bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Grb2‐associated binding protein 3 expression to predict clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic responses in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhou Xue , Wang Xue , Zhu Xiaowei
Published: July 2022

With the deepening research on tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy has been deemed to be one of the major breakthroughs for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, only some patients respond well to this treatment. It is vital to explore predictive biomarkers for clinical benefit of immunotherapy. Grb2‐associated binding protein 3 (GAB3) exerts essential biological functions in ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. The potential role of GAB3 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been fully elucidated. RNA‐sequencing data, genetic mutation data, and matched clinical data were obtained from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) databases, then underwent gene expression, prognosis, enrichment, TME, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response analyses utilizing R packages. The mRNA expression level of GAB3 was dramatically decreased in LUAD, and the prognostic analysis indicated that the patients with low GAB3 expression performed unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. In addition, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and subsequent functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that GAB3 was primarily connected with T cell activation and immune response. Finally, GAB3 expression positively correlated with immune infiltrates and immune checkpoint genes, and therapeutic effect of ICB. In summary, our study comprehensively uncovers that GAB3 may function as a promising biomarker to predict clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic responses in LUAD patients.
Intracellular accumulation and DNA damage caused by methylmercury in glial cells
Authors: Sousa Aline H. , Pereira João P. G. , Malaquias Allan C. , Sagica Fernanda do E. S. , de Oliveira Edivaldo H. C.
Published: July 2022

Mercury is widely used in industrial and extractive processes, and the improper disposal of waste or products containing this metal produces a significant impact on ecosystems, causing adverse effects on living organisms, including humans. Exposure to methylmercury, a highly toxic organic compound, causes important neurological and developmental impairments. Recently, the genotoxicity of mercurial compounds has gained prominence as one of the possible mechanisms associated with the neurological effects of mercury, mostly by disturbing the mitotic spindle and causing chromosome loss. In this sense, it is important to investigate if these compounds can also cause direct damage to DNA, such as single and double‐strand breaks. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of methylmercury in cell lines derived from neurons (B103) and glia (C6), exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) for 24 h, by analyzing cell viability, metabolic activity, and damage to DNA and chromosomes. We found that in comparison to the neuronal cell line, glial cells showed higher tolerance to MeHg, and therefore a higher LC50 and consequent higher intracellular accumulation of Hg, which led to the occurrence of several genotoxic effects, as evidenced by the presence of micronuclei, bridges, sprouts, and chromosomal aberrations.
Is the global supply chain hard to reverse? Understanding manufacturing strategies of Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean Firms
Authors: Xie Fujiao , Daniel Shirley J. , Guo Ying , Lee Dongyoung
Published: July 2022

As the Covid pandemic underscores global supply chain risks, there is a debate on whether to bring US manufacturing back from overseas. This paper provides insights into the heated debate on the global supply chain by examining the competitive manufacturing environments of China, Japan, and South Korea. More specifically, we conduct a cross‐national survey and empirically investigate the manufacturing strategies employed by manufacturing managers in the top Asian players: China, Japan, and South Korea. We examine four dimensions of the manufacturing strategies: quality, inventory, flexibility, and top management involvement. Our findings indicate that Japanese manufacturers are more committed to the cumulative approach to quality management and see enhanced flexibility as a strategic priority. While Chinese managers are also committed to achieving quality, they are more delivery‐driven and thus are more likely to occasionally accept slightly off‐quality components from suppliers to “save” an order. However, in all three countries, managers with a high focus on quality also focus on just‐in‐time management and in turn, on flexibility. There is significantly less agreement among Chinese managers, compared to their Japanese and Korean counterparts, that the top management should be involved in operational planning, goal setting, and the provision of rewards.
Potentially functional genetic variants of the notch signaling pathway genes predict survival of Chinese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yuanna , Liu Ming , Zhang Ruoxin , Sun Menghong , Wei Qingyi , Zhao Kuaile , Wang Mengyun
Published: July 2022

Background

The Notch signaling pathway is involved in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), although the roles of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Notch signaling pathway genes in the process remain unknown.

Methods

The present study included 1009 patients with histopathologically diagnosed ESCC at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Two‐stage multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate associations between 13,248 SNPs in 103 Notch signaling pathway genes and overall survival of the patients.

Results

We found that overall survival of the patients was significantly associated with genotypes of HDAC9 rs1729318 (AT+TT vs. AA: hazard ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.16–1.80, pcombined = 0.001) and HDAC9 rs1339555498 (GT + TT vs. GG: hazard ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–1.74, pcombined = 0.005). Further receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the model with both available clinical factors and these two SNPs improved the area under the ROC curve compared to the model with clinical factors only (1‐year: 0.66 vs. 0.64, p = 0.034). Additional expression quantitative trait loci analysis showed that the rs1729318 T variant genotypes were associated with increased mRNA expression levels of HDAC9 in normal esophageal muscular tissue (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The results suggest that these two potential functional SNPs on HDAC9 may serve as biomarkers for predicting survival of ESCC patients. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Counseling and social justice advocacy interventions with refugees: Two case studies
Authors: Kondili Elvita , Interiano‐Shiverdecker Claudia , Hahn Crystal
Published: July 2022

The Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCCs) illustrate the need for counselors to act as social justice advocates. The significant influx of refugees in the United States and the sociopolitical nature of their resettlement necessitate practical multicultural and social justice counseling competencies. Using two case studies, the authors apply the four levels and four competencies of the MSJCCs and provide multicultural and social justice interventions on three levels: interpersonal, community, and public policy.
Relationship of herpesvirus (HSV1, EBV, CMV, HHV6) seropositivity with depressive disorder and its clinical aspects: The first study in children
Authors: Bayturan Semra , Sapmaz Şermin Yalın , Uzun Aylin Deniz , Kandemir Hasan , Ecemiş Talat
Published: July 2022

Infections can lead to the onset of mood disorders in adults, partly through inflammatory mechanisms. However pediatric data are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between depressive disorder and seropositivity of herpes virus infections in children.

The sample group consisted of patients diagnosed with depressive disorder according to DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria and healthy volunteers, being between 11 and 18 years with clinically normal mental capacity. All children completed DSM‐5‐Level‐2 Depression Scale, DSM‐5‐Level‐2 Irritability Scale, DSM‐5‐Level‐2 Sleep Scale, DSM‐5‐Level‐2 Somatic Symptoms Scale. The levels of anti‐HSV1‐IgG, anti‐CMV‐IgG, anti‐EBNA, and anti‐HHV6‐IgG were examined in all participants. Patients with an antibody value above the cut‐off values specified in the test kits were evaluated as seropositive. The mean age was 15.54 ± 1.57 years in the depression group (DG), 14.87 ± 1.76 years in the healthy control group (CG). There were 4 boys (11.2%), 32 girls (88.8%) in the DG, 9 boys (21.9%) and 32 girls (78.04%) in the CG. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the presence of seropositivity of HSV1, CMV, EBV, and HHV6. HHV6 antibody levels were significantly higher in the DG (p = 0.000). A significant positive correlation was found between HHV6 antibodies and DSM‐5 level‐2 somatic symptoms scale score. HHV6 antibody levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with existing suicidal ideation in the DG (n = 13) compared to those without existing suicidal ideation in the DG (p = 0.043). HHV6 persistent infections may be responsible for somatic symptoms and etiology of suicidal ideation in childhood depressive disorder.
Extensive open lobectomy experience is not a prerequisite for learning uniportal video‐assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy
Authors: Zhai Rong , Liu He , Wang Jian , Shan Limei , Luo Ming , Yao Fei
Published: July 2022

Background and objectives

Uniportal video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U‐VATS) lobectomy has been increasingly adopted to manage early stage lung cancer. However, little information is available on whether this technique can be taught to surgeons inexperienced in open lobectomy. This study aimed to investigate the learning curve for U‐VATS lobectomy performed by a single surgeon with limited open lobectomy experience.

Methods

From July 2018 to September 2020, 103 patients received U‐VATS lobectomy for lung cancer by a single surgeon. The learning curve was assessed using three statistical methods: the moving average analysis, cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, and risk‐adjusted CUSUM (RA‐CUSUM) analysis.

Results

The moving average analysis showed a continuous decrease in operative time throughout the study period. The CUSUM analysis demonstrated three well‐differentiated learning phases: Phase 1 (the initial 34 cases) representing the initial learning, Phase 2 (the middle 33 cases) representing the improvement of competence, and Phase 3 (the final 36 cases) representing technical proficiency. RA‐CUSUM analysis revealed that the maximized cumulative surgical failure, defined as the maximum cumulative difference between the observed and predicted surgical failures, was found in the 61st case.

Conclusions

U‐VATS lobectomy is feasible for surgeons with limited open lobectomy experience. Multidimensional statistical analyses suggested that 61–67 cases were required to gain technical proficiency and ensure acceptable surgical outcomes.
Characterization and determination of benvitimod, an unknown risk substance in cosmetics, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and HPLC‒MS/MS
Authors: Wang Xinran , Wang Haiyan , Wu Xianfu , Lu Yong
Published: July 2022

Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem high‐resolution mass spectrometry, combined with preparative chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a new method for identifying unknown risk substance structures in cosmetics has been established. Moreover, HPLC‒MS/MS was developed for the determination of benvitimod in cosmetics. The sample was collected in ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and the molecular formula of the unknown was obtained as C17H18O2. After preparative chromatography enrichment and purification, the enriched compound was scanned by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the chemical structure of the unknown compound was confirmed to be benvitimod. Subsequently, the separation was determined in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The results showed that the linearity of benvitimod was good in the range of 1–100 μg/L with a correlation coefficient r2 > 0.999; the limits of detection and quantification were 0.02 mg/kg and 0.067 mg/kg; the precision and stability were good; and the average recoveries were 104.2%, 108.2%, and 108.7% for low, medium, and high spiked concentrations, respectively. Forty batches of cosmetics were screened, of which two batches were detected with the illegal addition of benvitimod at 2.48 and 3.13 g/kg. The method effectively solved the loopholes in regulation and provided a research basis for the qualitative identification of structurally unknown compounds in cosmetics.
An analysis of publishing studies journals: An insight into the structure of the field based on publications
Authors: Augustyn Kamila
Published: July 2022

Although interest in publishing studies is increasing, the academic status of PS is still uncertain. The aim of this work is to provide insight into the structure of the field by naming its core journals, determining the size of the research community and degree of collaboration, identifying the most relevant authors and institutions and answering the question as to whether PS is more academically or professionally oriented. This paper uses Scopus data and VOSviewer software to illustrate similarities between journals, authors and countries based on bibliographic coupling, co‐authorship, citation and co‐citation analysis. Eight journals representing various publishing sectors (trade, education, scholarly and professional publishing) were identified as the main sources of PS articles. They differ in their frequency of publication, number of citations, visibility in bibliographic databases, the percentage of co‐authored articles and the affiliation structure of the authors. Nine percent of authors out of 3370 unique authors form the publishing studies research community, with 1%–3% being identified as the key authors. The researchers worked mainly alone or in collaboration with one or two partners. Analysis of the authors' affiliations and a co‐citation analysis of source titles confirm strong PS research connections with the publishing industry.
Relative perfusion index: An objective, quantitative and noninvasive method for evaluating the severity of keloids
Authors: Li Shuo , Zhang Mingzi , Long Xiao , Wang Xiaojun
Published: July 2022

Background

Keloids are the result of abnormal wound healing, and they differ from the normal skin of the patient in the level of blood perfusion and the degrees of inflammation, hypoxia, regeneration of vessels, and expression of sensory receptors. However, there is no objective assessment method to accurately characterize the severity of keloids.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perfusion levels of keloids and the expression levels of various internal cytokines, including hypoxia‐induced factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), HT2A receptor subtype (5‐HT2AR), and H1R, in keloids and nonadjacent normal skin and to propose a laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI)‐based relative perfusion index (RPI), through which keloids can be divided into five grades to objectively characterize their severity.

Methods

This population‐based cross‐sectional study included 70 untreated keloid patients who each had only one keloid on the chest. LSCI was used to measure the area of each patient's keloid () and the perfusion level of each patient's keloid () and normal skin (). The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and pruritus were also used to assess each keloid. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of various internal cytokines in keloids and normal skin. We compared the perfusion and expression levels of intrinsic cytokines between keloids and normal skin. We established the RPI to grade the severity of keloids and applied different methods to test the utility of the RPI.

Results

The mean perfusion level of keloids was significantly higher than that of normal skin (p < 0.001). The expression levels of HIF‐1α, VEGF, IL‐17, 5‐HT2AR, and H1R in keloids were significantly higher than those in normal skin (p < 0.05). RPI was defined as: The severity of keloids could be divided into five grades based on RPI. The RPI had a higher correlation with the pain‐VAS, pruritus‐VAS, and the expression levels of internal cytokines in keloids than blood perfusion levels and the VSS. T‐SNE (t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding) was also used to verify the clinical discriminatory abilities of this RPI model.

Conclusions

The proposed RPI based on LSCI showed the highest accuracy, unlike the VSS and assessment of perfusion, and can be utilized as a reliable, objective, quantitative, and noninvasive tool to evaluate the severity of keloids.
Synthesis and Morphology of High‐Molecular‐Weight Polyisobutylene–Polystyrene Block Copolymers Containing Dynamic Covalent Bonds
Authors: Mehringer Kyle D. , Davis Brad J. , Kemp Lisa K. , Ma Guorong , Hunt Samuel B. , Storey Robson F. , Gu Xiaodan , Thornell Travis L. , Wedgeworth Dane N. , Simon Yoan C. , Morgan Sarah E.
Published: July 2022

Incorporating dynamic covalent bonds into block copolymers provides useful molecular level information during mechanical testing, but it is currently unknown how the incorporation of these units affects the resultant polymer morphology. High‐molecular‐weight polyisobutylene‐b‐polystyrene block copolymers containing an anthracene/maleimide dynamic covalent bond are synthesized through a combination of postpolymerization modification, reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization, and Diels–Alder coupling. The bulk morphologies with and without dynamic covalent bond are characterized by atomic force microscopy  and small‐angle X‐ray scattering, which reveal a strong dependence on annealing time and casting solvent. Morphology is largely unaffected by the inclusion of the mechanophore. The high‐molecular‐weight polymers synthesized allow interrogation of a large range of polymer domain sizes.
What are we imaging? Software tools and experimental strategies for annotation and identification of small molecules in mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Baquer Gerard , Sementé Lluc , Mahamdi Toufik , Correig Xavier , Ràfols Pere , García‐Altares María
Published: July 2022

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has become a widespread analytical technique to perform nonlabeled spatial molecular identification. The Achilles' heel of MSI is the annotation and identification of molecular species due to intrinsic limitations of the technique (lack of chromatographic separation and the difficulty to apply tandem MS). Successful strategies to perform annotation and identification combine extra analytical steps, like using orthogonal analytical techniques to identify compounds; with algorithms that integrate the spectral and spatial information. In this review, we discuss different experimental strategies and bioinformatics tools to annotate and identify compounds in MSI experiments. We target strategies and tools for small molecule applications, such as lipidomics and metabolomics. First, we explain how sample preparation and the acquisition process influences annotation and identification, from sample preservation to the use of orthogonal techniques. Then, we review twelve software tools for annotation and identification in MSI. Finally, we offer perspectives on two current needs of the MSI community: the adaptation of guidelines for communicating confidence levels in identifications; and the creation of a standard format to store and exchange annotations and identifications in MSI.
Approximate controllability of impulsive fractional evolution equations of order 1<α<2$$ 1&amp;lt;\alpha &amp;lt;2 $$ with state‐dependent delay in Banach spaces
Authors: Arora Sumit , Mohan Manil T. , Dabas Jaydev
Published: July 2022

This article deals with the approximate controllability problem for fractional evolution equations involving noninstantaneous impulses and state‐dependent delay. In order to derive sufficient conditions for the approximate controllability of our problem, we first consider the linear‐regulator problem and find the optimal control in the feedback form. By using this optimal control, we develop the approximate controllability of the linear fractional control system. Further, we obtain sufficient conditions for the approximate controllability of the nonlinear problem. In the end, we provide a concrete example to support the applicability of the derived results.
Regularity and large‐time behavior of solutions for fractional semilinear mobile–immobile equations
Authors: Dac Nguyen Van , Tuan Hoang The , Tuan Tran Van
Published: July 2022

This paper addresses the regularity and large‐time behavior of solutions for the fractional semilinear mobile–immobile equations where the nonlinearity term admits various kind of growth conditions. Concerning the associated linear Cauchy problem, a variation of parameters formula of mild solution via the relaxation functions and the eigenfunction expansions is established and the
‐regularity in time of this solution is proved. In addition, based on the theory of completely positive functions, local estimates, and fixed‐point arguments, some results on existence, regularity, and stability of solutions to above‐mentioned semilinear problem are shown. Furthermore, we prove a result on convergence to equilibrium of solutions with polynomial rate in the case when the nonlinearity function is globally Lispschitzian.
Density functional theory calculations of δ(13C) and δ(1H) chemical shifts and 3J(13COO1H) coupling constants as structural and analytical tools in hydroperoxides: Prospects and limitations of 1H13C heteronuclear multiple bond correlation experiments
Authors: Ahmed Raheel , Siskos Michael G. , Siddiqui Hina , Gerothanassis Ioannis P.
Published: July 2022

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of δ(13C) and δ(1H) chemical shifts and 3J(13COO1H) coupling constants of three model hydroperoxides of the naturally occurring cis‐11‐OOH and trans‐9‐OOH isomers of oleate and 9‐cis, 11‐trans‐16‐OOH endo hydroperoxide of methyl linolenate are reported. The computational δ(OOH) for various functionals and basis sets were found to be nearly identical for the cis/trans geometric isomers. The chemical shifts of the methine CHOOH protons and carbons, on the contrary, are highly diagnostic for the identification of cis/trans geometric isomerism. The chemical shifts of the olefinic protons and carbons strongly depend on the orientation of the hydroperoxide unit relative to the double bond and, thus, of importance in conformational analysis. The results are in very good agreement with the available experimental data. For the various diastereomeric pairs of the model endo‐hydroperoxide, the strongly deshielded OOH resonances, due to the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the hydroperoxide proton and an oxygen of the endo‐peroxide ring, along with the δ(CHOOH), are highly diagnostic for identification and structure elucidation of complex erythro‐ and threo‐ diastereomeric pairs of endo‐hydroperoxides; the computational results are in very good agreement with the available experimental data. The 3J(13COO1H) coupling constants were found to be < 
 Hz for the cis–trans geometric models and < 
 Hz for the endo‐hydroperoxide and, thus, unimportant in stereochemical analysis. Sharp resonances of the hydroperoxide protons, with Δν1/2 < 3 Hz, are required for the successful implementation of the 1H13C heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) technique.
Impact of germ cell ablation on the activation of the brain–pituitary–gonadal axis in precocious Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) males
Authors: Tveiten Helge , Karlsen Kristian , Thesslund Tina , Johansson Gunhild S. , Thiyagarajan Dhivya B. , Andersen Øivind
Published: July 2022

The germ cells are essential for sexual reproduction by giving rise to the gametes, but the importance of germ cells for gonadal somatic functions varies among vertebrates. The RNA‐binding dead end (Dnd) protein is necessary for the specification and migration of primordial germ cells to the future reproductive organs. Here, we ablated the gametes in Atlantic salmon males and females by microinjecting dnd antisense gapmer oligonucleotides at the zygotic stage. Precocious maturation was induced in above 50% of both germ cell‐depleted and intact fertile males, but not in females, by exposure to an off‐season photoperiod regime. Sterile and fertile males showed similar body growth, but maturing fish tended to be heavier than their immature counterparts. Pituitary fshβ messenger RNA levels strongly increased in maturing sterile and fertile males concomitant with the upregulated expression of Sertoli and Leydig cell markers. Plasma concentrations of 11‐ketotestosterone and testosterone in maturing sterile males were significantly higher than the basal levels in immature fish, but lower than those in maturing fertile males. The study demonstrates that germ cells are not a prerequisite for the activation of the brain–pituitary–gonad axis and sex steroidogenesis in Atlantic salmon males, but may be important for the maintenance of gonadal somatic functions.
The impact of geopolitical tensions on international higher education
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: July 2022

Prior to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, geopolitical tensions had impacted the politics and economies of countries worldwide. And the international higher education sector has, for years, also been impacted by global geopolitical shifts and tensions. International student mobility, college and university collaborations, branch campus agreements, and faculty research have been shaped, in part, by changes in country realignments.
Progression of Ouali model by the strengthening and percolating efficacies of interphase for polymer halloysite nanotubes composites applicable in the biomedical products
Authors: Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: July 2022

The Ouali model is used to approximate the tensile strength of a halloysite nanotube (HNT) system after the start of percolation. The proposed model reflects the interphase and its roles in the percolation start and strengthening of samples. The outputs of the proposed model are matched to tested data, and the impressions of all parameters on the strength of the samples are evaluated. Experimentally measured results of numerous examples as well as parametric studies validate the established model. The strength of the nanocomposite is directly associated with the depth (t) and strength (σi) of the interphase section. At t = 5 nm, the strength of the system improves by 6%, whereas at t = 40 nm, the strength of the nanocomposite increases by 46%. At σi = 50 MPa, the strength of the samples increases by 5%, whereas at σi = 400 MPa, it increases by 35%. Furthermore, the results show an inverse correlation between the strength of the system and the HNT radius. The HNT concentration directly affects the strength, and at an HNT volume portion of 0.04, the strength of the nanocomposite increases significantly by 78%. Nonetheless, the percolation start and HNT length do not significantly affect the strength of the nanocomposites. The present samples can be applied in the biomedical fields, due to their excellent properties.
Preparation and evaluation of modified bisphenol‐A‐glycidyl methacrylate resin dental adhesive to zirconia
Authors: Wang Yuhe , Luo Shao‐Hua , Zhang Xian , Wang Zihan , Qi Hongfei , Yan Shengxue , Wang Xuan , Wang Luoxuan , Wu Haiyan , Chen Yingying
Published: July 2022

In recent years, zirconia repair materials have developed rapidly and are now widely used in the preparation of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, and bridges. Zirconium oxide has excellent mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility. However, the inertness of itself determined that it cannot bond well with dental hard tissue, and the high volume shrinkage of the adhesive also results in poor bonding. In this article, bisphenol‐A‐glycerol dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA) was acetylated, and a light curing acrylate‐based adhesive with high bonding strength was prepared. The volume shrinkage of the adhesive prepared by modified Bis‐GMA decreased, the shear bonding strength increased, and the double‐bond conversion and thermal stability of the adhesive were improved. This article compares the self‐prepared adhesive with the Single Bond Universal produced by 3M and All‐Bond Universal produced by Bisco. The results show that the self‐prepared adhesives are superior to the two commercial adhesives in terms of shear bonding strength, water absorption value, solubility value, and volume shrinkage.
School wellbeing and psychological characteristics of online learning in families of children with and without hearing loss during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Inguscio Bianca Maria Serena , Nicastri Maria , Giallini Ilaria , Greco Antonio , Babiloni Fabio , Cartocci Giulia , Mancini Patrizia
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the psychological characteristics of online learning on Italian students with and without hearing loss (HL) and on their parents, who were forced into isolation during the Covid‐19 pandemic. An online survey collected information on socio‐demographic data and opinions concerning online learning from 61 children (mean age 11; 25 males, 36 females), including 43 with HL and also from their parents; additionally, school wellbeing and anxiety were assessed. The results showed that, in both the student and parent groups, no significant effect of HL on school wellbeing and anxiety was found. Additionally, in parents, State Anxiety was significantly higher than Trait Anxiety, suggesting one possible impact of lockdown on psychological wellbeing. Differences due to HL were observed and discussed in correlation analyses. The Authors believe that this study is the first contribution to the psychological evaluation of the impact of online learning on families with hearing‐impaired children, from the perspective of a successful, inclusive didactic.
Introductory Notes on Non‐linear Electrodynamics and its Applications
Authors: Sorokin Dmitri P.
Published: July 2022

In 1933‐1934 Born and Infeld constructed the first non‐linear generalization of Maxwell's electrodynamics that turned out to be a remarkable theory in many respects. In 1935 Heisenberg and Euler computed a complete effective action describing non‐linear corrections to Maxwell's theory due to quantum electron‐positron one‐loop effects. Since then, these and a variety of other models of non‐linear electrodynamics proposed in the course of decades have been extensively studied and used in a wide range of areas of theoretical physics including string theory, gravity, cosmology and condensed matter (CMT). In these notes I will overview general properties of non‐linear electrodynamics and particular models which are distinguished by their symmetries and physical properties, such as a recently discovered unique non‐linear modification of Maxwell's electrodynamics which is conformal and duality invariant. I will also sketch how non‐linear electromagnetic effects may manifest themselves in physical phenomena (such as vacuum birefringence), in properties of gravitational objects (e.g. charged black holes) and in the evolution of the universe, and can be used, via gravity/CMT holography, for the description of properties of certain conducting and insulating materials.
Glucocorticoids are induced while dihydrotestosterone levels are suppressed in 5‐alpha reductase inhibitor treated human benign prostate hyperplasia patients
Authors: Jin Renjie , Forbes Connor , Miller Nicole L. , Strand Douglas , Case Thomas , Cates Justin M. , Kim Hye‐Young H. , Wages Phillip , Porter Ned A. , Mantione Krystin M. , Burke Sarah , Mohler James L. , Matusik Robert J.
Published: July 2022

Background

The development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and medication‐refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) remain poorly understood. This study attempted to characterize the pathways associated with failure of medical therapy for BPH/LUTS.

Methods

Transitional zone tissue levels of cholesterol and steroids were measured in patients who failed medical therapy for BPH/LUTS and controls. Prostatic gene expression was measured using qPCR and BPH cells were used in organoid culture to study prostatic branching.

Results

BPH patients on 5‐α‐reductase inhibitor (5ARI) showed low levels of tissue dihydrotestosterone (DHT), increased levels of steroid 5‐α‐reductase type II (SRD5A2), and diminished levels of androgen receptor (AR) target genes, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). 5ARI raised prostatic tissue levels of glucocorticoids (GC), whereas alpha‐adrenergic receptor antagonists (α‐blockers) did not. Nuclear localization of GR in prostatic epithelium and stroma appeared in all patient samples. Treatment of four BPH organoid cell lines with dexamethasone, a synthetic GC, resulted in budding and branching.

Conclusions

After failure of medical therapy for BPH/LUTS, 5ARI therapy continued to inhibit androgenesis but a 5ARI‐induced pathway increased tissue levels of GC not seen in patients on α‐blockers. GC stimulation of organoids indicated that the GC receptors are a trigger for controlling growth of prostate glands. A 5ARI‐induced pathway revealed GC activation can serve as a master regulator of prostatic branching and growth.
Corylin from Psoralea fructus (Psoralea corylifolia L.) protects against UV‐induced skin aging by activating Nrf2 defense mechanisms
Authors: Li Nan , Liu Tao , Zhu Shan , Yang Yi , Wang Zijing , Zhao Zhiyue , Liu Tao , Wang Xiang , Qin Wenxiao , Yan Yiqi , Liu Yang , Xia Qingmei , Zhang Han
Published: July 2022

Oxidative stress damage can lead to premature skin aging or age‐related skin disorders. Therefore, strategies to improve oxidative stress‐induced aging are needed to protect the skin and to treat skin diseases. This study aimed to determine whether the flavonoid corylin derived from Psoralea corylifolia can prevent UV‐induced skin aging and if so, to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. We found that corylin potently blocked UV‐induced skin photoaging in mice by reducing oxidative stress and increasing the nuclear expression of nuclear factor‐erythroid factor 2‐related factor 2 Nrf2. We also found that corylin stimulated Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus and increased the delivery of its target antioxidant genes together with Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) to dissociate Nrf2. These findings indicate that corylin could prevent skin aging by inhibiting oxidative stress via Keap1‐Nrf2 in mouse cells. Thus, Nrf2 activation might be a therapeutic target for preventing skin aging or skin diseases caused by aging. Our findings also provided evidence that warrants the further investigation of plant ingredients to facilitate the discovery of novel therapies targeting skin aging.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Antiproliferative Activity Studies of a Thiazole‐Based Compound Linked to Hydrazone Moiety
Authors: Kekeçmuhammed Hüseyin , Tapera Michael , Tüzün Burak , Akkoç Senem , Zorlu Yunus , Sarıpınar Emin
Published: July 2022

(A new 4‐oxothiazolidin‐2‐ylidene derivative bearing hydrazone moiety was synthesized via Michael addition between the reaction of 4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐thiosemicarbazide and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD). The structure of synthesized compound was elucidated using various spectral techniques such as FTIR, UV‐spec, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The structure of the related compound was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. Antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compound was evaluated in two human cancer cell lines, HepG2 (liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line) and DLD‐1 (human colon cancer cell line). In addition, molecular docking of synthesized compound was investigated to give an insight of its activity against Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor tyrosine kinase domain proteins (EGFR) (lung cancer) (PDB ID: 1 M17), deleted in Liver Cancer 2 proteins (DLC2) (liver cancer) (PDB ID: 2H80), and MLK4 kinase proteins (colon cancer) (PDB ID: 4UYA) were investigated. Furthermore, the ability of the molecule to be a drug was examined by ADME/T analysis.)
Irritable bowel syndrome: Factors of importance for disease‐specific quality of life
Authors: Melchior Chloé , Colomier Esther , Trindade Inês A. , Khadija Mahrukh , Hreinsson Jóhann P. , Törnblom Hans , Simrén Magnus
Published: July 2022

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome patients report reduced disease‐specific quality of life (IBSQOL). Factors of potential relevance for QOL include gastrointestinal (GI), psychological, and somatic symptoms, demographics, and GI motor and sensory abnormalities.

Objective

The aim of our study was to evaluate the relative importance of these factors on the different IBSQOL dimensions.

Methods

We included irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients who completed validated questionnaires to assess QOL, stool form and frequency, GI symptom severity, psychological distress, GI‐specific anxiety, sense of coherence, and overall somatic symptom severity. Patients also underwent tests for oroanal transit time and rectal sensitivity. The nine dimensions of IBSQOL and their average (overall IBSQOL) were used as outcome variables, and factors associated with these were assessed using general linear models.

Results

We included 314 IBS patients (74% female, mean age 36.3 ± 12.2 years). Higher stool frequency, GI and overall somatic symptom severity, psychological distress, and GI‐specific anxiety were independently associated with reduced overall IBSQOL, with the model explaining 60% of the variance (p < 0.001). In models using each of the nine dimensions as outcomes, different association of demographic factors, GI symptoms, overall somatic symptom severity, psychological factors and sense of coherence were associated with reduced IBSQOL, explaining 20%–60% of the variance, with GI‐specific anxiety being the factor that contributed most frequently. Rectal sensitivity or oroanal transit time were not independently associated with any of the dimensions.

Conclusion

Different combinations of demographic factors, GI and somatic symptoms, and psychological factors are of importance for the nine IBSQOL dimensions. Gastrointestinal‐specific anxiety was the most important factor contributing to the majority of those dimensions in patients with IBS.
Why use games for leadership learning?
Authors: Banter John N. , Egan John D. , Burton Susan
Published: July 2022

Why should leadership educators trouble themselves in creating or implementing games for leadership learning? This chapter justifies the use of games as a teaching strategy in leadership education by exploring three rationales. First, games can be meaningfully tied to specific learning theories. Second, games provide motivation for learning, and finally, empirical evidence supports the use of games for leadership learning.
Using games in the college curricular setting to engage leadership learners
Authors: Odom Summer F. , Cantrell Megan S.
Published: July 2022

Active learning experiences, such as games, have been found to increase the holistic learning experience for students in college curricular settings. However, barriers exist to using games as a leadership pedagogy in the curriculum. This article reviews the benefits and challenges of using games in college leadership curricular settings and provides an overview of select leadership games including instructions, leadership competencies addressed, and processing questions for each game.
Rare‐earth Metal Substitution in Calcium Germanides with the Tetragonal Cr5B3Type Structure
Authors: Suen Nian‐Tzu , Bobev Svilen
Published: July 2022

Calcium germanides with two mid‐late rare‐earth metals, Ca5−xGdxGe3and Ca5−xTbxGe3(x≈0.1−0.2), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Additionally, a lanthanum‐rich germanide with calcium substitutions, La5−xCaxGe3(x≈0.5) has also been identified. The three structures have been established from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods and confirmed to crystallize with the Cr5B3‐type in the tetragonal space groupI4/mcm(no. 140;Z=4; Pearson symboltI32), where part of the germanium atoms are interconnected into Ge2‐dimers, formally [Ge2]6−. Rare‐earth metal and calcium atoms are arranged in distorted trigonal prisms, square‐antiprisms and cubes, centered by Ge or rare‐earth/calcium metal atoms. These studies show that the amount of trivalent rare‐earth metal atoms substituting divalent calcium atoms is in direct correlation with the lengths of the Ge−Ge bond within the Ge2‐dimers, with distance varying between 2.58 Å in Ca5−xGdxGe3and 2.75 Å in La5−xCaxGe3. Such an elongation of the Ge−Ge bond is consistent with the notion that the parent Ca5Ge3Zintl phase (e. g. (Ca2+)5[Ge2]6−[Ge4−]) is being driven out of the ideal valence electron count and further reduced. In this context, this work demonstrates the ability of the germanides with the Cr5B3structure type to accommodate substitutions and wider valence electron count while maintaining their global structural integrity.
Thomson effect and two‐temperature theory on a micropolar thermoelastic medium with voids under Green–Naghdi theory
Authors: Bayounes Fatma S. , Abd‐Elaziz Elsayed M. , Othman Mohamed I. A.
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to investigate the effect of two‐temperature and the Thomson effect in a micropolar thermoelastic medium with the void problem in the context of Green–Naghdi (G–N) theory. The normal mode analysis is used to obtain the analytical expressions of the considered variables. The non‐dimensional displacement, temperature, micro‐rotation, the change in the volume fraction field, and stress of the material are obtained and illustrated graphically. The variations of these quantities have been depicted graphically in the G–N theories of type‐II and III. From numerical calculations, the effects of the Thomson parameter and two‐temperature parameter on a homogeneous, isotropic, micropolar thermoelastic material with voids are revealed and discussed. Some particular cases of interest are deduced from the present investigation.
Cattaneo–Christov heat flux theory toward the magnetohydrodynamic micropolar hybrid nanofluid flow past a stretching/shrinking sheet with non‐uniform heat source/sink and thermal radiation
Authors: Algehyne Ebrahem A. , Alrihieli Haifaa F. , Saeed Anwar , Dawar Abdullah , Kumam Poom
Published: July 2022

In this investigation, a 2D flow of micropolar hybrid nanofluid (HNF) is considered over stretching/shrinking sheet. The magnetic effect is employed in a perpendicular direction to the surface of sheet. To improve the thermal conductivity of the fluid flow, the nanoparticles (NPs) of iron oxide and graphene oxide are mixed with water to obtain the HNF and water is used as a base fluid. The proposed equations of the modeled problem are converted to dimensionless form by implementing the similar variables. The analytical solution of the modeled equations is evaluated by mean of homotopy analysis method. The impacts of the embedded constraints on the HNF flow profiles are discoursed theoretically by incorporating a graphical view. Special cases (stretching, shrinking) are considered for the HNF in order to examine the impacts of the embedded parameters on the HNF flow profiles. The results showed that the expanding values of the stretching parameter, the HNF flow particles are pushed in a forward direction due to which fluid moves swiftly for both shrinking/stretching cases. The velocity profiles are increased with the increasing material parameter for the stretching case, while a reducing impact is found for the shrinking case. Also, the increasing material parameter enhances the microrotation profiles the HNF flow. Furthermore, the material parameter shows the same behavior for both stretching and shrinking cases. The increasing volume fraction of the solid NPs reduces the velocity profiles for stretching case, while augments for shrinking case. On the other hand, it is observed that the increasing volume fractions of the NPs increase the microrotation and temperature profiles for both stretching and shrinking cases.
The symmetry of the left and right tibial plateau: a comparison of 200 tibial plateaus
Authors: van der Gaast Nynke , Dunning Hans , Huitema Jellina M. , Waters Andrew , Jaarsma Ruurd L. , Doornberg Job N. , Edwards Michael J. R. , van de Groes Sebastiaan A. W. , Hermans Erik
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the symmetry of the left and right tibial plateau in young healthy individuals to determine whether left–right mirroring can be reliably used to optimize preoperative 3D virtual planning for patients with tibial plateau fractures.

Methods

One hundred healthy subjects, without previous knee surgery, severe knee trauma, or signs of osteoarthritis were included for a previous dynamic imaging study of the knee. The subjects underwent a CT scan, scanning the left and right knee with a slice thickness of 0.8 mm. 3D surface models of the femur, patella, and tibia were created using a convolutional neural network. The 3D models of the left and right tibias were exported to MATLAB © and the tibias were mirrored. The mirrored tibias were superimposed on the contralateral tibia using a coherent point drift surface matching algorithm. Correspondence points on both surfaces were established, the mean root squared distance was calculated and visualized in a boxplot and heatmaps.

Results

The overall mean difference between correspondence points on the left and right tibial plateau is 0.6276 ± 0.0343 mm. The greatest differences between correspondence points were seen around two specific surfaces on the outside of the tibial plateau; where the distal tibia was cut 15 mm below the tibial plateau and around the tibiofibular joint.

Conclusions

The differences between the left and right tibial plateau are small and therefore, we can be confident that the mirrored contralateral, unfractured, tibial plateau can be used as a template for 3D virtual preoperative planning for young patients without previous damage to the knee.