bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esophageal epithelial immunoglobulin G is an important marker for the diagnosis and management of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Rizvi Syed Ahsan , Oriala Chukwuemeka , Irastorza Laura E , Bornstein Jeffrey , Li Shuan , Smadi Yamen
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Our primary aim was to describe the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and its subclass IgG4 in immunohistochemistry staining in esophageal biopsy specimens of children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) compared with that of specimens from children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Esophageal biopsy specimens from children with EoE or GERD were stained prospectively for IgG and IgG4 antibodies. Subjects with EoE were divided into cohorts with either active EoE or EoE in remission. Active EoE cases were further divided into proton pump inhibitor responsive (PPI‐r) and PPI‐nonresponsive (PPI‐nr) subgroups. Demographic, clinical, and histologic data were compared among groups, including quantified IgG and IgG4 staining, peak eosinophil count, eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin levels, and EoE endoscopic reference score.

Results

Seventy‐nine children (aged 10.6 ± 5.6 years; 68% male) were enrolled. IgG‐positive cell counts were significantly elevated in those with active EoE (n = 29, 3 [interquartile range, IQR: 2–6]/high‐powered field [HPF]), compared with those having EoE remission (n = 25, 1 [IQR: 0–2]/HPF; P = 0.002) and those with GERD (n = 25, 0 [IQR: 0–0.25]/HPF, P = <0.0001). IgG‐positive cell counts were significantly higher in the PPI‐r (n = 15, 5 [IQR: 2.5–11]/HPF) subgroup, compared with the PPI‐nr subgroup (n = 11, 3 [IQR: 1.5–3.5]/HPF; P = 0.041) at baseline endoscopy.

Conclusion

Initial esophageal tissue biopsy specimens from pediatric subjects with active EoE showed a significant increase in IgG‐positive staining compared with tissue from subjects in EoE remission or with GERD. There was higher positivity of IgG‐stained cells in the PPI‐r subgroup compared with the PPI‐nr subgroup.
Expansion of granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Du Juan , Li Xiao‐Kun , Peng Xue‐Fang , Xu Wen , Zhang Xiao‐Ai , Li Hao , Yang Tong , Yuan Chun , Chen Wei‐Wei , Li Chang , Lu Qing‐Bin , Liu Wei
Published: May 2022

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), caused by novel bunyavirus (SFTSV), is a hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate of over 10%. We have previously shown that granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (gMDSC) might affect arginine metabolism, which was associated with decreased platelet count and T lymphocyte dysfunction in this disease. The study was designed to investigate the expression of the gMDSCs subsets in SFTS patients, and to evaluate its association with disease severity. A prospective study was performed on 166 confirmed SFTSV infected patients. Sequential blood samples were collected during hospitalization and after recovery. SFTSV RNA was quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR. The gMDSCs and NK cells were determined by flow cytometry analysis, which were associated with disease severity. Elevation of the activated gMDSC was observed in SFTS patients at the acute phase, with a significantly higher level of gMDSC attained in 79 severe and 29 fatal SFTS patients than in the mild patients. The NK cells were depleted at the early infection and not restored to normal level until 4 months after the disease. The expansion of gMDSC was accompanied by the elevated expressions of CD3‐ζ of NK and Arginase‐1, in contrast with the decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in gMDSC. The levels of NK, CD3‐ζ of NK, viral load, and platelet count were significantly associated with the level of gMDSC. Expansion of gMDSC was demonstrated in SFTS, which was associated with severe disease and suppressed antiviral NK cell via other mechanisms than Arginase‐1 or ROS.
Infrared multiple‐angle incidence resolution spectrometry for vapor‐deposited amorphous water
Authors: Nagasawa Takumi , Numadate Naoki , Hama Tetsuya
Published: May 2022

Infrared multiple‐angle incidence resolution spectrometry (IR‐MAIRS) is a recently developed spectroscopic technique that combines oblique incidence transmission measurements and chemometrics (multivariate analysis) to obtain both pure in‐plane (IP) and out‐of‐plane (OP) vibration spectra for a thin sample. IR‐MAIRS is established for analyzing the molecular orientation of organic thin films at atmospheric pressure, but it should also be powerful for the structural characterization of vapor‐deposited thin samples prepared in a vacuum. The application of IR‐MAIRS to vapor‐deposited amorphous water is particularly interesting in the fields of physical and interstellar chemistry, because it is a representative model material for interstellar icy dust grains. We recently developed an experimental setup for in situ IR‐MAIRS under low‐temperature, ultrahigh‐vacuum conditions, which thus facilitates measurements of interstellar ice analogs such as vapor‐deposited amorphous water. This review considers the theoretical framework of IR‐MAIRS and our recent experimental results for vapor‐deposited amorphous water. We present spectroscopic signatures for the perpendicular orientation of dangling‐OH bonds for three‐coordinated water molecules at the surface of amorphous water at 90 K. The absolute absorption cross section of the three‐coordinated dangling‐OH bonds is quantitatively measured as 1.0 ± 0.2 × 10−18 cm2 at 3696 cm−1. As IR‐MAIRS can essentially be conducted using only a Fourier‐transform IR spectrometer and an angle‐controllable linear polarizer, it is a useful, low‐cost, and simple spectroscopic technique for studying laboratory analogs of interstellar ices including vapor‐deposited amorphous water.
Crystal structure, phase transitions and Raman scattering in the new non‐centrosymmetric [(C3H7)4N]3Bi3Br12 compound
Authors: Trigui Wala , Lhoste Jerome , Auguste Sandy , Oueslati Abderrazek
Published: May 2022

A novel tri‐tetrapropylammonium dodeca bromobismuthate (III) compound has been synthesized and studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Raman spectroscopy as a function of temperature. At room temperature, the title compound crystalizes in noncentrosymmetric Cc space group which belongs to monoclinic crystal system. The unit cell dimensions are a = 11.083(6) Å, b = 19.100(6) Å, c = 31.146(3) Å, β = 98.42(0)°, and V = 6522.69(9) Å3. The crystal package is provided by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds (C–H … Br). Intermolecular interactions present in the grown single crystal were analyzed by Hirshfeld surface and 2D fingerprint plot. The differential scanning calorimetry reveals two reversible phase transitions at 297 and 430 K. The values of the transition entropies suggest that the first is of an order–disorder type, while the second appears as a displacive one. The Raman versus temperature studies show that the vibrational states of tetrapropylammonium cations change markedly through the phase transitions. The most important changes are observed for two lines at 1034 and 1449 cm−1 (at room temperature) issued from the νs(N–C–C) + δs(C–N–C) and δs (CH3) of the cations. The spectral characteristics of these lines are analyzed and consistently described in the framework of an order–disorder model for the phase transitions.
Comparative assessment of antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of skimmed milk protein hydrolysates and their incorporation in beverage mix
Authors: Prakash Pavan Kumar , Eligar Sachin M , Prakruthi Manikumar , Jyothi Lakshmi Aswathanarayana setty
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Milk‐derived protein hydrolysates have generated a great deal of interest recently due to their numerous beneficial health effects. However, there are few comparative studies on protein hydrolysates from different dairy species, their production, characterization, and bioactivity. In the present study, skimmed milk from both major and minor dairy species was hydrolyzed with alcalase, and its protein profiles were studied using tricine polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reverse phase‐high protein liquid chromatography. The antioxidant and in vitro immunostimulatory properties were determined.

RESULTS

Iron chelation activity was highest in hydrolysates of whey (25.00 ± 0.32 mmol L−1), casein (25.14 ± 0.34 mmol L−1), colostrum (24.52 ± 0.28 mmol L−1), and skimmed cattle milk (24.21 ± 0.26 mmol L−1 ). α,α‐Diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging and 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidino‐propane) dihydrochloride activity was lowest in skimmed donkey milk protein hydrolysates (MPHs) (IC50: 5.37 ± 0.05 mg mL−1 and 151.59 ± 2.1 mg mL−1). Production of nitric oxide and phagocytosis activity in RAW 264.7 (murine macrophage cell line) was significantly higher among whey and buffalo skimmed milk protein hydrolysate‐treated groups as compared with the untreated group. The incorporation of whey protein hydrolysate and skimmed buffalo milk protein hydrolysate were sensorially acceptable at 10% level in beverage mix.

CONCLUSION

This study comparatively evaluates the antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties of different skimmed MPHs and their potential applications as ingredients in pediatric, geriatric, and other health‐promoting foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recent application of artificial neural network in microwave drying of foods: a mini‐review
Authors: Yang Ran , Chen Jiajia
Published: May 2022

The microwave‐assisted thermal process is a high‐efficiency drying method and is promising to be applied in the food industry. However, the prediction of the thermal treatment results from such a dynamic and complicated process can be difficult. Additionally, the determination of the optimal drying parameters, such as drying temperature, microwave power, and drying time for optimized performance can also be hard. Recently, extensive research has been focusing on the use of artificial neural network (ANN) models in the laboratory‐scale microwave drying processes and has shown the feasibility of such application. As a regression tool, the ANN models have been widely used in predicting drying performance; when integrated with additional optimizing algorithms, the ANN models could be used for drying parameter optimization; and when combined with real‐time measuring techniques (e.g. nuclear magnetic resonance), the ANN models could be used for monitoring and controlling the drying process in a dynamic sense. Future research could focus on testing the developed ANN models in industrial‐scale microwave drying processes and applying the ANN models in microwave drying kinetics research for optimizing the dynamic drying processes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Agroclimatic zoning for bananas under climate change in Brazil
Authors: de Olanda Souza Gabriel Henrique , de Oliveira Aparecido Lucas Eduardo , de Lima Rafael Fausto , Torsoni Guilherme Botega , Chiquitto Alisson Gaspar , de Moraes Jose Reinaldo Cabral
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Climate change is the main cause of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants and affects yield. Therefore, we sought to carry out a study on future changes in the agroclimatic conditions of banana cultivation in Brazil. The current agroclimatic zoning was carried out with data obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology related to mean air temperature, annual rainfall, and soil texture data in Brazil. The global climate model BCC‐CSM1.1 (Beijing Climate Center‐Climate System Model, version 1.1), adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, corresponding to Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5 for the period 2050 (2041–2060) and 2070 (2061–2080), obtained through the CHELSA V1.2 platform, was chosen for the climate projections of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5. Matrix images at a depth of 5–15 cm, obtained through the product of the SoilGrids system, were used for the texture data. ArcGIS version 10.8 was used to construct the maps.

RESULTS

Areas favorable to the crop plantation were classified as suitable when air temperatureTAIRwas between 20 and 29 °C, annual rainfallRANNUALbetween 1200 and 1900 mm, and soil clay contentCSOILbetween 30 and 55%. Subsequently, the information was reclassified, summarizing the classes into preferential, recommended, little recommended, and not recommended. The current scenario shows a preferential class of 8.1%, recommended of 44.6%, little recommended of 47.1%, and not recommended of 0.1% for the Brazilian territory.

CONCLUSION

The results show no drastic changes in the total area regarding the classes, but there is a migration from these zones; that is, from tropical to subtropical and temperate regions. RCP 8.5–2070 (2061–2080) showed trends with negative impacts on arable areas for banana cultivation at the end of the century. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantification of vincristine and tariquidar by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry in mouse whole blood using volumetric absorptive microsampling for pharmacokinetic applications
Authors: Rosser Sebastian P. A. , Atkinson Caroline , Nath Christa E. , Fletcher Jamie I.
Published: May 2022

A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of vincristine and tariquidar in 10 μL of mouse whole blood using volumetric absorptive microsampling devices. Samples were extracted from the devices and quantified against calibrators prepared in a human blood plasma matrix. Separation of vincristine and tariquidar was achieved using a Shimpack XR ODS III C18 stationary phase and H2O and methanol mobile phase solvents containing 0.1% formic acid, running a gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min over 6.0 min. The method was linear up to 1200 ng/mL (R2 > 0.99 for both analytes), with calibrator accuracy within ± 15% of the nominal concentrations and analyte coefficient of variance <15% for both vincristine and tariquidar. Pharmacokinetic assessment of both analytes was successfully applied in mice as both single‐agent therapy and combination therapy over a 24‐h period, and a 2.3‐fold increase in vincristine drug exposure was observed in combination with tariquidar. This study validates the use of this approach for longitudinal analysis of drug exposure in animal studies.
Kinetic degradation study for the first licensed anti‐influenza polymerase inhibitor, baloxavir marboxil, using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Hafez Hani M. , Abdel‐Halim Mohammad , Hemdan Ahmed , Hammam Mennatallah A.
Published: May 2022

The first licensed polymerase inhibitor, baloxavir marboxil was recently approved for the treatment of influenza A and B viruses. Furthermore, there is growing interest in testing the antiviral activity of baloxavir marboxil against Coronavirus. Despite its critical clinical value, there is no information on the degradation products, pathways, or kinetics of baloxavir marboxil under various stress conditions. In this study, a new high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet detection method for accurately quantifying baloxavir marboxil in the presence of its degradation products was developed. A study of degradation kinetics revealed that acidic, thermal neutral, and photolytic degradation reactions have zero‐order kinetics, whereas basic and oxidative degradation reactions have first‐order kinetics. The structural characterization of baloxavir marboxil degradation products was performed by coupling the optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography method to the triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. The proposed approach was validated according to the International Council for Harmonisation Q2 (R1) requirements for accuracy, precision, robustness, specificity, and linearity. The validated new method was successfully used to analyze baloxavir marboxil as raw material and its pharmaceutical dosage form, Xofluza.
Determination of anthraquinones in Rhamnus purshiana using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and simple ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Migues Vitor Hugo , Mauricio Jorge , Gomes Angélica Ferraz , David Juceni Pereira
Published: May 2022

A new method based on Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was developed and compared with that based on high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination and quantification of anthraquinones in the extracts of Rhamnus purshiana bark. A validated quantitative analysis of cascaroside A, cascaroside B, emodin, and aloe‐emodin in these herbal products has been previously performed using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector. In the high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, all the anthraquinones showed satisfactory regression (r2 > 0.98) within the test ranges, and the recovery was in the range of 94–117%. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.008–0.010 and 0.029–0.035 μg/mL, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed differences in the anthraquinones determined from herbal samples. Subsequently, a simple and low‐cost ultraviolet spectrophotometric methodology for the quantitative analysis of the same compounds in the extracts was applied, and all the contents were determined. A paired t‐test confirmed that there were no significant differences between the two methods. Our results revealed that the developed method is simple and provides the ability to discriminate and control the quality of anthraquinones in herbal products.
A simple mathematical treatment for predicting linear solvent strength behavior in gradient elution: Application to biomolecules
Authors: Guillarme Davy , Bouvarel Thomas , Rouvière Florent , Heinisch Sabine
Published: May 2022

This paper describes an approach to rapidly and easily calculate the linear solvent strength parameters, namely log k0 and S, under reversed‐phase liquid chromatography conditions. This approach, which requires two preliminary gradient experiments to determine the retention parameters, was applied to various representative compounds including small molecules, peptides, and proteins. The retention time prediction errors were compared to the ones obtained with a commercial HPLC modeling software, and a good correlation was found between the values. However, two important constraints have to be accounted for to maintain good predictions with this new approach: i) the retention factor at the initial composition of the preliminary gradient series have to be large enough (i.e., log ki above 2.1) and ii) the retention models have to be sufficiently linear. While these two conditions are not always met with small molecules or even peptides, the situation is different with large biomolecules. This is why our simple calculation method should be preferentially applied to calculate the linear solvent strength parameters of protein samples.
Sociodemographic Factors and Health Care Utilization in Pediatric Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Ruffin William C. , Crouch Jacob B. , Burruss Clayton P. , Bush Matthew L.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Access to and utilization of perioperative healthcare may influence outcomes in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM); however, the influencing factors are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the association of sociodemographic factors with perioperative health care utilization for pediatric CSOM patients.

Methods

We conducted a review on pediatric CSOM patients (≤18 years old) who underwent tympanoplasty with/without mastoidectomy between 2010 and 2020. Sociodemographic data and clinical were collected on all participants. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between these factors and perioperative care utilization.

Results

427 patients were included in the study. The primary factor associated with health care utilization was insurance status. Rural children were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (p = 0.048). For tympanoplasty patients, Medicaid patients have 1.66 higher odds of pre‐operative no‐shows (p = 0.01), 1.31 higher odds of post‐operative no‐shows (p = 0.02), and 59% lower odds of having a postoperative audiogram (p = 0.01), and 2.64 higher odds of being from a rural community (p = 0.02). For patients undergoing mastoidectomy, Medicaid patients have 1.25 higher odds of postoperative no‐shows (p = 0.01), 39% lower odds of having a revision procedure for ossicular reconstruction (p = 0.045). Appalachian rural mastoidectomy patients had 3.62 higher odds of having cholesteatoma (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with CSOM who have Medicaid insurance, especially those who reside in rural regions, are at risk for lower perioperative hearing health care utilization. As these findings may impact care delivery and clinical outcomes, efforts should be focused on promoting utilization among these populations.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:700–705, 2023
Role of HER2 in Prognosis of Salivary Duct Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Williams Christopher Y.K. , Townson Adam T. , Terry Nancy , Schmitt Nicole C. , Sharma Arun
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. These tumors frequently stain positive for HER2/ErbB2, but data on the prognostic significance of HER2 status in SDC are mixed. We sought to determine whether HER2 status affects survival outcomes in SDC.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to October 2020. Eligibility was restricted to studies reporting HER2/ErbB2 overexpression in histologically confirmed de novo SDC or SDC ex pleomorphic adenoma, with corresponding overall (OS) and disease‐free (DFS) survival measures. Separate multivariable and univariable meta‐analyses were performed using random‐effects models. Statistical heterogeneity was estimated by Cochran's Q and I2 tests. Funnel plots were generated and Egger's test was used to assess for publication bias. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.

Results

Of 183 unique citations, 14 studies of 663 patients were included. Most included studies determined HER2 status according to ASCO/CAP guidelines. The univariable meta‐analysis did not reveal an effect between HER2 status and OS (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.84–1.42). In the multivariable analysis, HER2 positivity was associated with a HR of 1.49 for OS (95% CI 0.96–2.30). Fewer studies reported data for DFS than OS, with no relationship between HER2 status and DFS found on multivariable or univariable meta‐analyses.

Conclusion

In patients with salivary duct carcinoma, HER2 positivity was not found to be associated with worse overall survival. This information may be useful when counseling patients and considering treatment options. Laryngoscope, 133:476–484, 2023
Why does overgrazing promote nitrifiers and denitrifiers abundance and the resultant soil N2O emissions?
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhou Shurong
Published: May 2022

Overgrazing by livestock is a global environmental problem, influencing global warming via soil N2O emissions. However, it remains unknown why overgrazing leads to increased N2O emissions. Here, we used a paired design of subalpine meadows in undisturbed and overgrazed sites at four different elevations (from 3000 to 3600 m) located over an area of ~200 km2 in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP), China, to evaluate relationships among plant diversity, soil ammonium and nitrate N, the abundance of soil nitrifiers (AOA and AOB) and denitrifiers (nirK, nirS and the N2O reductase gene [nosZ]) and soil N2O emissions. Using a generalized linear mixed effects modeling framework with Poisson error, we found that the influence of overgrazing on increased abundance of soil nitrifiers and denitrifiers and associated increased soil N2O emission was a general phenomenon in QTP. More importantly, by using forward selection analysis and structural equation models, we showed overgrazing decreased plant richness, and this resulted in decreased ammonium N, but increased nitrate N at all elevations. Accordingly, decreased ammonium N, but increased nitrate N led to increased abundance of soil nitrifiers (AOA and AOB) and denitrifiers (nirK and nirS), but decreased nosZ abundance, which finally gave rise to increased soil N2O emission at all the elevations. Our results highlight the key role of plant diversity in regulating soil N2O emissions from soils. Thus, performing active ecological restoration to recover native plant species in overgrazed sites may help mitigate the influence of overgrazing on global warming.
Response of four market classes of dry bean to acifluorfen, bentazon, and bentazon/acifluorfen applied postemergence
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: May 2022

Three distinct studies consisting of a total of 11 field trials were carried out from 2016 to 2019 in Ontario to assess the tolerance of four market classes of dry bean to acifluorfen, bentazon, and bentazon/acifluorfen applied postemergence (POST) at various rates. In Study 1, acifluorfen (265 and 530 g ai ha−1) and bentazon (577 and 1144 g ai ha−1) caused up to 13% and 8% visible injury, respectively, but did not affect the relative stand, height, seed moisture, or yield of dry bean. Bentazon/acifluorfen (842 and 1684 g ai ha−1) caused up to 32% visible injury in dry bean but did not affect the relative stand, height, moisture, or seed yield except at the 2× rate which reduced dry bean biomass, height, and yield 43%, 11%, and 11%, respectively. The preformulated mixture of bentazon/acifluorfen caused a synergistic increase in dry bean injury. In Study 2, acifluorfen (600 and 1200 g ai ha−1) and bentazon (1080 and 2160 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 12% and to 9%, respectively, but did not affect the relative stand, height, moisture, or yield. Bentazon/acifluorfen (840 and 1680 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 16% but did not affect the relative stand, height, moisture, or yield of dry bean except at the high rate which reduced biomass, height, and yield 17%, 9%, and 5%, respectively. In Study 3, acifluorfen (420 and 480 g ai ha−1) and bentazon (1080 and 2160 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 24 and 16%, respectively, but did not affect the relative stand, height, seed moisture content, or yield except for the relative biomass which was reduced up to 17%. Bentazon/acifluorfen (840 and 1680 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 45% but did not affect the relative stand, height, seed moisture, or yield except for biomass, height, and seed yield which were decreased 44%, 11%, and 12% at the high rate. This study concludes that acifluorfen alone or preformulated with bentazon applied POST at rates assessed cannot be safely used dry bean.
A New Diazabenzo[k]fluoranthene‐Based D‐A Conjugated Polymer Donor for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Shaoheng , Wang Wen , Liu Hongtao , Yu Xinyu , Qin Fei , Luo Hao , Zhou Yinhua , Li Zhong'an
Published: May 2022

The development of wide‐bandgap polymer donors having complementary absorption and compatible energy levels with near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing nonfullerene acceptors is highly important for realizing high‐performance organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a new thiophene‐fused diazabenzo[k]fluoranthene derivative is successfully synthesized as the electron‐deficient unit to construct an efficient donor–acceptor (D‐A) type alternating copolymer donor, namely, PABF‐Cl, using the chlorinated benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene as the copolymerization unit. PABF‐Cl exhibits a wide optical bandgap of 1.93 eV, a deep highest occupied molecular level of −5.36 eV, and efficient hole transport. As a result, OSCs with the best power conversion efficiency of 11.8% are successfully obtained by using PABF‐Cl as the donor to blend with a NIR absorbing BTP‐eC9 acceptor. This work provides a new design of electron‐deficient unit for constructing high‐performance D‐A type polymer donors.
Exploring the characteristics of a vehicle‐based temperature dataset for kilometre‐scale data assimilation
Authors: Bell Zackary , Dance Sarah L. , Waller Joanne A.
Published: May 2022

Crowdsourced vehicle‐based observations have the potential to improve forecast skill in convection‐permitting numerical weather prediction (NWP). The aim of this paper is to explore the characteristics of vehicle‐based observations of air temperature in the context of data assimilation. We describe a novel low‐precision vehicle‐based observation dataset obtained from a Met Office proof‐of‐concept trial. In this trial, observations of air temperature were obtained from built‐in vehicle air‐temperature sensors, broadcast to an application on the participant's smartphone, and uploaded, with relevant metadata, to the Met Office servers. We discuss the instrument and representation uncertainties associated with vehicle‐based observations and present a new quality‐control procedure. It is shown that, for some observations, location metadata may be inaccurate due to unsuitable smartphone application settings. The characteristics of the data that passed quality control are examined through comparison with United Kingdom variable‐resolution model data, roadside weather information station observations, and Met Office integrated data archive system observations. Our results show that the uncertainty associated with vehicle‐based observation‐minus‐model comparisons is likely to be weather‐dependent and possibly vehicle‐dependent. Despite the low precision of the data, vehicle‐based observations of air temperature could be a useful source of spatially‐dense and temporally‐frequent observations for NWP.
Real representation for solving reduced biquaternion matrix equations XF−AX=BY$$ XF- AX= BY $$ and XF−AX˜=BY$$ XF-A\tilde{X}= BY $$
Authors: Ding Wenxv , Li Ying , Wei Anli
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a new real representation of reduced biquaternion matrix is proposed, and the solutions of the reduced biquaternion matrix equations
and
are solved by means of this method. The corresponding numerical algorithm is provided, and the effectiveness of this method is verified by numerical examples.
Experimental and numerical study of size effects on the crushing strength of rockfill particles
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Zhu Jungao , Jia Yun , Colliat Jean‐Baptiste , Bian Hanbing , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2022

To better understand the microstructure parameters controlling grain crushing and how the microstructure evolution influences the crushing characteristics of rockfill particles, the emphasis of the present study focuses on the size effects on the crushing strength of rockfill particles, with special attention to internal flaws. Single‐particle crushing tests are performed on rockfill particles with four different size fractions. By combining these results with the experimental results from the literature, the suitability of the Weibull model to describe the size effects on the breakage strength of rock grains is discussed. To understand why larger grains possess lower strength, a bonded particle model (BPM) is established in YADE to simulate the particle crushing tests. Model parameters are calibrated against the obtained force–displacement curve. The failure and deformation behaviors of studied rockfill particles are satisfactorily reproduced by the numerical simulation. The size effects are then studied using the agglomerates with different flaw characteristics (e.g., sizes, numbers, volume ratios, distributions, and locations). Numerical results exhibit that for the studied rockfill particles, when the ratio of flaw size to agglomerate size is less than 0.186, the flaw volume ratio is the key factor for size effects, and the breakage strength of particles is slightly related to the flaw size. In contrast, the breakage strength of particles depends not only on the flaw volume ratio but also on the flaw distribution/location when the flaw size is large. Microscopic analysis and DEM modeling can improve the understanding of crushing and deformation behaviors of rockfill particles.
Dissemination control in dynamic data clustering for dense IIoT against false data injection attack
Authors: Pedroso Carlos , Santos Aldri
Published: May 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) has made possible the development of increasingly driven services, like industrial Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) services, that often deal with massive amounts of data. Meantime, as IIoT networks grow, the threats are even greater, and false data injection (FDI) attacks stand out as being one of the most aggressive. The majority of current solutions to handle this attack do not take into account the data validation, especially on the data clustering service. Aiming to advance on the issue, this work introduces CONsensus Based Data FIlteriNg for IIoT (CONFINIT), an intrusion detection system for mitigating FDI attacks on the data dissemination service performing in dense IIoT networks. CONFINIT combines watchdog surveillance and collaborative consensus strategies for assertively excluding various FDI attacks. The simulations showed that CONFINIT compared with Dynamic Data‐aware Firefly‐based Clustering (DDFC) increased by up to 35%–40% the number of clusters without attackers in a gas pressure IIoT environment. CONFINIT achieved attack detection rates (DRs) of 99%, accuracy of 90, and F1 score of 0.81 in multiple IIoT scenarios, with only up to 3.2% and 3.6% of false negatives and positives rates, respectively. Moreover, under two variants of FDI attacks, called Churn and Sensitive attacks, CONFINIT achieved DRs of 100%, accuracy of 99, and F1 of 0.93 with less than 2% of false positives and negatives rates.
Balanced cable routing for offshore wind farms with obstacles
Authors: Cazzaro Davide , Pisinger David
Published: May 2022

The cable routing problem is the task of designing the minimum‐cost electrical network between the turbines of offshore wind farms while satisfying several constraints. It contributes to decreasing wind energy costs, favoring the green transition. This paper focuses on balanced cable routing, studying both branched and radial network topology. First, we propose a visibility graph to route cables around obstacles and boundaries present in the wind farm area. Next, we develop a novel Large Neighborhood Search (LNS) heuristic using neighborhoods of increasing complexity: swap, exchanging two turbines between root‐branches; double swap, exchanging two pairs of turbines; cycle swap, moving turbines between root‐branches; and re‐partition, re‐partitioning and re‐routing two adjacent root‐branches. We also extend the LNS heuristic to the unbalanced branched configuration to compare to existing literature. On average, it finds solutions of the same quality using two orders of magnitude less run‐time, improving the solutions in five cases.
Development of a bioactive microencapsulation platform incorporating decellularized extracellular matrix to entrap human induced pluripotent stem cells for versatile biomedical applications
Authors: Krishtul Stasia , Davidov Tzila , Efraim Yael , Skitel‐Moshe Michal , Baruch Limor , Machluf Marcelle
Published: May 2022

Human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great promise in the fields of regenerative therapy and personalized in vitro tissue models as they provide an almost endless autologous source of virtually any cell type. Their potential benefits can be highly enhanced through polymeric cell microencapsulation, which offers the cells structural support and immune protection from the host tissue. However, in contrast to biologically‐inert polymers, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)‐based microencapsulation also provides the cells a physiologically mimetic bioactive microenvironment while providing reproducibility and scalability. Here we describe the entrapment of hiPSCs in a porcine pancreatic ECM (pECM)‐based microencapsulation platform and address its key aspects. To promote high levels of cell survival and growth, several encapsulation parameters were optimized, including cell dissociation level, the process layout, and Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor addition. This has allowed extensive proliferation of the cells for at least 21 days in vitro. Furthermore, the encapsulation of embryoid bodies (EBs) was assessed to address the entrapment of hiPSCs at various stages of differentiation, and the culture conditions that promote lasting encapsulated EB survival were investigated. Finally, to study the in vivo safety of dECM‐encapsulated hiPSC‐derived products, completely undifferentiated pECM‐encapsulated hiPSCs were implanted in mice. The cells displayed a slower proliferation rate in vivo and showed no signs of cell escape from the microcapsules. Altogether, the results of this study point to the potential of dECM‐based microencapsulation to provide an efficient polymeric platform for transplantation of hiPSC‐derived products and the development of iPSC‐based 3D tissue models.
Fractional description for the rate‐dependent viscoelastic response of tough hydrogels
Authors: Gao Yunfei , Yin Deshun , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2022

Metal‐coordination mediated tough hydrogels have been considered as a promising materials for novel utilization in programmable actuation structures. However, the rate‐dependent mechanical behavior attributed to their intrinsic mechanical properties of mixed elasticity and viscosity, imposing a challenge for the realization of controllable deformations. In this work, the effect of stretch rate was incorporated into a variable fractional order model in order to describe and predict the rate‐dependent mechanical response of physically tough hydrogels. Firstly, we provide an iteration algorithm for model estimation and conduct simulations of the stress response under monotonic stretch to verify the applicability of proposed model. The performance of proposed model is compared with the existing model to validate its accuracy. Then, the present model is employed to describe the rate‐dependent stress response under cyclic loading. The change rule of related parameters with stretch rate is also unraveled by the present model, which is further utilized to test the model's predictive ability. Moreover, the physical meaning of variable order is qualitatively explored in conjunction with the evolution mechanism of dynamic bonds.
Recent advancements in interface engineering of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites and their durability studies at different service temperatures
Authors: Gangineni Pavan Kumar , Gupta K. B. N. V. S. Ganesh , Patnaik Satyaroop , Prusty Rajesh Kumar , Ray Bankim Chandra
Published: May 2022

A point of major concern in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is the interface between the carbon fibers (CFs) and the polymer matrix, which acts as the weakest link. Researchers have tried to work around this drawback by modifying the fiber or the matrix via the addition of nanofillers or using chemical treatment methods. In this review, the progress made in the last decade for enhancing the mechanical performance of CFRP composites by applying the aforementioned methods has been covered. Another aspect of CFRP composites that has limited their adaptability is their susceptibility both at sub‐zero and at elevated temperatures. In the later part of this review, the co‐relation between different service temperatures and the various mechanical properties of CFRP composites and has been elaborated upon. A better understanding of temperature dependent mechanical response would empower us to tailor the properties of CFRP composites depending on the in‐service temperature conditions.
How Chinese children's filial piety beliefs affect their parents’ life satisfaction and loneliness
Authors: Zheng Xiaoqian , Li Haifeng
Published: May 2022

Filial piety (or xiao) is a unique Chinese culture that affects older adults’ life satisfaction and loneliness. Guided by the dual filial piety model and socioemotional selectivity theory, this study explores how adult children's filial piety beliefs affect their parent's life satisfaction and loneliness. A total of 350 pairs of parent–child data were collected through a parent–child pair design. Results show that emotional support provided by adult children and emotional support perceived by parents (i.e., the transmission of emotional support) fully mediated the relationship between children's reciprocal filial piety belief and parents’ life satisfaction and loneliness, and partially mediated the relationship between children's authoritarian filial piety belief and parents’ life satisfaction and loneliness. However, instrumental support provided by adult children and instrumental support perceived by parents (i.e., the transmission of instrumental support) had no such mediating roles in the relationship between adult children's filial piety beliefs and parents’ life satisfaction and loneliness. This finding suggests that to improve parental well‐being, adult Chinese children should cultivate their filial piety and pay close attention to their parents’ emotional needs.
Long‐chain branching of polyethylene terephthalate: Rheological/thermal properties of polyethylene terephthalate/carbon nanotube nanocomposite
Authors: Dolatshah Saeed , Ahmadi Shervin , Ershad Langroodi Amir , Alavi Aida
Published: May 2022

Thermal degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites is a serious issue in the manufacturing process of this nanocomposite that can limit the applications of the nanocomposite. In this study, the effects of two kinds of chain extenders, pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and pentaerythritol (PENTA), on the rheological behavior, thermal characteristics, and crystallinity of the PET were investigated. The results of shear rheology revealed improvement of the storage modulus and complex viscosity, which indicated the recoupling of broken chains, increasing the chain length, and the generation of long branches was the reason for chain extension. Also, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results clarified an increase in PET crystallization rate in the presence of CNT and chain extenders. Furthermore, SEM was performed to detect CNT dispersion in the nanocomposite, and four‐probe technique test was utilized to determine the influence of CNT on the electrical properties of PET.
Statistical optimization for preparing nanofibrous mats of polybutylene adipate co‐terephthalate/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blends by solution blow spinning
Authors: Freire Leonardo Almeida , Lemos Ana Carolina Cortez , Miranda Kelvi Wilson Evaristo , da Silva Joaquim Paulo , de Oliveira Juliano Elvis
Published: May 2022

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is used to make poly(butylene‐adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) blend nanofibers and study the effect of process parameters on their formation. A 34–1 fractional factorial statistical model with three levels and four factors was applied. The factors included the concentration of PVP (wt%) in the PBAT polymer matrix, pressurized air pressure (psi), working distance (cm), and feed rate (ml h−1). The linear and quadratic effects were analyzed using a Pareto chart and verified in a well‐adjusted response surface model. The PVP concentration and working distance had a significant effect on the production of nanofibers. The nanofibrous mats were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and had a mean diameter ranging from 164 to 656 nm. A higher concentration of PVP and a shorter working distance resulted in lower mean fiber diameter. In addition, X‐ray diffraction revealed an increase in the degree of crystallinity of the nanofibrous PBAT due to a greater degree of packing among the polymer molecules. However, the addition of PVP to the polymer matrix is associated with a reduction in the degree of crystallinity of the nanofibrous mat.
Living and controlled reversible‐activation polymerization (RAP) on the way to reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP)
Authors: Moad Graeme
Published: May 2022

In 2010, an IUPAC task group comprising Aubrey Jenkins, Dick Jones and Graeme Moad coined ‘reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP)’ as a new term to describe what up to that time had been known variously as living or controlled radical polymerization. This paper describes the steps and missteps in the terminological development of RDRP. The paper that introduced the term is currently one of the more highly cited IUPAC terminology papers. © 2022 Commonwealth of Australia. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Unique characteristics of patients who choose an intensive lifestyle medicine program to address chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Cheng Abby L. , Carbonell Katherine V. , Prather Heidi , Hong Barry A. , Downs Dana L. , Metzler John P. , Hunt Devyani M.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Factors that motivate musculoskeletal patients to pursue an intensive, lifestyle medicine–based approach to care are poorly understood.

Objective

To determine whether, compared to patients seeking musculoskeletal care through traditional pathways, patients who choose an intensive lifestyle medicine program for musculoskeletal pain endorse greater physical dysfunction, worse psychological health, and/or more biopsychosocial comorbidities.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of existing medical records from 2018 to 2021.

Setting

Orthopedic department of one academic medical center.

Patients

Fifty consecutive patients who enrolled in an intensive lifestyle medicine program to address a musculoskeletal condition. Comparison groups were the following: (1) 100 patients who presented for standard nonoperative musculoskeletal care, and (2) 100 patients who presented for operative evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon and qualified for joint arthroplasty.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcomes were age‐adjusted, between‐group differences in Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical and psychological health measures. Secondary outcomes were between‐group differences in sociodemographic and medical history characteristics.

Results

Patients who enrolled in the intensive lifestyle medicine program were more racially diverse (non‐White race: lifestyle cohort 34% vs. comparison cohorts 16%‐18%, p ≤ .029) and had a higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes than both comparison groups (mean body mass index: lifestyle cohort 37.6 kg/m2 vs. comparison cohorts 29.3‐32.0, p < .001; diabetes prevalence: lifestyle cohort 32% vs. comparison cohorts 12%‐16%, p ≤ .024). Compared to standard nonoperative patients, there were no clear between‐group differences in PROMIS physical or psychological health scores. Compared to standard operative evaluation patients, patients in the lifestyle program reported worse anxiety but less pain interference (PROMIS Anxiety: B = 3.8 points [95% confidence interval, 0.1 to 7.4], p = .041; Pain interference: B = −3.6 [−6.0 to −1.2], p = .004).

Conclusions

Compared to musculoskeletal patients who sought care through traditional pathways, patients who chose an intensive lifestyle medicine pathway had a higher prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, but there was substantial overlap in patients' physical, psychological, and sociodemographic characteristics.