bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Application of Kirkwood's Theory of Order-Disorder Transformation to Adsorption
Authors: J.S Wang  , jenn Yueh Mei
Published: January 2022

The phenomenon of euperlattice formation on an adeorbed layer is investigated by using both Kirkwood's theory and Bøthe's therry of ørder-disorder transformation. Jt is shown that when the interaction energy betweeu the adsorbed atoms is positive and when the temperature is below a certain eritical temperature the,slope of the adsorption igothermals and the heat of orption have a diseontinuity a a certain transition θ, where θ is the iraction of the surface covered by adsorbed atoms. This transition θ is situated symmetrically about the value θ=1/2, suoh that if θt is the transition θ, ther 1-θt is also one. When θ<θt and θ>1-θt no superlattice is formed.
Recent Harp and Hooded Seal Pup Production Estimates in the Greenland Sea Suggest Ecology-Driven Declines
Authors: Biuw Martin , Øigård Tor Arne , Nilssen Kjell Tormod , Stenson Garry , Lindblom Lotta , Poltermann Michael , Kristiansen Martin , Haug Tore
Published: January 2022

Pup production of the Greenland Sea populations of harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded (Cystophora cristata) seals were estimated based upon aerial surveys in March 2018. One fixed-wing aircraft was used for large-area reconnaissance flights to identify the whelping concentrations and to carry out photographic surveys along systematic transects over the whelping areas. A helicopter, operated from an ice-going vessel, flew more localised reconnaissance flights, deployed GPS beacons within the detected whelping concentrations to monitor ice movements, and determined the proportion of pups in specific age-related developmental stages. While the entire estimated pupping region should ideally be covered during one day, photographic surveys in 2018 were carried out on two consecutive days, March 27 and 28, with slightly different survey designs between the two days to account for potential gaps in coverage caused by changes in visibility and cloud cover. Surveys on the two days were partially overlapping, and pup production estimates were consistent when using different combinations of transects from the two days, suggesting that these photographic counts give a relatively robust estimate of pup production in 2018. The combination of surveys that was deemed most appropriate (in terms of maximum coverage with minimum risk of double coverage) yielded an estimated harp seal pup production of 54,181 (SE=9,236, CV=0.17), which is significantly lower than estimates obtained in similar surveys in 2002, 2007, and 2012. Estimated hooded seal pup production was 12,977 (SE=1,823, CV=0.14), which is lower than estimates obtained from surveys in 2005 and 2007, but similar to estimates from the most recent survey in 2012. The reasons for these declines are unknown, but similar declines in the Barents Sea and White Sea harp seals in the mid-2000s suggest that large-scale environmental or ecological changes affecting the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea may be important factors.
High fitness areas drive the aggregation of the sea urchin Mesocentrotus nudus
Authors: Yu Yushi , Sun Jiangnan , Chang Yaqing , Zhao Chong
Published: January 2022

Sea urchin aggregation is a common phenomenon in coastlines. However, it remains controversial whether sea urchins form resource aggregations or behavioral aggregations in a non-spawning season. To clarify, we studied the aggregative responses to food and predators in the sea urchin Mesocentrotus nudus when high fitness areas (HFAs) were scarce versus sufficient. By taking the occupied area of each sea urchin (test diameter + spines =  4.5 cm) as a square (4.5 cm × 4.5 cm), we set scarce HFAs for the sea urchins in Experiment 1 (the squares of HFAs: the area occupied by experimental sea urchins = 1:1) and sufficient HFAs for the sea urchins in Experiment 2 (the squares of HFAs: the area occupied by experimental sea urchins = 2:1). If M. nudus form resource aggregations, they would aggregate passively under the scarce HFAs conditions, but not in the sufficient HFAs conditions. Conversely, if M. nudus form behavioral aggregation, aggregation would occur in both scarce and sufficient HFAs. The present results showed that in the scarce HFAs, M. nudus in the food and predator groups were significantly closer to the food and further from predators, and had significantly more aggregated numbers in HFAs than those in the control group. Sea urchins did not aggregate in response to food or predators under the sufficient HFAs, although significantly more sea urchins of the experimental group was found in HFAs than that of the control group. Sea urchins (at least M. nudus) form resource aggregations that are driven by the scarce HFAs. This provides valuable information into the mechanisms of the aggregation of sea urchins.
Problems and Reforms of Sericulture Seed Farmers in Malda District, West Bengal
Authors: Abhilash P. L. , Sarkar Sanjit , Bagchi Soumendra Nath
Published: January 2022

Being an agro based industry; sericulture provides employment opportunities to men and women in rural as well as urban areas. Adopted Seed Rearers (ASRs) are the sericulture farmers having impeccable skills involved in the production of quality mulberry seed cocoons, which are used for the generation of healthy commercial Disease Free Layings (DFLs). In this study, the primary data was collected from the leading ASRs of Gazole, Malda district, West Bengal. The study has revealed that the ASRs are facing several constraints to generate superior quality seed cocoons. Women in the family are also actively engaged in all activities of sericulture generates considerable income. Hence sericulture can be considered as a promising tool for the sustainable rural development.
Cardiac Function and Structure in Fetuses of Gestational and Pre-Gestational Mothers Suffering Diabetes
Authors: Wakeel Mona Al , Amrousy Doaa El , Mamdouh Nevine , Balaha Magdy , Zoair Amr
Published: January 2022

Background: The prevalence of maternal hyperglycemic disorders during pregnancy is increasing due to the obesity epidemic and increasing age of the pregnant mothers. This study aimed to assess the cardiac function and structure in fetuses of gestational and pre-gestational mothers suffering diabetes compared to those of healthy mothers using fetal echocardiography.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total number of 60 pregnant women, they were classified into three equal groups; group I included 20 pregnant women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), group II included 20 pregnant women with GDM, and group III included 20 healthy pregnant women as the control group. These women were subjected to complete history taking, laboratory investigations, and fetal echocardiography evaluation for cardiac function using M mode, 2 dimensional, and pulsed wave Doppler.

Results: Interventricular septum (IVS) as well as left ventricular (LV) wall thickness were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in mothers suffering diabetes compared to the healthy control group. Diabetes decreased LV diastolic function but did not affect LV systolic function. IVS thickness has a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with all indices of DM such as HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and 2 hours postprandial glucose level. While mitral E-wave/A-wave ratio had a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) with duration of DM.

Conclusions: IVS thickness is the most affected structures in fetal heart of mothers suffering diabetes. Moreover, LV diastolic function was affected in such fetuses unlike the systolic function. Fetal echocardiography in mothers suffering diabetes is highly important, not only to diagnose structural abnormalities but also for evaluation of cardiac function of the fetuses.
Computed Tomography for Evaluation and Follow up of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Microwave Ablation
Authors: Ahmed Elzahraa Ismail , Al Shahawi El Shimaa Zakaria , Mohammad Elwan Nadia , Badawy Manal Ezzat
Published: January 2022

Background: When surgical procedures are not possible, image-guided HCC tumor ablation provides curative treatment or acceptable therapeutic choices in appropriately selected patients. Post-ablation tumor response evaluation is critical for assessing treatment effectiveness and further therapy. Ultrasound (US) and Computed Tomography (CT) are critical in the follow-up of patients who have undergone liver thermal ablation therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of computed tomography for evaluation and follow-up of hepatocellular carcinoma following Microwave ablation.

Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 30 patients radiologically proved with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results: Triphasic CT imaging arterial phase revealed homogenous enhancement lesions in 46.7% of patients and heterogeneous enhancement in 53.35% of patients. All the lesions showed early washout in Porto venous and delayed phases with a patent portal vein in all patients. The diameter of the ablated area was different according to the duration of ablation. 60 W was applied for 8-10 minutes, resulting in ablation zones of 3.5-4 x 4.7-5.2 cm whereas applications of 60 W for 10-15 minutes resulted in ablation zones with a size of 4.5 - 5.5 x 5.6-6.5 cm. Triphasic CT was performed after 1 month and revealed that the success rate was 93.8% for tumors measuring ≤ 3cm 92.9% for tumors measuring 3-5cm. Local tumor progression was shown in 2 patients (6%) after 1 month, in 3 patients (10%) after 3 months, and in 5 patients (16.7%) after 6 months of follow-up. There was an intrahepatic distant recurrence in 9 patients (30%) after 1 month, in 15 patients (50%) after 3 months, and in 18 patients (60%) after 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions: Percutaneous microwave ablation guided by ultrasound for the treatment of challenging HCC tumors up to 5 cm in diameter, including exophytic or subcapsular targets as well as those located in the hepatic dome or close to the diaphragm / hepatic hilum /heart, shown satisfactory efficacy and safety rates. For both technical and clinical success, selecting the proper approach is critical.
Boron‐Mediated Radical Reactions
Authors: André‐Joyaux Emy , Gnägi Lars , Gnägi‐Lux Manuel , Becerra Camilo Andrés Melendez , Soulard Valentin , Tappin Nicholas D. C. , Renaud Philippe
Published: January 2022

This chapter focuses on the use of boron‐containing reagents in radical reactions. In all reactions presented here, boron is playing a key role in the radical process either by being part of the radical process or by influencing the reactivity of the radical and nonradical species. The diversity of radical chemistry involving organoboron species is spectacular. They represent a unique source of radicals for chain reactions allowing for instance efficient radical initiation at low temperature and generation of a broad range of functionalized alkyl radicals from easily prepared organoboranes. Recent developments in redox chemistry including photoredox catalysis, electrochemistry, and single‐electron‐transfer processes have allowed the generation of alkyl and aryl radicals from stable organoboron derivatives such as alkyl‐ and aryl‐trifluoroborates. A broad range of synthetic applications such as radical cascade processes, multicomponent reactions, and cross‐coupling reactions in the presence of suitable metals are possible. Besides radical generation, boron‐containing radical precursors and radical traps are becoming of increasing importance to prepare building blocks enclosing a boron moiety suitable for further functionalization. Merging radical processes with classical boron chemistry including Suzuki–Miyaura‐type cross‐coupling processes; homologation via 1,2‐metallate rearrangement; and conversions to alcohols, amines, and related compounds offers unique opportunities for applications in organic synthesis.
Deep learning‐based convolutional neural network for intramodality brain MRI synthesis
Authors: Osman Alexander F. I. , Tamam Nissren M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The existence of multicontrast magnetic resonance (MR) images increases the level of clinical information available for the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer patients. However, acquiring the complete set of multicontrast MR images is not always practically feasible. In this study, we developed a state‐of‐the‐art deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) for image‐to‐image translation across three standards MRI contrasts for the brain.

Methods

BRATS’2018 MRI dataset of 477 patients clinically diagnosed with glioma brain cancer was used in this study, with each patient having T1‐weighted (T1), T2‐weighted (T2), and FLAIR contrasts. It was randomly split into 64%, 16%, and 20% as training, validation, and test set, respectively. We developed a U‐Net model to learn the nonlinear mapping of a source image contrast to a target image contrast across three MRI contrasts. The model was trained and validated with 2D paired MR images using a mean‐squared error (MSE) cost function, Adam optimizer with 0.001 learning rate, and 120 epochs with a batch size of 32. The generated synthetic‐MR images were evaluated against the ground‐truth images by computing the MSE, mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM).

Results

The generated synthetic‐MR images with our model were nearly indistinguishable from the real images on the testing dataset for all translations, except synthetic FLAIR images had slightly lower quality and exhibited loss of details. The range of average PSNR, MSE, MAE, and SSIM values over the six translations were 29.44–33.25 dB, 0.0005–0.0012, 0.0086–0.0149, and 0.932–0.946, respectively. Our results were as good as the best‐reported results by other deep learning models on BRATS datasets.

Conclusions

Our U‐Net model exhibited that it can accurately perform image‐to‐image translation across brain MRI contrasts. It could hold great promise for clinical use for improved clinical decision‐making and better diagnosis of brain cancer patients due to the availability of multicontrast MRIs. This approach may be clinically relevant and setting a significant step to efficiently fill a gap of absent MR sequences without additional scanning.
Fabrication Advancements in Integrated Fluxgate Sensors: A Mini Review
Authors: Savarapu Rajesh , Sohan Arya , Kollu Pratap
Published: January 2022

Research on fluxgate magnetic sensors (FMS) has been in progress for past decades and has become popular for high precision results, external magnetic field detection, and simple design structure. The basic fluxgate magnetic sensor structure consists of an excitation coil, and pickup coils twist around the soft magnetic material. Although sensor size is simple, researchers, and engineers have been looking for decades to take advantage and integrate these devices into the tiny circuitry. This review will discuss the classic and new‐related fluxgate sensor design structures. Moreover, this review presents the main existing of the conventional/ micro/PCB (Printed circuit board) devices, materials and elements used for the fabrication, analytical models, and simulation tools. Future challenges in the fluxgate sensor fabrication are analyzed critically, and alternative approaches for better design are presented. The review emphasizes the benefits of fluxgate sensors in terms of translation. The particular segment includes a comparison of micro technology design against printed circuit board design. Improvements in fluxgate sensor noise, sensitivity concerning design parameters are reviewed and summarized chronologically. Compared with the previous studies published several decades ago, it will help beginners learn the step‐by‐step fabrication stages of fluxgate sensors for advanced applications and also complete overview about fabrication advancements of fluxgate sensors.
Sequential Assembly Tailored Interior of Porous Carbon Spheres for Boosted Water Decontamination through Peroxymonosulfate Activation
Authors: Mei Shu‐Chuan , Huang Gui‐Xiang , Rui Xian‐Hong , Li Liang , Ke Ming‐Kun , Pan Xiao‐Qiang , Wang Zhao‐Hua , Yang Xu‐Dan , Yu Han‐Qing , Yu Yan
Published: January 2022

Self‐assembly is an appealing strategy for preparing nanospheres with different interiors, which are essential for their applications. Although many assembly strategies have been proposed, controlling the assembly processes from kinetic aspects is a big challenge. Here, by employing the different reaction kinetics of the assembly precursors, a sequential assembly strategy is proposed to tailor the interior structure of porous carbon spheres. Through changing the feeding interval of resin and silica precursors from 0 to 60 min, their nucleation order can be controlled in the assembly process to prepare porous carbon spheres (≈450 nm in size) with tunable type (i.e., hollow or solid) and size (from less than 100 nm to around 230 nm) of interiors. The hollow spheres exhibit over three times the catalytic activity of the core–shell counterparts for activating peroxymonosulfate to remove organic water contaminants, and the activity can be further improved by decreasing the cavity size. These results show the great significance of the sequential assembly strategy for interior engineering of nanospheres. This work opens up a new approach for rational design and synthesis of interior‐structured nanospheres.
Highly Inoxidizable Heptamethine Cyanine–Glucose Oxidase Conjugate Nanoagent for Combination of Enhanced Photothermal Therapy and Tumor Starvation
Authors: Zou Yang , Liu Weijian , Sun Wen , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun
Published: January 2022

Heptamethine cyanine dye (Cy7) has been widely applied in cell imaging and tumor phototherapy by virtue of its excellent photophysical properties and biocompatibility. However, in the presence of oxygen, large conjugated skeletons are easily destroyed by photooxidation reaction under light irradiation, which greatly limits its inoxidizability and photothermal therapy (PTT) effect. Accordingly, in this study, a new strategy (Cy‐GOx) is developed by the catalytic reaction of glucose oxidase (GOx) that consumes oxygen to highly improve the antioxidant capacity of Cy7, achieving the combination of enhanced PTT and starvation therapy. During this catalytic reaction, glucose as an important nutrient for cancer cell growth is consumed, achieving GOx‐mediated tumor starvation therapy. The fluorescence and intersystem crossing (ISC) of Cy‐GOx are greatly inhibited, which ensures that the absorbed photon energy is mainly released by means of nonradiative transition, significantly improving its photothermal effect. Of note, this strategy can effectively realize tumor inhibition by both intratumoral injection and intravenous injection. Thus, it is believed that this design concept will provide a new strategy for improving the antioxidant capacity and photothermal effect of Cy7 in combination therapy for enhanced antitumor efficacy.
Revisiting the Roles of Natural Graphite in Ongoing Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Liang , Ding Baichuan , Qin Xian‐Ying , Wang Zhijie , Lv Wei , He Yan‐Bing , Yang Quan‐Hong , Kang Feiyu
Published: January 2022

Graphite, commonly including artificial graphite and natural graphite (NG), possesses a relatively high theoretical capacity of 372 mA h g–1 and appropriate lithiation/de‐lithiation potential, and has been extensively used as the anode of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). With the requirements of reducing CO2 emission to achieve carbon neutral, the market share of NG anode will continue to grow due to its excellent processability and low production energy consumption. NG, which is abundant in China, can be divided into flake graphite (FG) and microcrystalline graphite (MG). In the past 30 years, many researchers have focused on developing modified NG and its derivatives with superior electrochemical performance, promoting their wide applications in LIBs. Here, a comprehensive overview of the origin, roles, and research progress of NG‐based materials in ongoing LIBs is provided, including their structure, properties, electrochemical performance, modification methods, derivatives, composites, and applications, especially the strategies to improve their high‐rate and low‐temperature charging performance. Prospects regarding the development orientation as well as future applications of NG‐based materials are also considered, which will provide significant guidance for the current and future research of high‐energy‐density LIBs.
Star‐Polymer–DNA Gels Showing Highly Predictable and Tunable Mechanical Responses
Authors: Ohira Masashi , Katashima Takuya , Naito Mitsuru , Aoki Daisuke , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Iwase Hiroki , Takata Shin‐ichi , Miyata Kanjiro , Chung Ung‐il , Sakai Takamasa , Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Li Xiang
Published: January 2022

Dynamically crosslinked gels are appealing materials for applications that require time‐dependent mechanical responses. DNA duplexes are ideal crosslinkers for building such gels because of their excellent sequence addressability and flexible tunability in bond energy. However, the mechanical responses of most DNA gels are complicated and unpredictable. Here, a DNA gel with a highly homogeneous gel network and well predictable mechanical behaviors is demonstrated by using a pair of star‐polymer–DNA precursors with presimulated DNA sequences showing the two‐state transition. The melting curve analysis of the DNA gels reveals the good correspondence between the thermodynamic potentials of the DNA crosslinkers and the presimulated values by DNA calculators. Stress‐relaxation tests and dissociation kinetics measurements show that the macroscopic relaxation time of the DNA gels is approximately equal to the lifetime of the DNA crosslinkers over 4 orders of magnitude from 0.1–2000 s. Furthermore, a series of durability tests find the DNA gels are hysteresis‐less and self‐healable after the applications of repeated temperature and mechanical stimuli. These results demonstrate the great potential of star‐polymer–DNA precursors for building gels with predictable and tunable viscoelastic properties, suitable for applications such as stress‐response extracellular matrices, injectable solids, and soft robotics.
Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals
Authors: Uchida Junya , Soberats Bartolome , Gupta Monika , Kato Takashi
Published: January 2022

Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid‐crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic‐based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid‐crystalline materials, are also discussed.
Visible to Near‐Infrared Photodiodes with Advanced Radiation Resistance
Authors: Brus Viktor V. , Solovan Mykhailo M. , Schopp Nora , Kaikanov Marat , Mostovyi Andriy I.
Published: January 2022

A new type of sub‐micron metal‐intrinsic semiconductor‐metal visible to near‐infrared (400–1600 nm) photodiodes based on a unique combination of radiation‐resistant functional materials: sapphire, TiN, MoOx, CdTe, Hg3In2Te6, and graphite is proposed. The promising optoelectronic characteristics are calculated in the scope of a comprehensive semi‐analytical model, based on the complementary fusion of numerical Transfer Matrix optical simulation with analytical Hecht and dark generation current equations. The findings demonstrate proof‐of‐concept next‐generation high‐performance optoelectronic devices with advanced radiation resistance. Moreover, a simple device engineering modification has revealed a significant optimization potential for considered photodiodes.
Spin Wave Electromagnetic Nano‐Antenna Enabled by Tripartite Phonon‐Magnon‐Photon Coupling
Authors: Fabiha Raisa , Lundquist Jonathan , Majumder Sudip , Topsakal Erdem , Barman Anjan , Bandyopadhyay Supriyo
Published: January 2022

Tripartite coupling between phonons, magnons, and photons in a periodic array of elliptical magnetostrictive nanomagnets delineated on a piezoelectric substrate to form a 2D two‐phase multiferroic crystal is investigated. Surface acoustic waves (SAW) (phonons) of 5–35 GHz frequency launched into the substrate cause the magnetizations of the nanomagnets to precess at the frequency of the wave, giving rise to confined spin‐wave modes (magnons) within the nanomagnets. The spin waves, in turn, radiate electromagnetic waves (photons) into the surrounding space at the SAW frequency. Here, the phonons couple into magnons, which then couple into photons. This tripartite phonon‐magnon‐photon coupling is thus exploited to implement an extreme sub‐wavelength electromagnetic antenna whose measured radiation efficiency and antenna gain exceed the approximate theoretical limits for traditional antennas of the same dimensions by more than two orders of magnitude at some frequencies. Micro‐magnetic simulations are in excellent agreement with experimental observations and provide insight into the spin‐wave modes that couple into radiating electromagnetic modes to implement the antenna.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Imidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐3‐ones with Dihydroisoquinolines and N‐substituted Amino Acids
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Hui , Cui Hai‐Lei
Published: January 2022

A mild direct synthesis of chiral imidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐3‐one derivatives with dihydroisoquinolines and N‐substituted amino acids have been developed. By the use of easily accessible DCC as condensation reagent at ambient temperature, a series of imidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐3‐ones can be assembled readily in low to good yields with low to excellent dr values. Interestingly, the use of N‐substituted L‐Threonine and L‐Serine afforded oxazino[2,3‐a]isoquinolin‐4‐one derivatives with good diastereoselectivities.
Rh(III)‐Catalysed Switchable and Chemoselective Synthesis of Difluorinated Pyrazolo[1,2‐a]indazolone and Indole Frameworks
Authors: Lin Shuang , Wang Yi , Peng Zhi‐Huan , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Zhi , Gao Hui , Yi Wei
Published: January 2022

Different from the classical defluorinated process for gem‐difluoromethylene alkynes, described herein is the chemodivergent synthesis of difluorinated pyrazolo[1,2‐a]indazolone and indole frameworks via Rh(III)‐catalysed regioselective C−H functionalization of phenidone with gem‐difluoromethylene alkynes in a switchable manner. The detailed reaction pathways and the origin of chemoselectivity were clarified through a combined experimental and computational mechanistic study, which involves different quench modes of C−Rh bond via protonolysis or C−N bond reductive elimination switched by the solvent
Two binuclear silver(I) complexes containing V‐shaped bis (benzimidazole) ligands: Syntheses, structures, and electrochemical sensing toward hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Sun Fugang , Dong Jianping , Li Ruixue , Jiang Yuxuan , Wan Tiantian , Wu Huilu
Published: January 2022

Two new silver(I) complexes, formulated as [Ag2L12(isophthalate)]·(C2H5OH)5(1), [Ag2L22(isophthalate)](2)(L1 = 1,3‐bis[(N‐methyl‐benzimidazole)methylene]‐2‐aniline, L2 = 1,3‐bis[(N‐ethyl‐benzimidazole)methylene]‐2‐aniline), were synthesized by volatilization method and characterized by X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The crystal analysis showed that although complexes1and2were both binuclear, their Ag(I) centers exhibited different coordination geometric structures: four‐coordinated distorted tetrahedron in complex1, whereas three‐coordinated planar triangle in complex2. The electrochemical sensing performances of carbon paste electrode modified with Ag(I) complexes (CPE‐1 for complex1and CPE‐2 for complex2) toward H2O2were evaluated by cyclic voltammogram and chronoamperometry in 0.2 M phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS, pH = 6.0) at −0.2 V. The results show that both CPE‐1 and CPE‐2 showed excellent electrocatalytic activity, quick response time (≤5 s) and high selectivity toward H2O2. The linear response range was from 5.0 × 10−7to 4.0 × 10−3 M. The CPE‐1 exhibits better sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) than CPE‐2, which is related to the coordination environment of Ag(I) ions. Sensors based on Ag(I) complexes have great application prospects in the field of electrochemical sensing.
The impact of test language on PISA scores. New evidence from Wales
Authors: Jerrim John , Lopez‐Agudo Luis Alejandro , Marcenaro‐Gutierrez Oscar David
Published: January 2022

In this paper we investigate the link between the language in which pupils take the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test and the scores they achieve in this assessment, focusing upon the case of Wales. Using five rounds of PISA data and an instrumental variable approach, we show how pupils who took the test in Welsh score around 0.3 standard deviations (30 PISA test points) lower in reading, mathematics and science than their peers who took the test in English. This finding is robust to different model specifications and statistical approaches. We argue that this may indicate that the academic performance of teenagers in Wales may be underestimated in PISA – particularly amongst those who take this test in Welsh.
The anatomical myofascial continuum between the neck and eyes
Authors: Prabu Raja G. , Shyamasunder Bhat N. , Marie Cruz Antony , Prabhu Anupama , Fernandes Shifra , Naaz Nabeela
Published: January 2022

The posterior myofascial chain (PMC) or superficial back line encompasses a series of muscles interlinked by the deep fascia, extending from the foot to the fascial sheath of the eyeball. The deep cervical fascia of the neck, the epicranial aponeurosis of the head, and the fascial sheath of eyeball, form the proximal PMC. Although the literature has reported an anatomical myofascial continuum between the neck, head, and eyes, the anatomical descriptions vary substantially. Moreover, there is still no plausible functional interrelationship between the proximal structural myofascial links. Chronic neck pain is usually associated with a plethora of symptoms including craniofacial pain and oculomotor disorders. Understanding the anatomy of the proximal myofascial chain could help clinicians improvise treatment strategies for managing such painful head and neck disorders.
Pluralistic counselling versus counselling as usual for young people presenting with addiction issues: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Joyce Patricia , Cooper Mick , McLeod John , Vos Joel
Published: January 2022

Aim

The purpose of this study was to pilot a randomised controlled trial that aimed to test the hypothesis that counselling utilising a pluralistic framework was more effective than counselling as usual for young people experiencing issues as a result of their addiction.

Method

Sixty‐four clients presenting with issues of addiction were allocated to either a counselling‐as‐usual (n = 33) or a pluralistic (n = 31) intervention. Psychometric measures (YP‐CORE and SDQ) were taken at baseline, endpoint and 3‐month follow‐up to compare changes in levels of psychological distress.

Results

The use of a randomised controlled trial in practice‐based research was found to be feasible to both clients and the organisation in which the study took place. Recruitment and retention rates were acceptable. No statistically significant differences between groups were found on the primary measure.

Discussion

The findings highlight the feasibility and acceptability of conducting such research within this unique context. The findings give preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of both counselling interventions. The absence of significant differences on our primary outcome between the two arms in this trial is not unexpected given its lack of power. Further research should continue to develop protocols to further maximise client retention and counsellor adherence.
Recovery and Seasonal Variation of Cinnamtannin B‐1 from Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Pruning Wood Wastes
Authors: Alejo‐Armijo Alfonso , Ortega‐Vidal Juan , Salido Sofía , Altarejos Joaquín
Published: January 2022

Cinnamtannin B‐1 (C‐B1) is a commercially‐available trimeric A‐type procyanidin with remarkable cellular actions mainly derived from its high radical scavenging activity. C‐B1 is the main phenolic compound of laurel wood, which has previously been isolated by a combination of conventional chromatographic techniques. The first aim of this work was to find laurel trees containing as much C‐B1 as possible, and learn about the influence of variables, such as gender and harvest time, on the production of C‐B1 by the tree. It was found that all studied trees tend to give higher C‐B1 percentages in the May‐July period, from 6 % to 18 %, and lower ones around March (spring) and November (fall), from 1 % to 8 %. In a general way, it also seems that the female trees tend to produce a bit more C‐B1 (from 2.8 % to 17.3 %) than male ones (from 1.7 % to 13.4 %). In addition, eight minor phenolic compounds [(−)‐ent‐catechin (1), (−)‐ent‐epicatechin‐(4α→8)‐ent‐epicatechin (2), (epi)catechin‐(4→8)‐(epi)afzelechin‐(4→8)‐(epi)catechin (3), (+)‐epiafzelechin‐(4β→8)‐epicatechin (4), (−)‐epicatechin (5), (−)‐afzelechin‐(4α→8)‐epicatechin (6), (epi)afzelechin‐(4→8)‐(epi)afzelechin‐(4→8)‐(epi)catechin (7) and (+)‐epicatechin‐(4β→8,2β→O‐7)‐epicatechin‐(4β→8)‐catechin (C‐D1)] were found and quantified in the ethyl acetate extract of the wood samples. The second aim of this work was to improve the recovery of C‐B1 from laurel wood. The use of the fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC) technique has allowed for a recovery of 96 % of a technical‐grade C‐B1 (64 % in a previous protocol using conventional column chromatography on silica gel and size‐exclusion chromatography).
Characterization of Competitive Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum cGMP‐Dependent Protein Kinase**
Authors: Eck Tyler , Laureano de Souza Mariana , Delvillar Melvin , Ashraf Kutub , Yadav Bheemanaboina Rammohan R. , Chakrasali Ramappa , Kreiss Tamara , Siekierka John J. , Rotella David P. , Bhanot Purnima , Goodey Nina M.
Published: January 2022

Plasmodium falciparum cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PfPKG) is an enticing antimalarial drug target. Novel chemotypes are needed because existing inhibitors have safety issues that may prevent further development. This work demonstrates isoxazole‐based compounds are potent ATP competitive inhibitors of PfPKG and discloses a new analogue in this series. Isoxazoles 3 and 5 had Ki values that are comparable to a known standard, 4‐[2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐5‐(1‐methylpiperidine‐4‐yl)‐1H pyrrol‐3‐yl] pyridine. They also exhibited excellent selectivity for PfPKG over the human orthologue and the gatekeeper mutant T618Q PfPKG, which mimics the less accessible binding site of the human orthologue. The human orthologue's larger binding site volume is predicted to explain the selectivity of the inhibitors for the P. falciparum enzyme.
Homicides in psychiatric hospitals: Absence of evidence or evidence of absence?
Authors: Nielssen Olav , Large Matthew
Published: January 2022

Background

Highly publicised cases of homicide in a psychiatric hospital have raised concerns about the safety of such hospitals.

Aims

To identify individual case reports of homicides by inpatients within psychiatric hospitals in order to update a 2011 study.

Methods

A systematic search of the academic literature between 2010 and 2020, information seeking from service leaders in each state and territory of Australia and in New Zealand, and a search of public records in Australia and New Zealand.

Results

The literature search revealed only one recent paper describing a homicide by a patient in a psychiatric ward. Contact with forensic psychiatrists across Australia and New Zealand yielded four cases of inpatient homicide that took place between 2010 and 2017 in Australia, and none in New Zealand. Public record searching did not add to this count. This compares to 11 inpatient homicides by 10 patients between 1985 and 2011.

Conclusions

Homicides in psychiatric hospitals seem to remain rare, however, there is no consistent central documentation of these events in Australasia so it is hard to be confident about the figures. Internationally, there is similarly little centralisation of evidence. Standardised methods of recording and reporting such deaths might assist the understanding and prevention of homicides in psychiatric hospitals.
Heavy lone coronary artery thrombosis treated by stent retriever, in the setting of COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Hanna Elias B. , Rossen James , Eustes Alicia S. , Dayal Sanjana
Published: January 2022

We present a case of heavy lone coronary thrombosis in the setting of COVID‐19 infection. We highlight the special angiographic, ultrasonographic, and histological features of this thrombus, and we describe the application of carotid stent retriever for its removal.
Performance of repeat cytology with reflex ThyroSeq genomic classifier for indeterminant thyroid cytology
Authors: O’Conor Christopher J. , Dash Rajesh C. , Jones Claudia K. , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara”
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The American Thyroid Association recommends either repeat fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or molecular testing (eg, ThyroSeq) of Bethesda category III (atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance [AUS/FLUS]) nodules to provide further risk stratification. How a testing algorithm that uses ancillary molecular tests performs as a reflex test for repeat sampling of indeterminant nodules remains unclear.

METHODS

Thyroid FNABs performed over a 24‐month period that received a diagnosis of AUS/FLUS and underwent subsequent FNAB were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 187 patients were identified who received an FNAB diagnosis of AUS/FLUS and had repeat sampling. Of these patients, 64% received a subsequent indeterminant diagnosis on repeat biopsy: 7 (3.7%) repeat biopsies were diagnosed as nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory, 104 (55.6%) were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS, and 8 (4.3%) were diagnosed as follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm. Of the repeat biopsied nodules, 63% underwent subsequent testing with ThyroSeq version 3. The diagnostic performance was calculated using only surgically confirmed nodules (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 30%; positive predictive value, 41%; negative predictive value, 100%) and by assigning nonresected nodules with negative ThyroSeq or benign cytology results as benign (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 88%; positive predictive value, 41%; negative predictive value, 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

In the majority of patients, repeat FNAB for AUS/FLUS did not preclude subsequent molecular ancillary testing because of the high rate of indeterminant results on repeat biopsy. The diagnostic performance of the testing algorithm reported here was very similar to other reports using either repeat biopsy or molecular testing alone. Ultimately, the algorithm of performing molecular testing on repeat indeterminant nodules increased the number of biopsies performed and lengthened the time to definitive risk stratification without a disproportionate decrease in the use of molecular testing or an appreciable improvement in diagnostic performance.;
Performance modeling for I/O‐intensive applications on virtual machines
Authors: Bhattacharya Tathagata , Peng Xiaopu , Mao Jianzhou , Zhang Chaowei , Takreeti Taha , Wang Ye , Cao Ting , Qin Xiao
Published: January 2022

Models for virtual machines running on cloud computing systems. Modeling system behaviors of clouds is a grand challenge because the resource utilization in VMs is heterogeneous due to variability in workload conditions. We address this challenging issue by uniquely (1) objectifying the usage prediction of virtualized resources and (2) predicting the performance trends of programs running on clouds. At the heart of the modeling system, we pay particular attention to CPU cores, disk size, main memory space, and input data volume, which serve as important factors for the developed prediction module. We devise two resource‐utilization prediction algorithms driven by two distinctive sets of I/O and CPU intensive benchmarks, where one algorithm deals with execution time and the other one revolves around input data size. We investigate the correlation between CPU/disk utilization and VM live migrations. Our system aims at not only providing performance optimization for virtualized resources but also ensuring service level agreement (SLA) and Quality of Service (QoS). The model fits the curve quite well, thereby advocating for the efficiency of the algorithm. The case studies conducted in this project draw the comparisons between the performance of striped and monolithic disks as well as bringing forth the problem of cache coherence that causes hindrance to the experiment. We also deal with the cache‐coherence problem to improve the accuracy of our prediction algorithms
Low‐Field NMR Relaxation Analysis of High‐Pressure Ethane Adsorption in Mesoporous Silicas
Authors: Yang Kaishuo , Sadeghi Pouya Ehsan , Liu Libin , Li Ming , Yang Xiaoxian , Robinson Neil , May Eric F. , Johns Michael L.
Published: January 2022

Understanding the behaviour of short‐chain hydrocarbons confined to porous solids informs the targeted extraction of natural resources from geological features, and underpins rational developments in separation, storage and catalytic conversion processes. Herein, we report the application of low‐field (12.7 MHz) 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements to characterise ethane dynamics within mesoporous silica materials exhibiting mean pore diameters between 6 and 50 nm. Our measurements provide NMR‐based adsorption isotherms within the range 25–50 bar and at ambient temperature, incorporating the ethane condensation point (40.7 bar at our experimental temperature of 23.6 °C). The quantitative nature of the acquired data is validated via a direct comparison of NMR‐derived excess adsorption capacities with ex situ gravimetric ethane adsorption measurements, which are demonstrated to agree to within 0.2 mmol g−1 of the observed ethane capacity. NMR
relaxation time distributions are further demonstrated as a means to decouple interparticle and mesopore dominated adsorption phenomena, with unexpectedly rapid relaxation rates associated with interparticle ethane gas confirmed via a direct comparison with NMR self‐diffusion analysis.
Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline for CYP2C19 Genotype and Clopidogrel Therapy: 2022 Update
Authors: Lee Craig R. , Luzum Jasmine A. , Sangkuhl Katrin , Gammal Roseann S. , Sabatine Marc S. , Stein Charles Michael , Kisor David F. , Limdi Nita A. , Lee Yee Ming , Scott Stuart A. , Hulot Jean‐Sébastien , Roden Dan M. , Gaedigk Andrea , Caudle Kelly E. , Klein Teri E. , Johnson Julie A. , Shuldiner Alan R.
Published: January 2022

CYP2C19 catalyzes the bioactivation of the antiplatelet prodrug clopidogrel, and CYP2C19 genotype impacts clopidogrel active metabolite formation. CYP2C19 intermediate and poor metabolizers who receive clopidogrel experience reduced platelet inhibition and increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. This guideline is an update to the 2013 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guideline for the use of clopidogrel based on CYP2C19 genotype and includes expanded indications for CYP2C19 genotype‐guided antiplatelet therapy, increased strength of recommendation for CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizers, updated CYP2C19 genotype to phenotype translation, and evidence from an expanded literature review (updates at www.cpicpgx.org).
Adolescent girls’ intrapersonal and interpersonal parasympathetic regulation during peer support is moderated by trait and state co‐rumination
Authors: Stone Lindsey B. , Silk Jennifer S. , Lewis Genevieve , Banta Marlissa C. , Bylsma Lauren M.
Published: January 2022

Effective emotion regulation (ER) is integral to adolescents’ mental well‐being and socioemotional development. During adolescence, peer interactions have an increasingly salient influence on the development of effective ER, but not all supportive peer interactions support adaptive ER. Co‐rumination reflects the tendency to seek ER support by engaging with peers in negatively focused discussion of ongoing problems. We examined associations between co‐rumination (state and trait) with measures of individual's autonomic (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia, RSA) and affective regulation (self‐report) among 30 female close‐friend dyads (ages 11–17; 74% White) while engaged in a support‐seeking discussion in the laboratory. We found that trait co‐rumination corresponded with RSA withdrawal during peer support, suggesting a potential mechanism by which co‐rumination contributes to dysregulated ER. We also examined dyadic patterns of physiological regulation via prospective change actor partner interdependence models (APIM). Partner effects were moderated by behaviorally coded state co‐rumination. Dyads with high state co‐rumination displayed coupled RSA movement in opposite directions, while dyads with low state co‐rumination exhibited coupled RSA movement in the same direction. These findings are consistent with similar physiologic linkages in close relationships observed in other developmental periods. Results highlight the importance of multimodal assessment for characterizing social ER processes across development.
Increased reliance on insecticide applications inCanada linked to simplified agricultural landscapes
Authors: Malaj Egina , Morrissey Christy A.
Published: January 2022

Intensification of agriculture and increased insecticide use have been implicated in global losses of farmland biodiversity and ecosystem services. We hypothesized that increased insecticide applications (proportion of area treated with insecticides) in Canada's expansive agricultural landscapes are due, in part, to shifts toward more simplified landscapes. To assess this relationship, we analyzed data from the Canadian Census of Agriculture spanning 20 years including five census periods (1996–2016) and across 225 census units within the four major agricultural regions of Pacific, Prairie, Central, and Atlantic Canada. Generalized mixed effects models were used to evaluate if changes in landscape simplification — defined as the proportion of farmland in crops (cereals, oilseeds, pulses and fruit/vegetables) — alongside other farming and climatic variables, influenced insecticide applications over time. Bayesian spatial–temporal models were further used to estimate the strength of the relationship with landscape simplification over time. We found that landscape simplification increased in 89% and insecticide applications increased in 70% of the Census Division spatial units during the 1996–2016 period. Nationally, significant increases in landscape simplification were observed in the two most agriculturally intensive regions of Prairie (from 55% to 63%) and Central (from 51% to 60%) Canada. For both regions, landscape simplification was a strong and significant predictor of higher insecticide applications, even after accounting for other factors such as climate, farm economics, farm size and land use practices (e.g., area in cash crops and tillage). If current trends continue, we estimated that insecticide applications will increase another 10%–20% by 2036 as a result of landscape simplification alone. To avoid increased reliance on toxic insecticides, agri‐environmental policies need to consider that losing diverse natural habitat can increase insect pest pressure and resistance with negative environmental consequences extending beyond the field.