bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fragmentation efficiency of phenethylamines in electrospray ionization source estimated by theoretical chemistry calculation
Authors: Asakawa Daiki , Saikusa Kazumi
Published: December 2021

Small molecules with polar functional groups, including substituted phenethylamines, are commonly analyzed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI). Analyte molecules are mostly detected in protonated and cation‐adducted forms through positive‐ion electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). However, the ESI of substituted phenethylamines commonly provides an intense signal of fragment ions by ESI in‐source collision‐induced dissociation (IS‐CID), which hinders the unambiguous identification of phenethylamines. This phenomenon was approximated as a unimolecular dissociation model, and the dissociation efficiency was evaluated by various quantum chemistry calculations to determine the ESI IS‐CID efficiency. The calculated results were consistent with the experimental data, when the dissociation threshold energy of phenethylamines was calculated using the post‐Hartree‐Fock (post‐HF) method, CCSD(t)/cc‐pVTZ//MP2(full)/6‐311++G(d,p). In contrast to post‐HF methods, the utilization of density functional theory calculations with a suitable functional is recognized as an accurate and competitive low‐cost approach. In particular, ωB97‐XD, M06‐2X‐D3, and recently developed Minnesota functionals, such as M11, MN12‐SX, and MN15, provided reliable results, as in the case of the post‐HF method. The results obtained by the recently developed double hybrid functionals, DSD‐PEBP86‐D3(BJ), PBE0‐DH, and PBE‐QIDH, were also reliable. The consideration of ESI IS‐CID can facilitate the identification of analyte molecules because most phenethylamines, except for N‐methylated analogs, provide an intense signal in the ESI mass spectrum.
What is that I hear? An interdisciplinary review and research agenda for non‐native accents in the workplace
Authors: Hideg Ivona , Shen Winny , Hancock Samantha
Published: December 2021

Speaking with a non‐native English accent at work is a prevalent global phenomenon. Yet, our understanding of the impact of having a non‐native accent at work is limited, in part because research on accents has been multidisciplinary, fragmented, and difficult for scholars to access and synthesize. To advance research on accents in the workplace, we provide an interdisciplinary and integrative review of research on non‐native accents drawing from the communications, social psychology, and organizational sciences literatures. First, we briefly review the dominant approaches taken in each literature. Second, we organize and integrate extant research findings using a 2 × 2 framework that incorporates the two main theoretical perspectives used to explain the effects of accents—stereotypes and processing fluency—and the two primary categories of workplace outcomes examined—interpersonal (i.e., others' evaluations of speakers with non‐native accents, such as hiring recommendations) and intrapersonal (i.e., non‐native‐accented speakers' own evaluations and experiences, such as sense of belonging). To facilitate future research, we end by articulating a research agenda including theoretical and methodological expansions related to the study of accents, identifying critical moderators, adopting an intersectional approach, and studying group‐level and potential positive effects of speaking with non‐native accents.
Biological control of fungal pathogens of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) by chitinolytic bacterial strains
Authors: Malik Muhammad Saqib , Haider Shabeer , Rehman Abdul , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Jamil Muhammad , Naz Iffat , Anees Muhammad
Published: December 2021

The need to increase food production and to reduce the pollution caused by synthetic chemicals has led to a search for biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. In the present study, a total of 37 chitinolytic bacteria were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of tomatoes using a chitin agar medium. In vitro bacterial isolates, that is, TD9, TD11, TD15, and TD24 showed strong antagonistic and enzymatic activities against Rhizoctonia (8%–55%), Fusarium (31%–48%), Colletotrichum (24%–49%), and Aspergillus on a dual culture plate and enzyme assay. Furthermore, these putative antagonistic bacterial isolates were identified as Pantoea agglomerans (TD9), Bacillus subtilis (TD11), Bacillus cereus (TD15 and TD24) using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Additionally, in culture filtrate in vivo assay, the isolates TD11 and TD15 inhibited the growth of Rhizoctonia solani about 40% and Fusarium oxysporum about 80%. However, in the pot trials, these two bacterial isolates (TD11 and TD15) considerably suppressed the disease rate in tomatoes caused by Fusarium and Rhizoctonia fungal species. Moreover, it was concluded that B. subtilis (TD11) was found to be the most promising putative biocontrol agent, inhibiting the fungal diseases of tomatoes by 50% and showing versatile antagonistic potential.
Identification of Linguistic Markers of Insight and Intuition Using Computer‐Assisted Text Analysis
Authors: Sadler‐Smith Eugene , Akstinaite Vita
Published: December 2021

Insight and intuition are important concepts in creativity research and creative behavior with applications in a wide variety of professional and business domains. Understanding and articulating their similarities and differences is important theoretically and practically. Researchers and practitioners can benefit from the application of new techniques which can distinguish between these two phenomena based on individuals’ subjective experiences as articulated in written or spoken accounts. Subtle language cues provide objective, quantifiable data (linguistic markers) to identify and analyze a variety of cognitive and affective psychological processes. Computer‐assisted text analysis (CATA) based on the theory of natural language use offers researchers a systematic and objective framework for extracting and interpreting such markers. This Brief Report proposes the use of CATA for the identification of the linguistic markers of insight and intuition and outlines ways in which the method could be applied in future research. Using CATA, it was possible to identify a preliminary set of linguistic markers which could be used to distinguish between insight and intuition.
Dietary supplementation of Allium cepa skin alters intramuscular fat, muscle cholesterol, and fatty acids in rabbits
Authors: Adeyemi Kazeem D , Ogundele Victor O , Atolani Olubunmi
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The high polyunsaturated fatty acids content of rabbit meat predisposes it to oxidative deterioration, which often results in reduced product quality and shelf life. This fact highlights the need to improve the antioxidant status of rabbit meat. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Allium cepa skin (ACS) on growth, carcass, intramuscular fat, muscle fatty acids, cholesterol content, meat quality, antioxidant status, and sensory attributes of hind leg muscle of rabbits. Sixty‐three, 28‐day‐old, male New Zealand rabbits (654 ± 25 g) were randomly allocated into 21 pens of three rabbits. The pens were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments – ACS‐0: basal diet (BD) only; ACS‐25: BD + 25 g kg−1 ACS; and ACS‐50: BD + 50 g kg−1 ACS – for 56 days and then euthanized.

RESULTS

Dietary ACS did not affect growth performance and retail cuts of rabbits. Muscle cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in ACS‐supplemented rabbits than in controls. Dietary ACS lowered (P < 0.05) dissectible fat, intramuscular fat content, C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:2n−6, and C20:4n−6 levels and enhanced (P < 0.05) C18:3n−3, C20:5n−3, C22:6n−3, and C22:5n−3 concentration. Dietary ACS increased muscle catalase activity in rabbits. Sensory qualities, malondialdehyde and carbonyl contents, and physicochemical attributes of hind leg muscle of rabbits after chill storage were not influenced by dietary ACS supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with 50 g kg−1 ACS reduced intramuscular fat and cholesterol content and improved muscle n−3 fatty acids without impairing the physicochemical and sensory properties of rabbit meat. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quality characteristics of semi‐glutinous japonica rice cultivated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China
Authors: Zhu Ying , Xu Dong , Chen Xinyi , Ma Zhongtao , Ma Huizhen , Zhang Mingyue , Liu Guodong , Wei Haiyan , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Semi‐glutinous japonica rice (SGJR) is increasingly a popular choice for rice consumption and more commonly cultivated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Here, 58 SGJR and 75 non‐semi‐glutinous japonica rice (NSGJR) cultivars were evaluated for their characteristics of grain quality by assessing the taste of cooked grains, flour/paste properties, chemical compositions and starch physicochemical properties.

RESULTS

Comparisons of factors related to taste showed that cooked rice characteristics of SGJR were better in appearance, lower in hardness, lower in springiness and higher in stickiness. There were no significant differences in contents of total starch and total protein between the two types of rice. Further analysis indicates that thinner lamellar thickness, smaller starch particle size, and higher contents of amylopectin and albumin of SGJR (resulting in higher weights of dried matter from rice slurries) contributed to better appearance of cooked SGJR. Lower contents of amylose and prolamin led to a weaker and less elastic gel network in rice paste samples and contributed to a stronger moisture migration capability of cooked SGJR that showed higher stickiness and lower hardness and springiness.

CONCLUSION

A SGJR line with low apparent amylose content does not indicate good taste. Physicochemical properties of starch and protein contributed to better appearance, higher stickiness and lower hardness and springiness of cooked SGJR. These findings provide empirical data to help breed better‐tasting cultivars of japonica rice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A comparative study of chiral separation of proton pump inhibitors by supercritical fluid chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Raja Rupak , Alam Syed Dilshad , Srisath Vikas , Jain Arvind Kumar , ALOthman Zeid A. , Mohammed Abdallah A. A. , Islam Mohammad Ataul , Bhatt Tahir , Ali Imran
Published: December 2021

A comparative study of chiral separation of pantoprazole and rabeprazole is carried out using supercritical fluid chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The columns used were Chiralpak IA and Chiralpak IE. The best mobile phase in supercritical fluid chromatography was carbon dioxide‐0.2% triethylamine in methanol (60:40) and 0.1% triethylamine in n‐hexane‐ethanol (50:50) in high‐performance liquid chromatography. For supercritical fluid chromatography, values of the retention factor of pantoprazole enantiomers were 3.97 and 4.88. These values for rabeprazole enantiomers were 6.10 and 7.52. The values of separation and resolution factor for pantoprazole and rabeprazole were 1.23 and 1.23 and 2.20 and 3.36, respectively. Similarly, for high‐performance liquid chromatography, the values of retention factor for enantiomers of pantoprazole were 4.02 and 7.32. These values for rabeprazole enantiomers were 5.32 and 7.88, respectively. The values of separation and resolution factor for pantoprazole and rabeprazole were 1.82 and 1.48 and 9.22 and 6.58, respectively. A comparison was carried out, which confirmed supercritical fluid chromatography as the best method due to its fastness, eco‐friendly, and inexpensiveness. The reported methods are effective, efficient, and reproducible and may be used to separate and identify pantoprazole and rabeprazole in any unknown samples.
Lipoinjection for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Haddad Ralph , Ismail Salim , Khalaf Michel G. , Matar Nayla
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Lipoinjection is one of the available treatments for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Objective

To evaluate lipoinjection predictability, and analyze the differences in safety and efficacy of the different techniques.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods and Results

A systematic review on Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases included 49 articles analyzing the data of 1,166 patients, concerning technical details and voice parameters changes. Lipoinjection used a mean volume of 1.3 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.92, 1.69)—average overcorrection of 30%. Meta‐analysis of pre‐ and postoperative voice parameters' means showed a significant improvement at 6 months of mean phonation time (preoperative: 5.12, 95% CI [4.48, 5.76]—6 months: 10.46, 95% CI [9.18, 11.75]), Jitter (preoperative: 2.71, 95% CI [2.08, 3.33])—6 months: 1.37, 95% CI [1.05, 1.70]), Shimmer (preoperative: 4.55, 95% CI [3.04, 6.07]—6 months: 2.57, 95% CI [1.69, 3.45]), grade (preoperative: 2.15, 95% CI [1.73, 2.57]—6 months: 0.12, 95% CI [0.97, 1.43]), breathiness (preoperative: 2.012, 95% CI [1.48, 2.55]—6 months: 0.99, 95% CI [0.58, 1.40]), and asthenia (preoperative: 1.90, 95% CI [1.33, 2.47]—6 months: 0.75, 95% CI [0.17, 1.33]) of GRBAS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strain), and Voice Handicap Index‐30 (preoperative: 72.06, 95% CI [54.35, 89.76]—6 months: 26.24, 95% CI [19.58, 32.90]). Subgroup analysis by harvesting technique concluded in no statistically significant difference between them. Few complications were reported. Reintervention was only required for 86 patients.

Conclusion

Lipoinjection seems a safe therapeutic option for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, with available data showing an efficacy lasting 6 months to 1 year. Laryngoscope, 132:1630–1640, 2022
Mucosal Epithelial Preservation of Free Nasal Grafts Depending on the Recipient Site
Authors: Tochigi Kosuke , Ebihara Teru , Omura Kazuhiro , Torng Haw , Aoki Satoshi , Takeda Teppei , Otori Nobuyoshi , Kojima Hiromi , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: December 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Reconstruction of mucosal defects using free mucosal grafts has become a common procedure during endoscopic sinus surgery. Epithelialization of mucosal grafts affects postoperative complications and outcomes, which could be influenced by different recipient tissue. However, morphological changes occurring in the grafts transplanted over different tissues remain unexplored.

Study Design

An animal study.

Methods

Free mucoperichondrial grafts were prepared from the nasal septum of rabbits; the cartilage group had reconstruction on the nasal septal cartilage, and the perichondrium group had reconstruction on the contralateral perichondrium. The nasal septum was removed after 1 and 4 weeks of reconstruction, and the graft was histologically evaluated.

Results

After 1 week of reconstruction, the mucosal epithelium of grafts in the cartilage group disappeared, whereas the columnar epithelium of grafts was preserved in the perichondrium group. After 4 weeks of reconstruction, the mucosal defect site was covered with mucosal epithelium in both groups. However, while squamous epithelium was mostly observed in the cartilage group, columnar epithelium containing the healthy ciliary and goblet cells was observed in the perichondrium group. Statistically significant differences were detected in the parameters of epithelial morphology between the two groups, which were higher in the perichondrium group.

Conclusions

In the reconstruction of mucosal defects using free mucosal grafts, difference in recipient tissue affects the graft epithelial morphology.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:2301–2306, 2022
Maladaptive or misunderstood? Dopamine fasting as a potential intervention for behavioral addiction
Authors: Fei Yi Yang , Johnson Peter Anto , Omran Noor A.L. , Mardon Austin , Johnson John Christy
Published: December 2021

In this commentary, we strive to illustrate common misconceptions of the dopamine fasting fad that has become popular among wellness enthusiasts and purported by health gurus. Here, we review the proposed Dopamine fasting technique for managing behavioral addictions as proposed by California psychiatrist Dr. Cameron Sepah. We first summarize correct and incorrect interpretations of what Dopamine fasting involves. Next, we contextualize the role of dopamine as it relates to behavioral modification interventions for addiction. Particularly, we discuss the role of dopamine in behavioral addiction and the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for various addictions which are the basis of the proposed dopamine fasting technique. While we see potential for dopamine fasting to offer significant benefits to individuals, we highlight the limitation of the self‐guided aspect of dopamine fasting, which could pose physical and emotional harm to individuals if the guideline is misinterpreted or misused as the sole treatment for severe disorders which require clinician input. Future studies should aim to assess not only the scientific efficacy of dopamine fasting as a potential treatment approach for behavioral addiction, but also the needs and well‐being of individuals who seek self‐directed treatment from popular media trends.
Particle aerosolization with energy devices: A comparative study
Authors: Ruiz Medina Leonardo , Moshtaghi Omid , Kuang Jessica , Schalch Lepe Paul
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare the degree of particle aerosolization with the use of several energy devices used in tonsillectomy and other common upper airway procedures.

Methods

Three different energy devices were measured. These included (a) monopolar electrocautery, (b) bipolar electrocautery, and (c) thermal welding device (TWD). Each device was applied to fresh cadaveric cow tongue and porcine nose. Aerosolized particles produced by these devices were measured using a calibrated electronic particle counter. Measurements were recorded over the course of 3 minutes. Particle sizes were measured at 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5, and 10 μm.

Results

In comparing types of tissues and particle sizes, TWD had the lowest aerosolizing burden among the three devices. By analyzing the highest particle value of TWD against both monopolar and bipolar, monopolar electrocautery proved to have the highest aerosolization exposure with statistical significance at 0.5 and 10 μm. No statistical significance was found when comparing TWD against monopolar electrocautery.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates there is a difference in aerosolization burden dependent on the type of device utilized. TWD proved to have the lowest burden whereas monopolar electrocautery had the highest.

Conclusion

TWD produces less aerosolization than conventional monopolar electrocautery when cauterizing or ablating tissue in an experimental setting. The degree of aerosolization was comparable to bipolar electrocautery.

Level of Evidence

2.
Integrated Gallium Nitride Nonlinear Photonics
Authors: Zheng Yanzhen , Sun Changzheng , Xiong Bing , Wang Lai , Hao Zhibiao , Wang Jian , Han Yanjun , Li Hongtao , Yu Jiadong , Luo Yi
Published: December 2021

Gallium nitride (GaN) as a wide bandgap material is widely used in solid‐state lighting. Thanks to its high nonlinearity and high refractive index contrast, GaN‐on‐insulator (GaNOI) is also a promising platform for nonlinear optical applications. Despite its intriguing optical proprieties, nonlinear applications of GaN are rarely studied owing to the relatively high optical loss of GaN waveguides (typically ≈2 dB cm−1). In this paper, GaNOI microresonators with intrinsic quality factor over 2.5 million are reported, corresponding to an optical loss of 0.17 dB cm−1. Parametric oscillation threshold power as low as 6.2 mW is demonstrated, and the experimentally extracted nonlinear index of GaN at telecom wavelengths is estimated to ben2= 1.4 × 10−18m2W−1, which is several times larger than that of commonly used platform such as Si3N4, LiNbO3, and AlN. Single soliton generation in GaN is implemented by an auxiliary laser pumping scheme, so as to mitigate the high thermorefractive effect in GaN. The large intrinsic nonlinear refractive index, together with its broadband transparency window and high refractive index contrast, make GaNOI a promising platform for chip‐scale nonlinear applications.
Recurrent motion of stochastic Navier–Stokes equations with Coriolis force
Authors: Chen Feng
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider recurrent motion for stochastic Navier–Stokes equations in rotational framework. We prove the unique existence of time periodic, almost periodic and almost automorphic solutions for the stochastic partial differential equations.
Cage‐Shaped Polymers Synthesis: A Comprehensive State‐of‐the‐Art
Authors: Gauthier‐Jaques Martin , Mutlu Hatice , Theato Patrick
Published: December 2021

Researchers have dedicated their efforts for the creation of a wide choice of complex and precise macromolecular architectures over the past 100 years. Among them, cyclic polymers benefit from their absence of terminal chains and from their singular topology to minimize their hydrodynamic volume in solution, increase their chemical stability, limit their number of possible conformations as well as a reduce their propensity to crystallize or to form entanglements in comparison to their acyclic counterparts. While monocyclic structures have already been widely investigated and reviewed, reports on more complex polycyclic structures are rare. In this regard, cage‐shaped polymers—consisting of at least three polymer chains covalently interconnected through strictly two junction points—have received little attention over the past two decades. Although their synthesis is a worthy challenge, only a few synthetic methodologies of polymer cages were successfully developed so far. Thus, this review intends to highlight the key concepts of the conception of cage‐shaped polymers in addition to propose an actual and exhaustive state‐of‐art concept of their synthesis to rationally promote the next‐generation synthesis strategies.
Dynamics of the worm transmission in wireless sensor network in the framework of fractional derivatives
Authors: Achar Sindhu J. , Baishya Chandrali , Kaabar Mohammed K. A.
Published: December 2021

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are subject to cyber attacks. Security of such networks is a significant priority for everyone. Due to the network's frail defense mechanisms, WSNs are easy targets for worm attacks. A single unsecured node via contact can effectively propagate the worm across the entire network. Mathematical epidemic models are helpful in analyzing worm propagation in WSNs. To understand the attacking and spreading dynamics of worms in WSNs, a fractional‐order compartmental epidemic model is investigated with susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered, and vaccinated nodes. Dynamical aspects such as boundedness, existence, and uniqueness of the solutions are presented with the help of fractional calculus theory. Global stability of the points of equilibrium are established. The projected nonlinear structure is examined numerically via the generalized Adams–Bashforth–Moulton method. This study demonstrates the influence of the fractional operator on WSNs dynamics and the efficiency of the numerical method.
Green Alga Enteromorpha prolifera Oligosaccharide Ameliorates Ageing and Hyperglycemia through Gut–Brain Axis in Age‐Matched Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ouyang Yuezhen , Liu Dan , Zhang Lizhu , Li Xiaoqing , Chen Xinhua , Zhao Chao
Published: December 2021

Scope

To investigate the anti‐ageing and anti‐diabetic effects of Enteromorpha prolifera oligosaccharide (EPO) in age‐matched streptozocin‐induced diabetic mice.

Methods and Results

LC‐MS metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing is used to identify the brain metabolites and gut microbiota, respectively. EPO could significantly improve glucose metabolism and activity of total superoxide dismutase in serum. It also could regulate the tricarboxylic acid cycle, arginine, and inosine‐related metabolic pathways in the brain of aged diabetic mice. Inosine is found to enhance the relative expressions of daf‐2, daf‐16, and skn‐1 in insulin‐resistant Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, EPO could alter the composition and diversity of gut microbiota in mice. It could upregulate the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3/Forkhead Box O1 (FOXO1)/B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl‐6) pathways in the brain and the c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase (JNK)/FOXO1/Bcl‐6 signaling axis in the intestine to regulate glucose metabolite status and ageing in mice. EPO could also improve the levels of glucagon‐like peptide type 1 (GLP1) expression in the gut, thereby inducing high expression of GLP1 receptor in the brain to control glucose metabolites through the brain–gut axis. Enterococcus is negatively correlated with AMP in the brain and could be a potential hallmark species in age‐related diabetes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that EPO could be a potential novel natural drug for the treatment of diabetes in the elderly.
A compact dual‐band frequency‐dependent impedance transformer using two resizable shunt stubs
Authors: Wan Zipeng , Liu Qiang , Liu Wang , Cheng Dong , Du Guangxing , Li Guolin
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a dual‐band impedance transformer for frequency‐dependent loads with two resizable shunt stubs. The proposed transformer is composed of a single‐band matching network and a dual‐band susceptance stub network (DSSN). The single‐band matching network only consists of a one‐section matching network when the load is within the derived circle areas. The design parameters of the DSSN can be adjusted freely. The bandwidths at the two bands can be enhanced, and the possibility of using transmission lines with extremely high or low impedance is reduced significantly. All the parameters are obtained by solving the analytical design formula. Two examples are presented for illustrating the design process, and a prototype is fabricated and measured for verification. Good agreement between the simulation and the measurement is obtained. Compared with the previous works, the transformer not only has the shortest electrical length but also obtains wide bandwidths. Therefore, the transformer is very applicable for dual‐band systems, especially the dual‐band active device circuits.
Methacrylate and Styrene Block Copolymer Synthesis by Cu‐Mediated Chain Extension of Acrylate Macroinitiator in a Semibatch Reactor
Authors: Cooze Morgan J. , Deacon Hayden M. , Phe Katrina , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: December 2021

A process for the well‐controlled growth of acrylates by Cu‐mediated polymerization has been developed, with macroinitiator synthesized continuously in a copper tubular reactor and subsequently chain‐extended in a semibatch reactor without additional copper. Extending this process to methacrylates and styrene, however, has proven difficult due to a significant reduction in reaction rate. This barrier has been overcome by chain‐extending the low molecular weight (Mn of 760 g mol–1) poly(methyl acrylate) macroinitiator with methacrylates and styrene using PMDETA (N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) as ligand. Methyl methacrylate conversions of >80% at 70 °C and diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate conversions of >90% at room temperature are achieved in 4 h, with the same room temperature conditions successfully applied for controlled chain extensions with butyl methacrylate. Although styrene conversions are slightly lower (60–70%) over 4 h at 85 °C, the rates achieved are substantially higher than achieved in other studies. Hydrophobic–hydrophilic triblock structures are produced through sequential monomer feeds to the semibatch reactor, keeping total reaction time to less than 5 h. The ability to incorporate methacrylates and/or styrene into structured block polymers greatly extends the range of products that can be efficiently synthesized with low copper levels by this process.
A Lifestyle Management for Arthritis Group education intervention for people with inflammatory and degenerative arthritis: An observational study
Authors: Brownlee Jane , Sheridan Emer , Synnott Aoife , McCormack Aoife , Bell Mary , Fitzgerald Oliver
Published: December 2021

Background

Occupational therapy self‐management groups aim to assist individuals to incorporate health‐promoting behaviours and management strategies into their daily routines to promote wellbeing. The Lifestyle Management for Arthritis Group (LMAG) is a 2‐h‐long, occupational therapy educational‐behavioural group intervention adapted from the evidence‐based Lifestyle Management for Arthritis Programme (Hammond & Rayner, 2013) and was delivered to inpatients with inflammatory and degenerative arthritis separately.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in an inpatient Rheumatology Rehabilitation setting.

Method

This was an observational study with a pretest–posttest design using multiple methods. A knowledge of joint protection survey was gathered at three intervals. In‐depth semi‐structured phone interviews were undertaken 6 weeks post intervention. The quantitative data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25, whilst thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews.

Results

The results confirmed that the 36 participants who completed the study had increased joint protection knowledge immediately after LMAG and continued to retain that knowledge 6 weeks post intervention. The majority of participants evaluated the intervention as excellent whilst empowerment emerged as the core concept from the qualitative analysis.

Conclusion

These study findings suggest that the LMAG intervention can have a beneficial effect inimproving the self‐management skills and confidence levels of patients with inflammatory and degenerative arthritis.
Deep multimodal autoencoder for crack criticality assessment
Authors: Launay Hugo , Ryckelynck David , Lacourt Laurent , Besson Jacques , Mondon Arnaud , Willot Francois
Published: December 2021

In continuum mechanics, the prediction of defect harmfulness requires to solve approximately partial differential equations with given boundary conditions. In this contribution boundary conditions are learnt for tight local volumes (TLV) surrounding cracks in three‐dimensional volumes. A nonparametric data‐driven approach is used to define the space of defects, by considering defects observed via X‐Ray computed tomography. The dimension of the ambient space for the observed images of defects is huge. A nonlinear dimensionality reduction scheme is proposed in order to train a reduced latent space for both the morphology of defects and their local mechanical effects in the TLV. A multimodal autoencoder enables to mix morphological and mechanical data. It contains a single latent space, termed mechanical latent space. But this latent space is fed by two encoders. One is related to the images of defects and the other to mechanical fields in the TLV. The latent variables are input variables for a geometrical decoder and for a mechanical decoder. In this work, mechanical variables are displacement fields. The autoencoder on mechanical variables enables projection‐based model order reduction as proposed in the study of Lee and Carlberg. The main novelty of this paper is a submodeling approach assisted by artificial intelligence. Here, for defect images in the test set, Dirichlet boundary conditions are applied to TLV. These boundary conditions are forecasted by the mechanical decoder with a latent vector predicted by the morphological encoder. For that purpose, a mapping is trained to convert morphological latent variables into mechanical latent variables, denoted “direct mapping.” An “inverse mapping” is also trained for error estimation with respect to morphological predictions. Errors on mechanical predictions are close to 5% with simulation speed‐up ranging for 3 to 120. We show that latent variables forecasted by the images of defects are prone to a better understanding of the predictions.
A systematic review of maternal TORCH serology as a screen for suspected fetal infection
Authors: Fitzpatrick Danielle , Holmes Natasha E. , Hui Lisa
Published: December 2021

Background

The acronym ‘TORCH’ refers to well‐recognised causes of perinatal infections: toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). A TORCH serology panel is often used to test for maternal primary infection following detection of ultrasound abnormalities in pregnancy.

Aim

This review aims to estimate the diagnostic yield of maternal TORCH serology in pregnancy following fetal ultrasound abnormalities.

Materials and Methods

Primary studies published since 2000 that assessed maternal TORCH serology for suspected fetal infection and included information on indications for testing, definition of positive TORCH serology results, and perinatal outcomes were included.

Results

Eight studies with a total of 2538 pregnancies were included. The main indications for testing were polyhydramnios, fetal growth restriction and hyperechogenic bowel. There were 26 confirmed cases of congenital CMV, of which 15 had multiple ultrasound abnormalities. There were no cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, rubella or HSV confirmed in any of the eight studies.

Conclusions

The clinical utility of TORCH serology for non‐specific ultrasound abnormalities such as isolated fetal growth restriction or isolated polyhydramnios is low. It is time to retire the TORCH acronym and the reflex ordering of ‘TORCH’ panels, as their continued use obscures, rather than illuminates, appropriate investigation for fetal ultrasound abnormalities.
Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) peptide modulators: Recent advances and future directions
Authors: Helton Leah G. , Rideout Hardy J. , Herberg Friedrich W. , Kennedy Eileen J.
Published: December 2021

Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is the most common genetic contributor to Parkinson's disease (PD), a complex neurodegenerative disorder affecting nearly 10 million people worldwide. Pathogenic mutations within LRRK2 often induce increased kinase activity, an effect that can be abolished with many small molecule inhibitors; however, these small molecule inhibitors are currently limited by their toxicities. Given the large and complex nature of LRRK2, more recent efforts have focused on protein–protein interactions (PPIs) involving LRRK2 and how they can contribute to PD. Here, we review recently resolved structures of LRRK2 and highlight unique interfaces driving both catalytic and non‐catalytic activities. Combining new structural information with established in vitro and in vivo data clarifies the role of PPIs in driving LRRK2‐mediated disease pathogenesis. Since constrained peptides and peptidomimetics have the potential to engage with elongated, hydrophobic interfaces that were previously considered “undruggable,” they may provide a unique handle for LRRK2 targeting. Here, we discuss the use of constrained peptides and peptidomimetics to target LRRK2 as a strategy to downregulate its pathological activity.
Unambiguous characterization of PEGylation site on human amylin by two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Lima Luís Maurício T. R. , de Araújo Talita Stelling , Almeida Marcius da Silva
Published: December 2021

Amylin is a 37‐residue peptide hormone, which is co‐secreted with insulin and prevents postprandial spikes in blood glycemia by slowing gastric emptying and promoting satiety. Amylin is prone to aggregate into oligomers and amyloid fibrils, which is related to the onset of type 2 diabetes, and hampers its use as a biopharmaceutical. To overcome the instability and extend its in vivo half‐life it has been proposed the conjugation of amylin with polyethylene glycol (PEG) at the HNζ or the HNα amines of Lys1. Here we used two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra aiming the unambiguous identification of the site of covalent modification on amylin. The coupling of PEG causes both a substantial decrease in the chemical exchange of their HN and alterations in the chemical shifts at both the HN and the neighborhood hydrocarbon groups including CHα, CHδ and CHε of Lys1. Additional analysis of chemical shifts indicates alteration in the HNα solvent accessibility of residues Cys2, Asn3, Ala5, Cys7, and Gln10, and confirmed the presence of oxidized Cys2 and Cys7. We believe that the methodology described here is a reference for the characterization of chemical coupling of a number of biopharmaceuticals.
Production of highly aligned microfiber bundles from polymethyl methacrylate via stable jet electrospinning for organic solid‐state lasers
Authors: Christ Henrik‐Alexander , Ang Pen Yiao , Li Fuzhao , Johannes Hans‐Hermann , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Menzel Henning
Published: December 2021

The fabrication of micron‐sized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer optical fibers doped with rhodamine B as an organic dye is demonstrated. Highly aligned and defect‐free fibers are fabricated by using the stable jet electrospinning (SJES) method and systematically varying critical parameters such as solvent type and polymer concentration. At optimal conditions, for example, a polymer concentration of 35 wt% of PMMA in butanone, ribbon‐shaped fibers with a smooth surface and diameter of about 20 μm could be spun using SJES mode and deposited on a rotating drum as target in a highly aligned manner. Photoluminescence spectra of the doped fibers excited longitudinally and transversely with a laser show an excitation peak with full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum of only 5.05 nm and a low lasing threshold at a pump energy of 0.55 μJ, indicating that SJES could become a new source of amplified optics components or organic solid‐state fiber lasers.
Crystallization‐driven self‐assembly of semicrystalline block copolymers and end‐functionalized polymers: A minireview
Authors: Xu Wenqing , Zheng Ying , Pan Pengju
Published: December 2021

Self‐assembly has been a powerful method to fabricate the polymer materials with well‐defined structures and morphologies. Such assembled materials have shown wide potential applications in many fields such as nanomaterial, nanomedicine, lithography, and microelectronic. Crystallization has been a general behavior of stereoregular polymers. Besides the various noncovalent interactions, crystallization of polymer blocks or end groups can be an efficient way to manipulate the self‐assembly pathway and assembled structures of polymers in both solid and solution. Crystallization‐driven self‐assembly has been widely implemented for the semicrystalline block copolymers (BCPs) and end‐functionalized polymers. This minireview briefly presents the recent progresses in the crystallization‐driven self‐assembly of BCPs and end‐functionalized polymers in both solid and solution states. Formation process, mechanism, and hierarchical structure of the crystallization‐induced assemblies for BCPs and end‐functionalized polymers are highlighted.
Weighing policymaking: A narrative review of school closures as COVID‐19 pandemic‐mitigation strategies
Authors: Nenna Raffaella , Zeric Hana , Petrarca Laura , Mancino Enrica , Midulla Fabio
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In the era of data‐driven decision‐making, unacceptable haziness, and inconsistency surrounds the yearlong scientific and public debate on the school closure policy in the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic mitigation efforts.

Aim

The present literature review stems out of the need for a clear scaffold collecting in one place all current evidence, as well as helping to organize incoming future evidence, concerning both the role of schools in driving the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) community spread and the cost‐effectiveness of school closure in containing such spread.

Methods

References for this review were initially identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for articles published from March 2020 to March 2021 by the use of key terms “Schools,” “COVID‐19,” “pandemic,” “clusters,” “outbreak,” and “seroprevalence,” selecting all articles from 2020 to 2021 with full‐text availability. A further search was undertaken by screening citations of articles found in the original search and through Google Scholar and ResearchGate.

Results

Overall, evidence shows that opening schools and keeping them open in the context of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic is possible, although behaviorally challenging and unfeasible if educational facilities or testing services are inadequate. Contrary to other respiratory viruses, children are not chief targets of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, transmission, and disease. It also appears that the second wave of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus spread in the WHO European region has been unrelated to school re‐opening.

Conclusions

A fact‐based understanding of what is currently known on such a consequential policy is required to provide a basis of evidence for advocacy of either school closure or school opening at times of high‐intensity community transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2.
A Poisson–Nernst–Planck Model of Ion Transport and Interface Segregation in Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor Structures and Solar Cells
Authors: Martinez Loran Erick , von Gastrow Guillaume , Clenney Jacob , Contreras-Torres Flavio F. , Meier Rico , Bertoni Mariana I. , Bandaru Prabhakar , Fenning David P.
Published: December 2021

A numerical model that describes the transport of mobile ionic species in metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) and photovoltaic (PV) devices subject to temperature and voltage stress is presented. The finite element method (FEM) is used to solve the Nernst–Planck equation while imposing Poisson's equation self‐consistently as a restriction for the electrostatic potential. This allows the contribution of the ionic species to the potential to be taken into account. Using a variational formulation eases the implementation of diverse boundary conditions, including the incorporation of segregation kinetics at the device interfaces. Segregation across the dielectric–semiconductor interface is relevant to modeling the electronic device degradation in systems where contamination reaches the semiconductor. The model in closed systems with no‐flux boundary conditions is validated first. In the limiting case of low contamination levels with respect to the gate bias, the FEM solution matches analytically derived approximations. Then, the implementation is broadened to include an open boundary at the dielectric–semiconductor interface to account for leakage of ions. The predicted time dependence of the flatband voltage in Na‐contaminated MIS test structures agrees well with measurements. The model successfully captures the role of long‐range ion transport at concentrations of relevance to electronic and PV device instability and neuromorphic computing.
Deep‐Red‐Emitting Colloidal Quantum Well Light‐Emitting Diodes Enabled through a Complex Design of Core/Crown/Double Shell Heterostructure
Authors: Shabani Farzan , Dehghanpour Baruj Hamed , Yurdakul Iklim , Delikanli Savas , Gheshlaghi Negar , Isik Furkan , Liu Baiquan , Altintas Yemliha , Canımkurbey Betül , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: December 2021

Extending the emission peak wavelength of quasi‐2D colloidal quantum wells has been an important quest to fully exploit the potential of these materials, which has not been possible due to the complications arising from the partial dissolution and recrystallization during growth to date. Here, the synthetic pathway of (CdSe/CdS)@(1‐4 CdS/CdZnS) (core/crown)@(colloidal atomic layer deposition shell/hot injection shell) hetero‐nanoplatelets (NPLs) using multiple techniques, which together enable highly efficient emission beyond 700 nm in the deep‐red region, is proposed and demonstrated. Given the challenges of using conventional hot injection procedure, a method that allows to obtain sufficiently thick and passivated NPLs as the seeds is developed. Consequently, through the final hot injection shell coating, thick NPLs with superior optical properties including a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 88% are achieved. These NPLs emitting at 701 nm exhibit a full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum of 26 nm, enabled by the successfully maintained quasi‐2D shape and minimum defects of the resulting heterostructure. The deep‐red light‐emitting diode (LED) device fabricated with these NPLs has shown to yield a high external quantum efficiency of 6.8% at 701 nm, which is on par with other types of LEDs in this spectral range.
Galectin‐3 facilitates inflammation and apoptosis in chondrocytes through upregulation of the TLR‐4‐mediated oxidative stress pathway in TC28a2 human chondrocyte cells
Authors: Chou Wan‐Ching , Tsai Kun‐Ling , Hsieh Pei‐Ling , Wu Chin‐Hsien , Jou I‐Ming , Tu Yuan‐Kun , Ma Ching‐Hou
Published: December 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease. The pathological changes of chondrocytes involve oxidative stress, the pro‐inflammatory response, and pro‐apoptotic events. Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) is a 35 kDa protein with a special chimeric structure. Gal‐3 participates in the progression of many diseases, such as cancer metastasis and heart failure. A previous study demonstrated that Gal‐3 expression in human cartilage with OA is increased. However, the role of Gal‐3 in chondrocyte dysfunction in joints is still unclear. In this study, we applied Gal‐3 (5–20 μg/ml) to TC28a2 human chondrocyte cells for 24 h to induce chondrocyte dysfunction. We found that Gal‐3 upregulated TLR‐4 and MyD88 expression and NADPH oxidase, thereby increasing intracellular ROS in the chondrocytes. Gal‐3 increased phosphorylated MEK1/2 and ERK levels, and promoted NF‐κB activity. This activation of NF‐κB was reduced by silencing TLR‐4 and NOX‐2. In addition, Gal‐3 caused apoptosis of chondrocytes through the mitochondrial‐dependent pathway via the TLR‐4/NADPH oxidase/MAPK axis. Our study proves the pathogenic role of Gal‐3 in Gal‐3‐induced chondrocyte dysfunction and injuries.
Anticancer effects of picrasidine I on oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yuan‐Ting , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Chuang Yi‐Ching , Lin Chia‐Chieh , Lo Yu‐Sheng , Ho Hsin‐Yu , Kumar V. Bharath , Ko Jiunn‐Liang
Published: December 2021

Picrasidine I is a dimeric alkaloid derived from a Southern Asian plant Picrasma quassioides and demonstrated to possess pharmacological activities, such as anti‐inflammatory and anti‐osteoclastogenic effects. However, its potential anticancer effect remains unclear. In the present study, anticancer activity of picrasidine I was assessed by treating oral squamous cell carcinoma cells with different concentrations of picrasidine I (20, 30, and 40 μM) for 24, 48, and 72 h. The findings revealed that picrasidine I reduced the cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner. Picrasidine I exerted its cytotoxic effect through arresting cell cycle at G2/M phase by downregulating cyclin A, cyclin B, CDK4, and CDK6, and inducing apoptosis in oral cancer cells. The induction of apoptosis was evidenced by increasing expression of death receptors, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased activation of PARP and caspases 3, 8, and 9, enhanced expression of proapoptotic mediators (Bak and Bim L/S), and reduced expression of antiapoptotic mediators (Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL). Moreover, analysis of MAPK signaling pathway revealed that picrasidine I‐mediated proapoptotic activities by downregulating JNK phosphorylation. Taken together, the study identifies picrasidine I as a potent anticancer agent that can be used as a therapeutic intervention against oral squamous cell carcinoma.