bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A positive mental imagery intervention for targeting suicidal ideation in university students: A pilot study
Authors: Knagg Hayley , Pratt Daniel , Taylor Peter J. , Palmier‐Claus Jasper
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Suicide is a major public health concern and is now considered to be the leading cause of death in young people. Suicidal ideation within student populations has recently increased. The Broad‐Minded Affective Coping (BMAC) offers a brief psychological intervention targeting suicidal ideation by enabling access to competing positive emotions and thoughts using guided imagery. Its acceptability and feasibility in student populations are unclear.

Design

A single arm pilot study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a six‐session BMAC intervention for university students experiencing suicidal ideation.

Method

Recruitment took place from university counselling services. Suicidal ideation and emotional states were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Participants also completed corresponding sessional measures.

Results

Twelve eligible participants consented to take part with 11 receiving the intervention. Ten participants completed post treatment and follow up assessments. Retention to treatment was high with participants attending an average of 5.2 (87%; SD = 1.54) out of six intervention sessions. There were also good completion rates of the BMAC technique between sessions. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. There was an associated reduction across a range of clinical outcomes, including suicidal ideation, with large effect sizes.

Discussion

This pilot study showed promising results on the feasibility and acceptability of the BMAC intervention in students experiencing suicidal ideation. However, the study had a small sample size and no comparator control group. Further exploration of the BMAC intervention is warranted.
Impact of vibrationally resolved H2 on particle balance in Eirene simulations
Authors: Holm Andreas , Wünderlich Dirk , Groth Mathias , Börner Petra
Published: February 2022

To evaluate the impact of transport of metastable, vibrationally excited states of the hydrogen molecule in dense and cold plasmas each vibrational state must be simulated as an individual species. Eirene neutral gas simulations of a one‐dimensional flux‐tube using a metastable‐resolved model indicate a 30–50% decrease in the effective dissociation rate compared to simulations using a metastable‐unresolved setup, which consider a single molecular species. Zero‐dimensional Eirene simulations omitting transport effects predict a 25–65% decrease in the effective dissociation rate due to differences between the metastable‐unresolved AMJUEL and the metastable‐resolved H2VIBR rates available in Eirene. The exclusion of molecular hydrogen depletion via electronically excited states and vibrational transitions from the metastable‐resolved rates reduce the effective dissociation rate. By accounting for the difference caused by the different collisional‐radiative treatment of the metastable‐resolved rates compared to the metastable‐unresolved rates, transport effects are expected to be relevant under detached divertor conditions. It is, however, not possible to individually assess the role of the collisional‐radiative processes and transport on the effective dissociation rate using the currently available atomic and molecular rates for the metastable‐resolved and metastable‐unresolved Eirene setups.
Neutral and adaptive drivers of genomic change in introduced brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations revealed by pooled sequencing
Authors: Brookes Brent , Jeon Hyung‐Bae , Derry Alison M. , Post John R. , Rogers Sean M. , Humphries Shelley , Fraser Dylan J.
Published: February 2022

Understanding the drivers of successful species invasions is important for conserving native biodiversity and for mitigating the economic impacts of introduced species. However, whole‐genome resolution investigations of the underlying contributions of neutral and adaptive genetic variation in successful introductions are rare. Increased propagule pressure should result in greater neutral genetic variation, while environmental differences should elicit selective pressures on introduced populations, leading to adaptive differentiation. We investigated neutral and adaptive variation among nine introduced brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations using whole‐genome pooled sequencing. The populations inhabit isolated alpine lakes in western Canada and descend from a common source, with an average of ~19 (range of 7–41) generations since introduction. We found some evidence of bottlenecks without recovery, no strong evidence of purifying selection, and little support that varying propagule pressure or differences in local environments shaped observed neutral genetic variation differences. Putative adaptive loci analysis revealed nonconvergent patterns of adaptive differentiation among lakes with minimal putatively adaptive loci (0.001%–0.15%) that did not correspond with tested environmental variables. Our results suggest that (i) introduction success is not always strongly influenced by genetic load; (ii) observed differentiation among introduced populations can be idiosyncratic, population‐specific, or stochastic; and (iii) conservatively, in some introduced species, colonization barriers may be overcome by support through one aspect of propagule pressure or benign environmental conditions.
Clinicopathological analysis of immunohistochemical expression of immune checkpoint molecules in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Yanagida Eriko , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Takeuchi Mai , Shimono Joji , Nakashima Kazutaka , Yamada Kyohei , Kawamoto Keisuke , Moritsubo Mayuko , Shimasaki Yasumasa , Inoue Kanako , Imamoto Teppei , Furuta Takuya , Kohno Kei , Ohshima Koichi
Published: February 2022

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized by an indolent clinical course and a high relapse rate, and often exhibits a diffuse pattern beyond the follicular area. Our group previously reported that immune checkpoint (ICP) pathways, such as programmed cell death (PD‐1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), are poor prognostic factors for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma. In this study, the association between the expression of multiple ICP molecules according to immunohistochemistry and clinicopathological features in FL was determined via immunostaining of 173 biopsy samples. Membrane and/or cytoplasm expression of CD86 (nCD86) and PD‐L1 (nPD‐L1) was found in tumor cells, whereas PD‐1 (miPD‐1), Galectin‐9 (miGalectin‐9), OX40 (miOX40), CTLA‐4 (miCTLA‐4), Tim‐3 (miTim‐3), OX40L (miOX40L), and LAG‐3 (miLAG‐3) were expressed in non‐neoplastic stromal cells. MiPD‐1 expression was significantly higher in the follicular area than in the diffuse area (p = 0.0450). Expression of miOX40 and miCTLA‐4 was significantly higher in the diffuse area than in the follicular area (respectively, p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0092). MiTim‐3 tended to be higher in the diffuse area than in the follicular area (p = 0.0616). MiTim‐3 was significantly higher in relapse cases than in new‐onset cases (p = 0.0440); miLAG‐3 tended to be higher in relapse cases than in new‐onset cases (p = 0.0622, not significant). The miOX40L‐high FL group had a significantly worse overall survival than the miOX40L‐low group (p = 0.0320). The expression of multiple ICP molecules on several cells reflects activated anti‐tumor immunity and the unique FL microenvironment. Further studies on gene expression or genomic abnormalities will reveal the clinical and biological significance of ICP molecules in FL.
Establishing communication with relatives of admitted obstetrical patients with COVID‐19 infection during COVID‐19 pandemic: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Rana Anubhuti , Sharma K. Aparna , Kulshrestha Saumya , Khanna Puneet , Bhatla Neerja , Kumar Sunesh , Trikha Anjan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To establish communication with relatives of obstetrical patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) admitted to an isolation ward by systematic use of quality improvement tools during the COVID‐19 pandemic as there were many challenges in communicating with relatives.

Methods

The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary‐care teaching hospital based on four systematic steps of Point of Care Improvement methodology. After identifying the problem, a quality improvement team was constituted, which formed a specific aim. After root‐cause analysis with fishbone tool, three Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act (PDSA) cycles with various interventions were planned.

Results

The outcome was measured as percentage of relatives of obstetrical patients admitted to the hospital with COVID‐19 who were counseled about vital patient‐related information. The baseline percentage of counseling of relatives of COVID‐19‐positive obstetrical patients admitted to the hospital was 14% per day. After three PDSA cycles, the target of 66.5% was achieved.

Conclusion

Communication with the relatives of COVID‐19‐positive obstetrical patients admitted to isolation wards in the hospital could be easily streamlined without any additional resources using the principles of quality improvement during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Food‐grade titanium dioxide decreases hematocrit and hemoglobin and increases compulsive‐like behavior in male mice
Authors: Medina‐Reyes Estefany I. , Rodríguez‐Ibarra Carolina , Díaz‐Urbina Daniel , Déciga‐Alcaraz Alejandro , Delgado‐Buenrostro Normal L. , Chirino Yolanda I. , Pedraza‐Chaverri José
Published: February 2022

Food‐grade titanium dioxide (E171) is widely used as a food additive, and it is known that after oral consumption, E171 is translocated into the bloodstream reaching the highest titanium level at 6 h. E171 is accumulated in some organs triggering toxicity, but the effects on the blood parameters after oral consumption have been less studied. Recently, evidence shows that oral exposure to E171 induces behavioral signs of anxiety and depression. The relation between blood alterations and psychiatric disorders has been previously demonstrated. However, the oral exposure to E171 effects on alterations in blood parameters and effects linked to alterations in animal behavior has not been explored. In this short communication, we aimed to investigate the effects of E171 on specific blood parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, number of erythrocytes, and leukocytes) and anxiety and compulsive‐like behavior in males and females orally exposed to ~5 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The results showed that E171 decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin in male but not in female mice while leukocyte and erythrocyte count remained unaltered. Oral consumption of E171 decreased the levels of anxiety‐like behavior in females but not in male mice, while compulsive‐like behavior was increased in both male and female mice.
Neodymium oxide nanoparticles synthesis using phytochemicals of leaf extracts of different plants as reducing and capping agents: Growth mechanism, optical, structural and catalytic properties
Authors: Ahmed Aleezay Anjum , Rizvi Zoha Raza , Shahzad Hira , Farrukh Muhammad Akhyar
Published: February 2022

The main idea of this research is to synthesize the neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 10 nm and to investigate the influence of leaf extracts of different plants. Leaf extracts of three plants namely Phyllanthus emblica, Citrus limetta, and Citrus paradisi, were used for the fabrication of Nd2O3 via the sol–gel and green synthesis methods, and the mechanism for the synthesis of neodymium oxide has been investigated. All prepared samples were subjected to UV–Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis to study the optical and structural properties. The band gap of the neodymium oxide nanoparticles was observed between 4.45 and 5.26 eV. The bond length of Nd‐O for the neodymium oxide samples as‐synthesized was calculated as 2.18 and 2.24 Å by using FTIR data. Furthermore, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated using TGA. XRD patterns showed the formation of cubic, monoclinic, and hexagonal structures of Nd2O3. The Nd2O3 nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue under irradiation of sunlight, and the maximum percentage degradation of 74.8% was observed.
Linearizing the frequency‐stiffness relation in contact resonance atomic force microscopy for facilitated mechanical characterization
Authors: Wang Wenting , Zhang Wenhao , Chen Yuhang
Published: February 2022

To facilitate mechanical characterization by contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR‐AFM), a cantilever that could enable a near linear relation between CR‐frequency and contact stiffness is designed. The optimized structure is fabricated through removing a rectangular slot from a conventional cantilever as a prototype, and the dimensions of the removed slot are determined by finite element simulations. We validate the target CR‐characteristics on a silicon substrate with circular cavities covered by highly oriented pyrolytic graphite flakes, on which the contact stiffness can be well modeled. Elastic modulus measurements on different materials demonstrate that the linear relation provides a convenient yet accurate way to evaluate sample's elasticity. It could thus bring great convenience to various CR‐AFM relevant applications such as mechanical characterization and subsurface nano‐imaging.

Research Highlights

A cantilever that could enable a near linear relation between CR‐frequency and contact stiffness is designed to facilitate contact resonance atomic force microscopy.

The CR‐characteristics are verified on a silicon substrate with circular cavities covered by highly oriented pyrolytic graphite flakes.

Elastic modulus measurements on different materials demonstrate that the linear relation provides an easy yet accurate way to evaluate sample's elasticity.
Culturable antibiotic‐resistant fecal coliform bacteria in soil and surface runoff after liquid dairy manure surface application and subsurface injection
Authors: Hilaire Sheldon Shervon , Chen Chaoqi , Radolinski Jesse , Leventhal Talia , Preisendanz Heather , Kleinman Peter J. A. , Maguire Rory , Stewart Ryan D. , Saporito Lou S. , Xia Kang
Published: February 2022

Land application of manure, while beneficial to soil health and plant growth, can lead to an overabundance of nutrients and introduction of emerging contaminants into agricultural fields. Compared with surface application of manure, subsurface injection has been shown to reduce nutrients and antibiotics in surface runoff. However, less is known about the influence of subsurface injection on the transport and persistence of antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms. We simulated rainfall to field plots at two sites (one in Virginia and one in Pennsylvania) 1 or 7 d after liquid dairy manure surface and subsurface application (56 Mg ha–1) and monitored the abundance of culturable antibiotic‐resistant fecal coliform bacteria (ARFCB) in surface runoff and soils for 45 d. We performed these tests at both sites in spring 2018 and repeated the test at the Virginia site in fall 2019. Manure subsurface injection, compared with surface application, resulted in less ARFCB in surface runoff, and this reduction was greater at Day 1 after application compared with Day 7. The reductions of ARFCB in surface runoff because of manure subsurface injection were 2.5–593 times at the Virginia site in spring 2018 and fall 2019 and 4–5 times at the Pennsylvania site in spring 2018. The ARFCB were only detectable in the 0‐to‐5‐cm soil depth within 14 d of manure surface application but remained detectable in the injection slits of manure subsurface‐injected plots even at Day 45. This study demonstrated that subsurface injection can significantly reduce surface runoff of ARFCB from manure‐applied fields.
Automated radiosynthesis of [11C]MTP38—a phosphodiesterase 7 imaging tracer—using [11C]hydrogen cyanide for clinical applications
Authors: Kawamura Kazunori , Hashimoto Hiroki , Ohkubo Takayuki , Hanyu Masayuki , Ogawa Masanao , Nengaki Nobuki , Arashi Daisuke , Kurihara Yusuke , Fujishiro Tomoya , Togashi Takahiro , Sakai Toshiyuki , Muto Masatoshi , Takei Makoto , Ishii Hideki , Saijo Takeaki , Matsumura Takehiko , Obokata Naoyuki , Zhang Ming‐Rong
Published: February 2022

We have developed 8‐amino‐3‐(2S,5R‐dimethyl‐1‐piperidyl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrazine‐5‐[11C]carbonitrile ([11C]MTP38) as a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for the imaging of phosphodiesterase 7. For the fully automated production of [11C]MTP38 routinely and efficiently for clinical applications, we determined the radiosynthesis procedure of [11C]MTP38 using [11C]hydrogen cyanide ([11C]HCN) as a PET radiopharmaceutical. Radiosynthesis of [11C]MTP38 was performed using an automated 11C‐labeling synthesizer developed in‐house within 40 min after the end of irradiation. [11C]MTP38 was obtained with a relatively high radiochemical yield (33 ± 5.5% based on [11C]CO2 at the end of irradiation, decay‐corrected, n = 15), radiochemical purity (>97%, n = 15), and molar activity (47 ± 12 GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis, n = 15). All the results of the quality control (QC) testing for the [11C]MTP38 injection complied with our in‐house QC and quality assurance specifications. We successfully automated the radiosynthesis of [11C]MTP38 for clinical applications using an 11C‐labeling synthesizer and sterile isolator. Taken together, this protocol provides a new radiopharmaceutical [11C]MTP38 suitable for clinical applications.
KCC‐1‐nPr‐NH‐Argas an efficient organo‐nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo decahydroacridine derivatives
Authors: Hasannezhad Najme , Shadjou Nasrin
Published: February 2022

In the present work, an innovative biocompatible heterogeneous organo‐nanocatalyst is prepared based on the grafting of arginine amino acid on the channels and pores of dendritic fibrous nano silica. The designed organo‐nanocatalyst (KCC‐1‐nPr‐NH‐Arg) was characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, map analysis, and adsorption/desorption instruments. The results of analysis show that the engineered catalyst has uniform fibrous spheres and dendritic structure with high surface area (104.9 m2/g) and great pore volume (0.83 cm3 g−1). Because of exceptional dendritic structure of the prepared organo‐nanocatalyst, the active sites are available and the difusion and adsorption capacity of the reagents and products increase in the pores and channels of the catalyst. Hence, KCC‐1‐nPr‐NH‐Arg was used as an capable heterogeneous basic nanocatalyst in the synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo decahydroacridine derivatives from the one‐pot four component reactions of aromatic aldehydes, dimedone, and ammonium acetate in solvent free conditions with shorter reaction times (13‐35 minutes) and higher yields (94%‐98%) in evaluation with other reported works. It is expected that the green organo‐nanocatalyst can be used to synthesize other organic compounds.
Transverse Relaxation Anisotropy of the Achilles and Patellar Tendon Studied by MR Microscopy
Authors: Hager Benedikt , Schreiner Markus M. , Walzer Sonja M. , Hirtler Lena , Mlynarik Vladimir , Berg Andreas , Deligianni Xeni , Bieri Oliver , Windhager Reinhard , Trattnig Siegfried , Juras Vladimir
Published: February 2022

Background

T2* anisotropy affects the clinical assessment of tendons (magic‐angle artifact) and may be a source of T2*‐misinterpretation.

Purpose

To analyze T2*‐anisotropy and T2*‐decay of Achilles and patellar tendons in vitro at microscopic resolution using a variable‐echo‐time (vTE) sequence.

Study Type

Prospective.

Specimen

Four human Achilles and four patellar tendons.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 7 T MR‐microscopy; 3D‐vTE spoiled‐gradient‐echo‐sequence (T2*‐mapping).

Assessment

All tendons were measured at 0° and 55° relative to B0. Additional angles were measured for one Achilles and one patellar tendon for a total of 11 angles ranging from 0° to 90°. T2*‐decay was analyzed with mono‐ and bi‐exponential signal fitting. Mono‐exponential T2*‐values (T2*m), short and long T2*‐components (T2*s, T2*l), and the fraction of the short component Fs of the bi‐exponential T2*‐fit were calculated. T2*‐decay characteristics were compared with morphological MRI and histologic findings based on a region‐of‐interest analysis.

Statistical Tests

Akaike information criterion (AICC), F‐test, and paired t‐test. A P value smaller than the α‐level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

T2*m‐values between fiber‐to‐field angles of 0° and 55° were increased on average from T2*m (0°) = 1.92 msec to T2*m (55°) = 29.86 msec (15.5‐fold) in the Achilles and T2*m (0°) = 1.46 msec to T2*m (55°) = 23.33 msec (16.0‐fold) in the patellar tendons. The changes in T2*m‐values were statistically significant. For the whole tendon, according to F‐test and AICC, a bi‐exponential model was preferred for angles close to 0°, while the mono‐exponential model tended to be preferred at angles close to 55°.

Conclusion

MR‐microscopy provides a deeper insight into the relationship between T2*‐decay (mono‐ vs. bi‐exponential model) and tendon heterogeneity. Changes in fiber‐to‐field angle result in significant changes in T2*‐values. Thus, we conclude that awareness of T2*‐anisotropy should be noted in quantitative T2*‐mapping of tendons to avoid T2*‐misinterpretation such as a false positive detection of degeneration due to large fiber‐to‐field angles.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Oxidative stress and decreased Nrf2 level in pediatric patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Gümüş Hüseyin , Erat Tuğba , Öztürk İrfan , Demir Abit , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the change in nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2), which plays a critical role in cytoprotection against oxidative stress, in pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection positivity, and to evaluate the relationship between Nrf2 and oxidative balance. The study included 40 children with confirmed COVID‐19 infection and 35 healthy children. The groups were compared in respect of Nrf2, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI), in addition to clinical findings of fever, cough, shortness of breath, contact history, and demographic data of age and gender. The mean Nrf2 values and TAS levels were determined to be statistically significantly low (p < 0.001) and the TOS level and OSI were statistically significantly high in the children with COVID‐19 compared to the control group. A significant positive correlation was determined between Nrf2 and TAS (p < 0.01); as the Nrf2 value increased, so the TAS value increased. A significant negative correlation was determined between Nrf2 and TOS and OSI (p < 0.01); as the Nrf2 value increased, there was determined to be a significant decrease in the TOS and OSI values. COVID‐19 infection in pediatric patients causes a decrease in the Nrf2 level. By causing a decrease in the TAS level and an increase in the TOS and OSI levels, the decrease in Nrf2 may explain the tissue damage which can be caused by COVID‐19.
The Relationship between a School Culture’s Openness to Creative Solutions and Inquiry‐based Teaching Practices
Authors: Wei Ju‐Hui , Chuang Hsueh‐Hua , Smith Thomas J.
Published: February 2022

While inquiry‐based pedagogy is expected to prepare students well for their future life and work in the modern world, research indicates that teachers still prefer the more traditional lecture‐based teaching practices. To explore better the issues underpinning the adoption of inquiry‐based teaching, this study hypothesized that inquiry‐based teaching involves creative problem‐solving behavior and therefore looked into an important but underexamined factor in teachers’ choosing to take up inquiry‐based teaching: their perception of their schools’ culture of openness to seeking creative solutions in the field of teaching and learning. Analysis of data from the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey of junior high school teachers in Taiwan provided evidence of a relationship between teachers’ perception of a school culture open to creative solutions and teachers’ inquiry‐based teaching practices, with the teachers’ self‐efficacy in inquiry‐based teaching serving as a mediating factor. The findings suggest that inquiry‐based teaching is enhanced by cultivating a school environment characterized by openness to creative solutions.
Vibrational properties of the mechanochemically synthesized Cu2SnS3: Raman study
Authors: Trajic Jelena , Curcic Milica , Casas Luna Mariano , Romcevic Maja , Remesova Michaela , Balaz Matej , Celko Ladislav , Dvorak Karel , Romcevic Nebojsa
Published: February 2022

Cu2SnS3 (CTS) is a simple and promising material for solar cells. Various physical and chemical techniques have been employed for synthesis of CTS nanocrystals among which mechanochemical synthesis is a great alternative due to its simplicity, solvent‐free character, and reproducibility. We present the analysis of the vibration properties of mechanochemically synthesized CTS nanocrystals. The milling time influence on CTS synthesis from elemental precursors Cu, Sn, and S was observed. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the crystal structure and compositional purity of the obtained nanoparticles. In order to investigate the individual steps of the synthesis, samples obtained after 15 s and 5, 10, 15, and 30 min of milling time were analyzed. The detailed analysis of the Raman spectra has allowed us to determine the wavenumber of the main and weaker peaks, and discern the phase, crystal structure, and secondary phases. The formation of monoclinic and tetragonal CTS phases, with oxidized surface (due to milling in air) was confirmed.
Dielectric Polarization‐Filtering Metasurface Doublet for Trifunctional Control of Full‐Space Visible Light
Authors: Gao Song , Zhou Changyi , Liu Wenwei , Yue Wenjing , Chen Shuqi , Lee Sang‐Shin , Choi Duk‐Yong , Li Yang
Published: February 2022

Multilayered plasmonic metasurfaces have been previously shown to enable multifunctional control of full‐space electromagnetic waves, which are of great importance to the development of compact optical systems. While this structural configuration is practical for acquiring metasurfaces working in microwave frequency, it will inevitably become lossy and highly challenging to fabricate when entering the visible band. Here, an efficient yet facile approach to address this issue by resorting to a dielectric metasurface doublet (DMD) based on two vertically integrated polarization‐filtering meta‐atoms (PFMs) is presented. The PFMs exhibit polarization‐dependent high transmission and reflection, as well as independent and full 2π phase control characteristics, empowering the DMD to realize three distinct incidence‐direction and polarization‐triggered wavefront‐shaping functionalities, including anomalous beam deflection, light focusing, vortex beam generation, and holographic image projection as it is investigated either numerically or experimentally. The presented DMD undoubtedly holds several salient features compared with the multilayered metallic metasurfaces in aspects of design complexity, efficiency, and fabrication. Furthermore, as dielectric meta‐atoms with distinct polarization responses can be deployed to construct the DMD, it is anticipated that diverse full‐space metasurfaces equipped with versatile functionalities can be demonstrated in the future, which will greatly advance the development of multifunctional meta‐optics.
Study suggests audiovisual data promising in diagnosis, treatment
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2022

Could a mental health field that remains so dependent on subjective assessments be moving closer to having a tool comparable to an X‐ray for capturing baseline status and monitoring progress? Results of a newly published study suggest that analysis of individuals' speech and facial movement holds significant promise for creating a more objective approach to psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
A class of global large, smooth solutions for the magnetohydrodynamics with Hall and ion‐slip effects
Authors: Zhang Huali
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the Cauchy problem of fractional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system with the Hall and ion‐slip effects is considered. By exploring the structure of semilinear and quasilinear terms, we prove the global existence of solutions for a class of large initial data. Both the velocity and magnetic fields could be arbitrarily large in
.
Prospects and limitations of paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer agents serving as biological reporters in vivo
Authors: Sherry A. Dean , Castelli Daniela Delli , Aime Silvio
Published: February 2022

The concept of using paramagnetic metal ion complexes as chemical exchange saturation transfer agents (paraCEST) for molecular imaging of various biological processes first appeared in the literature about 20 years ago. The first paraCEST agent was based on a highly shifted, inner‐sphere, slowly exchanging water molecule that could be activated at a frequency far away from bulk water, a substantial advantage for selective activation of the agent alone. Many other paraCEST agent designs followed that were based on activation of exchanging ‐NH or ‐OH proton on the chelate itself. Both types of paraCEST designs are attractive for molecular imaging because the rates of water molecule or ligand proton exchange can be designed to be sensitive to a biological or physiological property such as pH, enzyme activity, or redox. Hence, the intensity or frequency of the resulting CEST signal provides a direct readout of that property. Many molecular designs have appeared in the literature over the past 20 years, mostly reported as proof‐of‐concept designs but, unfortunately, only a few reports have explored the limitations of paraCEST agents for imaging a biological process in vivo. As a community, we now know that the sensitivity of paraCEST agents is lower than one might anticipate based upon simple chemical exchange principles and, in general, it appears the sensitivity of paraCEST agents is even lower in vivo than in vitro. In this short review, we address some of the factors that contribute to the limited sensitivity of paraCEST agents in vivo, offer some thoughts on approaches that could lead to dramatically improved paraCEST sensitivity, and challenge the scientific community to perform more in vivo experiments designed to test these ideas.
Oregon PRAMS 2012–2018: Revealing racial inequity in postpartum depression
Authors: Docherty Angie , Stoyles Sydnee , Najjar Rana , Woolley Rachel
Published: February 2022

Researchers have suggested that some women are undiagnosed and untreated for postpartum depression (PPD). However, there are mixed findings of the factors most likely to predict those most at risk. Recognizing historical racial and ethnic disparities existing in health outcomes, we sought to determine the extent of PPD inequity in Oregon. Using data from the Oregon pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system 2012–2018 and univariate weighted logistic regression models, we explored the relationship between PPD, maternal characteristics, and social variables. These variables included race/ethnicity, social support, life stressors, financial security, and perceived healthcare discrimination. A further phased analysis examined whether race/ethnicity remained a predictor of PPD when combined with other significant variables. Over 8000 respondents were included in the full phased analysis. Almost 17% of women reported they did not discuss depression with a provider during pregnancy, including over 12% who reported PPD symptoms. Black, Asian/Pacific Islander (API), American–Indian, and mixed race mothers had increased odds of PPD compared to White women (odds ratio ranged from 1.55 to 1.87). Less than baccalaureate education, lack of social support, and perceived healthcare discrimination also increased the odds of PPD. The phased analysis showed that significant differences in odds of PPD symptoms remained between Black, APIs, and American–Indian mothers compared to White mothers. Our analysis suggests that race is an important predictor of PPD. The knowledge of who is most at risk, and the provision of adequate assessment and screening, is of fundamental importance in today's society.
The effects of processing and carbon nanotube type on the impact strength of aerospace‐grade bismaleimide based nanocomposites
Authors: Kirmani Mohammad Hamza , Ramachandran Jyotsna , Arias‐Monje Pedro J. , Gulgunje Prabhakar , Kumar Satish
Published: February 2022

While the addition of well‐dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer nanocomposites typically improves the polymers' impact strength, herein, we report that good CNT dispersion alone is not a sufficient condition to improve the impact strength of the nanocomposites. Our results demonstrate that the impact strength of the nanocomposite also depends on the CNT type and the nanocomposite processing conditions. Depending on these factors, CNTs can either disrupt the crosslinking network of bismaleimide (BMI), or the CNTs themselves can be compressed by up to 2.9 GPa upon the curing of BMI or both. The effect of these factors on the impact strength is discussed. Overall, impact strength of up to 54 kJ/m2 has been achieved, which is 80% higher than the best impact strength reported for any CNT‐BMI system in the literature.
Going beyond the chest X‐ray: Investigating laterality defects in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Wee Wallace B. , Kaspy Kimberley R. , Sawras Michael G. , Knowles Michael R. , Zariwala Maimoona A. , Leigh Margaret W. , Dell Sharon D. , Shapiro Adam J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Organ laterality defects in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are common, ranging from complete mirror image organ arrangement, situs inversus totalis (SIT), to situs ambiguus (SA), which falls along the spectrum of situs solitus (SS) and SIT. Targeted investigations for organ laterality defects are not universally recommended in PCD consensus statements. Without investigations beyond chest radiography (CXR), clinically significant defects may go undetected leading to increased morbidity. We hypothesize that clinically significant SA defects remain undetected on CXR and targeted investigations are needed to detect various laterality defects associated with morbidity.

Methods

This retrospective study collected data from PCD clinics at two Canadian children's hospitals from 2012 to 2020. Participants <30 years old with a confirmed or clinical diagnosis of PCD were enrolled. CXR images were reviewed, and reports of other targeted investigations, including chest computed tomography, abdominal ultrasound, echocardiogram, upper gastrointestinal series, and splenic function studies, were extracted from medical records. Situs classifications from CXR alone versus CXR with add‐on targeted investigations were compared using Cochran's q and McNemar tests.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐nine PCD patients were included, median age at PCD diagnosis of 6.1 years (range: 0−28). The situs classification differed significantly from CXR images alone versus CXR with add‐on targeted investigations (p < 0.001); SS 88 (55%) versus 75 (47%), SIT 59 (37%) versus 46 (29%), and SA 12 (8%) versus 38 (24%). Identified SA defects were cardiovascular (21, 13%), intestinal (9, 6%), and/or splenic (16,10%).

Conclusions

In PCD patients, clinically significant SA defects may not be detected by CXR alone. Our results suggest that the routine use of CXR with add‐on targeted investigations may be justified.
Pulmonary Echinococcus in children: A descriptive study in a LMIC
Authors: Mfingwana Lunga , Goussard Pierre , van Wyk Lizelle , Morrison Julie , Gie Andre G. , Mohammed Rusha A. A. , Janson Jacques T. , Wagenaar Riegart , Ismail Zane , Schubert Pawel
Published: February 2022

Background

Echinococcus granulosus is a major public health problem in lower middle‐income countries (LMIC). Children are commonly diagnosed with cysts in the lungs and/or the liver.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe a pediatric cohort diagnosed with pulmonary Cystic Echinococcus (CE) and treated with a combination of medical and surgical therapy.

Methods

This was a retrospective study performed between July 2017 and December 2020 at Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa. Clinical, laboratory, radiological, medical, and surgery‐related outcomes were reviewed.

Results

The cohort consisted of 35 children, 17 (49%) were male, with a mean age of 9 ± 5.4 years. The most frequently encountered presenting symptom was cough (93%) followed by fever (70%). Isolated pulmonary CE accounted for the majority of cases (74%) with left lower lobe predominance. A significant proportion of the cohort exhibited chest computed tomography (CT) characteristics consistent with complicated pulmonary CE. Eighteen (58%) children had a positive indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) test result. All children received medical treatment whilst 30 (86%) of children required surgery. Children with complicated pulmonary CE stayed a mean of 12.5 ± 6.6 days, while those with simple cysts stayed 6.8 ± 1.5 days.

Conclusion

Isolated pulmonary CE is common in children, whereas extrapulmonary cysts are uncommon. Pulmonary CE is diagnosed using chest X‐ray and, CT imaging. IHA serology has limited diagnostic utility for pulmonary CE. Combined surgery and chemotherapy remains the gold standard for treating pulmonary CE.
Augmenting sanitation with insecticides to improve control of navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in California tree nuts
Authors: Siegel Joel P , Gilcrease Garrett
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Sanitation, consisting of eliminating unharvested nuts (mummies) that serve as both harborage and food source for navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), is the foundation for control in almonds and pistachios. Sometimes sanitation is ineffective and needs to be augmented. Trials in almonds and pistachios were conducted early October 2005–2006 to determine if insecticides applied postharvest could augment sanitation, and in almonds late March to early May 2016–2020 to establish their duration of control.

RESULTS

Early October sprays reduced adult emergence by as much as 81.5% in pistachios, but reduction was only 32.4% in almonds. Trapping before almond hull split revealed that 55% of adult emergence occurred between 15 April and 1 June, indicating that an insecticide with a six week duration of control could reduce successful oviposition and neonate establishment. Five insecticides applied from late March to early May belonging to four Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) groups decreased survival for at least six weeks, and some lasted as long as 10 weeks. By contrast, the duration of control in contact bioassays was far shorter.

CONCLUSION

Insecticides applied from late March to early May successfully reduced the survival of A. transitella in almond mummies for as long as 10 weeks postapplication, and there was a positive relationship between reduction in survival and kernel damage. If these insecticides are applied during mid‐ to late April, postbloom and before hull split, they can substantially eliminate almond mummies as a resource for 55% of the spring flight of A. transitella.
Structure of the Surface Region of Stainless Steel: Bulk and Thin Films
Authors: Garai Debi , Wilson Axel , Carlomagno Ilaria , Meneghini Carlo , Carla Francesco , Hussain Hadeel , Gupta Ajay , Zegenhagen Jörg
Published: February 2022

The surface region of austenitic stainless steel (SS) is investigated by synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements, because its composition and structure are crucial for the corrosion resistance of SS. Grazing incidence XRPD of a polished AISI 304 bulk steel sample shows that the near‐surface structure is modified. The concentration of the ferrite phase of Fe, a typical minority phase in AISI 304, increases gradually from 10% to 30% when approaching the surface from 150 nm depth. XANES Fe K‐edge investigations of ultrathin, sputter‐deposited films also reveal much larger ferrite fractions than expected from the austenitic steel composition of the films. Reasons for the increased ferrite fraction in the surface region of bulk steel and thin films are discussed. However, right at the surface, the trend reverses. Analysis of XANES data for an ultrathin, 4 nm SS film shows that 80% of Fe is oxidized and 20% of metallic Fe is present only in austenite structure, suggesting that ferritic iron is preferentially subject to oxidation. The austenitic Fe is located at more than 2–3 nm below the surface where the Ni concentration is >10%.
Electronic Properties and Lattice Dynamics of LixCoO2 and NaxCoO2 (x = 0, 0.5, 1) Studied by Hybrid Density Functional Theory
Authors: Mattila Nina , Karttunen Antti J.
Published: February 2022

A systematic hybrid density functional theory study on the electronic and vibrational properties of MxCoO2 compounds with M = Li, Na and is reported. The used DFT‐PBE0 method describes the structural parameters of the studied compounds well in comparison to experimental data. All studied magnetic species are treated as ferromagnets and the Co(IV) atoms possess a magnetic moment of 1.2 μB. At 0 K, favors a monoclinic structure very close to trigonal symmetry and behaves as a Mott insulator. The electronic bandgap increases as x increases from 0 to 1. The simulated infrared and Raman spectra together with full phonon dispersion relations show that the intercalation of Li and Na ions affects the lattice dynamics of CoO2 in a different way.
Biodegradation dynamics disparity between n‐alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the vadose zone: A critical review
Authors: Galperin Yakov , Odencrantz Joseph E.
Published: February 2022

In the shallow terrestrial subsurface, bioavailability often controls biodegradation rates of various hydrophobic organic pollutants, such as hydrocarbons. Microorganism‐mediated depletion of n‐alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the vadose zone proceeds with distinctively different rates and kinetics. The observed disparity in biodegradation dynamics between these two classes of hydrocarbons are described here in terms of the Best equation, which allows for a complex process of hydrocarbon contaminant depletion to be explained in terms of the physically relevant processes. This equation combines terms describing contributions of two key elements of hydrocarbon biodegradation—the intrinsic catabolic activity of microorganisms and the mass transfer process delivering substrate to active microorganisms. If substrate supply is slow, biodegradation process is availability‐limited because microorganisms consume the substrate faster than it can be delivered. Conversely, when the mass transfer of substrate is faster than the microbial consumption, biodegradation rate tends to be controlled by metabolic kinetics.

The evaluation conducted in this study ascertains that the critical factor limiting the rate and extent of PAH biodegradation is the mass transfer rather than the intrinsic microbial activity that appears to govern the rate of n‐alkane biodegradation. The specifics of mass transfer are determined by the magnitude of the substrate–soil interactions. Whereas sorption of n‐alkanes is controlled by weak hydrophobic and van der Waals forces, PAHs tend to bind to the soil matrix by much stronger electron‐donor–acceptor interactions. Stronger interactions between aromatic compounds and soil components translate into the higher activation energies for desorption of PAHs and therefore a slower mass transfer process. This aspect of the substrate–soil interaction explains a more prominent effect of mass transfer limitation on biodegradation dynamics of PAHs compared to that of the corresponding n‐alkanes.
Having a prevention regulatory focus longitudinally predicted distress and health‐protective behaviours during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rodrigues David L. , Lopes Diniz , Balzarini Rhonda N.
Published: February 2022

People focussed on prevention (vs. promotion) are motivated by safety and are less inclined to take risks. We tested if having a prevention (vs. promotion) focus before the COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak predicted threat perceptions and health outcomes throughout the pandemic. Participants (N = 161) took part in a longitudinal study. Measures were assessed before the pandemic was declared (on November 2019, T1) and after a global pandemic was declared (on June 2020, T2). Participants who were more focussed on prevention prior to the onset of the pandemic (at T1) perceived greater risk and were more worried about contracting COVID‐19, and engaged in more preventive behaviours during the pandemic (at T2). They also reported less anxiety and felt healthier later on (at T2). Exploratory analyses revealed that enacting preventive behaviours helped people cope with pandemic‐related anxiety. Being motivated by security and enacting preventive behaviours seems to have helped people reduce anxiety over risk even during the pandemic.
Fish‐Wearable Data Snooping Platform for Underwater Energy Harvesting and Fish Behavior Monitoring
Authors: Wang Xingling , Shi Yuxiang , Yang Peng , Tao Xinglin , Li Shuyao , Lei Rui , Liu Zhaoqi , Wang Zhong Lin , Chen Xiangyu
Published: February 2022

Conventional approaches to studying fish kinematics pose a great challenge for the real‐time monitoring of fish motion kinematics. Here, a multifunctional fish‐wearable data snooping platform (FDSP) for studying fish kinematics is demonstrated based on an air sac triboelectric nanogenerator (AS‐TENG) with antibacterial coating. The AS‐TENG not only can harvest energy from fish swimming but also serves as the self‐powered sensory module to monitor the swimming behavior of the fish. The peak output power generated from each swing of the fishtail can reach 0.74 mW, while its output voltage can reflect the real‐time behavior of the fishtail. The antibacterial coating on the FDSP can improve its biocompatibility and the elastic texture of the FDSP allows it to be tightly attached to fish. The wireless communication system is designed to transmit the sensory data to a cell phone, where the detailed parameters of fish motion can be obtained, including swing angle, swing frequency, and even the typical swing gestures. This FDSP has broad application prospects in underwater self‐powered sensors, wearable tracking devices, and soft robots.
Study design quality of research on dogs published in peer‐reviewed journals
Authors: Schulte Evelyn , Arlt Sebastian P.
Published: February 2022

Background

In the past it has been criticised that only a low proportion of well‐designed and well‐reported studies in some medical specialities is available. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the quality of literature about canine medicine published in peer‐reviewed journals in relation to six specific veterinary medicine specialities.

Methods

A literature search was conducted and 25 studies per speciality were selected. The quality of the articles (n = 150) published between 2007 and 2019 was evaluated with a validated checklist.

Results

In articles related to all specialities, deficits were found, such as not adequate number of animals in 60.0% of the studies. In 88.0%, information about housing and feeding of the dogs were not specified. In 69.4% of the prospective clinical studies, an ethical approval was reported, and written informed consent of the owners was obtained in 46.2%.

Conclusions

The findings revealed extensive deficits in the design and reporting of studies in canine medicine. The demand for improvement is obvious and should be addressed by authors, reviewers and journal editors in the future. Our results underline that practitioners should critically appraise the quality of literature before implementing information into practice.