bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of decontamination procedures for drug testing in undamaged versus damaged hair
Authors: Ramírez Fernández María del Mar , Wille Sarah M. R. , Yegles Michel , Samyn Nele
Published: February 2022

Although substances incorporated by ingestion are strongly bound to hair, their loss may occur if aggressive decontamination procedures are applied, especially in highly damaged/porous hair. Evaluation of cleaning procedures using hair samples with different porosity obtained from ethanol or drug users (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, methadone, fentanyl, tramadol, diazepam, buprenorphine, dihydrocodeine, citalopram and trazodone). The effect of washing time and multiple wash steps with water and methanol were evaluated. Hair samples (n = 16) were selected and evaluated according to (a) the drug pattern consumption, (b) available amount, and (c) hair porosity (c1 ‘cosmetic treatment’, c2: storage time). Six of them were soaked with an aqueous deuterated analogue solution. The samples were cut in 1‐cm segments and homogenized. All hair samples were then decontaminated one or six times with 1.5 ml of water or methanol during 1, 5, 15, 30, 60 and/or 90 min (n = 1 to 3/sample, depending on the available amount of hair). Hair extracts were then cleaned up via a solid‐phase extraction (SPE) or liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), while the washes were evaporated to dryness. All were thereafter reconstituted and analysed with routine ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) methods. Although concentrations of parent drugs and/or metabolites presented a negative trend along the washing time with methanol (up to 80%), the compounds were relatively well retained in hair even after a 90 min wash (with methanol or water) in most samples, and their retention would depend mostly on the hair nature rather than their physicochemical properties (whether incorporated by ingestion and/or from external contamination). Moreover, parent drugs and/or metabolites were detected in the washes in most samples, and the ratio between hair and washes decreased along the washing time. More than 50% of the deuterated analogues soaked into hair were still present after the different washing steps. Losses were observed more frequently for long‐term stored hair samples, after decontamination with methanol for more than 30 min. Therefore, prolonged or repeated cleaning with methanol should be avoided in general procedures.
Disruption of Trip11 in cranial neural crest cells is associated with increased ER and Golgi stress contributing to skull defects in mice
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Meyer Matthew D. , He Li , Komatsu Yoshihiro
Published: February 2022

Background

Absence of Golgi microtubule‐associated protein 210 (GMAP210), encoded by the TRIP11 gene, results in achondrogenesis. Although TRIP11 is thought to be specifically required for chondrogenesis, human fetuses with the mutation of TRIP11 also display bony skull defects where chondrocytes are usually not present. This raises an important question of how TRIP11 functions in bony skull development.

Results

We disrupted Trip11 in neural crest‐derived cell populations, which are critical for developing skull in mice. In Trip11 mutant skulls, expression levels of ER stress markers were increased compared to controls. Morphological analysis of electron microscopy data revealed swollen ER in Trip11 mutant skulls. Unexpectedly, we also found that Golgi stress increased in Trip11 mutant skulls, suggesting that both ER and Golgi stress‐induced cell death may lead to osteopenia‐like phenotypes in Trip11 mutant skulls. These data suggest that Trip11 plays pivotal roles in the regulation of ER and Golgi stress, which are critical for osteogenic cell survival.

Conclusion

We have recently reported that the molecular complex of ciliary protein and GMAP210 is required for collagen trafficking. In this paper, we further characterized the important role of Trip11 being possibly involved in the regulation of ER and Golgi stress during skull development.
Female large odorous frogs (Odorrana graminea) prefer males with higher nonlinear vocal components
Authors: Chen Pan , Wang Jinmei , Miao Junqi , Dong Hao , Bao Jiahui , Wu Yatao , Zhang Fang
Published: February 2022

In anurans, the complexity of courtship calls may affect female mate choice. The current study suggests that nonlinear phenomena (NLP) components can contribute to increasing complexity in courtship calls and attracting female attention. The results of a recent study showed that calls of large odorous frog (Odorrana graminea) contained NLP components. However, whether the nonlinear components of courtship calls in O. graminea improve male attractiveness remains unknown. We hypothesized that female O. graminea would prefer males producing calls with a higher proportion of NLP components (P‐NLP‐C). To test this hypothesis, we recorded the advertisement calls of 28 males and confirmed that the P‐NLP‐C was significantly positively related to body size. We also measured the body size of natural amplectant males and non‐amplectant males in the field and found that amplectant males had larger body sizes than non‐amplectant males, and the results of two‐choice amplexus experiments similarly revealed a female preference for males with larger body sizes. Additionally, phonotaxis experiments also revealed that females preferred male calls with a high P‐NLP‐C. The results suggest that a higher P‐NLP‐C in calls can enhance male attractiveness, and the P‐NLP‐C may provide key information about male body conditions for female O. graminea. Our study provides a new insight for better understanding the role of NLP in anuran mate selection.
Mono‐Phosphine Metal‐Organic Framework‐Supported Cobalt Catalyst for Efficient Borylation Reactions
Authors: Newar Rajashree , Begum Wahida , Akhtar Naved , Antil Neha , Chauhan Manav , Kumar Ajay , Gupta Poorvi , Malik Jaideep , Balendra  , Manna Kuntal
Published: February 2022

We report a metal‐organic framework (MOF) supported monoligated phosphine‐cobalt complex, which is an active heterogeneous catalyst for aromatic C−H borylation and alkene hydroboration. The mono(phosphine)‐Co catalyst (MOF−P−Co) was prepared by metalation of a porous triarylphosphine‐functionalized MOF (MOF−P) with CoCl2 followed by activation with NaEt3BH. The MOF catalyst has a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group tolerance to afford arene‐ and alkyl‐boronate esters in excellent yields and selectivity. MOF−P−Co gave a turnover number (TON) of 30,000 and could be recycled and reused at least 13 times in arene C−H borylation. Importantly, the attempt to prepare the homogeneous control (Ph3P−Co) using triphenylphosphine was unsuccessful due to the facile disproportionation reactions or intermolecular ligand exchanges in the solution. In contrast, the site isolation of the active mono(phosphine)‐Co species within the MOF affords the robust and coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes, allowing to explore their catalytic properties and the reaction mechanism.
A Modular Synthesis of Teraryl‐Based α‐Helix Mimetics, Part 3: Iodophenyltriflate Core Fragments Featuring Side Chains of Proteinogenic Amino Acids
Authors: Trobe Melanie , Vareka Martin , Schreiner Till , Dobrounig Patrick , Doler Carina , Holzinger Ella B. , Steinegger Andreas , Breinbauer Rolf
Published: February 2022

Teraryl‐based α‐helix mimetics have proven to be useful compounds for the inhibition of protein‐protein interactions (PPI). We have developed a modular and flexible approach for the synthesis of teraryl‐based α‐helix mimetics using a benzene core unit featuring two leaving groups of differentiated reactivity in the Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling used for teraryl assembly. In previous publications we have introduced the methodology of 4‐iodophenyltriflates decorated with the side chains of some of the proteinogenic amino acids. We herein report the core fragments corresponding to the previously missing amino acids Arg, Asn, Asp, Met, Trp and Tyr. Therefore, our set now encompasses all relevant amino acid analogues with the exception of His. In order to be compatible with the triflate moiety, some of the nucleophilic side chains had to be provided in a protected form to serve as stable building blocks. Additionally, cross‐coupling procedures for the assembly of teraryls were investigated.
XtalFluor‐E Enabled Regioselective Synthesis of Di‐Indole Sulfides by C3−H Sulfenylation of Indoles
Authors: Cironis Nojus , Yuan Kang , Thomas Stephen P. , Ingleson Michael J.
Published: February 2022

A simple, regioselective synthesis of di‐indole sulfides by electrophilic aromatic substitution of the C3‐position of indoles was achieved using Xtalfluor‐E as the sulfenylating reagent. The addition of amine bases was found to have a significant effect on the reaction outcome, with 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) switching off the reactivity of XtalFluor‐E, while the hindered base 2,6‐ditertbutyl‐4‐methylpyridine (DBP) led to the formation of two di‐indole‐sulfur containing products, one S(II) and one S(IV). The optimal base for accessing the di‐indole sulfides in high yield proved to be Hünigs base, EtNiPr2. While this amine formed a Lewis adduct with XtalFluor‐E, adduct formation did not completely quench electrophilic reactivity indicating reversible coordination to the sulfur center. This is the first report utilizing XtalFluor‐E in electrophilic aromatic substitution to form C−S bonds to our knowledge, and this process is applicable to a wide range of functionalized indoles and does not require N1‐protection.
One‐Pot Oxidative Heterofunctionalization of Resorcinolic Cannabinoids to Non‐thiophilic Aminocannabinoquinones
Authors: Caprioglio Diego , Mattoteia Daiana , Muñoz Eduardo , Taglialatela‐Scafati Orazio , Appendino Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Aminocannabinoquinones are an emerging class of next generation semi‐synthetic cannabinoids exemplified by VCE‐004.8 (1 c), a compound currently in phase 2 development for scleroderma. Aminocannabinoquinones have been so far obtained from resorcinolic cannabinoids by a two‐step protocol involving oxidation to a hydroxyquinone followed by tandem aza‐Michael trapping by a primary amine and in situ reoxidation. To improve this synthesis and to broaden its substrate range, we have capitalized on the dual ability of manganese (III) acetate hydrate (MAH) to act as a one‐electron oxidant for electron‐rich aromatics as well as a Lewis acid promoter for Michael addition. This led to the development of a one‐pot protocol for the oxidative heterofunctionalization of cannabinoids to aminocannabinoquinones suitable for the expeditious generation of libraries. Unlike cannabinoquinones, these amino derivatives are not thiophylic, providing a possible rationalization for the different stability and biological profile of the two classes of compounds.
Modified Separator with Nitrogen‐doped High‐graphitized Carbon for Lithium‐sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wei Benben , Xia Yu , Chen Shaoqing , Wang Hsing‐Lin
Published: February 2022

Suppressing the shuttling of dissolved lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) is an indispensable strategy to extend the cycling life of lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. One strategy is absorbing the LiPSs by modifying separator of Li−S batteries. Herein, we show a novel nitrogen‐doped graphitized carbon (NGC) derived from coconut shell, which was annealed by flash Joule heating at ultrahigh temperature within seconds. The NGC was coated on the polypropylene (PP) separator to prepare the modified PP separator, which enabled the Li−S batteries to work stably at 1 C with a low fading rate of 0.09 % from 788 mAh g−1. Microscopy analysis and Raman spectrum reveal that the high‐graphitization carbon with heavily nitrogen‐doping strengthens the adsorption of LiPSs in the charge/discharge process.
Decentralized prediction and reputation approach in vehicular networks
Authors: Najafi Maryam , Khoukhi Lyes , Lemercier Marc
Published: February 2022

A vehicle ad‐hoc network (VANET) is an essential component of the intelligent transportation system. In VANET, vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication plays a significant role in providing a secure network and safe exchange of information between nodes. However, VANET is prone to critical risks, threats, and attacks due to its unique characteristics and dynamic topology. Trust is one of the most critical aspects of security. So, this concept has already proved its accuracy and efficiency in various wireless applications. To ensure trust in vehicular communications, we propose a decentralized prediction and reputation approach that includes two models. First, we introduce a reputation model based on the Bayesian theorem and watchdog concept. We investigate the vehicle's behavior in the network to measure the vehicle's trust rate. Then, we present a prediction model to anticipate the vehicle's state and detect malicious vehicles. Based on this approach, vehicles can avoid interacting with unreliable vehicles and ignore incoming messages from them to reduce the effect of malicious nodes in the network. Our extensive simulations show the performance and accuracy of our approach. Also, the certainty rate remains between 91% and 99% regardless of the simulation scenario's duration. This simulation also demonstrates our classification's certainty, even under different network situations.
Palaeogeographic reconstruction and sequence architecture of the middle‐upper Jurassic successions of Hawraman Basin (NW Iran): Implications for tectono‐depositional processes of the northeastern passive margin of the Arabian Plate
Authors: Bayet‐Goll Aram , Daraei Mehdi , Seginsara Milad Imani
Published: February 2022

The middle‐upper Jurassic successions (Sargelu, Najmah, and Gotnia formations) of the NW sector of the Zagros Mountain belt are studied to generate a sequence stratigraphic model that helps to understand the Jurassic tectono‐depositional processes and palaeogeographic reconstructions of the northeastern passive margin of the Arabian Plate. The major geological structures observed in northwestern Iran indicate the predominance of an extensional deformation during the Toarcian to Aalenian owing to the eastern Mediterranean rifting. This extensional regime reached its maximum from the Early to Middle Jurassic, causing the fragmentation/drowning of the long‐lived Triassic to Early Jurassic carbonate platform and the development of the Hawraman intrashelf basin (HIB). Associated changes in marine current dynamics, trophic conditions, and degree of substrate oxygenation led to the bloom of oligotypical biota (Bositra limestones) creating unfavourable conditions for the development of other benthic communities (Sargelu Formation). Later, from the Callovian to Oxfordian, changes in carbonate production types (switch from the Bositra filament facies to the stromatolitic‐thrombolitic boundstones) remarkably decreased the dip angle of the depositional profile (Najmah Formation). A second‐order tectono‐eustatic cycle (a major long‐term transgressive/regressive [T/R] cycle) including six minor short‐term T/R facies cycles (TR1–TR6) is identified in the study area. The development of the T/R facies cycles during the Middle Jurassic (TR1–TR3; give‐up sequences; Sargelu Formation) as a result of combined global eustatic transgression and linear subsidence resulted in drowning and backstepping of the platform. In contrast, the short‐term cycles that developed in the upper Jurassic (TR4–TR6; keep‐up sequences; Najmah and Gotnia formations), following a sea‐level fall, resulted in progressive shallowing of the carbonate platform. This study suggests that extensional deformation of the area reached its peak in the transition of the Early to Middle Jurassic, leading to the creation of HIB, but either decreased or played a subordinate role to eustatic sea‐level variations during the deposition of the TR1–TR3 facies cycles (Bajocian‐Callovian). Changes in tectonic regime from an extensional deformation (Early Jurassic) to cooling subsidence (Middle Jurassic), accompanied by a long‐term transgressive sea‐level trend during the Middle Jurassic, were important factors in the development of anoxic trough environments with the deposition of organic‐rich intervals, represented by the TR1–TR3 facies cycles. Tectonic instability (tectonic uplift plus considerable differential subsidence due to the reactivation of faults) in the eastern margin of the Arabian platform during the Late Jurassic led to the development of the TR4–TR6 facies cycles.
Ironbark: Developing a healthy community program for older Aboriginal people
Authors: Macniven Rona , Simon Aaron , Wilson Roland , Howie Adam , Stewart Georgia , Ma Tracey , Turner Norma Jean , Cairnduff Sallie , Coombes Julieann
Published: February 2022

Issue addressed

Programs by, with and for Aboriginal older people must be culturally safe and relevant. Successful elements include being Aboriginal specific and group based. Co‐design with Aboriginal people and stakeholders is essential. We describe the co‐design process of developing the Ironbark: Healthy Community program.

Methods

Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing and yarning conversational methods guided the development process, during 2018. A desktop review provided details of current group characteristics and key community stakeholders. Stakeholder engagement regarding views about group operations, participants and benefits also occurred. Aboriginal Elders views of their groups were gathered through yarning circles in New South Wales (NSW). Grounded theory approach was used to ascertain key themes.

Results

Initial engagement occurred with 13 different community stakeholders and organisations in three Australian states (NSW, South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA)). Three yarning circles occurred with Elders from urban (N = 10), regional coastal (N = 10) and regional country (N = 4) groups. Six key themes were organised in three groups according to an Aboriginal ontology. 1. Knowing: groups provide opportunities to share knowledge and connect socially. Adequate program resourcing and sustainability are valued. 2. Being: groups strengthen culture, providing important social, emotional and other forms of support to age well. 3. Doing: previous program experiences inform perceptions for new program operations. Group venues and operational aspects should be culturally safe, acknowledging diversity among Elders, their preferences and community control. Themes were used to develop the program and its resource manual that were finalised with stakeholders, including steering committee approval.

Conclusions

Stakeholder feedback at multiple stages and Aboriginal Elders’ perspectives resulted in a new co‐designed community program involving weekly yarning circles and social activities.

So what?: Co‐design, guided by Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, can develop programs relevant for Aboriginal people.
The role of institutional research in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
Authors: McKinley Kristin , Dunnagan Sarah
Published: February 2022

Institutional research/effectiveness offices are instrumental in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) efforts. Ideally they have the knowledge, perspective, and network within an institution to impact practice, process, policy, and planning in order to guide the institution toward a goal of being fully inclusive. With an understanding of D.E.I. terms within the institution and higher education, IR offices can provide a cohesive perspective and focus through both qualitative and quantitative data that can lead to shared definitions, a collective mindset, and ultimately actionable change.
Daily drip irrigation based on real‐time weather improves winter wheat grain yield and water use efficiency
Authors: Guo Xiaolei , Zhao Qian , Li Junyan , Wang Zhimin , Zhang Yinghua , Xue Xuzhang
Published: February 2022

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of daily drip irrigation on the growth of winter wheat, a 2‐year field experiment was conducted to compare the influence of conventional irrigation (CI) and daily drip irrigation (DI1 and DI2) on the soil water content, evapotranspiration dynamics, grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of winter wheat. CI irrigated 75 mm at elongation and anthesis periods, respectively. DI1 and DI2 started irrigation from the elongation period and single‐time irrigation amount was 30 and 45% respectively of the daily reference evapotranspiration until total irrigation amount reached 150 mm or winter wheat was harvested. During 2016–2017, the grain yield and WUE of DI1 improved significantly by 9.7 and 30.2%, respectively, compared with those of CI. In 2017–2018, grain yield of DI1 and DI2 improved significantly by 10.4 and 7.7%, and WUE of DI1 and DI2 increased by 8.5 and 12.7%, respectively, compared with those of CI. Compared with CI, winter wheat exposed to daily drip irrigation enhanced water utilization in deep soil layers and reduced the noon evapotranspiration rate, leading to less water consumption. Simultaneously, daily drip irrigation ensured water supply in the upper soil layers during the grain‐filling stage, and increased thousand grain weight and yield. The results showed that daily drip irrigation could greatly improve winter wheat yield and WUE by homogenizing water supply based on real‐time weather, which provided a reference for the formulation of accurate water‐saving drip irrigation strategy.
Improving the scaling and performance of multiple time stepping‐based molecular dynamics with hybrid density functionals
Authors: Mandal Sagarmoy , Kar Ritama , Klöffel Tobias , Meyer Bernd , Nair Nisanth N.
Published: February 2022

Density functionals at the level of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and a plane‐wave basis set are widely used today to perform ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Going up in the ladder of accuracy of density functionals from GGA (second rung) to hybrid density functionals (fourth rung) is much desired pertaining to the accuracy of the latter in describing structure, dynamics, and energetics of molecular and condensed matter systems. On the other hand, hybrid density functional based AIMD simulations are about two orders of magnitude slower than GGA based AIMD for systems containing ~100 atoms using ~100 compute cores. Two methods, namely MTACE and s‐MTACE, based on a multiple time step integrator and adaptively compressed exchange operator formalism are able to provide a speed‐up of about 7–9 in performing hybrid density functional based AIMD. In this work, we report an implementation of these methods using a task‐group based parallelization within the CPMD program package, with the intention to take advantage of the large number of compute cores available on modern high‐performance computing platforms. We present here the boost in performance achieved through this algorithm. This work also identifies the computational bottleneck in the s‐MTACE method and proposes a way to overcome it.
Extending the theoretical framework of numeracy to engineers
Authors: Hadley Kevin , Oyetunji Wasiu
Published: February 2022

Background

While students possess procedural knowledge associated with engineering calculations and calculus, they often exhibit a disconnect between the conceptual meaning of mathematics and the problem being solved. This conceptual understanding of what mathematics “says” is defined by the theoretical framework of numeracy. Many engineering numeracy studies have been conducted, but they lacked a unifying theoretical framework, a common lexicon, or formal definitions to connect related numeracy topics.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study aims to define numeracy in the context of engineering mathematics and add to the broad theoretical framework of engineering numeracy. Formal skills, terms, and definitions are presented to generate further research.

Design/Method

A Delphi study was conducted to identify which skills constitute engineering numeracy and define engineering numeracy skills. Also, a content analysis of 5466 articles published between 1970 and 2018 was conducted to validate the findings of the Delphi panel.

Results

The Delphi study identified 32 skills and subskills, each validated and refined by the content analysis. The content analysis highlighted the need for more engineering numeracy studies. The difficulty and importance of learning different numeracy skills were also established.

Conclusions

A formal theoretical framework equipped with a specific lexicon and definitions was developed to include the mathematics of engineering as a part of the broader framework of numeracy. It is presented to serve as a reference for future research in engineering numeracy. The findings support the theory suggesting disconnections in students with regard to the conceptual meaning of mathematics and the problems solved.
Simultaneous detection of Zika, chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis viruses by a two‐tube multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay
Authors: Xu Zhixiang , Peng Yun , Yang Minghui , Li Xiaohe , Wang Jun , Zou Rongrong , Liang Jinhu , Fang Shisong , Liu Yingxia , Yang Yang
Published: February 2022

Due to the concurrent prevalence and increasing risk of coinfection of the clinically important Arboviruses, timely and accurate differential diagnosis is important for clinical management and the epidemiological investigation. A two‐tube multiplex real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay for the simultaneous detection of Zika virus (ZIKV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was developed and optimized with high specificity and sensitivity. The detection limit for all the six viruses could reach as low as five genome equivalent copies and 2.8 × 10−3 tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) for ZIKV, YFV, CHIKV and 2.8 × 10−2 TCID50 for JEV per reaction, with high accuracy and precision (R2 > 0.99). The coefficient of variation of intra‐assay and inter‐assay for our quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay was low, and the obtained positive rates ad Ct values of this assay were comparable with singleplex commercial kits. Moreover, the multiplex qRT‐PCR assay was able to detect possible co‐infections without competitive inhibition of target viral genomes. In conclusion, our rapid, sensitive, cost‐effective multiplex qRT‐PCR will be of great use for differential diagnosis in a clinical setting and epidemiological investigation during surveillance.
Self‐reported flares among people living with inflammatory bowel disease are associated with stress and worry but not associated with recent diet changes: The Manitoba Living with IBD Study
Authors: Vagianos Kathy , Shafer Leigh Anne , Witges Kelcie , Graff Lesley A. , Targownik Laura E. , Bernstein Charles N.
Published: February 2022

Background

In this matched case‐control longitudinal study among people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we investigated beliefs about what triggers a flare.

Methods

Adults with confirmed IBD and active disease within 2 years were enrolled in the Manitoba Living with IBD Study and followed biweekly with online surveys for 1 year. The 7‐point IBD Symptom Change Indicator was used for participant identification of a flare. Flare cases were matched to non‐flare controls by sex and disease type. Members of each matched pair completed supplementary information on diet changes and psychological functioning in the previous 2 weeks and provided stool samples to assess fecal calprotectin (FCAL).

Results

Of 128 enrolled participants, 95 matched flare/non‐flare pairs were created. Those reporting a flare were more likely to have elevated FCAL (51% vs 34% among non‐flares, P = 0.043). Although 61% of study participants believed at baseline that a food may trigger flares, and 25% of those in a flare believed that a food may have triggered their current flare, there was no difference in consumption of assessed foods between flares and non‐flares in the previous 2 weeks. Patients with flares were more likely to be having difficulties in emotional state than controls (40% vs 18%, P = 0.001) and more likely to be stressed or worried (64% vs 33%, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Although a majority of individuals with IBD believe that specific foods trigger their disease flares, this was not supported by the current findings. Recent psychological functioning was associated with self‐reported IBD flare.
Aerobic fitness and muscle density play a vital role in postoperative complications in colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Cuijpers Anne C. M. , Bongers Bart C. , Heldens Aniek F. J. M. , Bours Martijn J. L. , van Meeteren Nico L. U. , Stassen Laurents P. S. , Lubbers Tim
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives

To assess the association of preoperative aerobic fitness and body composition variables with a patient's resilience to the development and impact of postoperative complications after elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

Methods

Preoperative aerobic fitness was assessed by steep ramp test performance. Preoperative body composition was assessed by muscle mass and density determined from preoperative computed tomography scan analysis at the L3‐level. Complication development and severity was graded according to Clavien‐Dindo. Complication impact was assessed by the time to recovery of physical functioning after complications. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities and tumour location was performed.

Results

Of 238 included patients, 96 (40.3%) developed postoperative complications. Better preoperative aerobic fitness decreased the likelihood to develop complications, independent of muscle mass (odds ratio [OR]: 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35−0.85) or muscle density (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36−0.89). A prolonged time to recovery following complications was associated with lower preoperative muscle density (OR: 4.14, 95% CI: 1.28−13.41), independent of aerobic fitness.

Conclusions

Lower aerobic fitness increases the risk of complication development, while low muscle density seems associated with a prolonged recovery from complications. Aerobic fitness and muscle density could be valuable additives to preoperative risk assessment.
Two‐Incision Approach for Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Placement: A Single Institution Assessment
Authors: Sagalow Emily S. , Rodin Julianna , Estephan Leonard , Jackson Jarrett , Crippen Meghan , Boon Maurits , Huntley Colin
Published: February 2022

Objective(s)

Upper airway stimulator (UAS) placement is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with few complications and low morbidity. UAS placement has traditionally been performed using a three‐incision approach, however, it has been implanted using a two‐incision approach. This approach could significantly decrease operation time without a difference in postoperative complications, demonstrating its safety and feasibility for UAS placement. The objective was to assess operative time and complication rate in the two‐incision approach for UAS placement compared to the three‐incision approach.

Study Design

Retrospectively reviewed.

Methods

Patients who underwent UAS placement using the two‐ or three‐incision approach at a single academic institution from November 2014 to June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The two‐incision approach did not include the incision at the mid‐axillary line. Main outcome measures included operation time and complication rates.

Results

Three‐hundred forty‐eight patients underwent UAS placement. The three‐incision approach demonstrated an average operation time of 143.3 minutes whereas the two‐incision approach averaged 129.4 minutes (P < .001). There was no significant difference in rate of postoperative complications between the two‐ and three‐incision cohorts including pneumothorax (0% vs. 0.4%, P > .99), patient‐reported discomfort (5.6% vs. 6.5%, P > .99), activity restriction (0% vs. 1.4%, P > .50), and incisional pain (0.0% vs. 1.0%, P > .99). No patients experienced incision site bleeding or infection. The two‐incision approach was associated with decreased rate of revision surgery (0.0% vs. 5.4%, P = .048).

Conclusion

The UAS two‐incision approach proved to have a significantly shorter operative time without an increase in complications as compared to the three‐incision approach. This approach is a safe and feasible option.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1687–1691, 2022
Numerical Modeling of the Blend Morphology Evolution in Twin‐Screw Extruders
Authors: Wong Wing‐Hin B. , de Bie Vincent G. , Hulsen Martien A. , Anderson Patrick D.
Published: February 2022

The blend morphology model developed by Wong et al., based on Peters et al., is used to investigate the development of the disperse polymer blend morphology in twin‐screw extruder flow. First, the model is written in a point‐wise form suitable for using in conjunction with particle tracking. Particle tracking methods are used to generate trajectories along the flow field. Macroscopic droplet populations are placed along these trajectories and the velocity gradient tensor is extracted and applied on the point‐wise blend morphology model. Very large morphology differences arise between trajectories that pass through the middle gap and those that do not. In the global distribution of (macroscopically averaged, monodisperse) droplet sizes, two distinct peaks appear due to these different trajectories. Given enough number of screw rotations, a droplet population can reach almost every position in the twin‐screw extruder and travel along both types of particle trajectories. The effect of varying the gap size is that the largest droplets are unaffected, but the smallest droplets are smaller for a smaller gap size due to the higher maximum shear rate. The effect of varying the viscosity ratio on the global droplet size distribution is found to be nonlinear and is strongly determined by the Grace curve. The effect on polydisperse droplet populations is found to be that trajectories that do not pass through the gap evolve toward a single peak, whereas trajectories that do pass through the gap lead to a split into two peaks that ultimately rejoin as one peak. It is concluded that the initial position of a population in the twin‐screw extruder has a very large effect on the developing transient blend morphology, though future work should be done on the importance of the initial position on the steady‐state blend morphology after a very large number of screw rotations.
Surgical timing in neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A PRISMA‐IPD systematic review
Authors: Srinivasan Nivetha , Mahajan Jasmine , Gupta Shivani , Shah Yash M. , Shafei Jasmine , Levidy Michael F. , Abdelmalek George , Pant Krittika , Jain Kunj , Zhao Caixia , Chu Alice , McGrath Aleksandra
Published: February 2022

Background

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is a serious complication of high‐risk deliveries with controversy surrounding timing of corrective nerve surgery. This review systematically examines the existing literature and investigates correlations between age at time of upper trunk brachial plexus microsurgery and surgical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic screening of PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases using PRISMA‐IPD guidelines was conducted in January 2020 to include full‐text English papers with microsurgery in upper trunk palsy, pediatric patients. Spearman rank correlation analysis and two‐tailed t‐tests were performed using individual patient data to determine the relationship between mean age at time of surgery and outcome as determined by the Mallet, Medical Research Council (MRC), or Active Movement Scale (AMS) subscores.

Results

Two thousand nine hundred thirty six papers were screened to finalize 25 papers containing individual patient data (n = 256) with low to moderate risk of bias, as assessed by the ROBINS‐I assessment tool. Mallet subscore for hand‐to‐mouth and shoulder abduction, AMS subscore for elbow flexion and external rotation, and MRC subscore for elbow flexion were analyzed alongside the respective age of patients at surgery. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation (ρ = −0.30, p < .01, n = 89) between increasing age (5.50 ± 2.09 months) and Mallet subscore for hand‐to‐mouth (3.43 ± 0.83). T‐tests revealed a significant decrease in Mallet hand‐to‐mouth subscores after 6 months (p < .05) and 9 months (p < .05) of age. No significant effects were observed for Mallet shoulder abduction, MRC elbow flexion, or AMS elbow flexion and external rotation.

Conclusion

The cumulative evidence suggests a significant negative correlation between age at microsurgery and Mallet subscores for hand‐to‐mouth. However, a similar correlation with age at surgery was not observed for Mallet shoulder abduction, MRC elbow flexion, AMS external rotation, and AMS elbow flexion subscores.
Integrated radial basis functions to simulate modified anomalous sub‐diffusion equation
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Ebrahimijahan Ali , Abbaszadeh Mostafa
Published: February 2022

This research work presents a newly truly meshless approach based upon the integrated radial basis functions (IRBFs) technique to study the fractional modified anomalous sub‐diffusion equation. First, the temporal direction is discretized by a finite difference method with second‐order accuracy. The stability analysis and convergence of the proposed time‐discrete formulation are investigated, theoretically. Then, the spatial direction is approximated by the IRBFs methodology. In this approach, the largest‐order derivative is approximated by a linear combination of RBFs and then the lower‐order derivative and also the unknown function are constructed by repeated integration. According to this procedure, the existing derivatives in the main fractional PDE are approximated smoothly. Furthermore, to show the efficiency of the developed numerical procedure, we employed some non‐rectangular computational domains to obtain the numerical results. On the other hand, the mentioned model is solved in one‐ two‐, and three dimensional cases. The numerical results confirm the ability and efficiency of the new numerical method for solving time fractional PDEs on complex computational domains.
Effect of tannic acid modified bamboo fiber on the performance of soybean bio‐asphalt/styrene‐butadiene‐styrene modified asphalt
Authors: Meng Yongjun , Qin Pengfei , Yaseen Muhammad , Chen Jing , Yan Tianyi , Gan Weixing , Lei Jiechao , Li Jing
Published: February 2022

This study resolves the poor enhancement problem of high‐temperature performance and lower dissolution of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) modified asphalt and soybean bio‐asphalt (SBA) (extracted from waste soybean oil) by tannic acid (TA) modified bamboo fiber (MBF). The rheological properties and microscopic morphologies of the modified asphalt and fibers were investigated by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the rutting factor and deformation recovery rate of 3% MBF/3% SBS/SBA modified asphalt at 64°C increased by 78.4% and 31.99% as compared with those of 5% SBS modified asphalt. Further, the phenolic hydroxyl group of TA reacted with C═O groups in SBA to form a strong connection between BF and bio‐asphalt. Fluorescence microscopy analysis revealed that SBS solubilization and BF formed a uniform and stable network structure in the modified asphalt. This study provides a useful, greener, and cost‐effective strategy for the effective utilization of industrial waste (BF and waste soybean oil) by converting into advanced functional materials for highway and construction industries novel and hence can concomitantly decrease environmental pollution and enhance energy conservations.
A review on in‐mold electronics technology
Authors: Beltrão Mariana , Duarte Fernando M. , Viana Júlio C. , Paulo Vitor
Published: February 2022

In Mold Decoration (IMD) with printed electronic films combines the printed functional film with the IMD process, creating a product with embedded electronic functions that requires much less space compared to previous technologies. In Mold Electronics (IME) is a process of integrating printed decorations and functional electronics with IMD (i.e., thermoforming and injection molding), resulting in 3D‐shaped objects with embedded electronic functions. This technique is a field of recent large technological and scientific interests due to its wide application, aesthetically appealing, and durable and lighter functional products. This paper reviews the state‐of‐the‐art of IME technology, resorting to scientific research work performed and its main outputs, compiling and analyzing the main knowledge and achievements on the process up to date. First, an overview of the IME process steps is given, as well as, its components, main applications, advantages, and drawbacks. The main IME printing technologies are listed, and the relevant material parameters of the foil and of the conductive inks for the printing process are also discussed. The effects of the thermoforming and injection molding steps on the foil behavior and final product are also addressed. Main challenges still to overcome on the IME technology are presented.
Defects and Reliability of GaN‐Based LEDs: Review and Perspectives
Authors: Buffolo Matteo , Caria Alessandro , Piva Francesco , Roccato Nicola , Casu Claudia , De Santi Carlo , Trivellin Nicola , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Zanoni Enrico , Meneghini Matteo
Published: February 2022

Herein, the main factors and mechanisms that limit the reliability of gallium nitride (GaN)‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are reviewed. An overview of the defects characterization techniques most relevant for wide‐bandgap diodes is provided first. Then, by introducing a catalogue of traps and deep levels in GaN and computer‐aided simulations, it is shown which types of defects are more detrimental for the radiative efficiency of the devices. Gradual degradation mechanisms are analyzed in terms of their specific driving force: a separate analysis of recombination‐enhanced processes, driven by nonradiative recombination and/or temperature‐assisted processes, such as defects or impurity diffusion, is presented. The most common lifetime estimation methods and standards adopted for solid‐state luminaires are also reported on. Finally, the paper concludes by examining which are the typical degradation and failure mechanisms exhibited by LEDs submitted to electrical overstress.
A Disposable and Noncontact Paper Breathalyzer Based on Small Conjugated Molecules/Carbon Nanotubes Electrodes
Authors: Gusso Sara Luiza , Prado Letícia Barros , Ximim Gavim Anderson Emanuel , Deus Jeferson Ferreira de , Foti Leonardo , Mohd Yusoff Abd. Rashid Bin , da Silva Wilson José , Rodrigues Paula Cristina , Macedo Andreia Gerniski
Published: February 2022

Herein, N,N′‐di(decyl)‐3,4,9,10‐perylenebis(dicarboximide) (PDIC10) is first functionalized by hydrothermal synthesis method and processed onto single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCN) electrodes and paper substrate. The PDC10/SWCN/paper device can be applied as a noncontact breathalyzer to detect and quantify ethanol alcohol and determine equivalent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The sensing mechanism increases the electrical resistance upon ethanol alcohol (EtOH) exposition. This device allows the quantification of BAC values from 0.01% to 0.2%, with ΔR (%) of 2–25% in this range, with adequate stability operating in cycles.
Accurate redox potentials for solvents in Li‐metal batteries and assessment of density functionals
Authors: Zhang Wenna , Yang Tong , Zhao Kristin , Liao Xiaobin , Zhao Yan
Published: February 2022

The practical applications of Li metal batteries (LMBs) have been limited by the anodic instability which causes fatal problems including low Coulombic efficiency and short cycling lifespan. One way of addressing this issue is to develop new solvents with suitable redox potentials for electrolytes of LMBs. By using the recently developed Wuhan–Minnesota‐scaling method, the work has developed the Redox20 benchmark database consisting of the Ox10 subset of 10 oxidation potentials and the Red10 subset of 10 reduction potentials for four conventional and six fluorinated solvents in LMBs. The performances of 35 DFT methods have been assessed against Redox20. Based on the assessments, M05‐2X, M08‐HX, M08‐SO, M06‐2X, and revM06 functionals are the most accurate for the predictions of oxidation potentials, and the N12, M06‐HF, M08‐HX, HSE06, and PW6B95‐D3 functionals are best performers for calculating reduction potentials. M08‐HX gives the lowest average mean unsigned error, and it is recommended for the calculation of redox potentials. M08‐HX has been employed to calculate the redox potentials and highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital structures of 48 solvents for LMBs, which is beneficial to the selection of optimal LMBs electrolyte solvents.
Constrained randomization and statistical inference for multi‐arm parallel cluster randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Yunji , Turner Elizabeth L. , Simmons Ryan A. , Li Fan
Published: February 2022

A practical limitation of cluster randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) is that the number of available clusters may be small, resulting in an increased risk of baseline imbalance under simple randomization. Constrained randomization overcomes this issue by restricting the allocation to a subset of randomization schemes where sufficient overall covariate balance across comparison arms is achieved. However, for multi‐arm cRCTs, several design and analysis issues pertaining to constrained randomization have not been fully investigated. Motivated by an ongoing multi‐arm cRCT, we elaborate the method of constrained randomization and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the statistical properties of model‐based and randomization‐based tests under both simple and constrained randomization designs in multi‐arm cRCTs, with varying combinations of design and analysis‐based covariate adjustment strategies. In particular, as randomization‐based tests have not been extensively studied in multi‐arm cRCTs, we additionally develop most‐powerful randomization tests under the linear mixed model framework for our comparisons. Our results indicate that under constrained randomization, both model‐based and randomization‐based analyses could gain power while preserving nominal type I error rate, given proper analysis‐based adjustment for the baseline covariates. Randomization‐based analyses, however, are more robust against violations of distributional assumptions. The choice of balance metrics and candidate set sizes and their implications on the testing of the pairwise and global hypotheses are also discussed. Finally, we caution against the design and analysis of multi‐arm cRCTs with an extremely small number of clusters, due to insufficient degrees of freedom and the tendency to obtain an overly restricted randomization space.
A Case of Anti-Laminin Gamma-1 (P200) Pemphigoid with Bullous Lesions on the Lips, Hands and Feet Showing Antibodies to Desmoglein 1
Authors: Kaneko F. , Ozasa M. , Togashi A.
Published: February 2022

An 87-years-old-man presented with bullous and erosive lesions exclusively on the lips, hands and feet. Histopathological and direct immunofluorescence studies suggested the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid, but the serum anti-BP180 antibodies were negative. Strangely, anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies were positive, although no pemphigus-like features were found. Indirect immunofluorescence showed IgG reactivity with dermal side of 1 M NaCl-split skin. Immunoblotting showed positive reactivity with the 200 kDa laminin gamma-1 but not with type VII collagen. After the administration of prednisolone 20 mg/day, bullous lesions cleared within 2 weeks.