bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation technique on anxiety caused by Covid‐19 in pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zendehdel Mojgan , Elyasi Forouzan , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Emami‐Sahebi Azam
Published: February 2022

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of the progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) technique on anxiety caused by Covid‐19 in pregnant women under the auspices of comprehensive health service centers in the nineteenth district of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Method

This study is a randomized clinical trial. A total of 126 pregnant women were randomly allocated to the intervention group (N = 63) and control group (N = 63). All participants completed demographic questionnaires and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale electronically. The intervention was held in six sessions through Sky Room (three times a week). It consisted of training and practicing the PMR. The intervention group was re‐evaluated with the related questionnaires immediately after the intervention and 2 weeks later, and the control group 2 and 4 weeks after the baseline.

Results

There was a significant difference between the control and intervention groups at the baseline (P = .05). Nevertheless, analysis of variance test results showed that the difference between the intervention and control groups was found to be significantly different statistically; (22.92 ± 6.07) for intervention versus (28.13 ± 6.93) for control, with the second follow up (P = .01).

Conclusions

Progressive muscle relaxation is used as a useful intervention to reduce anxiety in pregnant women during coronavirus pandemics educated and recommended with more emphasis and sensitivity in pregnancy care by healthcare providers.
Are we listening to community health workers? Experiences of the community health worker journey in rural South Africa
Authors: Stansert Katzen Linnea , Skeen Sarah , Dippenaar Elaine , Laurenzi Christina , Notholi Vuyolwethu , le Roux Karl , Rotheram‐Borus Mary Jane , le Roux Ingrid , Mbewu Nokwanele , Tomlinson Mark
Published: February 2022

Access to healthcare in developing countries remains a challenge. As a result, task‐shifting to community health workers (CHWs) is increasingly used to mitigate healthcare worker shortages. Although there is solid evidence of CHW program effectiveness, less is known about CHWs' experiences of becoming and then working daily as CHWs—information that should play an important role in the design of CHW programs. We examined the experiences of a group of CHWs working in a government‐run CHW program in South Africa's rural Eastern Cape Province. Semistructured qualitative interviews (N = 9) and focus groups (N = 2) focusing on motivations for becoming a CHW and experiences of working as CHWs were conducted and thematically analyzed. Three themes were identified: (1) becoming a CHW, (2) facing challenges in the field, and (3) gaining community acceptance through respect and legitimacy. In this study, CHWs were motivated by altruism and a desire to help their community. They faced a range of challenges such as limited training, lack of supervision, equipment shortages, logistical issues, and clinics with limited services. Respect and legitimacy through community acceptance and trust is crucial for effective CHW work. CHWs in this study described how confidentiality and their own persistence facilitated the process of gaining respect and legitimacy. CHWs have a unique knowledge of contexts and requirements for successful programs and greater efforts are needed to include their perspectives to improve and develop programs. Recognition is needed to acknowledge the significant personal input required by CHWs for programs to be successful.
Outcomes of late open fetal surgery for intrauterine spina bifida repair after 26 weeks. Should we extend the Management of Myelomeningocele Study time window?
Authors: Etchegaray Adolfo , Cruz‐Martínez Rogelio , Russo Ricardo Daniel , Martínez‐Rodríguez Miguel , Palma Fernando , Chavelas‐Ochoa Felipe , Beruti Ernesto , López‐Briones Hugo , Fregonese Rodolfo , Villalobos‐Gómez Rosa , Gámez‐Varela Alma , Allegrotti Hernan , Aguilar‐Vidales Karla
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes of late open fetal repair for open spina bifida (OSB) between 26+0–27+6 weeks.

Methods

A cohort of fetuses with OSB who underwent open surgery in two fetal surgery centers (Argentina and Mexico). Two groups were defined based on the gestational age (GA) at intervention: Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) time window group: GA 19+0–25+6, and late intervention group: GA 26+0–27+6.

Results

Intrauterine OSB repair was successfully performed in 140 cases, either before (n = 57) or after (n = 83) 26 weeks, at on average 25+0 (22+6–25+6) and 26+5 (26+0–27+6) weeks + days, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rate of premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, oligohydramnios, preterm delivery, perinatal death and maternal complications. The late intervention group showed a significantly lower surgical times (112.6 vs. 124.2 min, p = 0.01), lower interval between fetal surgery and delivery (7.9 vs. 9.2 weeks, p < 0.01) and similar rate of hydrocephalus requiring treatment (30.6% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.44) than the MOMS time window group.

Conclusion

Late fetal surgery for OSB repair between 26+0–27+6 weeks is feasible and was associated with similar outcomes than that performed before 26 weeks. These findings may allow an extension of the proposed time window for cases with late diagnosis or referral.
Effects of statin therapy and treatment duration on cardiovascular disease risk in patients with nephrotic syndrome: A nested case–control study
Authors: Zou Xinliang , Nie Li , Liao Yi , Liu Zhihui , Zheng Wanxiang , Qu Xiaolong , Xu Xiang , Qin Haoran , Wang Haidong , Liu Jianping , He Guoxiang , Jing Tao
Published: February 2022

Background

Although statins are the cornerstone of lipid management, hardly any of the existing studies on statin treatment of dyslipidemia in nephrotic syndrome (NS) addressed patient‐centered outcomes of cardiovascular events.

Objective

To evaluate whether statin treatment impacts the outcomes of cardiovascular events in patients with NS.

Design

A single‐center, retrospective, nested case–control study analyzed data from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University.

Patients

Patients diagnosed with NS from January 1, 1999, to November 30, 2014, were selected and followed up for 5 years.

Measurements and Main Results

A total of 2706 patients with NS were enrolled in this study cohort. Among these, 115 patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the end of the observational period and 235 CVD‐free controls enrolled by 1:2 matching with gender, age, and index time were included in the study. Propensity score matching was used to match (1:1) the baseline characteristics of the cases and controls. The chi‐square test was performed based on whether the patient used a statin as an exposure factor, and binary logistic regression analysis of the association between cardiovascular events and statin therapy duration was conducted. Subgroup analyses for relevant variables were also performed. The chi‐square test showed that statin therapy was significantly associated with a reduction in CVD risk in patients with NS (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with NS decreased as the length of statin treatment increased (OR = 0.82 [95% CI 0.73–0.89], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

For NS patients with dyslipidemia, statin therapy may be used to decrease CVD risk, and extended treatment was associated with more significant risk reduction.
Identification of autism spectrum disorder and interprofessional collaboration between school and clinical settings
Authors: Gardner Lauren , Campbell Jonathan M. , Gilchrest Callie , McClain Maryellen B. , Shahidullah Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2022

Providing high‐quality services to autistic students and their caregivers requires interprofessional collaboration. This paper highlights the importance of collaboration between clinical and school settings to promote integrated and comprehensive care for autistic students and their caregivers. First, we present how autistic students are identified and diagnosed in school and clinical settings, with particular attention to how these processes impact access to services. Next, we present interprofessional collaborative practice (IPC) as a framework to facilitate increased collaboration between school and clinical providers working with autistic students. Key tenets of IPC that address barriers to collaboration and several examples of IPC are outlined. To assure readiness to engage in collaborative practice, we discuss graduate interprofessional education (IPE) as a means to train emerging professionals in IPC for autistic students. Finally, we highlight several examples of IPE training programs specific to autism and related developmental disabilities.
Reaction of electrons trapped in cryogenic matrices with benzophenone
Authors: Somani Ankit , Sander Wolfram
Published: February 2022

The benzophenone radical anion 2 was generated by reaction of electrons with benzophenone 1 in argon and water matrices at cryogenic temperatures. Sodium as source of the electrons was co‐deposited with 1 in argon or in low‐density amorphous (LDA) water ice matrices. In solid argon, sodium atoms, 1, and small quantities of the radical anion 2 were observed after deposition. Visible light irradiation of these matrices resulted in an electron transfer from sodium to 1 under formation of the radical anion 2. If LDA water ice was used as matrix, hydrated electrons were generated after co‐deposition of water with sodium. The hydrated electrons react with 1 without photochemical activation, resulting in the formation of radical anion 2. The photoexcitation of radical anion 2 resulted in photoionization and back‐formation of benzophenone 1.
Predictors of poor outcomes of respiratory syncytial virus acute lower respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age in a middle‐income tropical country based on the National Public Health Surveillance System
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. , Barbosa‐Ramirez Juliana , Acuña‐Cordero Ranniery
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of the present study is to gain insight into the identification of region‐specific factors associated with poor outcomes in children under 5 years of age with confirmed respiratory syncytial virus acute lower respiratory infection (RSV‐ALRI) living in Colombia, a middle‐income country, based on the National Public Health Surveillance System of the country.

Methods

An analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted using epidemiological data from the records of morbidity and mortality of respiratory infections as registered in the surveillance system report of the National Institute of Health of Colombia 2018, including children under 5 years of age with confirmed RSV‐ALRI. Predictor variables included demographic and clinical variables, as well as variables measured after hospital attendance. Outcome variables analyzed were respiratory failure, the need for pediatric intensive care unit admission, and mortality.

Results

Of a total of 8470 patients with a diagnosis of ALRI, we selected 1215 (14.3%) that were under 5 years of age and were positive for RSV. After controlling for potential confounders, it was found that age, gender, socioeconomic stratum, incomplete pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 immunization for age, cardiac disease, and malnutrition as comorbidities, chest X‐ray findings, and development of sepsis independently predicted poor outcomes among the patients analyzed.

Conclusions

The identified predictors for poor outcomes in RSV‐affected children may be helpful for guiding efficient and targeted national and/or regional programs and public policies to assist in achieving Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
Quintessence and the Swampland: The Numerically Controlled Regime of Moduli Space
Authors: Cicoli Michele , Cunillera Francesc , Padilla Antonio , Pedro Francisco G.
Published: February 2022

We provide a detailed discussion of the main theoretical and phenomenological challenges of quintessence model building in any numerically controlled regime of the moduli space of string theory. We argue that a working quintessence model requires a leading order non‐supersymmetric (near) Minkowski vacuum with an axionic flat direction. This axion, when lifted by subdominant non‐perturbative effects, could drive hilltop quintessence only for highly tuned initial conditions and a very low inflationary scale. Our analysis has two important implications. Firstly, scenarios which are in agreement with the swampland conjectures, such as those that include runaways, or supersymmetric AdS and Minkowski vacua, cannot give rise to phenomenologically viable quintessence with full computational control. This raises doubts on the validity of the swampland dS conjecture since it would imply a strong tension between quantum gravity and observations. Secondly, if data should prefer dynamical dark energy, axion models based on alignment mechanisms look more promising than highly contrived hilltop scenarios.
Novel inhibitors of phosphorylation independent activity of GRK2 modulate cAMP signaling
Authors: Echeverría Emiliana , Ripoll Sonia , Fabián Lucas , Shayo Carina , Monczor Federico , Fernández Natalia C.
Published: February 2022

G protein‐coupled receptors kinase 2 (GRK2) plays a major role in receptor regulation and, as a consequence, in cell biology and physiology. GRK2‐mediated receptor desensitization is performed by its kinase domain, which exerts receptor phosphorylation promoting G protein uncoupling and the cessation of signaling, and by its RGS homology (RH) domain, able to interrupt G protein signaling. Since GRK2 activity is exacerbated in several pathologies, many efforts to develop inhibitors have been conducted. Most of them were directed toward GRK2 kinase activity and showed encouraging results on in vitro systems and animal models. Nevertheless, limitations including unspecific effects or pharmacokinetics issues prevented them from advancing to clinical trials. Surprisingly, even though the RH domain demonstrated the ability to desensitize GPCRs, this domain has been less explored. Herein, we show in vitro activity of a series of compounds that, by inhibiting GRK2 RH domain, increase receptor cAMP response, avoid GRK2 translocation to the plasma membrane, inhibit coimmunoprecipitation of GRK2 with Gαs subunit of heterotrimeric G protein, and prevent receptor desensitization. Also, we preliminarily evaluated candidates’ ADMET properties and observed suitable lipophilicity and cytotoxicity. These novel inhibitors of phosphorylation‐independent actions of GRK2 might be useful in elucidating other RH domain roles and lay the foundation for the development of innovative pharmacologic therapy for diseases where GRK2 activity is exacerbated.
Large‐Area, Solar‐Blind, Sub‐250 nm Detection AlGaN Avalanche Photodiodes Grown on AlN Substrates
Authors: Reddy Pramod , Mecouch Will , Hayden Breckenridge M. , Khachariya Dolar , Bagheri Pegah , Hyun Kim Ji , Guan Yan , Mita Seiji , Moody Baxter , Tweedie James , Pavlidis Spyridon , Kirste Ronny , Kohn Erhard , Collazo Ramon , Sitar Zlatko
Published: February 2022

Herein, Al‐rich AlGaN‐based avalanche photodiodes (APDs) grown on single crystal AlN substrates high ultraviolet‐C sensitivity for λ < 200 nm are fabricated, while exhibiting blindness to λ > 250 nm. A maximum quantum efficiency of 68% and peak gain of 320 000 are estimated resulting in a figure of merit of ≈220 000 in devices with ϕ = 100 μm. As expected, a decrease in gain with increase in device size is observed and a gain of ≈20 000 is estimated in devices with ϕ = 400 μm. Overall, two orders of magnitude higher performance are observed in APDs on single crystal AlN substrates compared to those on sapphire.
First principles study of layered silicon carbide as anode in lithium ion battery
Authors: Fatima Afrinish , Majid Abdul , Haider Sajjad , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Alkhedher Mohammad
Published: February 2022

In order to advance the current technology to cope with the future challenges, the search of anode materials beyond‐graphite for use in lithium ion battery is in progress. First principles calculations were conducted to investigate the prospects of SiC layers as lithium intercalation compound. In order to investigate electrolyte decomposition triggered by high lithium reactivity in Li:SiC anode the molecular dynamics computations were performed. The simulations to model the electrode‐electrolyte interface and temperature profiling were studied via reactive force field calculations that ruled out the reactivity at room temperature whereas uniform temperature afterwards sheds light on performance of the system. The diffusion coefficient of Li in layered SiC is calculated at different values of temperature. The ionic diffusion shown an activation energy of 0.046 eV whereas diffusion coefficient is found of the order 10−11 m2/s. The intercalation voltage calculated with grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation is found as 1.85 V. The ReaxFF simulations predicted that volume expansion in SiC layers appeared less than Si which shows the improved performance of the anode material.
Quantification of physical soil crust thickness and its effects on runoff and sediment yield
Authors: Zhu Xuchao , Liang Yin , Qu Lili , Cao Longxi , Tian Zhiyuan , Gu Zhenkui , Guo Hongli , Li Meng
Published: February 2022

Physical soil crusts will form on most soils during and after rainfall and it has important effects on the runoff and sediment on slopes. However, objective and effective methods for quantifying the characteristics of physical soil crusts (such as the thickness) are not currently available. A new method was used for determining the thickness of physical soil crusts based on X‐ray computed tomography (CT) in order to quantify the thickness of the structural crust (SC) and depositional crust (DC) for two typical erodible soils comprising granite red soil (GRS) and Quaternary red clay (QRC) in the red soil region of southern China. The pores in the GRS and QRC were characterized as finely and densely spatially distributed, with an average porosity of 15.47% and a range of 1.66–28.83%. The soil porosity increased rapidly in the 0‐to‐3‐mm depth, but the porosity of the SC and DC soil samples generally decreased or was stable in the 3‐to‐30‐mm depth. The average thickness of the soil crust was 1.31 mm, and the average thicknesses of SC and DC were 1.16 and 1.46 mm, respectively. The thickness of SC of GRS decreased with the slope, whereas the thickness of DC of QRC generally increased with the slope. The thickness of SC increased with runoff yield and its contribution rate to the runoff and sediment yield cannot be neglected. The study provides a method for the objective quantification of physical soil crust and can deepen the research on slope erosion process and influencing factors.
Enhanced Electrochemical O2‐to‐H2O2 Synthesis Via Cu‐Pb Synergistic Interplay
Authors: Yang Yulu , Wu Wenjie , Wang Ya , Liu Jiao , Li Ningxu , Fan Yulong , Zhang Shiyang , Dong Qingsong , Zhao Junwei , Niu Jingyang , Liu Qingchao , Hao Zhaomin
Published: February 2022

Electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen (O2) to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) frequently suffers from the low activity and poor selectivity of catalysts owing to the lack of systematic strategies. The resulting enhancement to enable the further design of a new bimetallic catalyst with the synergistic interplay, as exemplified by Cu–Pb catalyst for two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR), is reported here. Critically, in‐depth evidence, including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, electrochemical signals, in‐situ Raman, and H2O2‐proof work, allude to a catalytic favor to the 2e− ORR of Cu‐Pb.
A Ternary Molten Salt Approach for Direct Regeneration of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 Cathode
Authors: Qin Zuoyu , Wen Zuxin , Xu Yifei , Zheng Zhicheng , Bai Mingliang , Zhang Ning , Jia Chuankun , Wu Hao Bin , Chen Gen
Published: February 2022

Recycling spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is an urgent task in view of the resource shortage and environmental concerns. Here, a facile ternary molten salt approach is presented for efficiently regenerating the LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) cathode of spent LIBs. Such an approach involves the treatment of spent cathode powder in the ternary molten salt at a moderate temperature (400 °C) and subsequent annealing in oxygen. The Li loss and degraded phases in spent NCM that cause the capacity decay can be fully remedied after the regeneration process. As a result, the regenerated cathode delivers a reversible capacity of 160 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C with retention of 93.7% after 100 cycles and maintains a high capacity of 132 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 5 C. The electrochemical performance of regenerated NCM cathode is compared favorably to the fresh NCM cathode, which demonstrates the feasibility of the molten salt approach to directly regenerate spent NCM cathode.
Drawn‐on‐Skin Sensors from Fully Biocompatible Inks toward High‐Quality Electrophysiology
Authors: Patel Shubham , Ershad Faheem , Lee Jimmy , Chacon‐Alberty Lourdes , Wang Yifan , Morales‐Garza Marco A. , Haces‐Garcia Arturo , Jang Seonmin , Gonzalez Lei , Contreras Luis , Agarwal Aman , Rao Zhoulyu , Liu Grace , Efimov Igor R. , Zhang Yu Shrike , Zhao Min , Isseroff Roslyn Rivkah , Karim Alamgir , Elgalad Abdelmotagaly , Zhu Weihang , Wu Xiaoyang , Yu Cunjiang
Published: February 2022

The need to develop wearable devices for personal health monitoring, diagnostics, and therapy has inspired the production of innovative on‐demand, customizable technologies. Several of these technologies enable printing of raw electronic materials directly onto biological organs and tissues. However, few of them have been thoroughly investigated for biocompatibility of the raw materials on the cellular, tissue, and organ levels or with different cell types. In addition, highly accurate multiday in vivo monitoring using such on‐demand, in situ fabricated devices has yet to be done. Presented herein is the first fully biocompatible, on‐skin fabricated electronics for multiple cell types and tissues that can capture electrophysiological signals with high fidelity. While also demonstrating improved mechanical and electrical properties, the drawn‐on‐skin ink retains its properties under various writing conditions, which minimizes the variation in electrical performance. Furthermore, the drawn‐on‐skin ink shows excellent biocompatibility with cardiomyocytes, neurons, mice skin tissue, and human skin. The high signal‐to‐noise ratios of the electrophysiological signals recorded with the DoS sensor over multiple days demonstrate its potential for personalized, long‐term, and accurate electrophysiological health monitoring.
Electronic Regulation of ZnCo Dual‐Atomic Active Sites Entrapped in 1D@2D Hierarchical N‐Doped Carbon for Efficient Synergistic Catalysis of Oxygen Reduction in Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Lin Shi‐Yi , Xia Li‐Xue , Cao Ying , Meng Hong‐Ling , Zhang Lu , Feng Jiu‐Ju , Zhao Yan , Wang Ai‐Jun
Published: February 2022

Transition metal‐based nitrogen‐doped carbon (M‐Nx‐C) is considered as a promising catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in clean energy storage and conversion devices. Herein, ZnCo dual‐atomic sites are incorporated in hierarchical N‐doped carbon (HNC), with 1D nanotubes wrapped in 2D nanosheets structure (termed as 1D@2D ZnCo‐HNC), via a one‐step bio‐inspired pyrolysis. The feeding ratio of Zn to Co precursor and pyrolytic temperature are critically modulated to achieve well‐defined morphologies of the products, endowing them with the integrated merits of nanotubes and nanosheets as efficient ORR catalysts. Benefiting from the particular structure and electronic regulation of Zn on Co, the ZnCo‐Nx dual‐atomic system exhibits excellent ORR catalytic characteristics with an onset potential of 1.05 V and a half‐wave potential of 0.82 V. Density functional theory calculations further explain the regulating role of Zn, such that the adjusted Co in ZnCo‐Nx sites significantly reduces the energy cost to ultimately facilitate the ORR. Moreover, the Zn–air battery assembled with ZnCo‐HNC is capable of delivering the maximum power density of 123.7 mW cm−2 and robust stability for 110 h (330 cycles). This method provides a promising strategy for fabricating efficient transition metal‐based carbon catalysts for green energy devices.
A Short Review on Surface‐Confined Monolayers of π‐Conjugated Polymers for Photovoltaics
Authors: Yang Li , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Jinbao
Published: February 2022

π‐conjugated polymer (CPs)‐functionalized semiconductor surfaces are important components of photovoltaic (PV) devices. In this context, the use of surface‐confined monolayers (SCMs) of CPs has attracted great attention due to their operational stability, reliability, and excellent control over the nanostructure and morphology of CP films. The CPs with proper anchoring groups are covalently bonded to the semiconductor surface driven by the interactions between anchors and substrate, forming densely packed and orderly assembled polymer chains in thin films. The nanostructure of CP SCMs is highly dependent on the type and position of anchors, polymer structure, and chain length, as well as the film‐forming techniques. Herein, general features, anchoring mechanism, grafting approaches, and PV properties of CP SCMs are described and analyzed. Then, the applications of CP monolayers as photosensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells and hole transport interlayers for bulk‐heterojunction polymer solar cells and perovskite solar cells are summarized. With the structure tunability, future study directions for CP SCMs in terms of structure effect, assembly states, and efficiency enhancement are discussed.
Single‐run chemo‐ and enantio‐selective high‐performance liquid chromatography separation of tramadol and its principal metabolite, O‐desmethyltramadol, using a chlorinated immobilized amylose‐based chiral stationary phase under multimodal elution conditions
Authors: Cantatore Chiara , La Regina Giuseppe , Ferretti Rosella , Silvestri Romano , Cirilli Roberto
Published: February 2022

A direct enantio‐ and chemo‐selective high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for separating the enantiomers of the pain medicine tramadol and its O‐desmethyl active metabolite in a single run. The simultaneous separation was achieved on the immobilized‐type amylose tris(3‐chloro‐5‐methylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase. The method was optimized in normal‐phase and reversed‐phase using ethanol as an organic modifier. It was demonstrated that ethanol is a valid alternative to the predominant high‐performance liquid chromatography solvents in use for the preparation of reversed‐phase eluents such as methanol and acetonitrile. With the green mobile phase ethanol‐water‐diethylamine, 80:20:0.1 (v/v/v) the limits of quantification for the (+)/(‐)‐enantiomers of tramadol and its O‐desmethyl active metabolite were 1.14/1.16 and 1.33/1.40 μg mL–1, respectively.
Physicochemical, Thermal, and Pasting Properties of Starch Separated from Various Timely Sown and Delayed Sown (Heat Stressed) Wheat of Different Wheat Lines/Variety
Authors: Katyal Mehak , Singh Narpinder , Kaur Simarjit
Published: February 2022

The effects of heat stress (HS) on physicochemical, pasting, and thermal properties of starch from various wheat lines/varieties are evaluated. Wheat varieties/lines are exposed to high temperature during grain filling by delayed sowing to understand the effect of HS on starch characteristics. Heat stressed wheat starch shows a greater proportion of A‐type granules and amylose content while showing less swelling, C and B‐type granules. Starch from heat stressed wheat shows higher transition temperatures and melting of amylose‐lipids complex than normal wheat starch. Starch from the majority of heat stressed wheat shows greater final, peak, and setback viscosity but lesser breakdown viscosity. The results clearly reflect the variable effects of HS on different variety/lines indicating variation in response towards stress conditions. Heat stressed wheat starch with high paste viscosity may be used to increase viscosity of flours with lower viscosity. The results clearly indicate the changes in starch characteristics caused by delayed sowing may lead to variation in suitability for different products.
Study of morphological, structural, and thermal changes of biodegradable material in simulated natural environmental conditions
Authors: Imbachi‐Hoyos Rosmery Carolina , Salazar‐Sánchez Margarita del Rosario , Solanilla‐Duque José Fernando
Published: February 2022

Polymers with low environmental impact are of great interest worldwide to reduce greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) and soil and water contamination. Evaluating the biodegradation process of biopolymeric matrices obtained from different biodegradable biopolymers is a priority. This work evaluated the behavior of a foamed material based on biopolymers under the ISO 14855‐2: 2007 standard under simulated natural environmental conditions and its ecotoxic potential of the material residues in the growth of seeds Phaseolus vulgaris. A percentage of biodegradation was obtained in the TPS/PLA samples: 84.7 ± 0.3%; 0% MG: 89.1 ± 0.4%; 2% MG: 82.4 ± 0.4%; 3% MG: 82.0 ± 0.%1; 6% MG: 81.0 ± 0.3%; TPSEG: 66.7 ± 2.4%, and TPSE: 62.9 ± 1.0%; having microcrystalline cellulose as a control sample. CH stretch bands were identified at 728 cm–1 related to PBAT vibration that remained constant in the samples containing PHA, evidencing that this material is not an alternative to elaborate foamed materials to improve their biodegradation. Protein‐based samples increase their biodegradation rate, while based samples PHA remain resilient over time due to the blend of the polymer and the presence of PLA (1437.5 cm–1). The low or high decomposition of the material in weight loss corroborated this behavior of both blends. Regarding the ecotoxicity of the samples, there was no significant difference.
Retracted: Novel NAD‐independent Avibacterium paragallinarum: Isolation, characterization and molecular identification in Iran
Authors: Beiranvand Sheida , Piri‐Gharaghie Tohid , Dehganzad Behnaz , Khedmati Faranak , Jalali Fatemeh , AsadAlizadeh Mahya , Momtaz Hassan
Published: February 2022

Background

Infectious coryza (IC) is an invasive upper respiratory disease caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum that affects birds, particularly chickens. The objective of this study is to isolate, characterize and molecularly identify the bacterium A. paragallinarum in poultry birds, as well as to determine its antibiotic sensitivity and resistance.

Methods

A total of 10 chickens from four different Iranian farms with typical IC symptoms were used in this study. The nasal swabs were streaked onto chocolate agar plates and blood agar plates and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 for 24 to 48 h. As part of the identification of bacteria, bacteriological observations and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing are conducted. The antibiotic sensitivity tests were also performed using the disk diffusion method against A. paragallinarum and the prevalence in different farms was determined.

Results

By using biochemical assays and PCR analyses, seven strains of A. paragallinarum were isolated from samples of four chicken farms with typical IC clinical signs. Most isolates (4/7) showed the typical requirement for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and an enriched CO2 atmosphere for growth. Three of the seven strains of A. paragallinarum were found to be novel NAD‐independent under anaerobic conditions. There was one biochemical biovar identified in terms of carbohydrate fermentation patterns, although changes in maltose carbohydrate fermentation patterns were detected in the No. 5 strain. All isolates were sensitive to gentamicin and spectinomycin. Three novel NAD‐independent strains (Nos.1, 5 and 7) were found to be multidrug‐resistant (MDR) and resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics. There was greater antibiotic resistance in the three NAD‐independent isolates than in normal NAD‐dependent bacteria.

Conclusion

By discovering NAD‐independent forms of A. paragallinarum, these species have a greater range than previously believed. A clear, cautious approach should be taken in diagnosing and possibly controlling IC.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of CTX‐M‐type‐producing Escherichia coli from a wildlife zoo in China
Authors: Zeng Ziyue , Yang Jie , Gu Jinrong , Liu Zhihong , Hu Jufang , Li Xiangyong , Chen Xiaojun , Sun Zhiliang , Li Jiyun
Published: February 2022

Background

Wildlife zoos provide the opportunity for children and adults to interact with animals, However, it's unknown that the risk of contact with animals, which carried zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases Escherichia coli (ESBLs‐EC) from a wildlife zoo in China.

Methods

A total of 93 wildlife faecal samples were collected from a wildlife zoo. Agar dilution method was used to determine the resistant phenotype. Whole genomes sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were employed to evaluate the molecular typing and genetic relationships of ESBLs‐EC.

Results

A total of 23 CTX‐M‐positive ESBLs‐EC were isolated from swan (n = 14), squirrel monkey (n = 5), black hat hanging monkey (n = 2), gibbon monkey (n = 1) and phoenicopteridae (n = 1) respectively. All ESBLs‐EC strains were resistant to cefotaxime, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, but susceptible to colistin, tigecycline, meropenem and amikacin. By screening whole genome sequences, ESBLs‐EC strains main carried blaCTX‐M‐55 (34.8%, 8/23) and blaCTX‐M‐14 (26.0%, 6/23), following by blaCTX‐M‐27 (21.7%, 5/23), blaCTX‐M‐15 (13.0%, 3/23) and blaCTX‐M‐121 (4.3%, 1/23). ESBLs‐EC strains mainly belonged to phylogroup A (60.9%, 14/23), and ST48, ST746 and ST616 (3 strains respectively, 13.0%) were major ST types. Core genome‐based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis suggested that strains from the swan, over the phylogenetic tree, have a closer genetic relationship with strains from other animals (black hat hanging monkey, gibbon monkey, phoenicopteridae and squirrel monkey).

Conclusions

CTX‐M type ESBLs‐EC can transmit between animals in wildlife zoos, which may be a risk of spread to animal keepers, veterinarians and visitors when contact with animals. Our study provides that the importance of hygiene measures to minimise the risk of transmission of ESBLs‐EC to visitors in wildlife zoos.
A review of molecular representation in the age of machine learning
Authors: Wigh Daniel S. , Goodman Jonathan M. , Lapkin Alexei A.
Published: February 2022

Research in chemistry increasingly requires interdisciplinary work prompted by, among other things, advances in computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Everyone working with molecules, whether chemist or not, needs an understanding of the representation of molecules in a machine‐readable format, as this is central to computational chemistry. Four classes of representations are introduced: string, connection table, feature‐based, and computer‐learned representations. Three of the most significant representations are simplified molecular‐input line‐entry system (SMILES), International Chemical Identifier (InChI), and the MDL molfile, of which SMILES was the first to successfully be used in conjunction with a variational autoencoder (VAE) to yield a continuous representation of molecules. This is noteworthy because a continuous representation allows for efficient navigation of the immensely large chemical space of possible molecules. Since 2018, when the first model of this type was published, considerable effort has been put into developing novel and improved methodologies. Most, if not all, researchers in the community make their work easily accessible on GitHub, though discussion of computation time and domain of applicability is often overlooked. Herein, we present questions for consideration in future work which we believe will make chemical VAEs even more accessible.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Chemoinformatics
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Series of Homoleptic First‐Row Transition Metal Tris(alkynyl‐amidinates)
Authors: Wang Sida , Liebing Phil , Engelhardt Felix , Hilfert Liane , Busse Sabine , Goldhahn Rüdiger , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: February 2022

A series of new homoleptic first‐row transition metal and yttrium tris(alkynylamidinate) complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized. The starting materials [c‐C3H5−C≡C−C(NR)2]Li⋅THF (1: R=iPr, 2: R=Cy; Cy=Cyclohexyl) were obtained in high yields by employing a modified literature procedure. In the course of this study, the unprecedented tetrameric, unsolvated lithium amidinate [Li{c‐C3H5−C≡C−C(NiPr)2}]4 (1 a) could be isolated and structurally characterized. In addition to the Li salts, two new potassium cyclopropylethinylamidinates, K[c‐C3H5−C≡C−C(NR)2]⋅THF (3: R=iPr, 4: R=Cy) were prepared by nucleophilic addition of potassium cyclopropylacetylide to N,N′‐di‐iso‐propylcarbodiimide or N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The new homoleptic first‐row transition metal and yttrium complexes M[c‐C3H5−C≡C−C(NiPr)2]3 (M=Y (5), Cr (6), Fe (7)) and M[c‐C3H5−C≡C−C(NCy)2]3 (M=Y (8), Ti (9), V (10), Cr (11), Fe (12)) were found to be readily available by treatment of MCl3 precursors with 3 equiv. of the alkali metal cyclopropylethinylamidinates. An alternative synthetic route to the titanium(III) complex 9 was found in the reaction of trichloro(cyclopentadienyl)titanium(IV) and lithium amidinate 2 in a 1 : 3 molar ratio. Compounds 5–12 were fully characterized by the usual set of analytical and spectroscopic methods as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. All eight complexes represent unsolvated, homoleptic metal(III) tris(amidinates).
Metal Halide Exchange in Benzylborane NHC‐Adducts: The Effect of Backbone Alkylation in the N‐Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Wullschläger Daniela , Denker Lars , Frank René
Published: February 2022

Among other main group elements, the chemistry of boron has been stimulated by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as important ligands, the nature of which can significantly control the outcome of reactions. In four‐coordinate benzyl boranes of type (NHC)BH2CH2(o‐BrC6H4), we demonstrate this effect at the example of a lithiation silylation procedure. For NHC=IiPr lithiation of the arene ring by lithium‐bromide exchange with tBuLi ultimately leads to backbone substitution with proton rearrangement, as demonstrated by trapping with trimethylsilyl chloride. In contrast, such process is suppressed for NHC=IiPrMe, which undergoes lithiation and subsequent trimethyl‐silylation at the arene moiety.
Small‐amplitude homogenization of elastic plates via H‐measures
Authors: Antonić Nenad , Burazin Krešimir , Jankov Jelena
Published: February 2022

Small‐amplitude homogenization is a procedure for computing the first correction in the homogenization limit. By using H‐measures, we calculate the first correction in the small‐amplitude homogenization limit of a non‐periodic sequence of tensors describing material properties in the Kirchhoff‐Love model for pure bending of a thin solid symmetric plate under a transverse load.
Introduction: The Rise and Puzzling Fall of the Swedish Educational System
Authors: Henrekson Magnus , Wennström Johan
Published: February 2022

Foreign observers of Sweden have attributed the country’s socially inclusive economic growth, which was sustained during nearly one hundred years, to the expansion of the Social Democratic welfare state. However, this analysis overlooks the fundamental causes of Sweden’s economic takeoff. The crucial feature that Sweden exhibited was its uniquely large and evenly distributed stock of human capital. A widespread appreciation for learning and the development of education from the 1600s onwards were the key drivers of the strong development. Against this background, the decline of the Swedish educational system should be cause for serious concern about the country’s future. The chapter provides a summary of the problems regarding schooling in Sweden and presents our view of their causes. The origin of Sweden’s academic decline is mainly attributable to a phenomenon that we refer to as “post-truth” schooling—education based on a postmodern social constructivist view of knowledge.
The Silver Age of Swedish Education
Authors: Henrekson Magnus , Wennström Johan
Published: February 2022

There has never been a golden age in Swedish education. However, there was a “silver age” that began approximately in the second half of the nineteenth century and ended around 1960. The chapter outlines this history. It demonstrates that the established view of the previous school system is deeply misleading. In fact, an increasing share of young cohorts were offered excellent educational opportunities. After World War I, a truly national curriculum was introduced that imparted relevant knowledge and skills to students based on the principles of teacher-led presentation, repetition, and practice, and by matching the sequence of topics to each student’s maturity and prior knowledge. A key element in the modernization of the educational system was the state’s preoccupation with ensuring that highly qualified and motivated persons were attracted to the teaching profession.
The Rise of “Post-Truth” Schooling
Authors: Henrekson Magnus , Wennström Johan
Published: February 2022

The chapter describes the evolution of the view of knowledge in the Swedish school system. It begins in the immediate postwar years and ends in the mid-1990s with a discussion of the radical national curriculum enacted in 1994. This curriculum consolidated the paradigm of “post-truth” schooling. It expresses, explicitly or implicitly, many of the notions that are emblematic of the postmodern social constructivist view of knowledge. It suggests that there are no objectively established facts and that what is legitimized as knowledge is a product of social and historical forces. Moreover, the curriculum recommended mixing academic subjects, incorporating “deconstruction” into schoolwork, and giving students the major responsibility for the content of their education. The chapter demonstrates that the school system of Nazi Germany was grossly misinterpreted in Sweden to justify a view that the teaching of knowledge could potentially be subversive to democracy.
The Deinstitutionalization and Fragmentation of the Swedish School System
Authors: Henrekson Magnus , Wennström Johan
Published: February 2022

The chapter shows how the educational trend of “post-truth” schooling continued in Sweden into the twenty-first century. It offers a close reading of the national curriculum that was in force at the time of writing (in 2021). The chapter also discusses how the Swedish school system in just a few years went from being very strictly regulated to being the polar opposite. These changes included a radical marketization of primary and secondary schooling that is unparalleled in any wealthy Western country. The chapter analyzes the school choice market in Sweden and describes how it interacts with postmodern social constructivist ideas, to the detriment of the teaching of knowledge in a classical sense.
The Way Forward for Sweden and Other Western Countries
Authors: Henrekson Magnus , Wennström Johan
Published: February 2022

In many Western countries, school systems are in deep crisis. Average results are disappointing, differences across schools and neighborhoods are increasing, and a student’s family background and gender have become more decisive for how well he or she fares. The chapter provides some reflections on the way forward for Sweden and Western education in general. It suggests that a reform strategy involving a paradigm shift in what is arguably the most crucial institution of the school system—the stipulated view of truth and knowledge—has the potential to yield radical improvement.
D4-branes wrapped on a spindle
Authors: Faedo Federico , Martelli Dario
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We construct supersymmetric "Image missing"solutions of D = 6 gauged supergravity, where "Image missing" is a two-dimensional orbifold known as a spindle. These uplift to solutions of massive type IIA supergravity using a general prescription, that we describe. We argue that these solutions correspond to the near-horizon limit of a system of Nf D8-branes, together with N D4-branes wrapped on a spindle, embedded as a holomorphic curve inside a Calabi-Yau three-fold. The dual field theories are d = 3, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFTs that arise from a twisted compactification of the d = 5, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 USp(2N) gauge theory. We show that the holographic free energy associated to these solutions is reproduced by extremizing an off- shell free energy, that we conjecture to arise in the large N limit of the localized partition function of the d = 5 theories on "Image missing". We formulate a universal proposal for a class of off-shell free energies, whose extremization reproduces all previous results for branes wrapped on spindles, as well as on genus g Riemann surfaces Σg. We further illustrate this proposal discussing D4-branes wrapped on "Image missing", for which we present a supersymmetric "Image missing" solution of D = 6 gauged supergravity along with the associated entropy function.
Axion emission from supernova with axion-pion-nucleon contact interaction
Authors: Choi Kiwoon , Kim Hee Jung , Seong Hyeonseok , Shin Chang Sub
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We examine the axion emission from supernovae with a complete set of relevant axion couplings including the axion-pion-nucleon contact interaction which was ignored in the previous studies. Two processes are affected by the axion-pion-nucleon contact interaction, π− + p → n + a and n + p → n + p + a, and these processes can be the dominant source of axions for some region in the axion parameter space or in astrophysical conditions encountered inside supernovae. We find that the contact interaction can enhance the axion emissivity of π− + p → n + a by a factor of 2 − 4, while the effect on n + p → n + p + a is not significant. We also discuss the relative importance of other pion-induced processes such as π0 + n → n + a and π− + π0→ π− + a.
Axions, higher-groups, and emergent symmetry
Authors: Brennan T. Daniel , Córdova Clay
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Axions, periodic scalar fields coupled to gauge fields through the instanton density, have a rich variety of higher-form global symmetries. These include a two-form global symmetry, which measures the charge of axion strings. As we review, these symmetries typically combine into a higher-group, a kind of non-abelian structure where symmetries that act on operators of different dimensions, such as points, lines, and strings, are mixed. We use this structure to derive model independent constraints on renormalization group flows that realize theories of axions at long distances. These give universal inequalities on the energy scales where various infrared symmetries emerge. For example, we show that in any UV completion of axion-Yang-Mills, the energy scale at which axion strings can decay is always larger than the mass scale of charged particles.