bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A grey‐based Taguchi method to optimize fused deposition modelling process parameters for manufacture of a hip joint implant
Authors: Nyiranzeyimana G. , Mutua J.M. , Mose B.R. , Mbuya T.O.
Published: January 2022

Controlling process parameters to configure a component has long been regarded as a value‐added function of additive manufacturing. Factors that contribute to the quality of total hip prostheses are the degree of dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and manufacturing time. In this study, Digmat‐additive manufacturing software has been used for finite element analysis to determine the quality of a fused deposition modelling printed carbon fiber polyamide 12 composite hip joint implant. The influence of three process parameters namely, printing temperature, layer height, print speed together with interactions were investigated using Taguchi's orthogonal array. The grey relational Taguchi method was used to optimize the process parameters on the part deflection and build time. The results showed that a printing temperature of 255 °C, a high layer thickness of 0.3 mm, and a print speed of 50 mm/s were optimum settings for both responses. Experimental work was carried out and the results used to validate the finite element results which showed good agreement. Microstructural analyses and surface analysis of printed parts were performed using scanning electron microscopy. The results identified that the surface texture of the manufactured implant was rough within the acceptable range for better bone‐to‐implant contact.
Multiscale plasticity of geomaterials predicted via constrained optimization‐based granular micromechanics
Authors: Bryant E.C. , Bennett K.C. , Miller N.A. , Misra A.
Published: January 2022

A general framework to derive nonlinear elastic and elastoplastic material models from granular micromechanics is proposed, where a constraint‐based variational structure is introduced to classical grain contact‐based homogenization methods of hyperelasticity. Like the classical hyperelastic methods, reference solutions for closed‐form hyperelastic material models are analytically derived from the grain‐scale contact mechanics. However, unlike prior methods, the proposed homogenization framework defines closed‐form hyperelastoplastic material models that extend multiscale variational methods to granular plasticity. The proposed framework is used to develop novel granular micromechanics‐based macroscopic models for a Mises type solid, Drucker–Prager type plasticity, and grain‐contact cohesive‐debonding with a deviatorically and volumetrically coupled nonlinearly elastic response. Macroscopic plastic parameters and yield criteria are explicitly related to their microscale counterparts, for example, the friction coefficient governing intergranular slip. Numerical examples and comparison to measurements from the literature, including triaxial compaction of concrete, are provided to investigate model predictions and demonstrate calibration to experimental data.
The bidirectional association between depression and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Martin Sean A. , Tully Phillip J. , Kahokehr Arman A. , Jay Alex , Wittert Gary A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Recent evidence from observational studies suggests a bidirectional association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and depression in men. We sought to systematically quantify the effect of the presence of LUTS on depression symptoms, compared to those without LUTS, in adult males, and vice versa.

Methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Embase) were examined for articles in English before March 2021. Observational studies of men aged over 18 years; reporting an association between LUTS and depression; including a validated scale for LUTS and depression symptoms were eligible for study inclusion.

Results

Seventeen studies out of 1787 records identified 163 466 men with reported depression symptoms by LUTS status, while 10 studies reported 72 363 men with LUTS by depression symptoms. Pooled estimates showed a strong effect of LUTS presence on depression risk (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 2.50–3.33), with a high degree of heterogeneity among the examined studies (I2 = 83%; τ2 = 0,06; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated differences by study region (Q value:13.7, df:4, p = 0.003), setting (7.8(2), p = 0.020), design (7.2(1), p = 0.003), quality (6.2(1), p = 0.013), and LUTS measure (40.9(3), p < 0.001). Pooled estimates also showed a strong effect of depression presence on LUTS risk in men (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 2.72–3.60), with only moderate heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 58%; τ2 = 0,02; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The strong relationship observed between LUTS and depression implies shared risk factors that cannot be solely attributed to the prostate. This has immediate implications for future studies and the assessment and management of patients with either condition.
Patient‐tailored healthcare and tibial nerve neuromodulation in the treatment of patients with overactive bladder symptoms
Authors: te Dorsthorst Manon , Digesu Alex , van Kerrebroeck Philip , Elneil Sohier , van Breda Jetske , Janssen Dick , Martens Frank , van Balken Michael , Heesakkers John
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to demonstrate features predictive of treatment response for patient‐tailored overactive bladder (OAB) intervention with an implantable tibial neurostimulator using patient and technical prediction factors.

Materials and Methods

This study was designed as a follow‐up study based on parameter settings and patients' preferences during the pilot and extended study of the implantable tibial nerve stimulator (RENOVA™ iStim system). For this study, we compared all treatment parameters (stimulation amplitude, frequency, and pulse width) and usage data (duration of treatment) during the different follow‐up visits.

Results

We obtained usage data from a total of 32 patients who were implanted with the system between February and September 2015. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and previous experience with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment were considered as possible prediction factors for treatment success. However, only BMI was considered a statistically significant prediction factor (p = 0.042). A statistically significant increase in mean treatment level was seen in the responder group during the 3 month follow‐up visit (mean: 6.7 mA, SD 0.416) as compared with the initial system activation visit (mean: 5.8 mA, SD 0.400) (p = 0.049). No other visits demonstrated statistically significant changes in both groups (responders and nonresponders) during the defined timepoints.

Conclusion

This data underscores the need to use patient‐tailored OAB treatment. BMI was found to be a negative predictive factor for treatment success. However, it was not possible to develop a specific responder model. A model predicting response to treatment could be useful for implementing shared decision making.
Hierarchically structured polyvinylidene fluoride core‐shell composite yarn based on electrospinning coating method to improve piezoelectricity
Authors: Li Xiu‐Ping , Wu Meng‐Meng , Peng Hao‐Kai , Zhang Xue‐Fei , Wang Yan Ting , Li Ting‐Ting , Lou Ching‐Wen , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: January 2022

Wearable electronic skin with high sensitivity and self‐power has shown increasing prospects for applications, such as human health monitoring and intelligent electronic products. Here, AgNY/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)@TiO2/Ag/PVDF (APTAP) composite yarn with 3D hierarchically structure is fabricated by a conjugate electrospinning coating method and wet chemical deposition. The fabricated APTAP yarn has respectable piezoelectric performance whose voltage output and current output reached 1650 mV and 70 nA when the silver‐plated concentration is 2%. In addition, the composite piezoelectric yarn shows good mechanical properties that tensile strength and elongation at break of the piezoelectric yarn with a silver‐plated concentration of 3% reach 284.37 MPa and 61.80%. A fabric is woven based on this yarn and it has a respectable signal output and shows satisfactory sensitivity that can be used to detect subtle signals. Therefore, this fiber‐based sensor provides an idea for monitoring the subtle physiological signals of the human body and shows broad potential in the extended application of medical care and clinical diagnosis in the future.
Core concepts in pharmacoepidemiology: Confounding by indication and the role of active comparators
Authors: Sendor Rachel , Stürmer Til
Published: January 2022

Confounding by indication poses a significant threat to the validity of nonexperimental studies assessing effectiveness and safety of medical interventions. While no different from other forms of confounding in theory, confounding by indication often requires specific methods to address the bias it creates in addition to common epidemiological adjustment or restriction methods. Clinical indication influencing treatment prescription is patient‐specific and complex, making it challenging to measure within nonexperimental research. Restriction of the study population to patients with the indication for treatment would effectively mitigate confounding by indication and bring about comparability between exposure and comparator populations with respect to probability of the exposure. Active comparators are often an effective practical solution to restrict the study population in this manner when indication cannot be measured accurately. This article discusses various forms of confounding by indication, the utility of active comparators for nonexperimental studies of treatment effects, and the active comparator, new user (ACNU) study design to implicitly condition on indication. Considerations for selecting active comparators and conducting an ACNU study design are discussed to enable increased adoption of these methods, improve quality of nonexperimental studies, and ultimately strengthen our evidence base for intended and unintended treatment effects in relevant target populations.
LiDAR and autonomous cars: no conventional solution
Authors: Friedl Florian
Published: January 2022

Which is the best lidar technology for automotive applications? There is still no such thing. As a leading component manufacturer, Hamamatsu is well aware of the advantages and disadvantages offered by various systems, and the main differences will be explained in this article.
Plastic glut down a microbial gut
Authors: Dileep Dhananjay , Forrester Michael , Cochran Eric W.
Published: January 2022

Enzymes sequestered from microbes have demonstrated the ability to readily digest amorphous regions of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in ambient conditions. Although nascent, enzymatic depolymerization can soon vie for commercialization and provide monomeric feedstock at rates comparable to petrochemical feedstock for repolymerization, achieving the coveted goal of cradle‐to‐cradle recycling. © 2022 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Validation of the South Korean adolescents version of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support
Authors: Park Gahyun , Hwang Yujin , Kim Jeong Han , Lee Dong Hun
Published: January 2022

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is an easy and brief instrument developed to assess individuals' perceptions of social support from three different sources (family, friend, and significant other). The MSPSS have been adapted to culturally diverse backgrounds, different age groups, and both clinical and nonclinical settings. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the MSPSS on 968 Korean high school students (467 males and 501 females). Confirmatory factor analysis result confirmed the proposed three‐factor model. Cronbach's α coefficients indicated very good internal consistency for the scale as a whole and for the three subscales. Social support had a negative correlation with depression as well as anxiety symptoms and a positive correlation with ego‐resiliency as well as school adjustment, confirming the discriminant and convergent validity of the scale. Female adolescents reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support than male adolescents. In conclusion, the Korean version of the MSPSS is a reliable and valid measure of perceived social support for Korean adolescents.
Tracheostomies in term and preterm infants: A single‐center Canadian retrospective cohort
Authors: Wong Chung‐Kwun , Harris Lucy , Hicks Matthew , Majaesic Carina , Schellenberg Cathy , Kumaran Kumar , Law Brenda H. Y.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To examine patient characteristics, hospital course, and medical outcomes of neonatal tracheostomy at a single center.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Edmonton, Canada.

Patients

Infants admitted to NICU who underwent tracheostomy between January 2013 and December 2017 inclusive.

Main outcome measures

Hospital course, discharge, and 3‐year post‐tracheostomy outcomes were compared between preterm infants <29 weeks gestation and infants with congenital anomalies.

Results

Forty‐three infants were identified; seven were lost to follow‐up and excluded. Of the 36 analyzed, 86% survived to discharge. At discharge, 13% were decannulated, 36% required no mechanical ventilation, and 52% required mechanical ventilation. Median hospitalization was 295 days. At 3 years post‐tracheostomy, 97% were alive. Proportions of infants with tracheostomy in situ was 80%, 73%, and 60% at 1, 2, and 3 years post tracheostomy. Tracheostomy incidence was 2.7% for preterm infants <29 weeks gestational age with 55% for subglottic stenosis. All preterm infants received postnatal steroids. Preterm infants underwent tracheostomy at later chronological age (123 vs. 81 days, p < 0.001), but similar corrected gestational age (42 + 5 vs. 51 + 2 weeks, p = 0.095). Preterm infants had more intubation attempts (17 vs. 4, p < 0.001), total extubations (8 vs. 2, p < 0.001), and days on ventilation before tracheostomy (100 vs. 78, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Infants who underwent tracheostomy in a Canadian public healthcare setting demonstrated decreasing tracheostomy dependence and high survival post tracheostomy, despite prolonged hospitalization. Preterm infants had more intubation and extubation events which may have contributed to airway injury.
Structure of Strained Low‐Dimensional Sb by In Situ Surface X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Mousley Philip J. , Burrows Christopher W. , Nicklin Chris , Bell Gavin R.
Published: January 2022

Antimony ultrathin films in tensile strain are grown on InAs(111)B substrates and studied in situ using surface X‐ray diffraction. The detailed atomic structures of two highly crystalline Sb(0001) films are derived, with thicknesses of 19 and 4 bilayers. Features considered in structural modeling include interfacial intermixing, surface roughness, individual layer relaxations, and rotational twin domains (RTDs). The four‐bilayer film shows significant structural relaxation in every layer, while both films include RTDs. The results are discussed in relation to the topological properties of low‐dimensional Sb.
Biological assessment of western USA sandy bottom rivers based on modeling historical and current fish and macroinvertebrate data
Authors: Hughes Robert M. , Zeigler Meredith , Stringer Shann , Linam Gordon W. , Flotemersch Joseph , Jessup Benjamin , Joseph Seva , Jacobi Gerald , Guevara Lynette , Cook Robert , Bradley Patricia , Barrios Kristopher
Published: January 2022

Biological monitoring is important for assessing the ecological condition of surface waters. However, there are challenges in determining what constitutes reference conditions, what assemblages should be used as indicators, and how assemblage data should be converted into quantitative indicator scores. In this study, we developed and applied biological condition gradient (BCG) modeling to fish and macroinvertebrate data previously collected from large, sandy bottom southwestern USA rivers. Such rivers are particularly vulnerable to altered flow regimes resulting from dams, water withdrawals and climate change. We found that sensitive ubiquitous taxa for both fish and macroinvertebrates had been replaced by more tolerant taxa, but that the condition assessment ratings based on fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages differed. We conclude that the BCG models based on both macroinvertebrate and fish assemblage condition were useful for classifying the condition of southwestern USA sandy bottom rivers. However, our fish BCG model was slightly more sensitive than the macroinvertebrate model to anthropogenic disturbance, presumably because we had historical fish data, and because fish may be more sensitive to dams and altered flow regimes than are macroinvertebrates.
Synergism of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoplates in Improving Underwater Sound Absorption Stability under High Pressure
Authors: Fu Yifeng
Published: January 2022

Underwater sound absorption materials with broadband and resistance to high pressure are crucial for noise control in the ocean. Herein a new method is presented to synergistically improve material's resistance to high pressure with broadband by hybridizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The micro‐structure shows the geometrical synergy between the nanoplatelets (GNPs) and nanotubes (MWCNT‐COOH). Besides, GNPs also form junctions with air micro‐voids. The underwater acoustic tests reveal that, compared with equivalent nanocomposites containing only CNTs or GNPs, the hybridized materials show significantly better sound absorption performance with a high hydrostatic pressure increased from 0.4 MPa to 1.0 MPa at the frequency range of 1500 Hz to 7000 Hz. Therefore, the hybridization of one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) nano‐carbon materials provides a new route for increasing the underwater sound absorption performance at high hydrostatic pressure.
Synthesis of a Novel Water‐Soluble Graft Copolymer for Mineral Ore Beneficiation and for River Water Treatment towards Drinking Water Augmentation
Authors: Mehta Anurag , Aryan Ayush , Pandey Jay Prakash , Sen Gautam
Published: January 2022

In this research paper we endeavor to publish our work on novel non acrylamide based flocculant which does not threat any acrylamide release and thus is inherently safer. A novel flocculant ‘Polydiallyldimethylammonium Chloride grafted Carboxymethyl Cellulose [CMC‐g‐P(DADMAC)]’ was synthesized by both conventional and microwave assisted method. Both the synthesis were optimized in terms of synthesis parameters. The various grades synthesized were characterized through standard characterization techniques such as Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transformation Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Elemental analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)  Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis etc. Further, the various grades of the graft copolymers were optimized as flocculant by ‘standard Jar test’ and ‘Settling test’ protocols in river water, Kaolin, iron ore and coal fine suspension. The maximum flocculation efficacy achieved was 80.9 % (Kaolin suspension), 83.6 % (coal fine suspension), 79.5 % (Iron‐ore suspension) and 68.3 % (River water).
An Enzymatic Glucose Biosensor Based on a Pencil Graphite Electrode Modified with Naphthalenedimide/3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene Conjugated Polymer and Enriched with Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Tan Burcu , Baycan Fatma
Published: January 2022

N,N′‐bis(2‐hexyl)‐2,6‐(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenimide (ENDI) monomer was electropolymerized on pencil graphite electrode (PGE) and used as a biosensor for glucose immobilization for the first time. After electropolymerization of ENDI monomer on PGE (AuNPs/PENDI/PGE), the intensity of the current signal was improved by using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The immobilization of the glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme was carried out by using the cross‐linking reagent glutaraldehyde (GA) due to the strong π‐π* interaction of the poly‐ N,N′‐bis(2‐hexyl)‐2,6‐(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenimide (PENDI) polymer. GOx/AuNPs/PENDI/PGE designed biosensor, was characterized by a wide linear glucose determination range between 0.0009–0.33 mM with a limit of detection of 0.0407 mM and a sensitivity of 0.172 μA/mMcm2. Herein we have shown that GOx/AuNPs/PENDI/PGE biosensor effectively provides the enzyme immobilization and very effective for glucose determination in commercial samples.
Theoretical and Experimental Approach to the Production of ZnO Nanoparticles by Controlled Precipitation Method in Methanol
Authors: Suarez Oscar J. , León‐Molina Helia B.
Published: January 2022

Several works have demonstrated the utility of thermodynamics for understanding the formation process of ZnO in a specific ambient. In this work, equilibrium relations, mass balances and charge balances were used to derive chemical stability and predominance diagrams that allow relating the experimental observations of the synthesis of zinc oxide in methanol by the precipitation method to the expected product composition. The proposed equilibrium model considers the formation of zinc complexes with acetate (OAc−) and hydroxide (OH−) ions. Zinc oxide was also synthesized in similar conditions as those employed for calculations. The reaction monitoring was carried out by measuring pH and it was compared with the pH estimated using the model. Structural characterization of the product by X ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy was performed. The proposed model predicts the formation of zinc oxide as the only species in the solid state, which agrees with the experimental results.
Effects of n‐Propanol Co‐feeding in Isobutanol Synthesis from Syngas over K‐CuMgCe Catalyst
Authors: Li Hengjie , Chen Tong , Wang Gongying
Published: January 2022

The influence of n‐propanol co‐feeding in isobutanol synthesis from syngas was investigated over K‐CuMgCe catalyst in a batch reactor. After the addition of n‐propanol, the selectivity of isobutanol increased significantly. Moreover, it was different from the traditional fixed bed after adding alcohol, which was negative or had no significant impact on CO conversion. The CO conversion was increased significantly after the addition of n‐propanol under the system conditions. It might be due to the back‐mixing in the slurry bed, which increased the residence time of intermediate species on the catalyst surface. The consumption of C1 species from syngas through aldol condensation led to a shift in methanol equilibrium and a significant increase in CO conversion. As the ratio of n‐propanol to CO increased, the reaction path changed from the aldol condensation of C1 species with n‐propanol to the self‐coupling of n‐propanol. CO conversion reached 63.5 % and isobutanol selectivity reached the maximum of 28.2 % within a tolerable range of byproducts for n n‐propanol/n CO=0.5. Excess of n‐propanol would reduce isobutanol yield and was not conducive to CO conversion.
Intermolecular and Intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts Acylation of Carboxylic Acids using Binary Ionic Liquids: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Nguyen Hai Truong , Le Nghia , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Pham‐Tran Nguyen‐Nguyen , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: January 2022

Traditional Friedel‐Crafts acylation with acid halides suffers from waste byproducts such as SO2, HCl, and the hydrolysis of Lewis acid catalyst. Thus, the environmentally benign intermolecular and intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts acylation of arenes with carboxylic acids as acylating agents has been investigated using a mixture of deep eutectic solvent and an ionic liquid as reaction media under microwave irradiation. The Friedel‐Crafts acylations with carboxylic acids as acylating agents are challenging due to the low reactivity of carboxylic acids. In this paper, the desired products were obtained at moderate to good yields under microwave irradiation for a short reaction time. The Friedel‐Crafts cyclization of 4‐phenylbutyric acid is more effective than 3‐phenylpropionoic acid under the present method. The reaction mechanism is proposed by combining experiments with density functional theory calculations, highlighting the critical role of ZnCl2, triflate anion (CF3COO−) in binary ionic liquids, and acidic conditions in accomodating a kinetic accessible pathway making the C−C bond.
Preparation of High‐Strength and High‐Permeability EC/PI/MOF Mixed Matrix Membrane**
Authors: Zhang Yushu , Jia Hongge , Ma Wenqiang , Xu Shuangping , Li Shaobin , Qu Yanqing , Zhang Mingyu
Published: January 2022

Gas separation technology is one of the difficulties in the chemistry and purification industry. To help solve this problem, we have prepared mixed matrix membranes containing Zr‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF), ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyimide (PI), and characterized them by FTIR, SEM and gas separation measures. The obtained mixed matrix membranes have good mechanical and thermal properties, the tensile strength of mixed matrix membranes improved by 5.44‐10.5 times compared to pure EC membrane. Especially, the mixed matrix membranes exhibited excellent CO2 permeability compared to pure EC and pure PI membranes. CO2 permeability of mixed matrix membrane contained 15 % MOF was 145.5 Barrer and the CO2/CH4 permselectivity was 11.95, which increased 2.21 times and 0.45 times compared to pure EC membrane. Comparison with 1991 and 2008 Robeson Upper Bound, the mixed matrix membranes were closer to the Robeson Upper Bound than pure EC membrane.
Correlating Electronic Properties of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with Structure, and the Implications of Using Different Probes
Authors: Barnett Christopher , Harper Jason B. , Cole Marcus L.
Published: January 2022

The σ‐donating and π‐accepting properties of a series of N‐methylimidazolium‐derived N‐heterocyclic carbenes, systematically altered at the 4,5‐positions, were determined using two NMR‐based probe techniques. The sterically slight methyl substituent provided reliable probe data, free from through‐space effects, and reliable measures of the electronic properties. Correlations with established electronic parameters for the substituents show that the electronic properties of carbenes, when extraneous effects are controlled for, are indeed predictable. These correlations were compared with earlier data which revealed a previously unrecognised systematic deviation for N‐aryl substituents.
Near‐Infrared Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Nanoparticle: A Metal‐Free Photosensitizer for Two‐Photon‐Activated Photodynamic Therapy at the Cell and Small Animal Levels
Authors: Fang Fang , Yuan Yi , Wan Yingpeng , Li Jing , Song Yueyue , Chen Wen‐Cheng , Zhao Dongxu , Chi Yun , Li Menglin , Lee Chun‐Sing , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: January 2022

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials with extremely small singlet‐triplet energy offsets have opened new horizons for the development of metal‐free photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in recent years. However, the exploration of near‐infrared (NIR) TADF emitters for efficient two‐photon‐excited (TPE) PDT is still a formidable challenge, thus it has not been reported yet. In this study, purely organic photosensitizers (PSs) based on the TADF nanoparticles (NIR‐TADF NPs) are designed for efficient TPE‐PDT, which show excellent singlet oxygen generation ability. Thanks to the intrinsic two‐photon excitation and NIR emission characteristics, the NIR‐TADF NPs demonstrate promising potential in both single‐photon‐excited (SPE) and TPE NIR imaging. More importantly, the anti‐tumor efficiency and biosafety of TADF‐based PSs at the small animal level are confirmed in A549 tumor xenograft models under TPE laser irradiance, which will facilitate the practical biomedical applications of TADF materials. This work not only provides a promising strategy to develop metal‐free PSs, but also expands the applied scope of TADF‐based nanotherapeutics and advances their possible clinical translation in cancer therapy.
Fast Photostriction in Ferroelectrics
Authors: Liew Weng Heng , Chen Yunjie , Alexe Marin , Yao Kui
Published: January 2022

Light‐induced nonthermal strain, known as the photostrictive effect, offers a potential way to excite mechanical strain and acoustic wave remotely. The anisotropic photostrictive effect induced by the combination of bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) and converse piezoelectric effect in ferroelectric materials is known as too small and slow for the applications requiring a high strain rate, such as ultrasound generation and high‐speed signal transmission. Here, a strategy to achieve high rate dynamic photostrictive strain by utilizing local fast responses under modulating continuous light excitation in the resonance condition is reported. A strain rate of 8.06 × 10−3 s−1 is demonstrated under continuous light excitation, which is at least one order of magnitude higher than previous studies on bulk samples as seen in the literature. The significant photostrictive response exists even in depoled ferroelectric material without overall polarization. The theoretical analyses show that fast ferroelectric photostriction can be obtained through the combinational interaction mechanism of local BPVE and local converse piezoelectric effect existing only in the microscopic scale, thus circumventing the slow and low efficient BPVE charging up process across the macroscopic electrical terminals. The achieved fast photostriction and new understandings will open new opportunities to realize future wireless signal transmission and light‐acoustic devices.
Reduction‐Driven 3D to 2D Transformation of Cu Nanoparticles
Authors: Matte Lívia P. , Thill Alisson S. , Lobato Francielli O. , Novôa Matheus T. , Muniz André R. , Poletto Fernanda , Bernardi Fabiano
Published: January 2022

The interaction between metal and metal oxides at the nanoscale is of uttermost importance in several fields, thus its enhancement is highly desirable. In catalysis, the performance of the nanoparticles is dependent on a wide range of properties, including its shape that is commonly considered stable during the catalytic reaction. In this study, highly reducible CeO2‐x nanoparticles are synthesized aiming to provide Cu/CeO2‐x nanoparticles, which are classically active catalysts for the CO oxidation reaction. It is observed that the Cu nanoparticles shape changes during reduction treatment (prior to the CO oxidation reaction) from a nearly spherical 3D to a planar 2D shape, then enhances the Cu–CeO2‐x interaction. The spread of the Cu nanoparticles over the CeO2‐x surface during the reduction treatment occurs due to the minimization of the total system energy. The shape change is accompanied by migration of O atoms from CeO2 surface to the border of the Cu nanoparticles and the change from the Cu0 to Cu+1 state. The spreading of the Cu nanoparticles influences on the reactivity results toward the CO oxidation reaction since it changes the local atomic order around Cu atoms. The results show a timely contribution for enhancing the interaction between metal and metal oxide.
Maternal cardiac function in twin pregnancy at 19–23 weeks' gestation
Authors: Nunez E. , Huluta I. , Gallardo Arozena M. , Wright A. , Nicolaides K. H. , Charakida M.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To compare maternal cardiovascular indices at 19–23 weeks' gestation between twin and singleton pregnancies and assess the impact of chorionicity on these parameters.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study in women with twin pregnancy attending for a hospital visit at 19 + 1 to 24 + 3 weeks' gestation. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history and maternal cardiovascular assessment. In a previous study of 4795 women with singleton pregnancies at 19–23 weeks' gestation, multivariable linear regression models were fitted between the various cardiovascular indices and elements of maternal characteristics and medical history. In this study, we calculated multiples of the median (MoM) and delta values according to the singleton models and assessed the distributional properties of these MoM and delta values in twin as compared with singleton pregnancies.

Results

The study population of 155 women with twin pregnancy included 86 dichorionic and 69 monochorionic cases. In general, there was a similar distribution of maternal cardiovascular indices in monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies. In both types of twin pregnancy, compared with singleton pregnancy, there was an increase in isovolumetric relaxation time, left atrial area and myocardial performance index, and a decrease in mitral valve E/A. Left ventricular mass indexed for body surface area and relative wall thickness were also increased in twin compared with singleton pregnancy. The magnitude of the increase in left atrial area was greater in dichorionic compared with monochorionic pregnancies. Additionally, mitral valve E was decreased and left atrial volume was increased in dichorionic but not in monochorionic pregnancies, while isovolumetric contraction time was increased in monochorionic but not in dichorionic pregnancies. Left ventricular myocardial deformation was similar between twin and singleton pregnancies.

Conclusions

In twin pregnancies at mid‐gestation, maternal systolic and diastolic function is reduced when compared with singletons. The patterns of cardiovascular adaptation are similar between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies and resemble those reported in uncomplicated singleton pregnancy later in gestation. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
PINTology: A short history of the lncRNA LINC‐PINT in different diseases
Authors: Bukhari Ihtisham , Khan Muhammad Riaz , Hussain Mohammed Amir , Thorne Rick Francis , Yu Yong , Zhang Bingyong , Zheng Pengyuan , Mi Yang
Published: January 2022

LINC‐PINT is a p53‐induced long intergenic noncoding transcript that plays a crucial role in many diseases, especially cancer. This long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) gene produces in total 102 (LNCipedia) alternatively spliced variants (LINC‐PINT:1 to LINC‐PINT:102). The functions of known variants include RNA transcripts, host transcripts for circular RNA (circRNA) generation and as sources for the translation of short peptides. In most human tumors, LINC‐PINT is down‐regulated where it serves as a tumor suppressor. However, the diversity of its functions in other maladies signifies its general clinical importance. Current LINC‐PINT molecular functions include RNA–protein interactions, miRNA sponging and epigenetic modulation with these mechanisms operating in different cellular contexts to exert effects on biological processes ranging from DNA damage responses, cell cycle and growth arrest, senescence, cell migration and invasion, and apoptosis. Genetic polymorphisms in LINC‐PINT have also been functionally associated with cancer and other pathologies including the autoimmune diseases pemphigus foliaceus and arthritis. Hence, LINC‐PINT shows great potential as a clinical biomarker, especially for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. In this review, we explore the current knowledge highlighting the distinctive molecular functions of LINC‐PINT in specific cancers and other disease states.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Effects of episodic future thinking on reinforcement pathology during smoking cessation treatment among individuals with substance use disorders
Authors: García-Pérez Ángel , Aonso-Diego Gema , Weidberg Sara , Secades-Villa Roberto
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Reinforcer pathology (RP) is a theoretical model based on two processes: delay discounting (DD) and drug demand. Given that RP has been shown to have a predictive value on smoking behaviors, several studies have explored which interventions can reduce RP. Consistent with the RP framework, episodic future thinking (EFT) has shown effects on treatment outcomes and RP processes. The vast majority of studies that assess the effects of EFT on RP consist of experimental studies, and no previous research has tested these effects in a clinical sample of smokers.

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of EFT on RP throughout the course of a smoking cessation intervention in smokers with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Methods

Participants were randomized to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) + EFT (n = 39) or CBT + EFT + contingency management (n = 33). Cotinine, frequency of EFT practices, cigarette purchase task (CPT), and DD were evaluated in treatment sessions. Mixed-effects model repeated measures analysis was used to explore DD and CPT in-treatment changes as a function of EFT practices and cotinine levels.

Results

Greater practice of the EFT component significantly reduced cigarette demand (p < .020) as well as DD (p = .003). Additionally, a greater reduction in cotinine levels coupled with greater EFT practice led to a greater decrease in cigarette demand (p < .014).

Conclusions

EFT reduced the two facets of RP in treatment-seeking smokers with SUDs.
Local administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid reduces post-operative blood loss from surgery for closed, Sanders III–IV calcaneal fractures
Authors: Zhong Lang , Xu Yangbo , Wang Yongcai , Liu Yu , Huang Qiu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To investigate whether local administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is effective and safe in reducing the post-operative blood loss in surgery for Sanders III–IV calcaneal fractures.

Methods

Patients with Sanders III–IV calcaneal fractures who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2016 to February 2021 and underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) via lateral approach with an L-shaped incision were included in the current study. Eighty five patients were randomly divided into two groups, EACA group (43) and control group (42). Twenty milliliters of 5% EACA solution or normal saline was perfused into the incision of patients in EACA group and control group, respectively. The volume of post-operative drainage was investigated as the primary outcome. Post-operative blood test, coagulation test, and wound complications were analyzed as the secondary outcomes.

Results

The volume of post-operative drainage at 24 and 48 h was 164.8 ± 51.4 ml, 18.9 ± 3.8 ml for patients in EACA group, and 373.0 ± 88.1 ml, 21.2 ± 4.4 ml for patients in the control group, respectively. EACA greatly reduced the post-operative blood loss compared to the control (normal saline). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found between EACA group and control group with regard to the pre-operative, baseline characteristics. Post-operative blood test results demonstrated that haemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly higher in EACA compared to those of control group. No significant difference was found between EACA group and control group in terms of the platelet counts, prothrombin time (P.T.), activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), and wound complications.

Conclusion

Local administration of EACA is effective in post-operative blood loss reduction in ORIF surgeries for Sanders III–IV types of calcaneal fractures without increasing the incidence of periwound complication.
Evolution of fluid flow and carbonate recrystallization rates in deep-sea sediments of the Equatorial Pacific
Authors: Wittke Andreas , Gussone Nikolaus , Derigs Dominik , Teichert Barbara M. A.
Published: January 2022

Fluid flow and carbonate recrystallization rates of deep-sea sediments from eight locations in the Equatorial Eastern Pacific were determined by using δ44/40Ca values of pore water and corresponding sediments. The studied drill sites of IODP Exp. 320/321 are located along a transect of decreasing crustal age and reveal different characteristic pore water depth profiles. The younger sites show an overall isotopic equilibration with the sediment in the upper part of the sedimentary column. In the lower part, the δ44/40Ca of the pore water increases back to seawater-like values at the sediment/basalt interface, forming a bulge-shaped pore water profile. The magnitude of the δ44/40Ca pore water bulge decreases with increasing age of the oceanic crust and sediment cover, resulting in seawater-like δ44/40Ca values throughout the sedimentary column in the oldest Sites U1331 and U1332. These findings indicate a seawater-like fluid input from the underlying crust into the sediment. Thus, after sedimentation, carbonate recrystallization processes start to enrich the pore water in 40Ca, and after a time of carbonate recrystallization and cooling of oceanic crust, a flow of seawater-like fluid starts to move upwards through the sedimentary column, enriching the pore water with 44Ca. We established a carbonate recrystallization and fluid flow model to quantify these processes. Our determined carbonate recrystallization rates between 0.000013e(−t/15.5) and 0.00038e(−t/100.5) and fluid flow rates in the range of 0.42–19 m*Myr−1 indicate that the fluid flow within the investigated sites of IODP Exp. 320/321 depends on the sedimentary composition and location of the specific site, especially the proximity to a recharge or discharge site of a hydrothermal convection cell.
Interannual Influences of the Surface Potential Vorticity Forcing over the Tibetan Plateau on East Asian Summer Rainfall
Authors: Sheng Chen , He Bian , Wu Guoxiong , Liu Yimin , Zhang Shaoyu
Published: January 2022

The influences of interannual surface potential vorticity forcing over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on East Asian summer rainfall (EASR) and upper-level circulation are explored in this study. The results show that the interannual EASR and associated circulations are closely related to the surface potential vorticity negative uniform leading mode (PVNUM) over the TP. When the PVNUM is in the positive phase, more rainfall occurs in the Yangtze River valley, South Korea, Japan, and part of northern China, less rainfall occurs in southern China, and vice versa. A possible mechanism by which PVNUM affects EASR is proposed. Unstable air induced by the positive phase of PVNUM could stimulate significant upward motion and a lower-level anomalous cyclone over the TP. As a result, a dipole heating mode with anomalous cooling over the southwestern TP and anomalous heating over the southeastern TP is generated. Sensitivity experiment results regarding this dipole heating mode indicate that anomalous cooling over the southwestern TP leads to local and northeastern Asian negative height anomalies, while anomalous heating over the southeastern TP leads to local positive height anomalies. These results greatly resemble the realistic circulation pattern associated with EASR. Further analysis indicates that the anomalous water vapor transport associated with this anomalous circulation pattern is responsible for the anomalous EASR. Consequently, changes in surface potential vorticity forcing over the TP can induce changes in EASR.
BCL3 expression is strongly associated with the occurrence of breast cancer relapse under tamoxifen treatment in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Czapiewski Piotr , Cornelius Maximilian , Hartig Roland , Kalinski Thomas , Haybaeck Johannes , Dittmer Angela , Dittmer Jürgen , Ignatov Atanas , Nass Norbert
Published: January 2022

Patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer are usually receiving an anti-estrogen therapy by either aromatase inhibitors or selective estrogen receptor mediators such as tamoxifen. Nevertheless, acquired resistance to tamoxifen under treatment frequently hampers therapy. One proposed explanation for this phenomenon is the interaction of the tumor cells with cells of the tumor microenvironment via the Insulin-like growth factor RNA binding protein 5/B-cell lymphoma 3 (IGFBP5/BCL3) axis. Here we investigated whether a high expression of BCL3 either cytoplasmic or nuclear is associated with the occurrence of a relapse under anti-estrogen therapy in patients. Formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of 180 breast cancer patients were analyzed for BCL3 expression by immunohistochemistry. An immunoreactive score (IRS) was calculated from staining intensity in cytoplasm and nucleus as well as the percentage of positive tumor cells. These scores were correlated with clinico-pathological parameters using cross-tabulation analysis and patients’ relapse free and overall survival by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression. A tamoxifen-adapted MCF-7 derived cell line was investigated for BCL3 localization by immunofluorescence. The cytosolic BCL3-IRS significantly correlated with the proliferation marker Ki-67, and with the occurrence of a relapse under tamoxifen treatment. Nuclear score correlated only with tamoxifen-relapse. In survival analysis, both scores were highly significant prognostic factors for relapse free, but not for overall survival. This was especially obvious for estrogen receptor positive and HER2/NEU negative cases as well as lobular breast cancer. Tamoxifen-treated, but not aromatase-treated patients had a poor survival when BCL3 scores were high. A tamoxifen adapted cell line exhibited a reduced expression and mainly nuclear localization of BCL3, compared to the parental estrogen receptor positive cell-line MCF-7. Altogether, these data strongly support a function of BCL3 in tamoxifen resistance and its potential use as a predictive biomarker for tamoxifen resistance.
Neonatal pulmonary hypertension after severe early-onset fetal growth restriction: post hoc reflections on the Dutch STRIDER study
Authors: Pels Anouk , Onland Wes , Berger Rolf M. F. , van Heijst Arno F. J. , Lopriore Enrico , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Limpens Jacqueline , Gordijn Sanne J. , Ganzevoort Wessel
Published: January 2022

The aim was to reflect on the unexpected finding of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN) and pulmonary hypertension in infants born within the Dutch STRIDER trial, its definition and possible pathophysiological mechanisms. The trial randomly assigned pregnant women with severe early-onset fetal growth restriction to sildenafil 25 mg three times a day versus placebo. Sildenafil use did not reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity, but did result in a higher rate of neonatal pulmonary hypertension (PH). The current paper reflects on the used definition, prevalence, and possible pathophysiology of the data on pulmonary hypertension. Twenty infants were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (12% of 163 live born infants). Of these, 16 infants had PPHN shortly after birth, and four had pulmonary hypertension associated with sepsis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Four infants with PPHN in the early neonatal period subsequently developed pulmonary hypertension associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in later life. Infants with pulmonary hypertension were at lower gestational age at delivery, had a lower birth weight and a higher rate of neonatal co-morbidity. The infants in the sildenafil group showed a significant increase in pulmonary hypertension compared to the placebo group (relative risk 3.67; 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 10.51,P = 0.02).

Conclusion:Pulmonary hypertension occurred more frequent among infants of mothers allocated to antenatal sildenafil compared with placebo. A possible pathophysiological mechanism could be a “rebound” vasoconstriction after cessation of sildenafil. Additional studies and data are necessary to understand the mechanism of action.What is Known:• In the Dutch STRIDER trial, persistent pulmonary hypertension in the neonate (PPHN) was more frequent among infants after antenatal sildenafil exposure versus placebo.What is New:• The current analysis focuses on the distinction between PPHN and pulmonary hypertension associated with sepsis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia and on timing of diagnosis and aims to identify the infants at risk for developing pulmonary hypertension.• The diagnosis pulmonary hypertension is complex, especially in infants born after severe early-onset fetal growth restriction. The research field could benefit from an unambiguous consensus definition and standardized screening in infants at risk is proposed.