bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean force based temperature accelerated sliced sampling: Efficient reconstruction of high dimensional free energy landscapes
Authors: Pal Asit , Pal Subhendu , Verma Shivani , Shiga Motoyuki , Nair Nisanth N.
Published: August 2021

Temperature accelerated sliced sampling (TASS) is an efficient method to compute high dimensional free energy landscapes. The original TASS method employs the weighted histogram analysis method (WHAM) which is an iterative post‐processing to reweight and stitch high dimensional probability distributions in sliced windows that are obtained in the presence of restraining biases. The WHAM necessitates that TASS windows lie close to each other for proper overlap of distributions and span the collective variable space of interest. On the other hand, increase in number of TASS windows implies more number of simulations, and thus it affects the efficiency of the method. To overcome this problem, we propose herein a new mean‐force (MF) based reweighting scheme called TASS‐MF, which enables accurate computation with a fewer number of windows devoid of the WHAM post‐processing. Application of the technique is demonstrated for alanine di‐ and tripeptides in vacuo to compute their two‐ and four‐dimensional free energy landscapes, the latter of which is formidable in conventional umbrella sampling and metadynamics. The landscapes are computed within a kcal mol−1 accuracy, ensuring a safe usage for broad applications in computational chemistry.
Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Abuse Potential of Opioids
Authors: Vearrier David , Grundmann Oliver
Published: August 2021

Opioids were the most common drug class resulting in overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. Widespread clinical use of prescription opioids for moderate to severe pain contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic with the subsequent emergence of fentanyl‐laced heroin. More potent analogues of fentanyl and structurally diverse opioid receptor agonists such as AH‐7921 and MT‐45 are fueling an increasingly diverse illicit opioid supply. Overdose from synthetic opioids with high binding affinities may not respond to a typical naloxone dose, thereby rendering autoinjectors less effective, requiring higher antagonist doses or resulting in a confusing clinical picture for health care providers. Nonscheduled opioid drugs such as loperamide and dextromethorphan are associated with dependence and risk of overdose as easier access makes them attractive to opioid users. Despite a common opioid‐mediated pathway, several opioids present with unique pharmacodynamic properties leading to acute toxicity and dependence development. Pharmacokinetic considerations involve half‐life of the parent opioid and its metabolites as well as resulting toxicity, as is established for tramadol, codeine, and oxycodone. Pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicities, and treatment approaches for notable opioids are reviewed.
Looks Far Beyond My Reach: The Zoom Effect in Product Videos Influences Luxury Perception and Purchase Intention
Authors: Togawa Taku , Sugitani Yoko
Published: August 2021

This research focused on a novel property of product videos, namely the zoom effect, and examined how it affects consumers’ product perceptions and purchase intentions. The results of the studies conducted confirmed our hypothesis that a product video shot with the zoom‐out (vs. zoom‐in) effect, that is, changing the focus from the product’s details to an overview of the product, enhances consumer perception of the product’s luxuriousness (Study 1) and purchase intention (Study 2). The effect of zooming‐out (vs. zooming‐in) on luxury perception was driven by perceived exclusivity via differences in perceptual distance to the product (Study 2). Furthermore, the present research also demonstrated that the zooming’s effect on purchase intention was moderated by brand positioning; that is, the zoom‐out (vs. zoom‐in) effect used in product videos increased purchase intention for luxury (but not non‐luxury) brand products (Study 3). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of videographic techniques in advertising products’ luxuriousness to consumers.
The Black Sheep of the Land: Bandits in the Polish Borderlands, 1918–1925
Authors: Pomiecko Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

This article examines banditry in the northeastern provinces of the Second Polish Republic after the First World War and into the mid‐1920s. It considers the devastating effects of the war, which ravaged the territory, together with policies of the Polish state that contributed to an increase in bandit activity in the eastern borderland region. This work argues that banditry here worked as a multi‐level system and thrived due to the involvement of multiple social actors—the bandits themselves, locals, state authorities, and foreign aid. Furthermore, this article pushes for an examination of bandits—not merely as social outcasts or misfits—but as an integral part of the communities they emerged from. More broadly, the focus on banditry contributes to scholarship dedicated to better understanding the aftermath of the First World War and continued conflict from the perspective of everyday people.
Influence of laser shape on thermal increase during micro‐Raman spectroscopy analyses
Authors: Foucher Frédéric
Published: August 2021

Micro‐Raman spectrometers are used in various domains, from archaeology to space exploration. These systems use microscope objectives to focus the laser onto the sample to be analysed. Although this method drastically increases the spatial resolution down to a few hundreds of nanometres, it is also commonly admitted that this focused laser beam may heat and alter the studied material. The setting of the laser power is thus a universal problem for any micro‐Raman spectroscopy user who has to find a compromise between the Raman signal intensity and the risk of thermal alteration. This parameter is not easy to set based on bibliographic references because, depending on the architecture of the system used, on the laser wavelength and on the sample, damage may occur at very different laser power levels. Here, we describe the different parameters that influence thermal increase induced by the laser and propose easy to make experiments to measure them. A series of experiments is then carried out to study the thermal alteration of various materials when exposed to a laser beam focused with the different microscope objectives of a micro‐Raman system. It is shown that, except for very thin samples or powdered materials, the relevant parameters to consider are the laser power at the sample surface and the duration of exposure to the laser beam, whatever the objective used. We also demonstrate that the risk of sample alteration is almost non‐existent for thick transparent materials. Interestingly, it is shown that, for semi‐transparent materials, alteration may occur at lower laser power for low magnification objectives than for high magnification objectives. These results are explained by the high aperture angle of microscope objectives which induces high dispersion of the laser within the sample.
Fractionation of linseed and obtaining ingredients rich in protein and fibers: alternatives for animal feed
Authors: Adorian Taida Juliana , Pianesso Dirleise , Bender Ana Betine Beutinger , Speroni Caroline Sefrin , Mombach Patrícia Inês , Kowalski Éverton Augusto , da Silva Leila Picolli
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Linseed fractionation was performed in laboratory scale to obtain concentrated protein and fiber fractions. Three methods were tested to obtain the linseed protein concentrate (LPC). The isoelectric pH method was more efficient in increasing the protein content and also provided higher yield. In the fractions obtained, the chemical composition (dry matter, ash, lipids, crude protein, total dietary fiber, calcium and phosphorus), total phenolic compounds and the physicochemical properties were evaluated. The profile of amino acids was determined for linseed meal and LPC, and the profile of monosaccharides was evaluated for linseed grain, soluble and insoluble fractions of the fiber.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the protein concentration method by isoelectric pH improved the amino acidic profile and in vitro digestibility of LPC. The fractioning of the linseed fiber was efficient, since the soluble fiber of the soluble fraction corresponded to 675 g kg−1. The separation of the fiber from the linseed concentrated the phenolic compounds in the insoluble fraction. For linseed grain there was a higher concentration of glucose, followed by xylose, galacturonic acid and arabinose. The same monosaccharides were identified in the insoluble fraction, with the exception of arabinose. In the soluble fraction, higher levels of xylose were found, followed by glucose, galacturonic acid and arabinose.

CONCLUSION

The present study allows us to conclude that it is possible to separate the linseed into different fractions, obtaining a protection concentrate and fibers. The inclusion of these products in animal feed needs to be evaluated to determine levels of acceptance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Systematic Review on Vestibular Symptoms in Patients With Enlarged Vestibular Aqueducts
Authors: Stahl Maximilian C. , Otteson Todd
Published: August 2021

Objective

Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is a congenital condition that can lead to various outcomes in pediatric patients including hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Our goal was to critically appraise the literature on the proportion of patients with EVA who report vestibular dysfunction, determine relevant risk factors for the development of these symptoms, and describe vestibular tests and interventions used to improve outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We queried the EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature. Studies were included if they had n > 10, reported vestibular symptoms or vestibular function testing in patients with EVA, and were published in English. Nonhuman studies, systematic reviews, and review articles were excluded.

Results

Of 808 identified studies, 20 met inclusion criteria. Subjective vestibular symptoms included dizziness, episodic vertigo, and imbalance. Seventeen studies reported subjective vestibular symptoms, ranging from 2% to 71% of patients between studies. Seventeen studies performed some form of vestibular function test, including physical exam maneuvers (Dix‐Hallpike), caloric testing, electronystagmography, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Of those who had vestibular function testing, 7% to 92% had an abnormal result. Two studies identified head trauma as a risk factor. One study successfully treated patients with BPPV using the Epley maneuver, but other vestibular symptoms were not targeted with treatment.

Conclusion

The degree to which vestibular symptoms impact patients with EVA varies significantly. Performing vestibular function testing may help identify asymptomatic patients with vestibular dysfunction. Future studies should target improving treatment of vestibular symptoms in EVA patients. Laryngoscope, 132:873–880, 2022
Patterns of Regional Recurrence and Salvage Treatment in Patients With Oral Cancer
Authors: Yosefof Eyal , Hilly Ohad , Stern Sagit , Bachar Gideon , Shpitzer Thomas , Mizrachi Aviram
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Regional failure after primary treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) carries a dismal outcome. Our goal was to investigate the recurrence patterns and salvage treatment in patients with OSCC and regional failure.

Study design

Retrospective chart review of all patients treated for OSCC in a university‐affiliated tertiary care center during 2000‐2018.

Methods

Data collected from patients’ medical charts included demographics, clinical and pathological features, staging, treatment modalities and outcomes. Patients with insufficient data or a follow‐up of less than 2 years were excluded.

Results

Out of 266 surgically treated patients, 55 developed regional recurrence and were included in the study cohort. Forty patients received surgical salvage treatment followed by adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy (CRT). Disease specific survival and overall survival were significantly higher in surgically treated patients compared to patients who received non‐surgical treatment (46.7% vs. 0%, log‐rank P value < .001 and 35.3% vs. 0%, log‐rank P value = .001, respectively) and in patients who recurred regionally more than 10 months following initial treatment (40.8% vs 10.7%, log‐rank P value = .065). Patients with early recurrence were older (73.6 vs. 61.3 years) and had a deeper invasion of the primary tumor (10.1 vs. 7 mm).

Conclusions

Salvage neck dissection is feasible in most cases, providing the best outcomes in patients with OSCC who fail regionally. Close follow‐up during the first year after initial treatment is paramount as early recurrence carries a dismal prognosis. Specifically, elderly patients and patients with deeper primary tumor invasion should be closely monitored during the first post‐operative year.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:786–792, 2022
MXene Quantum Dot Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Ultra‐narrow Photonics: A Comparison of Various Sizes and Concentrations
Authors: Feng Zhu , Yiyu Gan , Libin Ji , Qiao Wen
Published: August 2021

Transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXene) quantum dots (QDs) are potentially important for versatile applications, including ultra‐narrow photonics. Here, a simple method for controlling the sizes and solution concentrations of Ti2C‐MXene‐QDs are shown, and then their optical properties are systematically investigated and compared. The nonlinear optical characteristics of QDs can be adjusted through the QD size and solution concentration. QDs with smaller sizes of 1–3 nm have stronger absorptivity, larger modulation depth and lower nonsaturable loss, and QDs with higher concentrations have stronger absorptivity and larger modulation depth but higher nonsaturable loss. These QDs are further applied to construct loop‐cavity ultranarrow lasers whose narrowest laser linewidth is 624.5 Hz, highest signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is 77.63 dB and lowest power fluctuation is 0.4%. A comparison of these indicators indicates that smaller and more homogeneous MXene QD solutions with proper concentrations favor ultra‐narrow photonics. The laser power is also amplified to ≈60 mW by an erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA).
Ultrafine particle concentrations during laser hair removal: Effectiveness of smoke evacuators
Authors: J. A. de Boer Anne , Fransen Frederike , R. Bloemen Paul , A. Meesters Arne , A. de Rie Menno , Wolkerstorfer Albert
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

Laser smoke is a biohazard that contains potentially dangerous toxic and biological components. In laser hair removal (LHR), practitioners undergo prolonged exposure as this procedure is widely used without protective measures. Little is known about the effect of smoke evacuators on ultrafine particle concentrations during LHR. This study aims to assess the effect of different laser devices and different smoke evacuators on the ultrafine particle concentrations in the room during LHR.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In a prospective observational study, we included patients with skin phototypes 2–4 for 755 nm Alexandrite LHR at two study sites, receiving treatment in axillae and pubic areas. Ultrafine particle concentrations were measured during LHR for two different alexandrite lasers, with and without an external smoke evacuator. Moreover, we assessed a device for LHR with a smoke evacuator integrated into the handpiece. Primary outcomes were the concentration of ultrafine particles (0.2–0.3 µm) per m3at 1 min after initiation of treatment and maximum concentrations.

Results

A total of 15 patients were recruited for routine LHR. Without a smoke evacuator, already at 1 minute after treatment onset, ultrafine particle concentrations rapidly increased. Both external and integrated smoke evacuators were highly effective with a 3.7–7‐fold decrease in maximal particle count. Similarly, maximal particle concentrations remained low with both smoke evacuators. At both study sites, particle concentrations decreased slowly (8 min for 50% reduction) when treatment stopped.

Conclusion

LHR procedures generated an increase of ultrafine particles. Both the external and integrated smoke evacuators are highly effective in controlling ultrafine particle concentrations during LHR. Once particle concentrations are elevated and the process had been completed, clearance of ultrafine particles is rather slow.
Stimuli‐Sensitive Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Zhaoyi , Wang Shuqin , Wang Kai , Wu Xinyu , Tu Chenxi , Gao Changyou
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease in the joints. It is one of the leading causes of disability with increasing morbidity, which has become one of the serious clinical issues. Current treatments would only provide temporary relief due to the lack of early diagnosis and effective therapy, and thus the replacement of joints may be needed when the OA deteriorates. Although the intra‐articular injection and oral administration of drugs are helpful for OA treatment, they are suffering from systemic toxicity, short retention time in joint, and insufficient bioavailability. Nanomedicine is potential to improve the drug delivery efficiency and targeting ability. In this focused progress review, the particle‐based drug loading systems that can achieve targeted and triggered release are summarized. Stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers that are sensitive to endogenous microenvironmental signals such as reactive oxygen species, enzymes, pH, and temperature, as well as external stimuli such as light for OA therapy are introduced in this review. Furthermore, the nanocarriers associated with targeted therapy and imaging for OA treatment are summarized. The potential applications of nanotherapies for OA treatment are finally discussed.
Analysis of N‐glycosylation in fungal l‐amino acid oxidases expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris
Authors: Heß Marc Christian , Grollius Marvin , Duhay Valentin , Koopmeiners Simon , Bloess Svenja , Fischer von Mollard Gabriele
Published: August 2021

l‐amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) catalyze the oxidative deamination of l‐amino acids to corresponding α‐keto acids. Here, we describe the heterologous expression of four fungal LAAOs in Pichia pastoris. cgLAAO1 from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and ncLAAO1 from Neurospora crassa were able to convert substrates not recognized by recombinant 9His‐hcLAAO4 from the fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum described earlier thereby broadening the substrate spectrum for potential applications. 9His‐frLAAO1 from Fibroporia radiculosa and 9His‐laLAAO2 from Laccaria amethystine were obtained only in low amounts. All four enzymes were N‐glycosylated. We generated mutants of 9His‐hcLAAO4 lacking N‐glycosylation sites to further understand the effects of N‐glycosylation. All four predicted N‐glycosylation sites were glycosylated in 9His‐hcLAAO4 expressed in P. pastoris. Enzymatic activity was similar for fully glycosylated 9His‐hcLAAO4 and variants without one or all N‐glycosylation sites after acid activation of all samples. However, activity without acid treatment was low in a variant without N‐glycans. This was caused by the absence of a hypermannosylated N‐glycan on asparagine residue N54. The lack of one or all of the other N‐glycans was without effect. Our results demonstrate that adoption of a more active conformation requires a specific N‐glycosylation during biosynthesis.
Diversity and characteristics of culturable endophytic bacteria from Passiflora edulis seeds
Authors: Ishida Aoi , Furuya Toshiki
Published: August 2021

Defense compounds generally inhibit microbial colonization of plants. In this study, we examined the presence of endophytes in Passiflora edulis seeds that accumulate resveratrol and piceatannol at extremely high levels as defense compounds. Interestingly, although no microbial colonies appeared on an agar growth medium from the cut or homogenized seeds, colonies were generated from cut seedlings derived from the seeds. A total of 19 bacterial strains were isolated, of which 15 were classified as Gram‐positive. As we hypothesized that extremely high levels of piceatannol in the seeds would inhibit the growth of endophytes cultured directly from the seeds, we examined the antimicrobial activity of this compound against the isolated bacteria. Piceatannol exerted bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal effects on most of the bacteria tested. These results suggest that the bacteria remain static in the seeds due to the presence of piceatannol and are transmitted to the seedlings during the germination process, enabling colonies to be established from the seedlings on the agar medium. We also investigated the biocatalytic activity of the isolated bacteria toward resveratrol and piceatannol. One bacterium, Brevibacterium sp. PE28‐2, converted resveratrol and piceatannol to their respective derivatives. This strain is the first endophyte shown to exhibit such activity.
Rapid safety assessment and mitigation of radiofrequency induced implant heating using small root mean square sensors and the sensor matrix Qs
Authors: Silemek Berk , Seifert Frank , Petzold Johannes , Hoffmann Werner , Pfeiffer Harald , Speck Oliver , Rose Georg , Ittermann Bernd , Winter Lukas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Rapid detection and mitigation of radiofrequency (RF)‐induced implant heating during MRI based on small and low‐cost embedded sensors.

Theory and Methods

A diode and a thermistor are embedded at the tip of an elongated mock implant. RF‐induced voltages or temperature change measured by these root mean square (RMS) sensors are used to construct the sensor Q‐Matrix (QS). Hazard prediction, monitoring and parallel transmit (pTx)‐based mitigation using these sensors is demonstrated in benchtop measurements at 300 MHz and within a 3T MRI.

Results

QS acquisition and mitigation can be performed in <20 ms demonstrating real‐time capability. The acquisitions can be performed using safe low powers (<3 W) due to the high reading precision of the diode (126 µV) and thermistor (26 µK). The orthogonal projection method used for pTx mitigation was able to reduce the induced signals and temperatures in all 155 investigated locations. Using the QS approach in a pTx capable 3T MRI with either a two‐channel body coil or an eight‐channel head coil, RF‐induced heating was successfully assessed, monitored and mitigated while the image quality outside the implant region was preserved.

Conclusion

Small (<1.5 mm3) and low‐cost (<1 €) RMS sensors embedded in an implant can provide all relevant information to predict, monitor and mitigate RF‐induced heating in implants, while preserving image quality. The proposed pTx‐based QS approach is independent of simulations or in vitro testing and therefore complements these existing safety assessments.
Ultrasound assisted lumbar intrathecal administration of nusinersen in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy: A case series
Authors: Zanfini Bruno Antonio , Catarci Stefano , Patanella Agata Katia , Pane Marika , Frassanito Luciano , Filipponi Eleonora , Mercuri Eugenio , Sabatelli Mario , Draisci Gaetano
Published: August 2021

Introduction/Aims

Intrathecal nusinersen administration can be challenging in certain adult spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients with difficult spinal anatomy who require imaging techniques (fluoroscopy or computed tomography scans) or invasive approaches (catheter placement, laminotomy) to identify the intrathecal space. We used ultrasound (US) assistance to access the lumbar intrathecal space in patients with SMA who experienced previous difficulties or failures with intrathecal dosing.

Methods

Eighteen adult patients with difficult spines were enrolled. We used US assistance, and we recorded the successful administrations, number of attempts, procedure times, and “patient satisfaction.”

Results

There were 57 consecutive successful nusinersen spinal administrations in all patients enrolled. In 50% of patients, two or fewer attempts were needed to obtain a successful administration, with four or fewer attempts in 83.3%; only three patients reported more than four attempts because of both severe scoliosis and severe spine rotation (two patients) and obesity (one patient). The mean procedure time was 11.8 min (range, 1.7–28.9). Patient satisfaction was 4.97/5 (range, 4–5; median, 5) on Likert scale at 5 min and at 72 h. No major adverse events were reported, and two post dural puncture headaches were managed with medical therapy and with complete resolution within 72 h.

Discussion

US assistance seems to be a valid option among treatment choices for intrathecal nusinersen administration in patients with difficult spine. The absence of radiation exposure and the lack of need for intravenous sedation or general anesthesia are additional potential advantages to US assisted administration.
Extracellular amyloid deposition in sporadic inclusion body myositis: Further insights
Authors: Kushlaf Hani , Ezzat Kariem
Published: August 2021

See article on pages 590–594 in this issue
Direct Synthesis of Allyl Amines with 2‐Nitrosulfonamide Derivatives via the Tsuji‐Trost Reaction
Authors: Bon Corentin , Arimondo Paola B. , Halby Ludovic
Published: August 2021

The Tsuji‐Trost Reaction is a palladium‐catalysed allylation of nucleophiles that consists in the reaction of a nitrogen, carbon or oxygen‐based nucleophiles with an allylic substrate bearing a leaving group. Here we present the use of 2‐nitrosulfonamide derivatives as nucleophile, which are reactive under mild conditions. 2‐nitrosulfonyl groups are well‐known dual protective activator groups easy to introduce in any type of amine substrates. The resulting 2‐nitrosulfonamide derivatives are ideal substrates for the Tsuji‐Trost reaction to afford a convenient and flexible access to primary and dissymmetric secondary allyl amines. The optimised procedure is flexible (for solvent, temperature, functional groups) and has been applied with good to excellent yield to access to a wide range of allyl amine derivatives.
Consistency and inconsistency in the foreign policy of the Republic of South Africa towards Israel
Authors: Rapanyane Makhura B.
Published: August 2021

The subject of South Africa‐Israel relations has always been a considerable scholarly topic that is amongst the ongoing academic and policy makers' debates. This is because of the uncertainties and confusion that exists in South Africa's foreign policy stance on Israel in the contemporary period. In this secondary data‐based research article, the author analyses the historical relations between South Africa and Israel with Palestine in question. The central aim is to analyse the consistencies and inconsistencies historically and contemporarily shown by South Africa's foreign policy towards Israel. The article looked at the pre‐and post‐apartheid governments' foreign policy positions. The author argued that there is no gainsaying that South Africa had good relations with Israel during apartheid. These relations only became unstable when South Africa adopted democracy, but scholars still observe a lot of uncertainties on South Africa's Israeli foreign policy stance, particularly in the context of Palestine in question. This is especially in economic and political links which still exist between the two countries. Afrocentricity as a theoretical lens has been adopted. The results show that whilst the pre‐democratic apartheid government enjoyed good relations with Israel; the new democratic government has continuously had unstable relations with Israel. The article concluded that whilst the African National Congress (ANC) government is policy conflicted on relations with Israel; it though enjoys economic engagement with their so‐called internationally condemned apartheid Israel. The initial recommendation made was that the new democratic ANC government should make a firm policy stance on Israel to clear any policy confusion.
Effect of graphene oxide on tensile and flexural properties of carbon/glass hybrid fiber‐reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Gao Xiaoping , Li Hongxia , Wu Wei , Sun Shiyuan
Published: August 2021

In this article, we used the biaxial warp‐knitted carbon/glass hybrid fibers as the reinforcement, the epoxy resin as the matrix, and the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer‐molding technique to prepare composite materials modified with different mass fractions of graphene oxide (GO) to investigate the influence of GO on the mechanical properties of carbon/glass hybrid fiber reinforced composites. The tensile and bending properties of the samples along the 0° and 90° directions were tested experimentally, and the macro‐ and micro‐morphology characteristics of the fractured specimens were observed. The influence of GO modification on the strength and modulus of the composite material was analyzed. The results showed that GO modification improves the bonding strength of fiber/resin interface, tensile, and bending properties. Notably, when the filling content was 0.25 wt%, the tensile strength along the 0° and 90° directions increased by 8.97 and 4.78%, respectively. Similarly, the tensile modulus increased by 15.19 and 10.74%, respectively. Besides, the bending strength along the 0° and 90° directions increased by 10.70 and 9.60%, respectively, whereas the bending modulus increased by 9.62 and 15.20%, respectively. Therefore, the GO‐modified carbon/glass hybrid fiber‐reinforced composite materials exhibit improved mechanical properties, hence can be applied in wide range of applications.
Enhancing the healing ability and charge transport thermal stability of a diketopyrrolopyrrole based conjugated polymer by incorporating coumarin groups in the side chains
Authors: Yu Xiaobo , Li Cheng , Gao Chenying , Chen Liangliang , Zhang Xisha , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present a new design strategy for healable polymeric semiconductors, which are demanding for the future flexible electronics, by incorporating coumarin groups in the polymer side chains. The selection of coumarin groups is based on the fact that photo‐dimerization can occur to coumarins upon UV light irradiation, thus side chains of conjugated polymers with coumarins can be cross‐linked. The photo‐crosslinking of side chains has negligible effect on the thin film morphology and interchain packing order for the DPP‐based conjugated polymer PDPP4T‐DCM with coumarins in the side chains. However, the photo‐crosslinking can facilitate the repair of the mechanically damaged thin film of PDPP4T‐DCM and the recovery of the semiconducting properties. Additionally, the photo‐crosslinking due to the coumarins in the side chains can lock thin film morphology and thus improve the thermal stability of charge transport.
Impact of selection regime and introgression on deltamethrin resistance in the arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti – a comparative study between contrasted situations in New Caledonia and French Guiana
Authors: Cattel Julien , Minier Marine , Habchi‐Hanriot Nausicaa , Pol Morgane , Faucon Frederic , Gaude Thierry , Gaborit Pascal , Issaly Jean , Ferrero Emma , Chandre Fabrice , Pocquet Nicolas , David Jean‐Philippe , Dusfour Isabelle
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroid insecticides such as deltamethrin have been massively used against Aedes aegypti leading to the spread of resistance alleles worldwide. In an insecticide resistance management context, we evaluated the temporal dynamics of deltamethrin resistance using two distinct populations carrying resistant alleles at different frequencies. Three different scenarios were followed: a continuous selection, a full release of selection, or a repeated introgression with susceptible individuals. The responses of each population to these selection regimes were measured across five generations by bioassays and by monitoring the frequency of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations and the transcription levels and copy number variations of key detoxification enzymes.

RESULTS

Knockdown resistance mutations, overexpression and copy number variations of detoxification enzymes as a mechanism of metabolic resistance to deltamethrin was found and maintained under selection across generations. On comparison, the release of insecticide pressure for five generations did not affect resistance levels and resistance marker frequencies. However, introgressing susceptible alleles drastically reduced deltamethrin resistance in only three generations.

CONCLUSION

The present study confirmed that strategies consisting to stop deltamethrin spraying are likely to fail when the frequencies of resistant alleles are too high and the fitness cost associated to resistance is low. In dead‐end situations like in French Guiana where alternative insecticides are not available, alternative control strategies may provide a high benefit for vector control, particularly if they favor the introgression of susceptible alleles in natural populations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An unusual cause of pleural effusion
Authors: Shih Chi‐Wei , Lin Yi‐Jia , Yang Hung‐Yi , Liu Chia‐Hsin
Published: August 2021

We describe a case of human herpes virus‐8‐associated primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) in a patient initially presented with fever, non‐productive cough and exertional dyspnoea. Physical examination revealed oral thrush, diminished breath sounds and dullness on percussion over the left hemithorax. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) revealed left‐sided massive pleural effusion without tumour masses or lymphadenopathy. The effusion was drained and cytology showed medium to large lymphoid cells, with prominent nucleoli and irregular nuclear contours. Meanwhile, his HIV was tested positive. Cell block immunostaining of the pleural effusion revealed these cells were CD45 (+), CD30 (+), MUM1 (melanoma‐associated antigen [mutated] 1) (+), LANA (latency‐associated nuclear antigen) (+) and EBER (Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded small RNAs) in situ hybridization (−). This case highlights the learning point that PEL in the setting of HIV/AIDS should be added in the differential diagnosis of patients with unexplained oropharyngeal candidiasis and malignant lymphomatous pleural effusion without a clear primary site.
Clique minors in graphs with a forbidden subgraph
Authors: Bucić Matija , Fox Jacob , Sudakov Benny
Published: August 2021

The classical Hadwiger conjecture dating back to 1940s states that any graph of chromatic number at least r has the clique of order r as a minor. Hadwiger's conjecture is an example of a well‐studied class of problems asking how large a clique minor one can guarantee in a graph with certain restrictions. One problem of this type asks what is the largest size of a clique minor in a graph on n vertices of independence number at most r. If true Hadwiger's conjecture would imply the existence of a clique minor of order . Results of Kühn and Osthus and Krivelevich and Sudakov imply that if one assumes in addition that G
is H‐free for some bipartite graph H then one can find a polynomially larger clique minor. This has recently been extended to triangle‐free graphs by Dvořák and Yepremyan, answering a question of Norin. We complete the picture and show that the same is true for arbitrary graph H, answering a question of Dvořák and Yepremyan. In particular, we show that any ‐free graph has a clique minor of order , for some constant depending only on s. The exponent in this result is tight up to a constant factor in front of the term.
Four‐term progression free sets with three‐term progressions in all large subsets
Authors: Pohoata Cosmin , Roche‐Newton Oliver
Published: August 2021

This paper is mainly concerned with sets which do not contain four‐term arithmetic progressions, but are still very rich in three‐term arithmetic progressions, in the sense that all sufficiently large subsets contain at least one such progression. We prove that there exists a positive constant c and a set which does not contain a four‐term arithmetic progression, with the property that for every subset with , contains a nontrivial three term arithmetic progression. We derive this from a more general quantitative Roth‐type theorem in random subsets of , which improves a result of Kohayakawa–Łuczak–Rödl/Tao–Vu. We also discuss a similar phenomenon over the integers. Finally, we include another application of our methods, showing that for sets in or the property of “having nontrivial three‐term progressions in all large subsets” is almost entirely uncorrelated with the property of “having large additive energy.”
Realizing High‐Performance Li‐S Batteries through Additive Manufactured and Chemically Enhanced Cathodes
Authors: Zheng Matthew , Gao Xuejie , Sun Yipeng , Adair Keegan , Li Minsi , Liang Jianneng , Li Xiaona , Liang Jianwen , Deng Sixu , Yang Xiaofei , Sun Qian , Hu Yongfeng , Xiao Qunfeng , Li Ruying , Sun Xueliang
Published: August 2021

Numerous efforts are made to improve the reversible capacity and long‐term cycling stability of Li‐S cathodes. However, they are susceptible to irreversible capacity loss during cycling owing to shuttling effects and poor Li+ transport under high sulfur loading. Herein, a physically and chemically enhanced lithium sulfur cathode is proposed to address these challenges. Additive manufacturing is used to construct numerous microchannels within high sulfur loading cathodes, which enables desirable deposition mechanisms of lithium polysulfides and improves Li+ and e‐ transport. Concurrently, cobalt sulfide is incorporated into the cathode composition and demonstrates strong adsorption behavior toward lithium polysulfides during cycling. As a result, excellent electrochemical performance is obtained by the design of a physically and chemically enhanced lithium sulfur cathode. The reported electrode, with a sulfur loading of 8 mg cm‐2, delivers an initial capacity of 1118.8 mA h g‐1 and a reversible capacity of 771.7 mA h g‐1 after 150 cycles at a current density of 3 mA cm‐2. This work demonstrates that a chemically enhanced sulfur cathode, manufactured through additive manufacturing, is a viable pathway to achieve high‐performance Li‐S batteries.
Environment characterization and genomic prediction for end‐use quality traits in soft white winter wheat
Authors: Aoun Meriem , Carter Arron , Thompson Yvonne A. , Ward Brian , Morris Craig F.
Published: August 2021

End‐use quality phenotyping is laborious and expensive, thus, testing may not occur until later generations in wheat breeding programs. We investigated the pattern of genotype × environment (G × E) interaction for end‐use quality traits in soft white wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and tested the effectiveness of implementing genomic selection to optimize breeding for these traits. We used a multi‐environment unbalanced dataset comprised of 672 breeding lines and cultivars adapted to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, which were evaluated for 14 end‐use quality traits. Genetic correlations between environments based on factor analytic models showed low‐to‐moderate G × E interaction for most traits but high G × E interaction for grain and flour protein. A total of 40,518 single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers were used for genomic prediction. Genomic prediction accuracies were high for most traits thereby justifying the use of genomic selection to assist breeding for superior end‐use quality in soft white wheat. Excluding outlier environments based on genetic correlations between environments was more effective in increasing genomic prediction accuracies compared with that based on environment clustering analysis. For kernel size, kernel weight, milling score, ash, and flour swelling volume, excluding outlier environments increased prediction accuracies by 1–11%. However, for grain and flour protein, flour yield, and cookie diameter, excluding outlier environments did not improve genomic prediction performance.
Heteroleptic cuprous complexes of a diimine MePBO ligand and their structure influence on phosphorescent color: Syntheses, structure characterizations, properties and TD‐DFT calculations
Authors: Dai Ding‐Qiu , Song Li , Liang Yu , Wang Jian‐Teng , Zhou Yi‐Ming , Shen Hang‐Yan , Chai Wen‐Xiang
Published: August 2021

Three new heteroleptic [Cu(NN)P2]+ type cuprous complexes 1–3 were designed and synthesized by utilizing a diimine ligand 5‐methyl‐2‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐benzoxazole (MePBO) and different phosphine ligands PPh3 (1), m‐Tol3P (2) and POP (3), (PPh3=triphenylphosphine, m‐Tol3P=tris(3‐methylphenyl)phosphine, POP=bis[2‐(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether), respectively. All complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, spectroscopic analysis (IR, UV‐Vis), elemental analysis, and photoluminescence study. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed that complexes 1–3 all adopt discrete cation complex structure with a tetrahedral CuN2P2 coordination geometry with diverse P−Cu−P angles. Their UV‐Vis absorption spectra exhibit a blue‐shift sequence under the enlarging of P−Cu−P angle from 3 to 2 then to 1. The PL emission peak wavelengths of 1–3 also present similar blue‐shift sequence (3→1/2). Their microsecond PL lifetime indicates that their PL behavior belongs to phosphorescence. TD‐DFT calculation and wavefunction analysis illuminate that the S1 and T1 states of 1–3 should all be assigned as (ML+L′L)CT states. Their UV‐Vis absorption and phosphorescence should be attributed to the charge transfer from the P−Cu−P segment to the MePBO ligand. Therefore, as P−Cu−P angle increases (lower HOMO), the energy of S1 and T1 states also increase, following the change of PL color. Additionally, the steric hindrance from substituents of phosphine ligand, as well as extra strong intra‐molecular π−π stacking interactions should effectively inhibit nonradiative decay so that an abnormal PL emission blue‐shift is observed from 1 to 2.
Reading the footprints of the B-meson flavor anomalies
Authors: Cornella Claudia , Faroughy Darius A. , Fuentes-Martín Javier , Isidori Gino , Neubert Matthias
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Motivated by the recent LHCb announcement of a 3.1σ violation of lepton- flavor universality in the ratio RK = Γ(B → Kμ+μ−)/Γ(B → Ke+e−), we present an updated, comprehensive analysis of the flavor anomalies seen in both neutral-current (b → sℓ+ℓ−) and charged-current (b → $$ c\tau \overline{\nu} $$
cτ

ν
¯

) decays of B mesons. Our study starts from a model-independent effective field-theory approach and then considers both a simplified model and a UV-complete extension of the Standard Model featuring a vector leptoquark U1 as the main mediator of the anomalies. We show that the new LHCb data corroborate the emerging pattern of a new, predominantly left-handed, semileptonic current-current interaction with a flavor structure respecting a (minimally) broken U(2)5 flavor symmetry. New aspects of our analysis include a combined analysis of the semileptonic operators involving tau leptons, including in particular the important constraint from Bs-$$ {\overline{B}}_s $$

B
¯

s

mixing, a systematic study of the effects of right-handed leptoquark couplings and of deviations from minimal flavor-symmetry breaking, a detailed analysis of various rare B-decay modes which would provide smoking-gun signatures of this non-standard framework (LFV decays, di-tau modes, and B → K(*)$$ \nu \overline{\nu} $$
ν

ν
¯

), and finally an updated analysis of collider bounds on the leptoquark mass and couplings.
Short-term outcome of isolated lateral malleolar fracture treatment is independent of hospital trauma volume or teaching status: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Vehling Malte , Canal Claudio , Ziegenhain Franziska , Pape Hans-Christoph , Neuhaus Valentin
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In light of current discussions about centralisation and teaching in medicine, we wanted to investigate the differences in in-hospital outcomes after surgical treatment of isolated ankle fractures, taking into account high-volume centres (HVCs) and low-volume centres (LVCs) and teaching procedures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of malleolar fractures recorded in a National Quality Assurance Database (AQC) from the period 01-01-1998 to 31-12-2018 was carried out. Inclusion criteria were isolated, and operatively treated lateral malleolar fractures (ICD-10 Code S82.6 and corresponding procedure codes). Variables were sought in bivariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 6760 cases were included. By dividing the total cases arbitrarily in half, 12 HVCs (n = 3327, 49%) and 56 LVCs (n = 3433, 51%) were identified.

Results

Patients in HVCs were younger (48 vs. 50 years old), had more comorbidities (26% vs. 19%) and had more open fractures (0.48% vs. 0.15%). Open reduction and internal fixation was the most common operative treatment at HVCs and LVCs (95% vs. 98%). A more frequent use of external fixation (2.5% vs. 0.55%) was reported at HVCs. There was no difference in mortality between treatment at HVCs and LVCs. A longer hospitalisation of 7.2 ± 5 days at HVCs vs. 6.3 ± 4.8 days at LVCs was observed. In addition, a higher rate of complications of 3.2% was found at HVCs compared to 1.9% at LVCs. The frequency of teaching operations was significantly higher at HVCs (30% vs. 26%). Teaching status had no influence on mortality or complications but was associated with a prolonged length of stay and operating time.

Conclusion

We found significant differences between HVCs and LVCs in terms of in-hospital outcomes for ankle fractures. These differences could be explained due to a more severely ill patient population and more complex (also open) fracture patterns with resulting use of external fixation and longer duration of surgery. However, structural and organisational differences, such as an extended preoperative stays at HVCs and a higher teaching rate, were also apparent. No difference in mortality could be detected.
Chow groups and pseudoffective cones of complexity-one T-varieties
Authors: Nødland Bernt Ivar Utstøl
Published: August 2021

We show that the pseudoeffective cone of k-cycles on a complete complexity-one T-variety is rational polyhedral for any k, generated by classes of T-invariant subvarieties. When X is also rational, we give a presentation of the Chow groups of X in terms of generators and relations, coming from the combinatorial data defining X as a T-variety.
Transient Ignition of Premixed Methane/Air Mixtures by a Pre-chamber Hot Jet: a DNS Study
Authors: Chi Cheng , Abdelsamie Abouelmagd , Thévenin Dominique
Published: August 2021

The present study investigates the transient processes controlling ignition by a hot jet issued from a pre-chamber. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) have been performed to study the characteristics of the turbulent jet flow and of the associated flame during the whole ignition process, quantifying the relevant physicochemical interactions between pre-chamber and main chamber. Thanks to a detailed analysis of the DNS results, the transient ignition is found to consist of three main sequential processes: (1) near-orifice local ignition in the main chamber; (2) further flame development supported by the jet flow; and (3) global ignition and propagation of a self-sustained flame in the main chamber, independently from the hot jet. The characteristic time-scale of the hot jet as well as jet-induced effects (local enrichment, supply of radicals and heat) are found to be essential for successful ignition in the main chamber. A more intense turbulence in the main chamber appears to support local ignition. However, it also induces local quenching, thus delaying global ignition. An ignition threshold based on a critical Damköhler number is a promising concept, but is not sufficient to describe the process in all its complexity.