bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure–Reactivity Relationship of Organozinc and Organozincate Reagents: Key Elements towards Molecular Understanding
Authors: Rio Jordan , Perrin Lionel , Payard Pierre‐Adrien
Published: October 2022

The main parameters that influence the structure–reactivity relationship of organozinc and organozincate reagents are gathered in this perspective article. Influences of substituents, inorganic salts, and solvents are discussed and illustrated with examples from the literature. Based on the peculiarities of this chemical system, the perspective is enlarged by molecular modelling considerations to raise the comprehension at the molecular scale of structure–activity relationships of organozinc and organozincate reagents in solution.
Enzymatic Synthesis of γ‐Glutamyl Dipeptides Catalysed by Mutant E. coli γ‐Glutamyltransferases
Authors: Rabuffetti Marco , Speranza Giovanna , Calvio Cinzia , Morelli Carlo F.
Published: October 2022

γ‐Glutamyltransferases (GGTs) from different sources have been proposed in recent times as biocatalysts for the enzymatic synthesis of naturally occurring γ‐glutamyl derivatives with flavor‐enhancer properties and interesting biological activities. Although the enzymatic approach is considered as a viable alternative to both the troublesome and low‐yielding extraction from natural sources and synthesis through peptide chemistry requiring protection/deprotection steps, yields are not completely satisfactory, due to the intervention of GGT‐catalysed hydrolysis and autotranspeptidation side‐reactions. Here, the design and the use as biocatalyst for preparative purposes of two mutants of E. coli GGT are described. The design of mutants was pursued by docking‐guided identification of residues putatively involved in interaction with the acceptor substrate, thus probably representing a first identification of residues constituting the still elusive and poorly characterized acceptor substrate binding site of the enzyme.
Low‐Valent Cobalt‐Catalyzed Deprotection of Allyloxyarenes
Authors: Kokić Branislav , Selaković Života , Nikolić Andrea M. , Andrijević Ana , Anđelković Boban , Ajdačić Vladimir , Opsenica Igor M.
Published: October 2022

Herein, we report a low‐valent cobalt‐catalyzed deprotection of allyloxyarenes. The method displays a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance, granting its utilization on more complex substrates, includingO‐allylated derivatives of natural products and drugs. Based on comprehensive experiments, a plausible mechanistic pathway for the low‐valent cobalt‐catalyzedO‐deallylation of allyloxyarenes is proposed.
Roadside infrastructure deployment scheme based on Internet of Vehicles information service demand
Authors: Mao Ming , Yi Peng , Hu Tao
Published: October 2022

Roadside unit (RSU) plays an important role in communication relay and data processing in the Internet of Vehicles. The rational deployment of roadside units directly affects the operational efficiency and system robustness of the Internet of Vehicles. This article proposes an RSU deployment scheme based on vehicular transmission demand. First, the mobility model of vehicles is mined through system communication transmission requirements to determine the total delay of vehicle communication transmission tasks. The delay includes two parts, namely, the vehicle data transmission delay and the channel service delay. Second, the optimization objective of the model is established, and some parameters such as inhibition distance coefficient are defined as constraint conditions. Finally, a evolutionary feature‐based RSU deployment algorithm, ICA‐EFRDA, preprocessed by a greedy algorithm is proposed to implement RSU deployment. The deployment results show that the proposed scheme has lower delay and higher coverage time ratio than the EFRDA scheme in both urban and suburban road networks. Under limited cost constraints, the system decides to place a limited number of RSUs in low‐traffic density areas of the suburban road network to improve performance. When the traffic density is high, the increased placement of RSUs in the urban road network has a more obvious effect on improving the service capability of the system. Under different deployment cost constraints, ICA‐EFRDA outperforms the comparison schemes in terms of the contacts per trip, contact probability, and packet delivery ratio.
Prevalence of elective cosmetic surgery and its relationship with socioeconomic and mental health: A cross‐sectional study in west of Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Ahoora , Piroozi Bakhtiar , Safari Hossein , Shokri Azad , Aqaei Abbas , Yousefi Fayegh , Nikouei Maziar , Rafieemovahhed Mahdi
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and desire towards performing elective cosmetic surgery and its relationship with socioeconomic, mental, and spiritual health in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province in the west of Iran.

Methods

This cross‐sectional descriptive‐analytical study was performed on 492 subjects in Sanandaj using multistage sampling method. Data collection tools included two checklists and two questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using the Chi‐square test and multiple logistics regression model by the help of SPSS software version 20.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 32.58 (9.67) years. The prevalence of cosmetic surgery and the desire to perform it were 12.8% (n = 63) and 19.1% (n = 94), respectively. The most common type of cosmetic surgery was rhinoplasty with 5.5% (n = 27). The prevalence of symptoms of mental disorders among people with cosmetic surgery and people willing to perform cosmetic surgery was significantly higher than all subjects (p < 0.001). Female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–3.68) and having mild (OR = 3.01 95% CI: 1.06–3.68) and moderate to severe symptoms of mental disorder (OR = 7.59; 95% CI: 3.90–14.75) were among the influential variables on performing cosmetic surgery.

Conclusion

Both the prevalence and desire towards performing cosmetic surgery are high in Sanandaj and this needs the attention of health policy makers. Designing targeted interventions with an emphasis on the findings of this study is proposed to reduce these practices.
The effect of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors on clinical outcome of COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Firouzabadi Dena , Kheshti Fatemeh , Abdollahifard Saeed , Taherifard Erfan , Kheshti Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

Due to the high social and economic burden and also mortality and morbidity caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in the past few years, researchers have aimed at finding solutions to suppressing the severity of infection. Recently, selective serotonin and serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRI/SNRI) have been investigated as an adjuvant treatment for COVID‐19. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of SSRI/SNRIs on outcomes of COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, a comprehensive search strategy consisting of relevant words was performed by two researchers in PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE libraries. Studies reporting the effect of SSRI and/or SNRI use in COVID‐19 patients' outcome were included. Hospitalization, mortality, hospitalization event, and length of hospital stay were considered as main outcomes of this study. Analysis was carried out using Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis (CMA‐version 2) and final data were reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Our search led to the final selection of 9 articles including 15,287 patients. The effect of fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and the overall effect of SSRI/SNRI use on mortality of COVID‐19 patients were investigated in 3, 2, and 7 articles, respectively. The results of our analyses showed that these medications could significantly decrease mortality of COVID‐19 patients (OR and 95% [CI]: 0.595 [0.467–0.758], 0.620 [0.469–0.821], and 0.596 [0.437–0.813]). The effect of SSRI/SNRIs on hospitalization events of COVID‐19 patients was not significant (OR: 0.240% and 95% CI: 0.041–1.4). Also, length of hospital stay was longer in patients who administrated SSRIs.

Conclusion

According to this study's results, SSRI/SNRIs may be effective in reducing mortality of COVID‐19 patients, suggesting the superiority of fluvoxamine to fluoxetine. The safety profile and affordable cost of SSRI/SNRIs for a short‐term use may be other reasons to propose them as beneficial medications in preventing mortality in COVID‐19.
Self‐care behavior prevention of COVID‐19 in the general population based on Pender Health Promotion Model: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pouresmali Asghar , Dargahi Shahriar , Alizadehgoradel Jaber , Kamran Aziz , Fathi Davod , Molaei Behnam
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Coronavirus with its sudden and widespread outbreak has obviously imposed devastating consequences in various aspects of human life. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) structures in self‐care preventive behavior against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) among the general population of Ardabil, Iran.

Methods

The present retrospective descriptive‐correlational study was conducted on citizens of Ardabil aged 18 years and over in 2021. After dividing the city of Ardabil into four parts, 50 people from each area of the city and a total of 200 people were selected through the available sampling method through social media. Data collection tools included a demographic profile, perceived self‐efficacy scale, perceived emotional questionnaire, perceived social support questionnaire, perceived benefits and barriers questionnaire, researcher‐made COVID‐19 self‐care questionnaire, and commitment to action questionnaire based on Pender's HPM structures in an online manner. Data were analyzed by Amos 22 software and using structural equation modeling.

Results

According to the results, direct path analysis to COVID‐19 self‐care behavior indicated that the variables of perceived self‐efficacy (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), interpersonal effects (β = 0.19, p < 0.01), positive emotion (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and perceived benefits (β = 0.20, p < 0.01) are able to significantly predict self‐care behaviors. Moreover, the bootstrapping test results in the indirect path analysis demonstrated that the variables of perceived self‐efficacy (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.012, 0.066), perceived social support (95% CI, 0.002, 0.026), and perceived barriers (95% CI, −0.019, −0.002) and benefits (95% CI, 0.001, 0. 015) through the mediator variable of commitment to action are able to significantly predict COVID‐19 self‐care behavior.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the present study, it can be claimed that the proposed model of COVID‐19 self‐care behavior has an acceptable fitness in the general population. This model can be used in developing educational programs and intervention techniques to modify people's attitudes and behaviors.
Climate change vulnerability, and health of women and children: Evidence from India using district level data
Authors: Mahapatra Bidhubhusan , Chaudhuri Trisha , Saggurti Niranjan
Published: October 2022

Objective

To understand how climate change vulnerability is associated with women and children's health (WCH) at the district level in India.

Methods

The district‐specific climate change vulnerability index was mapped to the district level NFHS‐5 data (N = 674). Fractional regression and spatial analyses were performed to examine the strength of association and the presence of geographic clustering.

Results

Bivariate analysis revealed that the levels of WCH indicators were lower in districts with a high vulnerability index than in those with a low vulnerability index. Multivariable analyses suggested that with a 1% increase in the vulnerability index, the proportion of modern contraceptive use was reduced by 0.22, four or more prenatal care visits by 0.14, postnatal care by 0.11, and full immunization by 0.12; whereas wasting and underweight proportions increased by 0.07 and 0.10, respectively. The spatial analysis found that in about 70–118 districts, mostly in eastern India, where climate vulnerability was high the WCH outcomes were also poor.

Conclusion

There is a macro‐level association between climate change vulnerability and WCH, as districts that had high levels of climate change vulnerability also performed poorly in WCH. There is a need for an integrated approach that considers geography‐specific climate change threats to develop health programs.
Content development and initial psychometric analysis of the problematic hypersexuality scale
Authors: Oberheim S. Tyler , DePue M. Kristina , Liu Ren
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to develop an instrument to screen for the presence of problematic hypersexuality in a nonclinical sample of 357 adults residing in the United States. The problematic hypersexuality scale (PHS) was the product of this investigation and was designed to address the limitations of existing measures for this construct and gather psychometric evidence to support the intended uses of and claims drawn from this instrument. Empirical evidence for the use of the PHS as a screener was founded through factor analytic procedures, Rasch modeling, and the use of item response theory.
Preparation and characterization of ternary composite rGO/Fe3O4/CdS and evaluating its efficiency in photodegradation of crystal violet dye
Authors: Alwan Duhak A. , Hatem Oraas A.
Published: October 2022

Reduced graphene oxide/Iron Oxide/cadmium sulfide rGO‐Fe3O4‐CdS nanocomposite with magnetic properties was obtained using the chemical deposition method. The synthesized nanocomposite's structural, chemical, morphology, and surface properties were investigated by many characterization techniques including T.E.M., XRD, FE‐SEM, Raman, D.R.S. and BET‐BJH. The energy gap of synthesized Nanocomposite was (1.651 eV) for ternary composite compared to (2.42 eV) for the pure nano cadmium sulfide. The prepared composites' photocatalytic ability was studied using the photodegradation process of crystal violet dye under visible light irradiation. Under optimal conditions, the photodegradation efficiency of the dye was 95.4% using the ternary composite and 30% using pure nano cadmium sulfide.
Organizational cultures that support community: Does the competing values framework help us understand experiences of community at work?
Authors: Boyd Neil M. , Larson Sharon
Published: October 2022

Recent evidence has shown that when employees experience perceptions of community at work (i.e., a sense of community and a sense of community responsibility), psychological well‐being and behavioral engagement improve (e.g., greater job engagement, organizational citizenship, and leadership). Recent evidence also shows that experiences of community, as a motivational state, are better able to predict employee outcomes compared to a series of factors that have long been studied in the general management (i.e., affective organizational commitment, organizational identity) and in the public management literature (i.e., public service motivation). However, we know less about the conditions that lead to perceptions of community experiences at work. One recent qualitative investigation exposed a series of organizational conditions that appear to stimulate perceptions of community at work including C‐Suite leadership support, organizational structure and context, characteristics of connection, managerial, job, and work unit characteristics, and responsibilities of human resource management professionals. The present study extends this study by empirically investigating organizational cultural conditions that are associated with perceptions of community at work. We test the ability of the Competing Values Framework, which includes constructs of Hierarchy, Market, Adhocracy, and Clan organizational cultures, and their ability to predict perceptions of the community. Findings showed that clan culture was most associated with perceptions of community in general and that clan culture within a department plays an important role in perceiving community at work. This study helps scholars understand cultural conditions that can lead to psychological experiences of community, it begins to frame cultural factors that scholars can empirically test in future studies, and it assists executives and managers in conceiving approaches to building cultures of community at work.
Precise A∙T to G∙C base editing in the allotetraploid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genome
Authors: Hu Limin , Zhai Yungu , Xu Lei , Wang Jingzhen , Yang Shangpo , Sun Yunxia , Yu Kaidi , He Hanzi , Fan Chuchuan
Published: October 2022

Rapeseed is an important source of oilseed crop in the world. Achieving genetic improvement has always been the major goal in rapeseed production. Single nucleotide substitution is the basis of most genetic variation underpinning important agronomic traits. Nowadays, Cas‐base editing acts as an efficient tool to mediate single‐base substitution at the target site. In this study, four adenine base editors (ABE) were modified to achieve adenosine base editing at different genome sites in allotetraploid Brassica napus. We designed 18 small guide RNAs to target phytoene desaturase (PDS), acetolactate synthase (ALS), CLAVATA3 (CLV3), CLV2, TRANSPARENT TESTA12 (TT12), carotenoid isomerase (CRTISO), designated de‐etiolated‐2 (DET2), BRANCHED1 (BRC1), zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) genes, respectively. Among the four ABE systems, pBGE17 had the highest base‐editing efficiency, with an average editing efficiency of 3.51%. Target sequencing results revealed that the editing window ranged from A5 to A8 of the protospacer‐adjacent motif (PAM) sequence. Moreover, the ABEmax‐nCas9NG system with NG PAM was developed, with a base‐editing efficiency of 1.22%. These results revealed that ABE system developed in this study could efficiently induce A to G substitution and the ABE‐nCas9NG system could broaden editing window in oilseed rape.
A density bound for triangle‐free 4‐critical graphs
Authors: Moore Benjamin , Smith‐Roberge Evelyne
Published: October 2022

We prove that every triangle‐free 4‐critical graph satisfies . This result gives a unified proof that triangle‐free planar graphs are 3‐colourable, as well as that graphs of girth at least five which embed in either the projective plane, torus or Klein Bottle are 3‐colourable, which are results of Grötzsch, Thomassen, and Thomas and Walls. Our result is nearly the best possible, as Davies has constructed triangle‐free 4‐critical graphs such that . To prove this result, we prove a more general result characterizing sparse 4‐critical graphs with few vertex‐disjoint triangles.
Nitrogen‐containing heterocycles as topoisomerase II inhibitors for targeting cancer: Recent updates
Authors: Sahu Chandrakant , Chaurasiya Abhishek , Chawla Pooja A.
Published: October 2022

Cancer is a broad word for a set of diseases that can begin in virtually any organ or tissue of the body and spread to other organs. In 2020, cancer was the largest cause of death worldwide, accounting for 10 million fatalities, or one in every six deaths. Nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds are a massive research focus because it has a unique position and is a cherished source of a wide range of bioactive molecules in medicinal chemistry. Over 75% of the currently accessible market is covered by FDA‐approved drugs containing nitrogen moieties. DNA topoisomerase II is a reassuring approach for novel anticancer heterocyclic medicines because it plays a crucial role in DNA metabolism, replication, recombination, and repair. Given the importance of topo II in chemotherapy, there is a pressing necessity to boost topo II or multi‐target topo II inhibitors in order to combat drug resistance and minimize toxicity. Following the trend of researching the advancement of effective topo II inhibitors with minimal toxicity, the current review article consolidates a detailed account of nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds and categorizes them into different classes based on structural characterization, such pyrimidine, triazine, pyridine, quinazoline, fluoroquinolones, quinones, pyrazoles, quinoline, carbazoles, β‐carboline, quinolone, naphthalimide, acridone, benzoxazole, pyridophenoxazine, pyrrole, piperazine and imidazole, along with their structure activity relationship, mechanistic aspects, and docking studies (wherever appropriate) were explored. We are certain that the current review paper will help future medical researchers investigate prospective topoisomerase inhibitors as anticancer medicines in a variety of clinical settings.
Sex‐specific newborn screening for X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Albersen Monique , van der Beek Samantha L. , Dijkstra Inge M. E. , Alders Mariëlle , Barendsen Rinse W. , Bliek Jet , Boelen Anita , Ebberink Merel S. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Goorden Susan M. I. , Heijboer Annemieke C. , Jansen Mandy , Jaspers Yorrick R. J. , Metgod Ingrid , Salomons Gajja S. , Vaz Frédéric M. , Verschoof‐Puite Rendelien K. , Visser Wouter F. , Dekkers Eugènie , Engelen Marc , Kemp Stephan
Published: October 2022

Males with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) are at high risk for developing adrenal insufficiency and/or progressive leukodystrophy (cerebral ALD) at an early age. Pathogenic variants in ABCD1 result in elevated levels of very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA), including C26:0‐lysophosphatidylcholine (C26:0‐LPC). Newborn screening for ALD enables prospective monitoring and timely therapeutic intervention, thereby preventing irreversible damage and saving lives. The Dutch Health Council recommended to screen only male newborns for ALD without identifying untreatable conditions associated with elevated C26:0‐LPC, like Zellweger spectrum disorders and single peroxisomal enzyme defects. Here, we present the results of the SCAN (Screening for ALD in the Netherlands) study which is the first sex‐specific newborn screening program worldwide. Males with ALD are identified based on elevated C26:0‐LPC levels, the presence of one X‐chromosome and a variant in ABCD1, in heel prick dried bloodspots. Screening of 71 208 newborns resulted in the identification of four boys with ALD who, following referral to the pediatric neurologist and confirmation of the diagnosis, enrolled in a long‐term follow‐up program. The results of this pilot show the feasibility of employing a boys‐only screening algorithm that identifies males with ALD without identifying untreatable conditions. This approach will be of interest to countries that are considering ALD newborn screening but are reluctant to identify girls with ALD because for girls there is no direct health benefit. We also analyzed whether gestational age, sex, birth weight and age at heel prick blood sampling affect C26:0‐LPC concentrations and demonstrate that these covariates have a minimal effect.
A systematic review and clinical atlas on mucocutaneous presentations of the current monkeypox outbreak: With a comprehensive approach to all dermatologic and nondermatologic aspects of the new and previous monkeypox outbreaks
Authors: Pourriyahi Homa , Aryanian Zeinab , Afshar Zeinab Mohseni , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: October 2022

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, endemic in central and west African regions, and has re‐emerged, currently causing an outbreak as of May 2022. In this systematic review, we aimed to characterize the current face of the disease, with a detailed categorization of mucocutaneous, as well as systemic symptoms of the disease. We searched four main online databases with the keywords “monkeypox” and “Orthopoxvirus”. A total of 46 articles were included, with a cumulative number of 1984 confirmed cases. Patients were predominantly men who have sex with men, who were mostly in their 30s, with a history of unprotected sexual contact or international travel. Among mucocutaneous manifestations, anogenital lesions were the most commonly observed, followed by lesions on the limbs, face, trunk, and palms or soles. Among lesion types, vesiculopustular, pustular or pseudo‐pustular, vesicular‐umbilicated and papular lesions were the most common, mainly presenting asynchronously, with less than 10 lesions on each patient. Almost all patients also reported systemic manifestations, namely fever, lymphadenopathy, fatigue, myalgia, headaches, pharyngitis, and proctitis. Sexual contact is the main pathway of transmission in the current outbreak, with viral shedding in bodily fluids playing a key role. We've compared these idiosyncratic findings of the new outbreak with previous outbreaks. We've also gathered and categorized images from our included studies to make a “clinical atlas” for this “new” face of monkeypox, which can be of utmost importance for clinicians to be familiarized with, and have a clear picture of monkeypox for their differential diagnoses.
Estimation of monkeypox spread in a nonendemic country considering contact tracing and self‐reporting: A stochastic modeling study
Authors: Ko Youngsuk , Mendoza Victoria May , Mendoza Renier , Seo Yubin , Lee Jacob , Jung Eunok
Published: October 2022

In May 2022, monkeypox started to spread in nonendemic countries. To investigate contact tracing and self‐reporting of the primary case in the local community, a stochastic model is developed. An algorithm based on Gillespie's stochastic chemical kinetics is used to quantify the number of infections, contacts, and duration from the arrival of the primary case to the detection of the index case (or until there are no more local infections). Different scenarios were set considering the delay in contact tracing and behavior of infectors. We found that the self‐reporting behavior of a primary case is the most significant factor affecting outbreak size and duration. Scenarios with a self‐reporting primary case have an 86% reduction in infections (average: 5–7, in a population of 10 000) and contacts (average: 27–72) compared with scenarios with a non‐self‐reporting primary case (average number of infections and contacts: 27–72 and 197–537, respectively). Doubling the number of close contacts per day is less impactful compared with the self‐reporting behavior of the primary case as it could only increase the number of infections by 45%. Our study emphasizes the importance of the prompt detection of the primary case.
What are the 2‐year survivorship outcomes of custom hemipelvis reconstruction after hemipelvectomy and revision arthroplasty? The evolution of a custom ilium “monoflange”
Authors: Hinckley Nathaniel B. , Beauchamp Christopher P. , Christopher Zachary K. , Schwartz Adam J. , Ogunleye Temi , Goulding Krista A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Innovations in machined and three‐dimensionally (3D) printed implant technology have allowed for customized complex pelvic reconstructions. We sought to determine the survivorship of custom hemipelvis reconstruction using ilium‐only fixation at a minimum 2‐year follow‐up, their modes of failure, and the postoperative complications resulting from the procedure.

Methods

A retrospective review identified 12 consecutive patients treated with custom hemipelvis reconstruction. Indications for surgery were bone tumor requiring internal hemipelvectomy (four patients) or multiply revised, failed hip arthroplasty with massive bone loss (eight patients). All patients had a minimum of 2‐year follow‐up with a mean of 60.5 months. Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis was determined for all patients. Postoperative complications and reoperations were categorized for all patients.

Results

At a mean of 60.5 months, 11 of 12 patients had retained their custom implant (92% survivorship). One implant was removed as a result of an acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). There were no cases of aseptic loosening. Seven of 12 patients required reoperation (three PJI; two dislocations; two superficial wound complications), with five patients going on to reoperation‐free survival.

Conclusions

Custom hemipelvis reconstruction utilizing an ilium monoflange provides durable short‐term fixation at a minimum 2‐year follow‐up. Reoperation for infection and dislocation is common.
High Dielectric Nonpolar Interfacial Layers Derived from Nanocellulose for Electrowetting Devices
Authors: Xu Zhuofan , Guo Yuanyuan , Jiang Hongwei , Luo Qiguan , Lu Xubing , Wang Yao , Zhou Guofu , Xu Xuezhu
Published: October 2022

A dielectric material is a particular type of insulator that does not conduct electricity but gets polarized when subjected to electricity, which is a crucial part of electronics such as cables, capacitors, displays, transformers, etc. Currently, synthesizing a nonpolar dielectric remains challenging. In this study, a method to make a high dielectric and nonpolar fluoropolymer and its nanocomposites based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by grafting it with nonpolar polymer 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate is reported. A high dielectric constant but nonpolar nanocellulose material is obtained for the first time. This material has an anisotropic arrangement of dipoles with a high polarizability effect, thereby displaying excellent dielectric properties (e.g., dielectric constant and loss: 8.59 and 0.017 at 10 kHz) and high stability (dielectric constant at 8.21 at 1 MHz). The dielectric material is miscible as an additive with other commercial fluoropolymer plastic, which demonstrates a high breakage voltage ranging from 4.6 to 9.2 kV/0.1 mm. When it is used as an interfacial layer in electrowetting display devices, it also demonstrated a low voltage driven and fast‐response effect. The excellent dielectric performances allow to develop more high‐performance dielectrics and electronics such as memories, sensors, actuators, wires, and film capacitors.
Nickel‐Aluminum Hydrotalcite for Improving Flame Retardancy and Smoke Suppression of Intumescent Flame Retardant Polypropylene: Preparation, Synergy, and Mechanism Study
Authors: Jiang Siyu , Liu Lubin , Yang Xuhui , Li Bin , Xu Miaojun
Published: October 2022

Intumescent flame retardants (IFR) are widely used in the field of flame retardant polypropylene (PP), but their flame retardant efficiency and smoke suppression properties need to be further improved. Herein, a Ni‐Al LDH (layered double hydroxide) is obtained successfully by coprecipitation and microwave hydrothermal technique and used as a synergist to improve the flame‐retardant and smoke‐suppression properties of triazine‐based IFR. The results showed that IFR/Ni‐Al LDH exhibited the best synergistic effect when the IFR is replaced by 5 wt% Ni‐Al LDH. 17 wt% IFR/Ni‐Al LDH enabled the PP composites to achieve UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a high LOI of 29.8%. Besides, the introduction of Ni‐Al LDH effectively decreased the heat and smoke release of the PP/IFR composites due to its catalytic charring effect. This is mainly attributed that the introduction of metal ions in Ni‐Al LDH effectively improved the strength and crosslinking degree of char layer and promoted the formation of a cohesive and dense char layer. The formed high‐quality char layer effectively exerted the barrier effect in condensed phase. Therefore, the PP/IFR/Ni‐Al LDH composites exhibited excellent flame‐retardant and smoke‐suppression performance. This investigation provided a facile way to prepare environment‐friendly and high‐performance flame retardant PP composites with wide application prospects.
Does celebrity attachment influence brand attachment and brand loyalty in celebrity endorsement? A mixed methods study
Authors: Özer Mehmet , Özer Alper , Ekinci Yuksel , Koçak Akın
Published: October 2022

The study tested a celebrity endorsement model to investigate the direct and indirect influences of celebrity attachment on brand loyalty across two culturally distinct countries: The United Kingdom and Turkiye. The survey was completed by 626 respondents and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings show that celebrity attachment positively influences actual self‐congruence, ideal self‐congruence, brand quality, and brand attachment. Brand attachment mediates the effect of celebrity attachment on brand loyalty. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the celebrity endorsement process differs between British and Turkish consumers. Our research complements the meaning transfer model as it confirms that the celebrity endorsement process is influenced by two attachment objects: celebrities and brands. A follow‐up study with text mining analysis of the consumer comments about the product reviews posted by social media influencers (SMIs) supported the validity of the celebrity endorsement model. Practitioners should consider the consumer's emotional and cognitive bonding with celebrities, and brands to enhance the effectiveness of the celebrity endorsement process. The more consumers are attached to celebrities (or SMIs) and brands, the more loyal they become to the latter.
Enhanced algebraic substructuring for symmetric generalized eigenvalue problems
Authors: Kalantzis Vassilis , Horesh Lior
Published: October 2022

This article proposes a new substructuring algorithm to approximate the algebraically smallest eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of a symmetric positive‐definite matrix pencil . The proposed approach partitions the graph associated with into a number of algebraic substructures and builds a Rayleigh–Ritz projection subspace by combining spectral information associated with the interior and interface variables of the algebraic domain. The subspace associated with interior variables is built by computing substructural eigenvectors and truncated Neumann series expansions of resolvent matrices. The subspace associated with interface variables is built by computing eigenvectors and associated leading derivatives of linearized spectral Schur complements. The proposed algorithm can take advantage of multilevel partitionings when the size of the pencil. Experiments performed on problems stemming from discretizations of model problems showcase the efficiency of the proposed algorithm and verify that adding eigenvector derivatives can enhance the overall accuracy of the approximate eigenpairs, especially those associated with eigenvalues located near the origin.
Rheological Behavior of Concentrated GAP/ AP Propellant Suspensions Plasticized by Diglycerol Tetranitrate
Authors: Wang Yana , Wang Yi , Song Xiaolan , An Chongwei
Published: October 2022

Concentrated GAP/AP propellant suspensions with different solid contents and molecular masses of GAP were prepared, in which diglycerol tetranitrate (DGTN) was the energetic plasticizer. The steady shear measurements were conducted using a rheometer to examine the influences of component characteristics, particle gradation and temperature on rheological behavior. Results indicate that the GAP/DGTN mixture is Newtonian viscous and concentrated GAP/AP suspensions are pseudoplastic fluids. The Ostwald ‐ De Waele model and the Arrhenius ‐ de Guzman equation are utilized to compare the pseudoplastic behavior and the viscosity‐temperature dependence of concentrated suspensions, respectively. The apparent viscosity is exponentially related to solid content and the pseudoplastic behavior gradually increases with solid content revealed by the decreasing power law index (n). Additionally, larger particle size of AP, smaller molecular mass of GAP, or lower temperature make possible the reduced apparent viscosity. Suitable particle gradation reduces the apparent viscosity to the desired value.
Potential of fungi of the genus Trichoderma for biocontrol of Philaenus spumarius, the insect vector for the quarantine bacterium Xylella fastidosa
Authors: Ganassi Sonia , Domenico Carmela Di , Altomare Claudio , Samuels Gary J. , Grazioso Pasqualina , Cillo Pardo Di , Pietrantonio Laura , De Cristofaro Antonio
Published: October 2022

Background

The meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius L. is the vector for the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca, involved in olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS) in Salento (Italy). Control of P. spumarius is key to limiting transmission of the bacterium, and an innovative approach can be based on effective natural compounds and biocontrol agents. Entomopathogenic fungi are an important source of bioactive natural molecules that play a role in the relationship between microorganisms and insects.

Results

Pathogenicity bioassays, performed by dipping adults of P. spumarius in either fungal culture suspension (120 mg mL−1) or cell‐free culture supernatant of Trichoderma chlorosporum GJS 91‐150, showed, respectively, 97% and 87% death within 24 h. The effect was dose‐dependent. In laboratory bioassays, the powdered fungal culture of T. chlorosporum GJS 91‐150 did not exhibit pathogenic activity when injected into nymph spittle.

Conclusions

T. chlorosporum GJS 91‐150 affected the survival of P. spumarius adults. The lethal effect was not associated with the development of mycelium on the cuticle, but seems due, at least partly, to fungal metabolites released in the culture medium. The fungus tested here has good potential for the development of effective low‐environmental impact control strategies for P. spumarius and suppression of X. fastidiosa. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Novel Insight into the Strain Effect of T2g Mode Splitting and Bandgap in Diamond
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Liu Sheng , Robertson John , Guo Yuzheng
Published: October 2022

Herein, a comprehensive analysis of the change in the bandgap and Raman frequency of diamond under the uniaxial strain along the [100], [110] and [111] directions using first‐principles calculation is presented. The results demonstrate that the triple degenerate T2g mode splitting occurs spontaneously, owing to the strain‐induced symmetry breaking. Phonon splitting into two or three different modes demonstrates its anisotropy characteristics. The tensile softening and compressive stiffening of Raman frequencies depend on the bond length, bond angle, and bond strength response to the uniaxial strain. The bandgap decreases with increasing whether the tensile or compressive strain, which is attributed to the strain‐induced change of bond identities. These findings demonstrate that the uniaxial strain engineering has potential application in future diamond electronic devices.
A novel hybrid resampling for semiconductor wafer defect bin classification
Authors: Park You‐Jin , Pan Rong , Montgomery Douglas C.
Published: October 2022

Generally, defective dies on semiconductor wafer maps tend to form spatial clusters in distinguishable patterns which contain crucial information on specific problems of equipment or process, thus it is highly important to identify and classify diverse defect patterns accurately. However, in practice, there exists a serious class imbalance problem, that is, the number of the defective dies on semiconductor wafer maps is usually much smaller than that of the non‐defective dies. In various machine learning applications, a typical classification algorithm is, however, developed under the assumption that the number of instances for each class is nearly balanced. If the conventional classification algorithm is applied to a class imbalanced dataset, it may lead to incorrect classification results and degrade the reliability of the classification algorithm. In this research, we consider the semiconductor wafer defect bin data combined with wafer warpage information and propose a new hybrid resampling algorithm to improve performance of classifiers. From the experimental analysis, we show that the proposed algorithm provides better classification performance compared to other data preprocessing methods regardless of classification models.
Comparison of different pancreatic stump management strategies during robot‐assisted distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Palmeri Matteo , Furbetta Niccolò , Di Franco Gregorio , Gianardi Desirée , Guadagni Simone , Bianchini Matteo , Fatucchi Lorenzo Maria , Comandatore Annalisa , Moglia Andrea , Di Candio Giulio , Morelli Luca
Published: October 2022

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the most feared complication after distal pancreatectomy, and the possible role of robotic assistance in this setting is poorly investigated so far.

Methods

We analysed short‐term outcomes of 88 patients who had undergone robot‐assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP), dividing them according to pancreatic stump management: selective Wirsung duct ligation/hand sewn suture (WirsLIG group), use of robotic EndoWrist staplers (RobSTAP group), and use of laparoscopic staplers (LapSTAP group).

Results

Mean operative time resulted significantly longer in WirsLIG group (291.1 ± 77.21 min vs. 245 ± 56.22 min in RobSTAP group vs. 221.77 ± 64.64 min in LapSTAP group). No significant differences were found in median hospital stay and in POPF occurrence.

Conclusions

No strategy for pancreatic stump management during RDP has proven superior to the others in reducing POPF rates. The hand‐sewn technique resulted more time consuming, nevertheless it remains essential where there is not enough space to insert the stapler.
Application and evaluation of a subaqueous soil‐landscape conceptual model in the West River subestuary, Maryland
Authors: Wessel Barret M. , Rabenhorst Martin C. , Needelman Brian A.
Published: October 2022

A soil‐landscape conceptual model developed in the Rhode River subestuary of Maryland was applied to create a soil survey for the adjacent West River subestuary. The survey for the West River subestuary was completed before samples were collected there to evaluate the soil‐landscape conceptual model used to generate the soil survey. The West River subestuary was then sampled along transects that crossed soil map units to compare observed soil taxa with predicted soil taxa. Observed transect samples were classified and scored based on their similarity to predicted taxa in soil map units. These data were resampled via a bootstrapping method to determine if the predictions of the West River subestuary soil survey were significantly different from random predictions. Significant information was provided by the survey, and therefore by the soil‐landscape conceptual model used to generate it.
Spray‐Dried Photonic Balls with a Disordered/Ordered Hybrid Structure for Shear‐Stress Indication
Authors: Wenderoth Sarah , Bleyer Gudrun , Endres Jakob , Prieschl Johannes , Vogel Nicolas , Wintzheimer Susanne , Mandel Karl
Published: October 2022

Optical microscale shear‐stress indicator particles are of interest for the in situ recording of localized forces, e.g., during 3D printing or smart skins in robotic applications. Recently developed particle systems are based on optical responses enabled by integrated organic dyes. They thus suffer from potential chemical instability and cross‐sensitivities toward humidity or temperature. These drawbacks can be circumvented using photonic balls as shear‐stress indicator particles, which employ structural color as the element to record forces. Here, such photonic balls are prepared from silica and iron oxide nanoparticles via the scalable and fast spray‐drying technique. Process parameters to create photonic balls with a disordered core and an ordered particle structure toward the exterior of the supraparticles are reported. This hybrid disordered–ordered structure is responsible for a color loss of the indicator particles during shear‐stress application because of irreversible structural destruction. By adjusting the primary silica particle sizes, nearly all colors of the visible spectrum can be achieved and the sensitivity of the response to shear stress can be adjusted.
Tactile stimulation improves cognition, motor, and anxiety‐like behaviors and attenuates the Alzheimer's disease pathology in adult APPNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice
Authors: Hossain Shakhawat R. , Karem Hadil , Jafari Zahra , Kolb Bryan E. , Mohajerani Majid H.
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the largest health crises in the world. There are limited pharmaceutical interventions to treat AD, however, and most of the treatment options are not for cure or prevention, but rather to slow down the progression of the disease. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of tactile stimulation (TS) on AD‐like symptoms and pathology in APPNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice, a mouse model of AD. The results show that TS reduces the AD‐like symptoms on tests of cognition, motor, and anxiety‐like behaviors and these improvements in behavior are associated with reduced AD pathology in APP mice. Thus, TS appears to be a promising noninvasive strategy for slowing the onset of dementia in aging animals.
Carbodiimide‐Induced Formation of Transient Polyether Cages
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Mosharraf , Jayalath Isuru M. , Baral Renuka , Hartley C. Scott
Published: October 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by the Hartley group at Miami University. The image shows a cartoon of transient molecular cages generated through the action of a chemical fuel on macrocycles with pendant groups. The cages are able to bind ions. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/syst.202200016.
First molecular detection of Equine Herpesvirus type 3 (EHV‐3) in Chile
Authors: Troncoso Ignacio , Calvanese Rolando , Saravia Fernando , Muñoz‐Leal Sebastián , Zegpi Nhur‐Aischa , Ortega René
Published: October 2022

Equine coital rash (ECE) is a highly contagious benign infection that induces lesions on external genitals, and it is caused by the equine herpesvirus type 3 (EHV‐3). Although the disease is globally distributed, its presence in Chile has not been documented from a genetic point of view. Here, we performed polymerase chain reaction screenings for EHV‐3 in lesions of external genitals in four horses belonging to a riding station at Bulnes, Ñuble Region, Chile. We sequenced a fragment of the glycoprotein G (gG) gene from three horses with clinical signs of ECE. The sequences were identical between them and 99.7% similar to a haplotype of EHV‐3 detected in Brazil, and phylogenetically related with homologue from Japan, Russia and Brazil. Our results show the presence of EHV‐3 for the first time in horses with ECE in Chile.