bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐Step Expeditious Synthesis of Diblock Copolymers with Different Morphologies by Lewis Pair Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Li Chengkai , Zhao Wuchao , He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao , Zhang Wangqing
Published: March 2022

Lewis pair polymerization has demonstrated its unique advantages and powerful capability in polymer synthesis. Here we employ strong nucleophilicN‐heterocyclic olefin (NHO) and bulky organoaluminum to construct a frustrated Lewis pair, which can realize the compounded sequence control (CSC) copolymerization and self‐assembly the mixture of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate and fluoride‐functionalized methacrylate into diblock copolymers (di‐BCPs) nano‐assemblies through polymerization‐induced self‐assembly in one‐pot, single‐step manner within minutes. These di‐BCPs were characterized by1H and13C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TEM. By utilizing appropriate solvophilic block and solvophobic block, such Lewis pair polymerization‐induced self‐assembly strategy enables the expeditious, room‐temperature synthesis of di‐BCP nanoparticles with different morphologies, including spheres, worms, vesicles, and even fibers, thus suggesting the great application potential of such method in the future.
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic carboxymethyl chitosan‐poly(acrylic acid‐itaconic acid) hydrogel for the efficient adsorption of malachite green
Authors: Lei Chunyan , Xiao Qian , Zhou Shanshan , Zu Weihao , Li Jialin , Zeng Jun , Yan Lulan , Huang Yuewen , Wang Bin
Published: March 2022

A new type of magnetic hydrogel (Fe3O4/CMC‐co‐p[AA‐IA]) adsorbent was synthesized using magnetic carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) matrix with acrylic acid and itaconic acid monomers by radical graft copolymerization and it was applied to the adsorption of malachite green (MG) aqueous solution. The chemical structural characteristics of hydrogel adsorbent were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR), scanning electrons microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). These characteristics revealed that acrylic acid and itaconic acid monomers were successfully grafted onto the CMC backbone. Hydrogel adsorbent in deionized water has an excellent swelling ratio. To optimize the effect of various factors including pH, adsorbent dosage, ionic strengthen, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption capacity of MG dye were investigated in a batch. The adsorption equilibrium in the adsorption process follows the Langmuir isotherm adsorption and belongs to the monolayer adsorption. For describing the adsorption kinetics of MG dye, the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model is more suitable appropriately than the pseudo‐first kinetic model. The thermodynamics model shows that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. After five cycles of adsorption and desorption, the hydrogel adsorbent also has better adsorption efficiency. These results show that the adsorbent has a better swelling capacity and a better adsorption performance.
Numerical and experimental investigations on the mechanism of flow‐induced fiber orientation in short‐shot water‐assisted injection‐molded short‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kuang Tang‐qing , Liu He‐sheng , Lai Jia‐mei , Yu Zhong , Liu Bang‐xiong , Jiang Qing‐song
Published: March 2022

It is a critical requirement to have an insight into the mechanism of flow‐induced fiber orientation in short‐shot water‐assisted injection molding (SSWAIM) of fiber‐reinforced polymer for improving the structural rigidity and service life of molded parts. However, this mechanism is still unclear, which stunts the development of SSWAIM. In this work, the mechanism of flow‐induced fiber orientation in SSWAIM parts of short‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (SGF/PP) was clarified through numerical research and experimental verification. The results showed that the difference of fiber orientation distribution at different positions both in the radial direction and along the flow direction between SSWAIM parts and conventional injection molding (CIM) parts was mainly due to the strong flow field caused by the high‐pressure water penetration in SSWAIM. Moreover, fiber orientation in the SSWAIM part depended not only on its position both in the radial direction and along the flow direction, but also on the processing parameters. At the front of SSWAIM part, fiber orientation changed greatly in the radial direction and presented an obvious “shell layer‐core layer‐water channel layer” hierarchical structure across the part thickness, whereas this phenomenon became more inconspicuous with increasing the distance of the selected position from the water injection inlet. Short‐shot size is the principal parameter affecting the fiber orientation, and within the range of investigated processing parameters, smaller short‐shot size, shorter water injection delay time, higher water pressure, and lower melt temperature could significantly facilitate fiber orientation across the part thickness.
High‐performance atactic polypropylene modified bitumen blends fabricated via conventional, hot, and in‐situ blending techniques
Authors: Gill Yasir Qayyum , Usman Muhammad , Rahim Abdur , Abid Umer
Published: March 2022

This research presents an investigation on the incorporation of atactic polypropylene (APP) as a modifier in bitumen at weight concentrations from 0 to 30 wt%. An APP‐modified bitumen (APPMB) was prepared by conventional, hot, and in situ blending and characterized for mechanical, morphological, thermal, structural, and physical properties. APPMB specimens using maleic anhydride (MA) functionalized polymer at its optimized concentration of 20 weight percentage (wt%), along at several other concentrations, were prepared using in situ and hot blending methods using an overhead stirrer mixer at a blending temperature of 160°C for 2 h. Fourier transform infrared revealed a strong interaction of APP or APP‐g‐MA with bitumen. The ultimate compressive strength, acquired in Mega Pascal (MPa) units, was increased from 0.24 MPa at 5 wt% APP to 0.70 MPa at 20 wt% APP loading. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs manifested dispersed phases of APP in bitumen due to the high temperature and shearing application with overhead stirring. In situ and hot blended specimens exhibited better mechanical, thermal, and structure–property relations. This research highlights the novelty in terms of property optimization and advancements at a high‐weight percentage of the modifier (i.e., 20 wt%) along with emphasizing the comparison of three different fabrication techniques; however, the previous research manifested the advancements in the properties of polymer and bitumen blends at low concentrations of polymers.
The development of eco‐friendly UV‐protective polyacrylate/rutile TiO2 coating
Authors: Zeljko Martina , Bulatović Vesna Ocelić , Blažic Roko , Blagojević Sanja Lučić
Published: March 2022

This work aims to prepare a coating with good UV protection properties while maintaining optimal transparency. In this work, the addition of 0–2 wt.% TiO2 on the properties of polyacrylate (PA), the method of preparation, and the effect of UV exposure on coatings were investigated. Rutile TiO2/PA coatings were prepared by ex situ and in situ emulsion polymerization. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles and the preparation method significantly affect the particle size distributions of PA, such that ex situ emulsions show the presence of agglomerates, while they are not visible in in situ emulsions. Viscosity also depends on the preparation method, so ex situ emulsions show no change with the addition of nanoparticles, while in situ emulsions show an increase in viscosity. In situ coatings also have better morphology and transparency compared to ex situ. The addition of nanoparticles increases the thermal stability of PA in the later stages of thermal degradation and causes a decrease in tensile strength with an increase in elongation at break of PA. In situ coatings also provide better UV protection properties compared to ex situ coating films.
Retinoid receptors are expressed in mouse and human lungs
Authors: Channabasappa Shankaramurthy , Caldwell Sarah , Kanthan Rani , Singh Baljit
Published: March 2022

Retinoid receptors are members of nuclear receptor superfamily consisting of two distinct families: RARs (retinoic acid receptors) and RXRs (retinoid X receptors). Each family contains three receptor subtypes α, β, and γ. Retinoids transduce their effects through binding to retinoid receptors and inhibit transcription factors such as activator protein‐1 and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) both of which regulate the transcription of several inflammatory genes. Considering the role of retinoid receptors in lung physiology, we need a precise understanding of their expression in normal and inflamed lungs. We used light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry and Western blot to determine the expression of retinoid receptors in a murine model of endotoxin‐induced (E. coli; 055:B5, 80 μg intranasal) acute lung inflammation and normal human lungs. Western blot showed expression of all six retinoid receptor subtypes in normal and inflamed mouse lungs. Immunohistology localized differential expression of retinoid receptors in airway epithelium, alveolar/septal macrophages, vascular endothelium, and alveolar septum in mouse lungs. Intranasal LPS challenge in mice resulted in increased expression of RXRα in airway epithelium compared to control animals. All six retinoid receptor subtypes were expressed in normal human lungs. Immunoelectron microscopy further confirmed the localization of all the receptors in various lung cells including the nucleus of these cells. The basal and altered expression of retinoid receptors in normal and inflamed lungs, respectively, may suggest their roles in lung pathophysiology.
Phylogenetic relationships among Bombycinae (Lepidoptera, Bombycoidea, and Bombycidae) based on mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Deng Min , Liao Cheng‐Qing , Chen Qi , Huang Guo‐Hua , Wang Xing
Published: March 2022

The subfamily Bombycinae Latreille, [1802] is an important silk‐producing group, including well‐known economical insects. Although there are many studies on the development of these economic insects, the relationships between genera/species of this subfamily are still unclear. Two data sets of mitochondrial genomes, 13 protein‐coding genes (13PCGs) and 13PCGs‐AA, were used to estimate phylogenetic relationships based on the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The results strongly support the subfamily Bombycinae as a monophyletic group divided into two clades.
Transdiagnostic and sex differences in cognitive profiles of autism spectrum disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Doi Hirokazu , Kanai Chieko , Ohta Haruhisa
Published: March 2022

An increasing number of studies have shown that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share symptoms and aetiologies. However, transdiagnostic comparisons between ASD and ADHD is complicated due to the sex differences within each condition. To clarify the similarities and differences in the cognitive functioning between ASD and ADHD, while considering potential sex differences, this study compared cognitive profiles assessed by the WAIS‐III between the four groups created by orthogonally combining diagnosis and sex based on the data from 277 ASD males, 86 ASD females, 99 ADHD males and 64 ADHD females. The analysis revealed three major findings. First, performance IQ and perceptual organization index were higher in ADHD males than in ASD males and ADHD females. Second, Gaussian mixture model fitting revealed two clusters underlying the distribution of subindex scores. The percentage of being classified into the cluster that scored lower in all the subindices was higher in females than in males irrespective of diagnosis. Third, feature importance for classification of ASD and ADHD yielded by random forest classifier, a supervised machine learning algorithm, revealed that autism quotient was most informative feature in classifying ASD and ADHD in males, while the discrepancy between verbal and performance intelligence quotient was in females, indicating that the set of behavioral features contributing to classification differs between males and females. Thus, these findings indicate that sex as well as diagnosis is critical in determining the cognitive profiles of people with ASD and ADHD.

Lay summary

The present study compared profiles of cognitive functions measured by Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale between males and females with ASD and ADHD. The analyses revealed clear sex differences in cognitive functions in both ASD and ADHD and that the set of cognitive functions useful in classifying ASD and ADHD differed between males and females. Thus, biological sex seems to be a critical factor in determining the cognitive profiles of people with ASD and ADHD.
Speed and accuracy of emotion recognition in autistic adults: The role of stimulus type, response format, and emotion
Authors: Georgopoulos Marie Antonia , Brewer Neil , Lucas Carmen A. , Young Robyn L.
Published: March 2022

Emotion recognition difficulties are considered to contribute to social‐communicative problems for autistic individuals. Prior research has been dominated by a focus on forced‐choice recognition response accuracy for static face presentations of basic emotions, often involving small samples. Using free‐report and multiple‐choice response formats, we compared emotion recognition in IQ‐matched autistic (N = 63) and nonautistic (N = 67) adult samples using 12 face emotion stimuli presented in three different stimulus formats (static, dynamic, social) that varied the degree of accompanying contextual information. Percent agreement with normative recognition responses (usually labeled “recognition accuracy”) was slightly lower for autistic adults. Both groups displayed marked inter‐individual variability and, although there was considerable overlap between groups, a very small subset of autistic individuals recorded lower percent agreement than any of the nonautistic sample. Overall, autistic individuals were significantly slower to respond and less confident. Although stimulus type, response format, and emotion affected percent agreement, latency and confidence, their interactions with group were nonsignificant and the associated effect sizes extremely small. The findings challenge notions that autistic adults have core deficits in emotion recognition and are more likely than nonautistic adults to be overwhelmed by increasingly dynamic or complex emotion stimuli and to experience difficulties recognizing specific emotions. Suggested research priorities include clarifying whether longer recognition latencies reflect fundamental processing limitations or adjustable strategic influences, probing age‐related changes in emotion recognition across adulthood, and identifying the links between difficulties highlighted by traditional emotion recognition paradigms and real‐world social functioning.

Lay Summary

It is generally considered that autistic individuals are less accurate than nonautistic individuals at recognizing other people's facial emotions. Using a wide array of emotions presented in various contexts, this study suggests that autistic individuals are, on average, only slightly less accurate but at the same time somewhat slower when classifying others' emotions. However, there was considerable overlap between the two groups, and great variability between individuals. The differences between groups prevailed regardless of how stimuli were presented, the response required or the particular emotion.
Dilute acid pretreatment for enhancing the enzymatic saccharification of agroresidues using a Botrytis ricini endoglucanase
Authors: Silva Tatielle Pereira , de Albuquerque Fabiana Sarmento , Nascimento Ferreira Alexsandra , Santos Dávida Maria Ribeiro Cardoso dos , Santos Thatiane Veríssimo dos , Meneghetti Simoni Margareti Plentz , Franco Marcelo , Luz José Maria Rodrigues da , Pereira Hugo Juarez Vieira
Published: March 2022

The enormous amount of agroindustrial residues generated in Brazil can be used as biomass to produce fermentable sugars. This study compared the pretreatments with different proportions of dilute acid. The method involved pretreatment with 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (v/v) sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis using the halotolerant and thermostable endoglucanase from Botrytis ricini URM 5627. The physicochemical characterization of plant biomass was performed using XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The pretreatment significantly increased the production of fermentable sugars following enzymatic saccharification from wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, and rice husk: 153.67%, 91.98%, and 253.21% increment in sugar production; 36.39 mg⋅g−1 ± 1.23, 39.55 mg⋅g−1 ± 1.70, and 42.53 mg⋅g−1 ± 7.61 mg⋅L−1 of glucose; and 3.26 ± 0.35 mg⋅g−1, 3.61mg⋅g−1 ± 0.74 and 3.59 mg⋅g−1 ± 0.80 of fructose were produced, respectively. In conclusion, biomass should preferably be pretreated before the enzymatic saccharification using B. ricini URM 5627 endoglucanase.
Effect of exogenous additives and stress inducers on xylitol production by Debaryomyces nepalensis in batch culture
Authors: Kumar Amit , Mohan Sweta , Satpathy Shatabdi , Pappu J. Sharon Mano , Gummadi Sathyanarayana N.
Published: March 2022

The present study investigates various strategies to improve the production of xylitol, a platform chemical, by batch cultivation of Debaryomyces nepalensis. Enhancement of xylitol production via triggerring its biosynthetic pathway in yeast cells was carried out under varied initial phosphate concentrations of the medium and by the addition of stress inducers and co‐substrates. Among the tested phosphate concentrations, the xylitol production was found to be increased by 1.62‐fold at limited initial phosphate concentration (1.5 g L−1). Similarly, among all of the studied co‐substrates, the xylitol production was found to be enhanced by adding 10% maltose at the start of fermentation. Among the different stress inducers tested, addition of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite at low concentration (10 ppm) resulted in improved xylitol yields by 28 and 34%, respectively, when compared with the control. De facto stress inducers and nutrient limitations may be worthy of consideration to enhance the production of xylitol in batch culture. We envision that the addition of stress inducers at minimum dosage will enhance xylitol productivity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The problem with international students' ‘experiences’ and the promise of their practices: Reanimating research about international students in higher education
Authors: Deuchar Andrew
Published: March 2022

The increasing number of people studying abroad has drawn significant scholarly attention to the experiences of international students. While these works have productively informed policy and practice regarding how international students may be better supported, they have not always considered the active ways international students contribute to higher education. This article suggests that adopting the notion of experience as a conceptual starting point is problematic because it only partially illuminates international students' agency and reproduces understandings of them as a vulnerable group. The more active notion of practice, by contrast, suggests a more agentive subject who is a pivotal actor in spaces of education. The main argument in this article is that the abiding focus on international students' experiences will be productively unsettled by orienting attention to their practices and theorising the notion of practice in more fluid and dynamic ways. After critically engaging with the existing literature, the article outlines four ways that a focus on international students' practices may reanimate debates. A focus on practice will: (1) show how international students actively contribute to spaces of higher education, including classrooms, campuses and other sites of sociality; (2) demand that researchers theorise agency in more expansive ways and consider the practices of a broader set of social groups; (3) encourage researchers to make use of a wider set of qualitative research methods; and (4) create a stronger political foundation from which to defend the interests of international students in a post‐COVID‐19 world.
The role of achievement, gender, SES, location and policy in explaining the Indigenous gap in high‐school completion
Authors: Schellekens Melissa , Ciarrochi Joseph , Dillon Anthony , Sahdra Baljinder , Brockman Robert , Mooney Janet , Parker Philip
Published: March 2022

Internationally, there is a gap in high‐school completion rates for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous students. In Australia, gap estimates are commonly based on lag indicators, precluding examination of underlying mechanisms. Using two longitudinal representative samples of Australian youth, we explored differences in high‐school completion between Australian Indigenous and non‐Indigenous rates, and whether the gap varies for students of similar academic ability. Using an intersectional approach, we show the Indigenous gap is significant, is mostly a function of differences in academic achievement, but varies by socioeconomic status (SES) and location. Specifically, high SES and living in urban settings are protective factors for non‐Indigenous students, but not for Indigenous students. Conversely, rural and poor non‐Indigenous students appeared to have dropout rates as large or even larger than similarly poor and rural Indigenous youth. Overall, the results suggest the need for a more nuanced perspective on ‘Indigenous gaps’ in educational attainment.
Continuous countercurrent chromatographic twin‐column purification of oligonucleotides: The role of the displacement effect
Authors: Fioretti Ismaele , Müller‐Späth Thomas , Weldon Richard , Vogg Sebastian , Morbidelli Massimo , Sponchioni Mattia
Published: March 2022

Oligonucleotides (ONs) are breaking through in the biopharmaceutical industry as a promising class of biotherapeutics. The main success of these molecules is due to their peculiar way of acting in the cellular process, regulating the gene expression and hence influencing the protein synthesis at a pretranslational level. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already approved a few ON‐based therapeutics, their production cost strongly limits large‐scale manufacturing: a situation that can be alleviated through process intensification. In this study, we address this problem by developing an efficient and continuous chromatographic purification process for ONs. In particular, we considered the chromatographic purification of an ON crude prepared by chemical synthesis using anion exchange resins. We demonstrate that in this system the competitive adsorption of the various species on the same sites of the resin leads to the displacement of the more weakly adsorbing species by the more strongly adsorbing ones. This phenomenon affects the behavior of the chromatographic units and it has been investigated in detail. Then, we developed a continuous countercurrent solvent gradient purification (MCSGP) process, which can significantly improve the productivity and buffer consumption compared to a classical single‐column, batch chromatographic process.
Artemisinin upregulates neural cell adhesion molecule L1 to attenuate neurological deficits after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Wang Jianjiang , Yin Jie , Zheng Xi
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke and results in neurological deficits in patients without any effective treatments. Artemisinin (ART), a well‐known antimalarial Chinese medicine, exerts multiple essential roles in the central and peripheral nervous system due to its antioxidative and anti‐inflammation properties. Neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM, L1) is considered to be implicated in neural development, functional maintenance, and neuroprotection during disease. However, whether these two essential molecules are neuroprotective in ICH remains unclear.

Methods

Therefore, the present study investigated the influence of ART on the recovery of neurological deficits in a mouse model of ICH induced by collagenase and the underlying mechanism.

Results

It was revealed that ART is capable of upregulating L1 expression to alleviate brain edema, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit inflammation to alleviate ICH‐induced brain injury to improve the neurological outcome in mice suffering from ICH.

Conclusion

These results may lay the foundation for ART to be a novel candidate treatment for ICH.
What to green: Family involvement and different types of eco‐innovation
Authors: Chen Xuanjin , Pan Xin , Sinha Paresha
Published: March 2022

Research on the relationship between family involvement and eco‐innovation presents conflicting results. To address this issue, this study explores the role of family involvement in eco‐innovation by dividing it into pollution prevention and cleaner production types. We propose that family involvement positively relates to pollution prevention eco‐innovation, but negatively relates to cleaner production eco‐innovation. Moreover, we explore the boundary conditions of the proposed relationships. We also contend that internal social capital positively moderates the relationship between family involvement and eco‐innovation in both types of eco‐innovation, while external social capital exhibits positive and negative moderating impacts on pollution prevention and cleaner production, respectively. Data from Chinese listed firms from 2007 to 2019 support these arguments. This study adds to the family business research and eco‐innovation literature by providing a more comprehensive view of the role of family engagement in eco‐innovation.
Prognostic value of the veterans affairs frailty index in older patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cheng David , Dumontier Clark , Sheikh Ayesha R. , La Jennifer , Brophy Mary T. , Do Nhan V. , Driver Jane A. , Tuck David P. , Fillmore Nathanael R.
Published: March 2022

Background

Older patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are a heterogeneous population with varying degrees of frailty. An electronic frailty index such as the Veterans Affairs Frailty Index (VA‐FI) can potentially help identify vulnerable patients at high risk of poor outcomes.

Methods

NSCLC patients ≥65 years old and diagnosed in 2002–2017 were identified using the VA Central Cancer Registry. The VA‐FI was calculated using administrative codes from VA electronic health records data linked with Medicare and Medicaid data. We assessed associations between the VA‐FI and times to mortality, hospitalization, and emergency room (ER) visit following diagnosis by Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable stratified Cox models. We also evaluated the change in discrimination and calibration of reference prognostic models after adding VA‐FI.

Results

We identified a cohort of 42,204 older NSCLC VA patients, in which 55.5% were classified as frail (VA‐FI >0.2). After adjustment, there was a strong association between VA‐FI and the risk of mortality (HR = 1.23 for an increase of four deficits or, equivalently, an increase of 0.129 on VA‐FI, p < 0.001), hospitalization (HR = 1.16 for four deficits, p < 0.001), and ER visit (HR = 1.18 for four deficits, p < 0.001). Adding VA‐FI to baseline prognostic models led to statistically significant improvements in time‐dependent area under curves and did not have a strong impact on calibration.

Conclusion

Older NSCLC patients with higher VA‐FI have significantly elevated risks of mortality, hospitalizations, and ER visits following diagnosis. An electronic frailty index can serve as an accessible tool to identify patients with vulnerabilities to inform clinical care and research.
The nature space. A reflexive thematic analysis of therapists' experiences of 1:1 nature‐based counselling and psychotherapy with children and young people: Exploring perspectives on the influence of nature within the therapeutic process
Authors: Lane Deborah , Reed Paula
Published: March 2022

Nature‐based therapy is an emerging and rapidly developing field within counselling and psychotherapy, yet there is little published empirical research, or integrated models relating to its practice with Children and Young People (CYP). The present study aimed to explore therapists’ experiences of one‐to‐one nature‐based counselling and psychotherapy with CYP, eliciting perspectives on the interaction between nature and the therapeutic process. A reflexive thematic analysis provides preliminary insights into possible mechanisms of action with the potential to inform a longer‐term exploration of whether nature‐based therapy is effective, for whom and why. The study highlights the need to better explore and understand how nature‐based therapy supports relational and intrapsychic change in interaction with developmental processes, to inform construction of coherent and consolidated theory and models for practice.
Use of the transabdominal approach to repair Morgagni hernia in a 28‐year‐old symptomatic female: A case report
Authors: Mansour Marah , Ismail Ammar , Alfathi Maria , Alsuliman Tamim , Ismail Adnan
Published: March 2022

Morgagni's hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which represents only 3% of all diaphragmatic hernias. Herein, we report a case of a 28‐year‐old symptomatic female patient with Morgagni's hernia who underwent a transabdominal surgery for hernia repair and mesh placement.
Sex, but not age and bone mass index positively impact on the development of osteochondral micro‐defects and the accompanying cellular alterations during osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Kaspiris Angelos , Chronopoulos Efstathios , Vasiliadis Elias , Khaldi Lubna , Melissaridou Dimitra , Iliopoulos Ilias D. , Savvidou Olga D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (ΟΑ) is characterized by cartilage breakdown and subchondral sclerosis. Micro‐fractures of the calcified tissues have been, also, detected, but their exact role has not been elucidated yet. This study was to examine the frequency of cracks during OA progression and to correlate them with the underlying cellular modifications and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) expression using histological/immunohistological methods.

Methods

Overall, 20 patients and 3 controls (9 specimens per patient), aged 60–89 years, diagnosed with hip/knee OA were included. The development of cracks was examined in 138 sections, whereas the expression of MMP‐2 was examined in 69 additional sections.

Results

Based on Mankin score, three groups of OA severity were analyzed: Group I (mild) was constituted of sections with score 1–5 while Groups II (moderate) and III (severe) with score 6–7 and greater or equal to 8, respectively. Demographic characteristics did not reveal any association between the number of microdefects and age or body mass index (BMI). Cartilage micro‐cracks were increased during moderate and severe OA, while bone cracks were increased during mild and severe OA. In knee OA, cartilage cracks were not correlated with Mankin score, whereas in hip OA they appeared association with severity score. Bone cracks were positively correlated with matrix apoptotic osteocytes and osteoblastic cells, but not with osteoclasts. MMP‐2 immunostaining was increasing by OA severity in the osteochondral unit. Similarly, MMP‐2 was expressed on the microcracks’ wall mainly in Group III.

Conclusion

Our data displayed that bone cracks during primary OA stages, represent an early adaptative mechanism aiming to maintain cartilage integrity. Accumulation of bone defects and concomitant increase of apoptotic osteocytes activated an abnormal remodeling due to osteoblastic activity, in which MMP‐2 played a pivotal role, leading to subchondral sclerosis promoting further osteochondral deformities.
Investigation of industrial robots vs joinery machines for milling pockets in glulam: Comparison based on surface quality and3Dscans
Authors: Pantscharowitsch Marc , Kromoser Benjamin
Published: March 2022

Joinery machines (JM) are state‐of‐the art for subtractive machining of timber. When considering costs, availability and multi‐axis flexibility, industrial robots (IR) can be seen as a viable alternative as they show high potential for the increase of efficiency, workspace, and possibilities of machining. However, objective data for the quantification of this assumption are not available. This article investigates the capabilities of IRs for the milling of pockets in glued laminated timber. To enable a comparison, benchmark specimen milled using JMs were investigated alongside the pockets milled by IRs. The assessment was conducted by (a) nominal/actual geometry comparison, (b) the surface quality using the stylus method and an optical/haptic assessment, and (c) high‐resolution 3D scans. The results show that IRs as standalone solution are competitive and a valuable supplement for existing facilities.
Hybrid slim floor structures for a more sustainable future
Authors: Vollbracht Marvin
Published: March 2022

Hybrid structures are a current trend in the building industry that greatly increase the sustainability. Building with hybrid structures means in general combining different materials, such as wood, concrete, or steel to generate new properties that cannot be achieved by usage of the individual materials itself. When using hybrid structures, buildings of all types and usages can be built very quickly and flexibly. The same can be achieved with prefabricated systems used for slim floor structures. By combining hybrid and slim floor structures, not only the CO2 emissions will be lower, because materials that accommodate low emissions such as wood are used, even the building height can be reduced and, as a result, the heating and cooling costs will be lower. In addition, such structures can be demounted again, when the lifecycle of a building ends and reused in the same or a different function. These are just a few aspects and advantages of hybrid slim floor structures that will be examined in more detail below.
Potentials of hydroactive lightweight façades for urban climate resilience
Authors: Eisenbarth Christina , Haase Walter , Blandini Lucio , Sobek Werner
Published: March 2022

Extreme heat and heavy rainfall events with severe inundations have a significant impact on urban architecture, resulting in considerable personal injuries and material damage. Nowadays, the proportion of façade surface in urban areas with tall buildings is substantially larger than the proportion of horizontal roof or ground surface areas. A high leverage effect on climate resilience and sustainability of buildings and cities can therefore be attributed to the building envelopes. Whereas the majority of existing façades are designed to provide only minor qualities at a district or urban level, research at the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK) at the University of Stuttgart focuses on development of a new type of hydroactive lightweight façades incorporating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. A textile‐ and film‐based façade element calledHydroSKINis capable of providing a retention surface on the envelope of the building. With a minimal amount of embedded mass, energy, and CO2emissions, the façade add‐on element is suitable for both new and existing buildings.HydroSKINcombines rainwater harvesting (RWH) and run‐off water reduction by retaining the precipitation water that strikes the façade with a time‐delayed evaporative cooling (EC) of the building and its environment.
Halogenation of the Hexaphosphabenzene Complex [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η6:η6‐P6)]: Snapshots on the Reaction Progress
Authors: Garbagnati Anna , Seidl Michael , Balázs Gábor , Scheer Manfred
Published: March 2022

The oxidation of [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η6:η6‐P6)] (1) with halogens or halogen sources was investigated. The iodination afforded the ionic complexes [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η3:η3‐P3)(μ,η1:η1:η1:η1‐P3I3)][X] (X=I3−, I−) (2) and [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η4:η4‐P4)(μ‐PI2)][I3] (3), while the reaction with PBr5 led to the complexes [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η3:η3‐P3)(μ‐Br)2][Cp*MoBr4] (4) [(Cp*MoBr)2(μ,η3:η3‐P3)(μ,η1‐P2Br3)] (5) and [(Cp*Mo)2(μ‐PBr2)(μ‐PHBr)(μ‐Br)2] (6). The reaction of 1 with the far stronger oxidizing agent PCl5 was followed via time‐ and temperature‐dependent 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. One of the first intermediates detected at 193 K was [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η3:η3‐P3)(μ‐PCl2)2][PCl6] (8) which rearranges upon warming to [(Cp*Mo)2(μ‐PCl2)2(μ‐Cl)2] (9), [(Cp*MoCl)2(μ,η3:η3‐P3)(μ‐PCl2)] (10) and [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η4:η4‐P4)(μ‐PCl2)][Cp*MoCl4] (11), which could be isolated at room temperature. All complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and their electronic structures were elucidated by DFT calculations.
Hazard Analysis of Fixed‐Tube‐Sheet Shell‐and‐Tube Heat Exchangers
Authors: Rößler Felix , Krumova Veronika , Gewald Stefan , Bauernfeind Alexander , Freko Pascal , Thomas Ingo , Zander Hans‐Jörg , Rehfeldt Sebastian , Klein Harald
Published: March 2022

Fixed‐tube‐sheet shell‐and‐tube heat exchangers (FTHEs) are widely used in process plants to enhance energy efficiency and to control temperature levels of unit operations. Even moderate temperature differences between shell and tube bundle of FTHEs can lead to failure mechanisms induced by thermal stress. To avoid equipment failure, design codes require an analysis of the transient response of an FTHE during special operating conditions. This work presents a modular‐hierarchical approach for the dynamic simulation of FTHEs, which is applied to special operating scenarios such as a loss of tube‐side flow, a shell‐side steaming‐out (cleaning procedure to remove hydrocarbon residues with steam) and a reactor trip (sudden stop of exothermic reaction).
Effect of finishing protocols and staining solutions on color stability of dental resin composites
Authors: Marufu Chamunorwa , Kisumbi Bernina K. , Osiro Olivia A. , Otieno Fred O.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of finishing protocol and exposure to staining solutions on color stability of dental resin composites.

Materials and Methods

A nanofill and microhybrid composite, three finishing protocols (mylar, Soflex disc, and white polishing stone) and four staining solutions (tea, red wine, khat extract—two concentrations, control—distilled water) were evaluated. A digital spectrophotometer was used for color change (ΔE) measurements employing the CIE‐Lab‐color system. Paired/independent‐sample t test and two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference posthoc test were used for inferential statistics at α = .05.

Results

Soflex finish was associated with least staining and comparable color stability for the two materials in tea and red wine. In Khat 2, microhybrid composite had statistically significant better color stability than nanofill for Soflex finish (14 days t = 3.270, p = .011). For microhybrid composite, mylar resulted in highest mean ΔE, whereas Soflex recorded the least in all staining solutions. For nanofill composite, white stone resulted in highest mean ΔE, whereas Soflex demonstrated the least mean ΔE in all staining solutions, except red wine where mylar demonstrated the least mean ΔE. For mylar finish, nanofill demonstrated statistically significant better color stability than microhybrid in both red wine (14 days t = 4.902, p = .001) and Khat 1 (14 days t = 3.252, p = .012). For stone finish, microhybrid demonstrated statistically significant better color stability than nanofill in all staining solutions (14 days t ≥ 4.785, p ≤ .001). Two‐way ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in mean ΔE between and within specimens (F = 42.658, p < .001). All staining solutions caused clinically unacceptable discoloration for mylar and white stone finish. For Soflex finish, red wine produced clinically unacceptable color difference beyond 48 h.

Conclusion

There was a difference in color stability of resin composites depending on filler type, further influenced by finishing protocol. Soflex disc finish results in better color stability than mylar and white stone in both microhybrid and nanofill composites.

Clinical significance

Esthetic dental restorations such as resin composites are routine in contemporary restorative practice. Color stability of composites may be influenced by surface finish, dependent on the filler type, and consumption of chromogenic substances such as khat. To prolong their service, selection of suitable finishing protocols is an important consideration.
Investigation of the interaction of dense noble gas plasmas with cold cathodes:III—Arc spot ignition on pure and doped W cathodes
Authors: Frohnert Sonja , Mentel Jürgen
Published: March 2022

The study of the commutation of atmospheric pressure noble gas arcs on cold cathodes made of Al, Cu, Ti, graphite, Au, Pd, and Pt is extended to W cathodes. Rods with a diameter of 2 mm are inserted in a UHV tight stainless steel vessel filled with Ar 5.6 or Kr 4.8. The negatively biased electrodes are brought into interaction with arc plasma by a magnetic blast field. Their end faces are mostly polished with diamond grinding powder; some are electrolytic polished, others additionally covered with a thick oxide layer or pasted with W powder. Moreover, electrodes are investigated being doped with Al, K, and Si or doped with ThO2. The arc commutation is observed by short time photography, streak camera records, and temporally highly resolved optical spectroscopy for a lower and higher voltage applied between the arc plasma and the commutation electrode (CE). Varying the electrode properties revealed that basically ionized vapour of electrode material and less distinctly lowering of the work function by doping accelerate the arc commutation. It is initiated by plasma ions, which initially generate secondary electrons across the whole end face of the electrode. Since the electron emission varies locally, the multiplication of ions within the plasma layer by emitted electrons varies too. The positive feedback between both provokes a constriction of the commutation current and the power input into an arc spot. The electrode vapour promotes at first the development of an arc spot but finally quenches it by cooling the plasma layer in front of it.
Cortical myelination in toddlers and preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Chen Bosi , Linke Annika , Olson Lindsay , Kohli Jiwandeep , Kinnear Mikaela , Sereno Martin , Müller Ralph‐Axel , Carper Ruth , Fishman Inna
Published: March 2022

Intracortical myelin is thought to play a significant role in the development of neural circuits and functional networks, with consistent evidence of atypical network connectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about the development of intracortical myelin in the first years of life in ASD, during the critical neurodevelopmental period when autism symptoms first emerge. Using T1‐weighted (T1w) and T2w structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 21 young children with ASD and 16 typically developing (TD) children, ages 1.5–5.5 years, we demonstrate the feasibility of estimating intracortical myelin in vivo using the T1w/T2w ratio as a proxy. The resultant T1w/T2w maps were largely comparable with those reported in prior T1w/T2w studies in TD children and adults, and revealed no group differences between TD children and those with ASD. However, differential associations between T1w/T2w and age were identified in several early myelinated regions (e.g., visual, posterior cingulate, precuneus cortices) in the ASD and TD groups, with age‐related increase in estimated myelin content across the toddler and preschool years detected in TD children, but not in children with ASD. The atypical age‐related effects in intracortical myelin, suggesting a disrupted myelination in the first years of life in ASD, may be related to the aberrant brain network connectivity reported in young children with ASD in some of the same cortical regions and circuits.
Structure elucidation of the novel synthetic cannabinoid Cumyl‐Tosyl‐Indazole‐3‐Carboxamide (Cumyl‐TsINACA) found in illicit products in Germany
Authors: Pulver Benedikt , Schönberger Torsten , Weigel Diana , Köck Matthias , Eschenlohr Yvonne , Lucas Tobias , Podlesnik Nika , Opatz Till , Dreiseitel Wolfgang , Pütz Michael , Schäper Jan , Jacobsen‐Bauer Andrea , Auwärter Volker , Westphal Folker
Published: March 2022

New chemical moieties continue to appear in synthetic cannabimimetics (SC), the largest group of new psychoactive substances in the EU. We describe the first comprehensive characterisation of the novel SC Cumyl‐Tosyl‐Indazole‐3‐Carboxamide (Cumyl‐TsINACA) (N‐[2‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl]‐1‐tosyl‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide) from seized case samples. Structure elucidation was performed within the EU‐project ADEBAR plus to facilitate confident identification by other researchers and practitioners worldwide. Characteristic MS fragmentations include the cleavage of the sulfonamide bond (S‐N), the aryl sulfone bond (C‐S) and the elimination rearrangement of SO2 in the side chain. Cumyl‐TsINACA is a full receptor agonist at hCB1 (Emax = 228%) with very weak binding affinity (Ki = 292 nm) and low functional activity (EC50 = 31 μm). Thermal degradation of Cumyl‐TsINACA was observed under GC conditions. The degree to which the tosyl side chain is cleaved due to pyrolysis primarily depends on solvent, the use of glass wool in the liner and injector temperature. The determination of the constitution by NMR spectroscopy was ambiguous due to the high number of neighbouring, non‐proton‐bearing atoms. Therefore, other possible structures compatible with the NMR correlations were generated using the WebCocon software. The unambiguous structural evidence was finally obtained by spectra comparison after the synthesis of Cumyl‐TsINACA. The low thermal stability, as well as the low affinity and potency, renders this compound unfavourable for the use as a psychoactive substance. Thus, we do not expect widespread adoption of this SC.
Structuring functional groups of aquatic insects along the resistance/resilience axis when facing water flow changes
Authors: Godoy Bruno S. , Valente‐Neto Francisco , Queiroz Luciano L. , Holanda Luis F. R. , Roque Fabio O. , Lodi Sara , Oliveira Leandro G.
Published: March 2022

Understanding how differences in intensity and frequency of hydrological disturbances affect the resistance and resilience of aquatic organisms is key to manage aquatic systems in a fast‐changing world. Some aquatic insects have strategies that improve the permanence (resistance), while others use strategies that favor recolonization (resilience). Therefore, we carried out a manipulative experiment to understand the influence of functional characteristics of aquatic insects in their permanence and recolonization against hydrological disturbances in streams in the biodiversity hotspot of the Cerrado of Brazil. We placed 200 artificial substrates in five streams and submitted them to changing water flow regimes that differed both in frequency and intensity, and we observed the response of the aquatic community for 39 days. We used a hierarchical Bayesian approach to estimate the probabilities of permanence and recolonization of each life strategy group (nine groups). We observed that the most intense changes in the water flow tended to affect the permanence of almost all groups, but the intensity of this effect reduced over time. On the other hand, less frequent disturbances, regardless of intensity, tended to reduce the permanence of most groups of aquatic insects over time. The different effects of disturbance intensity may have been related to a greater recolonization capacity of some groups. The results we present are worrisome in a scenario of reduced riparian vegetation around streams and with the expectation of precipitation becoming more concentrated in shorter periods of time due to climate change in the Cerrado hotspot, reducing the occurrence of many groups of aquatic insects in their habitat, particularly those with traits associated with resistance against hydrological disturbance.