bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Study of a Training Program for Knee and Shoulder Arthrocentesis on Procedural Simulators with Assessment on Cadavers
Authors: Bretagne Vincent , Delapierre Alice , Cerasuolo Damiano , Bellot Anne , Marcelli Christian , Guillois Bernard
Published: January 2022

Objective

The study objective was to assess the efficacy of simulators in improving the competence of students in performing a knee and shoulder arthrocentesis on cadavers and to determine the minimum number of simulator training procedures needed to achieve competence in arthrocentesis.

Methods

Two groups of 15 medical students were each trained to perform a single joint arthrocentesis (“knee group” and “shoulder group”) on a simulator to serve as a control for the other. The two groups received the same theoretical training (anatomy, arthrocentesis techniques, ultrasound, and hybrid simulation). Each student punctured the two joints on a cadaver. A student was considered “competent on the cadaver” if they succeeded at two or more arthrocentesis procedures out of the three tests on the joint on which they were trained. The minimum threshold value to be competent was calculated by a receiver operating characteristic curve and the Youden index. An assessment of theoretical knowledge and confidence level in joint arthrocentesis was carried out at the start and end of the study.

Results

Twenty‐two out of 29 students (75.8%) achieved competence in arthrocentesis at the joint for which they were trained. Of the students in the knee group, 79% were competent on the cadaver’s knee versus 60% of the students in the shoulder group (P = 0.43). Of students in the shoulder group, 74% were competent on the cadaver’s shoulder versus 57% of students in the knee group (P = 0.45). Four training punctures on a simulator are necessary to achieve competence on a cadaver. The students’ confidence level in arthrocentesis increased significantly during the study, as did the students’ theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion

Knee and shoulder arthrocentesis success rates were not statistically different between the two training groups. A minimum number of 4.0 training arthrocentesis on a simulator is needed to achieve competency on a cadaver.
Electronic Properties and Carrier Dynamics at the Alloy Interfaces of WS2xSe2−2x Spiral Nanosheets
Authors: Peng Jiangbo , Yang Dongcheng , Ren Caixia , Jiang Ying , Zhu Xiaoli , Jing Fangli , Qiu Hailong , Liu Hongjun , Hu Zhanggui
Published: January 2022

Electronic properties at the interfaces between different‐composition domains of 2D‐alloys are key for their optical, electronic, and optoelectronic applications. Understanding the interfacial electronic structures and carrier dynamics is essential for designing and fabricating devices that use these alloys. Here, WS2xSe2−2x spiral nanosheets are prepared using the physical vapor deposition method, and the nonlinear optical and electronic properties, as well as the carrier dynamics at the interfaces between the WS and WSe domains, are studied. Second‐harmonic generation tests demonstrate that these nanosheets exhibit a very strong layer‐dependent nonlinear optical effect. Atomic‐resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) measurements reveal that S and Se atoms are non‐uniformly distributed, forming WS domains, WSe domains, and defect‐related areas. Atomic STM images and STS maps reveal enhanced local density of states by electron scattering at the WS/WSe interfaces, providing a detailed nanoscale interpretation of the S/Se‐ratio‐dependent lifetimes observed in pump–probe spectroscopy measurements. This work provides valuable interfacial characterization of 2D‐alloy materials, using state‐of‐the‐art methods with high temporal and spatial resolutions. The obtained insights are likely to be useful for prospective applications.
Interfacing Si‐Based Electrodes: Impact of Liquid Electrolyte and Its Components
Authors: Wölke Christian , Sadeghi Bahareh A. , Eshetu Gebrekidan G. , Figgemeier Egbert , Winter Martin , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora
Published: January 2022

As the demand for mobile energy storage devices has steadily increased during the past decades due to the rising popularity of portable electronics as well as the continued implementation of electromobility, energy density has become a crucial metric in the development of modern batteries. It was realized early on that the successful utilization of silicon as negative electrode material in lithium‐ion batteries would be a quantum leap in improving achievable energy densities due to the roughly ten‐fold increase in specific capacity compared to the state‐of‐the‐art graphite material. However, being an alloying type material rather than an intercalation/insertion type, silicon poses numerous obstacles that need to be overcome for its successful implementation as a negative electrode material with the most prominent one being its extreme volume changes on (de‐)lithiation. While, as of today, a plethora of different types of Si‐based electrodes have been reported, a universally common feature is the interface between Si‐based electrode and electrolyte. This review focuses on the knowledge gained thus far on the impact of different liquid electrolyte components/formulations on the interfaces and interphases encountered at Si‐based electrodes.
Superhydrophobic Lubrication: Gas–Liquid Bilayer Reduces the Friction Between Two Solids
Authors: Nurmi Heikki A. , Yu Cunming , Toptunov Dmytro , Ras Robin H.A. , Jokinen Ville
Published: January 2022

Lubrication is one of the most important ways to reduce the effect of friction, which is the single largest cause for energy losses in society. Typically, friction reduction is done by lubrication with petroleum‐based oils, while technology focus is shifting toward environmentally‐friendly green lubrication. Lowest friction coefficients with water‐based lubrication have previously been achieved with smooth surfaces such as silicon carbide and silicon nitride or polyzwitterionic polymer brushes with typical coefficients of friction in the order of 0.002. Here, a novel concept for green lubrication using a bilayer of water and ambient air acting as the lubricant between a hydrophilic and superhydrophobic surface is shown. This method achieves superlubricity with friction coefficients down to 0.002 as measured with oscillating tribometer and tilting stage. In addition, possible applications for superhydrophobic lubrication such as tunable lubrication and a 2D mouse treadmill, are shown.
Ultrathin Paper Microsupercapacitors for Electronic Skin Applications
Authors: Say Mehmet Girayhan , Sahalianov Ihor , Brooke Robert , Migliaccio Ludovico , Głowacki Eric D. , Berggren Magnus , Donahue Mary J. , Engquist Isak
Published: January 2022

Ultrathin devices are rapidly developing for skin‐compatible medical applications and wearable electronics. Powering skin‐interfaced electronics requires thin and lightweight energy storage devices, where solution‐processing enables scalable fabrication. To attain such devices, a sequential deposition is employed to achieve all spray‐coated symmetric microsupercapacitors (μSCs) on ultrathin parylene C substrates, where both electrode and gel electrolyte are based on the cheap and abundant biopolymer, cellulose. The optimized spraying procedure allows an overall device thickness of ≈11 µm to be obtained with a 40% active material volume fraction and a resulting volumetric capacitance of 7 F cm−3. Long‐term operation capability (90% of capacitance retention after 104 cycles) and mechanical robustness are achieved (1000 cycles, capacitance retention of 98%) under extreme bending (rolling) conditions. Finite element analysis is utilized to simulate stresses and strains in real‐sized μSCs under different bending conditions. Moreover, an organic electrochromic display is printed and powered with two serially connected μ‐SCs as an example of a wearable, skin‐integrated, fully organic electronic application.
Primary breakup of shear‐thickening suspension jet by an annular air jet
Authors: Wang Zi‐Yu , Zhao Hui , Li Wei‐Feng , Xu Jian‐Liang , Liu Hai‐Feng
Published: January 2022

An experimental investigation is conducted to study the influence of shear‐thickening behavior on the primary breakup process of suspension jets. The primary breakup morphologies of cornstarch–water suspension are observed via a high‐speed camera. The unique hardened breakup mode only occurs when the suspension exhibits discontinuous shear thickening (DST). During hardened breakup mode, the oscillating portion of the suspension jet becomes perpendicular to the air direction and keeps cylindrical instead of deforming into a thin sheet or membrane structure. The suspension jets break off into large pieces rather than tiny droplets. The dimensionless number N is established to describe the relative magnitude of the increment of the viscous force and aerodynamic force during the primary breakup process. The primary breakup regime map of Newtonian fluids and shear‐thickening suspensions is also promoted based on the dimensionless number N and the Weber number We.
Healthcare utilization among youth with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobile type
Authors: Williams Sara E. , Tran Susan T. , Lynch‐Jordan Anne , Goldschneider Kenneth R. , Ting Tracy V. , Kashikar‐Zuck Susmita , Neilson Derek
Published: January 2022

Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders of connective tissue. EDS hypermobility type (EDS‐HT), characterized by joint hypermobility, is most common and increasingly recognized in pediatrics. Treatment involves protecting joints, preventing injuries, and managing symptoms/comorbidities. Pediatric EDS‐HT patients often see multiple medical providers; however, data on healthcare utilization (HCU) in this population are lacking. This retrospective, electronic chart review examines HCU data 1 year prior and subsequent to a new diagnosis of EDS‐HT using Villefranche criteria. Demographics, diagnoses, and HCU (office visits, therapies, hospital encounters/procedures, and tests) were obtained for N = 102 youth attending a Connective Tissue Disorder Clinic over a 21‐month timeframe. After EDS‐HT diagnosis, HCU patterns shifted to reflect greater involvement of therapy (physical, psychological, and occupational) and symptom management. More genetics, rheumatology, and orthopedics visits occurred prediagnosis, and more physical therapy, pain management, cardiology, and neurology visits occurred postdiagnosis. Testing and hospital encounter/procedure frequencies did not change. Overall, the pattern of HCU changed from diagnostic to treatment, in accordance with evidence‐based EDS‐HT care. Understanding HCU patterns of pediatric patients with EDS‐HT can elucidate patient interaction with the health care system, with the potential to inform and improve the standard of care.
Monosomy 1p36: Report of a cohort of 13 Asian Indian patients
Authors: Gupta Neerja , Kaur Ravneet , Phadke Shubha , Sharma Pankaj , Nampoothiri Sheela , Saxena Deepti , Kabra Madhulika
Published: January 2022

Monosomy 1p36 is one of the common microdeletion syndromes with a recognizable facial phenotype. Failure to thrive, developmental delay, congenital heart disease, and other abnormalities are common in these patients. This is the first study on Asian Indian patients with monosomy 1p36, documenting the phenotypic characteristics of 13 patients, indicating phenotypic similarities in a diverse population and broadening the clinical spectrum.
Constant‐Roll Inflation in the Generalized SU(2) Proca Theory
Authors: Garnica Juan C. , Gómez L. Gabriel , Navarro Andrés A. , Rodríguez Yeinzon
Published: January 2022

The generalized SU(2) Proca theory (GSU2P) is a variant of the well known generalized Proca theory where the vector field belongs to the Lie algebra of the SU(2) group of global transformations under which the action is made invariant. New interesting possibilities arise in this framework because of the existence of new interactions of purely non‐Abelian character and new configurations of the vector field resulting in spatial spherical symmetry and the cosmological dynamics being driven by the propagating degrees of freedom. We study the 2D phase space of the system that results when the cosmic triad configuration is employed in the Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker background and find an attractor curve whose attraction basin both covers almost all the allowed region and does not include a Big‐Bang singularity. Such an attractor curve corresponds to a primordial inflationary solution that has the following characteristic properties: 1) it is a de Sitter solution whose Hubble parameter is regulated by a generalized version of the SU(2) group coupling constant, 2) it is constant‐roll including, as a limiting case, the slow‐roll variety, 3) a number of e‐folds is easily reached, 4) it has a graceful exit into a radiation dominated period powered by the canonical kinetic term of the vector field and the Einstein–Hilbert term. The free parameters of the action are chosen such that the tensor sector of the theory is the same as that of general relativity at least up to second‐order perturbations, thereby avoiding the presence of ghost and Laplacian instabilities in the tensor sector as well as making the gravity waves propagate at light speed. This is a proof of concept of the interesting properties that could be found in this scenario when the coupling constants be replaced by general coupling functions and more terms be discovered in the GSU2P.
Preparation and properties of a fluorinated epoxy resin with low dielectric constant
Authors: Li Jinzhao , Chen Mengdi , Wang Yuechuan
Published: January 2022

Demand for electronic materials with improved dielectric properties are increasing. One of the ways to reduce the dielectric constant is to incorporate fluorine atoms. In this article, a novel fluorinated epoxy resin (diglycidol ether of 2,4‐bis (1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoroisopropyl) fluorobenzene (FB‐EP)) with 45.7 wt% fluorine content was synthesized from fluorobenzene, epichlorohydrin and hexafluoroacetone. The structures of desired monomers were characterized by NMR and FTIR. The epoxy resin FB‐EP was cured by copolymerization with hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) and by homopolymerization catalyzed with boron trifluoride ethylamine (BF3MEA), respectively. The curing reaction kinetics of the fluorinated epoxy and the properties of the cured materials were studied in comparison with those of common diglycidol ether epoxy resin (BADGE). The results of curing activation energy indicate that FB‐EP is reactive as the BADGE, and the four‐trifluoromethyl groups on FB‐EP do not negatively affect the cationic polymerization reactivity of the epoxy groups. The cured FB‐EP materials had lower moisture absorption, and especially lower dielectric constant (Dk, 2.23) and lower dielectric loss (Df, 0.011) in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. This article provides a base for further study of fluorinated epoxy resin as advanced electronic materials.
‘Coming together to awaken our democracy’: Examining precursors of emergent social identity and collective action among activists and non‐activists in the 2019–2020 ‘Chile despertó’ protests
Authors: Pozzi Maura , Passini Stefano , Chayinska Maria , Morselli Davide , Ellena Adriano Mauro , Włodarczyk Anna , Pistoni Carlo
Published: January 2022

By integrating the insights from social identity research on collective action, this article examines the social‐psychological mechanisms behind the emergence of the 2019–20 ‘Chile despertó’ social movement, a major Latin American revolt against the government's price hikes. Using survey data collected among Chilean activists (N = 549) and non‐activists (i.e., members of broader society, N = 234), we analyse two major explanatory collective action frameworks: that is, the social identity model of collective action (SIMCA) and the encapsulation model of the social identity of collective action (EMSICA). Multi‐group SEM with latent variables revealed that the EMSICA was slightly better suited as compared to SIMCA to explain collective action on behalf of newly formed collective identities. As concerns prosocial disobedience, these attitudes predicted collective action intentions indirectly through social identification among both activists and non‐activists. The indirect effects of moral outrage were found to be more pronounced in non‐activists, whereas perceived collective efficacy had stronger direct mobilizing effects among activists. The discussion highlights the importance of studying individuals' prosocial disobedience attitudes within social identity models of collective action. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Air Stability and Interfacial Compatibility of Sulfide Solid Electrolytes for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries: Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Cai Yinghui , Li Chunli , Zhao Zhikun , Mu Daobin , Wu Borong
Published: January 2022

Sulfide solid electrolytes (SSEs) possess higher ionic conductivity compared to commonly used oxide electrolytes, and are expected to enable high‐safety, high‐energy‐density solid‐state batteries. However, the air sensitivity and interface instability of SSEs greatly limit their applications. Herein, research on the stability of SSEs is reviewed. The mechanisms for the air and interface instability of the SSEs are revealed. In addition, methods to improve the stability of SSEs are discussed. The air stability of SSEs is closely related to their structures, which can be modified by chemical or physical interactions to tackle the problem. Interface instability induced by physical contact, interface side reactions, and other issues between SSEs and electrodes is another problem, hindering their commercialization. An in‐depth understanding of SSEs is offered as well as the prospects of SSEs.
Regulatory T cells: Their role in triple‐negative breast cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Malla Rama Rao , Vasudevaraju Padmaraju , Vempati Rahul Kumar , Rakshmitha Marni , Merchant Neha , Nagaraju Ganji Purnachandra
Published: January 2022

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and immunogenic subtype of breast cancer. This tumorigenicity is independent of hormonal or HER2 pathways because of a lack of respective receptor expression. TNBC is extremely prone to drug resistance and early recurrence because of T‐regulatory cell (Treg) infiltration into the tumor microenvironment (TME) in addition to other mechanisms like genomic instability. Tumor‐infiltrating Tregs interact with both tumor and stromal cells as well as extracellular matrix components in the TME and induce an immune‐suppressive phenotype. Hence, treatment of TNBC with conventional therapies remains challenging. Understanding the protective mechanism of Tregs in shielding TNBC from antitumor immune responses in the TME will pave the way for developing novel, immune‐based therapeutics. The current review focuses on the role of tumor‐infiltrating Tregs in tumor progression and metabolic reprogramming of the TME. The authors have extended their focus to oncotargeting Treg‐mediated immune suppression in breast cancer. Because of its potential role in the TME, modulating Treg activity may provide a novel strategic intervention to combat TNBC. Both under laboratory conditions and in clinical trials, currently available anticancer drugs and natural therapeutics as potential agents for targeting Tregs are explored.
Identification of polo‐like kinase 1 as a therapeutic target in murine lupus
Authors: Li Yaxi , Wang Hongting , Zhang Zijing , Tang Chenling , Zhou Xinjin , Mohan Chandra , Wu Tianfu
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The signalling cascades that contribute to lupus pathogenesis are incompletely understood. We address this by using an unbiased activity‐based kinome screen of murine lupus.

Methods

An unbiased activity‐based kinome screen (ABKS) of 196 kinases was applied to two genetically different murine lupus strains. Systemic and renal lupus were evaluated following in vivo PLK1blockade. The upstream regulators and downstream targets of PLK1 were also interrogated.

Results

Multiple signalling cascades were noted to be more active in murine lupus spleens, including PLK1. In vivo administration of a PLK1‐specific inhibitor ameliorated splenomegaly, anti‐dsDNA antibody production, proteinuria, BUN and renal pathology in MRL.lpr mice (P < 0.05). Serum IL‐6, IL‐17 and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM‐1) were significantly decreased after PLK1 inhibition. PLK1 inhibition reduced germinal centre and marginal zone B cells in the spleen, but changes in T cells were not significant. In vitro, splenocytes were treated with anti‐mouse CD40 Ab or F(ab’)2 fragment anti‐mouse IgM. After 24‐h stimulation, IL‐6 secretion was significantly reduced upon PLK1 blockade, whereas IL‐10 production was significantly increased. The phosphorylation of mTOR was assessed in splenocyte subsets, which revealed a significant change in myeloid cells. PLK1 blockade reduced phosphorylation associated with mTOR signalling, while Aurora‐A emerged as a potential upstream regulator of PLK1.

Conclusion

The Aurora‐A → PLK1 → mTOR signalling axis may be central in lupus pathogenesis, and emerges as a potential therapeutic target.
Analysis of Energy Management and Battery Sizing in an Off‐Grid Hybrid Solar Thermoelectric Generation System
Authors: Malik Muhammad Suleman , Azmatullah Umer , Khan Muhammad Omer , Abu Bakr Muhammad , Ahmad Mubasher
Published: January 2022

Herein, the main aim is to analyze the idea of utilizing the thermal energy generated during the operation of a solar photovoltaic panel. The rise in temperature of the solar panels and the surrounding environment results in the reduction of the generated energy and ultimately the efficiency of solar panels. This thermal energy can be utilized to generate electrical energy by installing thermoelectric generators at the backside of the solar panel. The electrical energy generated through a thermoelectric generator depends on the temperature difference at its surface, which could be formed through any cooling mechanism such as natural air or cold water circulation. The electrical energy generated from the solar panels and thermoelectric generator can be integrated as a hybrid source, resulting in an enhancement of the overall efficiency of the system. On the other hand, designing a proper energy storage mechanism can enhance the efficiency and overall sustainability of the proposed idea. The results show that in doing so, not only does the solar panel temperature decrease resulting in the increase of its efficiency but utilizing the thermal losses by the hybrid solar thermoelectric generation system can enhance the energy generation up to 31.89% at a temperature difference of 34.4 °C.
Novel Star‐Shaped Benzotriindole‐Based Nonfullerene Donor Materials: Toward the Development of Promising Photovoltaic Compounds for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Rafiq Arooza , Hussain Riaz , Khan Muhammad Usman , Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Khalid Muhammad , Shehnaz  , Alam Mohammed Mujahid , Imran Muhammad , Ayub Khurshid
Published: January 2022

The development of novel photovoltaic materials for solar cell applications is a fascinating area of current research. Star‐shaped materials with promising photovoltaic features have attracted scientists for boosting the progress of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, seven novel star‐shaped molecules (DA1‐DA7) are developed quantum chemically from the experimentally synthesized BTI(2 T‐DCV‐Hex)3 molecule. The open‐circuit voltage (Voc), transition density matrix heat maps, density of state (DOS), overlap DOS, frontier molecular orbital, UV−visible, binding energy (Eb), hole (λh) and electron (λe) reorganizational energy, and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)donor−lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO)PC61BM charge transfer analysis are performed to explore the optoelectronic properties. Newly developed molecules exhibit promising optoelectronic features with reduced energy gap (2.43−1.97 eV), transition energy (1.89−1.45 eV), λe (0.00149328−0.00101405 Eh), λh (0.0066471−0.0028843 Eh), broadened λmax (655−856 nm), and high Voc (2.07−1.65 V), as compared with reference BTI(2 T‐DCV‐Hex)3 values 2.82 eV, 2.28 eV, 0.00176501 Eh, 0.0060877 Eh, and 544 nm, 1.65 V, respectively. The developed molecules have proficient hole and electron transfer mobilities and can serve as best candidates when blended with PC61BM film. These eye‐catching results recommend the novel star‐shaped compounds for future development of high‐performance OSCs.
Why did the Wolbachia transinfection cross the road? drift, deterministic dynamics, and disease control
Authors: Turelli Michael , Barton Nicholas H.
Published: January 2022

Maternally inherited Wolbachia transinfections are being introduced into natural mosquito populations to reduce the transmission of dengue, Zika, and other arboviruses. Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility provides a frequency-dependent reproductive advantage to infected females that can spread transinfections within and among populations. However, because transinfections generally reduce host fitness, they tend to spread within populations only after their frequency exceeds a critical threshold. This produces bistability with stable equilibrium frequencies at both 0 and 1, analogous to the bistability produced by underdominance between alleles or karyotypes and by population dynamics under Allee effects. Here, we analyze how stochastic frequency variation produced by finite population size can facilitate the local spread of variants with bistable dynamics into areas where invasion is unexpected from deterministic models. Our exemplar is the establishment of wMel Wolbachia in the Aedes aegypti population of Pyramid Estates (PE), a small community in far north Queensland, Australia. In 2011, wMel was stably introduced into Gordonvale, separated from PE by barriers to A. aegypti dispersal. After nearly 6 years during which wMel was observed only at low frequencies in PE, corresponding to an apparent equilibrium between immigration and selection, wMel rose to fixation by 2018. Using analytic approximations and statistical analyses, we demonstrate that the observed fixation of wMel at PE is consistent with both stochastic transition past an unstable threshold frequency and deterministic transformation produced by steady immigration at a rate just above the threshold required for deterministic invasion. The indeterminacy results from a delicate balance of parameters needed to produce the delayed transition observed. Our analyses suggest that once Wolbachia transinfections are established locally through systematic introductions, stochastic “threshold crossing” is likely to only minimally enhance spatial spread, providing a local ratchet that slightly—but systematically—aids area-wide transformation of disease-vector populations in heterogeneous landscapes.
ZnO Nanomaterials and Ionic Zn Partition within Wastewater Sludge Investigated by Isotopic Labeling
Authors: Gomez‐Gonzalez Miguel A. , Rehkämper Mark , Han Zexiang , Ryan Mary P. , Laycock Adam , Porter Alexandra E.
Published: January 2022

The increasing commercial use of engineered zinc oxide nanomaterials necessitates a thorough understanding of their behavior following their release into wastewater. Herein, the fates of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ionic Zn in a real primary sludge collected from a municipal wastewater system are studied via stable isotope tracing at an environmentally relevant spiking concentration of 15.2 µg g−1. Due to rapid dissolution, nanoparticulate ZnO does not impart particle‐specific effects, and the Zn ions from NP dissolution and ionic Zn display indistinguishable behavior as they partition equally between the solid, liquid, and ultrafiltrate phases of the sludge over a 4‐h incubation period. This work provides important constraints on the behavior of engineered ZnO nanomaterials in primary sludge—the first barrier in a wastewater treatment plant—at low, realistic concentrations. As the calculated solid–liquid partition coefficients are significantly lower than those reported in prior studies that employ unreasonably high spiking concentrations, this work highlights the importance of using low, environmentally relevant doses of engineered nanomaterials in experiments to obtain accurate risk assessments.
The long‐term health effects of initiating smoking in adolescence: Evidence from a national longitudinal survey
Authors: Amialchuk Aliaksandr , Sapci Onur
Published: January 2022

We estimate the long‐term effect of initiating smoking in adolescence on a range of health outcomes later in life. We use the second wave (1996) and the fifth wave (2016–2018) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) and estimate instrumental variables models with school‐level fixed effects, where the instruments are the average rate of smoking among friends and the respondents' perceptions about their friends' smoking. We find that smoking in adolescence has a negative impact on 15 of the 28 self‐reported, diagnosed, and self‐identified health outcomes approximately 20 years later.
Plant communities and potential native phytoremediator species in petroleum hydrocarbon‐polluted desert systems
Authors: Al‐Ateeqi Sarah , Al‐Musawi Layla Isa , Sharma Virender K. , Abdullah Meshal , Ma Xingmao
Published: January 2022

This paper reports on the recovery of desert plant communities after 20 years of oil‐derived hydrocarbon contamination in desert habitats of Kuwait, caused by the First Gulf War (1990–1991). The hypothesis that certain native desert plant species can tolerate weathered oil‐polluted soils and can potentially function as bioindicators and phytoremediator species for oil‐polluted soil was tested. A field survey of 200 quadrat sampling plots at seven hydrocarbon‐contaminated and unpolluted desert areas in Kuwait was performed and recorded 42 plant species, with Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss., Cyperus conglomeratus Rottb., and Rhanterium epapposum Oliv. as the dominant species. Analysis of plant tissues indicated plant uptake and accumulation of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), depending on plant species and specific PAH compounds. Total PAHs in plant tissues in the most contaminated sites were over 200 μg kg−1. H. salicornicum could develop in both oil‐contaminated soil and uncontaminated soil although their biomass was about 16.7% smaller than usual. However, the plants appeared green and healthy in both sites, and showed no overt stress. The results suggest that some desert plant communities can recover after severe oil pollution and that H. salicornicum may serve as a phytoremediator of oil‐contaminated desert soils. Our results also demonstrated that some desert plant communities could be cultivated in oil fields to reduce hydrocarbon contamination and provide support to other ecosystem services through improving soil quality and biodiversity.
Revenge consumption, government‐led voucher, and social welfare
Authors: Sun Ji , Gong Qiang , Wang Leonard F. S.
Published: January 2022

This paper considers revenge consumption and government vouchers directly provided to the consumers in a duopoly model of vertical product differentiation. We find that revenge consumption will raise consumer surplus and social welfare. The government issuing vouchers will further push up consumer surplus and social welfare; however, facing the wave of revenge consumption, the government purposely want to recover the slowdown economy caused by the pandemic spread‐out, should fully consider the quality difference of products and issue different discount rate voucher. For the producer, whether the government issuing vouchers increase firm's profit depends on the degree of revenge consumption and product differentiation.
An AI‐based Prediction Model for Drug‐drug Interactions in Osteoporosis and Paget's Diseases from SMILES
Authors: Hung Truong Nguyen Khanh , Le Nguyen Quoc Khanh , Le Ngoc Hoang , Van Tuan Le , Nguyen Thuan Phuoc , Thi Cao , Kang Jiunn‐Horng
Published: January 2022

The skeleton is one of the most important organs in the human body in assisting our motion and activities; however, bone density attenuates gradually as we age. Among common bone diseases are osteoporosis and Paget's, two of the most frequently found diseases in the elderly. Nowadays, a combination of multiple drugs is the optimal therapy to decelerate osteoporosis and Paget's pathologic process, which comes with various underlying adverse effects due to drug‐drug interactions (DDIs). Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to evaluate the interaction, pharmacodynamics, and possible side effects between drugs. In this research, we created an AI‐based machine‐learning model to predict the outcomes of interactions between drugs used for osteoporosis and Paget's treatment, which helps mitigate the cost and time to implement the best combination of medications in clinical practice. In this study, a DDI dataset was collected from the DrugBank database within the osteoporosis and Paget diseases. We then extracted a variety of chemical features from the simplified molecular‐input line‐entry system (SMILES) of defined drug pairs that interact with each other. Finally, machine‐learning algorithms were implemented to learn the extracted features. Our stack ensemble model from Random Forest and XGBoost reached an average accuracy of 74 % in predicting DDIs. It was superior to individual models as well as previous methods in terms of most measurement metrics. This study showed the potential of AI models in predicting DDIs of Osteoporosis‐Paget's disease in particular, and other diseases in general.
Coordinated adaptive control of hypersonic reentry vehicle considering channel coupling
Authors: Shou Yingxin , Xu Bin , Guo Yuyan , Sang Mouhua , Hong Rui
Published: January 2022

The paper proposes a coordinated adaptive control for the hypersonic reentry vehicle with channel coupling and system uncertainties. Using the hierarchical sliding mode scheme, the coordinated design is applied to ensure flight safety. Once the yawing moment is not enough to meet the control requirement, the system will coordinate the channel moment distribution, and furthermore, the flight attitude can be stabilized with yawing moment compensation. To obtain the high‐precision uncertain approximation, the online recorded data‐based prediction error is constructed as one learning performance index, which is introduced into the updated law. The uniformly ultimately boundedness of the system signals is guaranteed via the Lyapunov approach. Through the simulation test, the results show that the proposed approach can maintain a stable attitude and present the adaptation to the system uncertainty.
Hereditary myopathies associated with hematological abnormalities
Authors: Beecher Grayson , Fleming Mark D. , Liewluck Teerin
Published: January 2022

The diagnostic evaluation of a patient with suspected hereditary muscle disease can be challenging. Clinicians rely largely on clinical history and examination features, with additional serological, electrodiagnostic, radiologic, histopathologic, and genetic investigations assisting in definitive diagnosis. Hematological testing is inexpensive and widely available, but frequently overlooked in the hereditary myopathy evaluation. Hematological abnormalities are infrequently encountered in this setting; however, their presence provides a valuable clue, helps refine the differential diagnosis, tailors further investigation, and assists interpretation of variants of uncertain significance. A diverse spectrum of hematological abnormalities is associated with hereditary myopathies, including anemias, leukocyte abnormalities, and thrombocytopenia. Recurrent rhabdomyolysis in certain glycolytic enzymopathies co‐occurs with hemolytic anemia, often chronic and mild in phosphofructokinase and phosphoglycerate kinase deficiencies, or acute and fever‐associated in aldolase‐A and triosephosphate isomerase deficiency. Sideroblastic anemia, commonly severe, accompanies congenital‐to‐childhood onset mitochondrial myopathies including Pearson marrow‐pancreas syndrome and mitochondrial myopathy, lactic acidosis, and sideroblastic anemia phenotypes. Congenital megaloblastic macrocytic anemia and mitochondrial dysfunction characterize SFXN4‐related myopathy. Neutropenia, chronic or cyclical, with recurrent infections, infantile‐to‐childhood onset skeletal myopathy and cardiomyopathy are typical of Barth syndrome, while chronic neutropenia without infection occurs rarely in DNM2‐centronuclear myopathy. Peripheral eosinophilia may accompany eosinophilic inflammation in recessive calpainopathy. Lipid accumulation in leukocytes on peripheral blood smear (Jordans' anomaly) is pathognomonic for neutral lipid storage diseases. Mild thrombocytopenia occurs in autosomal dominant, childhood‐onset STIM1 tubular aggregate myopathy, STIM1 and ORAI1 deficiency syndromes, and GNE myopathy. Herein, we review these hereditary myopathies in which hematological features play a prominent role.
Registration of sugar beet mapping populations CN239, CN240, and CN241 segregating for resistance to Heterodera schachtii from sea beet
Authors: Richardson Kelley Lynne
Published: January 2022

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) mapping populations CN239 (Reg. no. MP‐1, NSL 540835 MAP), CN240 (Reg. no. MP‐2, NSL 540836 MAP), and CN241 (Reg. no. MP‐3, NSL 540837 MAP) segregate for sugar beet cyst nematode (SBCN) resistance and were developed by the USDA‐ARS at Salinas, CA. Our first objective was to compare soil for greenhouse screening: naturally infested (SBCN‐infested field) and artificially inoculated (pasteurized with Heterodera schachtii cysts added). Commercial and USDA‐ARS lines were grown in each diluted to 20 cysts g−1. Each was rinsed to collect cysts. The USDA‐ARS lines were kept until cyst counts were completed, in preparation for the second objective: make crosses with individuals of known SBCN reaction. A beet plant can have thousands of flowers, making traits heterogenous. For genetic studies, resistance must be confirmed prior to crossing, or progeny could have unexpected segregation. 7927‐4‐308D seedlings with low cyst counts (2–17 cysts) were selected as the SBCN‐resistant donor parent in mapping populations CN239, CN240, and CN241. 7927‐4‐308D resistance is derived from composite crosses between sugar beet and over 40 Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang. accessions. CN239 combined 7927‐4‐308D with 0747 (elite line) plants with high counts (115–148 cysts). CN240 combined 7927‐4‐308D with CN12‐446 (SBCN resistant) plants with low counts (11–26 cysts). Allelism between 7927‐4‐308D and CN12‐446 is undetermined. CN241 combined 7927‐4‐308D with a 7927‐4‐309E plant with high count (54 cysts). 7927‐4‐309E is a sister line of 7927‐4‐308D but is SBCN susceptible.
Psychological distress and experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Glidden Camille , Howden Kaitlyn , Romanescu Razvan G. , Hatala Andrew , Scott Ian , Deleemans Julie M. , Chalifour Karine , Eaton Geoff , Gupta Abha A. , Bolton James M. , Garland Sheila N. , Mahar Alyson L. , Oberoi Sapna
Published: January 2022

Background

This study investigated prevalence of psychological distress, factors associated with distress, and experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It also compared distress in this group to previously surveyed Canadian AYAs with cancer in 2018 by the Young Adults with Cancer in their Prime (YACPRIME) study.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, online, self‐administered survey of AYAs diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age was conducted. Psychological distress was measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Associations between variables and high psychological distress (K10 ≥ 25), and comparison of prevalence of psychological distress with the YACPRIME study were done using multivariable logistic regression. Summative qualitative content analysis analyzed participant experiences during this pandemic.

Results

We included 805 participants. High psychological distress was present in over two‐thirds of the group (68.0%; 95% CI, 64.7%–71.2%). Employment impact during pandemic (AOR (adjusted odds ratio), 2.16; 95% CI, 1.41–3.31) and hematologic malignancy (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI 1.08–2.97) were associated with higher psychological distress, while older age [AOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92–0.99] and personal income < $40,000 (AOR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24–0.58) were associated with lower distress. Adjusted odds of experiencing psychological distress among AYAs with cancer during pandemic compared to pre‐pandemic years was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.36–2.53). Overarching themes of pandemic experiences included: inferior quality of life, impairment of cancer care, COVID‐19 related concerns and extreme social isolation.

Conclusion

AYAs diagnosed with cancer are experiencing high psychological distress during this pandemic. Distress screening and evidence‐based interventions to alleviate distress are essential.
Hydrocarbon stapling modification of peptide alyteserin‐2a: Discovery of novel stapled peptide antitumor agents
Authors: Yu Ziqiang , Tang Hua , Cong Wei , Gao Fei , Li Huaqiang , Hu Honggang , Wang Xiaoyan , He Shipeng
Published: January 2022

Alyteserin‐2a (ILGKLLSTAAGLLSNLNH2) is isolated from the skin exudates of midwife toad and has a wide range of biological applications. However, the use of alyteserin‐2a as an antitumor agent is limited due to its structural flexibility. In this study, a series of stapled peptides were prepared through hydrocarbon stapling modification without destroying the key residues, and their chemical and biological properties were further evaluated for enhancing the application potential of alyteserin‐2a in the field of antitumor drugs development. Among them, alyteserin‐2a‐Sp3 displayed significant improvement in helicity levels, protease resistance, and antitumor activity compared to that of the template peptide alyteserin‐2a, indicating that alyteserin‐2a‐Sp3 had a potential to become a lead compound for the development of novel antitumor drugs. This study confirms the important effect of hydrocarbon stapling strategy on the secondary structure, hydrolase stability, and biological activity of alyteserin‐2a.
Monolayer‐Range Compositional Modulations in AlxGa1−xN(x = 0.6–0.75) Layers Grown Using Plasma‐Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy under Me‐Rich Conditions with an Off‐Centered Spatial Distribution of Activated Nitrogen Flux
Authors: Jmerik Valentin , Nechaev Dmitrii , Yagovkina Maria , Sitnikova Alla , Troshkov Sergey , Rzheutski Mikalai , Lutsenko Eugenii , Rouvimov Sergei
Published: January 2022

Al
x
Ga1−x
N layers (x = 0.6−0.75) grown using plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy with alternating metal‐enriched stoichiometric conditions using an off‐centered nitrogen flux demonstrate sharp compositional modulation with the formation of monolayer (ML)‐thick Ga‐enriched quantum disks embedded in a Ga‐depleted AlGaN matrix. These structures have a constant modulation period of ≈3 ML over the entire surface of a 2‐inch substrate, and the modulation amplitude increases from zero to maximum with distance from the center of the substrate. This is confirmed experimentally by conventional and scanning transmission electron microscopes, as well as studies of optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) mappings. The PL measurements also show a high efficiency of ultraviolet‐C (UVC) radiative recombination at room temperature in these layers with an atomically smooth surface topology, emitting in the spectral range 250–290 nm with the maximum ratio of PL intensities measured at high (310 K) and low(10 K) temperatures up to 58%. Moreover, these layers demonstrate stimulated emission with the lowest threshold optical power density of 240 kW·cm−2 (at 287 nm) for the Al0.6Ga0.4N layer with the highest degree of compositional modulation. The results obtained can be used to develop technologies for growing ML‐scale heterostructures in (Al,Ga)N material system.
Influence of Limonene from Orange Peel in Poly (Ethylene Oxide) PEO/I−/I3− Based Nanocrystalline Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Shanmgam Ganesan , Mathew Vinod , Selvaraj Balamurugan , Thanikachalam Pushpa Malini , Kim Jaekook , Pichai Maruthamuthu , Natarajan Arumugam , Almansour Abdulrahman I.
Published: January 2022

A novel method of introducing a Limonene obtained from orange fruit skin (Lim) is successfully incorporated in Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) with KI and I2 redox couple and employed in a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ ray diffraction (XRD) Ultra violet‐visible spectrum (UV‐Visible), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies described the influence of Lim on ionic conductivity and the photovoltaic properties of the PEO/KI/I2 system. The temperature‐dependent conduction mechanism of ionic motion and ionic interactions as a function of frequency has been studied. The dielectric behavior of the electrolyte samples were carried out over a wide frequency range (∼1 MHz to 20 Hz) at various temperatures. A DSSC system fabricated with the prepared PEO/KI/I2/Lim polymer electrolyte facilitating a fill factor of 0.52, a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 14.1 mAcm−2 and an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 795 mV yields the achieved solar to electrical energy conversion efficiency of 5.83 % under irradiation of 1 sun (100 mWcm−2). The compound Lim thus effectively enhanced the ionic conductivity of the composite polymer electrolyte and hence the photovoltaic performance of the fabricated DSSC.
Facet Orientation and Intermediate Phase Regulation via a Green Antisolvent for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Xianjin , Han Zhengyuan , Gao Feng , Luo Chao , Zhao Qing
Published: January 2022

Herein, isobutanol (IBA) as a new type of green antisolvent for improving the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is demonstrated. Compared to the commonly used chlorobenzene (CB), IBA treatment enables a preferred (111) crystal orientation, better crystallinity, enlarged grain size of the perovskite film, and penetrated grain crystal throughout the film. IBA antisolvent can effectively suppress the formation of δ‐phase and favor the formation of α‐phase during perovskite film crystallization. The superior crystal quality and preferred (111) orientation are attributed to the different interactions of DMSO with FA+ induced by the introduction of IBA. As a result, a higher open circuit voltage and improved power conversion efficiency are achieved in three different compositions of PSCs compared with the conventionally used CB antisolvent, suggesting the universality of this method. The results offer instructive insight into searching for a new antisolvent in further potential applications of PSCs.
Chain rules for multivariate cumulant coefficients
Authors: Withers Christopher S. , Nadarajah Saralees
Published: January 2022

Cumulant coefficients are the building blocks of Edgeworth expansions and other analytic methods for statistical inference, such as bias reduction. Suppose that is a standard estimate of an unknown vector w and that t(·) is a smooth function on w. We show that is a standard estimate of t(w). We give its cumulant coefficients in terms of those of and the derivatives of t(w). These “chain rules” can then be used to get the cumulant coefficients of a smooth function of . The results are illustrated by two numerical examples.