bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐Driven Catalyst‐Free Access to Phthalazines: Entry to Antiviral Model Drugs by Merging Domino Reactions**
Authors: Guryev Anton , Schuster Florian , Herrmann Lars , Hahn Friedrich , Wangen Christina , Hodek Jan , Weber Jan , Marschall Manfred , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: September 2022

We report the development of a metal‐free four‐step one‐pot synthetic strategy to access high‐value functionalized phthalazines using o‐methyl benzophenones as starting compounds. Combining a light‐mediated enolization of o‐methyl benzophenones/Diels‐Alder reaction domino process with a subsequent deprotection/aromatization domino reaction in one‐pot leads to sustainable and efficient organic synthesis. The tangible advantages, i. e., absence of catalysts or additives, utilization of commercially available and/or easily accessible substrates, mild reaction conditions, simplicity, and single work‐up procedure, make this combined process highly appealing for the direct construction of various 1‐aryl‐phthalazines. Importantly, in vitro bioactivity evaluation of these newly prepared heterocyclic compounds demonstrated a strong antiviral efficacy against major human pathogens like HCMV and SARS‐CoV‐2.
Capsaicin combined with dietary fiber prevents high‐fat diet associated aberrant lipid metabolism by improving the structure of intestinal flora
Authors: Gong Ting , Zhou Yujing , Zhang Lei , Wang Haizhu , Zhang Min , Liu Xiong
Published: September 2022

Capsaicin (CAP) and dietary fibers are natural active ingredients that given separately do positively affect obesity and metabolic diseases. However, it was unknown whether their combined administration might further improve blood lipids and gut flora composition. To test this hypothesis we administered capsaicin plus dietary fibers (CAP + DFs) to male rats on a high‐fat diet and analyzed any changes in the intestinal microbiota make up, metabolites, and blood indexes. Our results showed that combining CAP with dietary fibers more intensely reduced total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). CAP + DFs also increased gut bacteria variety, and the abundance of several beneficial bacterial strains, including Allobaculum and Akkermansia, while reducing harmful strains such as Desulfovibrio. Additionally, CAP + DFs significantly increased arginine levels and caused short‐chain fatty acids accumulation in the contents of the cecal portion of rats' gut. In conclusion, notwithstanding the rats were kept on a high‐fat diet, adding CAP + DFs to the chow further improved, as compared with CAP alone, the lipidemia and increased the gut beneficial bacterial strains, while reducing the harmful ones.
Channel to rib width ratio effect on thermal performance of cooling plate in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Authors: Acar Mahmut Caner
Published: September 2022

Ensuring a homogeneous temperature distribution inside a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack is crucial to fuel cell performance and durability, and cooling channels are responsible for this. In this study, a three‐dimensional numerical investigation is performed on a channel to rib width ratio (CR) based on serpentine flow field design. The cooling performance of various designs having different CR values is considered and compared according to the temperature uniformity index, the temperature difference between the maximum and minimum temperature, average bottom temperature, and pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the cooling channels. Results demonstrate that the average temperature, temperature uniformity index, temperature difference, and pressure drop decrease by about 5%, 40%, 37%, and 79%, respectively, when CR is increased from 0.33 to 3.00. More uniform temperature distribution and thus, better cooling performance is achieved for CR = 3.00, especially at low Reynolds numbers and high heat fluxes. Also, the lowest pressure drops are obtained when CR is 3.00 under all considered operating conditions.
Inactivation of RB1, CDKN2A, and TP53 have distinct effects on genomic stability at side‐by‐side comparison in karyotypically normal cells
Authors: Andersson Natalie , Saba Karim H. , Magnusson Linda , Nilsson Jenny , Karlsson Jenny , Nord Karolin H. , Gisselsson David
Published: September 2022

Chromosomal instability is a common feature in malignant tumors. Previous studies have indicated that inactivation of the classical tumor suppressor genes RB1, CDKN2A, and TP53 may contribute to chromosomal aberrations in cancer by disrupting different aspects of the cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoint machinery. We performed a side‐by‐side comparison of how inactivation of each of these genes affected chromosomal stability in vitro. Using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology, RB1, CDKN2A, and TP53 were independently knocked out in karyotypically normal immortalized cells, after which these cells were followed over time. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed a distinct phenotype with upregulation of pathways related to cell cycle control and proliferation in all three knockouts. Surprisingly, the RB1 and CDKN2A knocked out cell lines did not harbor more copy number aberrations than wild‐type cells, despite culturing for months. The TP53‐knocked out cells, in contrast, showed a massive amount of copy number alterations and saltatory evolution through whole genome duplication. This side‐by‐side comparison indicated that the effects on chromosomal stability from inactivation of RB1 and CDKN2A are negligible compared to inactivation of TP53, under the same conditions in a nonstressful environment, even though partly overlapping regulatory pathways are affected. Our data suggest that loss of RB1 and CDKN2A alone is not enough to trigger surviving detectable aneuploid clones while inactivation of TP53 on its own caused massive CIN leading to saltatory clonal evolution in vitro and clonal selection.
Sleep disturbances in Lewy body dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Elder Greg J. , Lazar Alpar S. , Alfonso‐Miller Pam , Taylor John‐Paul
Published: September 2022

Background

Lewy body dementia (LBD) refers to both dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD). Sleep disturbances are common in LBD, and can include poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and rapid eye movement behaviour disorder (RBD). Despite the high clinical prevalence of sleep disturbances in LBD, they are under‐studied relative to other dementias. The aim of the present systematic review was to examine the nature of sleep disturbances in LBD, summarise the effect of treatment studies upon sleep, and highlight specific and necessary directions for future research.

Methods

Published studies in English were located by searching PubMED and PSYCArticles databases (until 10 June 2022). The search protocol was pre‐registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021293490) and performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Following full‐text review, a final total of 70 articles were included. These included 20 studies focussing on subjective sleep, 14 on RBD, 8 on EDS, 7 on objective sleep, and 1 on circadian rhythms. The majority of the 18 treatment studies used pharmacological interventions (n = 12), had an open‐label design (n = 8), and were of low‐to‐moderate quality. Most studies (n = 55) included only patients with DLB. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, we reported a narrative synthesis without meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

At least one form of sleep disturbance may be present in as many as 90% of people with LBD. Subjectively poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and RBD are more common and severe in LBD relative to other dementias.
First‐line nivolumab plus chemotherapy vs chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric, gastroesophageal junction and esophageal adenocarcinoma: CheckMate 649 Chinese subgroup analysis
Authors: Liu Tianshu , Bai Yuxian , Lin Xiaoyan , Li Wei , Wang Jufeng , Zhang Xiaochun , Pan Hongming , Bai Chunmei , Bai Li , Cheng Ying , Zhang Jingdong , Zhong Haijun , Ba Yi , Hu Wenwei , Xu Ruihua , Guo Weijian , Qin Shukui , Yang Nong , Lu Jianwei , Shitara Kohei , Lei Ming , Li Mingshun , Bao Nicole , Chen Tian , Shen Lin
Published: September 2022

First‐line chemotherapy for advanced/metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐negative gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) has poor median overall survival (OS; <1 year). We report efficacy and safety results from Chinese patients in the phase III global CheckMate 649 study of nivolumab plus chemotherapy vs chemotherapy for the first‐line treatment of GC/GEJC/esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Chinese patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic GC/GEJC/EAC were randomized to receive nivolumab (360 mg Q3W or 240 mg Q2W) plus chemotherapy (XELOX [capecitabine and oxaliplatin] Q3W or FOLFOX [oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5‐fluorouracil] Q2W), nivolumab plus ipilimumab (not reported) or chemotherapy alone. OS, blinded independent central review‐assessed progression‐free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR) and safety are reported. Of 1581 patients enrolled and randomized, 208 were Chinese. In these patients, nivolumab plus chemotherapy resulted in clinically meaningful improvement in median OS (14.3 vs 10.2 months; HR 0.61 [95% CI: 0.44‐0.85]), median PFS (8.3 vs 5.6 months; HR 0.57 [95% CI: 0.40‐0.80]), ORR (66% vs 45%) and median DOR (12.2 vs 5.6 months) vs chemotherapy, respectively. The safety profile was acceptable, with no new safety signals observed. Consistent with results from the global primary analysis of CheckMate 649, nivolumab plus chemotherapy demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in OS and PFS and higher response rate vs chemotherapy and an acceptable safety profile in Chinese patients. Nivolumab plus chemotherapy represents a new standard first‐line treatment for Chinese patients with non‐HER2‐positive advanced GC/GEJC/EAC.
Fused Polycyclic NHC Ligands in Gold Catalysis: Recent Advances
Authors: Teixeira Paul , Bastin Stéphanie , César Vincent
Published: September 2022

Thanks to their appealing properties, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands gained considerable significance as highly powerful ancillary ligands in gold catalysis. While NHC‐gold catalysis is still dominated by the classical imidazole‐derived NHC ligands, annelated NHC systems, which feature fused aromatic rings to the carbenic heterocycle, have drawn wider attention over the last few years thanks to their unique structural and electronic properties. Fused polyaromatic NHCs are indeed versatile platforms that offer unique stereoelectronic tuning possibilities to exhibit superior activity and/or selectivity in NHC‐gold catalysis. But their polycyclic scaffolds also provide further scope for functionalization and the introduction of chirality, stimuli‐responsiveness, or cooperativity within the NHC‐gold systems. In this review, the recent advances in this area are discussed and a particular attention is drawn on the unique role of the annelation.
CombinedDFTand wave function theory approach to excited states of lanthanide luminescent materials: A case study ofLaF3:Ce3+
Authors: Sun Huai‐Yang , Jiang Hong
Published: September 2022

Lanthanide luminescent materials play key roles in modern society, but their first‐principles treatment remains a great challenge due to complex manifold of electronic excited states and the difficulty in performing excited state structural relaxations that is necessary to model luminescent properties. Herein, we propose a practical approach that combines embedded cluster model (ECM) based multi‐configurational wave function theory (WFT) and occupancy constrained density‐functional theory plus the HubbardUcorrection (OC‐DFT + U) to treat lanthanide doped luminescent materials, using LaF3:Ce3+, a typical scintillator with low symmetry, as a case study. We show that the combined approach yields accurate absorption energies with an error on the order of 200 cm−1, but the emission energies are significantly underestimated, the origin of which is further clarified by vibrationally resolved absorption and emission spectra calculation. This work demonstrates the possibility of combining ECM‐based wave function theory and periodic DFT into a comprehensive computational scheme for lanthanide luminescent materials and highlights the limitations of the current implementation of OC‐DFT + Ufor excited state structural optimization.
Congenital coagulation factor V deficiency with intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Mao Hongli , Sun Li
Published: September 2022

Background

Congenital coagulation factor V (FV) deficiency is a very rare hemorrhagic disease with an incidence of approximately one in a million. The common clinical manifestations of FV deficiency include ecchymosis and mucosal bleeding. Life‐threatening intracranial bleeding is rare. It has been reported in several cases. However, the molecular basis has been established in only a few cases.

Methods

We reported a 2‐month‐old girl with congenital FV deficiency and intracranial hemorrhage. Coagulation screening combined with clinical manifestations was performed to diagnose congenital FV deficiency. Genetic testing was performed to identify the pathogenic genes. A literature review was included to emphasize the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment for congenital FV deficiency with intracranial bleeding.

Results

The coagulation tests revealed a significantly prolonged prothrombin time (PT) of 51 s and an activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of 73.7 s. The patient had a plasma FV activity of 0.9%. Genetic testing showed compound heterozygous mutations of the patient's FV gene. A literature review showed that patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous variants of the FV gene were often associated with a severe bleeding phenotype.

Conclusion

Our study provides a direction for the rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment for FV deficiency to avoid life‐threatening bleeding. Infants with spontaneous cranial hematoma and intracranial hemorrhage should be investigated for underlying hemostatic defects. Congenital coagulation factor deficiency should be considered. Once congenital FV deficiency is diagnosed, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) should be given on a regular basis. Liver transplantation may be performed in severe cases.
Classroom compositional effects on low‐ability students' achievement in China
Authors: Zhou Yisu , Cai Tianji , Wang Dan , Li Fumin
Published: September 2022

Peer effects are at the center of educational policy debates regarding school choice, ability grouping, and instructional design. Though emerging empirical evidence suggests that positive peer effects exist, less is known about how it affects students with varying cognitive abilities. Using a nationally representative sample from China, we generated a student‐level measure of classroom composition of peers based on cognitive ability to understand the benefits or pitfalls of placing low‐ability students with heterogeneous or homogenous classmates. We conducted this analysis separately for grades seven and nine students after controlling for student background, family characteristics, and school endogeneity. We reaffirmed the overall positive—but small—peer effects on the performance rankings. Low‐ability children scored much lower than their counterparts when they studied in cognitively diverse classrooms. However, this effect negates the overall positive impact of studying with high‐ability peers and the pattern is consistent across rural and urban schools.
Validation of the sociopolitical control scale for youth among Brazilian juvenile offenders in rehabilitation
Authors: da Silva Manuella C. , Teixeira Maria O. , Laranjeira Márcia
Published: September 2022

Empowerment theories provide the conceptual framework to understand the process of change among marginalized groups in rehabilitation. Sociopolitical control is an element of the intrapersonal component of psychological empowerment (PE). The current study analyzes the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Sociopolitical Control Scale for Youth (SPCS‐Y) in a sample of institutionalized young male offenders (N = 190) and examines its relationships with well‐being, perception of educational environment, self‐efficacy, and drug consumption. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the two‐dimensional structure of the SPCS‐Y (leadership competence and policy control). Linear regression models indicated that consumption of drugs contribute positively to leadership competence, and policy control was explained by well‐being, positive perception of educational environment, and enlisting social support. The results are consistent with previous studies from other countries and indicate that the SPCS‐Y is a valid measure to assess sociopolitical control among adolescents in rehabilitation. Additionally, theoretical implications and directions for practice are discussed in the paper.
The experiences of adolescent siblings of children with rare genetic conditions: “It's made me who I am”
Authors: Heaton Julia , Wainstein Tasha ,   CAUSES Study,   GenCOUNSEL Study, Elliott Alison M. , Austin Jehannine
Published: September 2022

Childhood genetic conditions impact not only the child who is diagnosed but also the day‐to‐day lives of all members of a family. However, our understanding of the perspectives and needs of unaffected adolescents in families affected by rare genetic conditions is limited. To address this gap, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with 10 participants aged 14–20 years, all of whom had a sibling with a rare genetic condition. An interpretive description approach was used to develop a framework that described how participants' experiences of having a sibling with a rare genetic condition shaped the formation of their identity. This experience influenced identity formation both directly, and indirectly through four other phenomena: (1) normalization, of both their own experiences and their siblings' differences; (2) knowledge seeking, regarding their sibling's condition and what uncertainties remained; (3) caretaking, which limited some opportunities and was associated with uncertainty around the future; and (4) social experience, including their relationship with their affected sibling, with their peers, and with the rest of their family participants felt that they were isolated and lacked appropriate supports. The results of this study can help to inform a family‐centered approach to genetic counseling and highlight the importance of tailored supports for this population.
Predictors and prognosis of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma in sinonasal cavities
Authors: Morishita Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Uchida Katsunori , Takeuchi Kazuhiko
Published: September 2022

Objective

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is classified as a histopathologic diagnosis and often identified in sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The purpose of this study was to clarify the frequency and predictors of REAH and prognosis of CRS with REAH in CRS cases.

Methods

In the first study, we histologically reviewed sinonasal polyps and mucosal tissue specimens obtained from patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS to reveal how many REAH were involved in ESS cases. We compared REAH and non‐REAH groups in terms of preoperative symptoms and endoscopic, imaging and blood examination findings to elucidate predictors of REAH genesis. In the second study, we compared the data 3 months after surgery such as endoscopic and imaging findings and olfactory test to evaluate prognosis of CRS with REAH.

Results

The prevalence of REAH was 15.5% of all 304 cases in the first and second studies combined. Higher polyp score in the middle meatus was an independent predictor of the presence of REAH (p = .02). Presence of REAH was significantly associated with the enlargement of olfactory cleft polyps (p < .01), increasing postoperative scores of standard olfactory tests (p = .03), and decline of ratio of improvement (p < .01) measured using T&T olfactometry.

Conclusions

Higher polyp score in the middle meatus is an independent predictor of REAH. Olfactory function is difficult to recover after surgery in REAH patients because it is associated with recurrent polyps in the olfactory cleft.
Streamwide Evaluation of Survival and Reproduction of MYY and Wild Brook Trout Populations
Authors: Armstrong Benjamin A. W. , Caldwell Colleen A. , Ruhl Michael E. , Bohling Justin H.
Published: September 2022

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis have been introduced across the western USA, where the species competes with and often replaces native salmonids. Nonnative Brook Trout are difficult to eradicate; thus, new removal strategies are needed. One novel methodology couples the partial suppression of wild Brook Trout with the replacement of MYY Brook Trout (males with two Y chromosomes). If MYY fish survive to reproduce with wild female Brook Trout, their progeny will be 100% male, which eventually shifts the sex ratio and theoretically extirpates the population. However, the effectiveness of this approach depends on survival and reproduction of MYY fish relative to the surviving wild conspecifics. From 2018 to 2020, we annually removed an estimated 45.7% of wild Brook Trout from three streams in New Mexico and stocked fingerling MYY Brook Trout (mean TL = 94 mm; range = 61–123 mm) targeting 50.0% of wild annual abundance estimates. Annual survival for MYY and wild Brook Trout was similar in Leandro Creek (MYY = 0.63 and wild = 0.63) and Rito de los Piños (MYY = 0.37 and wild = 0.46) but differed in Placer Creek (MYY = 0.28 and wild = 0.75). During spawning, we evaluated the reproductive potential of MYY Brook Trout by comparing the percentage of sexually mature male Brook Trout comprised of MYY fish to the percentage of hybrid (MYY × wild) F1 progeny. By the second spawning season (2019), MYY fish comprised 59.8, 50.4, and 34.5% of milt-producing Brook Trout, which resulted in 55.1, 33.3, and 0% hybrid progeny in Leandro Creek, Rito de los Piños, and Placer Creek, respectively. We demonstrated that MYY fish exhibit similar vital rates compared with wild conspecifics in two of three streams; however, differences among streams highlights unforeseen variables that influence MYY survival and reproduction. The study offers promising results of the MYY approach for potentially eradicating unwanted Brook Trout populations.
Effect of Bag Limits on Angler Harvest, Catch Rates, and Satisfaction at Put-and-Take Community Pond Fisheries
Authors: Chiaramonte Luciano V. , Meyer Kevin A.
Published: September 2022

Community pond fisheries are valuable recreational resources for anglers because of their ease of access and often-regular stocking frequency. Effective management of these fisheries requires an understanding of how bag limits, stocking frequency, stocking density, and angler effort affect angler satisfaction and catch rates. We released tagged, catchable-sized Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and conducted creel surveys at Idaho ponds with either two- or six-trout daily bag limits (hereafter, “two-trout ponds” and “six-trout ponds”) to evaluate whether the bag limit affected catch rates between stocking events. Angler catch rates averaged 0.53 fish/h at two-trout ponds and 0.76 fish/h at six-trout ponds. Catch rates declined in the days after trout stocking but did so at similar rates in ponds with different bag limits. Catch rates were negatively affected by air temperatures throughout the study. Fifty-four percent of anglers reported being somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their fishing experience at two-trout ponds compared to 64% of anglers at six-trout ponds. This measure of satisfaction was positively related to an individual's catch rates. Despite the threefold difference in daily bag limits, 57% of anglers harvested two or fewer fish at six-trout ponds. Angler-reported tags indicated that stocked trout remained at large longer (mean = 29 d) in two-trout ponds compared to six-trout ponds (mean = 17 d). Tag returns suggested that on average, total use (harvested trout plus caught-and-released trout) was much higher at six-trout ponds (57%) compared to two-trout ponds (34%). Although the recruitment potential and accessibility of community ponds are well known, our results suggest that catch-related outcomes of community pond management are a complex result of environmental factors, fisheries regulations, and fish stocking variables.
A three‐dimensional shape optimization for transient acoustic scattering problems using the time‐domain boundary element method
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Miyazawa Naoya , Tanigawa Masaki
Published: September 2022

We develop a three‐dimensional shape optimization (SO) framework for the wave equation with taking the unsteadiness into account. Resorting to the adjoint variable method, we derive the shape derivative (SD) with respect to a deformation (perturbation) of an arbitrary point on the target surface of acoustic scatterers. Successively, we represent the target surface with non‐uniform rational B‐spline patches and then discretize the SD in term of the associated control points (CPs), which are useful for manipulating a surface. To solve both the primary and adjoint problems, we apply the time‐domain boundary element method (TDBEM) because it is the most appropriate when the analysis domain is the ambient air and thus infinitely large. The issues of the severe computational cost and instability of the TDBEM are resolved by exploiting the fast and stable TDBEM proposed by the present authors. Instead, since the TDBEM is mesh‐based and employs the piecewise‐constant element for space, we introduce some approximations in evaluating the discretized SD from the two solutions of TDBEM. By regarding the evaluation scheme as the computation of the gradient of the objective functional, given as the summation of the absolute value of the sound pressure over the predefined observation points, we can solve SO problems with a gradient‐based non‐linear optimization solver. To assess the developed SO system, we performed several numerical experiments from the perspective of verification and application with satisfactory results.
Effects of a novel weight‐loss combination product containing orlistat and acarbose on obesity: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Holmbäck Ulf , Grudén Stefan , Litorp Helena , Willhems Daniel , Kuusk Sandra , Alderborn Göran , Söderhäll Arvid , Forslund Anders
Published: September 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel, oral, modified‐release formulation of the lipase inhibitor orlistat and the glucosidase/amylase inhibitor acarbose (denoted EMP16) on relative body weight after 26 weeks compared with placebo.

Methods

The randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial had a 26‐week treatment period, with dose escalation up to 6 weeks. Participants, adults between ages 18 and 75 years, with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥28 kg/m2 with risk factors, were randomly assigned to EMP16 120‐mg orlistat/40‐mg acarbose (EMP16‐120/40), EMP16‐150/50, or placebo. The primary end point was relative weight loss from baseline to week 26 assessed in participants with at least one post‐baseline weight measurement.

Results

Of 156 randomized participants, 149 constituted the intention‐to‐treat population. The mean (95% CI) estimated treatment difference to placebo in relative weight loss after 26 weeks in the intention‐to‐treat population was −4.70% (−6.16% to −3.24%; p < 0.0001) with EMP16‐120/40 and −5.42% (−6.60% to −4.24%; p < 0.0001) with EMP16‐150/50.

Conclusions

This trial indicates that orlistat and acarbose can be successfully combined in a modified‐release formulation to provide efficacious weight loss with no unexpected safety issues. EMP16 may be a promising candidate among other medications for improved weight management.
Thermosensitive acetylated carboxymethyl chitosan gel depot systems sustained release caffeic acid phenethyl ester for periodontitis treatment
Authors: Peng Chengjun , Wang Guichun , Wang Yuxiao , Tang Maomao , Ma Xiaodong , Chang Xiangwei , Guo Jian , Gui Shuangying
Published: September 2022

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of tooth support tissues leading to progressive destruction of periodontal soft tissues as well as alveolar bone, and can be treated with anti‐inflammatory and bone‐protective agents to prevent disease progression. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural polyphenolic compound with anti‐inflammation, anti‐oxidation and bone tissue repair efficacy. In this work, we synthesized a thermosensitive hydrogel matrix of acetylated carboxymethyl chitosan (A‐CC), and firstly applied for periodontal local drug delivery. The biocompatible CAPE‐loaded A‐CC hydrogel (CAPE‐A‐CC) has the advantages of forming a drug depot in situ, sustained release and precisely improving the drug concentration in the lesion sites compared with traditional systemic administration. In addition, CAPE‐A‐CC could significantly inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17 in macrophages, and increased the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSC) related to osteogenesis. This study develops a novel in situ thermosensitive hydrogel delivery system to improve the therapeutic potential of natural active ingredient for periodontitis therapy.
Empowerment and job satisfaction in university teachers: A theory of power in educational organizations
Authors: Borrego Yolanda , Orgambídez Alejandro , Mora‐Jaureguialde Begoña
Published: September 2022

While the importance of teacher job satisfaction is well documented, the processes and mechanisms by which educational institutions manage to influence the satisfactions of their members are not. Studies on the organizational elements associated with satisfaction have focused on isolated factors without the common umbrella of a consolidated theoretical model. Based on Kanter's theory of power in organizations, we aimed to analyze the mediator role of psychological empowerment between structural empowerment and job satisfaction in a sample of 267 university teachers in southern Spain. A cross‐sectional study was carried out, utilizing questionnaires for data collection and convenience sampling. Percentile confidence intervals, based on 5000 resamples, were calculated to test the mediation model. Results showed that a two‐way effect of structural empowerment on job satisfaction: a direct effect based on access to organizational resources of power and an indirect effect through the development of positive cognitions at work. Access to opportunities, resources, information, and support empower university teachers psychologically, fostering their intrinsic motivation and increasing their job satisfaction, key elements for teaching quality in higher education.
The role of math anxiety in the relationship between approximate number system and math performance in young children
Authors: Sarı Mehmet Hayri , Szczygieł Monika
Published: September 2022

Although interest in mathematics anxiety in young children (6–11 years) has increased recently, the results of previous studies on the role of mathematics anxiety in the relationship between number sense and math performance are inconsistent. The study's main objective was to establish whether math anxiety is a mediator or a moderator in the relationship between number line estimation (NLE) and mathematical outcomes. A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used. A total of 234 Turkish public primary school children (third and fourth graders) participated in the study. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) math anxiety mediates the relationship between the approximate number system (ANS) (an easier and more difficult task of ANS) and math performance (math achievement and arithmetic fluency); (2) math anxiety moderates the relationship between ANS (an easier and more difficult task of ANS) and math performance (math achievement and arithmetic fluency). The results mostly suggest no mediation effect of math anxiety between NLE and math performance in young children. The results also suggest that increases in difficulty level in NLE (increases of errors in NLE) is related to more anxiety regarding mathematics. Furthermore, moderation analyses indicated that the acuity of mental representation of numbers in high math‐anxious children is a key factor contributing to math performance. Developmental aspects of the obtained results are also discussed in the paper.
Plasma polymerization for biomedical applications: A review
Authors: Coad Bryan R. , Favia Pietro , Vasilev Krasimir , Griesser Hans J.
Published: September 2022

Plasma polymers have long been of interest as thin film coatings on biomedical devices and products, to generate desirable surface properties for favorable bio‐interfacial interactions. Plasma polymers have also been used as platforms for the covalent immobilization of bioactive molecules. More recently, additional aspects have been investigated, such as selective prevention of adhesion of microbial pathogens, either via plasma polymers per se or including antimicrobial drugs. Plasma polymers have also been investigated for the release of silver ions and small organic molecules. Complementing low‐pressure plasma approaches, processes at atmospheric pressure have attracted interest recently, including for nano/biocomposite coatings. This contribution reviews the use of plasma polymers for intended biomedical applications, with a focus on more recent topic areas.
Understanding the helical stability of charged peptides
Authors: Singh Nitin Kumar , Agarwal Manish , Radhakrishna Mithun
Published: September 2022

Cationic helical peptides play a crucial role in applications such as anti‐microbial and anticancer activity. The activity of these peptides directly correlates with their helicity. In this study, we have performed extensive all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations of 25 Lysine–Leucine co‐polypeptide sequences of varying charge density () and patterns. Our findings showed that, an increase in the charge density on the peptide leads to a gradual decrease in the helicity up to a critical charge density . Beyond , a complete helix to coil transition was observed. The decrease in the helicity is correlated with the increased number of water molecules in first solvation shell, solvent‐exposed surface area, and a higher value of the radius of gyration of the peptide.
Structural, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties of Hexagonal Lu0.5−xZrxSc0.5FeO3 Ceramics
Authors: Pan Xixi , Zhang Aimei , Zhu Jiajia , Wu Xiaoshan
Published: September 2022

Hexagonal Lu0.5−x
Zr
x
Sc0.5FeO3 polycrystalline samples are synthesized by conventional solid‐state reaction. Effects of slight Zr4+ ions substitution on the structural distortion and magnetoelectric properties are investigated. The coexistence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ is checked by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrum (RS) microstructural analysis reveal that all samples are in the hexagonal structure with the polar space group of P6

3

cm. With x increasing slightly, the tilting of FeO5 bipyramids and the bending of rare‐earth atomic layers are suppressed. The Néel temperature T
N of antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition is decreased, whereas the weak ferromagnetic (WFM) order is strengthened. The permittivity ε
r of the samples is significantly increased. A dielectric anomaly near T
N in Lu0.45Zr0.05Sc0.5FeO3 may indicate magnetoelectric coupling. It is attributed to the spin–phonon coupling as is evidenced by the Raman phonon modes. The improvement of dielectricity and magnetoelectric coupling is explained by considering the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, structural distortion, and the incremental ratio of Fe2+ ions. These results provide an idea for sensitive control of electric and magnetic properties in related materials.
Ligand Engineering and Recrystallization of Perovskite Quantum‐Dot Thin Film for Low‐Threshold Plasmonic Lattice Laser
Authors: Xing Di , Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Ho Ya‐Lun , Lee Yang‐Chun , Chen Mu‐Hsin , Lin Bo‐Wei , Chen Chun‐Wei , Delaunay Jean‐Jacques
Published: September 2022

Solution‐process perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials to be utilized in photovoltaics and photonics with their superior optical properties. Advancements in top‐down nanofabrication for perovskite are thus important for practical photonic and plasmonic devices. However, different from the chemically synthesized nano/micro‐structures that show high quality and low surface roughness, the perovskite QD thin film prepared by spin‐coating or the drop‐casting process shows a large roughness and inhomogeneity. Low‐roughness and low‐optical loss perovskite QD thin film is highly desired for photonic and optoelectronic devices. Here, this work presents a pressure‐assisted ligand engineering/recrystallization process for high‐quality and well‐thickness controlled CsPbBr3 QD film and demonstrates a low‐threshold and single‐mode plasmonic lattice laser. A recrystallization process is proposed to prepare the QD film with a low roughness (RMS = 1.3 nm) and small thickness (100 nm). Due to the low scattering loss and strong interaction between gain media and plasmonic nanoparticles, a low lasing threshold of 16.9 µJ cm−2 is achieved. It is believed that this work is not only important to the plasmonic laser field but also provides a promising and general nanofabrication method of solution‐processed QDs for various photonic and plasmonic devices.
Suppressing Nickel Oxide/Perovskite Interface Redox Reaction and Defects for Highly Performed and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ahmad Sajjad , Ma Ruiman , Zheng Jiawei , Gary Kwok Cheuk Kai , Zhou Qisen , Ren Zhenwei , Kim Jinwook , He Xinjun , Zhang Xiaoliang , Yu Kin Man , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: September 2022

The inorganic hole transport layer of nickel oxide (NiOx) has shown highly efficient, low‐cost, and scalable in perovskite photovoltaics. However, redox reactions at the interface between NiOx and perovskites limit their commercialization. In this study, ABABr (4‐(2‐Aminoethyl) benzoic acid bromide) between the NiOx and different perovskite layers to address the issues has been introduced. How the ABABr interacts with NiOx and perovskites is experimentally and theoretically investigated. These results show that the ABABr molecule chemically reacts with the NiOx via electrostatic attraction on one side, whereas on the other side, it forms a strong hydrogen bond via the NH3+ group with perovskites layers, thus directly diminishing the redox reaction between the NiOx and perovskites layers and passivating the layer surfaces. Additionally, the ABABr interface modification leads to significant improvements in perovskite film morphology, crystallization, and band alignment. The perovskites solar cells (PSCs) based on an ABABr interface modification show power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement by over 13% and maintain over 90% of its PCE after continuous operation at maximum power point for over 500 h. The work not only contributes to the development of novel interlayers for stable PSCs but also to the understanding of how to prevent interface redox reactions.
Metal/Non‐Metal Catalyzed Activation of Organic Nitriles
Authors: Das Suman , Maity Jyotirmoy , Panda Tarun K.
Published: September 2022

Nitrile activation is a prominent topic in recent developments in chemistry, especially in organic, inorganic, biological chemistry, as well as in the natural synthesis of products and in the pharmaceutical industry. The activation of nitriles using both metal and non‐metal precursors has attracted several researchers, who are exploring newer ways to synthesize novel compounds. Nitrile activation can be achieved by combining various catalytic double hydroelementation reactions, such as hydrosilylation, hydroboration, and hydrogenation of organonitriles using silanes, pinacolborane, and other sources of hydrogen. These methodologies have garnered considerable attention since they are effective in the reduction of organonitriles, whose end products are extensively applied in synthetic organic chemistry. In this review, we summarize the development of selective hydroborylation, hydrosilylation, dihydroborysilylation, and hydrogenation of organonitriles, as well as their reaction mechanisms and the role of metal complexes in the catalytic cycles. This review article explains various synthetic methodologies applied toward the reduction of organonitriles into corresponding amines.
Progressive disruption of neurodevelopment by mid‐gestation exposure to lipopolysaccharides and the ameliorating effect of continuous alpha‐glycosyl isoquercitrin treatment
Authors: Okano Hiromu , Takashima Kazumi , Takahashi Yasunori , Ojiro Ryota , Tang Qian , Ozawa Shunsuke , Zou Xinyu , Koyanagi Mihoko , Maronpot Robert R. , Yoshida Toshinori , Shibutani Makoto
Published: September 2022

We investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced maternal immune activation used as a model for producing neurodevelopmental disorders on hippocampal neurogenesis and behaviors in rat offspring by exploring the antioxidant effects of alpha‐glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ). Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (50 μg/kg body weight) at gestational days 15 and 16. AGIQ was administered in the diet to dams at 0.5% (w/w) from gestational day 10 until weaning at postnatal day 21 and then to offspring until adulthood at postnatal day 77. During postnatal life, offspring of LPS‐injected animals did not show neuroinflammation or oxidative stress in the brain. At weaning, LPS decreased the numbers of type‐2b neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and PCNA+ proliferating cells in the subgranular zone, FOS‐expressing granule cells, and GAD67+ hilar interneurons in the dentate gyrus. In adulthood, LPS decreased type‐1 neural stem cells, type‐2a NPCs, and GAD67+ hilar interneurons, and downregulated Dpysl3, Sst, Fos, Mapk1, Mapk3, Grin2a, Grin2b, Bdnf, and Ntrk2. In adults, LPS suppressed locomotor activity in the open field test and suppressed fear memory acquisition and fear extinction learning in the contextual fear conditioning test. These results indicate that mid‐gestation LPS injections disrupt programming of normal neurodevelopment resulting in progressive suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity of newborn granule cells by suppressing GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter signals and BDNF/TrkB signaling to result in adult‐stage behavioral deficits. AGIQ ameliorated most aberrations in hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, as well as behavioral deficits. Effective amelioration by continuous AGIQ treatment starting before LPS injections may reflect both anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative stress effects during gestation and neuroprotective effects of continuous exposure through adulthood.
Effect of raw sewage sludge and sewage sludge biochar on soil physicochemical properties and seed germination of Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Dani Pooja , Naudiyal Kaushal , Shah Vijendra , Daverey Achlesh
Published: September 2022

Various experts have been concerned about the safety usage of sludge generated during wastewater treatment and its disposal in the environment. Biochar made from sewage sludge was studied for its efficiency in enhancing soil quality, reducing heavy metal uptake, and potential benefits in agriculture areas to enrich the soil. The objectives of the present study were to examine the feasibility of raw sewage sludge (RSS) and sewage sludge biochar (SSB), which were produced at 400 and 500°C, as a soil amendment, and the effect of sewage sludge biochar on seed germination of Solanum lycopersicum. Present study included seven treatments: (i) T0 (Control); (ii) T1 (RSS, 1%); (iii) T2 (RSS, 2.5%); (iv) T3 (SSB400°C, 1%); (v) T4 (SSB400°C, 2.5%); (vi) T5 (SSB500°C, 1%); and (vii) T6 (SSB500°C, 2.5%). The addition of sewage sludge and its biochar enhanced electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), sodium (Na) and potassium (K), and soil enzymatic activity when compared to control. The pH value of the soil amended with RSS increased by 0.04–0.1 units as compared to control. The treatments with the higher concentration (2.5%) of RSS and SSB significantly increased the concentration of Na whereas, SSB400°C, 2.5% significantly increased the K concentration in soil in comparison to control. The TOC in soil increased in all the RSS and SSB amended treatments and ranged between 1.16 and 1.83 %. Seeds of Solanum lycopersicum treated with SSB at 500°C had shown maximum germination (90%) and germination index (103.01 ± 1.41). The increase in the alkaline phosphatase activity was significant and was maximum 25.2 μg 4‐nitrophenol g−1 soil h−1 for T2 followed by T4 which was 24.9 μg 4‐nitrophenol g−1 soil h−1. The results demonstrate that the RSS and SSB at 2.5% concentration are potential organic amendments to promote the soil nutrients.
Synthesis and characterisation of divalent di(1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphano)cyclopentadienyl)lanthanoid and alkaline earth complexes as potential platforms for heterometallic complexes
Authors: Daniels Daisy P. , Guo Zhifang , Shephard Angus C. G. , Deacon Glen B. , Jaroschik Florian , Junk Peter C.
Published: September 2022

New divalent lanthanoid and alkaline earth metal complexes bearing the 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphano)cyclopentadienyl ligand have been synthesised using the redox‐transmetallation protolysis (RTP) approach. From the reaction of the corresponding metal, diphenylmercury and the proligand C5H4(PPh2)2, the compounds [M(η5‐C5H3(PPh2)2‐1,3)2(S)] (with M=Yb, S=(thf)2 or M=Yb, Eu, Ca, Sr, Ba, S=dme) were isolated and characterised by X‐ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. These compounds may provide a platform for early‐late heterobimetallic complexes.
Inelastic dark matter from dark Higgs boson decays at FASER
Authors: Li Jinmian , Nomura Takaaki , Shimomura Takashi
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We consider inelastic dark matter scenarios with dark photon mediator and a dark Higgs boson. The dark Higgs boson spontaneously breaks the gauge symmetry associated with the dark photon, and gives the mass to the dark photon and the mass difference to dark particles. Such a dark Higgs boson can decay into the dark particles and hence can be another source of the dark particles at collider experiments. We analyze the sensitivity to decays of the excited state into the dark matter and charged particles at the FASER 2 experiment in fermion and scalar inelastic dark matter scenarios. We consider two mass spectra as illustrating examples in which the excited state can be produced only through the decay of dark Higgs boson. We show that unprobed parameter region can be explored in fermion dark matter scenario for the illustrating mass spectra.
Elliptic K3 surfaces at infinite complex structure and their refined Kulikov models
Authors: Lee Seung-Joo , Weigand Timo
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Motivated by the Swampland Distance and the Emergent String Conjecture of Quantum Gravity, we analyse the infinite distance degenerations in the complex structure moduli space of elliptic K3 surfaces. All complex degenerations of K3 surfaces are known to be classified according to their associated Kulikov models of Type I (finite distance), Type II or Type III (infinite distance). For elliptic K3 surfaces, we characterise the underlying Weierstrass models in detail. Similarly to the known two classes of Type II Kulikov models for elliptic K3 surfaces we find that the Weierstrass models of the more elusive Type III Kulikov models can be brought into two canonical forms. We furthermore show that all infinite distance limits are related to degenerations of Weierstrass models with non-minimal singularities in codimension one or to models with degenerating generic fibers as in the Sen limit. We explicitly work out the general structure of blowups and base changes required to remove the non-minimal singularities. These results form the basis for a classification of the infinite distance limits of elliptic K3 surfaces as probed by F-theory in the companion paper [1]. The Type III limits, in particular, are (partial) decompactification limits as signalled by an emergent affine enhancement of the symmetry algebra.