bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR‐149‐3p can improve the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells via targeting AKT1
Authors: Lai Ai‐Ning , Zhou Rong , Chen Bin , Guo Long , Dai Yu‐Ya , Jia Yong‐Peng
Published: August 2021

The study aims to investigate the role of microRNA‐149‐3p (miR‐149‐3p) in regulating osteogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) by targeting v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1). Bioinformatics websites and a dual luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and verify the targeting relationship between miR‐149‐3p and AKT1. The hADSCs were divided into the blank, negative control (NC), mimic, control siRNA, AKT1 siRNA, and miR‐149‐3p inhibitors + AKT1 siRNA groups and then subjected to Alizarin Red staining, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity detections, MTT assay, and EdU cell proliferation assay. Gene or protein expression was quantified using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) or Western blotting, respectively. The miR‐149‐3p expression increased gradually and AKT1 expression decreased gradually during osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. The prediction of bioinformatics websites miRTarBase and TargetScan and the dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR‐149‐3p can directly target AKT1. After hADSCs were transfected with miR‐149‐3p mimic, AKT1 expression was significantly downregulated. However, transfection with AKT1 siRNA did not have an impact on miR‐149‐3p in hADSCs. In comparison with the AKT1 siRNA group, the miR‐149‐3p inhibitors + AKT1 siRNA group showed decreased miR‐149‐3p expression but increased AKT1 expression. In addition, AKT1 siRNA enhanced the cell viability and proliferation of hADSCs and increased mineral calcium deposition and ALP activity, resulting in higher expression of osteogenic differentiation‐related genes, which was reversed by miR‐149‐3p inhibition. The miR‐149‐3p can increase the expression of osteogenic differentiation‐related genes by targeting AKT1 and thereby enhance the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.
Assessing Human Papillomavirus Awareness and the Role of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Education on Improving Intention to Vaccinate
Authors: Torabi Sina J. , Su‐Velez Brooke M. , Kasle David A. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , St. John Maie , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The current state of the U.S. public's knowledge of the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccinations to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is unknown. Our objective was to 1) assess the general population's knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and willingness to vaccinate, and 2) assess whether targeted education on HPV‐related OPSCC can change intentions to vaccinate.

Study Design

Online cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

An online, cross‐sectional survey utilizing U.S. census‐derived quotas to represent the U.S. population was distributed and analyzed to 517 adults in 2020.

Results

Exactly 72.7% of participants stated that they had or would vaccinate their child against HPV and were designated as “vaccinators.” In multivariate regression, Black individuals were less likely to be vaccinators (OR 0.51 [95% CI 0.27–0.94]), but those who were aware of HPV's role in OPSCC were more likely to vaccinate (OR 2.56 [95% CI 1.47–4.46]). Knowledge about vaccination side‐effects, eligibility, and mechanisms of HPV spread was low. Only 30.6% of the sample reported understanding the role of HPV in OPSCC. Of these, 43.0% gained this knowledge exclusively from nonhealthcare professional sources, like television. When presented with four short HPV‐OPSCC‐centered facts (HPV's role in OPSCC etiology, prevalence of infection, clinically silent course, and vaccine preventative effects), 54.0% of “nonvaccinators” indicated a willingness to change their minds.

Conclusions

General knowledge about HPV, HPV's role in OPSCC, and the vaccine remains low in the general population. There are racial disparities in willingness to vaccinate within this sample, but these may be overcome by effective education on HPV‐related OPSCC.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:528–537, 2022
Microscopy and DNA‐based characterization of sinking particles at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study station point to zooplankton mediation of particle flux
Authors: Cruz Bianca N. , Brozak Samantha , Neuer Susanne
Published: August 2021

Plankton‐derived, microscopic, and macroscopic sinking aggregates constitute most of the particulate organic carbon (POC) flux in the oceans. While the flux of particulate organic matter and associated elements has been quantified at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study (BATS) station for several decades, we lack an understanding of the source and composition of sinking particles, as well as the fate of predominant phytoplankton taxa. We determined the composition of individual sinking particles and their microbial communities in the upper 300 m depth at the BATS station in fall 2017 and spring 2018 by image analysis and V4 amplicon sequencing of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes. The sinking particles were primarily composed of phytodetrital aggregates, fecal aggregates, and fecal pellets. In the fall, phytodetrital aggregates were numerically dominant and drove the majority of the POC flux; however, in the spring, particle flux of all particle categories declined below 150 m, and the POC flux at 200 m shifted to one driven by fecal aggregates. The relative composition of the microbial communities associated with phytodetrital and fecal aggregates were statistically indistinguishable in both seasons, and prokaryotic taxa known to be associated with the gut microbiomes of zooplankton were indicators of the sinking particles. Our results point to the utilization and modification of sinking particles by resident midwater zooplankton populations, and to fecal pellets as the predominant mechanism transporting picophytoplankton to depth.
How do methodological choices influence estimation of river metabolism?
Authors: Schechner Anne E. , Dodds Walter K. , Tromboni Flavia , Chandra Sudeep , Maasri Alain
Published: August 2021

River metabolism modeled from diurnal dissolved oxygen (DO) has become a widely used metric of ecosystem function, yet many papers provide insufficient methodological detail for replication. Only 79% of 43 sampled papers published from 2015 to 2019 mention calibration, 44% describe sensor placement, and 34% did not describe estimation approaches such that the study could be replicated. Given spatial heterogeneity in rivers influences metabolism, and measurement sensitivities vary with sensor model, it is important to have appropriately detailed information in reported methods along with a fundamental understanding of how river heterogeneity might influence metabolism. We deployed 2–8 sensors at 92 steppe river reaches to characterize site heterogeneity, evaluating how sensor placement and type, deployment length, drift correction, data source, local vs. remotely sensed data, and calibration can affect metabolism estimates. Estimates of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) were inconsistent and unpredictable depending on deployment location within a river reach; GPP and ER rates varied up to 131% and 69%, respectively, across a river width and up to two orders of magnitude within a reach. DO sensor brands vary in precision and accuracy; we found even when operated within stated performance range, estimates of GPP and ER could vary by 82% and 198%, respectively, if not calibrated beyond factory setting, as determined using field data from a sample site. Inaccuracies from sensor drift over weeklong deployments led to an average 48% ER overestimation, and 2% GPP overestimation comparing uncorrected with corrected field data. We suggest best practices for more comparable, precise, representative, and accurate methods.
Characterisation and assessment of the most popular mobile apps designed for neck pain self‐management: A systematic search in app stores
Authors: Marques Joana , Borges Lauta , Andias Rosa , Silva Anabela G.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to assess commonly downloaded apps targeting neck pain (NP) using the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS), to characterise the interventions described in the apps and to correlate the ratings of quality retrieved from app stores against the ratings of quality assessed using MARS.

Materials and methods

A systematic search was conducted at the Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows Phone Store and Huawei App Gallery. Mobile apps with 100 or more ratings, a user rating of 4 or higher and which were available for free were retrieved for assessment.

Results

A total of 17 apps met the inclusion criteria. The mean user rating was 4.4 ± 0.28, the mean MARS score was 4.0 ± 0.58 and the correlation between user ratings and MARS total scores and subdomains varied between a maximum of 0.41 (p > 0.05) and a minimum of −0.11 (p > 0.05). All apps included exercise but only 5 (29%) included an educational component.

Conclusions

The most downloaded apps on NP available for free in app stores are, generally, of acceptable quality as assessed by the MARS total score, target exercise, but fail to include an appropriate educational component. The user rating available in app stores is not an indicator of the quality of the apps. Therefore, health professionals should carefully assess the mobile apps before recommending them to the patients.
Pregabalin withdrawal in patients without psychiatric disorders taking a regular dose of pregabalin: A case series and literature review
Authors: Ishikawa Hayahito , Takeshima Masahiro , Ishikawa Hiroyasu , Ayabe Naoko , Ohta Hidenobu , Mishima Kazuo
Published: August 2021

Pregabalin is a drug that can cause psychiatric symptoms via pregabalin withdrawal. Prior reports on pregabalin withdrawal have mainly focused on cases with pregabalin dependence or abuse, and little attention has been paid to patients who are prescribed regular doses of pregabalin. Herein, we report three cases of pregabalin withdrawal in patients without psychiatric disorders, taking regular doses of pregabalin, who developed psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety after abrupt discontinuation of pregabalin. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of six case reports (previous studies) of pregabalin withdrawal under regular doses of pregabalin. Among the six cases, three patients had no comorbid mental or substance use disorders, the dose of pregabalin ranged from 150 to 600 mg/d, and the duration of pregabalin use ranged from a few weeks to many years. Of these six cases of pregabalin withdrawal, five had psychopathological symptoms, three had vegetative symptoms, and three had neurologic and physical complications. We concluded that since pregabalin withdrawal can occur even with regular doses and short‐term use, clinicians must carefully reduce pregabalin doses when reducing or discontinuing treatment, paying close attention to withdrawal symptoms. Our case series sheds light on the scant evidence from previous research on physical dependence in patients who are taking regular doses of pregabalin. Furthermore, our cases were also valuable in demonstrating that pregabalin withdrawal can occur even after a relatively short period of 2 months.
Implementation of daily patient‐reported outcome measurements to support children with cancer
Authors: Meryk Andreas , Kropshofer Gabriele , Hetzer Benjamin , Riedl David , Lehmann Jens , Rumpold Gerhard , Haid Alexandra , Holzner Bernhard , Crazzolara Roman
Published: August 2021

Background

Several stakeholders, including patients and health care providers, suggest symptom self‐reporting measurements for a more patient‐directed cancer control approach. However, services tailored to measure daily reporting and implementing it in clinical care are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and value of daily patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) by children receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

Methods

Health status was recorded daily with a web‐based child‐friendly patient portal (ePROtect). Following aspects of feasibility and usability were assessed: (a) the completion rate and time, (b) user feedback on usability and satisfaction, and (c) the performed interventions if moderate to severe symptom deterioration was noted.

Results

Twelve children (median age: 7.2 years) were included. A total number of 891 daily reports were collected during the study period; the median percentage of ePROtect completion days was 85.3% (interquartile range [IQR] 64.2–100.0) and 55.9% (IQR 51.9–76.9) for inpatient and outpatient stay, respectively. Mean time to complete the questionnaire was 47.6 seconds. Severe symptoms were reported in 14.7% of measurement time points, which led to prompt health care interventions in 57 cases, including extension of supportive care (n = 37) and pre‐emptive inpatient admissions (n = 5). Over 80% of the patients (10/12) and their proxies (16/18) provided feedback with high rating for satisfaction (>90%) and usefulness (>80%) of ePROtect.

Conclusion

Our study shows that daily symptom monitoring is feasible for all children with newly diagnosed cancer aged 5–18 years. Monitoring offers the opportunity to identify symptoms early and trigger appropriate clinical action.
Improved mechanical and flame resistance properties of vinyl ester resin composites by lithium containing polyhedral oligomeric phenyl silsesquioxane
Authors: Zhang Xin , Geng Junming , Zhang Weiwei , Qian Lijun , Qin Zhaolu , Zhang Wenchao
Published: August 2021

The mechanical and flame retardancy properties of vinyl ester resin (VER) composites containing lithium containing polyhedral oligomeric phenyl silsesquioxane (Li‐Ph‐POSS) are investigated. The bending test suggests that Li‐Ph‐POSS improves the mechanical property of the matrix. Compared with the pure VER, the bending strength and flexural modulus are improved by 42.9% and 18.9% with the addition of 3 wt% Li‐Ph‐POSS, respectively. And cone calorimeter test results indicate that Li‐Ph‐POSS endows the matrix good fire resistance. Three weight percent Li‐Ph‐POSS makes the heat release rate (HRR) decline by 32.4% compared with the pure VER. Besides, 3 wt% Li‐Ph‐POSS performs best on smoke suppression and declines the release of CO due to good char‐forming effect of Li‐Ph‐POSS. The improvement of mechanical property and the slightly improved glass transition temperature (Tg) of VER composites confirmed the excellent compatibility between Li‐Ph‐POSS and the matrix. The flame retardant mechanism is revealed by Thermogravimetric coupled with Fourier transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis in detail. The work provides an optional method to prepare flame retarded VER with excellent mechanical properties.
Using multiple random index dates with the reverse waiting time distribution improves precision of estimated prescription durations
Authors: Bødkergaard Katrine , Selmer Randi Marie , Hallas Jesper , Kjerpeseth Lars Jøran , Skovlund Eva , Støvring Henrik
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To improve the precision of prescription duration estimates when using the reverse waiting time distribution (rWTD).

Methods

For each patient we uniformly sampled multiple random index dates within a sampling window of length . For each index date, we identified the last preceding prescription redemption, if any, within distance . Based on all pairs of last prescription and index date, we estimated prescription durations using the rWTD with robust variance estimation. In simulation studies with increasing misspecification we investigated bias, root mean square error (RMSE) and coverage probability of the rWTD using multiple index dates (1, 5, 10, and 20). We applied the method to Danish data on warfarin prescriptions from 2013 to 2014 stratifying by and adjusting for sex and age.

Results

In simulation scenarios without misspecification, the relative bias was negligible (−0.04% to 0.01%) and nominal coverage probabilities almost retained (93.8%–95.4%). RMSE decreased with the number of random index dates (e.g., from 1.3 with 1 index date to 0.6 days with 5). With misspecification, the relative bias was higher irrespective of the number of index dates. Precision increased with the number of index dates, and hence coverage probabilities decreased. When estimating durations of warfarin prescriptions in Denmark, precision increased with number of index dates, in particular in strata with few patients (e.g., men 90+ years: width of 95% confidence interval was 16.2 days with 5 index dates versus 35.4 with 1).

Conclusions

Increasing the number of random index dates used with the rWTD improved precision without affecting bias.
Aryl‐group substituted polysiloxanes with high‐optical transmission, thermal stability, and refractive index
Authors: Meier Dennis , Huch Volker , Kickelbick Guido
Published: August 2021

Polysiloxanes are an important class of polymers for optoelectronic applications. Novel polysiloxanes with high‐refractive index (RI) based on phenanthrenyl‐substituted monomers are prepared by a polycondensation reaction starting from various substituted dialkoxysilanes as monomers. The substitution patterns on the Si atom are systematically changed to vary the properties of the linear polymers as well as the final cured material. The two monomers with polycyclic aromatic side groups 9‐phenanthrenylmethyldimethoxysilane and 9‐phenanthrenylphenyldimethoxysilane are synthesized and fully characterized, including their single crystal X‐ray structures. Linear polysiloxanes with variations in hydride, methyl, vinyl, phenyl, and phenanthrenyl side group content are prepared by acid‐ and base‐catalyzed polycondensation reactions. Both SiH and Si vinyl substituted polymers with molecular weights up to 30 kDa and adjustable RI's from 1.52 to 1.63 are obtained and the thermally cured by Pt‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions. Polysiloxane resins are obtained with high‐RI's, optical transmittance above 95% and thermal stabilities up to 420°C. Long‐term thermal stability tests show transmittance values above 85% even after 60 days of thermal treatment at 180°C.
Structural basis of bilin binding by the chlorophyll biosynthesis regulator GUN4
Authors: Hu Jiu‐Hui , Chang Jing‐Wen , Xu Tao , Wang Jia , Wang Xiao , Lin Rongcheng , Duanmu Deqiang , Liu Lin
Published: August 2021

The chlorophyll biosynthesis regulator GENOMES UNCOUPLED 4 (GUN4) is conserved in nearly all oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. Recently, GUN4 has been found to be able to bind the linear tetrapyrroles (bilins) and stimulate the magnesium chelatase activity in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Here, we characterize GUN4 proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for their ability to bind bilins, and present the crystal structures of Synechocystis GUN4 in biliverdin‐bound, phycocyanobilin‐bound, and phytochromobilin‐bound forms at the resolutions of 1.05, 1.10, and 1.70 Å, respectively. These linear molecules adopt a cyclic‐helical conformation, and bind more tightly than planar porphyrins to the tetrapyrrole‐binding pocket of GUN4. Based on structural comparison, we propose a working model of GUN4 in regulation of tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway, and address the role of the bilin‐bound GUN4 in retrograde signaling.
Modeling processive motion of kinesin‐13 MCAK and kinesin‐14 Cik1‐Kar3 molecular motors
Authors: Xie Ping
Published: August 2021

Kinesin‐13 MCAK, which is composed of two identical motor domains, can undergo unbiased one‐dimensional diffusion on microtubules. Kinesin‐14 Cik1‐Kar3, which is composed of a Kar3 motor domain and a Cik1 motor homology domain with no ATPase activity, can move processively toward the minus end of microtubules. Here, we present a model for the diffusion of MCAK homodimer and a model for the processive motion of Cik1‐Kar3 heterodimer. Although the two dimeric motors show different domain composition, in the models it is proposed that the two motors use the similar physical mechanism to move processively. With the models, the dynamics of the two dimers is studied analytically. The theoretical results for MCAK reproduce quantitatively the available experimental data about diffusion constant and lifetime of the motor bound to microtubule in different nucleotide states. The theoretical results for Cik1‐Kar3 reproduce quantitatively the available experimental data about load dependence of velocity and explain consistently the available experimental data about effects of the exchange and mutation of the motor homology domain on the velocity of the heterodimer. Moreover, predicted results for other aspects of the dynamics of the two dimers are provided.
A new catalytic mechanism of bacterial ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductases due to a particular NADP+ binding mode
Authors: Monchietti Paula , López Rivero Arleth S. , Ceccarelli Eduardo A. , Catalano‐Dupuy Daniela L.
Published: August 2021

Ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductases (FNRs) are ubiquitous flavoenzymes involved in redox metabolisms. FNRs catalyze the reversible electron transfer between NADP(H) and ferredoxin or flavodoxin. They are classified as plant‐ and mitochondrial‐type FNR. Plant‐type FNRs are divided into plastidic and bacterial classes. The plastidic FNRs show turnover numbers between 20 and 100 times higher than bacterial enzymes and these differences have been related to their physiological functions. We demonstrated that purified Escherichia coli FPR (EcFPR) contains tightly bound NADP+, which does not occur in plastidic type FNRs. The three‐dimensional structure of EcFPR evidenced that NADP+ interacts with three arginines (R144, R174, and R184) which could generate a very high affinity and structured site. These arginines are conserved in other bacterial FNRs but not in the plastidic enzymes. We have cross‐substituted EcFPR arginines with residues present in analogous positions in the Pisum sativum FNR (PsFNR) and replaced these amino acids by arginines in PsFNR. We analyzed all proteins by structural, kinetic, and stability studies. We found that EcFPR mutants do not contain bound NADP+ and showed increased Km for this nucleotide. The EcFPR activity was inhibited by NADP+ but this behavior disappeared as arginines were removed. A NADP+ analog of the nicotinamide portion produced an activating effect on EcFPR and promoted the NADP+ release. Our results give evidence for a new model of NADP+ binding and catalysis in bacterial FNRs.We propose that this tight NADP+ binding constitutes an essential catalytic and regulatory mechanism of bacterial FNRs involved in redox homeostasis.
Current Status of Carbon‐Related Defect Luminescence in GaN
Authors: Zimmermann Friederike , Beyer Jan , Röder Christian , Beyer Franziska C. , Richter Eberhard , Irmscher Klaus , Heitmann Johannes
Published: August 2021

Highly insulating layers are a prerequisite for gallium nitride (GaN)‐based power electronic devices. For this purpose, carbon doping is one of the currently pursued approaches. However, its impact on the optical and electrical properties of GaN has been widely debated in the scientific community. For further improvement of device performance, a better understanding of the role of related defects is essential. To study optically active point defects, photoluminescence is one of the most frequently used experimental characterization techniques. Herein, the main recent advances in the attribution of carbon‐related photoluminescence bands are reviewed, which were enabled by the interplay of a refinement of growth and characterization techniques and state‐of‐the‐art first‐principles calculations developed during the last decade. The predicted electronic structures of isolated carbon defects and selected carbon‐impurity complexes are compared to experimental results. Taking into account both of these, a comprehensive overview on the present state of interpretation of carbon‐related broad luminescence bands in bulk GaN is presented.
Carrier Mobilities in Amorphous Organic Semiconductor Films Prepared at Various Film Formation Processes
Authors: Miyashige Katsuya , Morimoto Masahiro , Naka Shigeki
Published: August 2021

The hole mobility of an organic semiconductor film that consists of N,N’‐di (1‐naphthyl)‐N,N’‐diphenyl‐benzidine (α‐NPD) is evaluated at various film formation processes, such as vacuum deposition and capillary injection. The mobility varies with the film formation process. From the temperature dependence of mobility, the Poole−Frenkel model and disorder model are discussed. From the analysis based on the Poole−Frenkel model, activation energies of the vacuum‐deposited film, the slowly cooled‐melted film, and the rapidly cooled‐melted film are 0.28, 0.20, and 0.40 eV, respectively. This result suggests that organic semiconductor thin films formed by different film formation methods have different molecular aggregation states.
Antioxidant Properties of Stabilized CeO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Pugachevskii Maxim Alexandrovich , Chibisov Andrey Nikolaevich , Mamontov Vladimir Alexandrovich , Kuzmenko Alexander Pavlovich
Published: August 2021

Ceria particles of nanodispersed composition have been obtained by laser ablation and subsequent treatment in an aqueous solution. Using techniques (TEM, XRD, Raman, EELS) of the nanostructural and electronic analysis, it is shown that the produced particles have structural defects that stabilize their internal structure. It is established that when the particle size decreases from 100 to 10 nm, the crystal lattice parameter lowers from 5.41 to 5.39 Å, and the elemental O/Ce composition changes from 1:1.83 to 1:1.76. The stabilized CeO2 particles of nanodispersed composition exhibit high antioxidant activity due to the high concentration of functional defects on the surface of nanoparticles.
The effect of French maritime pine bark extract supplementation on inflammation, nutritional and clinical status in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malekahmadi Mahsa , Shadnoush Mahdi , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Shirvani Armin , Pahlavani Naseh , Gholizadeh Navashenaq Jamshid , Firouzi Safieh , McVicar Jenna , Nematy Mohsen , Zali Mohammad Reza , Moradi Moghaddam Omid , Norouzy Abdolreza
Published: August 2021

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Based on the anti‐inflammatory properties of French maritime pine bark extract and the neuroprotective effects, we aimed to evaluate the effects of its supplementation on TBI. Sixty‐seven TBI patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) were enrolled. After stabilizing the hemodynamic status, the intervention group received 150 mg of French maritime pine bark extract supplementation (Oligopin) with enteral nutrition for 10 days. The control group received a placebo. Inflammatory status and oxidative stress markers were measured three times. Also, clinical and nutritional statuses were assessed. Supplementation, significantly decreased IL‐6 (β = −53.43 pg/ml, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −91.74, −15.13, p = .006), IL‐1β (β = −111.66 pg/ml, 95% CI = −183.79, −39.5402, p = .002) and C‐reactive protein (β = −19.99 mg/L, 95% CI = −27.23, −12.76, p ˃ .001) in the intervention group compared to control group after 10 days. Clinical scores including acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II and sequential organ failure assessment were reduced (β = −3.72, 95% CI = −5.96, −1.49, p = .001and β = −2.07, 95% CI = −3.23, −0.90, p < .001, respectively), and Nutric score was reduced compared to control group (β = −.60, 95% CI = −1.08, −0.12, p = .01). The survival rate was higher by 15% in the intervention group compared to control group. Oligopin supplementation in TBI patients in ICU reduced inflammation and improved the clinical status and malnutrition score and thereby reducing the mortality rate.
Orcinol glucoside improves the depressive‐like behaviors of perimenopausal depression mice through modulating activity of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal/ovary axis and activating BDNF‐ TrkB‐CREB signaling pathway
Authors: Li Junlong , He Pingya , Zhang Jian , Li Ning
Published: August 2021

Orcinol Glucoside (OG), a phenolic glucoside isolated from C. orchioides, showed the antidepressant‐like effect on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)‐induced rats previously. This study was designed to determine whether OG could improve the depressive‐like symptoms of perimenopausal depression (PMD) and the possible mechanisms involved. This research was performed on a PMD mice model established by a two‐steps method of ovariectomy (OVX) followed CUMS. OG treatment effectively improved the depressive‐like behaviors of OVX‐CUMS mice, as indicated by increased sucrose intake in sucrose preference test (SPT), reduced immobility time in forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST), lower frequency of grooming and defecation, increased actions of rearing, and prolonged duration in the center in open field test (OFT). OG treatment alleviated the OVX‐CUMS induced dysfunction of hypothalamic–pituitary‐ovarian (HPO) axis by increased serum estradiol (E2) and decreased ovarian hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) in serum. Meanwhile, OG reversed the hyperactivity of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis as evidenced by decreased CORT and ACTH in serum, reduced as well as the mRNA and protein expression of corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus and hippocampus. Moreover, OG up‐regulated the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB, and phosphorylation level of CREB and ERK1/2 in hippocampus. These findings demonstrated that OG improves depressive behaviors of OVX‐CUMS mice by modulating of HPO/HPA axis dysfunction, and activating BDNF–TrkB‐CREB signaling pathway.
Guidance for characterization of in‐house reference materials for light element stable isotope analysis
Authors: Dunn Philip J. H. , Malinovsky Dmitry , Holcombe Gill , Cowen Simon , Goenaga‐Infante Heidi
Published: August 2021

Rationale

Preparation of in‐house reference materials (RMs) is an important aspect of light element stable isotope analysis. While some relevant information is available, there is as yet no clear set of guidelines available covering all aspects of in‐house production and characterization of RMs.

Methods

To address this need, the experience of production of certified reference materials under accreditation to ISO 17034:2016 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 has been distilled into guidance for production of in‐house RMs that are fit‐for‐purpose.

Results

The guidance provided covers five areas: (i) planning; (ii) material considerations including preparation, packaging, and storage; (iii) measurements and assessments; (iv) value and uncertainty assignment; and (v) monitoring and use.

Conclusions

In‐house RMs prepared by following this guidance can be used to provide traceability to measurement results when used for normalization or for quality control and/or assurance purposes.
Developing an innovative method to control the probability density function shape of the state response for nonlinear stochastic systems
Authors: Wang Lingzhi , Xie Guo , Qian Fucai , Shangguan Anqi
Published: August 2021

For nonlinear stochastic systems, controlling low‐order moment indexes, such as mean and variance, may not effectively achieve actual control requirements since they do not reflect the complete statistical characteristics of random variables. Instead, the probability density function (PDF), which provides complete characterization of statistical properties, can be used to control each order moment more efficiently. Existing PDF shape control methods are mainly suited for nonlinear systems with polynomial forms, which leads to limitations in their applications. In this article, we propose a PDF shape control method using the Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov (FPK) equation for nonlinear stochastic systems with arbitrary expression. In the proposed method, the exact stationary solution of the FPK equation is derived first. If the nonlinear function of the stochastic system is not polynomial, it is first converted into a polynomial form using the approximation method. The controller is then devised for PDF shape control, and the parameters of the controller are optimized to obtain the optimal controller. We conducted simulation experiments to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can effectively control the PDF shape of the state response for nonlinear stochastic systems, regardless of whether the target PDF is unimodal, symmetric bimodal, or asymmetric bimodal. Compared with the Fourier transform method, the control effect of the proposed method is much better. The results suggest that the proposed method provides a scientific basis for wider applications of the PDF shape control method.
Stressors associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic, disability, and mental health: Considerations from the Intermountain West
Authors: Ciciurkaite Gabriele , Marquez‐Velarde Guadalupe , Brown Robyn Lewis
Published: August 2021

The deleterious mental health effects associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic are increasingly apparent, however, questions remain about the extent to which pandemic‐related stressor exposure has contributed to increased psychological distress among an already disadvantaged group, individuals with disabilities. The first aim of the study was to examine the distribution of pandemic‐related stressors across multiple dimensions—employment, personal and family finances, personal relationships, and quality of social life—among individuals with and without disabilities. The second aim of the study was to examine the association between a composite COVID‐19 stressor score and two mental health outcomes—depressive and anxiety symptoms—among the two subsamples. The study used quota‐based online survey data (N = 2043) collected in the summer of 2020 from adults (18 and older) residing in the Intermountain West, half of whom had a self‐reported disability. Study results demonstrated that individuals with disabilities experienced pandemic‐related stressors at significantly higher rates relative to their non‐disabled counterparts. Further, pandemic stressor exposure was associated with greater negative effects on their psychological well‐being. We argue that the COVID‐19 pandemic is generating a secondary mental illness pandemic, and that individuals with disabilities are affected by it at significantly higher proportions.
Simultaneously Enhancing Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells Through Crystal Cross‐Linking Using Fluorophenylboronic Acid
Authors: Li Mingguang , Gao Huan , Yu Longsheng , Tang Senlin , Peng Ying , Zheng Chao , Xu Ligang , Tao Ye , Chen Runfeng , Huang Wei
Published: August 2021

Organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskites are regarded as one of the most promising candidates in the photovoltaic field, but simultaneous realization of high efficiency and long‐term stability is still challenging. Here, a one‐step solution‐processing strategy is demonstrated for preparing efficient and stable inverted methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by incorporating a series of organic molecule dopants of fluorophenylboronic acids (F‐PBAs) into perovskite films. Studies have shown that the F‐PBA dopant acts as a cross‐linker between neighboring perovskite grains through hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds between F‐PBA and perovskite structures, yielding high‐quality perovskite crystalline films with both improved crystallinity and reduced defect densities. Benefiting from the repaired grain boundaries of MAPbI3 with the organic cross‐linker, the inverted PSCs exhibit a remarkably enhanced performance from 16.4% to approximately 20%. Meanwhile, the F‐PBA doped devices exhibit enhanced moisture/thermal/light stability, and specially retain 80% of their initial power conversion efficiencies after more than two weeks under AM 1.5G one‐sun illumination. This work highlights the impressive advantages of the perovskite crystal cross‐linking strategy using organic molecules with strong intermolecular interactions, providing an efficient route to prepare high‐performance and stable planar PSCs.
Weak Anchoring Sites of Thiolate‐Protected Luminescent Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: He Kui , Tan Yue , Zhao Zhipeng , Chen Huarui , Liu Jinbin
Published: August 2021

Surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with thiolate ligands is a successful strategy for controlling their stability, nanotoxicity, circulation, and interaction with biological environments as leading nanomedicines. However, the effects of the weak anchoring groups of NH2 and COOH have been long‐term ignored because of the well‐recognized strong anchoring site of S–Au. Herein, the authors achieve controllable weak anchoring sites of the luminescent AuNPs using a typical thiolate peptide such as glutathione with anchoring groups of SH, COOH, and NH2. Additionally, they establish that not only the strong anchoring site of S–Au, but also the weak anchoring sites from N‐Au and COO–Au are critical to the behavior of AuNPs at both in vitro and in vivo levels. These results open up new possibilities for the fundamental understanding of the significance of the weak anchoring sites in the future surface functionalization of nanomedicines toward advanced theranostics.
Towards a data‐driven framework for optimizing security‐efficiency tradeoff in QUIC
Authors: Murthy Amith , Asghar Muhammad Rizwan , Tu Wanqing
Published: August 2021

Advances in computing and compression technology, coupled with high‐speed networks, has beaconed an era of video streaming on the Internet. This has led to a need to enhance the security of communications transporting data without degrading its performance. The transport layer security (TLS) protocol negotiates configurations for securing communication channels. Such conversations adversely impact latency, thereby presenting a fundamental tradeoff between security and efficiency. In this work, we present a conceptual framework, called SEC‐QUIC (Secure and Efficient Configurations for QUIC), that focuses on optimizing this tradeoff specifically for video transmissions by investigating various factors in Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC). Transport‐layer‐related elements, such as maximum transmission unit (MTU) sizes, cipher suites, and ACK timer, are examined to evaluate the impact on the security‐efficiency tradeoff in QUIC‐based video transmissions using platform‐based experiments. Subsequently, we develop a conceptual framework to leverage QUIC's dynamics based on the context of a connection to optimize the security‐efficiency tradeoff. Our findings demonstrate the need to alter default configurations based on the contextual factors of a connection (eg, resource constraints and network conditions) in QUIC‐based video transmissions to balance the tradeoff. Experiments reveal an MTU of 1400 bytes is found to have 60% better throughput compared to an MTU of 1200 bytes while also 4% less CPU usage on average for the transmission of 100 MB video files. Overall, our experiments suggest that fine‐tuning performance and security related configurations is an effective approach to optimizing the security‐efficiency tradeoff in video transmissions.
Residual mechanical properties of concrete containing lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) after exposure to elevated temperatures
Authors: Dabbaghi Farshad , Dehestani Mehdi , Yousefpour Hossein
Published: August 2021

The mechanical properties of light‐weight concrete (LWC) in fire are known to be better than those of normal‐strength concrete (NSC), both at high temperature (hot properties) and after cooling (residual properties). The objective of this paper is to increase the knowledge of LWC's residual properties by testing a number of mixes containing expanded clay as light‐weight coarse aggregate. An experimental program was carried out, in which one normal‐weight concrete mix and two lightweight aggregate mixes containing different amounts of LECA were used to fabricate 72 concrete cylinders and 36 concrete prisms. All mixes contained silica fume as a supplementary cementitious material. The specimens were tested at the ambient temperature and after exposure to temperatures of 250, 500, and 750°C to obtain their compressive and tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and stress–strain response. Results indicate that exposure to temperatures up to 250°C has no significant effect on the mechanical properties of concrete containing LECA just as in normal weight concrete. However, with increasing the temperature, increasing the lightweight aggregate content of the mix resulted in better strength retention after exposure to elevated temperatures. The experimental data are also used to develop equations to evaluate the residual mechanical properties of concrete.
Centering Language and Student Voice in Multilingual Literacy Instruction
Authors: Proctor C. Patrick , Silverman Rebecca D. , Jones Renata Love
Published: August 2021

The authors describe a 3‐year project to design and test a multilingual literacy curriculum that centers language and student voice in the service of literacy development for multilingual learners. In the first 2 years, researchers, teachers, and students worked together to develop the curriculum using design‐based, case study methods. In the third year, teachers participated in a quasi‐experimental implementation of the curriculum that showed positive effects on students’ language, reading, and writing outcomes. This longitudinal work reflects four broad principles for multilingual literacy instruction: (1) focus on language and metalinguistic awareness; (2) enact dialogic approaches to engage students; (3) use multimodal texts and scaffolds to support comprehension and expression; and (4) take a multilingual perspective. The authors provide an overview of the curriculum design process and the quasi‐experimental field trial. Then, each principle is theoretically and empirically unpacked, and instructionally described using qualitative data collected over the full 3 years.
The Process Model of Student Feedback on Teaching (SFT): A Theoretical Framework and Introductory Remarks
Authors: Röhl Sebastian , Bijlsma Hannah , Rollett Wolfram
Published: August 2021

Student feedback on teaching in schools, conceptualized as information on student perceptions of teaching, is described by many scholars as an effective instrument for the developmental use of teachers and teaching. Beyond that, various studies show that the productive use of this method is a very complex process in which a variety of aspects must be considered. As an introduction to this volume, this chapter presents a model based on findings from different research areas of feedback and school research, called Process Model of Student Feedback on Teaching (SFT). This model follows the steps of the student feedback process, starting with student perceptions of teaching, which must be professionally collected or measured. Subsequently, the teacher perceives and interprets this feedback information, which is linked to cognitive and affective reactions and processes. This can lead to an enhancement of teachers’ knowledge about their own teaching and to the initiation of improvement-oriented actions, finally resulting in improved teaching and development of the teachers’ professional competence. Thereby, characteristics of the organization, the students, and classes as well as the teachers need to be considered. This model serves as a framework for the subsequent overview of the contributions in this volume.
Relevant Conditions for Teachers’ Use of Student Feedback
Authors: Röhl Sebastian , Gärtner Holger
Published: August 2021

Based on the findings from research on organizational feedback and data use in schools, this chapter systematizes relevant factors influencing the use of student feedback by teachers in three domains: (1) personal characteristics of feedback recipients (teachers), (2) characteristics of the organization (school), and (3) characteristics of feedback information (data). We identified teachers’ self-efficacy, attribution styles, goal orientations, and age or professional experience as relevant individual characteristics. In addition, teachers’ attitude toward students’ trustworthiness or competence as a feedback provider appeared to be relevant for the use of student feedback. Beyond that, findings on organizational characteristics for teachers’ successful dealing with feedback pointed to the importance of a feedback culture and organizational safety, leadership, supportive measures, and perceived function of feedback as control vs. development. Furthermore, relevant characteristics of feedback information were identified as comprehensibility, valence, and specificity. Although such findings from other fields of research have been known for some time, studies on student feedback concerning these aspects are rare. Finally, practical measures are derived for each of the three domains in order to increase the use of student feedbacks by teachers.
A Reflection on Student Perceptions of Teaching Quality from Three Psychometric Perspectives: CCT, IRT and GT
Authors: Bijlsma Hannah , van der Lans Rikkert , Mainhard Tim , den Brok Perry
Published: August 2021

This chapter discusses student perceptions in terms of three psychometric perspectives that dominate contemporary research on teaching quality, namely, Classical Test Theory (CTT), Item Response Theory (IRT) and Generalizability Theory (GT). These perspectives function as being exemplars for the connection between psychometric theories and the different perspectives on “what a perception is” as well as on how and for what purposes student perceptions should be used. The main message of the chapter is that the choice of a psychometric theory is not merely a technical matter, but also has implications for how the nature of perceptions is conceptualized. After presenting and linking each psychometric theory, their strengths and weaknesses in the context of student perceptions of teaching quality and issues on practical implementations are discussed.
Student Perceptions of Teaching Quality: Dimensionality and Halo Effects
Authors: Röhl Sebastian , Rollett Wolfram
Published: August 2021

This chapter deals with the factorial structure of survey instruments for student perception of teaching quality. Often, high intercorrelations occur between different theoretically postulated teaching quality dimensions; other analyses point to a single unified factor in student perceptions of teaching quality, seemingly reflecting a “general impression” instead of a differentiated judgment. At the same time, findings from research on social judgment processes and from classroom research indicate that the teachers’ communion (warmth or cooperation) as well as students’ general subject interest can be important biasing factors in the sense of halo effects in student ratings of teaching quality. After presenting an overview of studies on the dimensionality of various survey instruments, we discuss whether aggregated data is impacted by an overall “general impression”. We confirmed this hypothesis using a sample of N = 1056 students from 50 secondary school classes. Moreover, this general impression could be explained at student and class level to a large extent by students’ perception of the teacher’s communion. Student general subject interest showed a medium effect but only at the individual level. These findings indicate that student perceptions of teaching quality dimensions are indeed influenced by a general impression which can be explained largely by teacher’s communion.