association between tic disorders, ADHD, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and atopic disorders is uncertain.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using the global electronic health records database TriNetX. Using odds ratios, we compared the risk of atopy in children with tic disorder (n = 4508), ADHD (n = 83,569), and/or OCD (n = 1555) to controls (n = 758 290). To analyze the risk of developing atopy with use of different medications commonly prescribed to treat tics and ADHD, we performed a separate analysis including children with tic disorder, ADHD, and/or OCD who had initiated treatment with one of these medications. Binary logistic regression controlling for age and sex was used to calculate odds ratios.

Results

Children with tic disorder, ADHD, or OCD were more likely than controls to have comorbid atopy. Children who had taken clonidine, guanfacine, methylphenidate, or dexmethylphenidate were more likely to develop an atopic disorder than controls.

Conclusions

Our study suggests a link between atopic disorders and tic disorders, ADHD, and OCD. Although the underlying mechanism for this association remains unclear, medication use may play a role.
Test‐retest reliability of a new assessment to detect detailed temporal patterns of polysubstance use
Authors: Fitzgerald Nicole D. , Liu Yiyang , Wang Anna , Striley Catherine W. , Setlow Barry , Knackstedt Lori , Cottler Linda B.
Published: June 2022

Objective

While polysubstance use is highly prevalent among people who use drugs, the field lacks a reliable assessment that can detect detailed temporal patterns of polysubstance use. This study assessed the test‐retest reliability of the newly developed Polysubstance Use–Temporal Patterns Section (PSU‐TPS).

Methods

Participants who used cocaine plus alcohol and/or marijuana at least once in the past 30 days (n = 48) were interviewed at baseline and approximately 7 days later (retest) using the Substance Abuse Module and the PSU‐TPS. Reliability of PSU‐TPS measures of quantity, frequency, and duration of polysubstance use was examined using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa tests.

Results

Excellent reliability was observed for frequencies of concurrent polysubstance use patterns in the past 30 days (ICC range: 0.90–0.94) and quantity of alcohol use (ICC = 0.83), and fair to good reliability was observed for duration of substance use (ICC range: 0.52–0.73).

Conclusion

Detailed information regarding cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana polysubstance use in the past 30 days can be reliably measured with the PSU‐TPS. Data on the order and timing of polysubstance use at the hourly level will improve our understanding of the implications of sequential and simultaneous use patterns, which can help inform treatment and prevention efforts.
The Role of Adsorption‐Fenton Oxidation in Degradation of Phenolic Contaminants by Fabrication of Bionanocomposite from Industrial Residue
Authors: Lotfi Hoorie , Anbia Mansoor , Rahimi Rahmatollah , Yazdi Fatemeh
Published: June 2022

Phenolic contaminants have acquired notable attention in recent years owing to their high toxicity even at low concentrations. This study reports the potential of cost‐effective activated carbon/chitosan/zero‐valent iron nanocomposite obtained from industrial waste residues on the adsorption and degradation of phenol, 2‐chlorophenol, and 2,4‐dichlorophenol from aqueous solution. The Fenton oxidation can supplement the pre‐adsorption process by altering to less hazardous compounds. The impact of initial concentration, contact time, nanocomposite dosage, pH, oxidant dosage, and temperature were monitored. The best matches among three adsorption isotherms Langmuir, Freundlich, and Harkins‐Jura were to Freundlich isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacity of phenol, 2‐chlorophenol and 2,4‐dichlorophenol reached 50.2512, 119.0476 and 114.9425
respectively. Furthermore, the activation energy, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of Fenton‐oxidation were perused and affirmed that Fenton reactions are spontaneous with no energy barriers. The removal efficiency of phenol, 2‐chlorophenol, and 2,4‐dichlorophenol by synthesized nanocomposite was 97.7 %, 98.9 %, and 99 %, respectively.
A New Boron 2‐(2′‐pyridyl) Imidazole Complex as a Candidate Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Ekmekci Zeynep , Eris Semanur
Published: June 2022

In this work, different from the literature, boron 2‐(2′‐pyridyl) imidazole complex (BOPIM) was derived from pyridine ring side to extend π conjugation for the first time. In addition, the core of BOPIM was brominated to increase the capacity of singlet oxygen generation via intersystem crossing to function as a photosensitizer. According to photophysical measurements, the new BOPIM derivative had comparatively large Stokes shift as 111 nm among boron–fluorine derivatives in the literature. Its singlet oxygen generation potential and toxic effect in the dark were investigated in the presence of singlet oxygen trap 1,3‐Diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF). According to the obtained results, it was seen that the new BOPIM derivative could be a good photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.
A Synthetic Overview of Enones Aziridination
Authors: Chandra Dinesh , Kumar Puneet , Yadav Ajay K. , Kumar Ganesh , Jat Jawahar L.
Published: June 2022

Aziridines are an important class of synthetic intermediates that are widely used in the synthesis of useful compounds and intermediates found in pharmaceuticals, natural products, and other functional materials. Several compounds with the aziridine ring system exhibit significant biological activity as well. Consequently, the synthesis of aziridines has been the focus of intense research over the last two decades. Despite numerous successful methods, no review article exclusively on Enone aziridination has been published to date. Therefore, the up‐to‐date developments in the synthesis of aziridines from enones, which are convenient synthetic precursors, by nucleophilic addition reactions are described with advantages, limitations, and mechanistic pathways.