bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer disparities among non‐Hispanic urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations in the United States, 1999‐2017
Authors: Melkonian Stephanie C. , Jim Melissa A. , Pete Dornell , Poel Amy , Dominguez Adrian E. , Echo‐Hawk Abigail , Zhang Stephanie , Wilson Reda J. , Haverkamp Donald , Petras Lindsey , Pohlenz Ashley
Published: February 2022

Background

Disparities in cancer incidence have not been described for urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. The purpose of the present study was to examine incidence rates (2008‐2017) and trends (1999‐2017) for leading cancers in urban non‐Hispanic AI/AN (NH AI/AN) compared to non‐Hispanic White (NHW) populations living in the same urban areas.

Methods

Incident cases from population‐based cancer registries were linked with the Indian Health Service patient registration database for improved racial classification of NH AI/AN populations. This study was limited to counties in Urban Indian Health Organization service areas. Analyses were conducted by geographic region. Age‐adjusted rates (per 100,000) and trends (joinpoint regression) were calculated for leading cancers.

Results

Rates of colorectal, liver, and kidney cancers were higher overall for urban NH AI/AN compared to urban NHW populations. By region, rates of these cancers were 10% to nearly 4 times higher in NH AI/AN compared to NHW populations. Rates for breast, prostate, and lung cancer were lower in urban NH AI/AN compared to urban NHW populations. Incidence rates for kidney, liver, pancreatic, and breast cancers increased from 2% to nearly 7% annually between 1999 to 2017 in urban NH AI/AN populations.

Conclusions

This study presents cancer incidence rates and trends for the leading cancers among urban NH AI/AN compared to urban NHW populations for the first time, by region, in the United States. Elevated risk of certain cancers among urban NH AI/AN populations and widening cancer disparities highlight important health inequities and missed opportunities for cancer prevention in this population.
Solid‐state Synthesis of Cu doped CDs with Peroxidase‐mimicking Activity at Neutral pH and Sensing of Antioxidants
Authors: Bijalwan Kriti , Kumari Anu , Kaushal Neha , Indra Arindam , Saha Avishek
Published: February 2022

Carbon dots with peroxidase‐mimicking properties have attracted considerable attention for various sensing and biomedical applications. However, most peroxidase nanozymes do not show activity at neutral pH and only work in acidic conditions. In this work, crystalline Cu‐doped, Mn‐doped, and undoped carbon dots (CDs) are prepared via one‐step, solid‐state, microwave synthesis. Among them, Cu‐CDs demonstrate catalytic oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) with H2O2 at pH 7 and pH 6 respectively. Our study shows that Mn‐doped and undoped CDs do not feature peroxidase‐like properties at pH=7. The mechanism and kinetics of the peroxidase‐mimicking reaction of Cu‐CDs were investigated by spectroscopic studies. Moreover, colorimetric sensing of different antioxidants was monitored based on the reduction of oxidized TMB, with selective detection of ascorbic acid in the range of ∼2–1000 μM with a limit of detection of 23.3 μM. This work introduces a facile strategy for synthesizing metal‐doped CDs with promising applications in biosensing and catalysis.
Image naturalness model based on prototypical memory colors (sky, grass, and skin)
Authors: Tian Dalin , Ji Cheng , Luo Ming Ronnier
Published: February 2022

Image naturalness is a potent attribute to enhance image quality, and it is related to people's perception of memory colors. Many previous experiments aimed to locate the memory colors on different media. Their findings indicate that the memory colors obtained vary between color patches and images and between experimental techniques. However, there were no satisfying models with appropriate memory color centers to scale the image naturalness. This study generated an image database including three prototypical memory colors images (sky, grass, and skin) and their local processed images. First, visual naturalness and preference data were collected from a psychophysical experiment. Then, the distribution of naturalness followed by memory color positions was analyzed. Based on the distribution pattern, the ellipsoid models for each prototypical memory color were established. The results from the present memory color centers were compared with those from the other studies. Results show that the present color centers always give better prediction accuracy in image naturalness models. Finally, an image preference model was developed based on the image naturalness and colorfulness.
Backstepping global and structural stabilization of direct current/direct current boost converter
Authors: Madni Zineb , Guesmi Kamel , Benalia Atallah
Published: February 2022

This paper deals with the stabilization of direct current/direct current (DC/DC) boost converter and the nonlinear phenomena elimination using a constrained backstepping technique. Based on the converter averaged model, the proposed control approach is designed and the input to state stability concept is used to prove the system global stability. Furthermore, the structural stability is proven to show the efficiency of the proposed approach to suppress the nonlinear phenomena exhibited by the converter. The simulation results illustrate the different stability regions of the system as functions of the controller and the system parameters. The bifurcation diagrams are used to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in terms of nonlinear phenomena suppression in wide regions of the system operating domains.
Total Syntheses of the Imidazo[1,2‐f]phenanthridine‐Containing Alkaloid Zephycandidine A
Authors: Sheng Bingbing , Zeng Cuicui , Chen Jing , Ye Wen‐Cai , Tang Wei , Lan Ping , Banwell Martin G.
Published: February 2022

Two distinct and concise syntheses of zephycandidine A (1) from readily available starting materials are reported. In the first, the imidazole derived from piperonal (7 a) was subjected to reaction with o‐bromoiodobenzene or the corresponding di‐iodide in the presence of Pd[0] and thereby forming, via Buchwald–Hartwig and Heck reactions, a mixture of target 1 and regio‐isomer 10. These products could only be separated from one another by HPLC. A lower yielding but completely regioselective synthesis of zephycandidine A (1) was achieved by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of the imidazole, 6 b, derived from the bromopiperonal 7 b with o‐iodophenylboronic acid (5 d). Preliminary biological screening of compounds 1, 10 and certain precursors reveal that some possess anti‐viral properties but, contrary to expectations, are not notable inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase.
Anthropogenic Zinc Exposure Increases Mortality and Antioxidant Gene Expression in Monarch Butterflies with Low Access to Dietary Macronutrients
Authors: Shephard Alexander M. , Brown Noah S. , Snell-Rood Emilie C.
Published: February 2022

Biologists seek to understand why organisms vary in their abilities to tolerate anthropogenic contaminants, such as heavy metals. However, few studies have considered how tolerance may be affected by condition-moderating factors such as dietary resource availability. For instance, the availability of crucial limiting macronutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, can vary across space and time either naturally or due to anthropogenic nutrient inputs (e.g., agricultural fertilizers or vehicle emissions). Organisms developing in more macronutrient-rich environments should be of higher overall condition, displaying a greater ability to tolerate metal contaminants. In monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), we factorially manipulated dietary macronutrient availability and exposure to zinc, a common metal contaminant in urban habitats that can be toxic but also has nutritional properties. We tested whether (1) the ability to survive zinc exposure depends on dietary macronutrient availability and (2) whether individuals exposed to elevated zinc levels display higher expression of antioxidant genes, given the roles of antioxidants in combatting metal-induced oxidative stress. Exposure to elevated zinc reduced survival only for monarchs developing on a low-macronutrient diet. However, for monarchs developing on a high-macronutrient diet, elevated zinc exposure tended to increase survival. In addition, monarchs exposed to elevated zinc displayed higher expression of antioxidant genes when developing on the low-macronutrient diet but lower expression when developing on the high-macronutrient diet. Altogether, our study shows that organismal survival and oxidative stress responses to anthropogenic zinc contamination depend on the availability of macronutrient resources in the developmental environment. In addition, our results suggest the hypothesis that whether zinc acts as a toxicant or a nutrient may depend on macronutrient supply. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1286–1296. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Pollution induces epigenetic effects that are stably transmitted across multiple generations
Authors: Harney Ewan , Paterson Steve , Collin Hélène , Chan Brian H.K. , Bennett Daimark , Plaistow Stewart J.
Published: February 2022

It has been hypothesized that the effects of pollutants on phenotypes can be passed to subsequent generations through epigenetic inheritance, affecting populations long after the removal of a pollutant. But there is still little evidence that pollutants can induce persistent epigenetic effects in animals. Here, we show that low doses of commonly used pollutants induce genome-wide differences in cytosine methylation in the freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex. Uniclonal populations were either continually exposed to pollutants or switched to clean water, and methylation was compared to control populations that did not experience pollutant exposure. Although some direct changes to methylation were only present in the continually exposed populations, others were present in both the continually exposed and switched to clean water treatments, suggesting that these modifications had persisted for 7 months (>15 generations). We also identified modifications that were only present in the populations that had switched to clean water, indicating a long-term legacy of pollutant exposure distinct from the persistent effects. Pollutant-induced differential methylation tended to occur at sites that were highly methylated in controls. Modifications that were observed in both continually and switched treatments were highly methylated in controls and showed reduced methylation in the treatments. On the other hand, modifications found just in the switched treatment tended to have lower levels of methylation in the controls and showed increase methylation in the switched treatment. In a second experiment, we confirmed that sublethal doses of the same pollutants generate effects on life histories for at least three generations following the removal of the pollutant. Our results demonstrate that even low doses of pollutants can induce transgenerational epigenetic effects that are stably transmitted over many generations. Persistent effects are likely to influence phenotypic development, which could contribute to the rapid adaptation, or extinction, of populations confronted by anthropogenic stressors.
Enhanced carbon dioxide capture performance of natural mineral vermiculite‐derived lithium silicate with Na doping
Authors: Wan Yinji , Liu Ying , Sun Ruobing , Du Yuntian , Xie Mengkai , Qian Gang , Liu Zhisong , Liu Minmin , Dan Jianming , Yu Feng
Published: February 2022

Natural clay mineral‐derived functional materials have attracted considerable attention worldwide. Herein, natural mineral vermiculite (VMT)‐derived lithium silicate (VMT‐based Li4SiO4) materials with different molar ratios of Na to Si were prepared for the high‐temperature CO2 capture. Among developed adsorbents, the VMT‐Li4SiO4‐2Na materials displayed superior CO2 adsorption ability with 0.28 g/gadsorbent adsorption rate after 5 min and 33.67 wt% capture capacity at 650°C. The experimental investigations uncovered the presence of Li3NaSiO4 or/and eutectic Li2CO3‐Na2CO3 molten salt resulting from the introduction of Na2CO3, which resulted in higher CO2 uptake. Furthermore, the cyclic carbonation–decarbonation experiment of VMT‐Li4SiO4‐2Na showed better stability when the O2 was used to perform the decarbonation step. We believe that the Na modified‐VMT‐based Li4SiO4 adsorbent shows potential for practical applications in peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutralization. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluctuations in EEG band power at subject‐specific timescales over minutes to days explain changes in seizure evolutions
Authors: Panagiotopoulou Mariella , Papasavvas Christoforos A. , Schroeder Gabrielle M. , Thomas Rhys H. , Taylor Peter N. , Wang Yujiang
Published: February 2022

Epilepsy is recognised as a dynamic disease, where both seizure susceptibility and seizure characteristics themselves change over time. Specifically, we recently quantified the variable electrographic spatio‐temporal seizure evolutions that exist within individual patients. This variability appears to follow subject‐specific circadian, or longer, timescale modulations. It is therefore important to know whether continuously recorded interictaliEEG features can capture signatures of these modulations over different timescales. In this study, we analyse continuous intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings from video‐telemetry units and find fluctuations in iEEG band power over timescales ranging from minutes up to 12 days. As expected and in agreement with previous studies, we find that all subjects show a circadian fluctuation in their iEEG band power. We additionally detect other fluctuations of similar magnitude on subject‐specific timescales. Importantly, we find that a combination of these fluctuations on different timescales can explain changes in seizure evolutions in most subjects above chance level. These results suggest that subject‐specific fluctuations in iEEG band power over timescales of minutes to days may serve as markers of seizure modulating processes. We hope that future study can link these detected fluctuations to their biological driver(s). There is a critical need to better understand seizure modulating processes, as this will enable the development of novel treatment strategies that could minimise the seizure spread, duration or severity and therefore the clinical impact of seizures.
Isotopic source identification of nitrogen pollution in the Pi River in Chengdu
Authors: Ding Yao , Shi Qing , OuYang Lili , Lai Bo , Lai Chengyue , Yao Gang , Wang Zhaoli , Jia Binyang
Published: February 2022

This study used stable isotope (δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−) ratios, modeled by means of a Bayesian stable isotope analysis in R (SIAR) approach, to identify nitrate sources in the Pi River, which flows through the megacity Chengdu. The goal was to determine where management resources should be applied to reduce nitrogen pollution. Results revealed that NO3− was the primary nitrogen species throughout the study area; that it originated in manure and sewage, as well as nitrification of fertilizer and soil nitrogen; and that the nitrogen in the main stream came primarily from the tributaries. Notably, the nitrogen concentration in the tributaries exhibited no evident seasonal variations, further demonstrating that its source was intensive anthropogenic activity. Results of Bayesian model (SIAR) estimation indicated that manure and sewage were the dominant nitrate contributors in the watershed and that the nitrate concentration decreased from 54.19% to 39.57% in response to water treatment. These results empirically demonstrate that the methodology described in this work can be used effectively in catchments affected by intensive anthropogenic activity to determine where management resources should be applied to reduce nitrogen pollution. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1609–1620. © 2022 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Point-source pollution is still prominent and requires additional control measures. Urban planning policies and management programs should strengthen point source control, prevent wastewater treatment plant overflows, and improve the sewage network collection rate. Environmental regulation should focus on nitrate as well as on ammonia nitrogen pollution. The dual stable isotope approach combined with a Bayesian model (SIAR) analysis can quickly and accurately identify nitrogen pollution sources in complex urban environments.
Analysis of the Associations Between the Human Fecal Microbiome and Bone Density, Structure, and Strength: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Cohort
Authors: Orwoll Eric S. , Parimi Neeta , Wiedrick Jack , Lapidus Jodi , Napoli Nicola , Wilkinson Jeremy E. , Huttenhower Curtis , Langsetmo Lisa , Kiel Douglas P.
Published: February 2022

In preclinical models, the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been linked to bone growth and homeostasis, but there are few available data from studies of human populations. In a hypothesis-generating experiment in a large cohort of community-dwelling older men (n = 831; age range, 78–98 years), we explored the associations between fecal microbial profiles and bone density, microarchitecture, and strength measured with total hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) (distal radius, distal and diaphyseal tibia). Fecal samples were collected and the 16S rRNA gene V4 hypervariable region sequenced. Sequences were bioinformatically processed through the DADA2 pipeline and then taxonomically assigned using SILVA. Generalized linear models as implemented in microbiome multivariable association with linear models (MaAsLin 2) were used to test for associations between skeletal measures and specific microbial genera. The abundances of four bacterial genera were weakly associated with bone density, structure, or strength (false discovery rate [FDR] ≤ 0.05), and the measured directions of associations of genera were generally consistent across multiple bone measures, supporting a role for microbiota on skeletal homeostasis. However, the associated effect sizes were small (log2 fold change < ±0.35), limiting power to confidently identify these associations even with high resolution skeletal imaging phenotypes, and we assessed the resulting implications for the design of future cohort-based studies. As in analogous examples from genomewide association studies, we find that larger cohort sizes will likely be needed to confidently identify associations between the fecal microbiota and skeletal health relying on 16S sequencing. Our findings bolster the view that the gut microbiome is associated with clinically important measures of bone health, while also indicating the challenges in the design of cohort-based microbiome studies. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
ZBM‐H‐induced activation of GRP78 ATPase promotes apoptosis via annexin A7 in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Ning Junya , Wang Xiaotan , Li Nan , Cui Xiaoling , Li Na , Zhao Baoxiang , Miao Junying , Lin Zhaomin
Published: February 2022

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is an essential signal for the regulation of cancer cell fate, including autophagy and apoptosis. HOCl regulated autophagy by affecting the oxidation modification of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and the activity of GRP78 ATPase. The mechanism of GRP78 ATPase in cell apoptosis has however not yet been clarified. Here we reported that ZBM‐H, as a probe of HOCl, was able to directly bind to GRP78 in the presence or absence of ATP. Following ZBM‐H treatment, the interaction between GRP78 and annexin A7 (ANXA7) was promoted, and this was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of integrin β4 (ITGB4). In addition, ZBM‐H enhanced the phosphorylation of ANXA7. ABO, an inhibitor of ANXA7, inhibited ZBM‐H‐induced ITGB4 phosphorylation and apoptosis, while ANXA7 activator SEC had opposite effect. Collectively, these data provide new evidence for the mechanism by which ZBM‐H‐induced activation of GRP78 ATPase regulates apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells.
Fearlessness about death and suicide planning predict lethality of adolescent suicide attempts during and following treatment
Authors: Krantz Savannah M. , Heerschap Jessica , Balzen Kennedy M. , Sachs Raney , Kennard Betsy D. , Emslie Graham J. , Stewart Sunita M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The rate of adolescent suicide attempt has increased drastically over the past 10 years. However, little is known regarding what predicts a more versus less lethal attempt, which is of critical interest to clinicians managing this at‐risk population. We sought to extend the study of lethality in adolescents by exploring its relationship with two recognized risk‐factors for suicide attempt: fearlessness about death (FAD) and suicide planning.

Methods

Participants (N = 254) were administered measures of FAD and depressive symptoms upon entering intensive outpatient treatment for adolescents exhibiting suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Attempts made between treatment entry and 6 months following discharge (n = 47) were scored on a 4‐point ordinal scale of lethality. The resulting continuum ranged from no attempt to attempts of low to moderate levels of lethality.

Results

FAD and suicide planning distinguished between levels of lethality of future attempt at the bivariate and multivariate level. FAD's predictive relationship with lethality while controlling for age, sex, depression, and prior attempt diminished when suicide planning was covaried.

Conclusion

FAD and suicide planning significantly predicted more versus less lethal future attempts in our sample of adolescents in a clinical setting. Our findings suggest that FAD influences the lethality of a future attempt by promoting planning for suicide. More studies are needed to assess whether the brief FAD scale might be a valuable adjunct in the clinical management of youth with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Safe to speak: Fostering psychological safety among incoming predoctoral dental students
Authors: Wolcott Michael D. , Kornegay Elizabeth C. , Brame Jennifer L.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To describe the implementation and impact of an introductory session on psychological safety for incoming first‐year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) learners.

Methods

In August 2020, first‐year DDS students participated in a 2‐h online instructional session focused on defining psychological safety, the behaviors that promote and disrupt it, and setting expectations for learner and faculty behavior to foster it. Learners worked in small groups to discuss the various components of psychological safety and document their discussion in a collaborative workspace before a large group debriefs. Participants were requested to complete an electronic survey before and after the session to evaluate their change in knowledge, confidence in performing tasks to foster psychological safety, and perceptions about their level of control. Six months after the session, learners were requested to participate in a focus group for additional feedback and reflections.

Results

Seventy‐four participants completed the before and after experience survey. There was a statistically significant increase in knowledge of the components of psychological safety and perceptions of control. In addition, self‐reported measures of confidence to perform the tasks increased from an average rating of 36% confident before the session to 86% confident afterward. In the experience, learners were active in their discussion and generated many ideas about behaviors that promote and disrupt psychological safety, which informed the creation of learner and faculty classroom expectations.

Conclusion

Engaging learners in discussions about psychological safety can be a useful activity to establish expectations and create group norms that may support collaborative learning environments.
Tree embeddings and tree‐star Ramsey numbers
Authors: Yan Zilong , Peng Yuejian
Published: February 2022

We say that a graph can be embedded into a graph if contains an isomorphic copy of as a subgraph. Guo and Volkmann conjectured that if is a connected graph with at least vertices and minimum degree at least , then any tree with vertices and maximum degree at most can be embedded into . In this paper, we give a result slightly stronger than this conjecture and obtain a sufficient and necessary condition that a tree with vertices and maximum degree at most can be embedded into a connected graph G with at least vertices and minimum degree at least . Our result implies that the conjecture of Guo and Volkmann is true with one exception. We also give an application to the Ramsey number of a tree versus a star.
Japanese Lead EXtraction (J‐LEX) registry: Annual report 2019
Authors: Shoda Morio , Kusano Kengo , Goya Masahiko , Nishii Nobuhiro , Imai Katsuhiko , Okamoto Yoji , Takegami Misa , Nakao Yoko M. , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Nogami Akihiko , Shimizu Wataru ,   J‐LEX registry investigators
Published: February 2022

Along with the incremental cases of cardiac implantable electronic devices implantation or upgrade, the lead‐related complications are also in rise year after year. The most common and serious lead‐related complication is infection that needs a transvenous lead extraction (TLE) as the first‐line therapy. TLE is also performed for abandoned leads in case of lead failure or device upgrade, and for lead‐related trouble such as pain, vessel stenosis or occlusion, too many leads, tricuspid valve regurgitation, and difficulty of radiation therapy. This registration has been performed by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society and started in July 2018. The first reported data of the Japanese Lead Extraction (J‐LEX) from July 2018 to December 2019 were underestimated since the number of patients and hospitals increased gradually because of the approval process of each hospital’s IRB. The TLE procedure was attempted to 1253 leads among 661 patients. Complete removal was achieved in 96.7% of the target leads and the clinical success was obtained in 98.9% of the patients. Perioperative complications were observed in 4.1% of the patients. The annual J‐LEX report reflects a real‐world TLE medicine in Japan and demonstrates that the clinical outcome is similar to former reports from high‐volume centers in North America and European countries.
A self‐verification perspective on customer mistreatment and customer‐directed organizational citizenship behaviors
Authors: Amarnani Rajiv K. , Restubog Simon Lloyd D. , Shao Ruodan , Cheng David C. , Bordia Prashant
Published: February 2022

Customer mistreatment events play a major role in employees' subsequent customer service behaviors, and is believed to have implications for employees' sense of self. We extend this line of research by developing a self‐verification account of the relationship between customer mistreatment and customer‐directed OCBs (OCB‐Cs) by examining theoretically prescribed novel mechanisms (i.e., self‐verification) and boundary conditions (i.e., self‐esteem and entity customer appreciation) for this relationship. We conducted a programmatic series of studies using daily diary (Study 1), audio vignette (Study 2), and behavioral experiment (Study 3) designs to test the proposed model. The overall pattern of results showed that customer mistreatment led employees to feel less self‐verified, especially among those with higher trait self‐esteem. These employees in turn were more likely to withhold OCB‐Cs, especially among those perceiving lower levels of entity customer appreciation. Overall, these results deepen our understanding of the role of the self‐concept in how employees experience and react to customer mistreatment‐‐depending on how employees see themselves and how they see their customers in general.
A novel bone registration method using impression molding and structured‐light 3D scanning technology
Authors: He Guangyu , Ricca Jacob M. , Dai Amos Z. , Mustahsan Vamiq M. , Cai Yanming , Bielski Michael R. , Kao Imin , Khan Fazel A.
Published: February 2022

Accurate bone registration is critical for computer navigation and robotic surgery. Existing registration systems are expensive, cumbersome, limited in accuracy and/or require intraoperative radiation. We recently reported a novel method of registration utilizing an inexpensive, compact, and X‐ray‐free structured‐light 3D scanner. However, this technique is not always practical in a real surgical setting where soft tissue and blood can obstruct the continuous line‐of‐sight required for structured‐light technology. We sought to remedy these limitations using a novel technique using rapid‐setting impression molding to capture bone surface features and scan the undersurface of the mold with a structured‐light scanner. The photonegative of this mold is compared to the preoperative computed tomography (CT)‐scan to register the bone. A registration accuracy study was conducted on 36 CT‐scanned femur sawbones, simulating typical exposure in hip/knee arthroplasty and bone tumor surgery. A cadaver experiment was also conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using the impression molding in a more realistic operating room setting. The registration accuracy of the proposed technique was 0.50 ± 0.19 mm. This was close to the reported accuracy of 0.43 ± 0.18 mm using a structured‐light scanner without impression molding (p = 0.085). In comparison, historical values for “paired‐point” and intraoperative CT image‐based registration methods currently used in modern robotic/computer‐navigation systems were 0.68 ± 0.14 mm (p = 0.004) and 0.86 ± 0.38 mm, respectively. The registration accuracy of the cadaver experiment was consistent with that of sawbone experiments. Although future studies are needed to extend to human subjects, this study shows that the impression molding method can produce comparable or better registration accuracy than the existing techniques.
Postharvest quality of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple fruit influenced by ethylene antagonists during controlled atmosphere storage with photocatalytic oxidation
Authors: Tokala Vijay Yadav , Singh Zora , Kyaw Poe Nandar
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated the efficacy of 1H‐cyclopropa[b]naphthalene (NC) and 1H‐cyclopropabenzene (BC) with respect to antagonizing ethylene action and maintaining postharvest fruit quality in ‘Cripps Pink’ apple stored in a controlled atmosphere comprising 3.45 ± 0.45% oxygen and 2.40 ± 0.36% carbon dioxide with photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) at 0 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity.

RESULTS

The BC, NC, and 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) fumigation treatments delayed the climacteric peaks onset and retarded ethylene production rates compared to control fruit. Treatments with ethylene antagonist also maintained fruit firmness (up to 1.12 times), titratable acidity (up to 1.08 times), malic acid (up to 1.23 times), ascorbic acid (up to 1.12 times) and total phenol levels (up to 1.19 times) higher compared to that in control fruit. The 1‐MCP was more efficient in reducing the rates of ethylene production compared to NC and BC, but, in the case of all other fruit quality parameters investigated, the effect of NC and BC treatments were on a par with 1‐MCP.

CONCLUSION

The NC and BC have the potential to be used as ethylene antagonists in ‘Cripps Pink’ apple fruit stored in a controlled atmosphere with PCO. The efficacy of different concentrations of NC and BC in downregulating ethylene action, as well as interactive effects of PCO on the performance of ethylene antagonists, still warrants further investigation. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Observation of Photonic Topological Floquet Time Crystals
Authors: Wang Bing , Quan Jiaqi , Han Jianfei , Shen Xiaopeng , Wu Hongwei , Pan Yiming
Published: February 2022

The two main research questions on time crystals are: What is a time crystal? Is there a material that is spontaneously crystalline in time? This study synthesizes a photonic material of topological Floquet time crystals and experimentally observes its indicative period‐ beating. A single‐particle picture is explicitly reconstructed of discrete time‐crystalline phase and is revealed using an appropriately‐designed photonic Floquet simulator the rigid period‐doubling as a signature of the breakage of the discrete time‐translational symmetry. Unlike the requirement of the many‐body localization, the photonic Floquet time crystal is derived from a newly defined single‐particle topological phase that can be extensively accessed by many pertinent nonequilibrium and periodically‐driven platforms. The observation will drive theoretical and technological interests toward condensed matter physics and topological photonics.
Phenolic Hydroxyl‐Functionalized Covalent–Organic Frameworks for Formal [3+2] Reaction
Authors: Ma Baiwei , Xu Yimeng , Hu Fujia , Zhang Guangci , Zheng Xiaofei , Wang Zhuo , Qiao Huijie , Yang Dehong , Mi Liwei
Published: February 2022

Covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) are rarely used as heterogeneous catalysts for cycloaddition reactions, especially in [3+2] reactions. In this study, 4,4′,4″,4‴‐(pyrene‐1,3,6,8‐tetrayl) tetra‐aniline, 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde, and 2,5‐dimethylterephthalaldehyde are used to construct COFs with high porosity, crystallinity, and chemical stability. The phenolic and methyl groups on the pore channel of the COFs are precisely tuned to effectively serve as heterogeneous catalysts for the formal [3+2] reaction between 5‐alkoxyoxazoles and azodicarboxylate or nitrosobenzene compounds. The resultant COFs that are assembled from adjustable building unit ratios exhibit excellent catalytic performance for the targeted [3+2] reaction.
A discussion on boundary controllability of nonlocal impulsive neutral integrodifferential evolution equations
Authors: Kumar Kamalendra , Patel Rohit , Vijayakumar Velusamy , Shukla Anurag , Ravichandran Chokkalingam
Published: February 2022

Sufficient conditions for boundary controllability of nonlocal impulsive neutral integrodifferential evolution equations are explored. In the first problem, the outcomes are proven with the help of Sadovskii's fixed point theorem collaborated with strongly continuous semigroup theory. In the second problem, we considered nonautonomous evolution equations, and the result is proven by employing Sadovskii's fixed point theorem in collaboration with the evolution system. Examples are included to demonstrate the theoretical results for both types of equations.
Multi‐bands antenna for metal‐rimmed handset terminals
Authors: Qiu Peiyi , Feng Quanyuan , Miyahara Koto , Kanaya Haruichi
Published: February 2022

This article proposes a compact hepta‐band antenna for unbroken metal‐rimmed mobile applications. The proposed antenna includes a vertical copper plate, an open slot and printed multi‐branches on both sides of the substrate. The 1‐λ bezel mode is employed to cover the GSM850/900 operating bands. By combining the different modes of the multiple branches, the proposed antenna is capable of covering GSM1800/1900, UMTS, GSM2300/2500 bands. Besides, a design strategy for enhancing the bandwidth of lower and higher bands is introduced. The mentioned structures are combined on the 122 × 60 mm2 substrate board without lumped elements. The measured results show our proposed antenna achieves three‐wide bandwidths, which typically agree with the simulation results. Meanwhile, the performances of radiation patterns, efficiencies, and gains are also obtained.
Pilot study on the impact of a carbohydrate loading drink on postprandial glycemic responses and gastric emptying in adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cassady Bridget A. , McDonald Joshua D. , Yalawar Menaka , Baggs Geraldine E. , Maki Kevin C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Preoperative carbohydrate (CHO) loading improves patient outcomes but is not extensively studied in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), resulting in limited professional recommendations. This study examined postprandial glycemic responses and gastric emptying rates following consumption of a CHO drink in adults with and without DM.

Methods

A single‐arm, nonrandomized pilot trial was conducted in adults without DM (non‐DM) (47.5 ± 2.5 years), with pre‐DM (55.8 ± 3.0 years), and with type 2 DM (56.2 ± 2.5 years). Following an overnight fast, participants consumed a 50 g CHO drink followed by 1.5 g liquid paracetamol. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline (ie, t = 0 min) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 min for plasma glucose and serum insulin and paracetamol concentrations to assess gastric emptying.

Results

Participants with DM were older and had a higher body mass index than non‐DM participants (31.2 ± 0.9 vs 28.2 ± 0.9). Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels differed significantly across groups (non‐DM: 95.4 ± 3.6 mg/dl and 5.2% ± 0.1%; pre‐DM: 111.6 ± 3.6 mg/dl and 5.8% ± 0.1%; DM: 167.4 ± 3.6 mg/dl and 7.2% ± 0.1%). Compared with the non‐DM group, DM had increased glucose responses at 30–180 min. Glucose returned to baseline at 150 min in the non‐DM and pre‐DM groups compared with 210 min in the DM group. Paracetamol concentrations were not significantly different between the non‐DM and DM groups.

Conclusion

Blood glucose returned to baseline within ~2.5 h in non‐DM and pre‐DM groups and ~3.5 h in participants with DM following ingestion of a CHO drink. No consistent differences in gastric emptying rates were observed between participants with and without DM.
Alfaxalone improved in acute stress‐induced tactile hypersensitivity and anxiety‐like behavior in mice
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazumi , Ukai Saki , Kuroda Junpei , Yamauchi Tsugumi , Yamada Daisuke , Saitoh Akiyoshi , Iriyama Satoshi , Nishino Shoichi , Miyazaki Satoru
Published: February 2022

Stress has been shown to affect brain activity and exert potent and complex modulatory effects on pain. Several behavioral tests have shown that acute stress produces hyperalgesia, depending on the stress conditions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of single restraint stress on the tactile threshold and anxiety sensitivity in mice. Mice were evaluated for the tactile threshold using von Frey filaments and for anxiety sensitivity using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Tactile thresholds were lowered by both 2 and 4 hour of restraint stress, but anxiety‐like behaviors were observed only after 4 hour of restraint stress in the EPM test. In addition, we found that alfaxalone, which is a positive allosteric modulator of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor, prevented restraint stress‐induced hyperalgesia‐like and anxiety‐like behaviors. These results indicate that GABAergic function appears to be critical in the regulation of physical stress‐induced hyperalgesia and anxiety.
The effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on weight loss in participants in a behavioral weight‐loss intervention
Authors: Zaman Adnin , Sloggett Kelsey J. , Caldwell Ann E. , Catenacci Victoria A. , Cornier Marc‐Andre , Grau Laura , Vetter Céline , Rynders Corey A. , Thomas Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on weight loss, physical activity, and sleep in adults with overweight or obesity participating in a 39‐week weight‐loss intervention.

Methods

Participants (n = 81, 85% female, mean [SD] age 38.0 [7.8] years, BMI 34.1 [5.7] kg/m2) were enrolled in 3 separate cohorts. Cohorts 1 and 2 were studied prior to the pandemic (pre‐COVID cohorts). Cohort 3 (COVID cohort) transitioned to a virtual intervention at week 6, when “stay‐at‐home” orders were implemented in Colorado. Weight was assessed at baseline, week 12, and week 39 with clinic scales before the pandemic and home scales during the pandemic. Diet was assessed with Likert scales at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Physical activity and sleep were assessed at baseline and week 12 with actigraphy.

Results

Participants in the COVID cohort reported greater dietary adherence (p = 0.004) and lost more weight than those in the pre‐COVID cohorts at week 12 (−7.7 [3.3] kg vs. −3.7 [3.0] kg, p < 0.001) and week 39 (−8.5 [4.4] kg vs. −2.8 [4.6] kg, p < 0.001). Energy intake did not differ between cohorts (p = 0.51). The COVID cohort increased both sedentary time while awake and time in bed at night.

Conclusions

Although the pandemic caused disruptions for the COVID cohort, participants still achieved weight loss with continued behavioral support.
Rational design of in‐situ‐modified resorcinol formaldehyde aerogels for removing chlortetracycline antibiotics from aqueous solutions
Authors: Behzadi Alireza , Hashemi Motlagh Ghodratollah , Raef Mohammad , Motahari Siamak
Published: February 2022

Organic resorcinol formaldehyde aerogels with distinct pore sizes/surface areas in different ratios of (resorcinol/catalyst) R/C = 300, 400, 600 and (resorcinol/water) R/W = 2 were prepared utilizing sol–gel technique and in‐situ modified by incorporating 1 wt% meta‐phenylenediamine. The porous nanostructure, surface area, and pore size of the aerogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda techniques. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction were employed to get understanding into the chemical structure. Furthermore, we investigated the removal percentage of antibiotic via UV–vis spectroscopy. The ability of modified aerogels in removing chlortetracycline (CTC) at different pH values (2–12), contact times (2–24 h), initial concentrations of CTC (50–100 mg L−1), and the adsorbent dose (2–10 mg) was evaluated. Consequently, the adsorption optimum conditions were found, the adsorption isotherms were measured, and isotherm models were fitted to the results to interpret the kinetics of adsorption. The obtained fitting parameters using the pseudo‐second‐order model revealed a well alignment with the experimental data. Finally, we demonstrated that the modified‐aerogels have a high capacity in CTC antibiotics removal up to 90% and an adsorption capacity of 440 mg g−1 as well as an efficient regeneration capacity for five consecutive cycles without significant degradation of the adsorption properties.
A machine learning approach for the design of hyperbranched polymeric dispersing agents based on aliphatic polyesters for radiation‐curable inks
Authors: Vanpoucke Danny EP , Delgove Marie AF , Stouten Jules , Noordijk Jurrie , De Vos Nils , Matthysen Kamiel , Deroover Geert GP , Mehrkanoon Siamak , Bernaerts Katrien V
Published: February 2022

Polymeric dispersing agents were prepared from aliphatic polyesters consisting ofδ‐undecalactone (UDL) andβ,δ‐trimethyl‐ε‐caprolactones (TMCL) as biobased monomers, which were polymerized in bulk via organocatalysts. Graft copolymers were obtained by coupling of the polyesters to poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) in the bulk without using solvents. Various parameters that influence the performance of the dispersing agents in pigment‐based UV‐curable matrices were investigated: chemistry of the polyester (UDL or TMCL), polyester/PEI weight ratio, molecular weight of the polyesters and of PEI. The performance of the dispersing agents was modelled using machine learning in order to increase the efficiency of the dispersant design. The resulting models were presented as analytical models for the individual polyesters and the synthesis conditions for optimally performing dispersing agents were indicated as a preference for high‐molecular‐weight polyesters and a polyester‐dependent maximum polyester/PEI weight ratio. © 2022 The Authors.Polymer Internationalpublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Photophysical properties and sensing mechanism of fluorescent coumarin–chalcone hybrid for biothiols: A theoretical study
Authors: Zhang Ling , Chen Mohan , Li Zheng , Teng Yangxin , Wang Guirong , Xue Yunsheng
Published: February 2022

The photophysical properties and sensing mechanism of a novel coumarin–chalcone hybrid fluorescent probe (CCH) for biothiols were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The theoretical calculations well reproduced the experimental spectra and clarified the experimental observed fluorescence “on–off” switching. Potential energy surface (PES) results revealed that the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process is thermodynamically and kinetically viable for CCH, with the keto form more stable than the enol form. ESIPT process and the significant changes of the orbital energies should be responsible for the red fluorescence of CCH. The results revealed that the lowest lying transition of probe CCH corresponds to electronic transition between HOMO and LUMO with charge transfer (CT) character. The addition of cysteine to CCH breaks the conjugation and the intramolecular CT. A nonclassical photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process should contribute to the fluorescence quenching of CCH‐Cys. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations on the recognition reaction predicted a moderate Gibbs free energy barrier, which proves the possibility of the Michael addition reaction and induces the rapid response of the probe CCH for cysteine.
Structural insights into the substrate‐binding site of main protease for the structure‐based COVID‐19 drug discovery
Authors: Firouzi Rohoullah , Ashouri Mitra , Karimi‐Jafari Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2022

An attractive drug target to combat COVID‐19 is the main protease (Mpro) because of its key role in the viral life cycle by processing the polyproteins translated from the viral RNA. Studying the crystal structures of the protease is important to enhance our understanding of its mechanism of action at the atomic‐level resolution, and consequently may provide crucial structural insights for structure‐based drug discovery. In the current study, we report a comparative structural analysis of the Mpro substrate binding site for both apo and holo forms to identify key interacting residues and conserved water molecules during the ligand‐binding process. It is shown that in addition to the catalytic dyad residues (His41 and Cys145), the oxyanion hole residues (Asn142–Ser144) and residues His164–Glu166 form essential parts of the substrate‐binding pocket of the protease in the binding process. Furthermore, we address the issue of the substrate‐binding pocket flexibility and show that two adjacent loops in the Mpro structures (residues Thr45–Met49 and Arg188–Ala191) with high flexibility can regulate the binding cavity’ accessibility for different ligand sizes. Moreover, we discuss in detail the various structural and functional roles of several important conserved and mobile water molecules within and around the binding site in the proper enzymatic function of Mpro. We also present a new docking protocol in the framework of the ensemble docking strategy. The performance of the docking protocol has been evaluated in predicting ligand binding pose and affinity ranking for two popular docking programs; AutoDock4 and AutoDock Vina. Our docking results suggest that the top‐ranked poses of the most populated clusters obtained by AutoDock Vina are the most important representative docking runs that show a very good performance in estimating experimental binding poses and affinity ranking.