bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocompatible and Nanoenabled Technologies for Biological Modulation
Authors: Ostroff Eleanor , Parekh Kavita , Prominski Aleksander , Tian Bozhi
Published: June 2021

Biocompatible and nanoscale devices for biological modulation of cells and tissues possess the potential for tremendous impact on medical and industrial technologies. Typical medical devices and therapies tend to be macroscale, comprised of nonbiocompatible materials, and broadly targeted, resulting in imprecise treatments and adverse effects such as chronic immune response and tissue damage. The development of nanoenabled and biocompatible technologies—ranging from biodegradable nanoparticles for localized drug delivery to transient electronic devices for stimulation therapy to engineered biofilms with applications to nanomedicine—will continue to enable the advent of personalized medicine and precision therapies. In this review, recent research into this frontier is reviewed, first analyzing the synthesis of nanoenabled and biocompatible technologies and then presenting significant considerations regarding the development of such materials. Lastly, the latest advancements in biocompatible, nanoenabled devices are examined, followed by a discussion of the direction of future research in the field.
Metal‐Coordinated Supramolecular Self‐Assemblies for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Xu Jiating , Wang Jun , Ye Jin , Jiao Jiao , Liu Zhiguo , Zhao Chunjian , Li Bin , Fu Yujie
Published: June 2021

Metal‐coordinated supramolecular nanoassemblies have recently attracted extensive attention as materials for cancer theranostics. Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, metal‐coordinated supramolecular self‐assemblies can bridge the boundary between traditional inorganic and organic materials. By tailoring the structural components of the metal ions and binding ligands, numerous multifunctional theranostic nanomedicines can be constructed. Metal‐coordinated supramolecular nanoassemblies can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus facilitating the development of TME‐responsive nanomedicines. More importantly, TME‐responsive organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials can be constructed in vivo by exploiting the metal‐coordinated self‐assembly of a variety of functional ligands, which is a promising strategy for enhancing the tumor accumulation of theranostic molecules. In this review, recent advancements in the design and fabrication of metal‐coordinated supramolecular nanomedicines for cancer theranostics are highlighted. These supramolecular compounds are classified according to the order in which the coordinated metal ions appear in the periodic table. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of metal‐coordinated supramolecular self‐assemblies for both technical advances and clinical translation are discussed. In particular, the superiority of TME‐responsive nanomedicines for in vivo coordinated self‐assembly is elaborated, with an emphasis on strategies that enhance the accumulation of functional components in tumors for an ideal theranostic outcome.
Unambiguous Tracking of Protein Phosphorylation by Fast High‐Resolution FOSY NMR**
Authors: Lesovoy Dmitry M. , Georgoulia Panagiota S. , Diercks Tammo , Matečko‐Burmann Irena , Burmann Björn M. , Bocharov Eduard V. , Bermel Wolfgang , Orekhov Vladislav Y.
Published: June 2021

Dysregulation of post‐translational modifications (PTMs) like phosphorylation is often involved in disease. NMR may elucidate exact loci and time courses of PTMs at atomic resolution and near‐physiological conditions but requires signal assignment to individual atoms. Conventional NMR methods for this base on tedious global signal assignment that may often fail, as for large intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). We present a sensitive, robust alternative to rapidly obtain only the local assignment near affected signals, based on FOcused SpectroscopY (FOSY) experiments using selective polarisation transfer (SPT). We prove its efficiency by identifying two phosphorylation sites of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) in human Tau40, an IDP of 441 residues, where the extreme spectral dispersion in FOSY revealed unprimed phosphorylation also of Ser409. FOSY may broadly benefit NMR studies of PTMs and other hotspots in IDPs, including sites involved in molecular interactions.
DNA‐Based Synthetic Growth Factor Surrogates with Fine‐Tuned Agonism**
Authors: Akiyama Momoko , Ueki Ryosuke , Yanagawa Masataka , Abe Mitsuhiro , Hiroshima Michio , Sako Yasushi , Sando Shinsuke
Published: June 2021

Designing synthetic surrogates of functional proteins is an important, albeit challenging, task in the field of chemistry. A strategy toward the design of synthetic agonists for growth factor or cytokine receptors that elicit a desired signal activity has been in high demand, as such ligands hold great promise as safer and more effective therapeutics. In the present study, we used a DNA aptamer as a building block and described the strategy‐guided design of a synthetic receptor agonist with fine‐tuned agonism. The developed synthetic partial agonist can regulate therapeutically relevant cellular activities by eliciting fine‐tuned receptor signaling.
Expedient Synthesis of Bridged Bicyclic Nitrogen Scaffolds via Orthogonal Tandem Catalysis
Authors: Biswas Sovan , Van Steijvoort Ben F. , Waeterschoot Marjo , Bheemireddy Narendraprasad Reddy , Evano Gwilherm , Maes Bert U. W.
Published: June 2021

Bridged nitrogen bicyclic skeletons have been accessed via unprecedented site‐ and diastereoselective orthogonal tandem catalysis from readily accessible reactants in a step economic manner. Directed Pd‐catalyzed γ‐C(sp3)‐H olefination of aminocyclohexane with gem‐dibromoalkenes, followed by a consecutive intramolecular Cu‐catalyzed amidation of the 1‐bromo‐1‐alkenylated product delivers the interesting normorphan skeleton. The tandem protocol can be applied on substituted aminocyclohexanes and aminoheterocycles, easily providing access to the corresponding substituted, aza‐ and oxa‐analogues. The Cu catalyst of the Ullmann‐Goldberg reaction additionally avoids off‐cycle Pd catalyst scavenging by alkenylated reaction product. The picolinamide directing group stabilizes the enamine of the 7‐alkylidenenormorphan, allowing further product post functionalizations. Without Cu catalyst, regio‐ and diastereoselective Pd‐catalyzed γ‐C(sp3)‐H olefination is achieved.
Multifiller nanocomposites containing gadolinium oxide and bismuth nanoparticles with enhanced X‐ray attenuation property
Authors: Jayakumar Sangeetha , Mani Vadivel , Saravanan Thangavelu , Rajamanickam Karunanithi , Prabhu Alex Daniel , Philip John
Published: June 2021

We report here the development of multifiller nanocomposite containing gadolinium oxide and bismuth nanofillers with enhanced X‐ray attenuation property. The mass attenuation coefficient of the nanocomposite is found to be 5.26 (X‐ray attenuation: 95%) and 2.22 cm2/g (X‐ray attenuation: 71%), respectively, under dental and lung X‐ray scan conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the interfacial interaction between Gd2O3 nanofillers and the polymer matrix through hydrogen bonding. Atomic force microscopy images of the nanocomposite show a smooth and uniform topography with an average surface roughness of ~19 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms the thermal stability of the nanocomposite upto 384°C. The enhanced X‐ray attenuation property of the nanocomposite is attributed to the good interfacial bonding, dual k‐edge effect of nanofillers and their uniform distribution within the polymeric matrix. Therefore, this nanocomposite is a promising material for diagnostic X‐ray shielding, especially as, thyroid collar, gonad shield, aprons, gloves, and so on.
Consensus‐based nonlinear smoother for distributed continuous‐discrete systems
Authors: Liu Dongmei , Wang Yanhui
Published: June 2021

In order to estimate the state of general distributed continuous‐discrete nonlinear system, a new consensus on the measurement and information cubature smoothing method is proposed in this article. The distributed continuous‐discrete nonlinear dynamic system refers to a system whose process is described as a stochastic differential equation (SDE) and whose measurements are provided by a wireless sensor network (WSN) at discrete times. First, the cubature rule is embedded into the consensus on measurements and information extended Kalman filter (CMIEKF) architecture by using the statistical linear regression (SLR) method, and then the presented consensus‐based method is obtained according to the Rauch–Tung–Striebel (RTS) smoothing methodology. In a numerical simulation, the performances of the presented smoothing method and the conventional nonlinear estimating methods are compared and analyzed. The numerical results show that, compared with other distributed estimation methods, the newly proposed smoothing algorithm enjoys not only higher accuracy but also stronger robustness.
Good's syndrome (immunodeficiency with thymoma): A separate entity with a broad classification: Report of six cases and review of the literature
Authors: Nabavi Mohammad , Rezaeifar Afshin , Fallahpour Morteza , Arshi Saba , Bemanian Mohammad Hassan , Shokri Sima , Atashrazm Fatemeh , Bahrami Sima , Asadi Gharabaghi Mehrnaz , Rezaeifar Parisa , Vakilazad Zahra
Published: June 2021

Good's syndrome is a rare adult‐onset thymoma‐associated immunodeficiency with unknown pathogenesis. Therefore, it should be carefully managed as soon as possible when complications are presented. Because of variety of immunodeficiency, this syndrome is now classified as a separate entity with a broad classification (immunodeficiency with thymoma).
Forearm rolling test in precentral gyrus cerebral infarction
Authors: Ota Takahiro , Shikino Kiyoshi , Kimura Takashi
Published: June 2021

The forearm rolling test, rapidly rotating each forearm around the other, is a useful neurological physical examination test for the identification of slight muscle weakness in the unilateral upper limb.
Hypoxemia, high alveolar‐arterial gradient, and bubbles in both sides of heart: A case of hepatopulmonary syndrome in the setting of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Torres‐Valencia Javier , Quevedo‐Mori Arturo , Untiveros‐Mayorga Fernando
Published: June 2021

In presence of tachypnea, digital clubbing and cyanosis in a patient with the hallmarks of chronic liver disease, hepatopulmonary syndrome should be suspected and investigated.
A case of primary cardiac sarcoma with an acute presentation: The role of multimodality imaging
Authors: Restivo Luca , De Luca Antonio , Pinamonti Bruno , Grilli Giulia , Bussani Rossana , Cominotto Franco , Crisafulli Carmelo , Dore Franca , Sinagra Gianfranco , Pappalardo Aniello
Published: June 2021

The case highlights the value of contrast echocardiography in raising clinical suspicion of malignancy, allowing a diagnostic work‐up and the treatment of the primitive heart tumors.
Manifestation of Marine‐Lenhart Syndrome after failed radioactive iodine therapy
Authors: Essien Francis , Cheatham Callie , Elkins Blake , Tate Joshua
Published: June 2021

Marine‐Lenhart Syndrome remains a rare and poorly defined entity. A broader definition and increased awareness are needed to allow for better understanding and improved treatment guidelines for this syndrome.
Not your typical morbilliform rash: Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Bao Wendi , Buchanan Kendall L. , Davis Loretta S.
Published: June 2021

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare but aggressive lymphoma that commonly presents with skin involvement, often morphologically similar to viral or drug‐induced morbilliform eruptions. Morbilliform rashes with systemic symptoms of unclear etiology mandate a thorough workup; empiric corticosteroid therapy is best avoided and may delay diagnosis of underlying malignancy such as AITL.
Polymerization of Allenes by Using an Iron(II) β‐Diketiminate Pre‐Catalyst to Generate High Mn Polymers
Authors: Woof Callum R. , Durand Derek J. , Webster Ruth L.
Published: June 2021

Herein, we report an iron(II)‐catalyzed polymerization of arylallenes. This reaction proceeds rapidly at room temperature in the presence of a hydride co‐catalyst to generate polymers of weight up to Mn=189 000 Da. We have determined the polymer structure and chain length for a range of monomers through a combination of NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis. Mechanistically, we postulate that the co‐catalyst does not react to form an iron(II) hydride in situ, but instead the chain growth is proceeding via a reactive Fe(III) species. We have also performed kinetic and isotopic experiments to further our understanding. The formation of a highly unusual 1,3‐substituted cyclobutane side‐product is also investigated.
Numerical investigation of gas–liquid and liquid–liquidTaylor flow through a circular microchannel with a sudden expansion
Authors: Etminan Amin , Muzychka Yuri S. , Pope Kevin
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates a CFD‐based analysis for gas–liquid and liquid–liquid Taylor flows through a circular axisymmetric microchannel with a sudden enlargement. A series of simulations are conducted by exploring the influence of different superficial velocity ratios, apparent viscosities, and channel expansion on the hydrodynamics of slug flow. A concentric junction introduces dispersed airflow into a continuous flow of water for gas–liquid flow, and the junction introduces dispersed water into a continuous flow of dodecane for liquid–liquid flow. The air‐bubble and water‐slug evolution processes, slug breakup, and slug expansion are investigated. In all cases, the lengths of air bubbles and water slugs increase with increasing superficial velocity ratio, particularly before the expansion. For gas–liquid flow, the apparent viscosity ratio causes a fluctuating interface over the uniform film region. However, the water slug length is shorter and the film region is slightly thicker in liquid–liquid compared to gas–liquid flow. The numerical analysis developed in this paper is in good agreement with the existing correlations and experimental data in the literature.
High concentrations of hypochlorous acid‐based disinfectant in the environment reduced the load of SARS‐CoV‐2 in nucleic acid amplification testing
Authors: Duan Xiuzhi , Wang Xuchu , Xie Yiyi , Yu Pan , Zhuang Tingting , Zhang Yingzhi , Fang Liuyu , Ping Ying , Liu Weiwei , Tao Zhihua
Published: June 2021

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, chlorine‐containing disinfectants have been widely used in nucleic acid amplification testing laboratories. Whether the use of disinfectants affect the results of viral nucleic acid amplification is unknown. We examined the impact of different hypochlorous acid (HOCl) concentrations on the quantitative results of SARS‐CoV‐2 by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). We also explored the mechanisms and models of action of chlorine‐containing disinfectants that affected the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. The results showed that different HOCl concentrations and different action times had an impact on the SARS‐CoV‐2 results. High concentrations of ambient HOCl have a greater impact than low concentrations, and this effect will increase with the extension of the action time and with the increase in ambient humidity. Compared with the enzymes or the extracted RNA required for RT‐PCR, the impact of HOCl on the SARS‐CoV‐2 detection is more likely to be caused by damage to primers and probes in the PCR system. The false negative result still existed after changing the ambient disinfectant to ethanol but not peracetic acid. The use of HOCl in the environment will have an unpredictable impact on the nucleic acid test results of SARS‐CoV‐2. In order to reduce the possibility of false negative of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid test and prevent the spread of epidemic disease, environmental disinfectants should be used at the beginning and end of the experiment rather than during the experimental operation.
Insights into the effect of halide enriched ZnO synthesized using tetrabutylammonium halides toward photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G
Authors: Satpal Sudhakar B. , Athawale Anjali A.
Published: June 2021

ZnO and halide (Cl, Br, and I) enriched ZnO samples have been synthesized by polyol method. Halide enriched zinc oxide (ZnO‐X) were obtained when synthesis was carried out in the presence of tetrabutylammonium halide (X‐Cl, Br, and I) salts. X‐ray results reveal that the halide ions seem to occupy the oxygen vacancy sites as well as interstitial sites of the ZnO lattice increasing the cell volume and strain along the c‐axis. Microspheres are observed in the scanning electron micrographs with the size ranging between 170 and 385 nm. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples was tested under UV light irradiation for the decomposition of Rhodamine‐6G dye. The halide enriched ZnO samples show higher rate of dye degradation compared to pristine ZnO attributable to their higher bandgap leading to a decrease in the recombination reactions of the electron–hole pair and higher light absorbing ability. ZnO‐Br is seen to exhibit the highest rate of degradation due to higher bandgap, light absorbing ability and predominance of (101) facet in the lattice. Further, ZnO‐Br appears to undergo negligible change after 3 cycles of catalysis proving its reusability.
Development of an online adaptive energy management strategy for the novel hierarchical coupled electric powertrain
Authors: Chen Xianbao , Shu Hongyu , Song Yitong
Published: June 2021

This paper develops an online adaptive energy management strategy (EMS) for the promising hierarchical coupled electric powertrain (HCEP) to exert its energy‐saving potential while considering the adaptability to driving conditions and the suppression of mode switching frequency. First, the complex energy management issue of the HCEP is simplified by introducing a simple power allocation method. And, the simplified energy management issue is solved by the Dynamic Programming to obtain the offline optimal working mode sequences of the HCEP. Second, the online working mode decision rules of the HCEP are established according to the obtained working mode sequences. And, the auxiliary rules in the decision rules are further optimized for different types of driving conditions. Then, the principal component analysis and generalized regression neural network are used to construct the driving condition recognizer (DCR) with high prediction accuracy. And, based on the constructed DCR, working mode decision rules, and introduced power allocation method, an online adaptive EMS is developed for the HCEP. Finally, the rationality of the introduced power allocation method and the effectiveness of the developed online adaptive EMS are verified.
The Queens Give Heat: Haitian Women's Spiritual Play‐Labor in Rara
Authors: Guzman Elena Herminia
Published: June 2021

Every year in Haiti and its diaspora, the Lenten and Vodou festivals of Rara occur through Easter Sunday. In this article, I argue that religious performances, such as Rara, are critical sites of Black women's social and economic empowerment. In particular, the women performers of Rara or the queens use Rara to empower themselves. Based on long‐term ethnographic research in Haiti, I attend to the way Black women transform play and Black religious expression into labor or what I call spiritual play‐labor. This concept builds on the works of Robin D.G. Kelley's (1997) and Oneka LaBennett's (2011) in which they attend to the ways that Black youth turn play and Black cultural expression into labor. I use Spiritual play‐labor as an analytic to explore the ways that Haitian women turn spiritual performances and Rara's carnivalesque play into labor that is compensated. The queen's reframing of their performance as labor relies upon their understanding of chalè or heat in which Black women's beauty and bodily work are central. Situating myself within the field of Black feminist anthropology, I explore my role as a feminist ethnographer in advocating with the queens to reframe their spiritual play into labor.
Microwave‐assisted catalytic activity of superparamagnetic spinel ferrites
Authors: Riaz Ufana , Ashraf Syed M , Aazam Elham S
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Superparamagnetic spinel ferrites were synthesized through a facile one‐step co‐precipitation technique using carbonate salt as precursor.

RESULTS

The synthesized ferrite nanoparticles of type MFe2O4 exhibited remarkably high magnetism even under microwave irradiation, which was utilized for the microwave‐assisted degradation of Alizarin Red (AR) dye. The formation of •OH radicals under microwave irradiation was detected by the radical scavenging studies, which suggested that these radicals played an important role in the microwave‐assisted catalytic reaction.

CONCLUSION

This facile synthetic approach can lead to the design and preparation of microwave‐active magnetic spinels with an excellent ability to remove organic pollutants in wastewater. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Transcriptomic bases of a polyphenism
Authors: Levis Nicholas A. , Kelly Patrick W. , Harmon Emily A. , Ehrenreich Ian M. , McKay Daniel J. , Pfennig David W.
Published: June 2021

Polyphenism—in which multiple distinct phenotypes are produced from a single genotype owing to differing environmental conditions—is commonplace, but its molecular bases are poorly understood. Here, we examine the transcriptomic bases of a polyphenism in Mexican spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata). Depending on their environment, their tadpoles develop into either a default “omnivore” morph or a novel “carnivore” morph. We compared patterns of gene expression among sibships that exhibited high versus low production of carnivores when reared in conditions that induce the carnivore morph versus those that do not. We found that production of the novel carnivore morph actually involved changes in fewer genes than did the maintenance of the default omnivore morph in the inducing environment. However, only body samples showed this pattern; head samples showed the opposite pattern. We also found that changes to lipid metabolism (especially cholesterol biosynthesis) and peroxisome contents and function might be crucial for establishing and maintaining differences between the morphs. Thus, our findings suggest that carnivore phenotype might have originally evolved following the breakdown of robustness mechanisms that maintain the default omnivore phenotype, and that the carnivore morph is developmentally regulated by lipid metabolism and peroxisomal form, function, and/or signaling. This study also serves as a springboard for further exploration into the nature and causes of plasticity in an emerging model system.
Effect of perioperative flurbiprofen axetil on long‐term survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Xie Yanhu , Wang Di , Gao Chen , Hu Jicheng , Zhang Min , Gao Wei , Shu Shuhua , Chai Xiaoqing
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an anti‐inflammatory response, but it remains unclear whether the perioperative use of flurbiprofen axetil can influence postoperative tumor recurrence and survival in esophageal carcinoma. We aimed to explore the effect of perioperative intravenous flurbiprofen axetil on recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery for esophageal carcinoma between December 2009 and May 2015 at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital. Patients were categorized into a non‐NSAIDs group (did not receive flurbiprofen axetil), single‐dose NSAIDs group (received a single dose of flurbiprofen axetil intravenously), and multiple‐dose NSAIDs group (received multiple doses of flurbiprofen).

Results

A total of 847 eligible patients were enrolled. Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that the intraoperative use of flurbiprofen was associated with long‐term RFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42–0.76, p = .001) and prolonged OS (HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.38–0.63, p = .001).

Conclusions

Perioperative flurbiprofen axetil therapy may be associated with prolonged RFS and OS in patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing thoracoscopic esophagectomy.
Temporal changes in cause‐specific death in men with localised prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy: a population‐based, nationwide study
Authors: Thomsen Frederik B. , Garmo Hans , Brasso Klaus , Egevad Lars , Stattin Pär
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective

Changes in diagnostic work‐up, histopathological assessment, and treatment of men with prostate cancer during the last 20 years have affected the prognosis. The objective was to investigate the risk of prostate cancer death in men with clinically localised prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy in Sweden in 2000–2010.

Methods

Population‐based, nationwide, study on men with clinically localised prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy in the period 2000–2010. Cox regression analyses were used to assess differences in risk of prostate cancer death according to calendar period for diagnosis and stratified on risk category.

Results

The study included 19 330 men with a median follow‐up of 12.4 years. Men diagnosed in 2007–2008 and 2009–2010 had a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer death compared to men diagnosed in 2000–2002. The reduced risk of prostate cancer death was restricted to men with intermediate‐risk prostate cancer with no differences observed in men with low‐ or high‐risk prostate cancer.

Conclusion

During the study period, the risk of prostate cancer death decreased in the total population of men with localised prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy. The decrease was restricted to men with intermediate‐risk prostate cancer.
Thiamine limitation of periphyton in Adirondack Mountain streams
Authors: Wang Binbin , Kraft Clifford E.
Published: June 2021

Recent observations in marine ecosystems show that the presence of thiamine regulates primary production, but little is known about the ecological effect of thiamine in streams. We conducted nutrient enrichment experiments in four streams in the New York's Adirondack Mountains using nutrient diffusing substrates to evaluate the influence of thiamine (vitamin B1) on the growth of stream periphyton. Contrasting treatments in our study included nutrient additions of thiamine (C12H17ClN4OS·HCl), nitrogen (NH4Cl), and phosphorus (NaH2PO4). Thiamine limitation occurred in 12 of 14 experiments conducted from June through October in 2015–2017, nitrogen limitation occurred in eight experiments, and phosphorus limitation in one experiment. The magnitude of response of periphyton to thiamine enrichment varied among seasons, years, and streams. The growth‐enhancing effect on periphyton biomass from thiamine or nitrogen addition typically occurred between 8 and 32 d of incubation, though the periphyton accumulation rate declined after 16–24 d of incubation. Our results showed that thiamine is a limiting nutrient for primary producers in our study streams and its effect size is similar to that of nitrogen. These findings extend the prior recognition of thiamine's substantial influence on marine photosynthetic eukaryotes to having a similar role in freshwater ecosystems.
LATINO DESTINO: CREATING A MULTICULTURAL AMERICA
Authors: Bordas Juana
Published: June 2021

The author contends that the United States has become a multicultural nation, and the variety of traditions “will be a defining characteristic of the next twenty‐five years. The Latino community in the United States will be at the forefront of this change.” Bordas says that her “article looks at the influence Latinos will have in guiding the transformation to a multicultural and equitable society. I refer to this as Latino Destino—the unique contribution Latinos will make in creating our inclusive future.” She describes four factors that will make this a reality, which in her words are (1) Latino Destino will cultivate a humanistic society that takes care of its people. (2) Latino Destino will celebrate an inclusive multicultural society. (3) Latino Destino will bring together our global community. (4) Latino Destino will prepare a new generation of leaders. A leadership lesson is described within each factor. “For instance, in factor 1, she says that “Latinos determine people's worth on how they treat others.” In factor 2, “Inclusive leadership integrates the values and preferences of many cultures in a respectful and productive manner.” In factor 3, “Being bilingual is a great asset in our multicultural world.”
LEADERSHIP BLINDSPOTS
Authors: Goleman Daniel
Published: June 2021

The author notes that leaders, and by extension businesses and other organizations, must take in information with deep understanding and be prepared for nimble responses. Yet this is hampered by what the author calls “blindspots,” which are “crucial aspects of organizational reality that leaders fail to see or to regard as important.” Goleman has done extensive work for years on emotional intelligence and notes that it “entails two varieties of a leader's attention: on one's self, and on others.” But he also raises a third level, that of the system in which a leader operates, and another area where blindspots can emerge. He points out hidden opportunities and writes about recent research on the concept of caste, and how it applies to the United States, and not just to countries like India. He asserts that leaders “must unveil and then lead efforts to overcome systemic bias in your organization, whether against African‐Americans, Hispanics, Asians, women, or others.” He also writes about leadership's roles and opportunities for dealing with our environmental crisis and the different approaches and awareness level of younger and older generations. “The final ingredient here,” Goleman writes, “will be innovation, that mark of agility.”
Unpacking the privacy paradox of consumers: A psychological perspective
Authors: Massara Francesco , Raggiotto Francesco , Voss W. Gregory
Published: June 2021

This study explicates why consumers allow the unconditional collection and processing of personal data while doubting data privacy. A process model addressing this privacy paradox is consequently designed through multidisciplinary research. Altogether, two online studies concur that certain factors may mitigate the negative effect of risk perception concerning data privacy during the personal data disclosure process. Hence, we examine the impact of the privacy paradox based on the literature on mental accounting, which describes interactions between present and future costs and benefits. In this context, consumer behavior is deciphered via analysis of four key variables, namely, the mental accounting of privacy‐related risks, consumer involvement, type of perceived benefit regarding the specific purchase/transaction, and consumer familiarity.
One‐Step Preparation of Thermo‐Responsive Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐Based Block Copolymer Nanoparticles by Aqueous Photoinitiated Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: He Jun , Lin Dongni , Chen Ying , Zhang Li , Tan Jianbo
Published: June 2021

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is an important thermo‐responsive polymer that finds applications in many areas. However, the preparation of PNIPAM‐based block copolymer nanoparticles with higher‐order morphologies at high solids is challenging. Herein, aqueous photoinitiated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (photo‐PISA) of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) using an asymmetrical cross‐linker is developed for one‐step preparation of PNIPAM‐based block copolymer nanoparticles with various morphologies (spheres, worms, and vesicles). It is demonstrated that reaction temperature has a great effect on both polymerization kinetics and morphologies of block copolymer nanoparticles. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) reactive groups embedded inside the PNIPAM core provide a landscape for further functionalization. PNIPAM‐based block copolymer nanoparticles with different surface properties are prepared by seeded photo‐PISA at room temperature. Finally, these block copolymer nanoparticles are also used as additives to tune mechanical properties of hydrogels via covalent cross‐linking.
Elastoviscoplastic modelling with distorted isotaches and swelling for constant strain rate and incremental loading
Authors: Vergote Thomas A. , Leung C. F. , Chian S. C.
Published: June 2021

A novel elastoviscoplastic model is proposed to improve the modelling of the one‐dimensional unloading response of soils. Creep is modelled as an isotache process, but with the possibility to incorporate distortion of the isotaches after unloading. Upon unloading, swelling develops as a transient superimposed process that enables the sequential occurrence of swelling and creep as observed in experiments. The model features a flexible reference isotache to improve the fit to real laboratory tests. The model is implemented with full hydro‐mechanical coupling and enables simulation of both load‐controlled and strain rate‐controlled stress paths. The model is calibrated with a laboratory test with a complex stress path including constant rate of strain, incremental loading and relaxation stages.
Urbanization in Peru is inversely associated with double burden of malnutrition: Pooled analysis of 92,841 mother–child pairs
Authors: Mendoza‐Quispe Daniel , Hernández‐Vásquez Akram , Miranda J. Jaime , Anza‐Ramirez Cecilia , Carrillo‐Larco Rodrigo M. , Pomati Marco , Nandy Shailen , Bernabe‐Ortiz Antonio
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study assessed the relationship between urbanization and the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in Peru.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey (2009 to 2016) was conducted. A DBM “case” comprised a child with undernutrition and a mother with overweight/obesity. For urbanization, three indicators were used: an eight‐category variable based on district‐level population density (inhabitants/km2), a dichotomous urban/rural variable, and place of residence (countryside, towns, small cities, or capital/large cities).

Results

The prevalence of DBM was lower in urban than in rural areas (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.70; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.75), and compared with the countryside, DBM was less prevalent in towns (PR 0.75; 95% CI: 0.69‐0.82), small cities (PR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.67‐0.79), and capital/large cities (PR 0.53; 95% CI: 0.46‐0.61). Using population density, the adjusted prevalence of DBM was 9.7% (95% CI: 9.4%‐10.1%) in low‐density settings (1 to 500 inhabitants/km2), 5.9% (95% CI: 4.9%‐6.8%) in mid‐urbanized settings (1,001 to 2,500 inhabitants/km2), 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5%‐7.1%) in more densely populated settings (7,501 to 10,000 inhabitants/km2), and 5.5% (95% CI: 4.1%‐7.0%) in high‐density settings (>15,000 inhabitants/km2).

Conclusions

The prevalence of DBM is higher in the least‐urbanized settings such as rural and peri‐urban areas, particularly those under 2,500 inhabitants/km2.
Friction‐wear performance in environmentally friendly brake composites: A comparison of two different test methods
Authors: Akıncıoğlu Gülşah , Uygur İlyas , Akıncıoğlu Sıtkı , Öktem Hasan
Published: June 2021

In this study, an eco‐friendly brake composite sample (EFP) was produced with 3.5% hazelnut shell dust as a natural additive material. Friction tests were performed on the manufactured pad sample and on a commercial pad (CP) using both a Chase‐type test machine and a specially designed device. A different approach is presented with the evaluation of the two different test device results. The experimental results were compared using the Taguchi method and it was concluded that the braking performance of the sample with hazelnut shell dust was in accordance with international standards. As a result of the study; the nominal friction coefficient value was found to be 0.505 μ. The shearing force of the EFP and CP samples was measured at 607.3 and 850.5 N, respectively. The friction coefficient values obtained from the EFP and CP samples were in accordance with the SAE J‐661 standard and are in the “F” letter class.
Development and evaluation of a proxy for baseline ECOG PS in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma: An electronic health record study
Authors: Sadetsky Natalia , Chuo Ching‐Yi , Davidoff Amy J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) is an important predictor for receipt of treatment and overall survival (OS) but is often unreported in routine care. We developed a proxy for baseline ECOG PS using electronic health records (EHRs).

Methods

We analyzed patients who were diagnosed with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC), advanced bladder cancer (aBCa), and advanced melanoma (aMEL) between 2011 and 2018 and had a baseline (reported between diagnosis and treatment) ECOG PS in a real‐world database. We used stepwise multivariable logistic regression to model associations between baseline ECOG PS good (<2) versus poor (≥2) and sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory measures in each cancer type. Predictive accuracy of classifying ECOG PS was assessed. We tested the association between OS and observed and predicted ECOG PS.

Results

In total, 20 697 aNSCLC patients, 2627 aBCa patients, and 2558 aMEL patients constituted the study population. Percentage of patients with poor ECOG PS ranged from 15.3% (aMEL) to 28.5% (aNSCLC). Poor ECOG PS was associated with more comorbid conditions, older age, lower body mass index, metastases, and abnormal laboratory indicators. Overall prediction accuracy using a 0.50 cutpoint was 73.3% for NSCLC, 73.8% for aBCa, and 85.4% for aMEL. The association of OS with ECOG PS was consistent between the observed and proxy measures.

Conclusions

In the EHR‐derived data, clinical, sociodemographic, and laboratory information were used to assign ECOG PS and enhance the use of real‐world data in outcome studies.
Psychotherapeutic case formulation: Plan analysis for narcissistic personality disorder
Authors: Grandjean Loris , Hummel Jana , Wyer Dominik , Beuchat Hélène , Caspar Franz , Sachse Rainer , Berger Thomas , Kramer Ueli
Published: June 2021

Background

One of the relevant case formulation methods for personality difficulties is plan analysis. The present study aimed at delivering a prototypical plan analysis for clients presenting with a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

The sample consisted of 14 participants diagnosed with an NPD. Based on audio clinical material, we developed 14 individual plan analyses that we then merged into a single prototypical plan analysis. For explorative purposes, we ran an ordinary least squares regression model to predict the narcissistic symptoms severity (NAR) measured on a scale of 1–7 of the 14 clients by the presence (respectively absence) of certain plans in their individual plan analysis.

The synthesis revealed that clients with pathological narcissism share common basic motives. Results of the regression model reveal that the presence of the plan ‘be strong’ reduces the NAR scale by 1.52 points (p = 0.011).

Discussion

In the treatment of psychological disorders, precise case formulations allow therapists for making clinically appropriate decision, personalizing the intervention and gaining insight into the client's subjective experience. In the prototypical plan structure we developed for NPD, clients strive to strengthen their self‐esteem and avoid loss of control, criticism and confrontation as well as to get support, understanding and solidarity. When beginning psychotherapy with a client presenting with NPD, the therapist can use these plans as valuable information to help writing tailored, and therefore more efficient, case formulations for their patients presenting with an NPD.
Continuous and intermittent administration of intravenous sildenafil in critically ill infants with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sharma Chetan , Burns Joseph , Kulkarni Aparna , Cerise Jane E. , Molina Berganza Fernando , Hayes Denise A.
Published: June 2021

Intravenous (IV) sildenafil may be administered as a continuous infusion or intermittent bolus dosing in infants with pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to compare these delivery methods.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated subjects less than 12 months old treated with IV sildenafil for PH. Vital signs, oxygen requirement, vasoactive‐inotropic score (VIS), and echocardiogram results before and after sildenafil initiation, and the need for discontinuation due to side effects, were noted.

Results

Forty‐three subjects were identified (23 continuous, 20 intermittent). There were clinically significant differences in PH classifications between groups. The continuous group was significantly younger (p = 0.010) with higher baseline severity of illness suggested by higher inspired oxygen (FiO2) and VIS (p = 0.012). After sildenafil initiation, there were no significant differences in changes in blood pressure, oxygen saturation, FiO2, or VIS between groups, and no difference in the number of subjects requiring discontinuation due to side effects (4 continuous, 1 intermittent, p = 0.351). Eight continuous group subjects (34.8%) and 3 intermittent group subjects (15.0%) died (p = 0.024), but echocardiographic improvement in PH degree was more common in the continuous group (77.8% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

In this small cohort of infants treated with continuous or intermittent IV sildenafil, in the setting of different baseline characteristics between groups, there were no significant differences in changes in vital signs, VIS, FiO2, or need for discontinuation of therapy due to side effects. Higher continuous group mortality may be explained by greater baseline illness severity, but larger prospective, randomized studies are required to investigate these different delivery methods.
Current Vector Phase‐Based Diagnostic Method for Multiple Open‐Circuit Faults in Voltage‐Source Inverters
Authors: Chen Tao , Pan Yuedou
Published: June 2021

A simple and fast diagnostic method for multiple open‐circuit faults in voltage‐source inverters based on the current vector phase is proposed. The characteristics of the current vector phase in both healthy and faulty conditions are analyzed in detail, and simple fault symptom variables are defined to extract the features for fault isolation. The proposed method can diagnose 21 types of open‐circuit faults only by using current vector phase information, and it is fast, robust and easy to implement in existing systems without additional sensors. Several experimental results verify that the diagnostic algorithm has no false alarms under speed and load transient conditions, and the fault can be isolated within 15% of the current fundamental cycle in the case of the fastest diagnostic process and no more than 80% of the current cycle in the worst cases. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical studies of photophysical properties of fluorescent proteins
Authors: Rossano‐Tapia Maria , Brown Alex
Published: June 2021

Light‐responsive proteins are widely employed in bioimaging, for example, fluorescent proteins (FPs), which are comprised of a chromophore centered within a barrel‐shaped protein. FPs exhibit remarkable one‐ and multi‐photon absorption (1PA and MPA, respectively) in addition to their emissive properties. Over the last two decades, many types of quantum mechanical, molecular dynamics, and combined quantum mechanical/molecular‐mechanical (QM/MM) approaches have been employed in the study of the photophysics of FPs. Among the latter, QM/MM approaches have proven to be capable of capturing the strong correlation between FPs' light‐responsive properties and their chromophore–environment interactions. In particular, polarizable embedding QM/MM methods are gaining attention by reason of their outstanding performance in the computation of MPA in FPs. Herein, we discuss the outcomes of some of the investigations performed on the 1PA, MPA, and emissive features of FPs using QM/MM approaches. In addition, critical aspects of the use of QM/MM approaches to study FPs' 1PA and MPA features are described. To those researchers interested in starting to perform MPA computations for FPs using QM/MM methods, this review aims to be a compass to navigate among the relevant available literature.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Combined QM/MM Methods

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics
The Life Cycle Performance Assessment (LCPA) Methodology
Authors: Ahlers Reinhard
Published: June 2021

The FENIX project has started to develop future business models for the efficient recovery of secondary resources. It would not be enough just to improve business models based on traditional linear approaches. Rather, new approaches must be developed with a particular focus on environmental and climate changes. Electronic scrap is no longer scrap, but must be seen as valuable material. Using the mobile phone as an example, FENIX has developed technologies to get recyclable materials out of scrapped mobile phones and to process them into new materials and final products. The developed technological approaches are not limited to mobile phones, but can be used for all types of electronic waste. FENIX has only focused on the logistic chain from the dismantling of the cell phones to the manufacturing of new materials and products (recycling chain). This, of course, involves a lot of effort in dismantling the e-waste, as the recycling process was not yet considered when developing the products currently on the market. Such eco-design approaches would certainly reduce the disassembly effort in the future. FENIX business models should not only be based on economic success but also consider ecological effects at the same time. Therefore, an accompanying Life Cycle Performance Assessment (LCPA) has been carried out to prove the advantages of the developed business models. From the interim assessment, recommendations for further technical development directions were repeatedly given to achieve the best possible economic and ecological solutions.
Notes on cluster algebras and some all-loop Feynman integrals
Authors: He Song , Li Zhenjie , Yang Qinglin
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We study cluster algebras for some all-loop Feynman integrals, including box-ladder, penta-box-ladder, and double-penta-ladder integrals. In addition to the well-known box ladder whose symbol alphabet is $$ {D}_2\simeq {A}_1^2 $$

D
2

≃

A
1
2

, we show that penta-box ladder has an alphabet of D3 ≃ A3 and provide strong evidence that the alphabet of seven-point double-penta ladders can be identified with a D4 cluster algebra. We relate the symbol letters to the u variables of cluster configuration space, which provide a gauge-invariant description of the cluster algebra, and we find various sub-algebras associated with limits of the integrals. We comment on constraints similar to extended-Steinmann relations or cluster adjacency conditions on cluster function spaces. Our study of the symbol and alphabet is based on the recently proposed Wilson-loop d log representation, which allows us to predict higher-loop alphabet recursively; by applying it to certain eight-point and nine-point double-penta ladders, we also find D5 and D6 cluster functions respectively.
Systolic inequalities for K3 surfaces via stability conditions
Authors: Fan Yu-Wei
Published: June 2021

We introduce the notions of categorical systoles and categorical volumes of Bridgeland stability conditions on triangulated categories. We prove that for any projective K3 surface X, there exists a constant C depending only on the rank and discriminant of NS(X), such that $$\begin{aligned} \mathrm {sys}(\sigma )^2\le C\cdot \mathrm {vol}(\sigma ) \end{aligned}$$

sys

(
σ
)

2

≤
C
·
vol

(
σ
)

holds for any stability condition on $$\mathcal {D}^b\mathrm {Coh}(X)$$

D

b

Coh

(
X
)

. This is an algebro-geometric generalization of a classical systolic inequality on two-tori. We also discuss applications of this inequality in symplectic geometry.