bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of histo‐blood group antigens and predisposition to gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Saikia Kasturi , Saharia Niruprabha , Singh Chongtham S. , Borah Partha P. , Namsa Nima D.
Published: July 2022

Infectious gastroenteritis is a common illness afflicting people worldwide. The two most common etiological agents of viral gastroenteritis, rotavirus and norovirus are known to recognize histo‐blood group antigens (HBGAs) as attachment receptors. ABO, Lewis, and secretor HBGAs are distributed abundantly on mucosal epithelia, red blood cell membranes, and also secreted in biological fluids, such as saliva, intestinal content, milk, and blood. HBGAs are fucosylated glycans that have been implicated in the attachment of some enteric pathogens such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes encoding ABO (H), fucosyltransferase gene FUT2 (Secretor/Se), FUT3 (Lewis/Le) have been associated with changes in enzyme expression and HBGAs production. The highly polymorphic HBGAs among different populations and races influence genotype‐specific susceptibility or resistance to enteric pathogens and its epidemiology, and vaccination seroconversion. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conduct population‐based investigations to understand predisposition to enteric infections and gastrointestinal diseases. This review focuses on the relationship between HBGAs and predisposition to common human gastrointestinal illnesses caused by viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents.
A new intelligent approach for size optimization of a renewable energy based grid connected hybrid energy system
Authors: Sharma Bandana , Rizwan Mohammad , Anand Priyanka
Published: July 2022

Adopting hybrid power systems to provide access to clean, reliable, and inexpensive energy is necessary for countries like India to accomplish their goals of sustainable development. This work proposes an optimization approach for sizing a grid‐connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) that includes photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, and a battery. In this research, a recently developed Aquila optimization algorithm is utilized to evaluate the optimal size of HRES for a cluster of villages near Sarai Jairam, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, India using the MATLAB software package. The goal of this optimization approach is to reduce the net present cost for HRES while satisfying the operational constraints, including the reliability of the power supply and maximum utilization of the photovoltaic, biomass, and biogas complementary properties. Initially, three HRES configurations in the off‐grid mode were optimized using the suggested Aquila optimization technique. To confirm the findings, the optimization results for the same models of off‐grid HRES were obtained using the harmony search (HS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. The same algorithms were also used to optimize the grid‐connected SPV/biomass/biogas with the battery model of HRES. Finally, the outcomes from the off‐grid models presented above were compared to the grid‐linked model. The grid‐connected configuration which is obtained by the Aquila optimization approach provides an optimal solution with the least net present cos t (NPC) and minimum cost of energy (COE) when compared with HS and PSO. The optimal grid‐connected HRES includes 235 kW of PV, a 10 kW biogas generator, a 64 kW biomass generator, and a 50.40 kWh battery bank. The overall net present cost and the COE are found to be $547 670 and $0.0768/kWh, respectively.
Abaloparatide outperforms teriparatide in protecting against alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Li Yuan , Qian Yuran , Qiao Hui , Pan Weiyi , Xie Liang , Li Yu
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two osteoanabolic drugs, abaloparatide (ABL) and teriparatide (TPTD), on protecting alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis.

Methods

Twenty‐four 9‐week‐old, male, Sprague‐Dawley rats were placed with silk suture around the right maxillary second molar, and then were randomly divided into three groups, that is, the ABL, TPTD, and saline group, receiving intermittent subcutaneous injections of ABL (80 μg/kg), TPTD (80 μg/kg) or saline respectively every other day for 4 weeks. Samples on both sides were assessed through micro‐computerized tomography, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Mouse pre‐osteoblast MC3T3 cell was cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with ABL or TPTD, before assays of cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

On the ligature side, both ABL and TPTD significantly reduced alveolar bone loss, and ABL had significantly better effects with higher expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and Bglap (formerly called osteocalcin); meanwhile, the ligature induced osteoclastogenesis and down‐regulation of osteoprotegerin (OPG) was affected by neither drug. On the non‐ligature side, ABL also showed better osteoanabolic effects. In vitro studies revealed that, in the presence of LPS, ABL, and TPTD similarly promoted MC3T3 proliferation, whereas ABL induced higher ALP activity and osteoblastic gene expression compared to TPTD.

Conclusion

Both ABL and TPTD protect and regenerate alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis, and ABL behaves even better than TPTD at the same dose, attributed to its stronger osteoanabolic effects in this context.
Acceleration effect of galacturonic acid on acrylamide generation: evidence in model reaction systems
Authors: Wang Pengpu , Sun Guoyu , Lu Pei , Zhu Yuchen , Hu Xiaosong , Chen Fang
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide (AA) is a potential carcinogen formed in food rich in carbohydrate during heating. Recently, AA has been found in several fruit products, such as prune juice, sugarcane molasses and canned black olives. This study focused on the role of galacturonic acid (GalA), the main acid hydrolysis product of fruit pectin, in AA formation in three model systems – asparagine (Asn)/glucose (Glc), Asn/GalA, and Asn/Glc/GalA – during heating under different pH values (pH 3.8–7.8), Glc concentration (0–0.1 mol L−1), molar ratio of substrates (Asn/Glc = 1:1, 0.025–0.5 mol L−1) and temperature (120–180 °C) for 30 min, respectively.

RESULTS

The results suggested that the addition of 0.1 mol L−1 GalA strongly accelerated AA formation in a manner dependent on pH value and temperature (P < 0.05). AA concentration under different Glc concentration and molar ratio of substrates suggested that GalA was more reactive than Glc when reacted with Asn. Furthermore, the Amadori rearrangement product/Schiff base/oxazolidine‐5‐one were identified as the intermediates formed in the Asn/GalA model system using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that Maillard reaction between Asn and GalA might contribute to AA formation. This study is significant in elucidating the contribution of interaction between components for AA formation in fruit products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of stability indicating reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method for determination of elobixibat in pure form and laboratory prepared tablets: Application to dissolution study
Authors: Elagamy Samar H. , Mansour Fotouh R. , Elbastawissy Almoataz Bellah B. , EL‐Malla Samah F.
Published: July 2022

A simple stability‐indicating reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for determination of elobixibat in presence of its potential impurities and degradation products. The chromatographic separation was carried on a Thermo scientific Base Deactivated Silica BDS Hypersil‐C18 (150 × 4.6 mm; 5 μm) column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (25 mM, pH 2.5) in a ratio of (70:30, v/v). The experimental conditions were accurately investigated, and the method was validated according to ICH guidelines Q2 (R1). The drug was subjected to various stress conditions including acidic, basic, oxidative, and photolytic conditions. The method successfully separates the drug from the three reported impurities and different degradants. The method was also successfully applied for the determination of elobixibat in laboratory prepared tablets (5.0 mg). Analysis shows no interference from excipients and degradation products. The method was also applied for performing in vitro dissolution testing of elobixibat laboratory prepared tablets. Since elobixibat is recently introduced into the market, there are no previous stability studies and no reported analytical methods for its determination. Thus, this study presents a validated and selective method that can be effectively employed in routine quality control studies.
On the determination of partial‐lives of dissipation and/or sorption of a solute in liquid‐solid systems
Authors: Shahwan Talal
Published: July 2022

In most sorption systems, chemical equilibrium is reached before achieving complete removal of the sorbate/solute from solution. In such cases, the determination of the partial‐life values of sorbate removal using the classical approach might lead to erroneous results, since that approach assumes ultimately total dissipation of the sorbate/solute. In order to overcome this limitation, a new approach is used in this work to develop novel expressions of the partial‐life of dissipation and the partial‐life of sorption of a single sorbate (or solute) in liquid‐solid batch systems. The expressions are formulated using both first and second order rate equations, in a manner which takes into account the equilibrium concentration of the sorbate/solute. For the sake of preliminary evaluation, the expressions are tested on previously published data for various systems. It is suggested that the proposed method for the determination of partial lives is useful in improving the reliability of the analysis of kinetic data of sorption systems, in particular those which involve sorbents of high surface activity and fast kinetics, like nanomaterials.
Circ‐NCX1 inhibits LPS‐induced chondrocyte apoptosis by regulating the miR‐133a/SIRT1 axis
Authors: Liu Kai , Fan Xiao‐E , Zhang Li , Yang Ying , Zhou Xiao‐Ling
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, which is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage, thickening of subchondral bone, and inflammation of the synovial membrane. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of circ‐NCX1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced injury in SW1353 chondrocytes, an in vitro model of OA. The levels of circ‐NCX1, miR‐133a, and related apoptotic proteins were determined by RT‐qPCR. MTT assay was used to evaluate the cell viability. The apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, whereas the expression of apoptosis proteins was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect cleaved caspase‐3 expression in cells. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between circ‐NCX1 and miR‐133a, and between miR‐133a and Silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (Sirt1). The results showed that the overexpression of circ‐NCX1 significantly upregulated the chondrocyte viability and proliferation, and alleviated apoptosis in LPS‐induced SW1353 cells. Immunofluorescence results showed that the overexpression of circ‐NCX1 significantly reduced expression of LPS‐stimulated cleaved Caspase‐3. The RT‐qPCR results showed that the overexpression of circ‐NCX1 inhibited mRNA levels of cleaved Caspase‐3 and Bax, and promoted mRNA levels of Bcl‐2. Luciferase reporter assay showed that circ‐NCX1 targeted miR‐133a, and miR‐133a directly targeted the Sirt1. In addition, overexpression of circ‐NCX1 inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis and promoted Akt phosphorylation via the miR‐133a/Sirt1 axis in LPS‐induced chondrocytes. In conclusion, circ‐NCX1 may serve as an important regulator of LPS‐induced chondrocyte apoptosis through the miR‐133a/Sirt1 axis, and may be involved in the development of OA.
Research assistants: Scientific credit and recognized authorship
Authors: Nelson Phillip , Petrova Marina G.
Published: July 2022

Key points

Research assistants are frequently excluded from authorship for several reasons—including the perception that they merely provide paid administrative help.

Authorship criteria should be based on the people who are both shapers and doers rather than the ICMJE recommendations which can be differently interpreted.

The pressure for single‐authored papers in some disciplines may lead to the exclusion of substantive contributors from authorship lists.

The CRediT taxonomy is a preferable means of recognizing and rewarding authors but may find resistance of those unwilling to disclose exact contributions.

Publishers can assist in recognizing all contributing authors by requiring affirmation that all who have significantly contributed are credited as authors.
Student publishing in peer reviewed journals: Evidence from the International Political Science Review
Authors: Stockemer Daniel , Reidy Theresa , Teodoro Antonia , Gerba Guy
Published: July 2022

Publishing in peer‐reviewed journals has become an essential requirement for PhD students wishing to pursue a career in academia. Yet, there are few studies of student publishing and little discussion of norms around attribution of authorship for student research collaborators. (1) How often do students feature as submitters and authors in political science journals? (2) In what format (i.e., solo author, co‐author, multiple authors) do students normally submit and publish? (3) Are there gender differences in student submission and publication rates between male and female students? This article uses 2 years of data from the International Political Science Review (IPSR; i.e., 2019 and 2020) to answer these questions. Mainly using cross‐tabulations, we found that just one in eight submitting authors was a student (i.e., undergraduate and postgraduate). In terms of acceptance rates, students had generally lower acceptance rates than faculty. Yet, there were also important differences within the student body. As expected PhD students were more successful than undergraduate and masters' students, and in line with general disciplinary publishing patterns, female PhD students had a higher publication success rate than their male colleagues.
Using Experimental Design and Response Surface Methodology to Optimize Nanocellulose Production from Two Types of Pretreated Soybean Straw
Authors: Silva Natalia C. , Esposto Bruno S. , Maniglia Bianca C. , Tapia‐Blácido Delia R. , Martelli‐Tosi Milena
Published: July 2022

This study investigates how enzymatic activity (X1) and pretreated soybean straw concentration (X2) affect the production of cellulose nanofibers and reducing sugars using the Composite Central Rotational Design (CCRD). The soybean straw is subjected to alkaline pretreatment with either 5% NaOH (PT1) or 17.5% NaOH (PT2), followed by bleaching (4% H2O2) and enzymatic treatment. The mathematical model generated by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) predicts that increasing X1 and X2 simultaneously is necessary to increase the nanocellulose yield. On the other hand, to increase the sugar yield, it is necessary to increase the ratio X1:X2. The model also predicts that the lowest concentration of soybean straw (1.17%) resulted in more stable nanofiber suspensions, regardless of the enzyme activity (−25.0 and −19.4 mV for PT1 and PT2, respectively). The optimal condition for the simultaneous production of cellulose nanofibers and reducing sugars is 4.0 g of biomass and enzymatic activity of 600 CMCU, resulting for PT1 and PT2, respectively: 7.01 and 3.73 g of nanofibers/100 g of soybean straw; 11.34 and 14.30 g of reducing sugars/100 g of soybean straw. Therefore, the processing efficiency according to the pretreatment used can directly guide the production of cellulose nanofibers and reducing sugars.
Reproductive Biology of the Pacific Spadenose Shark Scoliodon Macrorhynchos, a Heavily Exploited Species in the Southern Taiwan Strait
Authors: Zhao Yu , Jiang Chengpu , Ju Peilong , Xiao Jiamei , Chen Mingru
Published: July 2022

The reproductive biology of the heavily exploited Pacific Spadenose Shark Scoliodon macrorhynchos was studied by examining 246 males and 197 females, including 64 gestational individuals, caught by semi-industrial fisheries using demersal trawling in the southern Taiwan Strait. Total length (LT) at 50% maturity (L50) was estimated at 464 mm LT for males and 429 mm LT for females. The annual reproductive cycle was determined based on the percentage of pregnant mature females and the concurrent vitellogenesis with embryonic development. Mating occurred from August to December, as evidenced by the presence of females with fresh mating injuries on their body surface and spermatozoa in the cloaca and uteri. The monthly change of embryo size indicated that parturition occurred between June and August after 5–6 months of gestation, with an LT of 190–218 mm at birth. The litter size, which ranged from 1 to 20 pups with a mean ± SD of 9.4 ± 3.9 pups (n = 64), was positively correlated with the maternal LT. Altogether, these findings provide valuable information that is needed for the adequate management and conservation of Pacific Spadenose Sharks in the southern Taiwan Strait and adjacent waters.
Catheters and dose optimization using a modified CVT algorithm and multi‐criteria optimization in prostate HDR brachytherapy
Authors: Chatigny Philippe Y. , Bélanger Cédric , Poulin Éric , Beaulieu Luc
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Currently, in high‐dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy planning, the catheter's positions are often selected by the planner, which involves the planner's experience. The catheters are then inserted using a template that helps to guide the catheters. For certain applications, it is of interest to choose the optimal location and number of catheters needed for dose coverage and potential decrease of the treatment's toxicity. Hence, it is of great importance to develop patient‐specific algorithms for catheters and dose optimization.

Methods

A modified Centroidal Voronoi tessellation (CVT) algorithm is implemented and merged with a graphics processing unit (GPU)‐based multi‐criteria optimization algorithm (gMCO). The CVT algorithm optimizes the catheters’ positions, and the gMCO algorithm optimizes the dwell times and dwell positions. The CVT algorithm can be used simultaneously for insertion with or without a template. Some improvements to the CVT algorithm are presented such as a new way of considering the area that needs to be covered. One hundred eight previously treated prostates HDR cases using real‐time ultrasound are used to evaluate the different optimization procedures. The plan robustness is evaluated using two types of errors: deviations (random) in the insertion and deviation (systematic) in the reconstruction of the catheters.

Results

Using gMCO on clinically inserted catheter increases the acceptance rate by 37% for Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Our results show that all the patients respect RTOG criteria with 11 catheters using CVT+gMCO with a template of 5 mm. The number of catheters needed for all patients to respect RTOG criteria with the freehand technique is 10 catheters using CVT+gMCO. When deviations are introduced, using a template, the acceptance rate goes to 85% with 3 mm deviations using 11 catheters. This decrease is less significant when the number of catheters is higher, decreasing by less than 5% with a 3 mm deviation using 13 catheters or more. In conclusion, it is feasible to decrease the number of catheters needed to treat most patients.

Conclusions

Some cases still need a high number of catheters to reach the plan's criteria. Using gMCO allows an increase in the plan quality, while using CVT reduces the number of catheters. A higher number of catheters equates to plans that are more robust to deviations.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using structure highlighting key slice stacking and transfer learning
Authors: Ban Yanjiao , Zhang Xuejun , Lao Huan
Published: July 2022

Background

In recent years, two‐dimensional convolutional neural network (2D CNN) have been widely used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). However, due to the lack of targeted processing of the key slices of sMRI images, the classification performance of the CNN model needs to be improved.

Purpose

Therefore, in this paper, we propose a key slice processing technique called the structural highlighting key slice stacking (SHKSS) technique, and we apply it to a 2D transfer learning model for AD classification.

Methods

Specifically, first, 3D MR images were preprocessed. Second, the 2D axial middle‐layer image was extracted from the MR image as a key slice. Then, the image was normalized by intensity and mapped to the red, green, and blue (RGB) space, and histogram specification was performed on the obtained RGB image to generate the final three‐channel image. The final three‐channel image was input into a pretrained CNN model for AD classification. Finally, classification and generalization experiments were conducted to verify the validity of the proposed method.

Results

The experimental results on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data set show that our SHKSS method can effectively highlight the structural information in MRI slices. Compared with existing key slice processing techniques, our SHKSS method has an average accuracy improvement of at least 26% on the same test data set, and it has better performance and generalization ability.

Conclusions

Our SHKSS method not only converts single‐channel images into three‐channel images to match the input requirements of the 2D transfer learning model but also highlights the structural information of MRI slices to improve the accuracy of AD diagnosis.
Self‐reported reduced sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hoffmann Heloise M. , Malo‐Juvera Victor , Statland Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction/Aims

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) causes weakness and secondary associations, such as respiratory complications and pain, that can be linked to abnormal sleep patterns. Limited studies have focused on sleep in FSHD. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of, and clinical features associated with, self‐reported lowered sleep quality (SQ) and excessive daytime sleepiness (DS) in a large group of participants with FSHD.

Methods

We conducted a prospective survey of individuals with self‐reported FSHD enrolled in the FSHD Society Registry. The survey consisted of demographic and clinical characteristics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Descriptive statistics were evaluated, and associations between clinical characteristics and SQ and DS were explored using one‐way analysis of variance tests. Small effect size was identified as 0.01 ≥ η2 > 0.06, medium was 0.06 ≥ η2 > 0.14, and large was 0.14 ≥ η2.

Results

Six hundred ninety individuals responded to the survey, equally distributed between men and women, and spanning the age range from under 12 to 74 years of age or older. Sixty‐six percent of the respondents showed reduced SQ (PSQI > 5) (n = 392; 95% confidence interval [CI], 62.4‐70.0), and 15% showed excessive DS (>10) (n = 89; 95% CI, 12.2‐17.9). There was a significant association between SQ and DS. Nocturnal pain had a large significant effect on lowering SQ (P < .001, η2 = 0.192). Factors including age and gender had minor effects on SQ.

Discussion

Physicians should monitor sleep quality of patients with FSHD as a routine part of care, with special attention to potentially modifiable factors. Future research should address the physiological effects of pain in sleep.
Coverage for obesity prevention and treatment: analysis of state employee health plans and use of benefits
Authors: Hughes Samuel , Dietz William H. , Gallagher Christine
Published: July 2022

Objective

Using data from 2017, the authors have previously examined the coverage of obesity‐related services in state employee health plans since 2009 and found improvements in coverage for obesity‐related treatments. This study repeated the collection of similar data for 2021 and explored whether coverage had continued to increase or decline.

Methods

Data on obesity benefits for state employees were obtained from publicly available documents from relevant state websites. Source documents were reviewed for language that would indicate the availability of coverage for nutritional counseling, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. Use data were collected when available, but availability was limited.

Results

Coverage for some treatments of obesity continued to trend upward, as was the case between 2009 and 2017, but coverage for pharmacotherapy declined from 2017 to 2021. Use data were received from only eight states; analysis of these data indicated underuse of obesity benefits by plan enrollees compared with each state's rate of obesity.

Conclusions

Despite promising new therapies, states in 2021 were less likely to provide coverage for antiobesity medications. Additionally, limited use data suggested that few eligible individuals may be receiving these services. In conclusion, state employee health plans are currently inadequate given the prevalence, severity, and costs of obesity.
Effects of liraglutide on gastrointestinal functions and weight in obesity: A randomized clinical and pharmacogenomic trial
Authors: Maselli Daniel , Atieh Jessica , Clark Matthew M. , Eckert Deborah , Taylor Ann , Carlson Paula , Burton Duane D. , Busciglio Irene , Harmsen W. Scott , Vella Adrian , Acosta Andres , Camilleri Michael
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effects of a long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist, liraglutide, and placebo subcutaneously over 16 weeks on weight and gastric functions and to evaluate associations of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in GLP1R (rs6923761) and TCF7L2 (rs7903146) with effects of liraglutide.

Methods

The study conducted a randomized, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled, 16‐week trial of liraglutide, escalated to 3 mg subcutaneously daily in 136 otherwise healthy adults with obesity. Weight, gastric emptying of solids (GES), gastric volumes, satiation, and body composition measured at baseline and after treatment were compared in two treatment groups using analysis of covariance.

Results

Liraglutide (n = 59) and placebo (n = 65) groups completed treatment. Relative to placebo, liraglutide increased weight loss at 5 and 16 weeks (both p < 0.05), slowed time to half GES (T1/2) at 5 and 16 weeks (both p < 0.001), and increased fasting gastric volume (p = 0.01) and satiation (p < 0.01) at 16 weeks. GES T1/2 was positively correlated with weight loss on liraglutide (both p < 0.001). After 16 weeks of liraglutide, GLP1R rs6923761 (AG/AA vs. GG) was associated with reduced percent body fat (p = 0.062), and TCF7L2 rs7903146 (CC vs. CT/TT) was associated with lower body weight (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Liraglutide, 3 mg, induces weight loss with delay in GES T1/2 and reduces calorie intake. Slowing GES and variations in GLP1R and TCF7L2 are associated with liraglutide effects in obesity.
Myopia and BMI: a nationwide study of 1.3 million adolescents
Authors: Peled Alon , Nitzan Itay , Megreli Jacob , Derazne Estela , Tzur Dorit , Pinhas‐Hamiel Orit , Afek Arnon , Twig Gilad
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study analyzed the association between adolescent BMI and myopia severity.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study comprised 1,359,153 adolescents who were medically examined before mandatory military service. Mild‐to‐moderate and high myopia were defined based on right‐eye refractive data. BMI was categorized based on the US age‐ and sex‐matched percentiles. Logistic regression models were applied separately for women and men to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for myopia per BMI category.

Results

A total of 318,712 adolescents had mild‐to‐moderate myopia and 23,569 had high myopia. Compared with low‐normal BMI (reference group), adjusted ORs for mild‐to‐moderate and high myopia increased with increasing BMI status, reaching 1.39 (95% CI: 1.23‐1.57) and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.19‐2.51) for men with severe obesity, respectively, and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.12‐1.27) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14‐1.65) for women with mild obesity, respectively. ORs for mild‐to‐moderate and high myopia were also higher in men with underweight (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.18‐1.23 and OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.30‐1.47) and women with underweight (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.09 and OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04‐1.22). The overall size effect was greater for men than women (pinteraction < 0.001), in whom the group with severe obesity did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

BMI was associated with myopia in a J‐shaped pattern, with the size effect being greater for adolescent men than women. This study indicates that both low BMI and high BMI are associated with mild‐to‐moderate and severe myopia.
Understanding precancerous lesions of the oral cavity†
Authors: Luginbuhl Adam J , South Andrew P
Published: July 2022

Precancerous lesions provide insight into tumor development as well as prognostication, since distinguishing high‐risk from benign disease will stratify clinical management. In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, Ghosh et al performed comprehensive genomic characterization of the precancerous lesion leukoplakia, comparing RNA and DNA with peripheral blood, normal mucosa, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the gingivobuccal region of the oral cavity from the same 28 individuals. The data paint a picture of increasing mutation and early caspase‐8 inactivation on the background of inflammation with decreasing immune surveillance in the progression from benign leukoplakia to SCC. This research points to an opportunity for disease intercept at the premalignant niche prior to the development of malignancy. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Synergistic effect of alkali and silane treatment on mechanical, flammability, and thermal degradation of hemp fiber/epoxy composite
Authors: Soni Priyanka , Sinha Shishir
Published: July 2022

Currently, natural fiber composites are used in many applications (industrial, automotive, and construction) where fire resistance is a critical factor. The main objective of this research work is to investigate the thermal degradation and fire performance of raw and treated fiber composites developed using hand layup with different fiber loadings of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%. Alkali treatment (5%, wt/vol) and silane treatment (5%, wt/vol) were used to improve the thermal stability and compatibility of hemp fiber with polymer matrix. The developed composites were characterized for thermal (thermogravimetric analysis), chemical (Fourier transform spectroscopy), morphological (scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction), and mechanical behavior. Further, the flammability behavior of the developed composites was investigated using vertical cum horizontal flammability test apparatus and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tester. The results of mechanical characterization reveal that alkali treated fiber composites (20% loading) have the highest tensile strength (24.4 MPa) and flexural strength (46.1 MPa). Composite reinforced with silane‐treated fibers have shown excellent flame retardancy with the lowest horizontal burning rate (16.11 mm/min) and higher LOI (23.5%). Scanning electron microscopy confirms the better fiber‐matrix compatibility of silane‐treated fiber with epoxy.
Study on progressive damage performance of basalt‐fiber wound composite tube
Authors: Li Tao , Zhao Guanghui , Zhang Guolu , Wang Litong
Published: July 2022

For filament wound composite tubes made of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP), damage performances were simulated and load capacity was evaluated with a multi‐scale homogenization method based on properties of component materials, fiber volume fraction and the winding process. Considering about both the intra‐layer and inter‐layer damage properties, a representative volume element (RVE) was defined in the structural layer of the pipe wall firstly. Equivalent mechanical properties of the structural layer were then obtained by simulating damage evolution of the RVE under tension, compression and the shear load. In order to verify the RVE model, tensile tests of the specimens that were cut out of the BFRP tube in both longitudinal and circumferential directions were implemented. The predicted load–displacement curves of the RVE were in good agreement with the corresponding experimental results. Finally, the tube wall was simplified into a three‐layer structure including inner lining layer, equivalent structural layer and outer protection layer. Damage evolutions of the tube were calculated under basic loads, borne typically by the oil and gas pipeline, such as internal pressure, tension, bending and torsion. The results lead to a better understanding of the load‐bearing capacity of the BFRP tube and promote the application of the BFRP in the oil and gas field.
Designing of PC31BM‐based acceptors for dye‐sensitized solar cell
Authors: Paul Debolina , Sarkar Utpal
Published: July 2022

Three push‐pull dyes with triphenylamine as donor, thiophene as spacer and fullerene‐based acceptors have been designed using density functional theory (DFT) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here, we have done a systematic case study by varying the acceptor of dye. PCBM type of acceptors are chosen. However, the main focus lies on the fact that fullerene C60, which is used as conventional fullerene in PCBM, is replaced by C30. Further, two more structures are derived, where C30 is changed by two of its doped counterparts, C10B10N10 and C10B10P10. Structural integrity of these dyes is checked and found to be stable. Their electronic properties also provide a good insight into their characteristics. Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of the dyes is positioned under the redox potential of redox couple,
, which means that the dyes can be regenerated. LUMO energy value of dyes with C30 and C10B10N10 lies above the conduction band of semiconductor, TiO2, and hence electrons from the excited state of the dyes can be injected into the conduction band edge of TiO2. For C10B10P10, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) lies slightly below the conduction band of TiO2 (for B3LYP functional). Therefore, few more configurations of C10B10P10 have been checked by replacing B and P atoms with C atoms. Notably, incorporation of solvent rules out this exception and all the dyes become eligible for electron regeneration also. Time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) studies throw light on their photochemical properties, which is one of the interim criteria for any system getting selected as a dye in the DSSCs.
Characterization and Testing of Unstable Oxidizers: Ammonium Chlorate and Nitrite
Authors: Kominia Athina , Hunter Justin , Smith James , Oxley Jimmie
Published: July 2022

Among oxidizers those containing the ammonium cation have the potential of self‐oxidization, making them of special hazard. Herein we examine ammonium nitrite and ammonium chlorate, two ionic compounds with well‐known hazard potential, and compare their explosive performance with related materials. A novel protocol for assessment of explosivity on the gram scale is employed.
Hallmarks of neurodegenerative disease: A systems pharmacology perspective
Authors: Bloomingdale Peter , Karelina Tatiana , Ramakrishnan Vidya , Bakshi Suruchi , Véronneau‐Veilleux Florence , Moye Matthew , Sekiguchi Kazutaka , Meno‐Tetang Guy , Mohan Aparna , Maithreye R. , Thomas Veena A. , Gibbons Frank , Cabal Antonio , Bouteiller Jean‐Marie , Geerts Hugo
Published: July 2022

Age‐related central neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are a rising public health concern and have been plagued by repeated drug development failures. The complex nature and poor mechanistic understanding of the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases has hindered the discovery and development of effective disease‐modifying therapeutics. Quantitative systems pharmacology models of neurodegeneration diseases may be useful tools to enhance the understanding of pharmacological intervention strategies and to reduce drug attrition rates. Due to the similarities in pathophysiological mechanisms across neurodegenerative diseases, especially at the cellular and molecular levels, we envision the possibility of structural components that are conserved across models of neurodegenerative diseases. Conserved structural submodels can be viewed as building blocks that are pieced together alongside unique disease components to construct quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models of neurodegenerative diseases. Model parameterization would likely be different between the different types of neurodegenerative diseases as well as individual patients. Formulating our mechanistic understanding of neurodegenerative pathophysiology as a mathematical model could aid in the identification and prioritization of drug targets and combinatorial treatment strategies, evaluate the role of patient characteristics on disease progression and therapeutic response, and serve as a central repository of knowledge. Here, we provide a background on neurodegenerative diseases, highlight hallmarks of neurodegeneration, and summarize previous QSP models of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on the Martensitic Transformation and Magnetocaloric Effect of MnNi0.88GeV0.12 Alloy
Authors: Li Chen , Ma Guoliang , Chen Mengru , Zong Shuotong , Zhang Yan , Zhao Shulei , Chen Fenghua , Gong YuanYuan
Published: July 2022

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the martensitic transformation and magnetocaloric properties of MnNi0.88GeV0.12 alloy is studied in detail. X‐ray diffraction at room temperature shows that the alloy has a single hexagonal Ni2In‐type structure. The phase transition temperature moves to the low‐temperature region with the increase in hydrostatic pressure. Under the external magnetic field of 15 kOe, the hydrostatic pressure driving rates and are 60.25 and 65.25 K GPa−1, respectively, which indicate that the applied pressure expands the working temperature range of magnetic refrigeration. A magnetic entropy change ΔS of −4.8 J kg−1 K−1 is obtained in the external magnetic field of 15 kOe under ambient pressure. The peak value of |ΔS| is increased to 5.6 J kg−1 K−1 under hydrostatic pressure, which is closely related to the structural change of the alloy.
Easily Accessible Topologically Protected Charge Carriers in Pure and Robust α‐Sn Films
Authors: Madarevic Ivan , Claessens Niels , Seliverstov Aleksandr , Van Haesendonck Chris , Van Bael Margriet J.
Published: July 2022

Experimental evidence of topological Dirac fermion charge carriers in pure and robust α‐Sn thin films grown on InSb substrates is reported. This evidence is acquired using standard macroscopic four‐point contact resistance measurements, conducted on uncapped films with a significantly reduced bulk mobility. The electrical characteristics of the constituting components of the α‐Sn/InSb sample are analyzed and compared and a three‐band drift velocity model is proposed accordingly. A surface band, with low carrier density and high mobility, is identified as the origin of the observed Shubnikov – de Haas (SdH) oscillations. The analysis of these quantum oscillations results in a nontrivial value of the phase shift γ0, characteristic of topologically protected Dirac fermions. The momentum relaxation time τ ≈ 300 fs in pure, undoped α‐Sn thin films is estimated.
Economic inequality and entrepreneurship: Micro‐evidence from China
Authors: Xie Xuanli , Li Lixing , Zhou Guangsu
Published: July 2022

Research Summary

This paper develops a theoretical explanation for why economic inequality may affect individuals' decision to engage in entrepreneurial activities. We argue that inequality may have a positive impact on entrepreneurship because it triggers social comparison, thus motivating individuals to become entrepreneurs. Moreover, such effect is stronger for people in the middle economic status group than for those in the top or bottom groups, as middle economic status group has both the motivation and capability to take entrepreneurial actions. We use a sample of 3,879 Chinese households from 2010 to 2018 and merge them with county‐level variables to test our hypotheses. The results support our hypotheses and remain consistent across different model specifications, including models controlling for the potential endogeneity between inequality and entrepreneurship.

Managerial Summary

The rising economic inequality around the world has drawn widespread attention. Although inequality may not be desired, the optimistic takeaway from this paper is that inequality might also have a positive side by motivating entrepreneurial activities, especially for people from the middle economic class. While exerting continuous efforts to reduce poverty, governments could also properly treat the entrepreneurial spirit inspired by inequality and guide it to encourage entrepreneurship. From a dynamic point of view, emerging economies, when progressing toward a more liberal and market‐oriented economy, might go through a period of time with increasing inequality. Thus different countries, due to their unique social and economic backgrounds, may not share one pareto optimal inequality ratio.
Synthesis of Ceria (CeO2) Nanoparticles and Their Application in Colorimetric Probes for the Determination of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Alowakennu Micheal , Adams Lukman A. , Abdulwahab Khadijat O.
Published: July 2022

Nanoceria (CeO2 nanoparticles) are among the most unique and promising lanthanide nanomaterials with sensing applicability. In this study, the redox reactivity of nanoceria was exploited for biomedical application based on changes in the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles on interaction with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Nanoceria were synthesized by the microwave‐assisted method using ammonium ceric nitrate [(NH4)2Ce(NO3)6] as the precursor and diethylene glycol (DEG) as the stabilizer and capping agent. The powder X‐ray diffraction (p‐XRD) studies of the nanoparticles showed that the synthesized particles are of a pure single‐phase matched with a cubic structure. Data from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) & Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis were also used to estimate the average size of the particles, and a range of value between 6.8‐7.1 nm was obtained which agrees with the value obtained using Debye‐Sherrer's relation (6.8±0.2 nm). On interacting the nanoceria with ascorbic acid, a color change from light yellow to reddish orange (oxidation of ascorbic acid) was observed, and at the same time, the Ce4+ is being reduced to Ce3+. The reaction between the nanoceria and ascorbic acid was done at a constant concentration of nanoceria with varying amounts of ascorbic acid. This reaction was monitored using the UV‐Vis Spectrometry, and the spectra obtained showed that the intensity of the peak decreases with decreasing concentration of the ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ was justified by the blue shift in the λmax from 344 nm to 254 nm. Data obtained also showed a detection limit of 20 ppm ascorbic acid. The nanoceria were also used to fabricate a paper strip which tested positive for the colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid.
Contactless InlineIVMeasurement of Solar Cells Using an Empirical Model
Authors: Kunze Philipp , Greulich Johannes M. , Tummalieh Ammar , Wirtz Wiebke , Hoeffler Hannes , Woehrle Nico , Glunz Stefan , Rein Stefan , Demant Matthias
Published: July 2022

The current–voltage measurement is the most important measurement in solar cell quality control. As the contacting process of cells results in mechanical stress and consumes a significant amount of measurement time, this work presents anIVcharacterization based on contactless measurements only. An empirical model is introduced that can derive the fullIVcurve andIVparameters as the open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current density, fill factor, and efficiency. As a basis, a series of photoluminescence and contactless electroluminescence images and spectral reflectance measurements are used. An advantage of the model's convolutional neural network design lies in the semantic compression of local image structures across the input data. Within an ablation study, it is shown that the empirical model is well suited to combine these data sources, which is the optimal input configuration for contactlessIVderivation. The accuracy, e.g., with an error in efficiency of and correlation of over 99%, is similar to comparing two contactingIVmeasurement devices. The contactlessIVcurves also have a close fit to their contacted counterparts. Within simulations on module level, it is demonstrated that contactless binning performs as well as contacting binning and does not result in any additional mismatch loss.
Tuning the Crystallinity and Phase Separation by Two‐Step Annealing Enables Block Copolymer‐Based Organic Solar Cells with 15% Efficiency
Authors: Yao Shangfei , Huang Ciyuan , Wang Qiuning , Yang Tao , Shi Shasha , Liu Yudie , Zhao Chenfu , Zhang Ziyang , Shen Xiaodong , Li Tongzhou , He Bin , Lin Wenchao , Zhang Teng , Zou Bingsuo , Liu Tao
Published: July 2022

Block copolymer‐based organic solar cells (OSCs) possess better stability than their binary all‐polymer counterparts; thus, promoting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of them to a higher level would be meaningful to achieving a higher level of efficiency–stability balance. Herein, two‐step annealing combining solvent vapor and thermal annealing (TA) upon cast films is deployed and 15% efficiency for block copolymer PM6‐b‐PY‐IT‐based OSCs is realized, which appeals to the level of traditional binary all‐polymer solar cells. The morphology optimization of the properly enhanced crystallite size, global crystallinity, and reduced pure phase length scale and maintained phase purity are supposed to be the driving force of increase device performance. This work offers a high PCE for the typical type of solar cell, brightening the prospect of realizing OSCs’ application.
A site of radical possibilities: Examining how a multigenerational counterspace promotedSTEMpersistence among undergraduate Women of Color
Authors: Wilkins‐Yel Kerrie G. , Williamson Francesca A. , Priddie Christen , Cross Francis Dionne , Gallimore Shanalee , Davis‐Randolph Jasmine L.
Published: July 2022

Women from racially/ethnically minoritized communities remain significantly underrepresented at all levels of education in STEM. The pervasive white and heteronormative culture of the STEM environment has contributed to Women of Color feeling isolated, hyper‐visible, and invisible as they contend with racism, sexism, and gendered racial microaggressions. Scholars have found that counterspaces are key sites to support the persistence of Women of Color in STEM and ameliorate the negative psychological effects of navigating oppressive STEM milieus. Missing from the current literature is research on how counterspaces contribute to Women of Color's STEM persistence. This study sought to fill this gap in the literature by understanding the experiences of undergraduate Women of Color in the I CAN PERSIST STEM initiative, a multigenerational counterspace designed to support the holistic persistence of Women of Color in STEM. Steeped in the theoretical conceptualization of counterspaces, and using a case study methodological approach, we found that the multigenerational counter‐storytelling and support from Women of Color in STEM, as well as the embodiment of holistic wellness, and justice‐focused mentor‐teaching supported STEM persistence intentions among undergraduate Women of Color in the sample. Furthermore, participants described being able to reconcile their STEM identities with their need to be active in addressing and mitigating the inequities in their communities, while also prioritizing their well‐being and rejecting the STEM culture of overwork and burnout.