bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of receiving an increased chance of sex chromosome aneuploidy result from non‐invasive prenatal testing in Australia: “A more complicated scenario than what I had ever realized”
Authors: Lewit‐Mendes Miranda F. , Robson Hazel , Kelley Joanne , Elliott Justine , Brown Erica , Menezes Melody , Archibald Alison D.
Published: September 2022

Many non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) platforms screen for sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) and SCA analysis is generally included in Australia where NIPT is available as a self‐funded test. Little is known about the experience of receiving an NIPT result indicating an increased chance of SCA. This study aimed to explore the experiences of people who received this result and their perspectives on the information, care, and support they received from healthcare practitioners (HCPs). Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with people who received an NIPT result indicating an increased chance of SCA and continued their pregnancy. Most participants only had contact with a genetic counselor after receiving their result. Transcribed data were analyzed using rigorous thematic analysis to identify important patterns and themes. Participants (18 women, 2 male partners) described embarking on NIPT, primarily based on advice from their HCP and without much consideration. Consequently, participants expressed feeling unprepared for the unanticipated complexity of their NIPT result and were faced with making a time‐sensitive decision about a condition they had not previously considered. While more pre‐test information was desired, timely access to genetic counseling post‐test assisted with adjustment to the result. These findings suggest that routinization of NIPT may be compromising informed decision‐making, resulting in unpreparedness for an increased chance result. Given the increasing uptake and expanding scope of NIPT, resources should be dedicated to educating HCPs offering NIPT and ensuring timely access to genetic counseling post‐result. With appropriate funding, genetics services may be able to play a central role in offering information and support to both people who undertake NIPT and their HCPs ordering the testing. Implementing a publicly funded screening program in Australia could assist with standardizing prenatal screening care pathways and consequently better access to appropriate resources.
GSK3326595 is a promising drug to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron and other variants infection by inhibiting ACE2‐R671 di‐methylation
Authors: Li Zhongwei , Yong Hongmei , Wang Wenwen , Gao Yue , Wang Pengfei , Chen Xintian , Lu Jun , Zheng Junnian , Bai Jin
Published: September 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) caused COVID‐19 epidemic is worsening. Binding of the Spike1 protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor mediates entry of the virus into host cells. Many reports show that protein arginine methylation by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is important for the functions of these proteins, but it remains unclear whether ACE2 is methylated by PRMTs. Here, we show that PRMT5 catalyses ACE2 symmetric dimethylation at residue R671 (meR671‐ACE2). We indicate that PRMT5‐mediated meR671‐ACE2 promotes SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD) binding with ACE2 probably by enhancing ACE2 N‐glycosylation modification. We also reveal that the PRMT5‐specific inhibitor GSK3326595 is able to dramatically reduce ACE2 binding with RBD. Moreover, we discovered that meR671‐ACE2 plays an important role in ACE2 binding with Spike1 of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron, Delta, and Beta variants; and we found that GSK3326595 strongly attenuates ACE2 interaction with Spike1 of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron, Delta, and Beta variants. Finally, SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus infection assays uncovered that PRMT5‐mediated meR671‐ACE2 is essential for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in human cells, and pseudovirus infection experiments confirmed that GSK3326595 can strongly suppress SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of host cells. Our findings suggest that as a clinical phase II drug for several kinds of cancers, GSK3326595 is a promising candidate to decrease SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by inhibiting ACE2 methylation and ACE2‐Spike1 interaction.
Estimating glacier mass balance in High Mountain Asia based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer retrieved surface albedo from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Xiao Yao , Ke Chang‐Qing , Fan Yubin , Shen Xiaoyi , Cai Yu
Published: September 2022

Glacier surface albedo is a key parameter of the glacier mass and energy balance process. Many scholars have used the albedo method to study mass balance for an individual glacier, but less attention has been given to large‐area glaciers. Based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrieved glacier surface albedo and in situ mass balance, the correlations between albedo and mass balance are reported. The minimum/mean method (the whole glacier albedo is calculated by averaging the minimum/mean albedo of each grid cell), the MODIS snow albedo products (MxD10A1) and the MCD43A3 shortwave albedo were tested during the melt season (June–August) for four glaciers in the High Mountain Asia (HMA). Results reveal that albedo is well correlated with mass balance, the correlation (r) ranging from 0.41 to 0.90. Overall, the minimum method is better than the mean method, and MxD10A1 is better than MCD43A3. The albedo changes were calculated based on the MxD10A1 and the mean method, and a linear relationship is established between albedo changes and digital elevation models (DEMs) calculated mass balance from 2000 to 2016. A strong linear correlation (r = .9) is found between albedo changes and mass balance while excluding some areas that have insignificant seasonal variation in albedo, and the reconstructed albedo–mass balance relationship can be used to retrieve mass balance in large‐scale glaciers. Furthermore, the average loss of mass from 2000 to 2020 is calculated as −0.225 ± 0.040 m w.e.a−1. The greatest glacier mass loss is concentrated in the southeastern part of HMA, the mass loss in the north and west is less than that in the southeast, and the glacier mass is in a state of aggravated loss in recent years. Our study also offers a new method for estimating the large‐scale glacier mass balance.
Wavelet coherence of monsoon and large‐scale climate variabilities with precipitation in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Azfar , Cao Jianhua , Ali Shaukat , Ullah Waheed , Muhammad Sher , Hussain Ishtiaq , Abbas Haider , Hamal Kalpana , Sharma Shankar , Akhtar Mobeen , Wu Xiuqin , Zhou Jinxing
Published: September 2022

Monsoon and its teleconnection with earth system internal processes affect the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation and water resources. In this paper, the wavelet coherence analysis has been utilized, a time and frequency domain methodology for comparing the spectral features of two independent time series superior to linear approaches. This technique is used to capture the significant modes of variabilities in the Indian Summer Monsoon Index (ISMI) and large‐scale climate indices (CIs) between ocean–atmosphere oscillations, like Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), and Arctic Oscillation (AO) over Pakistan. Precipitation time series during 1960–2016 revealed significant interannual coherences with ISMI, whereas the remaining CIs (IOD, ENSO, PDO, SOI, NAO, AMO, and AO) revealed interannual, decadal and interdecadal coherences. However, AO revealed strongest coherences in R‐II, III, and VI at interdecadal scales among all CIs. Overall, the interannual cycles on ISMI are 2.8 years, IOD 1–5.3 years, PDO 0–5.3 years, SOI 1–5.3 years, NAO 0–5 years, AO 0–5 years, and AMO 0–8.3 years. Whereas, the remaining CIs shared interdecadal coherences over particular regions. The ISMI displayed coherences (except in the UIB) with the large‐scale CIs over various homogenous regions on an interannual scale. The dominant influence of ISMI is observed in R‐II and III; the significant coherences in R‐II ranged from ~8 to 32 months (~0.8–2.8 years). The IOD and NAO have major coherences than the remaining large‐scale CIs ranging from ~16 to 64 months (1.3–5.3 years). The AO has the most significant coherences observed in R‐II, III, and VI on the decadal/interdecadal scale from 128 months and above (almost 10–15 years). On a 1.0‐year timescale, all homogenous regions demonstrated strong intermittent coherence with ISMI, IOD, ENSO, PDO, SOI, NAO, AMO, and AO. These findings have substantial implications for decision‐makers and scientists in Pakistan looking to enhance water resource planning and operations in the face of future climate uncertainties.
Patterns of biogenic amine during broad bean paste fermentation: microbial diversity and functionality via Bacillus bioaugmentation
Authors: Luo Yi , Li Dongrui , Liao Hui , Xia Xiaole
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Broad bean paste is a high nitrogen and high salt traditional Chinese condiment, which triggers biosynthesis of nitrogen hazards like biogenic amines (BAs). Mechanisms of association and applied research of functional safety and community assembly within multiple‐microbial fermentation are currently lacking. Here, bioaugmentation was performed based on the profiles of BAs accumulation and microbial succession to evaluate the functional variation within broad bean paste fermentation.

RESULTS

Putrescine, spermine, and spermidine were the main BAs during traditional broad bean paste fermentation. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Bacillus were the predominant bacteria, whereas Aspergillus and Zygosaccharomyces dominated in fungal species, and community structure shifted upon salt exposure. PICRUSt software uncovered that Bacillus contributed significantly (>1%) to the amine oxidase gene family. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 1‐G6 and Bacillus licheniformis 2‐B3 were screened to perform the bioaugmentation of broad bean paste, which achieved a 29% and 16% BA decrease respectively. Interaction network analysis showed that Cronobacter and Lactobacillus were significantly negatively correlated with Bacillus (ρ = −0.829 and ρ = −0.714, respectively, P < 0.05) in the B. amyloliquefaciens 1‐G6 group, and Staphylococcus and Buttiauxella were inhibited by Bacillus (ρ = −0.657 and ρ = −0.543, respectively, P < 0.05) in the B. licheniformis 2‐B3 group.

CONCLUSION

The synergism of amine oxidase activity and microbial interactions led to the decline of BAs. Thus, this study improves our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of microbial succession and functional variation to further facilitate the optimization of the fermented food industry.
Ovarian Masses: The Value of Acoustic Shadowing on Ultrasound Examination
Authors: Yoeli‐Bik Roni , Lengyel Ernst , Mills Kathryn A. , Abramowicz Jacques S.
Published: September 2022

Adnexal lesions are a common finding in women and pose a clinical challenge since ovarian cancer is a highly lethal disease. However, most adnexal masses are benign, benefiting from a more conservative approach. In preoperative assessment, transvaginal ultrasound plays a key role in evaluating morphologic features that correlate with the risk of malignancy. The acoustic shadow is the loss of echo behind sound‐absorbing components, such as calcifications or fibrous tissues, which are predominantly found in benign lesions. However, recognizing the acoustic shadow is a difficult skill to master, and its usefulness may be underappreciated.
Preparation, Characterization, and Properties of Chitosan‐Based Semi‐Interpenetrating Polymer Networks and Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Structure
Authors: Than‐ardna Bhumin , Tamura Hiroshi , Furuike Tetsuya
Published: September 2022

In this study, semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (semi‐IPNs) based on chitosan and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (CS/PHEMA) are successfully fabricated through free radical polymerization of HEMA in the presence of CS solution with potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) as a crosslinking agent, aiming to develop semi‐IPNs CS/PHEMA structure properties by different feed ratios of CS/HEMA and TEGDMA. The resulting semi‐IPNs CS/PHEMA structure shows the presence of the two polymeric components in the polymer structure. The crosslinking results in the morphological structure, high porosity and pore structure, as well as interconnected pores on the surface, indicating that a semi‐IPNs hydrogel structure formed after polymerization. Moreover, the degree of swelling is excellent in different media ranging from 140 to 220%. The semi‐IPNs CS/PHEMA samples exhibit highly enhanced mechanical strength with crosslinking and show features of brittle materials in the dry state and rubber‐like materials in the wet state. Compressive structure exhibits retaining after stress removal. The polymeric decomposition occurs, corresponding to linear CS and PHEMA networks. The degradation behavior of semi‐IPNs CS/PHEMA promotes enzymatic biodegradation under simulated physiological conditions. Therefore, these CS/PHEMA semi‐IPNs materials can be suitable for use as biodegradable polymers and engineering scaffold materials.
Pain triangle phenomenon in possible association with SCN9A: A case report
Authors: Sopacua Maurice , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , van der Kooi Anneke J. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Faber Catharina G.
Published: September 2022

Background

Voltage‐gated sodium channels are essential for the generation and conduction of electrical impulses in excitable cells. Sodium channel Nav1.7, encoded by the SCN9A‐gene, has been of special interest in the last decades because missense gain‐of‐function mutations have been linked to a spectrum of neuropathic pain conditions, including inherited erythermalgia (IEM), paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD), and small fiber neuropathy (SFN).

Methods

In this case report, we present a 61‐year‐old woman who was referred to our tertiary referral center in a standard day care setting with suspicion of SFN. We performed additional investigations: skin biopsy to determine the intra‐epidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and blood examination (including DNA analysis) for possible underlying conditions.

Results

The patient showed a clinical picture that fulfilled the criteria of IEM, PEPD, and SFN. DNA analysis revealed the heterozygous variant c.554G > A in the SCN9A‐gene (OMIM 603415). This variant has already been described in all three human pain conditions separately, but never in one patient having symptoms of all three conditions. Because its pathogenicity has never been functionally confirmed, the variant is classified as a variance of unknown significance (VUS)/risk factor. This suggests that another genetic and/or environmental substrate plays a role in the development of neuropathic conditions like described.

Conclusion

We have described this as the SCN9A‐pain triangle phenomenon. Treatment should focus on pain management, genetic counseling, and improving/maintaining quality of life by treating symptoms and, if indicated, starting a rehabilitation program.
H∞ static output feedback control for singularly perturbed persistent dwell‐time switched systems with time‐varying delay and deception attacks
Authors: Song Yinsheng , Li Ziwei , Li Feng , Xia Rongsheng , Shen Hao
Published: September 2022

This paper studies the static output feedback control issue for discrete‐time singularly perturbed switched time‐delay systems subject to randomly occurring deception attacks, in which the sequence for activated subsystems is governed by the persistent dwell‐time switching strategy. The practical present phenomena that parameters alternately switch in fast or slow frequencies are characterized suitably with such strategy. Meanwhile, the deception attacks are assumed to occur in a random way that obeys the Bernoulli distribution. Moreover, some sufficient conditions are established by means of the Lyapunov stability theory, which guarantee the closed‐loop system is mean‐square exponentially stable with a prescribed
performance. Furthermore, based on the matrix processing technology, the desired controller gains are obtained. Finally, the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by a numerical example.
Evaluation of a conventionally shielded proton treatment room for FLASH radiotherapy
Authors: Xiao Zhiyan , Zhang Yongbin , Speth Joseph , Lee Eunsin , Mascia Anthony , Lamba Michael
Published: September 2022

Purpose

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH‐RT) is the potential for a major breakthrough in cancer care, as preclinical results have shown significantly reduced toxicities to healthy tissues while maintaining excellent tumor control. However, FLASH conditions were not considered in the current proton facilities’ shielding designs. The purpose of this study is to validate the adequacy of conventionally shielded proton rooms used for FLASH‐RT.

Methods

Clinical FLASH irradiations typically take place in a few 100 ms, orders of magnitude shorter than the response time of the wide‐energy neutron detector (WENDI–II). The nozzle beam current (representing the dose rate) dependence of the WENDI–II detector response was empirically determined to stabilize with a beam current of ≤10 nA at the measurement point with the highest dose rate. A large, predefined proton transmission FLASH plan (250 MeV, 7 × 20 cm2, 8 Gy at isocenter) was commissioned as part of a FLASH clinical trial. For purpose of this study, that field was adjusted from 250 to 244 MeV, allowing a lower beam current of 10 nA to provide reliable detector response. Radiation surveys were performed for the proton beams with/without extra beam stopper (30 × 30 × 40‐cm3 solid water slabs) at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° gantry angles.

Results

Ambient doses were recorded at seven different locations. A 170‐nA beam current, commonly used for clinical FLASH plans, was chosen to normalize the average ambient dose rate to FLASH conditions. Assuming 200‐Gy/h workload (25 FLASH beams, 8 Gy/beam), annual occupational dose at controlled areas was calculated. For all gantry angles, ≤0.4 mSv/year is expected at treatment room door. The highest ambient dose, 2.46 mSv/year, ∼5% of the maximum annual permissible occupational dose, was identified at the isocenter of the adjacent treatment room with 90° gantry.

Conclusion

These survey results indicate that our conventionally shielded proton rotating gantry rooms result in acceptable occupational and public doses when the transmission FLASH beams delivered at four cardinal gantry angles based on 200‐Gy/h workload assumption. These findings support that FLASH clinical trials in our conventionally shielded proton facilities can be safely implemented.
Multiparametric renal magnetic resonance imaging: A reproducibility study in renal allografts with stable function
Authors: Echeverria‐Chasco Rebeca , Martin‐Moreno Paloma L. , Garcia‐Fernandez Nuria , Vidorreta Marta , Aramendia‐Vidaurreta Verónica , Cano David , Villanueva Arantxa , Bastarrika Gorka , Fernández‐Seara Maria A.
Published: September 2022

Monitoring renal allograft function after transplantation is key for the early detection of allograft impairment, which in turn can contribute to preventing the loss of the allograft. Multiparametric renal MRI (mpMRI) is a promising noninvasive technique to assess and characterize renal physiopathology; however, few studies have employed mpMRI in renal allografts with stable function (maintained function over a long time period). The purposes of the current study were to evaluate the reproducibility of mpMRI in transplant patients and to characterize normal values of the measured parameters, and to estimate the labeling efficiency of Pseudo‐Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (PCASL) in the infrarenal aorta using numerical simulations considering experimental measurements of aortic blood flow profiles. The subjects were 20 transplant patients with stable kidney function, maintained over 1 year. The MRI protocol consisted of PCASL, intravoxel incoherent motion, and T1 inversion recovery. Phase contrast was used to measure aortic blood flow. Renal blood flow (RBF), diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (D*), flowing fraction (
), and T1 maps were calculated and mean values were measured in the cortex and medulla. The labeling efficiency of PCASL was estimated from simulation of Bloch equations. Reproducibility was assessed with the within‐subject coefficient of variation, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland‐Altman analysis. Correlations were evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The significance level was p less than 0.05. Cortical reproducibility was very good for T1, D, and RBF, moderate for
, and low for D*, while medullary reproducibility was good for T1 and D. Significant correlations in the cortex between RBF and
(r = 0.66), RBF and eGFR (r = 0.64), and D* and eGFR (r = −0.57) were found. Normal values of the measured parameters employing the mpMRI protocol in kidney transplant patients with stable function were characterized and the results showed good reproducibility of the techniques.
New methods for robust continuous wave T1ρ relaxation preparation
Authors: Pala Swetha , Hänninen Nina E. , Nykänen Olli , Liimatainen Timo , Nissi Mikko J.
Published: September 2022

Measurement of the longitudinal relaxation time in the rotating frame of reference (T1ρ) is sensitive to the fidelity of the main imaging magnetic field (B0) and that of the RF pulse (B1). The purpose of this study was to introduce methods for producing continuous wave (CW) T1ρ contrast with improved robustness against field inhomogeneities and to compare the sensitivities of several existing and the novel T1ρ contrast generation methods with the B0 and B1 field inhomogeneities. Four hard‐pulse and four adiabatic CW‐T1ρ magnetization preparations were investigated. Bloch simulations and experimental measurements at different spin‐lock amplitudes under ideal and non‐ideal conditions, as well as theoretical analysis of the hard‐pulse preparations, were conducted to assess the sensitivity of the methods to field inhomogeneities, at low (ω1 << ΔB0) and high (ω1 >> ΔB0) spin‐locking field strengths. In simulations, previously reported single‐refocus and new triple‐refocus hard‐pulse and double‐refocus adiabatic preparation schemes were found to be the most robust. The mean normalized absolute deviation between the experimentally measured relaxation times under ideal and non‐ideal conditions was found to be smallest for the refocused preparation schemes and broadly in agreement with the sensitivities observed in simulations. Experimentally, all refocused preparations performed better than those that were non‐refocused. The findings promote the use of the previously reported hard‐pulse single‐refocus ΔB0 and B1 insensitive T1ρ as a robust method with minimal RF energy deposition. The double‐refocus adiabatic B1 insensitive rotation‐4 CW‐T1ρ preparation offers further improved insensitivity to field variations, but because of the extra RF deposition, may be preferred for ex vivo applications.
Preparation and enhanced flame retardancy of co‐polybenzoxazines containing diacetal structure
Authors: Xiao Tianming , Wang Peng , Ran Qichao
Published: September 2022

A comparative study on the flame retardancy of two polybenzoxazines with and without a diacetal structure, p(A) and p(B), is firstly carried out by microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC). It is proved that the presence of the diacetal structure can endow p(A) with good flame retardancy with a low heat release capacity (HRC). Then, the monomer of this diacetal containing p(A), A‐boz, is used to modify a typical diamine type benzoxazine (M‐boz) to improve its flame retardancy. The effects of A‐boz with different ratios on curing behavior, heat resistance and thermal stability of the co‐polybenzoxazines of M‐boz and A‐boz, p(M/A)s, are analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the flame retardancy of p(M/A)s is investigated by UL‐94 test, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and MCC, and the degradation and flame retardant mechanisms are investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Raman spectra and TGA‐FTIR. When the addition amount of A is 20 wt%, the LOI value of p(M/A) is as high as 39.5% and its flame retardant rating reaches UL‐94 V‐0. In addition, the mechanical properties of p(M/A)s are tested. The results suggest that the Tg and char yield at 800°C in N2 of p(M/A)s increase from 210 to 243°C and 45% to 51%, respectively. This work suggests that the incorporation of the diacetal structure is an effective strategy to improve the flame retardancy of resins.
The carbon nanotubes effects on the morphology and properties of poly(lactic) acid/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blends
Authors: Xiao Zhihua , Li Guili , Liu Chunxiao , Li Haimei , Lin Jun
Published: September 2022

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), as a biodegradable semicrystallinethermoplastic, is usually blended with degradable poly(butylene‐adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) to improve toughness for the sake of environmental concerns. To obtain controllable properties of PLA/PBAT composites, the use of nanoparticles is increasing from a technical point of view, thus making the blends more widely used in the final products. In this study, immiscible blends of PLA and PBAT (70/30 wt%) and PLA/PBAT with different carbon nanotube (CNT) contents (0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) were prepared using a twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. The preferential distribution of CNTs in the PBAT phase was characterized by SEM and thermodynamic analysis, and reason for selective localization is discussed. The morphology of the PLA/PBAT composite showed PBAT particles dispersed within the PLA matrix with an average diameter of 0.38 μm. For the nanocomposites, the CNTs in the minor PBAT phase produced larger elongated PBAT domains with a maximum average diameter of 1.3 μm. The elongation at break of binary PLA/PBAT blends was 160.9%, while the maximum elongation at break of the nanocomposite was 294.3%. Additionally, the influence of CNTs on the crystallization behavior and rheological and mechanical properties of PLA/PBAT/CNT blends was systematically investigated.
Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of additively manufactured anti‐tetrachiral cellular auxetic structures under shear and flexural loading
Authors: Teraiya Soham , Kumar Shailendra
Published: September 2022

The present paper describes an experimental study on mechanical properties of additively manufactured anti‐tetrachiral auxetic structures under shear and flexural loading. Specimens of ABS material are fabricated using material extrusion technique of additive manufacturing. Experiments are planned using central composite design method. Three process factors, namely, slice thickness, print speed, and contour width, are considered to study their influence on modulus, strength, and specific energy absorption (SEA) of fabricated structures. To perform shear testing on specimen, a novel fixture is designed and fabricated. Flexural properties are measured using three‐point bending test on universal testing machine. It is found that all three process factors significantly affect modulus, strength, and SEA of the structure under shear and flexural loading. Mechanical properties improve with increase in slice thickness, print speed, and contour width. Regression models are developed to predict the response characteristics. In addition, optimized values of process factors are determined to maximize the mechanical properties of the structure.
Single shot polarimetric characterization of the polymer based flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate
Authors: Singh Gyanendra
Published: September 2022

Conducting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates used for the flexible electronics and photonics are birefringent in nature. Birefringence of the PET substrate increases with the external applied stress. In this paper, we have studied the state of the polarization of the light transmitted through the flexible PET substrate. Polarimetric characterization of flexible substrate was done for red and yellow wavelengths of light. Single shot three beams interference was recorded by the polarizing Mach–Zehnder interferometer. Interferograms were recorded without bending and different external bending applied to the substrate which increases the stress. The recorded interferograms was analyzed by the Fourier transform fringe (FTF) analysis method. The single shot interferograms have the information of the amplitude and phase of orthogonally polarized field components. Stokes parameters were calculated from orthogonal polarization component extracted from the single shot interferograms analyzed by FTF. Calculated Stokes parameters were plotted on the Poincare sphere to see the change in the state of polarization (SOP) of the light transmitted through these substrates. The change in the SOP of the transmitted light was observed without and with the external stress applied to the PET substrate due to its birefringence characteristic.
Enantio‐separation of (±)‐ibuprofen racemic mixture using functionalized molecularly imprinted resorcinol formaldehyde resin
Authors: AlSalem Huda S , Monier Mohammed , Alatawi Raedah AS , Bukhari Abeer Abdulaziz H , Abdelaziz Mahmoud A , Hajri Amira K , Elsayed Nadia H
Published: September 2022

An (S)‐ibuprofen (S‐IP) enantio‐selective resin sorbent with amino functionality has been synthesized and successfully used in the enantio‐separation of (±)‐IP racemic mixture. An amide derivative (S‐IP‐ARS) of 4‐aminoresorcinol and the S‐IP enantiomer was first prepared. The obtained S‐IP‐ARS derivative was mixed with resorcinol and formaldehyde to undergo an acid‐catalyzed condensation polymerization reaction that resulted in a polymer resin material containing the S‐IP enantiomeric species within its construction. Upon alkaline hydrolysis and following acidification, S‐IP is detached from the polymeric body, leaving cationic enantio‐selective spaces that can fit with the configuration of S‐IP during the recombination process. The obtained S‐IP molecularly imprinted resin along with the monomeric precursor was examined using elemental analysis, NMR and Fourier transform infrared techniques in order to confirm the performed chemical reactions. Moreover, the resin surfaces were visualized using scanning electron microscopy to account for the morphological changes. Also, the prepared resin particles were successfully utilized in the chiral separation of (±)‐IP racemic mixture using a column technique that indicated promising separation results during both the first loading run, which exhibited 58% enantiomeric excess (ee) belonging to R‐IP, and the second elution run, which exhibited 78% ee belonging to S‐IP. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
In situ quantification of temperature and strain within photovoltaic modules through optical sensing
Authors: Nivelle Philippe , Maes Lowie , Poortmans Jef , Daenen Michaël
Published: September 2022

The ability to quantify internal strain levels within a photovoltaic (PV) laminate is essential to aid in the development of reliable and sustainable PV modules. This need is even greater for emerging applications with a high degree of integration such as vehicle and infrastructure integrated PV. Within this work, we demonstrate a scalable optical sensing solution, which allows for the in situ thermo‐mechanical strain and temperature monitoring of photovoltaic modules. Using a combination of two optic fibers with fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with a different packaging, an absolute in‐laminate temperature accuracy of 0.3°C has been achieved along with the ability to detect changes in strain as low as 0.248 μϵ. The sensor solution provides the potential to monitor and quantify various failure modes or degradation at various stages in the development process up to in‐field monitoring. Furthermore, it provides a platform for the direct validation of physics‐based simulations.
The Persian version of the Psychotic‐Like Experiences Questionnaire for Children (PLEQ‐C): Psychometric properties in Iranian school students
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ruhollah , Tabbassi Saeideh Saffar , Mosaferi Simin , Mousavinezad Seyyed Hossein , Nooripour Roghieh , Firoozabadi Abbas , Ghanbari Nikzad
Published: September 2022

Psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs), or subclinical hallucinations and delusions, are common symptoms among young adults. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Psychotic‐Like Experiences Questionnaire for Children (PLEQ‐C) in Iranian school students. The study method was cross‐sectional, and the population consisted of Iranian school students aged 9–12 years, from whom 455 students were selected through the convenience sampling method. The participants then completed the PLEQ‐C, Prodromal Questionnaire‐Brief (PQ‐B), and Community Assessment of Psychotic Experiences‐42 (CAPE‐42). The PLEQ‐C's psychometric properties were analyzed using the confirmatory factor analysis while the reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha. The convergent validity was assessed using the PQ‐B and CAPE‐42 measures. The findings showed that the PLEQ‐C has satisfactory internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha of 0.83), and the one‐factor structure provides a good fit for the observed data. The PLEQ‐C was also significantly correlated with the PQ‐B and CAPE‐42 questionnaires. Given the study findings, it is concluded that the PLEQ‐C has good validity for Iranian school students aged 9–12 years and can be used as a reliable and valid measure in psychological evaluations in the Iranian context.
Postpolymerization modification of a sulfonyl fluoride‐decorated polynorbornene using the sulfur‐fluoride exchange click reaction
Authors: Briceno Edward S. , Stephen Katrina , Hobbs Christopher E.
Published: September 2022

This contribution describes the ring opening metathesis polymerization of a sulfonyl fluoride decorated polynorbornene and its postsynthetic modification using the sulfur‐fluoride exchange “click” reaction.
Recent progress in fabrications and applications of functional hydrogel films
Authors: Dong Min , Jiao Dejin , Zheng Qiang , Wu Zi Liang
Published: September 2022

Hydrogels are a class of soft and wet materials that typically consist of a three‐dimensional polymer network that swells yet does not dissolve in water. There are extensive research and development of hydrogel materials for diverse applications over the past two decades. More recently, hydrogel films with controlled thickness have been fabricated based on crosslinked natural or synthetic polymer networks. These films not only show the chemical/physical properties of bulk gels, such as biocompatibility and stimuli responsiveness, but also exhibit faster response speed and high flexibility/adaptivity, allowing for new functions and applications. In this minireview, we summarize the recent advances in hydrogel films with focuses on two aspects: (i) methods for facile fabrication of hydrogel films, and (ii) versatile applications of hydrogel films in biomedical and emerging fields. Hydrogel films with controllable thickness, fast response, good compliance, and tunable mechanical properties are ideal materials as artificial muscles and wound dressing, and to construct soft actuators, flexible electronics, and so forth. Current challenges and future perspectives of hydrogel films are also given at the end of this minireview.
Aerobic exercise capacity, cough strength, posture, and depression in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Fırat Merve , Boşnak‐Güçlü Meral , Şişmanlar‐Eyüboğlu Tuğba , Aslan Ayşe Tana
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Assessment of exercise capacity is important for information about lung function and prognosis in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). In addition, deterioration in the pulmonary system may affect cough efficiency, posture, and thoracoabdominal mobility. In turn, this deterioration may also disturb the psychological function of patients with PCD. Therefore, this study aimed to compare exercise capacity, cough strength, thoracoabdominal mobility, posture, and depression in children with PCD and healthy peers.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with PCD and 28 healthy peers were included. Aerobic exercise capacity (3‐min step test), cough strength (peak expiratory flow meter), thoracoabdominal mobility (upper chest, lower chest, and abdomen), posture (Corbin postural assessment scale), and depression (Children's Depression Inventory) were evaluated.

Results

Patients' number of steps completed, cough strength, and thoracoabdominal mobility were significantly decreased; total posture and depression scores were higher compared with healthy controls (p< 0.05). There was a significant relationship between cough strength and maximal expiratory strength (r = 0.541, p= 0.004) and total number of steps (r = 0.509, p= 0.007) in the patients.

Conclusion

Aerobic exercise capacity, cough strength, and thoracoabdominal mobility were impaired, posture was deteriorated, and depression perception elevated in children with PCD compared to healthy peers. Furthermore, aerobic exercise capacity and maximal expiratory strength are related to cough strength in these patients. Rehabilitation programs including aerobic and resistive exercise training, deep breathing and postural exercise, and nutrition counseling may improve these results and better be investigated. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03370029; December 12, 2017.
Aromatic border plants in early season berries do not increase parasitism of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Tsuruda Matthew , Girod Pierre , Clausen Martina , Carrillo Juli
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is a South‐East Asian vinegar fly that is a serious worldwide economic threat to the small fruit industry. Typical control consists of weekly pesticide applications, which can have nontarget effects, increase residual pesticides and lead to the development of resistance within pest populations. One potential alternate method of control is the planting of aromatic intercrops to attract the natural enemies of D. suzukii and/or repel the flies directly. We intercropped strawberry rows with flowering sweet alyssum or ryegrass‐clover (control) to evaluate their efficacy at mitigating D. suzukii infestation through the attraction of two specialized larval parasitoids, Leptopilina japonica (Novkovic and Kimura) and Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering).

RESULTS

Our study did not demonstrate any significant effect of sweet alyssum intercropping on the infestation rate of D. suzukii in strawberries or parasitism level. However, we found that advanced sampling date and recorded numbers of D. suzukii larvae and parasitoids were positively correlated, indicating higher populations at the end of the strawberry‐growing season.

CONCLUSIONS

Sweet alyssum intercrops did not reduce D. suzukii infestation rates or increase parasitism levels, likely due to low population numbers in early season berry varieties. Aromatic intercrops may be more effective for increasing pest control in later season crops. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring salivary biomarkers and swallowing perceptions in Sjogren's syndrome: A case–control feasibility study
Authors: Letawsky Veronica H. , Holman Parker J. , Nguyen Caroline T. , Dawson Camilla , Weinberg Joanne , Williams Lynne J. , Skoretz Stacey A.
Published: September 2022

Background

The autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is often characterized by salivary changes that may affect swallowing. No known study has investigated the association between salivary biomarkers and perceptions of swallowing in individuals with SS. Our objectives were to explore: (1) the operational feasibility of investigating saliva volume and composition, along with perceptions of swallowing, in those with and without SS; and (2) the relationship between saliva composition and perceptions of oral dryness, swallowing, and quality of life.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, case–control feasibility study, collecting feasibility data (recruitment rate and optimal saliva collection methods) and whole mouth saliva samples (unstimulated and stimulated). We measured total protein content and conducted sialochemical (α‐amylase, cortisol, C‐reactive protein [CRP], and mucins), sialometric (flow rate), and perceptual (oral dryness and swallowing‐related quality of life [SWAL‐QOL]) assessments. Our exploratory analyses focused on the main and fixed effects. We summarized all data descriptively, comparing: (a) outcomes between groups (t tests or Mann–Whitney U) and (b) salivary and perceptual data across participants (partial least‐squares correlation [PLSC]).

Results

We enrolled 12 (N) participants (6 per group), all providing analyzable saliva. Cases had lower flow rate (p = 0.003) and higher total protein, cortisol, and CRP concentrations (p < 0.02) than controls. PLSC revealed inverse covariance between sialochemical and SWAL‐QOL data across participants.

Conclusion

Our study was feasible as designed. We explored novel relationships between salivary outcomes and participant‐reported perceptions, distinguishing individuals with and without SS. Our findings support further study of saliva's role in perceptions of swallowing, specifically analytes with lubricative properties.
Impurity profile and spectrum characteristics of the isomers in cefamandole nafate using high‐ performance liquid chromatography/high‐performance size exclusion chromatography tandem ion trap/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Fan , Gao Jiarui , Chen Huan , Zhu Bingqi , Li Ping , Wang Jian , Hong Liya
Published: September 2022

Rationale

Reversed‐phase, high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) and high‐performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) methods were developed to effectively separate unknown impurities and polymerized impurities in cefamandole nafate. The liquid chromatography‐tandem ion trap/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐IT‐TOF‐MS) was applied to characterize the structures of the impurities. Ultraviolet (UV) spectrum characteristics and mass spectrum characteristics of △3‐isomer and 7‐epimer in cefamandole nafate were studied to distinguish the isomers.

Methods

RPLC‐IT‐TOF‐MS was used to characterize the structures of unknown impurities and polymerized impurities eluted from the C18 column. On this basis, the two‐dimensional (2D) HPSEC‐IT‐TOF‐MS was used to confirm the structures of polymerized impurities eluted from the TSK‐gel G2000SWxl column. Complete fragmentation patterns of impurities were studied and used to obtain information about the structures of the impurities.

Results

The structures of 19 unknown impurities in cefamandole nafate were elucidated based on the high‐resolution MSn data with both positive and negative modes, assisted by the UV spectra and stress testing, of which 2 impurities were polymerized impurities. Cefamandole nafate produced a series of degradation impurities, and another principal component cefamandole acid also produced a series of similar degradation impurities. The disciplines between mass fragmentation pattern/UV spectrum and structure for △3‐isomer and 7‐epimer were presented to distinguish their structures.

Conclusions

The results of this study provided a scientific basis for the improvement of official monographs in pharmacopoeias to effectively control the impurities and ensure drug safety for the public. This study also revealed the formation mechanisms of degradation impurities in cefamandole nafate, which may guide industry to improve the manufacturing process and storage conditions to reduce the content of impurities in products.
Remote sensing‐supported mapping of the activity of a subterranean landscape engineer across an afro‐alpine ecosystem
Authors: Wraase Luise , Reuber Victoria M. , Kurth Philipp , Fekadu Mekbib , Demissew Sebsebe , Miehe Georg , Opgenoorth Lars , Selig Ulrike , Woldu Zerihun , Zeuss Dirk , Schabo Dana G. , Farwig Nina , Nauss Thomas
Published: September 2022

Subterranean animals act as ecosystem engineers, for example, through soil perturbation and herbivory, shaping their environments worldwide. As the occurrence of animals is often linked to above‐ground features such as plant species composition or landscape textures, satellite‐based remote sensing approaches can be used to predict the distribution of subterranean species. Here, we combine in‐situ collected vegetation composition data with remotely sensed data to improve the prediction of a subterranean species across a large spatial scale. We compared three machine learning‐based modeling strategies, including field and satellite‐based remote sensing data to different extents, in order to predict the distribution of the subterranean giant root‐rat GRR, Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, an endangered rodent species endemic to the Bale Mountains in southeast Ethiopia. We included no, some and extensive fieldwork data in the modeling to test how these data improved prediction quality. We found prediction quality to be particularly dependent on the spatial coverage of the training data. Species distributions were best predicted by using texture metrics and eyeball‐selected data points of landscape marks created by the GRR. Vegetation composition as a predictor showed the lowest contribution to model performance and lacked spatial accuracy. Our results suggest that the time‐consuming collection of vegetation data in the field is not necessarily required for the prediction of subterranean species that leave traceable above‐ground landscape marks like the GRR. Instead, remotely sensed and spatially eyeball‐selected presence data of subterranean species could profoundly enhance predictions. The usage of remote sensing‐derived texture metrics has great potential for improving the distribution modeling of subterranean species, especially in arid ecosystems.
Incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion in science: Lessons learned from an undergraduate seminar
Authors: Ramachandran Aishwarya , Mouat Isobel C. , Öberg Gunilla
Published: September 2022

Questions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the sciences have taken center stage in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement of 2020. This paper focuses on the experiences of academics engaging in such work, particularly in their roles as educators, by sharing two of the authors' experiences introducing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in a first‐year science course at a Canadian university. Using critical research methodologies like narrative inquiry and memory work, we look at three separate instances where complex personal, institutional and course attributes fostered, allowed, or hindered efforts to bring these initiatives into the classroom. We consider how problematic incidents and obstacles relating to the organization of content on equity, diversity, and inclusion in science cropped up during the process, how they were perceived and handled in the moment, as well as the authors' reflections, takeaways, and lessons learned from the experience. These stories suggest that efforts to center discussions about equity, diversity, and inclusion in undergraduate science classrooms can be unpredictable and complex, particularly at the day‐to‐day level; this is especially the case when handling subtler microaggressions rather than clear instances of discrimination or harassment. Our study points to the importance of creating a more permanent institutional memory for initiatives that outlive those who initiated and organized them, so that they become embedded within the culture of a course or department.