bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study of Polyethylene Fusion by Scheffler Solar Concentrator
Authors: Dabilgou Dieudonné , Ouedraogo Salifou , Ouedraogo Adelaide Lareba , Maurice Ky Thierry Sikoudouin , Korgo Bruno , Kam Sié , Bathiebo Dieudonné Joseph
Published: September 2021

Aims: The present work is the use of Scheffler technology to melt plastic waste to produce composite materials using an oven type receiver. The composite material in this study contains polyethylene as a matrix and sand as reinforcement.

Study Design: The fusion temperature of polyethylene is about 200°C and is obtained by solar concentration. The experimental plastic melting unit in Saaba (latitude 12.38° N; longitude -1.43° E), Burkina Faso, uses two 8 m² Scheffler concentrators sharing a cubic receiver. Three types of mirrors with a reflectivity of at least 90% are used as reflecting facets to equip the Scheffler dishes at the site.

Methodology: The thermal behavior of the receiver is analyzed experimentally. Temperatures are measured on the inner and outer walls as well as the internal air temperature with 5 K-type thermocouples. When the fusion temperature is reached on the inside, we introduce the plastic waste which has been previously washed, crushed, dried and weighed.

Results: The installed model obtained an average energy of 1.80 kW at the receiver and an average internal temperature of 251.15°C for an average irradiance of 623 W/m² during the no-load test. During the load test, an average energy of 1.34 kW and an internal temperature of 206.4°C were reached for an average irradiance of 473 W/m² and an optical efficiency of 56%. This test led to the production of two pavers of the composite material matrix with 2.2 kg of plastic waste.

Conclusion: These results show that the profiles of the primary reflector, tracking system, and tilt axis are accurate and the maximum concentrated solar flux converges on the absorbing surfaces of the receiver. The tempered panes of the absorbing surfaces is more transparent and less emissive. Thus our device contributes to the valorization of plastic waste by using a non-polluting energy source.
ETIOLOGIA DA PORNOGRAFIA INFANTIL: UM OLHAR CRÍTICO SOBRE A (CYBER)PEDOFILIA
Authors: Paixão Kalita Macêdo
Published: September 2021

Em contexto de graves violações e demanda de expansão de aparatos jurídicos-institucionais de proteção, o artigo trata de um estudo qualitativo a partir de dados de investigação criminal coletados junto à Polícia Federal da Bahia, destacando organização criminosa para fins de pornografia infantil com recorte temporal de 2017 a 2019. Através do estabelecimento de premissas originárias da conduta-crime, discorremos a respeito da incidência dessa lesão aos direitos sexuais de vulneráveis no espaço cibernético. Tal delimitação materializa o uso do aparelhamento acadêmico como promotor do desenvolvimento científico, vertente crítica e educativa, no que tange à efetividade dos meios combativos. Traz abordagem multidisciplinar voltada à adaptabilidade das normas jurídicas em relação às formas criminológicas contemporâneas. Objetiva a compreensão dos elementos descritivos e críticos essencialmente envolvidos na produção e consumo da pornografia infantil através do método dialético de forma qualitativa ex-post-facto exploratória. Como procedimentos, envolve coleta de dados dentro e fora de campo e realiza recorte epistemológico e teórico sob as lentes de gênero. A pesquisa empírica revela a necessidade interpretação feminista de sua incidência e da incorporação de políticas públicas efetivas através deste mesmo engajamento.
Race Differences in Postacute Physical Therapy Utilization and Patient‐Reported Function After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Bove Allyn M. , Hausmann Leslie R. M. , Piva Sara R. , Brach Jennifer S. , Lewis Allen , Fitzgerald G. Kelley
Published: September 2021

Objective

This observational cohort study included patients of Black and White race and non‐Hispanic ethnicity with end‐stage knee osteoarthritis who were scheduled to receive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Our objective was to examine whether race differences exist in the use of physical therapy (PT) across all postacute settings and to examine patient‐reported physical function following TKA.

Methods

We collected pre‐ and postoperative physical function data and postoperative rehabilitation data on 104 Black and White individuals undergoing TKA. Regression analyses and independent samples t‐tests were used to explore the predictive value of race on postoperative functional outcome and to compare PT utilization within each postacute setting and across all postacute rehabilitation settings.

Results

Total PT received was similar between White and Black participants, but significant race differences in PT utilization existed within specific settings. Race did not significantly predict function after TKA, but Black participants had slightly lower self‐reported function both before and after surgery than White participants.

Conclusion

This is the first study to examine both PT utilization and functional outcomes in a sample of individuals undergoing TKA, and results indicate differences in where postoperative PT is received between Black and White patients.
Large‐Diameter Carbon Nanotube Transparent Conductor Overcoming Performance–Yield Tradeoff
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Nam Jeong‐Seok , Han Jiye , Datta Sukanta , Wei Nan , Ding Er‐Xiong , Hussain Aqeel , Ahmad Saeed , Skakalova Viera , Khan Abu Taher , Liao Yong‐Ping , Tavakkoli Mohammad , Peng Bo , Mustonen Kimmo , Kim Dawoon , Chung In , Maruyama Shigeo , Jiang Hua , Jeon Il , Kauppinen Esko I.
Published: September 2021

The floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method for producing single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has demonstrated great potential in transparent conductive film (TCF) application. In FCCVD, reducing the concentration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a well‐agreed method of improving the conductivity of SWNT TCF, achieved by producing thinner and longer CNT bundles. However, this method decreases the yield dramatically, which has persisted throughout the TCF development. Here, the production of large‐diameter double‐walled CNT (DWNT) TCFs via FCCVD is reported, which overcomes the tradeoff between performance and yield. These TCFs of DWNTs with an average diameter of ≈4 nm have a low sheet resistance of 35 Ω sq−1 at 90% transmittance. The conductivity here aligns with the best‐performing SWNT TCFs reported to date, showing a production yield greater than two orders of magnitude. The main factor contributing to the high performance and yield is considered to be the large tube diameter, which greatly improves the yield threshold of CNT bundling and leads to long tube length and unique junctions broadening. Moreover, the application of DWNT TCFs in perovskite solar cells exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 17.4%, which has not been reported yet in indium‐free CNT‐based solar cells.
Energy Storing Plant Stem with Cytocompatibility for Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Liang Jieying , Yu Mengying , Liu Jian , Yu Zhichun , Liang Kang , Wang Da‐Wei
Published: September 2021

Endowing natural biological objects, such as plants or their parts, with non‐native and targeted electroactivity is an appealing challenge in nano‐biotechnology, which if addressed will circumvent the biomass carbonization and promote the emission‐free transformation of raw bioresources for green energy. Here, a general concept to produce supercapacitor electrodes from plant stems is reported, which exhibit promising electroactivity and cytocompatibility. The core innovation is to apply a conformal electroactive coating onto the surfaces of hyperbranched channels of plant stem by interfacial self‐assembly. The electroactive plant stem can be employed as a functional supercapacitor electrode, the capacitance of which is up to 2.35 F. Furthermore, more than 98% cell viability is well maintained after the plant stem electrode is incubated with MCF‐7 cells for 72 h, and even after 100 discharge–recharge cycles, suggesting this plant stem electrode has excellent cytocompatibility and cycling stability. This energy storing plant stem gives rise to new opportunities for integrating natural bioresources with artificial electroactive nanomaterials for cytocompatible energy storage devices.
Calcium Phosphate‐Reinforced Metal‐Organic Frameworks Regulate Adenosine‐Mediated Immunosuppression
Authors: Liang Ling , Yang Lei‐Lei , Wang Wenjie , Ji Cailing , Zhang Lei , Jia Yiyi , Chen Yuxia , Wang Xueqiang , Tan Jie , Sun Zhi‐Jun , Yuan Quan , Tan Weihong
Published: September 2021

Long‐term accumulation of adenosine (Ado) in tumor tissues helps to establish the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and to promote tumor development. Regulation of Ado metabolism is particularly pivotal for blocking Ado‐mediated immunosuppression. The activity of adenosine kinase (ADK) for catalyzing the phosphorylation of Ado plays an essential role in regulating Ado metabolism. Specifically, accumulated Ado in the tumor microenvironment occupies the active site of ADK, inhibiting the phosphorylation of Ado. Phosphate can protect ADK from inactivation and restore the activity of ADK. Herein, calcium phosphate‐reinforced iron‐based metal‐organic frameworks (CaP@Fe‐MOFs) are designed to reduce Ado accumulation and to inhibit Ado‐mediated immunosuppressive response in the tumor microenvironment. CaP@Fe‐MOFs are found to regulate the Ado metabolism by promoting ADK‐mediated phosphorylation and relieving the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Moreover, CaP@Fe‐MOFs can enhance the antitumor immune response via Ado regulation, including the increase of T lymphocytes and dendritic cells and the decrease of regulatory T lymphocytes. Finally, CaP@Fe‐MOFs are used for cancer treatment in mice, alleviating the Ado‐mediated immunosuppressive response and achieving tumor suppression. This study may offer a general strategy for blocking the Ado‐mediated immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and further for enhancing the immunotherapy efficacy in vivo.
Boron Nitride Nanosheets Can Induce Water Channels Across Lipid Bilayers Leading to Lysosomal Permeabilization
Authors: Lucherelli Matteo Andrea , Qian Xuliang , Weston Paula , Eredia Matilde , Zhu Wenpeng , Samorì Paolo , Gao Huajian , Bianco Alberto , von dem Bussche Annette
Published: September 2021

While the interaction between 2D materials and cells is of key importance to the development of nanomedicines and safe applications of nanotechnology, still little is known about the biological interactions of many emerging 2D materials. Here, an investigation of how hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) interacts with the cell membrane is carried out by combining molecular dynamics (MD), liquid‐phase exfoliation, and in vitro imaging methods. MD simulations reveal that a sharp hBN wedge can penetrate a lipid bilayer and form a cross‐membrane water channel along its exposed polar edges, while a round hBN sheet does not exhibit this behavior. It is hypothesized that such water channels can facilitate cross‐membrane transport, with important consequences including lysosomal membrane permeabilization, an emerging mechanism of cellular toxicity that involves the release of cathepsin B and generation of radical oxygen species leading to cell apoptosis. To test this hypothesis, two types of hBN nanosheets, one with a rhomboidal, cornered morphology and one with a round morphology, are prepared, and human lung epithelial cells are exposed to both materials. The cornered hBN with lateral polar edges results in a dose‐dependent cytotoxic effect, whereas round hBN does not cause significant toxicity, thus confirming our premise.
Synergistic Therapy of a Naturally Inspired Glycopolymer‐Based Biomimetic Nanomedicine Harnessing Tumor Genomic Instability
Authors: Duan Zhenyu , Luo Qiang , Dai Xinghang , Li Xiaoling , Gu Lei , Zhu Hongyan , Tian Xiaohe , Zhang Hu , Gong Qiyong , Gu Zhongwei , Luo Kui
Published: September 2021

Inspired by natural saccharide‐protein complexes, a stimuli‐responsive biodegradable and branched glycopolymer–pyropheophorbide‐a (Ppa) conjugate (BSP) with saccharide units for cancer therapy is constructed. A linear glycopolymeric conjugate (LSP), a branched glycopolymeric conjugate (BShP) from Ppa with long carbon chains, and a branched conjugate (BHSP) based on poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] (polyHPMA) without saccharide units are prepared as controls. Through structure–activity relationship studies, BSP with a 3D network structure forms stable nanostructures via weak intermolecular interactions, regulating the stacking state of Ppa to improve the singlet oxygen quantum yield and the corresponding photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. BSP shows high loading of olaparib, and are further coated with tumor cell membranes, resulting in a biomimetic nanomedicine (CM‐BSPO). CM‐BSPO shows highly efficient tumor targeting and cellular internalization properties. The engulfment of CM‐BSPO accompanied with laser irradiation results in a prominent antitumor effect, evidenced by disruption of cell cycles in tumor cells, increased apoptosis and DNA damage, and subsequent inhibition of repair for damaged DNA. The mechanism for the synergistic effect from PDT and olaparib is unveiled at the genetic and protein level through transcriptome analysis. Overall, this biodegradable and branched glycopolymer–drug conjugate could be effectively optimized as a biomimetic nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
Enhancement of Mass Transfer for Facilitating Industrial‐Level CO2 Electroreduction on Atomic NiN4 Sites
Authors: Chen Baotong , Li Boran , Tian Ziqi , Liu Wenbo , Liu WenPing , Sun Weiwei , Wang Kang , Chen Liang , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: September 2021

Herein, an active catalyst A‐Ni@CMK is developed with the atomically dispersed NiN4 moieties on the mesoporous carbon for the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) through a step‐by‐step pore‐filling synthetic strategy. Concretely, the as‐synthesized catalyst A‐Ni@CMK exhibits outstanding catalytic performance for CO2RR in the H‐cell with a Faradaic efficiency of CO (FECO) > 80% in a wide electrochemical potential window (−0.5 to −0.9 V vs RHE) and a large CO partial current density (jCO) of 24 and 51 mA cm−2 at −0.6 and −0.8 V versus RHE, respectively. Notably, jCO for A‐Ni@CMK can further reach the industrial‐level values of 366 mA cm−2 at −0.8 V versus RHE, respectively, with the FECO > 95% in the flow cell, surpassing those for all the thus far reported NiNC catalysts and representing one of the best values for the catalysts for CO2RR. Moreover, comparative experimental studies in combination with density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the intrinsic high activity of the atomic NiN4 sites towards CO2RR results in high selectivity. Nevertheless, the mesoporous channels favor the mass transmission for both reactant CO2 and gas‐product CO, which in turn enhances the reaction kinetics, leading to the improved overall performance of the as‐prepared A‐Ni@CMK catalyst for CO2‐to‐CO conversion.
Numerical analysis of frictional charging and electrostatic interaction of particles
Authors: Hu Jiawei , Pei Chunlei , Zhang Ling , Liang Cai , Wu Chuan‐Yu
Published: September 2021

Triboelectrification due to frictional contacts between particles and surfaces is prevalent in many powder handling processes. Aiming to explore the friction‐induced electrostatic charging behavior, a discrete element method (DEM) is developed for the first time in the current article, in which a frictional charging model and electrostatic interaction models are implemented. The charge accumulation on both the particles and the surface in a rotational container is then analyzed numerically and experimentally to evaluate the developed DEM. The numerical results for the frictional electrification between insulant particles and an insulant wall agree well with the experimental measurement. It is also shown that both the net charge on the particles and the degree of the particle dispersion are a function of the charging time. Moreover, it is revealed that the friction‐induced particle charge enhances particle dispersion, and increases the granular temperature due to the electrostatic interactions.
Three‐dimensional‐printed millireactor with yeast immobilized in calcium‐alginate film for application in fermentation processes
Authors: Lopes Mariana G. M. , Santana Harrson S. , da Silva Adriano G. P. , Taranto Osvaldir P.
Published: September 2021

An innovative method of alcoholic fermentation was proposed by developing a microfluidic device with millichannels filled with yeast immobilized in alginate hydrogel, manufactured by a new robotic system. We propose and build an automatic equipment consisting of a modified three‐dimensional (3D) printer with two independent systems, a module with a syringe for the injection of solutions/hydrogels and a conventional head with a fused filament fabrication mechanism. The methodology consisted of hydrogel 3D printing tests, the manufacture of millireactors with immobilized yeast and the application of the millireactors in alcoholic fermentation. The 22G needle provided the best printing accuracy in tests with hydrogel. The cells were homogeneously distributed by alginate and their concentration did not influence ethanol production. The optimal millireactor configuration was 2% alginate solution containing 25 g L−1 cells, achieved average ethanol production of 11.24 ± 0.015 g L−1, with productivity of 22.49 g L−1 h−1 and efficiency of 44%.
Responsiveness of fecal immunoglobulin A to HPA‐axis activation limits its use for mucosal immunity assessment
Authors: Behringer Verena , Müller‐Klein Nadine , Strube Christina , Schülke Oliver , Heistermann Michael , Ostner Julia
Published: September 2021

The assessment of mucosal immunity as a component of animal health is an important aspect for the understanding of variation in host immunity, and its tradeoff against other life‐history traits. We investigated immunoglobulin A (IgA), the major type of antibody associated with mucosal immunity, in relation to changes in parasitic burden following anthelminthic treatment in noninvasively collected fecal samples in a semi‐free ranging group of Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). We measured IgA in 340 fecal samples of fourteen females and nine males. As IgA has been found to be responsive to stressors, we also related fecal IgA (fIgA) levels to fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM) measured in the same samples as part of a previous study. We found a high variability within and between individual fIgA levels over time. Running generalized additive mixed models, we found that fIgA levels were higher in males than in females, but did not change in response to the anthelmintic treatment and the resulting reduction in worm burden. Instead, fIgA level changes were significantly correlated to changes in fGCM levels. Our findings indicate that due to the strong responsiveness of fIgA to HPA‐axis activity, the measurement of fIgA may have certain limitations with respect to reflecting gastrointestinal parasitic burden. Moreover, the responsiveness of fIgA to stressors interferes with the interpretation of IgA levels in fecal samples as a measure of mucosal immunity, at least in our study population of the Barbary macaques.
Is Indigeneity hidden in the shadow of Australian national school reforms?
Authors: Brown Prudence R. , Warner Sarah A.
Published: September 2021

Within a policy regime increasingly focused on measurement, Australian Indigenous students are highly visible in school education debates as underperforming subjects for intervention. This is consistent with broader Indigenous policy discourse, which highlights disadvantage and deficit. At the same time, their Indigeneity, while acknowledged in principle, becomes less visible as the concentration on English literacy and the increasing focus on schooling as a pathway to economic participation has intensified. Recent shifts in education policy narratives of Indigeneity have the potential to counter these trends, and allow Indigeneity to emerge from the shadows of dominant policy frameworks. In this article, we argue that these shifts, while too early to translate into outcomes, deserve attention.
Rational Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Oxazolo[4,5‐c]‐quinolinone Analogs as Novel Interleukin‐33 Inhibitors
Authors: Kim Yujin , Ma Chao , Park Seonghu , Shin ‐ Yujin , Lee Taeyun , Paek Jiwon , Hoon Kim Kyong , Jang Geonhee , Cho Haelim , Son Seyoung , Son Sang‐Hyun , Yong Lee Ki , Lee Kiho , Woo Jung Yong , Ho Jeon Young , Byun Youngjoo
Published: September 2021

Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is an epithelial‐derived cytokine that plays an important role in immune‐mediated diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Although IL‐33 is considered a potential target for the treatment of allergy‐related diseases, no small molecule that inhibits IL‐33 has been reported. Based on the structure‐activity relationship and in vitro 2D NMR studies employing 15N‐labeled IL‐33, we identified that the oxazolo[4,5‐c]‐quinolinone analog 7 c binds to the interface region of IL‐33 and IL‐33 receptor (ST2), an orphan receptor of the IL‐1 receptor family. Compound 7 c effectively inhibited the production of IL‐6 in human mast cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Compound 7 c is the first low molecular weight IL‐33 inhibitor and may be used as a prototype molecule for structural optimization and investigation of the IL‐33/ST2 signaling pathway.
Real option valuation of timber harvesting contracts
Authors: Herath Hemantha S. B. , Jahera John S.
Published: September 2021

A primary challenge for forestry businesses is valuing timber harvesting contracts. This article presents an empirical application of determining the optimal harvest volumes under stochastic prices to determine the economic value of timber harvesting contracts and manage business risk using real options theory. We illustrate a dynamic optimization solution procedure and the choice between a single long‐term versus two short‐term timber harvesting contracts from a risk management perspective. A case study of timber harvesting contracts sold in British Columbia is used to demonstrate specification of the many details and adaptations that are required in such valuation problems. Our article offers some interesting results. The highest timber harvesting contract values occur with optimal harvest quantities rather than an equal annual allowable cut (AAC). The difference in values can be substantial (two to three‐fold). Consequently, forestry businesses can benefit by timing their harvest to nonequal quantities in later years of a timber harvesting contract. Depending on the quality of timber, the maximum stumpage value for the second short‐term timber harvesting contract ranges from $12 to $17.8 per cubic meter, resulting in lower profit margins for equal AAC. In contrast, with optimal harvesting, the maximum stumpage value ranges from $2 to $8.5 per cubic meter and higher profit margins. These bounds for stumpage price and profit margins would be useful for forest businesses to better manage business risks when bidding for timber harvesting contracts.
Stem cell‐based and mesenchymal stem cell derivatives for coronavirus treatment
Authors: Rafiee Zeinab , Nejaddehbashi Fereshteh , Nasrolahi Ava , Khademi moghadam Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) as one of the types of pneumonia was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. COVID‐19 is considered the third most common coronavirus among individuals after acute respiratory syndrome (SARS‐CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS‐CoV) in the 20th century. Many studies have shown that cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches have an impressive effect on different dangerous diseases in a way that using a cell‐based experiment could be effective for improving humans with severe acute respiratory infections caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. Accordingly, due to the stunning effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and derivatives on the treatment of various diseases, this review focuses on the auxiliary role of MSCs and their derivatives in reducing the inflammatory processes of acute respiratory infections resulted from the 2019 novel coronavirus. The reported MSCs treatment outcomes are significant because these cells prevent the immune system from overactivating and improve, endogenous repair by improving the lung microenvironment after the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The MSCs can be an effective, autologous, and safe treatment, and therefore, share the results. To date, the results of several studies have shown that MSCs and their derivatives can inhibit inflammation. Exosomes act as intercellular communication devices between cells for the transfer of active molecules. In this review, recent MSCs and their derivatives‐based clinical trials for the cure of COVID‐19 are introduced.
Designing DNA probe from HPV 18 and 58 in the E6 region for sensing element in the development of genosensor‐based gold nanoparticles
Authors: Jaapar F. Nadhirah , Parmin N.A. , Halim N. Hamidah A , Hashim Uda , Gopinath Subash C.B. , Halim F. Syakirah , Ruslinda A. Rahim , Voon C.H. , Uda M.N.A. , Uda M.N.Afnan , Nadzirah Sh. , Rejali Zulida , Afzan Amilia , Zakaria Iffah Izzati
Published: September 2021

The E6 region has higher protuberant probability annealing than consensus probe focusing on another region in the human papillomavirus (HPV) genome in terms of detection and screening method. Here, we designed the first multiple virus single‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) for multiple detections in an early phase of screening for cervical cancer in the E6 region and became a fundamental evolution of detection electrochemical HPV biosensor. Gene profiling of the virus ssDNA sequences has been carried by high‐end bioinformatics tools such as GenBank, Basic Local Alignment Searching Tools (BLAST), and Clustal OMEGA in a row. The output from bioinformatics tools resulted in 100% of similarities between our virus ssDNA probe and HPV complete genome in the databases. The cross‐validation between HPV genome and our designed virus ssDNA provided high specificity and selectivity during screening methods compared with Pap smear. The DNA probe for HPV 18, 5′ COOH‐GAT CCA GAA GGT ACA GAC GGG GAG GGC ACG 3′, while 5′COOH‐GGG CGC TGT GCA GTG TGT TGG AGA CCC CGA3′ as DNA probe for HPV 58 designed with 66.77% guanine (G) and cytosine (C) content for both. Our virus ssDNA probe for the HPV biosensor promises high sensitivity, specificity, selectivity, repeatability, low fluid consumption, and will be useful in mini‐size diagnostic devices for cervical cancer detection.
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic in a preexisting longitudinal study of patients with recently diagnosed bipolar disorder: Indications for increases in manic symptoms
Authors: Koenders Manja , Mesbah Rahele , Spijker Annet , Boere Elvira , de Leeuw Max , van Hemert Bert , Giltay Erik
Published: September 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic interfered in the daily lives of people and is assumed to adversely affect mental health. However, the effects on mood (in)stability of bipolar disorder (BD) patients and the comparison to pre‐COVID‐19 symptom severity levels are unknown.

Method

Between April and September, 2020, symptoms and well‐being were assessed in the Bipolar Netherlands Cohort (BINCO) study of recently diagnosed patients with BD I and II. The questionnaire contained questions regarding manic and depressive symptoms (YMRS and ASRM, QIDS), worry (PSWQ), stress (PSS), loneliness, sleep, fear for COVID‐19, positive coping, and substance use. As manic, depressive and stress symptoms levels were assessed pre‐COVID‐19, their trajectories during the lockdown restrictions were estimated using mixed models.

Results

Of the 70 invited BD patients, 36 (51%) responded at least once (mean age of 36.7 years, 54% female, and 31% BD type 1) to the COVID‐19 assessments. There was a significant increase (X2 = 17.06; p = .004) in (hypo)manic symptoms from baseline during the first COVID‐19 wave, with a decrease thereafter. Fear of COVID‐19 (X2 = 18.01; p = .003) and positive coping (X2 = 12.44; p = .03) were the highest at the start of the pandemic and decreased thereafter. Other scales including depression and stress symptoms did not vary significantly over time.

Conclusion

We found a meaningful increase in manic symptomatology from pre‐COVID‐19 into the initial phases of the pandemic in BD patients. These symptoms decreased along with fear of COVID‐19 and positive coping during the following months when lockdown measures were eased.
A Systematic Review on Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany and Biological Activities of the Genus Bunium L.
Authors: Mohammadhosseini Majid , Frezza Claudio , Venditti Alessandro , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: September 2021

The aim of this review article is to present, for the first time, an appraisal of the phytochemical, ethnobotanical and pharmacological data on Bunium species. The literature search was conducted using the Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The genus Bunium has been found to produce both essential oil (EO), mainly comprising monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and non‐volatile components mainly coumarins and flavonoids. There are several pharmacological activities associated with the Bunium species, especially antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. The chemotaxonomic appraisal of the phytochemical pattern of the genus is in sink with the current classification of the family. Moreover, this review confirms the significant ethnobotanical and pharmacological potential of different Bunium species.
Cation Decorated Ferric Oxide with a Polyhedral‐like Structure for the Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhao Mingzhu , Guo Chengying , Gao Lingfeng , Yang Hua , Liu Chengqing , Kuang Xuan , Sun Xu , Wei Qin
Published: September 2021

Considerable efforts have been devoted to electrocatalytic reaction of N2 to NH3 driven by the broad demand of ammonia and the disadvantages of the Haber‐Bosch process. Unfortunately, the difficult adsorption of nitrogen molecules and the permanent dipole of N≡N vastly inhibit its practical application. Historically, the ferric oxide (Fe2O3) has inferior nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) activity among transition compounds due to the unfavorable band gap and scarce active center. Considering the fact that the electronic properties and morphology character could be well‐tuned brought by the incorporation of heteroatoms, we report vanadium atom decorated ferric oxide (named as V‐α‐Fe2O3) with a polyhedral‐like structure as an innovative catalyst for fast nitrogen reduction reaction. Benefiting from the incorporation of vanadium atoms, the electronic structure and active center of α‐Fe2O3 were well‐optimized, with enhanced NRR activity being obtained. The as‐synthesized 17 % V‐α‐Fe2O3 exhibits excellent catalytic activity that the Faradaic efficiency is 5.7 % and the NH3 yield is 68.7 μg h−1 mg−1cat. at −0.2 V (vs. RHE) in 0.1 M HCl. This work reported an approach to synthesize the enhanced catalysts even realizing the efficient application of NRR in the near future.
Constructing Highly Efficient Blue OLEDs with External Quantum Efficiencies up to 7.5 % Based on Anthracene Derivatives
Authors: Zheng Xu‐Hui , Huang Ting‐Ting , Yang Guo‐Xi , Lin An‐Qi , Chen Keng , Chen Xiang , Li Jiu‐Yan , Tong Qing‐Xiao
Published: September 2021

Acquiring desirable device performance with deep‐blue color purity that fulfills practical application requirements is still a challenge. Bipolar fluorescent emitters with hybrid local and charge transfer (HLCT) state may serve to address this issue. Herein, by inserting anthracene core in the deep‐blue building blocks, the authors successfully developed two highly twisted D‐π‐A fluorescent emitters, ICz‐An‐PPI and IP‐An‐PPI, featuring different acceptor groups. Both exhibited superb thermal stabilities, high photo luminescent quantum yields and excellent bipolar transport capabilities. The non‐doped OLEDs using ICz‐An‐PPI and IP‐An‐PPI as the emitting layers showed efficient blue emission with an external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 4.32 % and 5.41 %, and the CIE coordinates of (0.147, 0.180) and (0.149, 0.150), respectively. In addition, the deep blue doped device based on ICz‐An‐PPI was achieved with an excellent CEmax of 5.83 cd A−1, EQEmax of 4.6 % and the CIE coordinate of (0.148, 0.078), which is extremely close to the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) standard. Particularly, IP‐An‐PPI‐based doped device had better performance, with an EQEmax of 7.51 % and the CIE coordinate of (0.150, 0.118), which was very impressive among the recently reported deep‐blue OLEDs with the CIEy <0.12. Such high performance may be attributed to the hot exciton HLCT mechanism via T7 to S2. Our work may provide a new approach for designing high‐efficiency deep‐blue materials.
Active Living After Cancer: Adaptation and evaluation of a community‐based physical activity program for minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors
Authors: Tami‐Maury Irene M. , Liao Yue , Rangel Maria L. , Gatus Leticia A. , Shinn Eileen H. , Alexander Ashley , Basen‐Engquist Karen
Published: September 2021

Background

An expanding body of research documents the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors' physical functioning and quality of life, but few successful models provide community‐based physical activity programs to cancer survivors. This report presents an evaluation of Active Living After Cancer, an evidence‐based physical activity program for breast cancer survivors, adapted for community delivery to minority and medically underserved survivors.

Methods

Survivors were recruited from health care and community settings. The program consisted of 12 weekly group sessions providing training in cognitive and behavioral skills for behavior change, brief physical activity, and cancer survivorship‐related content. At the baseline and follow‐up, participants completed assessments of their physical activity, quality of life, and physical functioning (6‐minute walk and 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test). At follow‐up, they also completed questionnaires to measure program content mastery and satisfaction.

Results

The outcome analysis included 127 participants. Physical activity and quality of life (mental and physical) improved from the baseline to follow‐up (all P < .01). Physical functioning improved, with increases in sit‐to‐stand repetitions (mean, 12.5 at the baseline vs 14.9 at the follow‐up; P < .01) and 6‐minute walk distances (mean, 428 m at the baseline vs 470 m at the follow‐up; P < .01).

Conclusions

The results highlight the effectiveness of an evidence‐based program adapted for community‐based delivery to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. The program could be delivered to improve outcomes in diverse survivor populations.

Lay Summary

Physical activity in breast cancer survivors is related to better quality of life and longer cancer‐free survival. However, there are few community‐based programs to help breast cancer survivors to become more physically active.

The Active Living After Cancer program was adapted from an evidence‐based program and delivered in community‐based settings to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. It consisted of 12 weekly group sessions in which participants learned skills to increase their physical activity.

The program participants increased their physical activity and improved their mental and physical well‐being and physical functioning.
Retracted: A multi‐modality paradigm for CT and MRI fusion with applications of quantum image processing
Authors: Dogra Ayush , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: September 2021

As pixel resolution continues to increase in images acquired from different sensors, the measurement of the correlation between pixels and their properties requires numerous processing steps over multiple iterations. Quantum image processing (QIP) is a technology capable of processing exponentially large volumes of data within polynomial time. One such application is image fusion. In the field of radiography, computerized tomography (CT) images provide the structural information of bone tissues, and magnetic resonance MR images can provide the visualization of gray‐scale anatomical structures of soft tissues. With the help of CT and MR fusion, a composite image can be obtained containing information on both hard and soft tissues. Clinicians often have to switch between these modalities to trace various patterns for effective staging and diagnosis of various oncological diseases. In this study, a multilevel filtering‐based image fusion algorithm that efficiently fuses information from CT and MR images into a single image has been proposed. First, source images are processed with a rolling guidance filter, and the detail layer is calculated. The base layer is then computed using guided filtering to ensure a high level of edge preservation. Furthermore, to minimize noise and artifacts, the detail layers are fused using the Karhunen–Loeve transform, and the base layers are combined using the weighted superimposition principle. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methodology is subjectively more efficient than the existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
A recommendation approach based on correlation and co‐occurrence within social learning network
Authors: Souabi Sonia , Retbi Asmaâ , Idrissi Mohammed Khalidi , Bennani Samir
Published: September 2021

The context of our work falls within the context of social learning networks, particularly recommendation systems. A recommendation system generally consists of proposing objects and items that meet users' needs and expectations. Within social learning, recommendation systems are of paramount importance as they guide learners in their learning path and facilitate their interactions with learning platforms. However, most recommendation systems in online learning are limited to the use of explicit feedback received from learners. In addition to explicit feedback, the new generation of recommendation systems ought to promote implicit feedbacks and actions taken by the stakeholders. In this article, we propose a hybrid recommendation system integrating all the activities carried out by the learners and combining the two notions of correlation and co‐occurrence. After expounding our system, the evaluation is performed on a database outlining the interaction of employees with articles available within a Deskdrop platform. The results indicate that the performance of the hybrid approach (70%) exceeds the performance of the non‐hybrid recommendation system (30%), and that the hybrid system is more consistent in terms of performance as well.
Automation of QIIME2 Metagenomic Analysis Platform
Authors: Fung Calvin , Rusling Mathew , Lampeter Thomas , Love Charles , Karim Anisha , Bongiorno Christian , Yuan Li‐Lian
Published: September 2021

QIIME is a widely used, open‐source microbiome analysis software package that converts raw sequence data into interpretable visualizations and statistical results. QIIME2 has recently succeeded QIIME1, becoming the most updated platform. The protocols in this article describe our effort in automating core functions of QIIME2, using datasets available at docs.qiime2.org. While these specific examples are microbial 16S rRNA gene sequences, our automation can be easily applied to other types of QIIME2 analysis. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparing files and folders

Support Protocol 1: Preparing your data for QAP

Support Protocol 2: Understanding automated options

Basic Protocol 2: Importing into QIIME

Basic Protocol 3: DADA2: Filtering, trimming, merging pairs

Basic Protocol 4: Performing core metrics

Basic Protocol 5: Sample filtering by metadata

Basic Protocol 6: Alpha diversity metrics

Basic Protocol 7: Cross‐sectional beta diversity

Basic Protocol 8: Longitudinal feature volatility

Basic Protocol 9: Sample classification
Conflicts over intimacy within mature, happy marriages reliance and reliability in intimate relationships: An interpretive phenomenological analysis
Authors: Gerschwer Scott
Published: September 2021

This study employed interpretive phenomenological analysis to examine the lived experience of 10 middle‐aged, married couples in mature relationships who self‐identified as “happily married” as to how they manage marital conflict over closeness‐distance issues. The researcher was particularly interested in dyadic communication and meta‐communication that occurred before, during and after conflict. Open‐ended questions were used to prompt stories about times when an issue of closeness and distance created conflict in the relationship. The researcher recorded and transcribed the calls and conducted a close analysis of the stories told by the subjects. During the analysis phase, a number of themes emerged. The current article examines two salient themes: a) that a “turning point,” defined as significant crisis or event in life, contributes to the level of intimacy within the dyad; and b) this turning point led the couples to understand that they could rely solely on one another in a time of crisis, thereby increasing the level of intimacy within the relationship. Although the turning point stories were all unpleasant experiences, in every case they served to bring the couple closer together. Further research is needed, but the idea holds some promise as a factor of success/failure of marriages. The present article focuses on the evolution of mutual reliance as a relational value and perhaps as a dimension of intimacy.
Media coverage, corporate social irresponsibility conduct, and financial analysts' performance
Authors: Berkan Acar , Leonardo Becchetti , Stefano Manfredonia
Published: September 2021

We examine how financial analysts respond to public information about corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) conduct. Exploiting a novel dataset on environmental, social, and governance reputational risk rating based on media coverage and analyzing a sample of 667 public corporations over an 11‐year period, we find that analysts' optimistic bias tends to grow in proportion to media coverage of CSI conduct. To deal with the endogeneity issue, we propose as instrumental variable, namely, the Euclidean distance from the Canadian border. The results are robust to the use of different measures of the independent and dependent variables as well as an alternative instrumental variable approach. We also show that over‐optimistic bias is larger when information asymmetries are stronger. Our findings are in line with the rational over‐optimistic behavior hypothesis and have important implications for market efficiency.
Feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial comparing family‐based treatment via videoconferencing and online guided self‐help family‐based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Lock James , Couturier Jennifer , Matheson Brittany E. , Datta Nandini , Citron Kyra , Sami Sadaf , Welch Hannah , Webb Cheryl , Doxtdator Kyrsten , John‐Carson Natalie
Published: September 2021

Objective

This report describes the feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes from a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing an online guided self‐help program version of family‐based treatment (GSH‐FBT) for parents with a child with DSM‐5 anorexia nervosa (AN) to FBT delivered via videoconferencing (FBT‐V).

Method

Between August 2019 and October 2020, 40 adolescents ages 12–18 years with DSM‐5 AN and their families were recruited at two sites and randomized to either twelve 20‐min guided sessions of GSH‐FBT for parents or fifteen 60‐min sessions of FBT‐V for the entire family. Recruitment, retention, and acceptability of treatment were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were changes in weight, eating disorder examination (EDE), parental self‐efficacy, weight remission, full remission, and outcome efficiency (therapist time needed to achieve treatment outcomes).

Results

Descriptive data are reported. Recruitment and retention rates are similar to RCTs using in‐person treatments. Both treatments received similar acceptability rates. Medium and large effect sizes (ES) related to improvements in weight, EDE, parental self‐efficacy, and remission were achieved in both treatments and were maintained at a 3‐month follow‐up. Clinical outcomes between groups were associated with a small ES. Differences in efficiency (outcome/therapist time) were associated with a large ES difference favoring GSH‐FBT.

Discussion

These data support the feasibility of conducting an adequately powered RCT comparing online GSH‐FBT to FBT‐V to determine which approach is more efficient in achieving improvements in clinical outcomes in adolescents with AN.
Symbiotic microbial studies in diverse populations of Aphis gossypii, existing on altered host plants in different localities during different times
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Su Honghua , Jiang Weili , Hu Daowu , Ali Intazar , Jin Tianxing , Yang Yizhong , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: September 2021

Complex interactions between symbiotic bacteria and insects ultimately result in equilibrium in all aspects of life in natural insect populations. In this study, abundance of principal symbiotic bacteria was estimated using qPCR in 1553 individuals of aphids, Aphis gossypii. Aphids were sampled from primary and secondary host plants—hibiscus and cotton. Hibiscus aphids were collected from 24 different locations in April, September, and November, whereas cotton aphids were collected between 2015 and 2017 from areas with wide variations in climatic conditions. About 30%–45% aphids were recorded with the most dominant symbiont, Arsenophonus. The other symbionts were in low frequency, and about 7% of aphids were noted with Hamiltonella, Acinetobacter, and Microbacterium, and 3% of aphids were verified with Serratia and Pseudomonas. Aphids infected with Hamiltonella, Arsenophonus, and Serratia can influence Buchnera densities. Hamiltonella has positive interaction with densities of Arsenophonus and Serratia. Almost 100% coinfection of Hamiltonella and Arsenophonus was detected in Xinxiang aphids and 50% coinfection was reported in aphids from North China, while no coinfection was detected in Hainan aphids. These findings describe the prevalence pattern and richness of core community of symbiotic bacteria in naturally occurring populations of A. gossypii and provide new insights for the study of symbiotic bacteria.
Phylogenetic significance of the characteristics of simple sequence repeats at the genus level based on the complete chloroplast genome sequences of Cyatheaceae
Authors: Zhu Ming , Feng Peipei , Ping Jingyao , Li Jinye , Su YingJuan , Wang Ting
Published: September 2021

The simple sequence repeats (SSRs) of plant chloroplasts show considerable genetic variation and have been widely used in species identification and phylogenetic relationship determination. Whether chloroplast genome SSRs can be used to classify Cyatheaceae species has not yet been studied. Therefore, the chloroplast genomes of eight Cyatheaceae species were sequenced, and their SSR characteristics were compared and statistically analyzed. The results showed that the chloroplast genome structure was highly conserved (genome size: 154,046–166,151 bp), and the gene content (117 genes) and gene order were highly consistent. The distribution characteristics of SSRs (number, relative abundance, relative density, GC content) showed taxon specificity. The primary results were the total numbers of SSRs and mononucleotides: Gymnosphaera (61–67 and 40–47, respectively), Alsophila (121–122 and 95–96), and Sphaeropteris (102–103 and 77–80). Statistical and clustering analyses of SSR characteristics showed that their distribution was consistent with the recent classification of Cyatheaceae, which divided the eight Cyatheaceae species into three genera. This study indicates that the distribution characteristics of Cyatheaceae chloroplast SSRs can provide useful phylogenic information at the genus level.