bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of Some Quinazoline Analogues
Authors: Malpani Surajmal G. , Mohanty Pradeepkumar , Rai Janki Prasad
Published: September 2021

Aim: A new series of Quinazoline 4(3H)-one derivative were prepared by reacting quinazoline 4(3H)-one hydrazide with substituted aromatic aldehydes. Quinazoline is used as a potent pharmacological agent with various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, convulsion, anxiety, anti-inﬂammatory, and analgesic. In this background, we have synthesized a series of Quinazoline 4(3H)-one derivatives (4a-4f) and screened for their anticonvulsant activity. 

Methods: In this work, Schiff bases were prepared by treating quinazoline 4(3H)-one hydrazide with aromatic aldehydes. Six compounds (4a-4f) were screened for anticonvulsant activity by Isoniazid (INH) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions in mice.

Results: All the compounds were given satisfactory reaction yields that representing the efficiency of the employed synthetic route. In INH induced convulsion model, delayed the onset of convulsion significantly 4a, 4b, 4d, 4e, 4f when compared to an induction control group. Whereas delayed onset of convulsion was non-significant for 4c. In PTZ induced convulsion model, delayed the onset of convulsion significantly 4a, 4d, 4e, 4f when compared to induction control group. Whereas delayed onset of convulsion was non-significant for 4b and 4c.

Conclusion: This indicates the anticonvulsant activity to these derivatives which might be due to potentiating GABA activity in the CNS. This anticonvulsant activity was due to presence of electron-donating group like OH, NH2, OCH3 and electron-withdrawing group like CF3 at 2nd and 4th position of aromatic ring attached to hydrazide.
Review on Health Impact of Fast Food on Younger Children
Authors: Dighikar Vrushali , Singh Seema
Published: September 2021

“Fast food is a food which is speedily available as well as provides, frequently at eating places as well as seasonally related with not so much cost and nutritional things like hamburgers, French fries, and soda.” The teenagers of today will be the future of tomorrow; therefore, concentrating on today's adolescents and educating them on how to modify their behaviours toward healthy eating patterns is critical. The dietary issue is one of the most serious health issues confronting millions of children of all ages. There are lots of effects of fast food on the health of adolescents. Because of peer pressure, shortage of time, attractive packages and tastes they become closer to take fast food. Fast foods are at large quantity obtain in educational institutions through various stores. Canteens are available in educational institutions to offer soda water, soft drink, cracks and lots of other foods of less nutritious rate(value). There are many ill impacts and effects of fast food and persons are not aware of its dangerous effects. It can cause many harmful disorders. Prolonged use of fast food is the reason for medical issues, chubbiness means obesity, GI Tract problem and increased fat. Excessive intake of fast foods may reduce appetite and eliminate the chance for nutrients in foods. These quick meals are rich in fat, salt, and sugar, and they are the root cause of chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer in later years of life. This review focuses on what is fast food and its effect on adolescents and the evidence of its effects on mortality, morbidity and quality of life.
Review on Pharmacological Activity of Dioscorea floribunda
Authors: Bhujbal Atul Shankarrao , Baokar Shrikrishna , Mane Kavita , Patil Gauri , Patil Rajendra , Jain Prabhat , Pandey Adityanath
Published: September 2021

The medicinal herb Dioscorea floribunda (Linn.) is very significant. Varahikanda's medicinal properties are quite important. It is used to treat various diseases in Ayurvedic literature. Here is a summary of studies on the antiquity and ayurvedic qualities of varahikanda, i.e. Dioscorea floribunda. Varahikanda has a variety of pharmacological characteristics, according to the research. Jeevaneeya, Rasayana, Balya, Krumighna, Pramehaghna, Kushtaghna, Vrushya, Nadivrun, Visarpa, Udarshool, Raktapitta are all Ayurvedic terms. It has antimicrobial action, wound healing activity, antihyperglycemic activity, dyslipidemic activity, anticancer activity, immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant activity, antiinflammatory and analgesic activity, antihelmintic activity, and aphrodisiac activity, according to contemporary research.
Determining the longitudinal accuracy and reproducibility of T1 and T2 in a 3T MRI scanner
Authors: Carr Madeline E. , Keenan Kathryn E. , Rai Robba , Metcalfe Peter , Walker Amy , Holloway Lois
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To determine baseline accuracy and reproducibility of T1 and T2 relaxation times over 12 months on a dedicated radiotherapy MRI scanner.

Methods

An International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine/National Institute of Standards and Technology (ISMRM/NIST) System Phantom was scanned monthly on a 3T MRI scanner for 1 year. T1 was measured using inversion recovery (T1‐IR) and variable flip angle (T1‐VFA) sequences and T2 was measured using a multi‐echo spin echo (T2‐SE) sequence. For each vial in the phantom, accuracy errors (%bias) were determined by the relative differences in measured T1 and T2 times compared to reference values. Reproducibility was measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) of T1 and T2 measurements across monthly scans. Accuracy and reproducibility were mainly assessed on vials with relaxation times expected to be in physiological ranges at 3T.

Results

A strong linear correlation between measured and reference relaxation times was found for all sequences tested (R2 > 0.997). Baseline bias (and CV[%]) for T1‐IR, T1‐VFA and T2‐SE sequences were +2.0% (2.1), +6.5% (4.2), and +8.5% (1.9), respectively.

Conclusions

The accuracy and reproducibility of T1 and T2 on the scanner were considered sufficient for the sequences tested. No longitudinal trends of variation were deduced, suggesting less frequent measurements are required following the establishment of baselines.
3D Confinement Regulates Cell Life and Death
Authors: Dudaryeva Oksana Y. , Bucciarelli Aurelia , Bovone Giovanni , Huwyler Florian , Jaydev Shibashish , Broguiere Nicolas , al‐Bayati Marwa , Lütolf Marco , Tibbitt Mark W.
Published: September 2021

Biophysical properties of the cellular microenvironment, including stiffness and geometry, have been shown to influence cell function. Recent findings have implicated 3D confinement as an important regulator of cell behavior. The understanding of how mechanical signals direct cell function is based primarily on 2D studies. To investigate how the extent of 3D confinement affects cell function, a single cell culture platform is fabricated with geometrically defined and fully enclosed microwells and it is applied to investigate how niche volume and stiffness affect human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) life and death. The viability and proliferation of hMSCs in confined 3D microniches are compared with unconfined cells in 2D. Confinement biases hMSC viability and proliferation, and this influence depends on the niche volume and stiffness. The rate of cell death increases and proliferation markedly decreases upon 3D confinement. The observed differences in hMSC behavior are correlated to changes in nuclear morphology and YES‐associated protein (YAP) localization. In smaller 3D microniches, hMSCs display smaller and more rounded nuclei and primarily cytoplasmic YAP localization, indicating reduced mechanical activation upon confinement. Interestingly, these effects scale with the extent of 3D confinement. These results demonstrate that the extent of confinement in 3D can be an important regulator of cell function.
Liquid Crystal Elastomer Metamaterials with Giant Biaxial Thermal Shrinkage for Enhancing Skin Regeneration
Authors: Wu Jun , Yao Shenglian , Zhang Hang , Man Weitao , Bai Zhili , Zhang Fan , Wang Xiumei , Fang Daining , Zhang Yihui
Published: September 2021

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of soft active materials of increasing interest, because of their excellent actuation and optical performances. While LCEs show biomimetic mechanical properties (e.g., elastic modulus and strength) that can be matched with those of soft biological tissues, their biointegrated applications have been rarely explored, in part, due to their high actuation temperatures (typically above 60 °C) and low biaxial actuation performances (e.g., actuation strain typically below 10%). Here, unique mechanics‐guided designs and fabrication schemes of LCE metamaterials are developed that allow access to unprecedented biaxial actuation strain (−53%) and biaxial coefficient of thermal expansion (−33 125 ppm K−1), significantly surpassing those (e.g., −20% and −5950 ppm K−1) reported previously. A low‐temperature synthesis method with use of optimized composition ratios enables LCE metamaterials to offer reasonably high actuation stresses/strains at a substantially reduced actuation temperature (46 °C). Such biocompatible LCE metamaterials are integrated with medical dressing to develop a breathable, shrinkable, hemostatic patch as a means of noninvasive treatment. In vivo animal experiments of skin repair with both round and cross‐shaped wounds demonstrate advantages of the hemostatic patch over conventional strategies (e.g., medical dressing and suturing) in accelerating skin regeneration, while avoiding scar and keloid generation.
Perovskite Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Structures for Interface Characterization
Authors: Cunha José M. V. , Barreiros M. Alexandra , Curado Marco A. , Lopes Tomás S. , Oliveira Kevin , Oliveira António J. N. , Barbosa João R. S. , Vilanova António , Brites Maria João , Mascarenhas João , Flandre Denis , Silva Ana G. , Fernandes Paulo A. , Salomé Pedro M. P.
Published: September 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies. Amongst several challenges, developing and optimizing efficient electron transport layers that can be up‐scaled still remains a massive task. Admittance measurements on metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) devices allow to better understand the optoelectronic properties of the interface between perovskite and the charge carrier transport layer. This work discloses a new pathway for a fundamental characterization of the oxide/semiconductor interface in PSCs. Inverted MOS structures, that is, glass/fluorine‐doped tin oxide/tin oxide (SnO2)/perovskite are fabricated and characterized allowing to perform a comparative study on the optoelectronic characteristics of the interface between the perovskite and sputtered SnO2. Admittance measurements allow to assess the interface fixed oxide charges (Qf) and interface traps density (Dit), which are extremely relevant parameters that define interface properties of extraction layers. It is concluded that a 30 nm thick SnO2 layer without annealing presents an additional recombination mechanism compared to the other studied layers, and a 20 nm thick SnO2 layer without annealing presents the highest positive Qf values. Thus, an effective method is shown for the characterization of the charge carrier transport layer/perovskite interface using the analysis performed on perovskite‐based inverted MOS devices.
Magnetically Induced Terahertz Birefringence and Chirality Manipulation in Transverse‐Magnetized Metasurface
Authors: Fan Fei , Zhao Dan , Tan Zhiyu , Ji Yunyun , Cheng Jierong , Chang Shengjiang
Published: September 2021

Active manipulation of photonic spin state and optical chirality leads to some key applications, such as in multichannel communication, polarization‐sensitive imaging, chiral spectroscopy, and chiral sensing. Magneto‐optical materials have unique advantages in the intrinsic transmission and magnetic control of photonic chiral spin states. Here, a scheme for dynamic terahertz (THz) anisotropy and chirality manipulations in the transversely magnetized InSb and its hybrid magneto‐optical metasurface structure is presented. A special transverse photonic spin state in the InSb and a transverse−longitudinal spin coupling effect in the hybrid magneto‐optical metasurface are revealed by the eigenmode analysis and numerical simulations. The strong magnetic birefringence effect induced by this spin mode is demonstrated in the experiment. Moreover, the symmetry‐breaking mechanism in this magneto‐optical structure leads to strong intrinsic chirality and polarization conversion. The experimental results confirm the magnetically active manipulation of spin states and their asymmetric transmission in this hybrid magneto‐optical metasurface, which achieve a polarization conversion rate of near 100% and an induced intrinsic chirality of over 15 dB. This work opens a new development for active THz polarization control and chiral manipulation in the magneto‐optical microstructure.
Insights into Interfacial and Bulk Transport Phenomena Affecting Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer Performance at Ultra‐Low Iridium Loadings
Authors: Peng Xiong , Satjaritanun Pongsarun , Taie Zachary , Wiles Luke , Keane Alex , Capuano Christopher , Zenyuk Iryna V. , Danilovic Nemanja
Published: September 2021

Interfacial and bulk properties between the catalyst layer and the porous transport layer (PTL) restrict the iridium loading reduction for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs), by limiting their mass and charge transport. Using titanium fiber PTLs of varying thickness and porosity, the bulk and interface transport properties are investigated, correlating them to PEMWEs cell performance at ultra‐low Ir loadings of ≈0.05 mgIr cm−2. Electrochemical experiments, tomography, and modeling are combined to study the bulk and interfacial impacts of PTLs on PEMWE performance. It is found that the PEMWE performance is largely dependent on the PTL properties at ultra‐low Ir loadings; bulk structural properties are critical to determine the mass transport and Ohmic resistance of PEMWEs while the surface properties of PTLs are critical to govern the catalyst layer utilization and electrode kinetics. The PTL‐induced variation in kinetic and mass transport overpotential are on the order of ≈40 and 60 mV (at 80 A mgIr−1), respectively, while a nonnegligible 35 mV (at 3 A cm−2) difference in Ohmic overpotential. Thus at least 150 mV improvement in PEMWE performance can be achieved through PTL structural optimization without membrane thickness reduction or advent of new electrocatalysts.
Fourfold Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetector Based on GaTe/MoS2 van der Waals Heterojunction
Authors: Tan Jin , Nan Haiyan , Fu Quangui , Zhang Xiumei , Liu Xing , Ni Zhenhua , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Xiao Shaoqing , Gu Xiaofeng
Published: September 2021

Integrated polarization‐sensitive photodetectors fabricated by geometric anisotropic 2D materials have become attractive in recent years. In this work, the successful construction of self‐driven and polarization‐sensitive photodetectors based on GaTe/MoS2 p–n van der Waals (vdW) heterojunction is demonstrated by mechanical exfoliation and dry transfer methods. The fabricated GaTe/MoS2 vdW heterojunctions show ambipolar behavior, and the highest rectification ratio can reach 93.4. The highest responsivity under 532 nm illumination reaches 145 mA W−1 and the response time is less than 10 ms. Moreover, the photocurrent polarization of the fabricated GaTe/MoS2 photodetectors manifests in fourfold anisotropy with a high polarization ratio of 2.9, which can be ascribed to the highly anisotropic monoclinic structure of layered m‐GaTe. This finding thus offers more information and creates new opportunities about how to fabricate integrated polarization‐sensitive photodetectors.
Modular gas‐to‐liquids process with membrane steam‐methane reformer and Fischer–Tropsch reactive distillation
Authors: Xing Yu , Masuku Cornelius M. , Biegler Lorenz T.
Published: September 2021

Challenges related to energy and the environment, alongside risks in capital investment decisions have sparked recent interest in process intensification research. Process intensification has been characterized by novel equipment designs that produce dramatic process improvements including reduction in size, waste production, and energy consumption. Given the current pressing environmental and social concerns on the shale gas industry, it is imperative to design and optimize energy systems to produce solutions that are economically efficient, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible. Toward this goal, the main research challenge is to develop an integrated energy system modeling framework that can systematically generate optimal designs and operational strategies, and comprehensively improve multiple sustainability criteria. This work highlights opportunities to transform gas‐to‐liquids plants to compact, safe, energy‐efficient, and sustainable processes by using intensified units such as membrane reformers for feed handling and reactive distillation to take advantage of reaction heat to drive separation and enhance yield.
Extraction of aluminum and iron from bauxite: A unique closed‐loop ore refining process utilizing oxalate chemistry
Authors: Verma Ankit , Corbin David R. , Shiflett Mark B.
Published: September 2021

The Bayer process holds an exclusive status for alumina extraction, but a massive amount of caustic “red mud” waste is generated. In this work, three oxalate reagents: potassium hydrogen oxalate (KHC2O4), potassium tetraoxalate (KHC2O4·H2C2O4), and oxalic acid (H2C2O4) were investigated for the Al and Fe extraction process from NIST SRM 600 Australian‐Darling range bauxite ore. More than 90% of Al and Fe was extracted into the aqueous phase in less than 2 h with 0.50 M for all three reagents. The Fe and Al can be selectively precipitated by hydrolyzing the aqueous phase. By acidifying the Al and Fe free filtrate, 80% of the can be precipitated as KHC2O4·H2C2O4. Greater than 90% of the aqueous acid can also be recycled using a cation‐exchange resin. The proposed closed‐loop process is an energy‐efficient, cost‐effective, environmentally–friendly route for extracting Al and Fe from bauxite ore.
Dementia in Africa: Current evidence, knowledge gaps, and future directions
Authors: Akinyemi Rufus O. , Yaria Joseph , Ojagbemi Akin , Guerchet Maëlenn , Okubadejo Njideka , Njamnshi Alfred K. , Sarfo Fred S. , Akpalu Albert , Ogbole Godwin , Ayantayo Temitayo , Adokonou Thierry , Paddick Stella‐Maria , Ndetei David , Bosche Judith , Ayele Biniyam , Damas Andrea , Coker Motunrayo , Mbakile‐Mahlanza Lingani , Ranchod Kirti , Bobrow Kirsten , Anazodo Udunna , Damasceno Albertino , Seshadri Sudha , Pericak‐Vance Margaret , Lawlor Brian , Miller Bruce L. , Owolabi Mayowa , Baiyewu Olusegun , Walker Richard , Gureje Oye , Kalaria Rajesh N. , Ogunniyi Adesola ,   the African Dementia Consortium (AfDC)
Published: September 2021

In tandem with the ever‐increasing aging population in low and middle‐income countries, the burden of dementia is rising on the African continent. Dementia prevalence varies from 2.3% to 20.0% and incidence rates are 13.3 per 1000 person‐years with increasing mortality in parts of rapidly transforming Africa. Differences in nutrition, cardiovascular factors, comorbidities, infections, mortality, and detection likely contribute to lower incidence. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome–associated neurocognitive disorders are the most common dementia subtypes. Comprehensive longitudinal studies with robust methodology and regional coverage would provide more reliable information. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is most studied but has shown differential effects within African ancestry compared to Caucasian. More candidate gene and genome‐wide association studies are needed to relate to dementia phenotypes. Validated culture‐sensitive cognitive tools not influenced by education and language differences are critically needed for implementation across multidisciplinary groupings such as the proposed African Dementia Consortium.
Potential long‐term effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on dementia risk: A propensity score matched retrospective cohort study in US veterans
Authors: Zheng Chunlei , Fillmore Nathanael R. , Ramos‐Cejudo Jaime , Brophy Mary , Osorio Ricardo , Gurney Mark E. , Qiu Wei Qiao , Au Rhoda , Perry George , Dubreuil Maureen , Chen Shu G , Qi Xin , Davis Pamela B , Do Nhan , Xu Rong
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their potential to retard Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression has been reported. However, their long‐term effects on the dementia/AD risk remain unknown.

Methods

A propensity scored matched retrospective cohort study was conducted among 40,207 patients with RA within the US Veterans Affairs health‐care system from 2000 to 2020.

Results

A total of 2510 patients with RA prescribed TNF inhibitors were 1:2 matched to control patients. TNF inhibitor use was associated with reduced dementia risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–0.80), which was consistent as the study period increased from 5 to 20 years after RA diagnosis. TNF inhibitor use also showed a long‐term effect in reducing the risk of AD (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39–0.83) during the 20 years of follow‐up.

Conclusion

TNF inhibitor use is associated with lower long‐term risk of dementia/AD among US veterans with RA.
Cardiac Troponin and Recurrent Major Vascular Events after Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Hellwig Simon , Ihl Thomas , Ganeshan Ramanan , Laumeier Inga , Ahmadi Michael , Steinicke Maureen , Weber Joachim E. , Endres Matthias , Audebert Heinrich J. , Scheitz Jan F.
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to investigate whether high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and whether this association differs after risk stratification based on the Age, Blood Pressure, Clinical Features, Duration of Symptoms, Diabetes (ABCD2) score.

Methods

INSPiRE‐TMS was a randomized controlled trial allocating patients with minor stroke or TIA to an intensified support program or conventional care. In this post hoc analysis, participants were categorized using hs‐cTnT levels (5th generation; Roche Diagnostics, Manheim, Germany; 99th percentile upper reference limit [URL] = 14ng/l). Vascular risk was stratified using the ABCD2 score (lower risk = 0–5 vs higher risk = 6–7). Cox proportional hazard regression was performed using covariate adjustment and propensity score matching (PSM) for the association between hs‐cTnT and MACE (stroke/nonfatal coronary event/vascular death).

Results

Among 889 patients (mean age = 70 years, 37% female), MACE occurred in 153 patients (17.2%) during a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years. hs‐cTnT was associated with MACE (9.3%/yr, >URL vs 4.4%/yr, ≤URL, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–2.35], adjusted HR [Q4 vs Q1] = 2.57 [95% CI = 1.35–4.97], adjusted HR [log‐transformed] = 2.31 [95% CI = 1.37–3.89]). This association remained after PSM (adjusted HR = 1.76 [95% CI = 1.14–2.72]). There was a significant interaction between hs‐cTnT and ABCD2 category for MACE occurrence (pinteraction = 0.04). In the lower risk category, MACE rate was 9.5%/yr in patients with hs‐cTnT > URL, which was higher than in those ≤URL (3.8%/yr) and similar to the overall rate in the higher risk category.

Interpretation

hs‐cTnT levels are associated with incident MACE within 3 years after minor stroke or TIA and may help to identify high‐risk individuals otherwise deemed at lower risk based on the ABCD2 score. If confirmed in independent validation studies, this might warrant intensified secondary prevention measures and cardiac diagnostics in stroke patients with elevated hs‐cTnT. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:901–912
Desulfonative Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling of Sulfonyl Fluorides
Authors: Chatelain Paul , Muller Cyprien , Sau Abhijit , Brykczyńska Daria , Bahadori Maryam , Rowley Christopher N. , Moran Joseph
Published: September 2021

Sulfonyl fluorides have emerged as powerful “click” electrophiles to access sulfonylated derivatives. Yet, they are relatively inert towards C−C bond forming transformations, notably under transition‐metal catalysis. Here, we describe conditions under which aryl sulfonyl fluorides act as electrophiles for the Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling. This desulfonative cross‐coupling occurs selectively in the absence of base and, unusually, even in the presence of strong acids. Divergent one‐step syntheses of two analogues of bioactive compounds showcase the expanded reactivity of sulfonyl fluorides to encompass both S−Nu and C−C bond formation. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations suggest oxidative addition occurs at the C−S bond followed by desulfonation to form a Pd‐F intermediate that facilitates transmetalation.
Experimental optimization of process parameters on mechanical properties and the layers adhesion of 3D printed parts
Authors: Ben Ali Naserddine , Khlif Mohamed , Hammami Dorra , Bradai Chedly
Published: September 2021

Additive manufacturing by fused filament fabrication provides an innovative manufacturing process for new design vision and complex geometry components. This study aims to establish the relationships between the process parameters and the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts using Taguchi design of experiment. The proposed method also enables the study of the filling orientation effects on the cohesion of the printed layers and the overall fracture behavior. We reviewed and optimized the effects of the critical parameters of process such as the layer thickness, the temperature, the print speed, and the filling orientation on Young's modulus and tensile strength. Then the effect of raster angle on the cohesion between the printed layers, as well as the failure modes were analyzed. The results show that the layer thickness and the filling angle are more influential on the mechanical properties. An analysis of the fracture surfaces of tensile specimens was also performed and it indicated a fracture following the filling direction. Furthermore, the fill angle 0/90° shows the best adhesion between the printed layers.
Initiating the process of providing behavioral services to foster children in inpatient facilities
Authors: Cruz‐Khalili Amir , Rapp John T.
Published: September 2021

The Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act (2011) mandated states to monitor psychotropic medication usage in foster care systems. In response to that legislation, the Deputy Director of the Alabama Department of Human Resources developed the Alabama Psychiatric Medication Review Team (APMRT). To date, our team has engaged in actions to target relevant personnel in foster care systems including caseworkers, foster parents, biological parents, and prescribers of psychotropic medication. One component of APMRT services involves tracking psychotropic medication prescriptions in Alabama foster care through our state Medicaid base. This process led the APMRT to include residential facilities as a target for services. What follows is a detailed account of the steps the APMRT initiated within a specific inpatient residential facility to improve (a) behavior tracking systems and (b) staff members' implementation of general behavior interventions.
Transmetalation Reactions of Aromatic Dilithionickelole: Synthesis of Heterobimetallic Complexes Featuring Metalloles as Diene Ligands
Authors: Huang Zhe , Zheng Yu , Zhong Mingdong
Published: September 2021

The aromatic metallole dianions are important metallaaromatic compounds because of their various reactivities and extensive synthetic applications. Herein we report the reactions of dilithionickelole with MgCl2, EtAlCl2, Cp*ScCl2, Cp*LuCl2 and Pt(COD)Cl2 (COD=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) affording a series of Ni/M heterobimetallic complexes of the general formula (η4−C4R4M)Ni(COD), in which the metalloles act as diene ligands, as suggested by single‐crystal X‐ray, NMR and theoretical analyses. In these reactions, two electrons of the nickelole dianion transferred to Ni, representing different reactivity compared with main‐group metallole dianions.
Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics coupled to the global circulation in holistic setting: Mathematical models, numerical methods and applications
Authors: Toro Eleuterio Francisco , Celant Morena , Zhang Qinghui , Contarino Christian , Agarwal Nivedita , Linninger Andreas , Müller Lucas Omar
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a mathematical model of the global, arterio‐venous circulation in the entire human body, coupled to a refined description of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in the craniospinal cavity. The present model represents a substantially revised version of the original Müller‐Toro mathematical model. It includes one‐dimensional (1D), non‐linear systems of partial differential equations for 323 major blood vessels and 85 zero‐dimensional, differential‐algebraic systems for the remaining components. Highlights include the myogenic mechanism of cerebral blood regulation; refined vasculature for the inner ear, the brainstem and the cerebellum; and viscoelastic, rather than purely elastic, models for all blood vessels, arterial and venous. The derived 1D parabolic systems of partial differential equations for all major vessels are approximated by hyperbolic systems with stiff source terms following a relaxation approach. A major novelty of this paper is the coupling of the circulation, as described, to a refined description of the CSF dynamics in the craniospinal cavity, following Linninger et al. The numerical solution methodology employed to approximate the hyperbolic non‐linear systems of partial differential equations with stiff source terms is based on the Arbitrary DERivative Riemann problem finite volume framework, supplemented with a well‐balanced formulation, and a local time stepping procedure. The full model is validated through comparison of computational results against published data and bespoke MRI measurements. Then we present two medical applications: (i) transverse sinus stenoses and their relation to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension; and (ii) extra‐cranial venous strictures and their impact in the inner ear circulation, and its implications for Ménière's disease.
Growth and feeding in the sponge Agelas tubulata from shallow to mesophotic depths on Grand Cayman Island
Authors: Macartney Keir J. , Clayshulte Abraham Amelia , Slattery Marc , Lesser Michael P.
Published: September 2021

On Caribbean coral reefs, sponges are important members of the benthic community and play multiple roles in ecosystem structure and function. They have an important role in benthic‐pelagic coupling, consuming particulate organic matter (POM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) and in turn providing food in the form of sponge biomass or the release of detritus for a variety of coral reef organisms. Throughout the Caribbean, sponges show consistent increases in their abundance and growth rates as depth increases into the mesophotic zone (30–150 m). This has been hypothesized to be driven by bottom‐up forces, particularly the increased supply of nitrogen‐rich POM in mesophotic coral reef ecosystems (MCEs). Here, we tested the hypothesis that the sponge, Agelas tubulata, exhibits increased growth rates on MCEs relative to shallow reefs on Grand Cayman Island and that this is driven by bottom‐up forcing. We observed increased growth rates in mesophotic A. tubulata, compared with shallow conspecifics, despite variability in feeding on both POM and DOM. Mesophotic sponges, however, were consistently exposed to greater amounts of POM, which was seasonally variable unlike DOM. Changes in stable isotopic signatures, and higher feeding rates with increasing depth, were consistent with increasing rates of growth in sponges as depth increases. These observations support the hypothesis that mesophotic sponges have higher growth rates due to increased POM availability and consumption over time. The results of this study illustrate the crucial role that bottom‐up forcing has in the structuring of sponge communities on both shallow and mesophotic Caribbean coral reefs and the importance of POM as a source of nitrogen in sponge diets.
High‐order implicit time‐stepping with high‐order central essentially‐non‐oscillatory methods for unsteady three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations
Authors: Nguyen T. Binh , De Sterck Hans , Freret Lucie , Groth Clinton P. T.
Published: September 2021

This article develops high‐order implicit time‐stepping methods combined with the fourth‐order central essentially‐non‐oscillatory (CENO) scheme for stiff three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics problems having disparate characteristic time scales. Both aerodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic problems are considered on three‐dimensional multiblock body‐fitted grids with hexahedral cells. Several implicit time integration methods of third‐ and fourth‐order accuracy are considered, including the multistep backward differentiation formulas (BDF4), multistage explicitly singly diagonally implicit Runge‐Kutta (ESDIRK4), and Rosenbrock‐type methods (ROS34POW2). The resulting nonlinear algebraic system of equations is solved via a preconditioned Jacobian‐free inexact Newton–Krylov method with additive Schwarz preconditioning using block‐based incomplete LU decomposition. The performance of the high‐order implicit time‐stepping methods on smooth and stiff problems is compared with a standard fourth‐order explicit Runge‐Kutta (RK4) method. It is shown that the Rosenbrock methods, despite their advantage of only requiring the solution of linear systems, have significant drawbacks in terms of robustness issues for highly nonlinear compressible flows. The implicit BDF4 and ESDIRK4 methods are found to be much more efficient than the explicit fourth‐order RK4 method for a stiff resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) problem discretized with the fourth‐order CENO method. When applied to the problem of vortex shedding governed by the Navier–Stokes equations, an A‐stable ESDIRK4 scheme proved to be the more robust and accurate implicit time‐marching scheme and was able to offer significant speedup compared with the RK4 method. Initial results are also shown for high‐order implicit time integration applied to two problems with discontinuities. The current study represents the first to achieve high‐order implicit time integration for MHD, enabling large time steps and substantial speedups for stiff MHD problems with high‐order accuracy, and it also represents the first to establish high‐order implicit time integration for high‐order CENO in space.
Intrahepatic cholangiocyte regeneration from an Fgf‐dependent extrahepatic progenitor niche in a zebrafish model of Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Zhao Chengjian , Lancman Joseph J. , Yang Yi , Gates Keith P. , Cao Dan , Barske Lindsey , Matalonga Jonathan , Pan Xiangyu , He Jiaye , Graves Alyssa , Huisken Jan , Chen Chong , Dong P. Duc Si
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

Alagille Syndrome (ALGS) is a congenital disorder caused by mutations in the Notch ligand gene JAGGED1, leading to neonatal loss of intrahepatic duct (IHD) cells and cholestasis. Cholestasis can resolve in certain patients with ALGS, suggesting regeneration of IHD cells. However, the mechanisms driving IHD cell regeneration following Jagged loss remains unclear. Here, we show that cholestasis due to developmental loss of IHD cells can be consistently phenocopied in zebrafish with compound jagged1b and jagged2b mutations or knockdown.

Approach and Results

Leveraging the transience of jagged knockdown in juvenile zebrafish, we find that resumption of Jagged expression leads to robust regeneration of IHD cells through a Notch‐dependent mechanism. Combining multiple lineage tracing strategies with whole‐liver three‐dimensional imaging, we demonstrate that the extrahepatic duct (EHD) is the primary source of multipotent progenitors that contribute to the regeneration, but not to the development, of IHD cells. Hepatocyte‐to‐IHD cell transdifferentiation is possible but rarely detected. Progenitors in the EHD proliferate and migrate into the liver with Notch signaling loss and differentiate into IHD cells if Notch signaling increases. Tissue‐specific mosaic analysis with an inducible dominant‐negative Fgf receptor suggests that Fgf signaling from the surrounding mesenchymal cells maintains this extrahepatic niche by directly preventing premature differentiation and allocation of EHD progenitors to the liver. Indeed, transcriptional profiling and functional analysis of adult mouse EHD organoids uncover their distinct differentiation and proliferative potential relative to IHD organoids.

Conclusions

Our data show that IHD cells regenerate upon resumption of Jagged/Notch signaling, from multipotent progenitors originating from an Fgf‐dependent extrahepatic stem cell niche. We posit that if Jagged/Notch signaling is augmented, through normal stochastic variation, gene therapy, or a Notch agonist, regeneration of IHD cells in patients with ALGS may be enhanced.
Morphologic characterization and fractal analysis of lapped and polished surfaces of quartz single crystals
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Guzzo Pedro L. , Salerno Marco , Bramowicz Miroslaw , Kulesza Slawomir
Published: September 2021

Lapping and polishing are industrial processes sometimes used alternatively for surface finishing of hard and brittle materials. This article presents advanced image analysis of surfaces of quartz crystal blanks finished by lapping and polishing. Scanning electron micrographs were obtained from workpiece surfaces parallel to Y‐, AT‐, and Z‐cut crystal planes treated with different normal stress and abrasive grit size, and stereometric and fractal/multifractal approaches were used to analyze the respective surfaces. Fractal dimensions and segmentation parameters were able to decode the effect of normal stress increasing on the surface roughness of lapped and polished samples. Moreover, the texture isotropy and the bifractal—hence agglomerated—nature of the surface patterns, suggest that both treatments dismiss the anisotropic signature of hardness and fracture toughness inherent to each crystal plane. This study provides promising results regarding the applicability of fractal analysis in the assessment of surfaces severely worn by the combined effect of brittle microcracking and plastic deformation mechanisms.
Symmetries of the honeycomb toroidal graphs
Authors: Šparl Primož
Published: September 2021

Honeycomb toroidal graphs are a family of cubic graphs determined by a set of three parameters that have been studied over the last three decades both by mathematicians and computer scientists. They all can be embedded on a torus and coincide with the cubic Cayley graphs of generalized dihedral groups with respect to a set of three reflections. In a recent survey paper B. Alspach gathered most known results on this intriguing family of graphs and suggested a number of research problems regarding them. In this paper we solve two of these problems by determining the full automorphism group of each honeycomb toroidal graph.
Genetic variation in the E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 16 in northeastern Argentina
Authors: Totaro M. Elina , Gili Juan A. , Liotta D. Javier , Schurr Theodore G. , Picconi Maria A. , Badano Inés
Published: September 2021

The province of Misiones is considered a region with a high mortality rate due to cervical cancer (CC). To gain insight into this problem, we explored the association between genetic variation in the E6 and E7 oncogenes of HPV16 and the risk of CC. We studied 160 women with cytological diagnoses of negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignity, low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/CC and a positive test for HPV16 infection. The genetic characterization of E6 and E7 genes was undertaken through PCR amplification and direct Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic classification was conducted using Bayesian methods. To estimate the odds ratio (OR) for an association between genetic variants in the E6 and E7 genes and the risk of CC, we used ordinal logistic regression adjusted by age. The final data set comprised 112 samples. Diagnostic single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phylogenetic trees confirmed the presence of Lineage A (95.5%) and D (4.5%) in the samples. For the E6 gene, we identified eleven different sequences, with the most common ones being Lineage A E6 350G (58.9%) and E6 350T (37.5%). The E6 350G was associated with progression to HSIL/CC, with an OR of 19.41 (4.95–76.10). The E7 gene was more conserved than E6, probably due to the functional constraints of this small protein. Our results confirmed the association of the E6 350G SNP with a higher risk of developing CC. These data will contribute to understanding the biological bases of CC incidence in this region.
Incorporation of white tea extract in nano‐liposomes: optimization, characterization, and stability
Authors: Ahmadi Elham , Elhamirad Amir Hossein , Mollania Nasrin , Saeidi Asl Mohammad Reza , Pedramnia Ahmad
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

In the present study, an extraction method affected by sonication intensity (40%, 70% and 100%), sonication time (5, 10 and 15 min) and different solvents (ethanol, methanol and a combination of ethanol/methanol) was optimized to extract the white tea with the greatest polyphenolic compounds using a response surface methodology. To prepare the nano‐liposomal vesicles, phospholipids and cholesterol in various proportions (60:0, 40:20, 30:30 and 20:40) were applied based on thin‐film hydration and ultrasound method. The nano‐capsules enriched in bioactive compounds were examined through particle characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, morphological analysis, thermal properties and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The observations showed that the extraction yield highly depended on the type of solvent with varying permeability, sonication time and power. The highest total phenolic content (68.38 mg GA g–1) and free radical scavenging activity (77.65%) were observed for the following optimal conditions: 70% for sonication intensity, 15 min for sonication time and methanol as solvent. Characteristics of nanoliposomes within a compositional ratio of lecithin/cholesterol (40:20) and with a zeta potential of −56 ± 0.01 mV, as well as white tea extract (WTE) samples with an average particle diameter of 82.20 ± 0.08, microencapsulation efficiency of 76.5% ± 0.081, polydispersity index of 0.06 ± 0.02 and span value of 0.69 ± 0.03. are used as the optimal formulation for microencapsulation of antioxidant WTE. The results demonstrated an increment in thermal stability of liposomal WTE samples compared to other samples.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study indicated that nano‐liposomes comprise an effective technology for coating the WTE, as well as to increasing its stability and thermal properties. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Salvage pulmonary resection in stages IIIb–IV lung cancer after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors case series and literature review
Authors: Smith Alex , Wali Anuj , Montes Ana , Hadaki Maher , Harrison‐Phipps Karen , Karapanagiotou Eleni M. , Bille Andrea
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

The role of salvage thoracic surgery in managing advanced‐stage lung cancer following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is currently unclear. We present a series of nine patients with advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer who underwent pulmonary resection following treatment with pembrolizumab.

Methods

We performed a single‐institution retrospective analysis of pulmonary resection undertaken following treatment with pembrolizumab for advanced‐stage lung cancer. Nine patients met the inclusion criteria.

Results

In six cases, surgery was indicated for persistent localized disease after treatment, and in three cases for nonresponsive synchronous/metachronous lung nodules while on treatment for stage IV lung cancer. Dense hilar fibrosis was present in all patients. Minimal access surgery was achieved in five cases (video‐assisted n = 2, robotic‐assisted n = 3). There was no in‐hospital mortality. One patient died within 60 days from community‐acquired COVID‐19 pneumonitis. Seven patients remain free of disease between 5 and 22 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

Pulmonary resection is safe and technically feasible following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Surgical challenges relate to postimmunotherapy fibrosis, but with increased experience and a robotic approach, minimal access surgery is achievable. Further prospective studies are required to assess the surgical impact on disease control and overall survival in this patient cohort.
Water‐based Cu nanofluid as lubricant for steel hot rolling: Experimental investigation and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: He Jiaqi , Sun Jianlin , Yang Fulin , Meng Yanan , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2021

The lubrication performance of Cu nanofluid was studied through hot rolling tests and non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. Results showed that nanofluid with 0.5 wt% Cu nanoparticles possessed the optimal effect in reducing the rolling force, finish rolling thickness and rolled surface roughness. The superior lubrication performance was attributed to the formation of protective tribofilm made of Fe/Cu debris, iron and copper oxides as well as amorphous substances with a thickness of about 24 nm, which avoided the direct contact of steel strip and the roll, thus inhibiting the adhesion wear. Molecular dynamics simulation disclosed that the rolling‐dominated motion pattern of Cu nanoparticles with 74.1% rolling and 25.9% sliding motion contributed to a significant decrease in the friction force. Besides, surface defects including the peaks and valleys were polished and repaired by nanoparticles respectively, thus developing the surface quality of hot rolled products.
Age-0 Silver Carp Otolith Microchemistry and Microstructure Reveal Multiple Early Life Environments and Protracted Spawning in the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Williams Jesse A. , Whitledge Gregory W. , Knights Brent C. , Bloomfield Nicholas C. , Lamer James T.
Published: September 2021

Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are highly mobile and fecund planktivorous cyprinids that have invaded much of the Mississippi River and are known to alter food webs and compete with native planktivores. In 2016, for the first time, an abundance of age-0 Silver Carp (n = 12,208; 16–231 mm) were captured at many (n = 11) sites upstream of Lock and Dam 19 on the upper Mississippi River. Previous reports were of a few individuals at a few locations; however, effort to capture juveniles of this size was likely less in previous years. Determining the origin, frequency, and timing of the reproductive events that led to this large year-class is important for determining control strategies. We used otolith microstructure and microchemistry from age-0 Silver Carp to estimate timing and frequency of spawning and early life environments of these fish. Hatch dates were determined from the lapillus otoliths of 190 age-0 Silver Carp (16–231 mm), and early life environments were identified from otolith microchemistry for 124 of these fish (64–231 mm). Age-0 Silver Carp were collected from Pools 18 and 19 during July–October 2016 by using a variety of sampling gears. We identified 10 cohorts with hatch dates ranging from May to August 2016 and with main-stem Mississippi River (75%) and tributary (23%) early life signatures. Tributary otolith chemistry signatures were present in all cohorts between May and July (n = 8) but were absent from the August cohorts (n = 2). Our results indicate that tributaries and small tributary streams, in addition to the main-stem river, play an important role in Silver Carp recruitment in areas near the reproductive front, where management actions (e.g., contract removal and deterrents) are often targeted.