bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new perspective to develop regiorandom polymer acceptors with high active layer ductility, excellent device stability, and high efficiency approaching 17%
Authors: Fan Qunping , Ma Ruijie , Su Wenyan , Zhu Qinglian , Luo Zhenghui , Chen Kai , Tang Yabing , Lin Francis R. , Li Yuxiang , Yan He , Yang Chuluo , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Ma Wei
Published: September 2022

The recently reported efficient polymerized small‐molecule acceptors (PSMAs) usually adopt a regioregular backbone by polymerizing small‐molecule acceptors precursors with a low‐reactivity 5‐brominated 3‐(dicyanomethylidene)indan‐1‐one (IC) end group or its derivatives, leading to low molecular weight, and thus reduce active layer mechanical properties. Herein, a series of newly designed chlorinated PSMAs originating from isomeric IC end groups are developed by adjusting chlorinated positions and copolymerized sites on end groups to achieve high molecular weight, favorable intermolecular interaction, and improved physicochemical properties. Compared with regioregular PY2Se‐Cl‐o and PY2Se‐Cl‐m, regiorandom PY2Se‐Cl‐ran has a similar absorption profile, moderate lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level, and favorable intermolecular packing and crystallization properties. Moreover, the binary PM6:PY2Se‐Cl‐ran blend achieves better ductility with a crack‐onset strain of 17.5% and improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.23% in all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) due to the higher molecular weight of PY2Se‐Cl‐ran and optimized blend morphology, while the ternary PM6:J71:PY2Se‐Cl‐ran blend offers an impressive PCE approaching 17% and excellent device stability, which are all crucial for potential practical applications of all‐PSCs in wearable electronics. To date, the efficiency of 16.86% is the highest value reported for the regiorandom PSMAs‐based all‐PSCs and is also one of the best values reported for the all‐PSCs. Our work provides a new perspective to develop efficient all‐PSCs, with all high active layer ductility, impressive PCE, and excellent device stability, towards practical applications.
Functional Nanomaterial‐Modified Anodes in Microbial Fuel Cells: Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Jiang Yu‐Jing , Hui Su , Jiang Li‐Ping , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: September 2022

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising approach that could utilize microorganisms to oxidize biodegradable pollutants in wastewater and generate electrical power simultaneously. Introducing advanced anode nanomaterials is generally considered as an effective way to enhance MFC performance by increasing bacterial adhesion and facilitating extracellular electron transfer (EET). This review focuses on the key advances of recent anode modification materials, as well as the current understanding of the microbial EET process occurring at the bacteria‐electrode interface. Based on the difference in combination mode of the exoelectrogens and nanomaterials, anode surface modification, hybrid biofilm construction and single‐bacterial surface modification strategies are elucidated exhaustively. The inherent mechanisms may help to break through the performance output bottleneck of MFCs by rational design of EET‐related nanomaterials, and lead to the widespread application of microbial electrochemical systems.
Latent profiles of dietary restraint among individuals with binge‐spectrum eating disorders: Associations with eating disorder symptom severity
Authors: Presseller Emily K. , Lampe Elizabeth W. , Nunez Nicole , Juarascio Adrienne S.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The relationship of dietary restraint in increasing risk for binge eating among individuals with binge‐spectrum eating disorders (B‐EDs) is well established. However, previous research has not yet identified whether these individuals exhibit heterogeneous profiles of dietary restraint and whether these profiles are associated with differences in eating pathology.

Methods

Individuals with B‐EDs (N = 290) completed the Eating Disorder Examination. Latent profile analysis was conducted on dietary restraint frequency data, including restriction of overall amount of food consumed, avoidance of eating, desire for an empty stomach, food avoidance, and dietary rules. Identified latent profiles were compared on binge eating frequency, compensatory behaviors frequency, and ED pathology using the three‐step procedure.

Results

A four‐class model of dietary restraint best fit the data. Classes significantly differed in frequency of compensatory behaviors (F[3, 286] = 31.01, p < .001), EDE Eating Concern (F[3, 286] = 14.36, p < .001), EDE Shape Concern (F[3, 286] = 7.06, p < .001), EDE Weight Concern (F[3, 286] = 6.83, p < .001), and ED Pathology (F[3, 286] = 12.86, p < .001), but did not differ in frequency of objective (F[3, 286] = 2.45, p = .06) or subjective binge episodes (F[3, 286] = 1.87, p = .14).

Discussion

Individuals with B‐EDs exhibit distinct profiles of dietary restraint, which are associated with frequency of compensatory behaviors and severity of ED pathology.

Public Significance Statement

Individuals with binge‐spectrum eating disorders have different patterns of restrictive eating symptoms. These profiles of restrictive eating behaviors are associated with differences in severity of compensatory behaviors and cognitive eating disorder symptoms, like shape and weight dissatisfaction. Understanding the relationships between profiles of restrictive eating behaviors and other eating disorder symptoms may allow for personalization of treatment and improvements in treatment efficacy.
Development of a circuit breaker system using a linear motor with opposite magnetic poles
Authors: Aoyama Yasuaki , Hasegawa Yu , Shiraishi Katsuhiko , Hashimoto Hiroaki , Urai Hajime , Ebisawa Daisuke
Published: September 2022

The high‐thrust linear motor with a lightweight and high‐strength mover was developed for operating circuit breakers. The linear motor is composed of a lightweight mover that has permanent magnets sandwiched between magnetic poles and an armature with a three‐dimensional magnetic circuit. The specifications and performance of the linear motor were determined to cut off current soundly. Then, a prototype of a fully electrically operated breaker using linear motor was investigated. The linear‐motor‐based operating mechanism designed for the circuit breaker reached the open‐pole position in 13.2 ms from the start of movement. However, the time from opening to 0.5 cycle was 9.0 ms. In addition, the variation in breaking operation time was within 1 ms, which was expected that stable controlled operation.
Insulo‐opercular stereoelectroencephalography exploration in children and young adults: Indications, techniques, and safety
Authors: Chilukuri Akanksha S. , Awkwayena Emefa , Abel Taylor J.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Sampling the insulo‐opercular region with invasive recordings is crucial given the importance of this region in epileptic networks and a variety of electroclinical presentations. However, implantation of the insulo‐opercular region via stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) is considered technically challenging given complex vascular and gray matter relationships in this region. We investigated the safety of insulo‐opercular sEEG exploration in children and young adults using standard sEEG approaches: (1) orthogonal insulo‐opercular (including the pseudo‐orthogonal insulo‐opercular approach) and (2) medial‐lateral insular oblique approach.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent 33 sEEG implantations. All patients had drug‐resistant focal epilepsy, were between the ages of 4 and 21, and were operated at one institution between January 2019 and March 2021. Medical records and neuroimaging were reviewed. Hemorrhage, infection, and other complications were considered as outcome variables.

Results

A total of 519 electrodes were placed. Eighty‐one were placed orthogonally into the temporal operculum, 53 orthogonally into the frontal operculum, and 19 obliquely into the insula. sEEG electrodes localized seizure onset to the insulo‐opercular region in eight patients, leading to a resection three times, an ablation four times, and one peri‐insular hemispherectomy. Of the 519 electrodes placed, none of them exhibited hemorrhage or serious complications. Of the 153 electrodes placed into the insula, none had any permanent deficits or complications and one had minor bleeding due to the electrode breaking.

Significance

These results demonstrate that the orthogonal (including pseudo‐orthogonal) and medial approaches to sampling the insula are safe.
Effects of the BTN162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in humoral and cellular immunity in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Fiorcari Stefania , Atene Claudio Giacinto , Maffei Rossana , Mesini Nicolò , Debbia Giulia , Colasante Corrado , Pozzi Stefano , Barbieri Emiliano , Maccaferri Monica , Leonardi Giovanna , Potenza Leonardo , Luppi Mario , Marasca Roberto
Published: September 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common leukemia in the western countries, is characterized by immunosuppression due to disease itself and cytotoxic treatments. Since the beginning of COVID‐19 pandemic, patients with CLL appear to be a vulnerable population. In addition, phase III mRNA vaccine trials did not provide information about the efficacy in immunocomprised population. In CLL, the antibody‐mediated response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine is impaired. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination on humoral immune response and on cellular immunity in CLL patients. Humoral immune response to BNT162b2 messenger RNA COVID‐19 vaccine was evaluated in 44 CLL patients comprising 20 treatment‐naïve, 14 under treatment with ibrutinib and 10 in follow‐up after completion of therapy. A positive serological response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination with IgG titers higher than 13 UA/ml was detected in 54.6% of CLL patients with a higher response in patients who obtained remission after treatment. Reduced antibody response was detected in patients under ibrutinib treatment. T‐cell response to overlapping pool of peptides representing the spike region was assessed in paired CLL samples collected before and after 1 month from the second dose of COVID‐19 vaccine in treatment‐naïve and ibrutinib‐treated CLL patients using cytokine secretion assay. Both CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ T cells are able to mount a cellular response to spike peptides with secretion of IFNγ and TNFα before and after vaccination in both treatment naïve and ibrutinib‐treated patients and this cellular immune response is independent by COVID‐19 vaccination. Collectively, T cell response to spike peptides appeared more blunted in CLL patients under treatment with ibrutinib compared to untreated ones. Our study supports the need for optimization of vaccination strategy to achieve an adequate immune response keeping strict preventive measures by CLL patients against COVID‐19.
A turbulent air‐flow corrugating photovoltaic model to enhance power output
Authors: Duwairi Hamzeh , Yousef Alia , Alrbai Mohammad
Published: September 2022

This paper investigated the influence of the cooling of turbulent blowing air on the photovoltaic (PV) modules using the corrugation technique. The well‐known five‐parameter diode equation side by side with conservation principles were used to study the effect of corrugating lower PV sides to cool PV's and enhance efficiency. As the main restriction of PV systems is low efficiency that is powerfully counting on its operational temperature, therefore, reducing the operating temperature of PV cells is critical for the PV panel to work. To achieve this aim, a mathematical model describing PV temperatures and efficiency using continuity, momentum, and energy side by side with the Shockley diode equation was built. It was found that the corrugating of lower sides of PV's up to 1 mm in a distance of 20 mm considering turbulent flow conditions considerably reduced temperature and consequently enhanced thermal efficiency from 13% to 15%; the eddy viscosity and Reynolds shear stress increased boundary layer thickness and velocities, so increased the coefficient of heat transfer and consequently electrical power output and thermal efficiency.
High Bone Mass Disorders: New Insights From Connecting the Clinic and the Bench
Authors: Bergen Dylan J.M. , Maurizi Antonio , Formosa Melissa M. , McDonald Georgina L.K. , El-Gazzar Ahmed , Hassan Neelam , Brandi Maria-Luisa , Riancho José A. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Ntzani Evangelia , Duncan Emma L. , Gregson Celia L. , Kiel Douglas P. , Zillikens M. Carola , Sangiorgi Luca , Högler Wolfgang , Duran Ivan , Mäkitie Outi , Van Hul Wim , Hendrickx Gretl
Published: September 2022

Monogenic high bone mass (HBM) disorders are characterized by an increased amount of bone in general, or at specific sites in the skeleton. Here, we describe 59 HBM disorders with 50 known disease-causing genes from the literature, and we provide an overview of the signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Based on this, we classify the known HBM genes into HBM (sub)groups according to uniform Gene Ontology (GO) terminology. This classification system may aid in hypothesis generation, for both wet lab experimental design and clinical genetic screening strategies. We discuss how functional genomics can shape discovery of novel HBM genes and/or mechanisms in the future, through implementation of omics assessments in existing and future model systems. Finally, we address strategies to improve gene identification in unsolved HBM cases and highlight the importance for cross-laboratory collaborations encompassing multidisciplinary efforts to transfer knowledge generated at the bench to the clinic. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
MicroRNA‐506 ameliorates breast cancer‐induced osteolytic bone metastasis via the NFATc‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Feng , Qin Jingbo , Kong Shuxin , Pan Limin , Ding Ran
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is becoming a common life‐threatening disease, especially in women, along with higher incidence and mortality. MicroRNA (miR)−506 was reported to participate in breast cancer progression, while the role of miR‐506 in breast cancer‐induced osteolytic bone metastasis is unclear. In the present study, we found significant downregulation of miR‐506 in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR‐506 notably reduced the proliferative, migratory and invasive rates of MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, and reduced the production of inflammatory factors IL‐6 and TNF‐α in MCF7 cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐506 obviously inhibited tumor growth in an in vivo animal model. In addition, overexpression of miR‐560 efficiently attenuated breast cancer‐induced osteolysis in vivo, which was characterized by increased bone volume/total volume (BT/TV), trabecular number (Tb. N), and trabecular thickness (Tb. Th), as well as the reduced trabecular separation (Tb. Sp). The nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) was identified as a downstream target of miR‐506, and overexpression of miR‐506 could inhibit breast cancer progression by targeting NFATc1. Furthermore, our results showed that NFATc‐1 might participate in the inhibition of miR‐506 on breast cancer‐induced osteolysis. In conclusion, our findings provide insights into understanding the pathogenesis of breast cancer and breast cancer‐induced osteolytic bone metastasis, and miR‐506 might serve as a novel biomarker for this disease.
Measuring barriers of behavior change: How to better operationalize psychosocial constructs of control
Authors: Branscum Paul , Gresla Alice
Published: September 2022

Researchers are generally interested in understanding barriers of behavior change, however current methods used to elicit such information may be confounded with other theoretical constructs such as motivation, and attitudes. The purpose of this study was to understand how distinct methodologies lead to potentially different results when eliciting barriers of physical activity among military spouses. Military spouses were recruited online (n = 253) and randomized into one of four conditions; a standard condition (standard elicitation of barriers); an impossible condition (elicitation using alternative words); an incentive condition (motivation held constant by the use of a hypothetical incentive); or a vignette condition (participants were primed with a vignette to interpret the literal meaning of prevent and enable). Responses were coded into categories and results showed participants reported significantly fewer barriers and enablers for physical activity for all treatment conditions compared to the standard condition. This study sheds light on how barriers of behavior change are studied, and potential problems that occur when attempting to elicit them in research and practice. Careful consideration should be given when eliciting barriers, to assure they are not convoluted with other psychosocial constructs.
STAC3 determines the slow activation kinetics of CaV1.1 currents and inhibits its voltage‐dependent inactivation
Authors: Tuinte Wietske E. , Török Enikő , Mahlknecht Irene , Tuluc Petronel , Flucher Bernhard E. , Campiglio Marta
Published: September 2022

The skeletal muscle CaV1.1 channel functions as the voltage‐sensor of excitation−contraction (EC) coupling. Recently, the adaptor protein STAC3 was found to be essential for both CaV1.1 functional expression and EC coupling. Interestingly, STAC proteins were also reported to inhibit calcium‐dependent inactivation (CDI) of L‐type calcium channels (LTCC), an important negative feedback mechanism in calcium signaling. The same could not be demonstrated for CaV1.1, as STAC3 is required for its functional expression. However, upon strong membrane depolarization, CaV1.1 conducts calcium currents characterized by very slow kinetics of activation and inactivation. Therefore, we hypothesized that the negligible inactivation observed in CaV1.1 currents reflects the inhibitory effect of STAC3. Here, we inserted a triple mutation in the linker region of STAC3 (ETLAAA), as the analogous mutation abolished the inhibitory effect of STAC2 on CDI of CaV1.3 currents. When coexpressed in CaV1.1/STAC3 double knockout myotubes, the mutant STAC3‐ETLAAA failed to colocalize with CaV1.1 in the sarcoplasmic reticulum/membrane junctions. However, combined patch‐clamp and calcium recording experiments revealed that STAC3‐ETLAAA supports CaV1.1 functional expression and EC coupling, although at a reduced extent compared to wild‐type STAC3. Importantly, STAC3‐ETLAAA coexpression dramatically accelerated the kinetics of activation and inactivation of CaV1.1 currents, suggesting that STAC3 determines the slow CaV1.1 currents kinetics. To examine if STAC3 specifically inhibits the CDI of CaV1.1 currents, we performed patch‐clamp recordings using calcium and barium as charge carriers in HEK cells. While CaV1.1 displayed negligible CDI with STAC3, this did not increase in the presence of STAC3‐ETLAAA. On the contrary, our data demonstrate that STAC3 specifically inhibits the voltage‐dependent inactivation (VDI) of CaV1.1 currents. Altogether, these results designate STAC3 as a crucial determinant for the slow activation kinetics of CaV1.1 currents and implicate STAC proteins as modulators of both components of inactivation of LTCC.
Transient inhibition of CDK2 activity prevents oocyte meiosis I completion and egg activation in mouse
Authors: Li Jian , Chang Hao‐Ya , Yi Zi‐Yun , Zhang Chun‐Hui , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Qian Wei‐Ping
Published: September 2022

Mammalian oocytes are arrested at the diplotene stage of prophase I during fetal or postnatal development. It was reported that cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDK1) was the sole CDK to drive the resumption of meiosis and CDK2 was dispensable for meiosis progression in mouse oocytes according to the conditional knockout studies. However, a recent study showed that CDK2 activity is essential for meiotic division and gametogenesis by means of gene‐directed mutagenesis, which avoids the compensatory activation of other CDKs. Taken the compensatory effect between CDKs after gene knockout, the physiological function of CDK2 activity in oocyte maturation remains unclear. To address this issue, we applied a specific small‐molecule inhibitor to restrain CDK2 activity transiently during oocyte meiotic maturation. Surprisingly, transient inhibition of CDK2 activity severely prevented the meiosis I completion although the meiotic resumption was not affected. Then we found that CDK2 activity was required for establishment of normal spindle and chromosome dynamics. Notably, CDK2 inhibition interrupted the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C)‐dependent degradation pathway by maintaining the activation of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Interestingly, CDK2 inhibition prevented the egg activation as well. Overall, our data demonstrate that CDK2 kinase activity is required for proper dynamics of spindle and chromosomes, whose disturbance induces the continuous SAC activation and subsequent inactivation of APC/C activity in oocyte meiosis.
Potential Drug Interaction Between Favipiravir and Warfarin in Patients With COVID‐19: A Real‐World Observational Study
Authors: Wattana Konkanok , Uitrakul Suriyon , Leesakulpisut Nattapol , Khunkit Pirawan
Published: September 2022

Favipiravir is one of the most used antiviral agents for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infection in many countries, including Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the effect of favipiravir‐warfarin interaction in terms of changes in international normalized ratio (INR) of patients. Medication charts of all inpatients in a hospital in Thailand between April 2021 and March 2022 were reviewed. Patients who received either warfarin with standard care or warfarin with favipiravir were included. The INR levels of patients were monitored at baseline and the earliest date following treatment, as well as other laboratory parameters. There were 43 and 53 patients in the warfarin‐favipiravir and the warfarin‐only groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics, such as sex, age, body mass index, and warfarin dose, were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The results showed that the mean INR of patients using favipiravir and warfarin was increased from 2.14 to 3.88 (P < .001), while the patients using warfarin alone had no increase in the mean INR (1.93 vs 1.91; P = .906). Other parameters were not significantly changed, including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and liver function. However, an increase in platelet count was observed in the favipiravir‐warfarin group, but not in the control group. This real‐world study highlighted a significant increase in the INR levels of patients who used favipiravir together with warfarin, compared to patients who used only warfarin. However, the interaction did not affect other laboratory parameters, except an increase in platelet count.
High‐concentration atropine induces corneal epithelial cell apoptosis via miR‐30c‐1/SOCS3
Authors: Chen Xi‐Jia , Hu Po , Yi Shu
Published: September 2022

Atropine is an anticholinergic drug widely used in the field of ophthalmology, but its abuse can cause cytotoxicity to the cornea, resulting in blurred vision. This study used cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) to investigate the mechanism of high‐concentration atropine‐induced cytotoxicity. HCECs were treated with different concentrations of atropine. The expression levels of microRNA (miR)‐30c‐1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) were manipulated in HCECs treated with 0.1% atropine. Cell counting kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry were used to assess the viability and apoptosis of HCECs. The relationship between miR‐30c‐1 and SOCS3 was obtained from an online database and validated using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation method. The effect of atropine on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway was also investigated. High‐concentration atropine inhibited the viability of HCECs and promoted their apoptosis. Moreover, atropine reduced miR‐30c‐1 expression and increased SOCS3 expression in a dose‐dependent manner. It was found that miR‐30c‐1 targeted SOCS3. Overexpression of miR‐30c‐1‐reduced atropine‐induced HCEC cytotoxicity, whereas upregulation of SOCS3 reversed the effects of miR‐30c‐1 overexpression. High‐concentration atropine inhibited activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway via miR‐30c‐1/SOCS3. High‐concentration atropine induces HCEC apoptosis by regulating the miR‐30c‐1/SOCS3 axis and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Anisotropic Enhancement in Thermal Conductivity of Graphene Foam/Polymer Composites Based on Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Gao Ge , Sun Mingqi , Dai Bing , Yang Lei , Liu Kang , Yang Zhenhuai , Han Jiecai , Zhu Jiaqi
Published: September 2022

High‐performance thermal interface materials are in increasing demand because of the problems of dissipating heat from high‐power computing devices. To solve this problem, this study proposes a method of microstructural design through uniaxial compression of graphene foam along the out‐of‐plane direction. The thermal conductivity of the composites with graphene foam shows an anisotropic growth along the direction of the compressive strain. The in‐plane thermal conductivity increases significantly from 0.189 to 1.669 W m−1 K−1 at an extremely low filler content of 2.24 vol%, whereas the out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity increases slightly to 0.303 W m−1 K−1. Moreover, the samples exhibit outstanding in‐plane thermal conductivity enhanced efficiency, which reaches 415.19% at a 1.29 vol% graphene content. The mechanism of anisotropic thermal conductivity enhancement is revealed by constructing a theoretical model based on a geometrical unit cell simplified from the morphology of graphene foam. This uniaxial compression method of a 3 structure provides a novel direction for improving the thermal conductivity of polymeric matrix composites more controllably.
Non‐Persistence of Tremorolytic Effect of Perampanel in Essential Tremor: Real‐World Experience with 50 Patients
Authors: Gironell Alexandre , Pascual‐Sedano Berta , Marín‐Lahoz Juan , Pérez Jesús , Pagonabarraga Javier
Published: September 2022

Background

We describe our experience of using perampanel to treat essential tremor (ET) over 12 months.

Methods

We enrolled 50 ET patients in an open‐label trial. Perampanel was titrated to 4 mg/day as adjuvant therapy. The main outcome measures were baseline, +1, +3, +6, and + 12 month scores of the Tremor Clinical Rating Scale (TCRS) and the Glass scale (GS).

Results

Twenty patients withdrew because of adverse effects. At +1 month, 27 of 30 patients improved: 68% reduction in both TCRS 1 + 2 (P < 0.001) and TCRS 3 (P < 0.001); TCRS 4 + 1.8 and GS 1.1 point reduction. By +12 months non‐persistence of therapeutic effect occurred in 70% of patients: the mean reduction in TCRS 1 + 2 was 33% (P = 0.03), TCRS 3 (0.04), TCRS 4 + 0.8, GS 0.2 points reduction.

Conclusions

We report important peramapanel acute tremorolytic effects, but poor tolerance to adverse effects and a non‐sustained therapeutic effect in most patients.
Strategic management of companies' adaptive behavior
Authors: Yin You
Published: September 2022

The modern stage of economic growth is accompanied by sophisticated, multifaceted, and diverse processes, including globalization, the evolution of a new technological paradigm, the growing scarcity of available resources, and changing consumer demands and preferences. In this context, the ability of businesses to quickly and adequately adapt to changes, induced by the external environment, is crucial to their long‐term success. Awareness of these circumstances has led to increased research interest to the issues of managing the adaptability of businesses. The paper quantifies the major dependencies and controversies between the adaptability assessment methods and strategic development of entrepreneurship. The research findings provide an understanding of the overall trend of adaptability management and its impact on the business performance and management strategies that can be used to increase resistance to the extrinsic factors. The main methods of analysis include matrix‐based approaches to selecting the best strategic decisions. A methodical approach was proposed for a reasoned choice of retailers' strategic adaptation areas, which makes it possible to determine the optimal type of adaptation strategy and opens opportunities for determining the company's strategic pathway in its adaptation context. This paper addresses the current market‐driven settings of economic management and the issues of managing the retailers' adaptability in China, as well as the need to change the methods of their strategic management in order to develop a strong competitive position in today's fast‐paced environment and promote economic growth. The research findings can be applied in various types of businesses, regardless of the scale thereof.
In vivo magnetic resonance 31P‐Spectral Analysis With Neural Networks: 31P‐SPAWNN
Authors: Songeon Julien , Courvoisier Sébastien , Xin Lijing , Agius Thomas , Dabrowski Oscar , Longchamp Alban , Lazeyras François , Klauser Antoine
Published: September 2022

Purpose

We have introduced an artificial intelligence framework, 31P‐SPAWNN, in order to fully analyze phosphorus‐31 (P) magnetic resonance spectra. The flexibility and speed of the technique rival traditional least‐square fitting methods, with the performance of the two approaches, are compared in this work.

Theory and Methods

Convolutional neural network architectures have been proposed for the analysis and quantification of P‐spectroscopy. The generation of training and test data using a fully parameterized model is presented herein. In vivo unlocalized free induction decay and three‐dimensional P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging data were acquired from healthy volunteers before being quantified using either 31P‐SPAWNN or traditional least‐square fitting techniques.

Results

The presented experiment has demonstrated both the reliability and accuracy of 31P‐SPAWNN for estimating metabolite concentrations and spectral parameters. Simulated test data showed improved quantification using 31P‐SPAWNN compared with LCModel. In vivo data analysis revealed higher accuracy at low signal‐to‐noise ratio using 31P‐SPAWNN, yet with equivalent precision. Processing time using 31P‐SPAWNN can be further shortened up to two orders of magnitude.

Conclusion

The accuracy, reliability, and computational speed of the method open new perspectives for integrating these applications in a clinical setting.
Factor analysis of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in American Indian women
Authors: Brooks Jada L. , Adams Leslie B. , Woods‐Giscombé Cheryl L. , Currin Emily G. , Corbie‐Smith Giselle M.
Published: September 2022

The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) is widely used to assess depressive symptoms in the general population. It lacks validation for widespread use within the American Indian population, however. To address this gap, we explored and confirmed the factor structure of the CES‐D among a community sample of southeastern American Indian women. We analyzed data from a sample of 150 American Indian women ages 18–50 from a southeastern tribe who had complete responses on the CES‐D as part of a larger cross‐sectional, community‐engaged study. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the measure's validity. We examined EFA models ranging from one to five factors, with the four‐factor structure yielding the best overall model fit (CFI = 1.00, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.03). Differences between the four‐factor EFA‐retained structure from our sample and Radloff's four‐factor structure emerged. Only the interpersonal factor was common to both factor structures. Our study findings confirm the validity of the original four‐factor structure of the CES‐D for younger adult American Indian women in the southeast. Contrasting findings with the EFA‐retained structure, however, provide a more nuanced interpretation of our results.
Investment portfolio tracking using model predictive control
Authors: de Melo Maisa Kely , Nogueira Cardoso Rodrigo Tomás , Argolo Jesus Tales , Vianna Raffo Guilherme
Published: September 2022

The composition of an investment portfolio aiming to increase the financial returns while reducing the exposure to risk is a topic of growing interest in the world. In this direction, we propose a model predictive control (MPC) strategy in order to optimize the investment portfolio selection taking into account the tracking of a reference portfolio with desired return. In addition, an analysis comparing different sizes of the prediction horizon according to VPH‐MPC (Varying Predictive Horizon‐MPC) and FPH‐MPC (Fixed Predictive Horizon‐MPC) algorithms is conducted. Finally, we propose an optimal control problem using the tracking error as a function of loss of CVaR (Conditional Value at Risk) measurement. Numerical experiments are run based on Brazilian Stock Exchange data. The experimental results are compared with the Markowitz portfolio optimization model, a conventional tracking strategy, and benchmarks from the Brazilian financial market. This comparison indicates a good tracking performance obtained by the proposed MPC in the two versions while satisfying the constraints.
Influencing factors and evaluation methods of reinforcement effect of fiber‐modified asphalt binder
Authors: Ma Feng , Jin Yanxin , Fu Zhen , Dai Jiasheng , Zhang Pan , Zhang Chao , Wen Yalu
Published: September 2022

The reinforcement of fiber is the linchpin of improving the strength of the asphalt binder and its mixture. This study aims to evaluate the reinforced shear effect and influence factors of fiber materials (i.e., lignin fiber, basalt fiber, polyester fiber, and hybrid fiber) by the self‐developed direct shear test. The micro‐reinforcement mechanism of fiber was explained based on the scanning electron microscope and basket leak test. Besides, the effects of fiber type, content, loading temperature, and rate on the asphalt binder's shear strength were analyzed systemically. The results indicate that the direct shear strength of asphalt binder was positively correlated with fiber content and loading rate but negatively associated with temperature. Meanwhile, when the fiber content is too large, the raise of shear strength will decrease. Gray entropy correlation analysis shows that the fiber type had the most effective influence on the binder's shear strength. The four fibers' reinforcing effects in descending order were composite fiber, polyester fiber, basalt fiber, and lignin fiber. Based on the growth rate of direct shear strength, the optimal lignin and basalt fiber content was 7%, polyester fiber was 6%–7%, and composite fiber was 6%. Furthermore, lignin fiber and basalt fiber were more sensitive to temperature, while polyester fiber had a better mid‐temperature weather resistance. Composite fibers and basalt fibers performed more stable behavior at high loading rates, decreasing 39% and 40%, respectively. Polyester fibers were stable when applied to the low loading rates, with an attenuation rate of 42%.
Medical termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly at or beyond 20 weeks' gestation—What are the maternal risks?
Authors: Stewart Bridie , Kane Stefan C. , Unterscheider Julia
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the common and severe maternal morbidities associated with medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP) for fetal anomaly ≥20 weeks' gestation.

Methods

A 10‐year retrospective cohort study (January 2010–December 2019) analyzing 407 consecutive singleton pregnancies MTOP for fetal anomaly ≥20 weeks' gestation, at a quaternary maternity centre in Australia (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne).

Results

The cohort comprised of 191 primiparous and 216 multiparous women, of whom 75 (34.7%) had at least one prior Cesarean; 13 women had a low‐lying placenta or placenta praevia. The average gestation was 23 weeks (interquartile range 22–26 weeks). A spontaneous unassisted vaginal delivery was achieved by the majority (n = 403, 99.0%). The most common maternal morbidities were transferred to the theater for manual removal of retained placental tissue (n = 65, 16.0%) and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) (n = 45, 11.1%). Severe maternal morbidity occurred in six cases (1.3%) and included amniotic fluid embolism, cardiac arrest, major obstetric haemorrhage, uterine rupture and intensive care unit admission. There were no maternal deaths.

Conclusions

The most common complications of MTOP for fetal anomaly ≥20 weeks' gestation were manual removal of placenta and PPH. Severe maternal morbidity affected 1 in 81 women.
Microscopic deformation and failure modes of high‐functionality epoxy resins from bond breaking molecular dynamics simulations and experimental investigation
Authors: Jang Chang Woon , Mullinax J. Wayne , Kang Jin Ho , Palmieri Frank L. , Hudson Tyler B. , Lawson John W.
Published: September 2022

The material behavior of the API‐60 epoxy resin was investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. In this study, a hybrid, reactive force field (M‐GAFF2), which combined Morse and harmonic bond potentials from GAFF2, was developed to understand the elastic/plastic response of the cured epoxy polymer. We found that elastic deformation was caused by epoxy network rearrangement at low strain while plastic deformation was observed by stretching and breaking covalent bonds after the yield point. Ab initio calculations at the CASPT2(2,2)/6‐311+G** level of theory were performed to compute parameters for M‐GAFF2. These are necessary for breaking covalent bonds in the epoxy network backbone when they are deformed. The M‐GAFF2 was effective in revealing the ductile‐like deformation behavior of the crosslinked epoxy polymer at the microscopic level, including elastic/plastic deformations and progressive failure. The effect of testing temperature at 300 and 400 K and degree of cure (DoC) on tensile properties such as Young's modulus, ultimate strength, and failure strain was evaluated to verify the feasibility of the M‐GAFF2 in different thermodynamic constraints. This new approach is easy to use for nonequilibrium MD simulations and computationally efficient for studying the microscopic deformation and failure behavior of thermosetting polymers at the atomistic scale.
Exponential synchronization of stochastic coupled neural networks with Markovian switching via event‐triggered control
Authors: Zhang Renlei , Chen Qiaoyu , Tong Dongbing , Zhou Wuneng
Published: September 2022

This article reports on exponential synchronization for stochastic coupled neural networks (NNs) with mixed time‐varying delays, stochastic coupling strength, and Markovian switching. In order to reduce the amount of data transmission and save network resources, an event‐triggered control method is provided in this study. When the triggered condition can be met, the data can be transmitted so that the master and slave systems with limited resources and bandwidth can realize synchronization. By the Lyapunov stability theory and several analysis skills of matrix properties, some new criteria are obtained to make sure that stochastic coupled NNs are mean square exponential stability. These criteria are provided by linear matrix inequalities. Finally, a numerical case further demonstrates the validity of the proposed criteria.
Feature screening of ultrahigh dimensional longitudinal data based on the C‐statistic
Authors: Lai Peng , Di Qing , Shen Zhezi , Zhou Yanqiu
Published: September 2022

This paper considers the feature screening method for the ultrahigh dimensional semiparametric linear models with longitudinal data. The C‐statistic which measures the rank concordance between predictors and outcomes is generalized to the longitudinal data. On the basis of C‐statistic and the score equation theory, we propose a feature screening method named LCSIS. Based on the smoothed technique and the score equations, the proposed estimating screening procedure is easy to compute and satisfies the feature screening consistency. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulation studies and a real data application are conducted to examine the finite sample performance of the proposed procedure.
Recent approaches in nanocarrier‐based therapies for neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Mengarda Ana C. , Iles Bruno , Longo João Paulo F. , de Moraes Josué
Published: September 2022

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain major public health problems in developing countries. Reducing the burden of NTDs requires sustained collaborative drug discovery efforts to achieve the goals of the new NTDs roadmap launched by the World Health Organization. Oral drugs are the most convenient choice and usually the safest and least expensive. However, the oral use of some drugs for NTDs treatment has many drawbacks, including toxicity, adverse reactions, drug resistance, drug low solubility, and bioavailability. Since there is an imperative need for novel and more effective drugs to treat the various NTDs, in recent years, several compound‐loaded nanoparticles have been prepared with the objective of evaluating their application as an oral drug delivery system for the treatment of NTDs. This review focuses on the various types of nanoparticle drug delivery systems that have been recently used against the major NTDs caused by parasites such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and schistosomiasis.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Sociodemographic and regional determinants of rabies submission bias in North Carolina
Authors: Hicks Carson L. , Urbanek Rachael E. , Olfenbuttel Colleen
Published: September 2022

With North Carolina's human population and urban development rapidly expanding, spread of zoonotic disease is of concern to both wildlife managers and public health officials. Between 2008 and 2018, 300−1,000 wild terrestrial animals were submitted for rabies testing each year, however, only 30−46% of total submissions tested positive for rabies annually. Given the low percentage of positive tests and high number of submissions in some counties, we used one‐way ANOVAs to determine if a submission bias, that is, healthy wildlife being submitted for rabies testing for undetermined reasons (e.g., fear, lack of knowledge), may exist in some counties or throughout North Carolina. Using multiple regression analyses and data from all 100 counties, we investigated if income, age, education, gender, ethnicity, population density, housing density, and geographical region influenced total submissions and percent positive cases. Statewide, annual total submissions averaged 765 ± 56.0 (x̄ ± SE throughout) and the percent positive cases averaged 35% ± 1%, however variation existed among counties for both metrics (F98−99,947−1088 = 3.77−23.07 P < 0.001) indicating submission bias. Counties that are in the Piedmont region and/or have lower percentages of Black residents (Std. β = −0.17) and counties with denser human populations, housing density, and/or more tourism income (β = 0.71) had the largest number of total submissions for rabies testing. Alternatively, counties that had higher percentages of residents who had attended some college submitted fewer animals for testing (Std. β = −0.18). Counties with a higher percent of Black residents also had a higher percentage of positive cases (Std. β = 0.33) and, as expected based on the ethnic composition of each region, there were lower percentages of positive cases in the Mountain region compared to the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. The percent of self‐reported Hispanic residents in a county also positively affected (Std. β = 0.30) the percentage of positive cases. This variable was negatively correlated with median age indicating counties with older residents have a lower percentage of positive cases. We suggest rabies education should be focused on the Mountain region, White residents, and older individuals in North Carolina since these groups of residents were more likely to request rabies testing on non‐rabid wildlife. Specifically, counties with higher populations of White individuals had higher annual total submissions, but fewer positive tests for rabies, indicating this demographic group had the most bias and they, as well as local and county animal control departments, should be the focus for targeted educational programs.
Global boundedness and asymptotic behavior in a chemotaxis system with signal‐dependent motility and indirect signal absorption
Authors: Ren Guoqiang , Shi Yu
Published: September 2022

In this paper we investigate the following chemotaxis system with signal‐dependent motility and indirect signal absorptionin a bounded domain with smooth boundary. We present the global existence of classical solutions to the model (*) in two space dimensions with logistic source and in any dimension for small initial data without logistic source. In addition, the asymptotic behavior of the solutions is studied.
Stochastic homogenization on perforated domains II – Application to nonlinear elasticity models
Authors: Heida Martin
Published: September 2022

Based on a recent work that exposed the lack of uniformly bounded extension operators on randomly perforated domains, we study stochastic homogenization of nonlinear p‐elasticity, , on such structures using instead the extension operators constructed in former works. We thereby introduce two‐scale convergence methods on such random domains under the intrinsic loss of regularity and prove some generally useful calculus theorems on the probability space, for example, abstract Gauss theorems.
Two-loop master integrals for pseudo-scalar quarkonium and leptonium production and decay
Authors: Abreu Samuel , Becchetti Matteo , Duhr Claude , Ozcelik Melih A.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We compute the master integrals relevant for the two-loop corrections to pseudo-scalar quarkonium and leptonium production and decay. We present both analytic and high-precision numerical results. The analytic expressions are given in terms of multiple polylogarithms (MPLs), elliptic multiple polylogarithms (eMPLs) and iterated integrals of Eisenstein series. As an application of our results, we obtain for the first time an analytic expression for the two-loop amplitude for para-positronium decay to two photons at two loops.