bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between Oxirane and Phosphirane: The Spring‐loaded Oxaphosphirane Ring
Authors: Espinosa Ferao Arturo , Rey Planells Alicia , Streubel Rainer
Published: January 2021

Due to the potential interest of oxaphosphiranes in ring‐opening polymerizations, accurate ring strain energies (RSEs) of a wide variety of oxaphosphirane derivatives was computed, after validation of the optimization method by comparison with reported X‐ray structures. The parent oxaphosphirane exhibits a moderate RSE (22.44 kcal/mol) that is significantly enhanced by κ‐P‐complexation (especially with boranes), the introduction of P=O or P+‐Me groups as well as exocyclic double bonds at the ring carbon, such as 3‐methylene, 3‐imino and 3‐oxo functionalities. However, C3 alkyl substitution or pentacoordination at P in σ5λ5‐oxaphosphirane does not lead to significant variation of RSE. Bicyclic spiro‐oxaphosphirane derivatives show an RSE decrease when the size of the spiro ring increases. A moderate linear correlation between RSE and G(r)/ρ(r) values calculated at the ring critical points and also with the relaxed force constant (k0) for the P−C bond is observed for most oxaphosphiranes. The possibility of ring‐opening polymerization by using better (anionic) nucleophiles in the initiation step can be foreseen from the exergonicity and relatively low barrier of the endocyclic C−O cleavage by nucleophilic attack of methanol, thus underlining the effect of the RSE as driving force compared to acyclic analogs.
Butterfly‐Like Tetranuclear Copper(I) Clusters for Efficient Alkyne Homocoupling Reactions
Authors: Yin Chengyang , Liu Shuang , Qin Zhaoxian , Zhang Yifei , Li Gao , Zhao Zhen
Published: January 2021

In this work, we here prepare a new tetranuclear CuI cluster with a precise configuration of Cu4(PPh3)4(bis(prop‐2‐ynyloxy)biphenyl)2. X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction shows that the bi‐alkynyl ligands bind to two Cu atoms via a σ‐bond and to the other two Cu atoms via a π‐bond configuration, presenting a new alkynyl‐Cu motif and a butterfly‐like framework. Cu4(PPh3)4L2 clusters exhibit photoluminescence property at 410 and 505 nm. Cu4(PPh3)4L2 clusters also give good performances in the alkyne homocoupling reactions after its immobilization on different oxides. The copper(I) species is proved to be the catalytic active site during the homocoupling reactions. And the basic property of the oxides (e. g. NiO) can promote the coupling catalysis, and a side‐group effect of the alkyne reactants is distinctly observed. In all, this study extends the catalytic application of the copper clusters to the carbon‐carbon coupling reactions and gives some cue to develop the potential exploitation of copper clusters in other organic transformations.
Molecular Recognition by Chalcogen Bond: Selective Charge‐Transfer Crystal Formation of Dimethylnaphthalene with Selenadiazolotetracyanonaphthoquinodimethane
Authors: Ishigaki Yusuke , Asai Kota , de Rouville Henri‐Pierre Jacquot , Shimajiri Takuya , Heitz Valérie , Fujii‐Shinomiya Hiroshi , Suzuki Takanori
Published: January 2021

The title nonplanar electron acceptor (1) fused with a selenadiazole ring selectively forms a crystalline charge‐transfer complex (CT crystal) with 2,6‐dimethylnaphthalene (2,6‐DMN). On the other hand, the sulfur analogue (2) has less recognition ability and forms CT crystals with both 2,6‐ and 2,7‐DMN. X‐ray analyses of 1, 2, and their CT crystals revealed that the Se⋅⋅⋅N chalcogen bond (ChB) in 1 is strong enough to determine the crystal packing with the formation of a cavity suitable for 2,6‐DMN. On the contrary, ChB through S⋅⋅⋅N contact in 2 competes with other weak interactions such as a C−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bond. The stronger ChB involving Se is the key for 1 to separate 2,6‐DMN (>97 wt %) from a complex isomer mixture containing ca. 10 wt % each of 2,6‐ and 2,7‐DMN by a simple, efficient and straightforward mixing‐filtration‐heating process.
Factors associated with seeking medical care for low back pain in a twin adult sample
Authors: Ho Emma Kwan‐Yee , Ferreira Manuela , Pinheiro Marina , Carvalho‐e‐Silva Ana Paula , Madrid‐Valero Juan Jose , Zadro Joshua , Ordoñana Juan , Ferreira Paulo
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous studies have only investigated how symptom presentation and socio‐demographic factors influence care‐seeking for low back pain (LBP). However, the influence of health and lifestyle factors remains unclear, and the potential confounding effects of aggregated familial factors (including genetics and the early shared environment) has not been considered extensively.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed on 1605 twins enrolled in the Murcia Twin Registry (Spain). The outcome was seeking medical care for LBP and various self‐reported demographic, health and lifestyle factors were considered predictors. All variables except sleep quality and diabetes were collected in 2013, which were cross‐referenced from 2009 to 2010. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed on the total sample, followed by a co‐twin case–control analysis.

Results

The only significant factor found to increase the odds of seeking medical care for LBP without being affected by familial factors was poor sleep quality (total sample OR = 1.58, 95%CI 1.24–2.01; case–control OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.14–2.69). The factors that were associated with reduced odds of seeking medical care for LBP and not confounded by familial factors were male sex (case–control OR = 0.55, 95%CI 0.33–0.93), alcohol intake (case–control OR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.82–0.99) and a history of diabetes (case–control OR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.25–0.97). No other factors significantly influenced medical care‐seeking for LBP.

Conclusions

People reporting poor sleep quality are more likely to seek medical care for LBP in the long term, with this relationship being independent from aggregated familial factors. Conversely, males, people reporting higher alcohol intake, and people with a history of diabetes are less likely to seek medical care for LBP.

Significance

This is the first study investigating the factors that influence seeking medical care for LBP, while adjusting for the influence of familial factors using a co‐twin control design. Poor sleep quality is associated with seeking medical care for LBP in the long term and does not appear to be confounded by familial factors. Early screening for indicators of poor sleep quality and appropriate referral to interventions for improving sleep quality or reducing pain in sleep may improve LBP management.
A Facile Fabrication of Poly‐ethionine Film on Glassy Carbon Electrode for Simultaneous and Sensitive Detection of Dopamine and Paracetamol
Authors: Kannan Ayyadurai , Manojkumar Seenivasan , Radhakrishnan Sivaprakasam
Published: January 2021

An electrochemical sensor based on poly‐ethionine (Poly‐ET) film modified glassy carbon electrode was developed for sensitive and simultaneous sensing of dopamine (DA) and paracetamol (PA). The electropolymerization of ethionine monomer was carried out to modify the electrode. The modified electrode was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The Poly‐ET/GCE exhibited excellent electrocatalysis towards the sensing of DA and PA. Poly‐ET/GCE showed a linear increase of current response with increase concentration of DA and PA ranging from 0.1 μM–60 μM and 0.1 μM–180 μM, respectively. The LODs were found to be 7 nM and 18 nM (S/N=3) for DA and PA, respectively. This electrochemical sensor was successfully utilized for the detection of DA and PA in pharmaceutical samples.
Pleistocene magnetostratigraphy of four cores in the West Philippian Basin and regional sedimentary shift during the Mid‐Pleistocene transition
Authors: Yao Huiqiang , Wang Fenlian , Wang Haifeng , Yu Miao , Ren Jiang‐bo , He Gaowen , Chen Weiwei , Yi Liang
Published: January 2021

The Philippine Sea is a well‐preserved, extinct, marginal basin, and due to generally deeper than the carbonate compensation depth, the geochronology and its geological significance of the abyssal sediments are less studied in previous researches. In this work, we studied the magnetostratigraphy of four gravity cores from the centre of the West Philippian Basin and establish a reliable chronology for sedimentary sequences in the Pleistocene. The main results include: (a) several magnetozones are recognized in the studied four cores, which can be correlated to the geomagnetic polarity timescale from chrons C1n to C2An (0–3.0 Ma); (b) since ~1.2 Ma, the depositional rates across the West Pacific are relatively consistent, about 160–250 cm/Myr; (c) a transition in depositional rates around ~1.2 Ma was identified in the studied area, from a spatial variety in the Early Pleistocene to a persistent pattern since the Middle Pleistocene. Based on these findings, we report that this sedimentary shift in the Philippian Sea can be correlated to global climate changes during the Mid‐Pleistocene transition, representing a major change in the studied area. Therefore, we suggest that the sedimentary processes in the studied area can be linked to a common shift in palaeoclimatology across the inner Asian continent, the Philippian Sea, and the tropical Pacific during the late Early Pleistocene.
Transcriptional Enhancer Factor Domain Family member 4 Exerts an Oncogenic Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Hippo‐Independent Regulation of Heat Shock Protein 70 Family Members
Authors: Coto‐Llerena Mairene , Tosti Nadia , Taha‐Mehlitz Stephanie , Kancherla Venkatesh , Paradiso Viola , Gallon John , Bianco Gaia , Garofoli Andrea , Ghosh Souvik , Tang Fengyuan , Ercan Caner , Christofori Gerhard M. , Matter Matthias S. , Droeser Raoul A. , Zavolan Mihaela , Soysal Savas D. , von Flüe Markus , Kollmar Otto , Terracciano Luigi M. , Ng Charlotte K. Y. , Piscuoglio Salvatore
Published: January 2021

Transcriptional enhancer factor domain family member 4 (TEAD4) is a downstream effector of the conserved Hippo signaling pathway, regulating the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. It is up‐regulated in several cancer types and is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unexplored. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we found that TEAD4 was overexpressed in HCC and was associated with aggressive HCC features and worse outcome. Overexpression of TEAD4 significantly increased proliferation and migration rates in HCC cells in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis of TEAD4‐overexpressing HCC cells demonstrated that TEAD4 overexpression was associated with the up‐regulation of genes involved in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, proliferation, and protein‐folding pathways. Among the most up‐regulated genes following TEAD4 overexpression were the 70‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) family members HSPA6 and HSPA1A. Chromatin immunoprecipitation–quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction experiments demonstrated that TEAD4 regulates HSPA6 and HSPA1A expression by directly binding to their promoter and enhancer regions. The pharmacologic inhibition of HSP70 expression in TEAD4‐overexpressing cells reduced the effect of TEAD4 on cell proliferation. Finally, by overexpressing TEAD4 in yes‐associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ)‐knockdown HCC cells, we showed that the effect of TEAD4 on cell proliferation and its regulation of HSP70 expression does not require YAP and TAZ, the main effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway. Conclusion: A novel Hippo‐independent mechanism for TEAD4 promotes cell proliferation and tumor growth in HCC by directly regulating HSP70 family members.
Diagnostic accuracy of the placenta accreta index for placenta accreta spectrum: A prospective study
Authors: Abu Hashim Hatem , Shalaby Eman M. , Hussien Mohammed H. , El Rakhawy Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the role of the placenta accreta index (PAI) score in predicting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Methods

In this prospective study, the PAI was applied to 100 third‐trimester pregnant women with at least one previous cesarean delivery (CS) and anterior low‐lying placenta or placenta previa. PAI score was calculated based on placental location, number of CS, abnormal placental lacunae, sagittal smallest myometrial thickness (SSMT), and bridging vessels. Histopathologic confirmation was obtained if hysterectomy was performed. Outcome measures were area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC‐ROC) and the best cut‐off point of PAI. Regression analysis of the PAI parameters was performed.

Results

The PAI had an AUC of 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–0.91). The best cut‐off point of PAI was 5.37, with a sensitivity of 83.9%, a specificity of 76.3%, a positive predictive value of 85.2%, a negative predictive value of 74.3%, and an accuracy of 81%. PAI parameters showed a significant association with histopathologically proven PAS (n = 23). The highest odds ratio (OR) was achieved with lacunae grades 2 and 3 (OR 9.22, 95% CI 2.02–42) and the lowest OR with SSMT <1.5 mm (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.3–10.6).

Conclusion

The PAI appears to be a promising predictor of PAS in high‐risk women who required hysterectomy.
Brain tumour classification using siamese neural network and neighbourhood analysis in embedded feature space
Authors: Deepak S. , Ameer P. M.
Published: January 2021

The application of deep transfer learning techniques has been successful in developing accurate systems for brain tumour classification on large‐scale medical image databases. For small databases, feature learning by deep neural networks is not robust. The systems based on domain‐specific hand‐crafted features have limited accuracy. In this paper, the authors focus on developing accurate models that could be trained effectively using a smaller number of data samples. A siamese neural network (SNN) is designed to extract features from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The SNN is realised using a 3‐layer, fully connected neural network. The designed SNN has lesser complexity and fewer parameters than deep transfer‐learned convolutional neural networks (CNN). A nearest neighbourhood analysis, using Euclidean and Mahalanobis distances, is conducted on the SNN encoded feature space. The encoded feature space is two dimensional, such that the neighbourhood analysis is computationally less intensive. For the neighbourhood analysis, a k‐nearest neighbour (k‐NN) model is utilised. The proposed method is evaluated using three publicly available datasets, namely, Radiopaedia, Harvard and Figshare repositories. The respective classification accuracy on cross‐validation is 92.6%, 98.5% and 92.6%. Other metrics used for the performance evaluation include F‐score, Specificity and balanced accuracy. The underlying network architecture and the design choice of network layers allow the implementation of the SNN in environments with low computational resources. The SNN features are found to be more effective than the hand‐designed features, and the deep transfer learned features for the stated problem.
Benzodiazepines for Alcohol Withdrawal in the Elderly and in Patients With Liver Disease
Authors: Peppers Michael P.
Published: January 2021

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, agitation, delirium, hallucinations, seizures, and death beginning 6 hours after alcohol cessation in alcoholics. Benzodiazepines are cross‐tolerant with ethanol and are considered first‐line therapy for treating AWS. Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam are first metabolized by hepatic oxidation, then glucuronidation. Lorazepam and oxazepam undergo only hepatic glucuronidation. Benzodiazepine oxidation is decreased in persons with liver disease and the elderly. Accumulation with resultant excessive sedation and respiratory depression may be significant when administering chlordiazepoxide or diazepam to patients with impaired oxidative metabolism. Lorazepam and oxazepam metabolism is minimally affected by age and liver disease. Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam are erratically absorbed by the intramuscular route. Lorazepam is predictably absorbed by the intramuscular route. Oxazepam is not available in parenteral form. Lorazepam appears to be the safest empiric choice among the various benzodiazepines for treating AWS in the elderly and in patients with liver disease, or those who require therapy by the intramuscular route.
In silico prediction of mitochondrial toxicity of chemicals using machine learning methods
Authors: Zhao Piaopiao , Peng Yayuan , Xu Xuan , Wang Zhiyuan , Wu Zengrui , Li Weihua , Tang Yun , Liu Guixia
Published: January 2021

Mitochondria are important organelles in human cells, providing more than 95% of the energy. However, some drugs and environmental chemicals could induce mitochondrial dysfunction, which might cause complex diseases and even worsen the condition of patients with mitochondrial damage. Some drugs have been withdrawn from the market due to their severe mitochondrial toxicity, such as troglitazone. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop models that could accurately predict the mitochondrial toxicity of chemicals. In this paper, suitable data were obtained from literature and databases first. Then nine types of fingerprints were used to characterize these compounds. Finally, different algorithms were used to build models. Meanwhile, the applicability domain of the prediction models was defined. We have also explored the structural alerts of mitochondrial toxicity, which would be helpful for medicinal chemists to better predict mitochondrial toxicity and further optimize lead compounds.
Partial geometric designs with block sizes three and four
Authors: Qu Jing , Lei Jianguo , Shan Xiuling
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we focus on partial geometric designs with block sizes three and four. First, we show that a partial geometric design with block size three is a 2‐design, or a transversal design, or each line of a generalized quadrangle that is repeated times. Second, we introduce the concept of type of partial geometric designs with block size four and characterize partial geometric designs of type for some integer .
Non‐iatrogenic left atrial wall dissection
Authors: Toporcer Tomáš , Vachalcová Marianna , Kolesár Adrián , Gejguš Miroslav , Sabol František , Valočík Gabriel
Published: January 2021

Non‐iatrogenic left atrial wall dissection is a rare lesion defined as a gap from the mitral valve annulus to the interatrial septum or wall of the left atrium. We report the case of a 57‐year‐old man with symptoms of acute cardiac and renal failure. Trans‐esophageal echocardiography and computed tomography showed significant mitral valve regurgitation and dissection of the posterior wall of the left atrium. On the basis of detailed trans‐esophageal echocardiography, the patient underwent mitral valve replacement with closure of the dissection orifice, which appears to be the appropriate therapeutic strategy in cases of spontaneous left atrial wall dissection.
Global and Regional Changes in Perivascular Space in Idiopathic and Familial Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Donahue Erin K. , Murdos Amjad , Jakowec Michael W. , Sheikh‐Bahaei Nasim , Toga Arthur W. , Petzinger Giselle M. , Sepehrband Farshid
Published: January 2021

Background

The glymphatic system, including the perivascular space (PVS), plays a critical role in brain homeostasis. Although mounting evidence from Alzheimer's disease has supported the potential role of PVS in neurodegenerative disorders, its contribution in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been fully elucidated. Although idiopathic (IPD) and familial PD (FPD) share similar pathophysiology in terms of protein aggregation, the differential impact of PVS on PD subtypes remains unknown. Our objective was to examine the differences in PVS volume fraction in IPD and FPD compared to healthy controls (HCs) and nonmanifest carriers (NMCs).

Methods

A total of 470 individuals were analyzed from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database, including (1) IPD (n = 179), (2) FPD (LRRK2 [leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2], glucocerebrosidase, or α‐synuclein) (n = 67), (3) NMC (n = 101), and (4) HCs (n = 84). Total PVS volume fraction (%) was compared using parcellation and quantitation within greater white matter volume at global and regional levels in all cortical and subcortical white matter.

Results

There was a significant increase in global and regional PVS volume fraction in PD versus non‐PD, particularly in FPD versus NMC and LRRK2 FPD versus NMC. Regionally, FPD and NMC differed in the medial orbitofrontal region, as did LRRK2 FPD versus NMC. Non‐PD and PD differed in the medial orbitofrontal region and the banks of the superior temporal regions. IPD and FPD differed in the cuneus and lateral occipital regions.

Conclusions

Our findings support the role of PVS in PD and highlight a potentially significant contribution of PVS to the pathophysiology of FPD, particularly LRRK2. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Composite UHDRS Correlates With Progression of Imaging Biomarkers in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Estevez‐Fraga Carlos , Scahill Rachael I. , Durr Alexandra , Leavitt Blair R. , Roos Raymund A.C. , Langbehn Douglas R. , Rees Geraint , Gregory Sarah , Tabrizi Sarah J.
Published: January 2021

Background

The composite Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (cUHDRS) is a multidimensional measure of progression in Huntington's disease (HD) being used as a primary outcome in clinical trials investigating potentially disease‐modifying huntingtin‐lowering therapies.

Objective

Evaluating volumetric and structural connectivity correlates of the cUHDRS.

Methods

One hundred and nineteen premanifest and 119 early‐HD participants were included. Gray and white matter (WM) volumes were correlated with cUHDRS cross‐sectionally and longitudinally using voxel‐based morphometry. Correlations between baseline fractional anisotropy (FA); mean, radial, and axial diffusivity; and baseline cUHDRS were examined using tract‐based spatial statistics.

Results

Worse performance in the cUHDRS over time correlated with longitudinal volume decreases in the occipito‐parietal cortex and centrum semiovale, whereas lower baseline scores correlated with decreased volume in the basal ganglia and surrounding WM. Lower cUHDRS scores were also associated with reduced FA and increased diffusivity at baseline.

Conclusion

The cUHDRS correlates with imaging biomarkers and tracks atrophy progression in HD supporting its biological relevance. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Whole genome sequencing reveals translocation breakpoints disrupting TP63 gene underlying split hand/foot malformation in a Chinese family
Authors: Peng Ying , Yang Shuting , Xi Hui , Hu Jiancheng , Jia Zhengjun , Pang Jialun , Liu Jing , Yu Wenxian , Tang Chengyuan , Wang Hua
Published: January 2021

Background

Split hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is a congenital limb developmental disorder, which impairs the fine activities of hand/foot in the affected individuals seriously. SHFM is commonly inherited as an autosomal dominant disease with incomplete penetrance. Chromosomal aberrations such as copy number variations and translocations have been linked to SHFM. This study aimed to identify the genetic cause for three patients with bilateral hand and foot malformation in a Chinese family.

Methods

Karyotyping, single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing were applied to identify the pathogenic variant.

Results

Karyotyping revealed that the three patients had balanced reciprocal translocation, 46, XX, t(3;15) (q29;q22). SNP array identified no pathogenic copy number variation in the proband. Trio‐WES (fetus–mother–father) sequencing results revealed no pathogenic variants in the genes related to SHFM. Whole‐genome low‐coverage mate‐pair sequencing (WGL‐MPS), breakpoint PCR, and Sanger sequencing identified the breakpoints disrupting TP63 in the patients, but not in healthy family members.

Conclusion

This study firstly reports that a translocation breakpoint disrupting TP63 contributes to the SHFM in a Chinese family, which expands our knowledge of genetic risk and counseling underlying SHFM. It provides a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) for this family.
A study protocol for a feasibility trial of telephone‐delivered Adherence Therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alenazi Fatimah , Peddle Monica , Bressington Daniel , Mahzari Moeber , Gray Richard
Published: January 2021

Aims

Adherence therapy is a candidate intervention to improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. The feasibility of conducting a trial of adherence therapy in this population has not been established. The objective of this study is therefore to test the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of adherence therapy in a Middle Eastern context.

Design

A single‐centre randomized controlled feasibility trial of adherence therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We will undertake an initial cultural adaptation of a telephone‐delivered form of adherence therapy in four patients in a Middle Eastern context. Our subsequent feasibility trial will aim to recruit 40 non‐adherent diabetic patients that will be randomly allocated to receive eight weekly 30‐min telephone adherence therapy sessions delivered by a diabetes educator versus treatment as usual. Key outcomes of interest include the number of patients invited to take part in the trial that consent to participate and then go on to complete treatment.

Result

The findings of this study will determine the feasibility of undertaking a full randomized controlled trial of adherence therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Symptom clusters of early‐stage poststroke depression: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Chen Junya , Li Yun , Liu Jing , Zhang Yi , Zeng Yawei , Chen Mengjiao , Ding Weiwei , Lu Zhongqiu , Xu Hongbo , Li Jufang
Published: January 2021

Aim

To identify the symptom clusters of early‐stage poststroke depression (PSD) and provide an in‐depth understanding of the symptoms.

Design

A mixed‐methods study with a convenient sampling method was used.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey in 231 stroke patients and semi‐structured interviews in 14 stroke patients were conducted in the neurological department of a comprehensive hospital in Southeast China. Data from the questionnaire survey were analysed through descriptive and exploratory factor analyses; data from the semi‐structured interview were transcribed verbatim and analysed through inductive content analysis. This study adheres to the GRAMMS checklist.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed six symptom clusters of early‐stage PSD that accounted for an ideal variance in PSD: nervous, wakefulness, emotional, dull, guilt and low mood. Further, inductive content analysis revealed five themes that were like the above symptom clusters, except for the dull symptom cluster.
Perturbation based analytical solutions of non‐Newtonian differential equation with heat and mass transportation between horizontal permeable channel
Authors: Nazeer Mubbashar , Ijaz Khan M. , Saleem Adila , Chu Yu‐Ming , Kadry Seifedine , Rasheed M. Tahir
Published: January 2021

A mathematical model is constructed in this investigation to examine the effects of heat and mass transfer in tangent‐hyperbolic fluid bounded within horizontal channel. The lower‐wall of channel is taken as heated. The dimensional momentum, energy and concentration equations are determined by defining a stress‐tensor of undertaken fluid (Tangent‐hyperbolic fluid). To calculate the solution, the system of dimensional equations is transformed into nondimensional system by using normalized variables and then solved by applying perturbation technique. The impacts of several dimensionless parameters that is, power‐law index parameter , pressure gradient parameter , Reynolds number (Re), time constant parameter (Γ), Peclet number (λ4), viscous heating parameter (λ5), Schmidt number (Sc), thermophoresis parameter (NT), and Brownian motion (NB) parameter are sketched and also physically discussed. The results reveal that power‐law index parameter and pressure gradient cause increment in velocity and temperature fields and decrement in concentration field. Further, the variations in skin‐friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number via emerging parameters are also expressed in form of table in this exploration.
Contemporary Assessment of the United States and China Naval Vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Authors: Lloyd W. Fernald , Gul Azeem , Ahmad Riaz
Published: January 2021

This article initially explores how China shapes its modern naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), while sustaining a world‐wide economic reach. Attention is drawn to sea power as an integral component of national development and global influence. Second, it discusses the United States and India engagement in the IOR because of China's increasing demand for energy. The latter has resulted in the People's Liberation Army advancement of navigation around the Hormuz and Malacca Straits. Third, it reviews India and Japan's territorial rivalries, which are used by the United States to watch Beijing's emerging power around the Islands, seas, and checks points. Finally, the article shows how political leaders shape sea power as part of their national power.
The Baltic Health Index (BHI): Assessing the social–ecological status of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Blenckner Thorsten , Möllmann Christian , Stewart Lowndes Julia , Griffiths Jennifer R. , Campbell Eleanore , De Cervo Andrea , Belgrano Andrea , Boström Christoffer , Fleming Vivi , Frazier Melanie , Neuenfeldt Stefan , Niiranen Susa , Nilsson Annika , Ojaveer Henn , Olsson Jens , Palmlöv Christine S. , Quaas Martin , Rickels Wilfried , Sobek Anna , Viitasalo Markku , Wikström Sofia A. , Halpern Benjamin S.
Published: January 2021

Improving the health of coastal and open sea marine ecosystems represents a substantial challenge for sustainable marine resource management, since it requires balancing human benefits and impacts on the ocean. This challenge is often exacerbated by incomplete knowledge and lack of tools that measure ocean and coastal ecosystem health in a way that allows consistent monitoring of progress towards predefined management targets. The lack of such tools often limits capabilities to enact and enforce effective governance.

We introduce the Baltic Health Index (BHI) as a transparent, collaborative and repeatable assessment tool. The Index complements existing, more ecological‐oriented, approaches by including a human dimension on the status of the Baltic Sea, an ecosystem impacted by multiple anthropogenic pressures and governed by a multitude of comprehensive national and international policies. Using a large amount of social–ecological data available, we assessed the health of the Baltic Sea for nine goals that represent the status towards set targets, for example, clean waters, biodiversity, food provision, natural products extraction and tourism.

Our results indicate that the overall health of the Baltic Sea is suboptimal (a score of 76 out of 100), and a substantial effort is required to reach the management objectives and associated targets. Subregionally, the lowest BHI scores were measured for carbon storage, contaminants and lasting special places (i.e. marine protected areas), albeit with large spatial variation.

Overall, the likely future status of all goals in the BHI averaged for the entire Baltic Sea is better than the present status, indicating a positive trend towards a healthier Baltic Sea. However, in some Baltic Sea basins, the trend for specific goals was decreasing, highlighting locations and issues that should be the focus of management priorities.

The BHI outcomes can be used to identify both pan‐Baltic and subregional scale management priorities and to illustrate the interconnectedness between goals linked by cumulative pressures. Hence, the information provided by the BHI tool and its further development will contribute towards the fulfilment of the UN Agenda 2030 and its Sustainability Development Goals.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
An analysis and assessment of the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of carbon fiber/epoxy reinforced microparticles
Authors: Chamkouri Hossein , Chamkouri Mahyodin
Published: January 2021

In the present study, we introduce an innovative procedure to manufacture engineered hybrid composite composed of epoxy resin as the polymeric matrix, carbon fibers, and poly urea‐formaldehyde (PUF) microparticles. An ultrasonic probe was utilized to achieve a uniform molecular combination of the epoxy resin and PUF microparticles. Emulsion polymerization was also used in this research to synthesize micro‐polyurea formaldehyde powders. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile, and three‐point bending assessments were implemented on unfilled, 2, 5, 10, and 13 wt% PUF microparticles filled epoxy resin to identify the loading influence on the diffusion rate, as well as the mechanical and thermal performance of the hybrid composite structure. The results of the flexural test show that both strength and modulus increased with a growing loading proportion of PUF microparticles. Moreover, optimum properties were achieved by adding 10 wt% microparticles. The results of the TGA demonstrate that the thermal behavior of the composite structure is sensitive to the PUF microparticles content. Based on the experimental data, the tensile test has also shown optimum behavioral properties through increasing the level of micro‐particles in the sample E‐40, which is due to the appropriate, uniform, and advanced composition of particles, matrices, and fibers. In addition, we used Fick's Law to determine the gas diffusion and mass transfer rates for samples at different temperatures. The gas absorption test revealed that the enhanced hybrid system behavior can be an obstacle to water and moisture.
Influence of double bonds and cyclic structure on the AP‐PECVD of low‐korganosilicon insulating layers
Authors: Abessolo Ondo Dominique , Loyer François , Boscher Nicolas D.
Published: January 2021

The influence of the monomer's structure on the growth mechanisms and performances of low dielectric constant insulating thin films elaborated from the atmospheric‐pressure plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition reaction of three different tetrasiloxane compounds is elucidated. The presence of vinyl bonds enables free‐radical polymerisation and surface reaction pathways, which is strongly favoured from the combination of ultrashort plasma pulses (ca. 100 ns), as polymerisation initiator, with long plasma off‐times (10 ms) to yield the formation of atomically smooth thin films with excellent insulating properties (in the range of 10−7 A·cm−2).
Agreement and reliability of repeated bedside respiratory muscle strength measurements in acute and subacute stroke
Authors: Lewko Agnieszka , Sidaway Marta , Kulnik Stefan Tino , Krawczyk Maciej
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose

Many stroke trials include maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) outcome measurements. However, data on agreement and reliability of repeated MIP, MEP, and SNIP measurements in acute and subacute stroke patients are scarce.

Methods

This study employed a test–retest design. Eighteen patients (seven female) with mean (SD) age 59 (14.5) years were recruited from neurological wards. Median (range) time since first stroke was 50.5 (21–128) days. MIP, MEP, and SNIP were measured repeatedly in three testing sessions (S1–3) conducted within 24 h and following international standards. Intra‐rater agreement between testing sessions was analyzed using the Bland–Altman method. Test–retest reliability was analyzed using intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC). Association between individual measurement variability, time poststroke, and level of stroke impairment was analyzed using Spearman's rho.

Results

Mean difference and 95% limits of agreement for MIP were −0.40 (−23.02, 22.22) cmH2O between S1 and S2, and 2.14 (−12.79, 16.99) cmH2O between S2 and S3; for MEP, −4.56 (−29.01, 19.90) cmH2O between S1 and S2, and 0.29 (−24.28, 24.87) cmH2O between S2 and S3; and for SNIP, −10.56 (−38.48, 17.37) cmH2O between S1 and S2, and −6.06 (−27.32, 15.20) cmH2O between S2 and S3. ICCs for MIP, MEP, and SNIP were ≥0.9 throughout. There were no strong correlations between individual measurement variability and time poststroke or level of stroke impairment.

Discussion

MIP, MEP, and SNIP in acute and subacute stroke patients show good test–retest reliability for group averages; however, absolute agreement can vary considerably for some individuals.
Water‐Induced Formation of Ni2P–Ni12P5 Interfaces with Superior Electrocatalytic Activity toward Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Zhongke , Wang Shengyan , Ma Lixia , Guo Yingjie , Sun Jie , Zhang Nan , Jiang Ruibin
Published: January 2021

The interface between two material phases typically exhibits unique electronic states distinct from their pure phases, thus, providing a very promising channel to construct catalysts with excellent activity and stability. Here, water‐induced formation of Ni2P–Ni12P5 through a one‐step phosphorization of nickel foam (NF) is demonstrated for the first time. The abundant interfaces endow Ni2P–Ni12P5/NF with excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in alkaline condition, with an overpotential of 76 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and of 147 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm−2, and a Tafel slope of 68.0 mV dec−1. The Ni2P–Ni12P5/NF also exhibits better durability than Pt/C/NF during HER at relatively large overpotential. Density functional theory calculations show that the electronic states at the Ni2P–Ni12P5 interface are greatly altered, which enables optimal hydrogen adsorption, accelerates the charge transfer kinetics, and thus enhances the HER electrocatalytic activity. Superior overall water‐splitting performance is also obtained by combining Ni2P–Ni12P5/NF with NiFe–layered double hydroxide (LDH) oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. Overpotentials of the cell for achieving 10 mA cm−2 are only 324 mV. This work provides a facile method for the preparation of interfaces between different nickel phosphide polymorphs toward HER.
Heterostructure Engineering of Core‐Shelled Sb@Sb2O3 Encapsulated in 3D N‐Doped Carbon Hollow‐Spheres for Superior Sodium/Potassium Storage
Authors: Chen Bochao , Yang Lizhuang , Bai Xiangren , Wu Qingzhao , Liang Ming , Wang Yuxuan , Zhao Naiqin , Shi Chunsheng , Zhou Baozeng , He Chunnian
Published: January 2021

In this work, the core‐shelled Sb@Sb2O3 heterostructure encapsulated in 3D N‐doped carbon hollow‐spheres is fabricated by spray‐drying combined with heat treatment. The novel core‐shelled heterostructures of Sb@Sb2O3 possess a mass of heterointerfaces, which formed spontaneously at the core‐shell contact via annealing oxidation and can promote the rapid Na+/K+ transfer. The density functional theory calculations revealed the mechanism and significance of Na/K‐storage for the core‐shelled Sb@Sb2O3 heterostructure, which validated that the coupling between the high‐conductivity of Sb and the stability of Sb2O3 can relieve the shortcomings of the individual building blocks, thereby enhancing the Na/K‐storage capacity. Furthermore, the core‐shell structure embedded in the 3D carbon framework with robust structure can further increase the electrode mechanical strength and thus buffer the severe volume changes upon cycling. As a result, such composite architecture exhibited a high specific capacity of ≈573 mA h g−1 for sodium‐ion battery (SIB) anode and ≈474 mA h g−1 for potassium‐ion battery (PIB) anode at 100 mA g−1, and superior rate performance (302 mA h g−1 at 30 A g−1 for SIB anode, while 239 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 for PIB anode).
Use of autologous products for the treatment of joint and soft tissue disease in horses: A systematic review
Authors: Tomlinson Francesca , Terschuur Janine , Henson Frances
Published: January 2021

Background: Soft tissue injuries and joint disease are the predominate causes of lameness in the equine athlete and these pathologies carry a guarded prognosis for a return to previous performance. Recently the use of autologous products has become more widespread as a treatment in equine sports medicine. However, the efficacy of these products is yet to be fully established.

Objective: To evaluate the current published evidence base regarding the efficacy of autologous products in soft tissue injuries and joint disease.

Methods: A systematic review of English articles using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases from 1980 to 2017. The search strategy identified 1594 papers for review.

Results: Fifty‐eight papers were included in this review, 28 of which were randomised controlled trials. Significant benefit was reported under several parameters, most notably in the use of autologous chondrocytes in artificially induced cartilage defects on histology. One paper documented a significant clinical response under lameness examination.

Conclusion: The current literature shows that the treatment of soft tissue injury and cartilage disease with autologous products is safe and that the use of some products can give significant benefit on some outcome measures. True clinical significance is yet to be demonstrated with any product.
Multielemental analysis by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry and phytochelatins determination in aquatic plants
Authors: Lara‐Almazán Nancy , Zarazúa‐Ortega Graciela , Ávila‐Pérez Pedro , Carreño‐De León Carmen , Barrera‐Díaz Carlos Eduardo
Published: January 2021

Although heavy‐metal biomonitoring in aquatic environments has been traditionally based on chemical analyses, these do not reflect the impact on organisms; because of this, international environmental agencies have proposed the use of biomarkers. In this study Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb were bio‐monitored in different species of aquatic plants using Total Reflection X‐Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry. The relation between each metal with phytochelatins (PCs) was also assessed in order to establish the use of PCs as biomarkers for water pollution contaminants. Samples of Lemna gibba, Myriophyllum heterophyllum, Arenaria paludicola, Hydrocotyle ranunculoides and Eichhornia crassipes collected in natural aquatic environment were analyzed. The results showed significant differences in metal concentration between species both in shoots and roots: Cr, Ni, Cu and Pb were greater in roots in the majority of samples; the maximum content of Pb (7.92 mg/kg) was found in roots of E. crassipes, Cr (7.54 mg/kg), Ni (5.96 mg/kg) in roots and Zn (64.10 mg/kg) and Cu (60.55 mg/kg) in shoots of H. ranunculoides, which showed the heaviest metal concentration. Glutathione (GSH) and the PCs concentrations were also ascertained. Differences between species and parts of the plants were also found, although the tendency was different as regards elemental concentration. Marked differences were detected in metal absorption and sensitivity to produce PCs of the aquatic plants. Pb was the metal with the least concentration in the plants, but, it was the only element that showed a direct correlation (p < 0.05, r > 0.9) with the PCs induction.
The Epigenome in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Costantino Sarah , Paneni Francesco
Published: January 2021

Emerging evidence suggests the growing importance of “nongenetic factors” in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Indeed, the inherited genome determines only part of the risk profile as genomic approaches do not take into account additional layers of biological regulation by “epi”-genetic changes. Epigenetic modifications are defined as plastic chemical changes of DNA/histone complexes which critically affect gene activity without altering the DNA sequence. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications, and non-coding RNAs and have the ability to modulate gene expression at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. Notably, epigenetic signals are mainly induced by environmental factors (i.e., pollution, smoking, noise) and, once acquired, may be transmitted to the offspring. The inheritance of adverse epigenetic changes may lead to premature deregulation of pathways involved in vascular damage and endothelial dysfunction. Here, we describe the emerging role of epigenetic modifications as fine-tuners of gene transcription in atherosclerosis. Specifically, the following aspects are described in detail: (1) discovery and impact of the epigenome in cardiovascular disease, (2) the epigenetic landscape in atherosclerosis; (3) inheritance of epigenetic signals and premature vascular disease; (4) epigenetic control of lipid metabolism, vascular oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis; (5) epigenetic biomarkers in patients with atherosclerosis; (6) novel therapeutic strategies to modulate epigenetic marks. Understanding the individual epigenetic profile may pave the way for new approaches to determine cardiovascular risk and to develop personalized therapies to treat atherosclerosis and its complications.
Simulations of domain walls in Two Higgs Doublet Models
Authors: Battye Richard A. , Pilaftsis Apostolos , Viatic Dominic G.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The Two Higgs Doublet Model predicts the emergence of 3 distinct domain wall solutions arising from the breaking of 3 accidental global symmetries, Z2, CP1 and CP2, at the electroweak scale for specific choices of the model parameters. We present numerical kink solutions to the field equations in all three cases along with dynamical simulations of the models in (2+1) and (3+1) dimensions. For each kink solution we define an associated topological current. In all three cases simulations produce a network of domain walls which deviates from power law scaling in Minkowski and FRW simulations. This deviation is attributed to a winding of the electroweak group parameters around the domain walls in our simulations. We observe a local violation of the neutral vacuum condition on the domain walls in our simulations. This violation is attributed to relative electroweak transformations across the domain walls which is a general feature emerging from random initial conditions.
Supernova Muons: New Constraints on Z′ Bosons, Axions and ALPs
Authors: Croon Djuna , Elor Gilly , Leane Rebecca K. , McDermott Samuel D.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

New light particles produced in supernovae can lead to additional energy loss and a consequent deficit in neutrino production in conflict with the neutrinos observed from Supernova 1987A (SN1987A). Contrary to the majority of previous SN1987A studies, we examine the impact of Z′ bosons, axions, and axion-like particles (ALPs) interacting with the muons produced in SN1987A. For the first time, we find constraints on generic Z′ bosons coupled to muons, and apply our results to particle models including gauged Lμ−Lτ number, $$ \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

, and gauged B − L number, U(1)B−L. We constrain Z′ bosons with masses up to about 250 − 500 MeV, and down to about 10−9 in Z′-muon coupling. We also extend previous work on axion-muon couplings by examining the importance of loop-level interactions, as well as performing calculations over a wider range of axion masses. We constrain muon-coupled axions from arbitrarily low masses up to about 200 − 500 MeV, with bounds extending down to axion-muon couplings of approximately 10−8 GeV−1. We conclude that supernovae broadly provide a sensitive probe of new lightly-coupled particles interacting with muons.