bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and Scalable Synthesis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode by Sol–Gel‐Assisted Microwave Sintering
Authors: Nisar Umair , Al-Hail Sara Ahmad J. A. , Kumar Petla Ramesh , Abraham Jeffin James , Mesallam Saoud M. A. , Shakoor Rana Abdul , Amin Ruhul , Essehli Rachid , Al-Qaradawi Siham
Published: April 2021

High‐voltage spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is a promising cathode material for high‐energy‐density and high‐power‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The high cost of the currently available LIBs needs to be addressed urgently for wide application in the transport sector (electric vehicles, buses) and large‐scale energy storage systems (ESS). Of significance, herein, novel fast and scalable microwave‐assisted synthesis of LNMO is reported, which leads to a production cost cut. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the formation of the desired phase with high crystallinity. Field emission scanning (FE‐SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses indicate that the synthesized phase is of nanometric size (50–150 nm) due to an extremely short sintering time (20 min). The material synthesized at 750 °C shows a higher initial discharge capacity (130 mA h g−1) than that synthesized at 650 °C (115 mA h g−1). The materials heat treated at higher temperatures show better electrochemical performance in terms of initial capacity, rate capability, and improved cycling. The improved electrochemical performance of LNMO at 750 °C is attributed to the formation of a stable crystal structure, low charge transfer resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interface, high electrical conductivity due to the presence of a disorder structure, and improved ionic diffusivity.
Assessment of tectonic activity based on the geomorphic indices in the middle reaches of the upstream of Jinsha River, China
Authors: Ji Yiqi , Su Shengrui , Liu Zhiheng , Huang Qiangbing
Published: April 2021

The middle reaches of the upstream of Jinsha River (MRUJR) is located in the eastern segment of the Jinsha River suture zone on the southwest of China. A study of the MRUJR based on tectonic geomorphology is noteworthy for providing a profound understanding of the tectonic transition between the Sichuan‐Yunnan and Qamdo blocks and active tectonics in various subbasins. Based on the global digital elevation model Shuttle Radar Topography Mission 1 (30 m resolution) data and geographic information system techniques, four geomorphic indices, the hypsometric integral, stream length‐gradient, drainage basin asymmetry, and drainage basin shape were calculated and analysed. Combined with geologic evidence from field surveys and fault slip rates estimated, the tectonic activities and mechanisms were discussed. Through the specific analytical comparisons, the variations in the geomorphic indices were unlikely affected by lithology and climate but showed changes in relevant tectonic activity. The analysis results of geomorphic index value manifested related strong activities in the northwestern and southeastern regions of MRUJR, tilt directions are mainly SW–NE and NE–SW, respectively. The MRUJR is undergoing rapid uplift. These results are consistent with the field evidence.
The effects of environmental, operational, and organizational factors on the usage of and satisfaction with electronic medical records
Authors: Shin Gee Won , Bahn Sangwoo , Lee Yura , Lee Jae‐Ho
Published: April 2021

This study examined the correlation between environmental, operational, organizational, and error‐producing latent conditions and the clinicians' perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction associated with electronic medical record (EMR) use in the emergency department (ED) via structural equation modeling. This descriptive study assessed 200 ED physicians and nurses employed by hospitals in South Korea. Clinicians' satisfaction with EMR use was assessed using a conceptual path model from the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety with various contextual factors. The results indicated that the newly proposed model satisfied the standard of model fitness. Moreover, operational and organizational factors, error‐producing latent conditions, perceived EMR‐related errors, and perceived ease of use had direct and significant effects on satisfaction with EMR. However, environmental factors and perceived usefulness showed no significant effect on error‐producing latent conditions or satisfaction with EMR. A considerable portion of EMR use in the ED is controlled by operational and organizational factors. These factors should be considered by health organizations and health policymakers.
Feasibility of deep learning‐based fully automated classification of microsatellite instability in tissue slides of colorectal cancer
Authors: Lee Sung Hak , Song In Hye , Jang Hyun‐Jong
Published: April 2021

High levels of microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) occurs in about 15% of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) and is an important predictive marker for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. To test the feasibility of a deep learning (DL)‐based classifier as a screening tool for MSI status, we built a fully automated DL‐based MSI classifier using pathology whole‐slide images (WSIs) of CRCs. On small image patches of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) CRC WSI dataset, tissue/non‐tissue, normal/tumor and MSS/MSI‐H classifiers were applied sequentially for the fully automated prediction of the MSI status. The classifiers were also tested on an independent cohort. Furthermore, to test how the expansion of the training data affects the performance of the DL‐based classifier, additional classifier trained on both TCGA and external datasets was tested. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.892 and 0.972 for the TCGA and external datasets, respectively, by a classifier trained on both datasets. The performance of the DL‐based classifier was much better than that of previously reported histomorphology‐based methods. We speculated that about 40% of CRC slides could be screened for MSI status without molecular testing by the DL‐based classifier. These results demonstrated that the DL‐based method has potential as a screening tool to discriminate molecular alteration in tissue slides.
The Dark Triad trait of psychopathy and message framing predict risky decision‐making during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Doerfler Stephen M. , Tajmirriyahi Maryam , Dhaliwal Amandeep , Bradetich Aaron J. , Ickes William , Levine Daniel S.
Published: April 2021

The effects of framing on risky decision‐making have been studied extensively in research using Kahneman and Tversky's (1981) hypothetical scenario about a contagious Asian disease. The COVID‐19 pandemic offers a unique opportunity to test how message framing affects risky decision‐making when millions of real lives are at stake worldwide. In a sample of US adults (N = 294), we investigated the effects of message framing and personality (Dark Triad traits) in relation to risky decision‐making during the COVID‐19 crisis. We found that both gain‐ and loss‐framing influenced risk choice in response to COVID‐19. People were more risk‐averse in the loss condition of the current study compared to the benchmark established by Tversky and Kahneman (1981). Among the Dark Triad traits, psychopathy emerged as the significant predictor of risk taking, suggesting that people who score high in psychopathy are more likely to gamble with other people's lives during the COVID‐19 crisis. We suggest that both voters and pandemic‐related public awareness campaigns should consider the possibility that decision‐makers with psychopathic tendencies may take greater risks with other people's lives during a pandemic. In addition, the framing of public‐health messages should be tailored to increase the chances of compliance with government restrictions.
Comparative first principles‐based molecular dynamics study of catalytic mechanism and reaction energetics of water oxidation reaction on 2D‐surface
Authors: Priyadarsini Adyasa , Mallik Bhabani S.
Published: April 2021

The study of the water‐splitting process, which can proceed in 2e− as well as 4e− pathway, reveals that the process is entirely an uphill process, and the third step, that is, the oxooxo bond formation is the rate‐determining step. The kinetic barrier of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the 2D material catalysts in the presence of explicit solvents is scarcely studied. Here, we investigate the dynamics of the OER on the undoped graphene and the activation energy barrier of each step using first principles molecular dynamics simulations. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the kinetics of all the 4e− transfer steps of OER on the graphene surface. We also compare the accuracy of one of the density functional theory (DFT) functionals and density functional based tight binding (DFTB) method in explaining the OER steps. The comparative study reveals that DFTB can be used for performing metadynamics simulations quipped with much less computational cost than DFT functionals. By both Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof and DFTB methods, the third step is revealed to be the rate‐determining step with an energy barrier of 21.19 ± 0.51 and 20.23 ± 0.20 kcal mol−1, respectively. DFTB gives an impression of being successful in predicting the energy barriers of OER in 4e‐ transfer pathway and comparable to the DFT method, and we would like to extend the use of DFTB for further studies with a sizable and complex system.
More Rational or More Emotional Than Others? Lay Beliefs About Decision‐Making Strategies
Authors: VanBergen Noah , Lurie Nicholas H. , Chen Zoey
Published: April 2021

Research demonstrates that people utilize both reasoning and feeling in decision making and that both strategies can be advantageous. However, little is known about how people perceive their decision‐making relative to others. Despite research findings and popular appeals supporting the use of affective decision processes, across a series of studies, we find that individuals believe they rely more on reasoning, and less on feelings, than others. These effects are driven by the motivation to self‐enhance where, in most contexts, individuals believe the use of reasoning is superior, and self‐enhancing, compared to the use of feelings. Consistent with this mechanism, beliefs that one’s decisions are more rational than others’ are as follows: (a) stronger for those who exhibit greater beliefs in the superiority of reasoning (vs. feeling), (b) attenuated when the decision context precludes motivational thinking about the self or the self is affirmed, and (c) reversed when the use of feelings is perceived as more self‐enhancing. We demonstrate downstream consequences (e.g., decision delegation), rule out alternative explanations, and discuss practical implications of these lay beliefs.
Diagnostic nomogram based on intralesional and perilesional radiomics features and clinical factors of clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Han , Li Xianglin , Zhang Yongxia , Huang Cheng , Wang Yongqiang , Yang Ping , Duan Shaofeng , Mao Ning , Xie Haizhu
Published: April 2021

Previous studies on the value of radiomics for diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) only utilized intralesional features. However, the role of tumor microenvironment is important in tumor generation and progression. The aim of this study is to build and validate a nomogram based on perilesional and intralesional radiomics features and clinical factors for csPCa. This is a retrospective study, which included 140 patients who underwent prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study used 3.0T T2‐weighted imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient maps (derived from diffusion‐weighted images), and dynamic contrast‐enhancedMRI. Region of interest (ROI)s were segmented by two radiologists. Intralesional and combined radiomics signatures were built based on radiomics features extracted from intralesional and the combination of radiomics features extracted from intralesional and perilesional volumes. Serum total prostate‐specific antigen level and combined radiomics signature scores were used to construct a diagnostic nomogram. Intraclass correlation efficient analysis was used to test intra‐ and inter‐rater agreement of radiomics features. Min‐max scalar was used for normalization. One‐way analysis of variance or the Mann–WhitneyU‐test was used for univariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, accuracy, balanced accuracy, and F1‐score were used to evaluate radiomics signatures and the nomogram. Also, the nomogram was evaluated using decision curve analysis in testing cohort. Delong test was used to compare area under the curves (AUCs). Statistical significance was set atp < 0.05. In testing cohort, AUC, accuracy, balanced accuracy, and F1‐score of combined radiomics signature (0.94, 0.83, 0.80, and 0.87, respectively) were all higher than that of intralesional radiomics signature (0.90, 0.77, 0.74, and 0.83, respectively). The difference between AUCs was insignificant (pof 0.19). AUC, accuracy, balanced accuracy, and F1‐score of the nomogram were 0.96, 0.94, 0.95, and 0.95, respectively. Nomogram was clinically useful when threshold probability of a patient is higher than 0.06. Perilesional radiomics features improved the discrimination ability of the radiomics signature. Diagnostic nomogram had a good performance.

Level of Evidence

3.

Technical Efficacy Stage

2.
The robust performance of carcinoembryonic antigen levels after adjuvant chemotherapy for the recurrence risk stratification in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Matsuda Keiji , Ishihara Soichiro , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Shimada Ryu , Hayama Tamuro , Nozawa Keijiro , Hashiguchi Yojiro
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

Most guidelines of colorectal cancers (CRCs) recommend evaluating the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level during postoperative surveillance to detect tumor recurrence, which originates from postsurgery residual tumor cells. We hypothesized that the postadjuvant chemotherapy CEA level may be the most accurate biomarker to predict tumor recurrence, and we evaluated the prognostic significance of the postadjuvant chemotherapy CEA level in patients with stage II and III CRCs.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 150 Stage II–III CRC patients who had undergone curative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Preoperative, postoperative, and postadjuvant chemotherapy CEA levels were evaluated, and their associations with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were assessed.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier curves showed that a high preoperative CEA level, high postoperative CEA, and high postadjuvant chemotherapy CEA were associated with poor RFS (p = .001, .0001, and .001, respectively). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that high postadjuvant chemotherapy CEA was an independent factor for poor RFS (HR 2.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–6.05, p = .033), whereas high preoperative and postoperative CEA levels were not.

Conclusions

The serum levels of postadjuvant chemotherapy CEA were a strong prognostic biomarker in patients with Stage II–III CRCs who had undergone surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.
Separation and purification of magnoflorine, spinosin, and 6‴‐feruloyspinosin from Ziziphi Spinosae Semen by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Xu Hao , Niu Yuyu , Sun Yan , Xia Menglin , Lin Daozheng , Qiao Wei
Published: April 2021

In the study, high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was used for separation and purification of magnoflorine, spinosin, and 6‴‐feruloyspinosin from Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. With n‐butanol‐ethyl acetate‐water (2:3:5, v/v) as the optimum solvent system, about 75 mg of magnoflorine, 110 mg of spinosin, and 40 mg of 6‴‐feruloyspinosin were isolated from 0.5 g of crude extract of Z. Spinosae Semen, with the purity of 95.7, 97.2, and 96.4%, respectively. The chemical structures were identified by MS and NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the antidepressant activity of the isolated components was evaluated by PC12 cells injury model and chronic unpredictable mild stress depression mouse model. The results showed that high‐speed counter‐current chromatography could be used to realize the one‐time rapid preparation and separation of magnoflorine, spinosin, and 6‴‐feruloyspinosin from Z. Spinosae Semen and compatibility of these isolated components has certain antidepressant activity.
Coping as a community: Recovery experiences of a tourism‐reliant area following a tsunami in Indonesia
Authors: Cahyanto Ignatius , Kingsbury Aaron J. , Widodo Eko , Puspita Natalia Yeti , Harnadi Agnes
Published: April 2021

Despite the burgeoning amount of tourism recovery research, there is a dearth of studies that explore communal coping. To address this gap, this study examined the communal coping of a tourism‐reliant community in Indonesia that was destroyed by a tsunami using the Participatory Research Action (PAR) paradigm. It employs Photovoice augmented with mobile data collection using Survey123 from ESRI. The findings identified three phases of communal coping: losing the daily routine, reviving routines, and living with new routines. Each of these was found to be pivotal to destination resilience building. This study offers a novel way to examine disaster experiences.
Conceptualising the role of marketing strategies of tourism providers in inducing risk‐taking behaviour
Authors: Zaky Ahmed , Saxena Gunjan , Jayawardhena Chanaka
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we examine the role of marketing strategies of tourism providers in inducing risk‐taking behaviour deriving lessons from theoretical foundations of ‘fear appeal’ and ‘protection‐motivation’ and the stimulus–organism–response framework. We engage with their meaning‐generating identity narratives that play an indispensable role in sustaining and enhancing the market appeal of dark tourism experiences, places and products. Our findings demonstrate how providers use information‐based and emotions‐focused strategies to induce visitors to engage in different degrees of risk‐taking activities.
Lipid biomarkers reveal the trophic plasticity of octocorals along a depth gradient
Authors: Pupier Chloé Alexandra , Mies Miguel , Fine Maoz , Bastos Francini‐Filho Ronaldo , Pereira Brandini Frederico , Zambotti‐Villela Leonardo , Colepicolo Pio , Ferrier‐Pagès Christine
Published: April 2021

Symbiotic octocorals are important reef inhabitants, from shallow to mesophotic depths. However, information regarding their nutritional ecology along the depth gradient, and in particular the changes in the autotrophic and heterotrophic acquisition of nutrients, is limited, despite the fact that nutrient acquisition is a fundamental process in explaining the distribution of reef organisms. Here, the abundance of three lipid biomarkers, specific for autotrophy and heterotrophy, was investigated in the tissue of four octocoral species and one scleractinian sampled in shallow and upper mesophotic reefs of the oligotrophic Northern Red Sea. Our findings show functional mixotrophy for all dinoflagellate‐bearing species, with a significant input of heterotrophic feeding on herbivorous crustacean zooplankton at both depths. The relatively high level of the heterotrophic marker in all symbiotic species in shallow conditions does not corroborate the common idea that corals rely mostly on autotrophy in shallow waters. The increase in heterotrophic capacity with depth was however species‐specific, likely related to physiological and morphological characteristics. In addition, octocorals maintained similar concentrations of autotrophic markers with increasing depth, while the scleractinian species exhibited a decrease in these markers with depth. These results are in agreement with previous measurements of photosynthetically‐fixed carbon acquisition, suggesting that autotrophy remains stable in Red sea soft corals, whereas it decreases in scleractinian corals. This study highlights the importance of heterotrophy across the euphotic‐upper mesophotic depth gradient and brings relevant advances on our understanding of the ecological significance of feeding for reef corals.
Assessing diversity, abundance, and mass of microplastics (~ 1–300 μm) in aquatic systems
Authors: Medina Faull Luis E. , Zaliznyak Tatiana , Taylor Gordon T.
Published: April 2021

Recent improvements in survey methods for microplastic (MP) pollution in natural waters have enabled quantification of MP particles < 300 μm in diameter. Historically, this putatively important size fraction of MP particles has not been sampled adequately, possibly leading to significant underestimations of plastic inventories in aquatic systems. Furthermore, reported MP particle numbers are poorly constrained proxies for MP mass loadings as sizes vary widely and densities differ within and among polymers, consequently compromising mass flux estimations. However, determination of MP number, identity, and mass can resolve these issues and enable more accurate estimations of MP loadings. Using Raman microspectroscopy coupled with three‐dimensional (3D) spectral imaging, we have developed an automatable methodology to detect, identify, and quantify MPs retained on filters from discrete water samples. Raman spectral information enabled identification of plastic polymers in particles between 0.5 and 300 μm in diameter and generation of 3D chemical maps. To accelerate volume determinations of each identified MP particle, we developed an algorithm to derive volumes from image analysis of two‐dimensional micrographs that are statistically indistinguishable from those directly measured by 3D Raman chemical maps. Masses of each Raman‐identified MP particle are determined from their volumes and known plastic specific weights. This methodology provides accurate estimations of the smallest MP particles' contributions to total MP mass in discrete water samples, providing vital information for mass flux calculations of MPs in natural waters.
Experimental Realization of Sensitivity Enhancement and Suppression with Exceptional Surfaces
Authors: Qin Guo‐Qing , Xie Ran‐Ran , Zhang Hao , Hu Yun‐Qi , Wang Min , Li Gui‐Qin , Xu Haitan , Lei Fuchuan , Ruan Dong , Long Gui‐Lu
Published: April 2021

By preparing a sensor system around isolated exceptional points, one can obtain a great enhancement of the sensitivity benefiting from the non‐Hermiticity. However, this comes at the cost of reduction of the flexibility of the system, which is critical for practical applications. By generalizing the exceptional points to exceptional surfaces, it has been theoretically proposed recently that enhanced sensitivity and flexibility can be combined. Here, an exceptional surface is experimentally demonstrated in a non‐Hermitian photonic sensing system, which is composed of a whispering‐gallery‐mode microresonator and two nanofiber waveguides, resulting in a unidirectional coupling between two degenerate counter‐propagating modes with an external optical isolator. The system is simple, robust, and can be easily operated around an exceptional surface. On the one hand, sensitivity enhancement is observed by monitoring the resonant frequency splitting caused by small perturbations. This demonstration of exceptional‐surface‐enhanced sensitivity paves the way for practical non‐Hermitian sensing applications. On the other hand, the suppression of frequency splitting around the exceptional surface is also shown for the first time.
The corrosion mechanism initiation of a 75Sn–25Pb coating on a low‐carbon steel sample in HCl environments
Authors: Lequien Florence , Moine Gervaise , Lequien Arnaud , Neff Delphine
Published: April 2021

The corrosion of a 75Sn–25Pb coating on low‐carbon steel exposed to a vapor/condensate phase over a 1 mol/L HCl solution has been studied. The corrosion mechanism initiation was based on several steps. The presence of CO2 and lead involves the precipitation of cerussite PbCO3 crystals. Overtime, the cerussite evolved and transformed into PbCl2. This transformation was not direct and involved the creation of reaction intermediates whose chemical composition was variable. In parallel, tin formed oxides that were not stable in the HCl solution. These oxides dissolved and led to the formation of an electrolyte concentrated in Sn2+. When tin ions' saturation was reached, tin precipitated to form abhurite, Sn21Cl16(OH)14O6, or hydrated tin chloride, SnCl2.2H2O. This study highlighted the particularity of the corrosion mechanism. It also showed that the presence of tin promoted the oxidation of lead and consequently the formation of cerussite.
Reprocessable Shape Memory Epoxy Resin Based on Substituent Biphenyl Structure
Authors: Xu Weiming , Pan Yi , Yin Lv , Zheng Zhaohui , Deng Jinni , Ding Xiaobin
Published: April 2021

Despite significant progress in realizing the reprocessability in epoxy resins, it is very meaningful to develop a reprocessable shape memory epoxy resins with excellent shape recovery properties and good repeatability. In this work, a reprocessable shape memory epoxy resin based on substituent diphenyl structure is synthesized successfully via solution polymerization, which possesses good shape memory performance both before and after reprocessing with shape fixity ratio (Rf) over 95%, shape recovery ratio (Rr) more than 99% and fine shape recovery ability. This work can provide a feasible approach to improve the shape memory performance of shape memory epoxy resin, a further understanding of shape memory mechanisms and the broadening field of application.
High Intrinsic Thermal Conductivity of Polythiophene by Reducing Steric Hindrance and Enhancing p‐π Conjugation
Authors: Zheng Haoting , Wu Kun , Chen Weilong , Nan Bingfei , Qu Zhencai , Lu Mangeng
Published: April 2021

A series of copolymers of poly3‐alkylthiophene (PTm) with different side chain lengths and copolymers of 3‐butylthiophene and 3‐butoxythiophene (PTDx) with different ratios are synthesized by oxidative polymerization. As the length of the side chain decreases, WAXD patterns of PTm show an increase in crystallinity. An increment of 50% in thermal conductivity is observed and the maximum thermal conductivity reaches to 0.320 Wm–1K–1. For PTDx, as the proportion of 3‐butoxythiophene increases, the UV spectrum appears red‐shifted, indicating an enhanced degree of p‐π conjugation. The thermal conductivity of PTDx is increased from 0.340 to 0.374 Wm–1K–1, which is around twice that of traditional thermoplastics. Molecular dynamics (MD) is used to simulate the changes in the volume and dihedral angle overlap of the polymer at different temperatures, and achieves the same result as the experiment. MD simulations and experimental measurements have shown that reducing steric hindrance and enhancing p‐π conjugation can increase the thermal conductivity of the polymer. Young's modulus of PTDx (around 1.86 GPa) is lower than that of conventional plastics, and its flexibility makes it more versatile.
Role of Organic Phosphates and Phosphonates in Catalyzing Dynamic Exchange Reactions in Thiol‐Click Vitrimers
Authors: Moazzen Khadijeh , Rossegger Elisabeth , Alabiso Walter , Shaukat Usman , Schlögl Sandra
Published: April 2021

Owing to their strong Brønsted acidity, organic phosphates and phosphonates are able to catalyze dynamic transesterification reactions in hydroxyl ester networks. Compared to commonly used transesterification catalysts, they are highly soluble in a wide range of acrylate monomers and neither affect cure kinetics nor shelf‐life of photocurable acrylate and thiol‐acrylate resins. Additionally, they promote fast stress relaxation and, by using derivatives with functional groups, are covalently incorporated within the photopolymer network. These salient features make organic phosphates and phosphonates ideal catalysts for the design and processing of photoreactive vitrimers. Herein, the catalytic activity of selected methacrylate‐functional phosphates and vinyl‐functional phosphonates on dynamic transesterifications are studied comprehensively. They are incorporated in a thiol‐acrylate photopolymer providing functional –OH and ester moieties. Cure kinetics and thermomechanical properties are not significantly affected by the structure and functionality of the catalyst. In contrast, time‐dependent stress relaxation measurements show that relaxation time and activation energy correlate well with the logarithmic acid dissociation constants of the Brønsted acids. The better understanding of the role of organic phosphates and phosphonates expands the scope of transesterification catalysts and is particularly interesting for the design of photoreactive vitrimers, which can be additively manufactured by using vat polymerization techniques.
Anisotropic and Self‐Healing Copolymer with Multiresponsive Capability via Recyclable Alloy‐Mediated RDRP
Authors: Mohammad Sk Arif , Dolui Subrata , Kumar Devendra , Alam Md. Mehboob , Banerjee Sanjib
Published: April 2021

A novel triple stimuli sensitive block copolymer is prepared by magnetically separable and reusable (up to multiple cycles) Ni–Co alloy nanoparticles mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) at 25 °C, that responds to changes in temperature, pH, and light. Design of this block copolymer constitutes a temperature‐sensitive N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), an acid‐sensitive lysine methacrylamide (LysMAM), and a light responsive umbelliferone (UMB) end group. The stimuli response, in response to one stimulus as well as combinations of stimuli, has been evaluated. Responsiveness to light allows the construction of self‐healing materials. Density functional theory calculations rationalize the underlying mechanism of the polymerization.
The emerging paradigm of calcium homeostasis as a new therapeutic target for protozoan parasites
Authors: Gupta Yash , Goicoechea Steven , Pearce Catherine M. , Mathur Raman , Romero Jesus G. , Kwofie Samuel K. , Weyenberg Matthew C. , Daravath Bharathi , Sharma Neha , Poonam  , Akala Hoseah M. , Kanzok Stefan M. , Durvasula Ravi , Rathi Brijesh , Kempaiah Prakasha
Published: April 2021

Calcium channels (CCs), a group of ubiquitously expressed membrane proteins, are involved in many pathophysiological processes of protozoan parasites. Our understanding of CCs in cell signaling, organelle function, cellular homeostasis, and cell cycle control has led to improved insights into their structure and functions. In this article, we discuss CCs characteristics of five major protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, and Cryptosporidium. We provide a comprehensive review of current antiparasitic drugs and the potential of using CCs as new therapeutic targets. Interestingly, previous studies have demonstrated that human CC modulators can kill or sensitize parasites to antiparasitic drugs. Still, none of the parasite CCs, pumps, or transporters has been validated as drug targets. Information for this review draws from extensive data mining of genome sequences, chemical library screenings, and drug design studies. Parasitic resistance to currently approved therapeutics is a serious and emerging threat to both disease control and management efforts. In this article, we suggest that the disruption of calcium homeostasis may be an effective approach to develop new anti‐parasite drug candidates and reduce parasite resistance.
Anatomical predictors of long‐term urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A systematic review
Authors: Muñoz‐Calahorro Carmen , García‐Sánchez Cristina , Barrero‐Candau Rafael , García‐Ramos Juan Braulio , Rodríguez‐Pérez Antonio Javier , Medina‐López Rafael Antonio
Published: April 2021

Aims

There is scarce evidence of anatomical risk factors that might affect long‐term post‐prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) in patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). This systematic review aims to identify anatomical measurements in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that might be associated with increased risk of urinary incontinence (UI) 1 year after RALP.

Methods

A comprehensive search on Pubmed and Scopus databases up to November 2020 was performed. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria and were finally selected.

Results

The selected studies included 1146 patients. Seven articles focused on membranous urethral length (MUL); all of them related MUL to long‐term PPI in univariate analysis and five of them in multivariate analysis. Four studies presented MUL difference to measure the magnitude of the effect. Average MUL (mm) was 15.9 (SD, 2.6), 16.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.9–18.9), 12.1 (95% CI 9.7–14.9) and 14.5 in continent patients and 13.9 (SD, 2.9), 10 (95% CI: 8.7–12.1), 10.3 (95% CI: 8.7–12.4) and 9.3 in incontinent patients, with statistically significant differences in all cases. Five studies presented the odds ratio as a result; although there was substantial heterogeneity in the methods used to obtain it, there was consistency in finding an inverse association between MUL and PPI. Other measurements including prostatic‐urethral angle, membranous urethral thickness, intraprostatic urethral length and intravesical prostatic protrusion have been reported in few studies, and no association with long‐term PPI was found. Levator ani muscle thickness was related to long‐term PPI in one article.

Conclusion

Greater MUL on preoperative MRI is associated with lower risk of UI 1 year after RALP.
Antibiotics and Imiquimod for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Veterans: A Patient Population with Agent Orange Exposure
Authors: Del Guzzo Christina A. , Kojadinovic Arsenije , Vinnakota Ravi R. , Geskin Larisa J. , Newman Jessica C. , Langhoff Erik , Park Yeun-Hee A. , Bates Susan E. , Dana Ali N.
Published: April 2021

Lessons Learned

Staphylococcus aureus infection in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is thought to contribute to disease progression; thus, adjunctive treatment with antibiotics warrants further investigation. This trial of antibiotic therapy followed by imiquimod in early stage CTCL was not completed because of difficulties with patient accrual.

Background

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is a heterogeneous group of malignancies of mature memory T lymphocytes. It has an annual age-adjusted incidence of 7.5 per million persons in the U.S. population [1]. The etiology of CTCL is unknown, but epidemiological studies have reported potential associations with environmental and occupational factors, including Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam Veterans [2]. Both topical and systemic therapies have been identified as effective in CTCL; the choice of treatment is dependent on disease stage, with the overall goal of improving symptoms given the chronic and recurrent nature of the disease. Several studies have suggested that CTCL is exacerbated by the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the skin and can be ameliorated by treatment with antibiotics [3].

Methods

Our study was designed to assess the effects of antibiotics and imiquimod on early stage CTCL. Patients between the ages of 30–89 years with stage I and II CTCL were eligible for enrollment. They could not be receiving concurrent therapy, and the study design included a 14-day washout period after discontinuation of CTCL therapy. The washout period was followed by doxycycline 100 mg p.o. b.i.d. for 14 days and then two packets (250 mg per packet) of imiquimod 5% cream topically to the most clinically active lesions 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for 28 days. Skin lesions were measured using the modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT).

Results

Our study enrolled only two patients with early stage CTCL because of difficulty locating patients with active CTCL able to discontinue all therapy. The two enrolled patients completed all therapy. One patient had a complete response after imiquimod, whereas the other patient had stable disease.

Conclusion

Antibiotics and imiquimod have reported activity as single agents in CTCL; we did not enroll enough patients to assess value in the sequence of antibiotic therapy followed by imiquimod.
Predicting fetal and neonatal demise after fetoscopy for twin–twin transfusion syndrome using recursive partitioning
Authors: Buskmiller Cara , Bergh Eric P. , Johnson Anthony , Moise Kenneth J. , Papanna Ramesha
Published: April 2021

Objective

Donor demise after laser surgery for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is well‐characterized, but recipient demise is not, nor is neonatal death. This study aims to characterize factors associated with recipient death, donor death, and dual twin death after laser, both before and after birth.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of monochorionic twin pairs who underwent laser ablation for TTTS. Risk factors for fetal and neonatal death of both twins were identified using univariable analysis and recursive partitioning, a novel statistical method to quantify contributions of each factor to outcomes.

Results

In 413 twin pairs, death of both twins occurred in 9.2% (38/413), donor death in 12.1% (50/413), and recipient death in 2.4% (10/413). Recursive partitioning showed that gestational age at delivery predicts dual twin death (below 23.7 weeks, likely [p < 0.001], above 28.3 weeks, unlikely [p = 0.004]). Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler and weight discordance predict donor demise (p < 0.001 and p = 0.033, respectively). Cervical length under 16 mm predicts neonatal death of both twins (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Parents can gain individualized information about the survival of each fetus based on variables available from preoperative and delivery variables. Short cervix and premature delivery cause significant mortality in TTTS.
Comparative study of neuroendocrine acquisition and biomarker expression between neuroendocrine and usual prostatic carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Guang‐Qian , Ho Grant , Suen Catherine , Hurth Kyle M
Published: April 2021

Background

Neuroendocrine prostatic carcinoma (NEPC) is uncommon. The pathogenesis, clinical association, and clinical implications of this disease are still evolving.

Methods

Clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and genomic studies were used to investigate the incidence of NEPC in various clinicopathologic settings and the expression of various biomarkers in NEPC and non‐NEPC as well as small cell NEPC. The study included 45 treatment‐naïve Gleason pattern (GP) 3 and 94 GP 4/5, 43 post‐radiation, 60 post‐androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), 38 lymph node metastatic and 9 small cell prostatic adenocarcinomas (PCs).

Results

NEPC was found in 7% GP3, 10% GP4/5, 9% post‐radiation, 18% post‐ADT, and 5% lymph node metastatic PCs, respectively. Compared with treatment‐naïve PCs, post‐ADT PCs showed significantly increased incidence of NEPC (p < .05) while no significant difference was noted between low‐ and high‐grade PCs, post‐radiation, and lymph node metastatic PCs. Serotonin was uniformly positive in NE cells of benign glands but negative in NEPC. Significant increase of Bcl‐2 and Auro A and decrease of prostein were noted in NEPC (p < .05). No significant changes in the expression of other biomarkers were found. In addition, small cell NEPC was strongly associated with ADT (44%) and high Gleason score (≥8, 100%) and often presented with alterations of TP53/RB1 and ARID1A/B or other genes crucial to genomic fidelity.

Conclusion

Given that no specific treatment for NEPC is presently available, the findings in this study have significant implications in the better understanding of this often‐deadly disease both clinically and pathogenetically as well as future patient management, including targeted therapy.
The effects of Huperzine A on dementia and mild cognitive impairment: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Ghassab‐Abdollahi Nafiseh , Mobasseri Khorshid , Dehghani Ahmadabad Ali , Nadrian Haidar , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: April 2021

Cognitive impairments are a part of the neurocognitive disorders which deteriorate the normal cognitive function. An overview of systematic reviews (SRs) was conducted to summarize the findings of SRs and meta‐analyses on the effectiveness of Huperzine A (Hup A) in dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A literature search was conducted since inception to December 2020. We used the AMSTAR tool to assess the methodological quality of SRs. The quality of evidence of primary studies was evaluated according to the SRs authors' assessment. Six SRs met our inclusion criteria. The results showed that Hup A has beneficial effects on cognitive function and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in Alzheimer's disease, but in vascular dementia and MCI, there was little or no evidence to conclusion. There is insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of Hup A on the quality of life and global clinical assessment. None of the SRs reported any serious side effects. Despite the promising effects of Hup A on cognition and ADLs, there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of Hup A in cognitive impairments due to the high heterogeneity of SRs and the low quality of primary studies. High‐quality, large multicenter RCTs with long‐term follow‐up in different settings are warranted.
Effects of run‐of‐river hydropower plants on fish communities in montane stream ecosystems in Serbia
Authors: Simonović Predrag , Ristić Ratko , Milčanović Vukašin , Polovina Siniša , Malušević Ivan , Radić Boris , Kanjuh Tamara , Marić Ana , Nikolić Vera
Published: April 2021

Small run‐of‐river hydropower plants (RRHPs) have revealed strong harmful effects worldwide on stream habitats (e.g., fragmentation and destruction) and decreased fish species, especially anadromous species abundance. Recently, RRHPs have rapidly been installed in Serbia. Most were installed on montane streams because their steep slopes are most convenient for hydropower energy production at minimal costs. Brown trout Salmo trutta are prominent in the fish communities of this rarest type of aquatic ecosystems. Their native molecular diversity reflects a biodiversity hotspot in the Balkans, and they provide attractive fishing opportunities. Records from fishery management plans for highland stream fisheries where RRHPs were installed revealed reduced brown trout biomass compared with streams without RRHPs. Research on six streams with operational RRHPs revealed severe deterioration of habitat, for example, increased water temperature, reduced dissolved oxygen, and increased nutrient contents. Effects on fish communities were evident from a change in their structure. Resident, stream‐dwelling brown trout were the most affected species with steep declines in abundance, biomass, and productivity. Fragmentation owing to damming was also reflected by deterioration of their age structure. Unique native brown trout stocks susceptible to adverse effects are difficult to restore by stocking, and fish passages commonly supplied as compensation to overcome the disruption of habitats cannot mitigate the threat posed to the fish.
Variational Bayesian partially linear mean shift models for high‐dimensional Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging data
Authors: Wu Ying , Tang Niansheng
Published: April 2021

Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed by analyzing brain images (eg, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) and neuropsychological tests (eg, mini‐mental state examination, MMSE). A partially linear mean shift model (PLMSM) is here proposed to investigate the relationship between MMSE score and high‐dimensional regions of interest in MRI, and detect the outliers. In the presence of high‐dimensional data, existing Bayesian approaches (eg, Markov chain Monte Carlo) to analyze a PLMSM take intensive computational cost and require huge memory, and have low convergence rate. To address these issues, a variational Bayesian inference is developed to simultaneously estimate parameters and nonparametric functions and identify outliers in a PLMSM. A Bayesian P‐splines method is presented to approximate nonparametric functions, a Bayesian adaptive Lasso approach is employed to select predictors, and outliers are detected by the classification variable. Two simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed method. An MRI dataset with elderly cognitive ability is provided to corroborate the proposed method.
The challenges for patients and sonographers when complex obstetric anomalies are identified
Authors: Shakes Pieta , Deslandes Alison
Published: April 2021

The prenatal identification of complex obstetric anomalies can present issues for expectant parents, sonographers and departments of obstetric ultrasound. The limitations of imaging technologies, ongoing fetal development and various interpretations of anomalies and prognosis create ambiguity. Complexity is further heightened by a lack of policies and training related to the communication of unexpected findings and support for sonographers who work with expectant parents during or after times of significant distress and trauma. This case report details challenges presented upon a third‐trimester diagnosis of a complex obstetric anomaly agenesis of the corpus callosum and offers recommendations to reduce the negative psychosocial consequences of complex obstetric anomaly diagnosis.
Performance of reinforced concrete columns confined with spiral reinforcement
Authors: Damodaran Chitra Mitra , Rugmini Bindhu Kochunarayana
Published: April 2021

The study proposes a practical strengthening method for improving the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete square columns using spiral as lateral reinforcement in moderate seismic zone regions. Two specimens one without ductile detailing and the other with ductile detailing designed as per Indian standard specifications and six specimens with spiral ties (in one direction and cross directions) at 25°, 35°, and 45° of inclination were tested under constant axial load and cyclic lateral loads to study the feasibility of the provision of spiral ties as a seismic‐strengthening method. The important variable used was the angle of inclination of the spiral bars. Test results revealed that the column specimen strengthened with cross spirals at 25° had almost similar performance and ductility behavior when compared with the control specimen with ductile detailing and specimen strengthened with cross spirals at 35° had better performance and ductility behavior when compared with the control specimen without ductile detailing and can be adopted in moderate seismic regions. Considering the enhanced behavior, such as the strength, stiffness, and ductility, along with the construction easiness, for better performance of columns in moderate seismic zones, angle of inclination of 35° is sufficient.
Plenitude and necessarily unmanifested dispositions
Authors: Werner Jonas ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2021

The principle of plenitude says that every material object coincides with abundantly many further objects that differ in their modal profiles. A necessarily unmanifested disposition is a disposition that necessarily does not manifest. This paper argues that if the principle of plenitude holds, then there are some necessarily unmanifested dispositions. These necessarily unmanifested dispositions will be argued to evade some objections against the cases of necessarily unmanifested dispositions put forward by Carrie Jenkins and Daniel Nolan.
Can Zoom video conferencing tool be misused for real‐time cybercrime?
Authors: Mohanty Manoranjan , Jena Riyanka , Singh Priyanka
Published: April 2021

Video conferencing tool Zoom has boomed during this COVID pandemic situation. Although Zoom has been very useful for facilitating work‐from‐home and study‐from‐home arrangements, its misuse can result in cybercrime cases. The world has already seen the adverse effect of a Zoom‐related cybercrime, Zoombombing. In this article, we discuss how Zoom can also be misused for launching real‐time cybercrime, such as piracy and real‐time pornography. The end‐to‐end encryption proposed to be used by Zoom can further complicate these cybercrime issues. The existing mechanisms may not be sufficient in dealing with these real‐time issues. New mechanisms need to be found.

This article is categorized under:

Digital and Multimedia Science > Multimedia Forensics