bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of high‐performance deproteinized natural rubber/chitosan composite films via a green and sulfur‐free method
Authors: Yuan Changcheng , Sun Jinyu , Tian Xiaohui , Yuan Yizhong
Published: October 2022

To solve the environment and health issues arose from the sulfur vulcanization, a facile and completely eco‐friendly method of latex‐assembly and in situ cross‐linking is developed to prepare fully bio‐based and high‐performance rubber films. The films are featured by a “reinforced concrete” structure composed of dynamically cross‐linked chitosan framework and unvulcanized deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) matrix. The self‐assembly of DPNR latex particles and chitosan, as well as the in situ cross‐linking of chitosan in the film forming process are confirmed by transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering. As green rubbers without vulcanization, the as‐designed composite films possess excellent mechanic properties comparable to those of the sulfur vulcanized DPNR film, whose tensile strength and toughness reach 15.2 MPa and 77.6 MJ m−3 respectively. Moreover, the films exhibited appropriate permeability to moisture and achievable reprocessing, which have potential applications in wearable devices.
Synthesis of reactive copolymers with peroxide functionality for cross‐linking water‐soluble polymers
Authors: Serdiuk Vitalii , Shevchuk Oleh , Tetiana Kovalenko , Bukartyk Natalya , Tokarev Viktor
Published: October 2022

A series of reactive copolymers with peroxide functionality (RCPFs) were synthesized via radical copolymerization of monomer mixtures in an organic solvent comprised of a peroxide monomer 5‐(tert‐butyl peroxy)‐5‐methylhex‐1‐en‐3‐yne, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, and butyl methacrylate. Peroxide functionality allows the RCPFs to initiate a variety of radical processes, including cross‐linking of organic polymers. Hydrophilic monomer subunits (acrylamide and maleic anhydride) within the RCPF macromolecules promote cross‐linking of water‐soluble polymers. We aimed to investigate RCPF comonomer ratio and its effects on copolymerization kinetics and composition, as well as physico‐chemical and colloidal properties. We also evaluated and characterized the kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition of peroxide moieties in the synthesized RCPF. Findings revealed that RCPF possessed surface‐active properties and reduced surface tension at its aqueous solution–air interface. The data indicated that the decomposition process complied with the first‐order kinetics, and complex thermal analysis confirmed the presence of peroxide moieties. RCPFs' ability to cross‐link water‐soluble polymers was demonstrated on poly(acrylamide) and poly(vinyl alcohol).
Tailoring Permanent Charge Carrier Densities in Epitaxial Graphene on SiC by Functionalization with F4‐TCNQ
Authors: Yin Yefei , Chatterjee Atasi , Momeni Davood , Kruskopf Mattias , Götz Martin , Wundrack Stefan , Hohls Frank , Pierz Klaus , Schumacher Hans W.
Published: October 2022

The outstanding properties and the potential for large‐scale fabrication open a wide field for electronic applications of epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide substrates. However, reliable doping methods to permanently control and tailor the carrier concentration to the desired value without applying an electrostatic gate are challenging and still under investigation. In this study, a post‐growth molecular doping technique is investigated that compensates for the high electron density of pristine epitaxial graphene by using the acceptor F4‐TCNQ. By precise adjustment of the dopant concentration, the carrier density can be tuned in a wide range from intrinsicn‐ to thep‐type regime. The fabricated quantum Hall devices are ready‐to‐use, and no further treatments are required. High‐precision resistance measurements of graphene‐based devices with different doping levels show a quantization accuracy of 10−9that underlines the high quality of the fabricated devices and the suitability of this method for device applications. The experimentally observed correlation between the carrier density and the onset of the quantum Hall plateau gives a reliable criterion for the choice of devices in quantum resistance metrology.
An Intramolecular Cycloetherification of Unactivated Olefinic Substrates Bearing endo‐Alcohol: Access to Diversely Alkylated Oxa‐Cage Derivatives Useful for Olefin‐Metathesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Keesari Ramakrishna Reddy
Published: October 2022

Herein, we report an efficient and rapid synthetic methodology to access diversely substituted oxa‐cages from unactivated olefinic substrates derived from endo‐norbornenes by employing Lewis acid‐ (BF3 ⋅ OEt2) or base (NaH)‐promoted intramolecular etherification. Although both BF3 ⋅ OEt2 and NaH are found to be efficient for this transformation, slightly better yields and less reaction times are achieved with NaH/DMF (0.25–1 h at 100 °C) as compared to BF3 ⋅ OEt2/DCM (2–3 h at 0 °C to rt). The evolution of this intramolecular cyclization was studied by time‐dependent NMR studies in CDCl3 solvent. Further, these observations are supported by infrared (IR) spectral data. It is worth mentioning that the present methodology enables a new route to assemble highly fused oxa‐cage systems by choosing suitably substituted oxa‐cage compounds for the olefin‐metathesis sequence. The highly fused oxa‐cage systems may have potential applications in high‐energy‐density materials (HEDMs) and supramolecular chemistry.
Retrieving Spent Cathodes from Lithium‐Ion Batteries through Flourishing Technologies
Authors: Raj Benjamin , Sahoo Manoj Kumar , Nikoloski Aleksandar , Singh Pritam , Basu Suddhasatwa , Mohapatra Mamata
Published: October 2022

The inherent advancement of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in electronic gadgets is expanding exponentially, and the ongoing surge of electric vehicles (EVS) in the near future will result in an unprecedented amount of lithium waste. Used cathode materials contain hazardous metal toxic, polymer binder, and electrolytes, posing a serious risk to the environment and public health. For socio‐environmental reasons, it is required to recover all valuable metals or to immediately relithiate the used cathode materials by adding suitable salts in the stoichiometric ratio. As the consumption of batteries increases over time in daily life, recycling LIBs will become more and more crucial. Compared to the traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical routes, direct recycling technologies can regenerate electrodes without using an intensive energy or chemicals, which saves money and reduces secondary waste. As a result, the authors emphasise direct relithiation methods for spent cathode relithiation, such as hydrothermal, ionothermal, electrochemical, and molten salts. In‐depth analysis and discussion are also given to the aforementioned approaches. The deactivation, disintegration, and separation processes used in the physical processing of black mass and other constituents are discussed. We reviewed the obstacles, possible commercialization of technology, and recommendations to the reviewer for the developing ecologically friendly recycling technology in the near future toward the circular economy.
NetCellMatch: Multiscale Network‐Based Matching of Cancer Cell Lines to Patients Using Graphical Wavelets
Authors: Desai Neel , Morris Jeffrey S. , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran
Published: October 2022

Cancer cell lines serve as model in vitro systems for investigating therapeutic interventions. Recent advances in high‐throughput genomic profiling have enabled the systematic comparison between cell lines and patient tumor samples. The highly interconnected nature of biological data, however, presents a challenge when mapping patient tumors to cell lines. Standard clustering methods can be particularly susceptible to the high level of noise present in these datasets and only output clusters at one unknown scale of the data. In light of these challenges, we present NetCellMatch, a robust framework for network‐based matching of cell lines to patient tumors. NetCellMatch first constructs a global network across all cell line‐patient samples using their genomic similarity. Then, a multi‐scale community detection algorithm integrates information across topologically meaningful (clustering) scales to obtain Network‐Based Matching Scores (NBMS). NBMS are measures of cluster robustness which map patient tumors to cell lines. We use NBMS to determine representative “avatar” cell lines for subgroups of patients. We apply NetCellMatch to reverse‐phase protein array data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas for patients and the MD Anderson Cell Line Project for cell lines. Along with avatar cell line identification, we evaluate connectivity patterns for breast, lung, and colon cancer and explore the proteomic profiles of avatars and their corresponding top matching patients. Our results demonstrate our framework's ability to identify both patient‐cell line matches and potential proteomic drivers of similarity. Our methods are general and can be easily adapted to other'omic datasets.
The Insertion of EII and EIV Chlorides (E=Si, Ge) into the Si−Si Bond of Disilylene
Authors: Baradzenka Aliona G. , Vyboishchikov Sergei F. , Pilkington Melanie , Dmitrienko Anton , Nikonov Georgii I.
Published: October 2022

Reactions of silicon and germanium dichlorides L⋅ECl2 (E=Si, L=IPr; E=Ge, L=dioxane) with the phosphinoamidinato‐supported disilylene ({κ2(N,P)‐NNP}Si)2 resulted in formal tetrylene insertions into the Si−Si bond. In the case of the reaction with silylene, two products were isolated. The first product ({κ2(N,P)‐NNP}Si)2SiCl2, is the formal product of direct SiCl2 insertion into the Si−Si bond of ({κ2(N,P)‐NNP}Si)2 and thus features two separated silylamido silylene centers. Over time, migration of the SiCl2 group to a lateral position afforded the second product, the disilylene {κ2(Si,P)−SiCl2NNP}Si−Si{κ2(N,P)‐NNP}. In contrast, insertion of GeCl2 resulted only in the isolation of the germanium analogue of {κ2(Si,P)−SiCl2NNP}Si−Si{κ2(N,P)‐NNP}, containing a Ge atom in the central position namely, compound {κ2(Si,P)−SiCl2NNP}Ge−Si{κ2(N,P)‐NNP}, which is a rare example of a silylene‐germylene. Finally, reaction of disilylene ({κ2(N,P)−NNP}Si)2 with SiCl4 and SiHCl3 led to the formation of the new bis(silyl)silylene, ({NNP}SiCl2)2Si:. All four new products from these insertion reactions have been characterized by multinuclear NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Recycling of Cofactors in Crude Enzyme Hydrogels as Co‐immobilized Heterogeneous Biocatalysts for Continuous‐Flow Asymmetric Reduction of Ketones
Authors: Chen Qiang , Wang Yujun , Luo Guangsheng
Published: October 2022

Flow biocatalysis involving oxidoreductase is limited by the difficulty in recycling expensive cofactors. In this study, an enzyme‐rich hydrogel monolithic microreactor was developed via in situ microfluidic assembly of inexpensive crude enzymes. This porous gel biocatalyst exhibited good tethering functions to nicotinamide cofactors; thus, they were retained by the hydrogel to controllably form a novel heterogeneous biocatalyst with self‐sufficient cofactors. The flow asymmetric production of a chiral alcohol in this cofactor‐entrapped gel microreactor achieved >99 % enantioselectivity and a high space‐time yield of 46.3 g L−1 h−1 at 94.8 % conversion. Moreover, the turnover number of cofactors reached as high as 4800 after continuous operation of 160 reactor volumes, realizing significantly higher utilization of the cofactors compared with many reported strategies. Furthermore, this engineered heterogeneous biocatalyst exhibited improved performance in terms of product tolerance and storage stability, paving the way for a green, cost‐effective, and sustainable continuous‐flow production of enantiopure alcohols.
Experimental water hyacinth invasion and destructive management increase human schistosome transmission potential
Authors: Desautels Daniel J. , Hartman Rachel B. , Weber Maggie E. , Jacob Nathan , Sun Andrew , Civitello David J.
Published: October 2022

Invasive species cause environmental degradation, decrease biodiversity, and alter ecosystem function. Invasions can also drive changes in vector‐borne and zoonotic diseases by altering important traits of wildlife hosts or disease vectors. Managing invasive species can restore biodiversity and ecosystem function, but it may have cascading effects on hosts, parasites, and human risk of infection. Water hyacinth,Eichhornia crassipes, is an extremely detrimental invader in many sites of human schistosome transmission, especially in Lake Victoria, where hyacinth is correlated with high snail abundance and hotspots of human schistosome infection. Hyacinth is often managed via removal or in situ destruction, but the effects of these strategies on snail intermediate hosts and schistosomes are not known. We evaluated the effects of water hyacinth invasion and these management strategies on the dynamics of human schistosomes,Schistosoma mansoni, and snails,Biomphalaria glabrata, in experimental mesocosms over 17 weeks. We hypothesized that hyacinth, which is inedible to snails, would affect snail growth, reproduction, and cercariae production through the balance of its competitive effects on edible algae and its production of edible detritus. We predicted that destruction would create a pulse of edible detrital resources, thereby increasing snail growth, reproduction, and parasite production. Conversely, we predicted that removal would have small or negligible effects on snails and schistosomes, because it would alleviate competition on edible algae without generating a resource pulse. We found that hyacinth invasion suppressed algae, changed the timing of peak snail abundance, and increased total production of human‐infectious cercariae ~6‐fold relative to uninvaded controls. Hyacinth management had complex effects on algae, snails, and schistosomes. Removal increased algal growth and snail abundance (but not biomass), and slightly reduced schistosome production. In contrast, destruction increased snail biomass (but not abundance), indicating increases in body size. Destruction caused the greatest schistosome production (10‐fold more than the control), consistent with evidence that larger snails with greater access to food are most infectious. Our results highlight the dynamic effects of invasion and management on a globally impactful human parasite and its intermediate host. Ultimately, preventing or removing hyacinth invasions would simultaneously benefit human and environmental health outcomes.
Adherence and persistence to pharmacotherapy in patients with heart failure: a nationwide cohort study, 2014–2020
Authors: Ødegaard Kristina Malene , Lirhus Sandre Svatun , Melberg Hans Olav , Hallén Jonas , Halvorsen Sigrun
Published: October 2022

Aims

We aimed to study initiation, adherence, and long‐term persistence to beta‐blockers (BB), renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in a nationwide cohort of patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

Patients aged 18–80 years in Norway with a first diagnosis of HF from 2014 until 2020 that survived ≥30 days were identified from the Norwegian Patient Registry and linked to the Norwegian Prescription Database. We collected information about BB, RASi [angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), and angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI)], and MRA. Dual HF therapy was defined as taking at least two out of three drug classes, whereas triple HF therapy was defined as taking all three. Initiation (time to initiation) and persistence (time to discontinuation using a grace period of 30 days) of HF drugs was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method, followed to outcome of interest, death, or December 2020. One‐year adherence was measured as proportion of days covered (PDC) using a cut‐off at 80%. For adherence and persistence measurements, we allowed for maximum 60 days of stockpiling and switching within drug groups. We performed sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings.

Results

Out of 54 899 patients included in the cohort, 75%, 69%, and 21% initiated a BB, RASi, and MRA, respectively, whereas 13% did not receive any. Dual and triple HF therapy was prescribed to 61% and 16%, respectively. The proportion of adherent patients during the first year following initiation was 83%, 81%, 84%, and 61% for BB, RASi, ARNI, and MRA, whereas 42% and 5% were adherent to dual and triple HF therapy, respectively. From 2 to 5 years following initiation, persistence decreased from 58% to 38%, 57% to 37%, and 31% to 15% for BB, RASi, and MRA, respectively. Within the RASi group, persistence was higher for ARNI than for ACEI and ARB. There were no major changes in either initiation or adherence of the drug classes from 2014 to 2019, except for an increase in initiation and adherence of MRA.

Conclusions

We found low adherence to dual and triple HF therapies in this nationwide cohort study of newly diagnosed HF patients. Efforts are needed to increase adherence and persistence to HF therapies into clinical practice, emphasizing maintenance of multiple drug therapies in patients with such an indication.
Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Iminoborane Derivatives
Authors: Fan Yonghao , Cui Jingjing , Kong Lingbing
Published: October 2022

Iminoboranes are important unsaturated organoboron compounds with the formula RB≡NR’. They are isoelectronic with alkynes, yet normally exhibit higher reactivity due to their polarity, thus enabling versatile applications in coordination, synthetic and materials chemistry. This review briefly describes the most recent progress in iminoborane derivatives with the focus on new persistent species and their diverse reactivity, which greatly enrich the iminoborane chemistry. In addition, the promising research directions are also provided.
Synthesis of 3‐Arylacetamides Substituted Maleimide Via Weakly Coordinating Acetamide Assisted Cross‐dehydrogenative Coupling and Their Photophysical Studies
Authors: Mishra Saksham , Kumar Amit
Published: October 2022

Maleimides serve as an important synthetic precursor for various organic transformation reactions. However, maleimides have been rarely employed as coupling partners for the direct synthesis of 3‐aryl substituted maleimides via oxidative Heck‐type reaction, due to the lack of β‐hydrogen at the syn‐periplanar position. Therefore, herein, we report an efficient and highly selective synthesis of 3‐arylacetamide incorporated maleimides through the cross‐dehydrogenative coupling process using the simple and native primary acetamide as a weakly directing group with Pd(II)‐catalysis conditions. This reaction furnishes 3‐arylated maleimide derivatives in good yields with high functional group tolerance. Furthermore, 3‐arylated maleimides were transformed into synthetically important derivatives. Based on preliminary control experiments, a probable reaction mechanism has been proposed for the distal C−H bond functionalization reaction. Interesting photophysical properties of the synthesized products were also observed.
Hydroxyl‐Directed Iridium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3,4‐de]chromen‐2‐ones and Further Chalcogenation under Blue‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Yan Kelu , Wang Xiaoyu , Wen Jiangwei , Li Qiuyun , Zhang Ning , Zhu Shuyun , Zhao Xian‐En , Wang Xiu
Published: October 2022

The hydroxyl‐directed iridium‐catalyzed peri‐selective C−H bond activation to synthesize substituted pyrano[2,3,4‐de]chromen‐2‐ones and further chalcogenylation under blue light irradiation has been realized efficiently. Most products of polycyclic pyrans and corresponding chalcogenated derivatives with various substituents were achieved in good to excellent yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that this transformation may pass through a five‐membered iridacycle intermediate containing an O−Ir σ‐bond and a photocatalytic free radical process.
Principles of LGBTQ+ Evaluation
Authors: Phillips Gregory , Felt Dylan , Perez‐Bill Esrea , Ruprecht Megan M. , Elías Glenn Erik
Published: October 2022

The time is long overdue for the field of evaluation to critically reckon with how we have failed to appropriately consider the needs and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) people. Perhaps even more importantly, there is a dire need for work that moves us forward in new directions which are more affirming and inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. To achieve this idealistic change in LGBTQ+ Evaluation will require a genuine, transformative paradigm shift within the evaluation field, encompassing everything from pedagogy to practice and all activities in between. As a first step toward a unified paradigm of LGBTQ+ Evaluation, this chapter proposes eight Principles of LGBTQ+ Evaluation to guide evaluators’ work in partnership with and in service of LGBTQ+ communities, organizations, and individuals. Here we are not seeking to provide a script or a rigid framework but rather to create guiding signposts that light the way for evaluators new to LGBTQ+ Evaluation.
An assessment of the dietary habits among road cyclists competing in amateur races
Authors: Matusiak‐Wieczorek Ewelina , Pyciarz Lidia , Drobniewski Marek , Borowski Andrzej
Published: October 2022

From year to year, practicing various sports by amateur athletes is becoming more and more popular. One of such sports is road cycling. To achieve very good sports performance athletes should pay attention not only to physical activity but also to proper nutrition and hydration of the body. The aim of the study was to assess amateur cyclists' dietary habits, especially nutrition and hydration, including assessment of the regularity of eating meals, type of consuming products and fluid intake preferences. The study recruited 41 men aged 23–75 years (43.76 ± 13.25) participating in amateur race road cycling. To obtain information about nutrition and hydration, an original questionnaire was used. Out of all participants, 65.9% declared that they pay attention to their diet, and as many as 75.6% indicated that they eat meals regularly. The vast majority (43.9%) of the cyclists declared consuming four meals a day. Most of the cyclists consumed meat products several times a week—73.2% and dairy products—43.9%. The participants most often chose only one portion of fruit (41.5%) and vegetables (31.7%) during the day. The vast majority of cyclists consumed 3 L of fluids on a training day—51.2%. It turned out that all of the athletes hydrated during training: before it was 68.3% and after training—92.7%. We conclude that the amateur cyclists pay a lot of attention to their nutrition and hydration. During the day, most athletes eat an appropriate amount of meals on a regular basis and drink the right amount of fluids. However, eating of dairy, fruits and vegetables, or hydrating before exercising is insufficient.
Exploring the socio‐political dynamics of front‐line managers’ HR involvement: A qualitative approach
Authors: Kurdi‐Nakra Hussein , Pak Jongwook
Published: October 2022

Moving beyond the extant HR implementation research that has often viewed the implementation decisions primarily as front‐line managers' (FLMs) prerogative, this article explores interactive processes involving three key actors: HR managers, senior managers, and FLMs. Drawing on a political lens, the authors find that the way in which FLMs enact HR practices depends on the relative power of the enforcing actors (i.e., HR managers) and the endorsing actors (i.e., senior managers). The study findings reveal that while the enforcers employ a range of influence tactics (e.g., legitimization, pressure, rational persuasion, and consultation) to facilitate strict HR enactment, the endorsers use counter‐influence tactics (e.g., legitimization, assertiveness, and inspirational appeal) in support of deviant HR implementation behaviors. Carefully navigating both sides' influence tactics in light of past involvement experiences, FLMs choose subsequent implementation behaviors accordingly. The paper makes a meaningful contribution to the HR devolution research by delving into relational power dynamics that develop over an early phase of HR implementation. The resulting theoretical framework provides novel insights into the reasons behind FLMs' divergent forms of implementation behaviors. It shows that the ongoing multi‐lateral interactions and political maneuverings involving HR‐related actors trigger distinct HR involvement patterns.
Postdiagnosis body fatness, recreational physical activity, dietary factors and breast cancer prognosis: Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) summary of evidence grading
Authors: Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Cariolou Margarita , Becerra‐Tomás Nerea , Balducci Katia , Vieira Rita , Abar Leila , Aune Dagfinn , Markozannes Georgios , Nanu Neesha , Greenwood Darren C. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Gunter Marc J. , Jackson Alan A. , Kampman Ellen , Lund Vivien , Allen Kate , Brockton Nigel T. , Croker Helen , Katsikioti Daphne , McGinley‐Gieser Deirdre , Mitrou Panagiota , Wiseman Martin , Cross Amanda J. , Riboli Elio , Clinton Steven K. , McTiernan Anne , Norat Teresa , Chan Doris S. M.
Published: October 2022

Based on the Global Cancer Update Programme, formally known as the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Continuous Update Project, we performed systematic reviews and meta‐analyses to investigate the association of postdiagnosis body fatness, physical activity and dietary factors with breast cancer prognosis. We searched PubMed and Embase for randomised controlled trials and longitudinal observational studies from inception to 31 October 2021. We calculated summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random‐effects meta‐analyses. An independent Expert Panel graded the quality of evidence according to predefined criteria. The evidence on postdiagnosis body fatness and higher all‐cause mortality (RR per 5 kg/m2 in body mass index: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.10), breast cancer‐specific mortality (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.14) and second primary breast cancer (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.26) was graded as strong (likelihood of causality: probable). The evidence for body fatness and breast cancer recurrence and other nonbreast cancer‐related mortality was graded as limited (likelihood of causality: limited‐suggestive). The evidence on recreational physical activity and lower risk of all‐cause (RR per 10 metabolic equivalent of task‐hour/week: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78‐0.92) and breast cancer‐specific mortality (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77‐0.96) was judged as limited‐suggestive. Data on dietary factors was limited, and no conclusions could be reached except for healthy dietary patterns, isoflavone and dietary fibre intake and serum 25(OH)D concentrations that were graded with limited‐suggestive evidence for lower risk of the examined outcomes. Our results encourage the development of lifestyle recommendations for breast cancer patients to avoid obesity and be physically active.
Analysis of phenotype and gene mutation in three pedigrees with inherited antithrombin deficiency
Authors: Li Min , Jiang Shuting , Liu Siqi , Jin Yanhui , Wang Mingshan
Published: October 2022

Background

Inherited AT deficiency is an autosomal‐dominant thrombophilic disorder usually caused by various SERPINC1 defects associated with a high risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism. In this article, the phenotype, gene mutation, and molecular pathogenic mechanisms were determined in three pedigrees with inherited AT deficiency.

Methods

Coagulation indices were examined on STAGO STA‐R‐MAX analyzer. The AT:Ag was analyzed by ELISA. All exons and flanking sequences of SERPINC1 were amplified by PCR. AT wild type and three mutant expression plasmids were constructed and then transfected into HEK293FT cells. The expression level of AT protein was analyzed by ELISA and Western blot.

Results

The AT:A and AT:Ag of probands 1 and 3 were decreased to 49% and 52 mg/dL, 38% and 44 mg/dL, respectively. The AT:A of proband 2 was decreased to 32%. The SERPINC1 gene analysis indicated that there was a p.Ile421Thr in proband 1, a p.Leu417Gln in proband 2, and a p.Met252Thr in proband 3, respectively. The AT mRNA expression level of the three mutants was not significantly different from AT‐WT by qRT‐PCR. The results of ELISA and Western blot tests showed that the AT‐M252T and AT‐I421T mutants had a higher AT expression than the AT wild type (AT‐WT), and the AT protein expression of AT‐L417Q mutants had no significant difference compared with AT‐WT in the cell lysate. The AT expression levels of AT‐M252T and AT‐I421T mutants were lower than that of AT‐WT, and there was no significant difference between AT‐L417Q mutant and AT‐WT in the supernatant.

Conclusion

The p.I421T and p.M252T mutations affected the secretion of AT protein leading to type I AT deficiency of probands 1 and 3. The p.Leu417Gln mutation was responsible for the impaired or ineffective activity AT protein in proband 2 and caused type II AT deficiency.
Bortezomib‐based therapy is effective and well tolerated in frontline and multiply pre‐treated Waldenström macroglobulinaemia including BTKi failures: A real‐world analysis
Authors: Khwaja Jahanzaib , Uppal Encarl , Baker Robert , Trivedi Kajal , Rismani Ali , Gupta Rajeev , Proctor Ian , Kyriakou Charalampia , D'Sa Shirley
Published: October 2022

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, incurable low grade lymphoma following a relapsing trajectory. Management strategies have evolved with the introduction of targeted therapy including new classes of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi). Treatment may however be limited particularly at relapse by a lack of drug availability and tolerability. We assessed the real‐world efficacy and tolerability of bortezomib‐containing regimens in patients with WM at frontline and relapse including those with prior BTKi resistance. Forty‐one patients were identified with 44 bortezomib‐containing regimens administered (n = 12 frontline, n = 32 relapse). Of patients treated at relapse, the median prior lines of therapy was 3 (range 1–7). 24% (10/41) of the cohort were refractory or intolerant to BTKi prior to bortezomib delivery. The median follow‐up after bortezomib administration was 34 months (range 0‐131). Overall response rate was 88%; 2‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73–96) and 76% (95% CI 55–87), respectively. Median time‐to‐next‐treatment was 66 months. Neuropathy (grade 1–2) occurred in 24% (8/34) and did not result in treatment cessation in any case. Gastrointestinal disturbance occurred in 7% (3/41). Treatment discontinuations were rare (1/44; 2%), suggesting a manageable safety profile. Major response rate was comparable in those with prior BTKi compared with those without (75% [6/8] vs 84% [27/32], p = 0.61). Bortezomib should be considered as a treatment modality particularly in those who are refractory to BTKi.
Perceived legitimacies of health‐related and motivational presenteeism and absenteeism: Development and validation of the Workplace Attendance Behavior Legitimacy Scale
Authors: Ruhle Sascha A. , Breitsohl Heiko
Published: October 2022

Workplace attendance behaviors (WABs), that is, absenteeism and presenteeism, are important to both organizations and individuals. Yet, despite growing knowledge on their formation and ongoing calls for its exploration, research on how the legitimacy of WAB impacts attendance decisions is missing. We contribute by providing researchers with the Workplace Attendance Behavior Legitimacy Scale (WABLS), a reliable, valid, and economical measure validated in English and German, across five samples. WABLS includes 12 items that measure the personal norms of attending work via three dimensions that emerged across Studies 1A, 1B, and 2, namely, the respective legitimacies of working in the state of ill‐health (sickness presenteeism), working despite a lack of motivation (motivational presenteeism), and not working due to a lack of motivation (motivational absenteeism). We find that WABLS exhibits good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, discriminant and criterion‐related validity, and longitudinal and cross‐lingual measurement invariance (Study 3). We discuss theoretical implications for attendance legitimacy as well as opportunities for the future use of WABLS.
Almond okara as a valuable ingredient in biscuit preparation
Authors: De Angelis Davide , Pasqualone Antonella , Squeo Giacomo , Summo Carmine
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

The okara is the water‐insoluble residue derived from the production of plant‐based beverages, including almond milk. Information on almond okara is scarce, with no scientific references. In the present study, the almond okara was characterized and used to replace wheat flour at 15%, 25% and 35% for biscuit preparation.

RESULTS

The contents of protein, lipid and dietary fiber of almond okara were 140.08, 421.16 and 407.90 g kg−1 dry matter, respectively. The lipid fraction of almond okara showed contents of triacylglycerol oligopolymers and oxidized triacylglycerols of 0.12 and 5.14 g kg−1, respectively, which were significantly lower than the levels observed in the sunflower oil used in the formulation of biscuits. Consequently, the biscuits containing okara showed a content of triacylglycerol oligopolymers lower than that of control biscuits. The texture analysis revealed that the addition of the okara at 25% and 35% caused a significant increase in biscuit hardness and a reduction of the brittleness, compared to the control. The sensory evaluation confirmed these data, highlighting the slight impact of the almond okara on the almond odor, taste and flavor attributes.

CONCLUSION

Almond okara is a valuable by‐product that can be easily used as an ingredient for biscuit preparation, exploiting its fiber, protein and lipid content to improve the nutritional value of food, with a limited impact on the sensory properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Who are the language tourists? A factor‐cluster analysis based on language‐related attitudes, beliefs, and travel outcomes
Authors: Carvalho Inês , Ramires Ana , Bakas Fiona
Published: October 2022

Researching language tourism (where language learning is a primary or secondary motivation for the trip) is a growing field of interest as the importance of language within tourism experiences is recognized. Conceptually located at the intersection of cultural, youth, academic, and educational tourism, past research has focused on the analysis of tourists who travel to formally learn a language, missing out on an important number of tourists who travel to learn a language informally. To overcome this gap in research, cluster analysis of a sample of 1014 formal and informal language tourists was undertaken to segment them based on language‐related attitudes, beliefs, and travel outcomes. Four clusters of language tourists were identified, called the Enthusiasts, the Devoted, the Pragmatists, and the Less‐Committed. We propose that two axes are fundamental for characterizing and understanding language tourists, thus contributing to expand theory on language tourism.
Biobanked tracheal basal cells retain the capacity to differentiate
Authors: Kelly Natalie A. , Shontz Kimberly M. , Bergman Maxwell , Manning Amy M. , Reynolds Susan D. , Chiang Tendy
Published: October 2022

Objective

While airway epithelial biorepositories have established roles in the study of bronchial progenitor stem (basal) cells, the utility of a bank of tracheal basal cells from pediatric patients, who have or are suspected of having an airway disease, has not been established. In vitro study of these cells can enhance options for tracheal restoration, graft design, and disease modeling. Development of a functional epithelium in these settings is a key measure. The aim of this study was the creation a tracheal basal cell biorepository and assessment of recovered cells.

Methods

Pediatric patients undergoing bronchoscopy were identified and endotracheal brush (N = 29) biopsies were collected. Cells were cultured using the modified conditional reprogramming culture (mCRC) method. Samples producing colonies by day 14 were passaged and cryopreserved. To explore differentiation potential, cells were thawed and differentiated using the air–liquid interface (ALI) method.

Results

No adverse events were associated with biopsy collection. Of 29 brush biopsies, 16 (55%) were successfully cultured to passage 1/cryopreserved. Samples with higher initial cell yields were more likely to achieve this benchmark. Ten unique donors were then thawed for analysis of differentiation. The average age was 2.2 ± 2.2 years with five donors (50%) having laryngotracheal pathology. Nine donors (90%) demonstrated differentiation capacity at 21 days of culture, as indicated by detection of ciliated cells (ACT+) and mucous cells (MUC5B+).

Conclusion

Pediatric tracheal basal cells can be successfully collected and cryopreserved. Recovered cells retain the ability to differentiate into epithelial cell types in vitro.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Sediment depth and accretion shape belowground mangrove carbon stocks across a range of climatic and geologic settings
Authors: Costa Matthew T. , Ezcurra Exequiel , Ezcurra Paula , Salinas‐de‐León Pelayo , Turner Benjamin , Kumagai Joy , Leichter James , Aburto‐Oropeza Octavio
Published: October 2022

Estimating the long‐term sedimentary carbon sinks of mangroves and other blue carbon ecosystems has rapidly become a focus of coastal research and conservation attention. Sampling coverage, however, remains low, with sediment cores sparsely distributed across a subset of mangrove environmental settings globally. Furthermore, the ecological and geological drivers of variation in these stocks remain incompletely understood. We assessed the limits of mangrove sedimentary carbon storage by sampling sediments in diverse mangrove environments across four geographic areas: the volcanic Galapagos, the arid Baja Peninsula, and the geologically and climatically distinct Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama. At 80 sites across these areas, we quantified the organic carbon density, sampled with depth, of entire sediment columns. Depth‐integrated carbon stocks are highly variable, from <17 to >1700 MgCorg ha−1. The positive relationship between sediment carbon density and annual rainfall demonstrated in global studies was not observed across these areas, though some carbon density differences were evident. Variation in sediment depth, ranging from 7 to 427 cm across sites, largely explained variation in carbon stock across the areas studied. These results underscore the importance of using measurements of sediment depth to estimate carbon stock. Long‐term geomorphological processes, such as the build‐up of sediment deposits shaped by coastal dynamics, play a major role in shaping mangrove carbon stocks. Investigating and accounting for these processes will enable more accurate estimation of this variable and valuable carbon pool.
Electrospun Membranes of Poly(butylene succinate) and Poly(butylene/2‐butyl,2‐ethyl‐propylene succinate)
Authors: Raimondo Marialuigia , Longo Raffaele , Lotti Nadia , Soccio Michelina , Catauro Michelina , Guadagno Liberata
Published: October 2022

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene/2‐butyl,2‐ethyl‐propylene succinate) (PBSBEPS) membranes are prepared by electrospinning technique. In recent years, interest in biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, including PBS and its copolymers, is increasing as they have potential applications in various sectors such as mulching films, food packaging, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. In this work, the synthesized polymers are dissolved in different solvents, namely acetone, chloroform (CHCl3), methanol, dichloromethane (DCM), and dimethylformamide in order to obtain the best solvent system. These solutions are then electrospun at room temperature to produce micron‐sized fibers. The variables examined in determining the optimal solution and electrospinning conditions are the solvent system used, the concentration of PBS and PBS‐based random copolymer, applied voltage, flow rate, humidity, and the distance between the needle tip and the collector, all of which have a meaningful effect on the fiber morphology. Among the various solvents used, the DCM and the less toxic CHCl3 result in fewer bead defects among fibers. Besides, an increase in PBS and PBS‐based random copolymer concentration determines the reduction of bead defects, which from 12 to 14 wt% results in bead‐free uniform fibers, when suitable processing parameters are set. Promising results, which can pave the way for the production of membranes loaded with appropriate anticancer molecules for targeted biomedical applications, are obtained.
Novel PBAT‐Based Biocomposites Reinforced with Bioresorbable Phosphate Glass Microparticles
Authors: Togliatti Elena , Pugliese Diego , Giubilini Alberto , Messori Massimo , Milanese Daniel , Sciancalepore Corrado
Published: October 2022

Biocomposites based on poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) and reinforced with micro‐particles of inorganic biodegradable phosphate glass (PG) at 2, 10, and 40 wt% are prepared and characterized from a mechanical and morphological point of view. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show a good dispersion of the PG micro‐grains, even at high concentrations, in the PBAT matrix, resulting in homogeneous composites. Tensile and dynamic‐mechanical tests, respectively, indicate that Young's and storage moduli increase with PG concentration. The reinforcement of PBAT aims at modifying and tailoring the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the material to expand its application field especially in the food and agricultural packaging sector, thanks to the similarity of PBAT performance with polyethylene.
Production of Thermoplastic Composite Filaments for Additive Manufacturing using Recycled Carbon Fibers
Authors: Giani Niccolò , Ortolani Jacopo , Mazzocchetti Laura , Benelli Tiziana , Picchioni Francesco , Giorgini Loris
Published: October 2022

The present work reports the use of recycled carbon fibers (rCF), obtained from pyro‐gasification treatment of carbon fibers reinforced polymers (CFRP), to produce a thermoplastic composite filament for additive manufacturing, in particular fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. Polylactic acid (PLA), a thermoplastic biobased and biodegradable polymer, is used as matrix for the composite filament, as it is the most common plastic used in FDM due to its good mechanical properties, stiffness, and strength. Upon production process optimization, filaments with rCF loadings of 5 and 10% wt are produced and analyzed. A particular attention is devoted to the evaluation of the production process on the carbon fibers (CFs) length and the study of the thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials.
Development of PLA/Microcellulose Biocomposite Filaments for 3D Printing
Authors: Incarnato Loredana , Nobile Maria Rossella , Scarfato Paola
Published: October 2022

This work is aimed to develop, by means of conventional extrusion technologies for polymer processing, novel poly(lactide)/microcrystalline cellulose (PLA/MCC) filaments for 3D printing. The biocomposite filaments, produced at four different MCC loadings (6, 9, 12, and 18 wt%) by melt blending in extruder, are characterized in terms of rheological, thermal, and mechanical response. The analyses demonstrate that the MCC addition up to 12 wt% does not significantly modify the viscoelastic flow behavior of the matrix, and does not change its phase transition temperatures, but increases the storage modulus at 35°C by over 45%.
Reversible Stress‐Driven and Stress‐Free Two‐Way Shape Memory Effect in a Sol‐Gel Crosslinked Polycaprolactone
Authors: Inverardi Nicoletta , Pandini Stefano , Gemmo Gabriele , Toselli Maurizio , Messori Massimo , Scalet Giulia , Auricchio Ferdinando
Published: October 2022

The two‐way shape memory effect is the ability of a material to change its shape between two configurations upon application and removal of a stimulus, and, among shape memory polymers, it is featured only by few systems, such as semicrystalline networks. When studied under tensile conditions, it consists of elongation–contraction cycles along cooling and heating across the crystallization and melting region, typically under the application of a constant load. However, recent studies on crosslinked semicrystalline co‐polymers demonstrate that also a completely stress‐free, or self‐sustained, two‐way effect may be achieved through specific thermomechanical cycles. This effect is currently regarded with interest for the development of intrinsically reversible sensors and actuators, and it may also be displayed by simpler materials, as homopolymer‐based semicrystalline networks. Only seldom articles investigate this possibility, therefore in this work the two‐way shape memory behavior is studied on a poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) system, crosslinked by means of a sol‐gel approach. The effect is studied both under stress‐driven and stress‐free condition, by applying properly set‐up thermo‐mechanical histories. The results allow to describe the effect as a function of temperature, to reveal the dependence on specific testing parameters and to compare the extent of the reversible strain variation under these two conditions.
Viscoelastic Properties of Soft Adhesives
Authors: Verde Raffaele , Grassia Luigi , D'Amore Alberto
Published: October 2022

In this paper the viscoelastic behavior of different soft adhesives with substantially similar adhesive performance is analyzed in the light of a Slip‐Tube Model. In this model, the junction points between network chains and virtual chains are replaced by slip‐links attached to fluctuating ends of virtual chains. The slip‐links are allowed to slide along the contour of the network chains but not pass through each other. The predictions of the slip‐tube model are in excellent agreement with the experimental data on uniaxial deformation of soft adhesive networks. Furthermore, the study shows that some adhesive performances can be described qualitatively by Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (SAOS), and the in‐service properties can be described with adhesives with different viscoelastic spectra. Highly nonlinear uniaxial stretching tests reveal deeper insights into the description of the adhesives performances. Some well‐established models are adopted and slightly modified by introducing the rate‐dependence of their physical parameters to describe the response of soft adhesive to stretching.