bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of testing and social distancing measures on COVID‐19 deaths in India: Role of pre‐existing socio‐economic factors
Authors: Jain Ritika , Chatterjee Tirtha
Published: June 2022

We examine the effect of testing and social distancing measures on the severity of COVID19 across Indian states during the 68th day nationwide lockdown period. We also explore whether pre‐existing socio‐economic factors such as quality of health care and the ability to practice social distancing influences the effect of these policy measures across states. Using daily level data between April 1 and May 31 for 18 of the major states, we find that both testing and social distancing have a negative effect on COVID‐19 fatalities in India. Further, testing is more helpful in reducing CFR for states with lower per capita health expenditure and weaker medical infrastructure. This highlights how ramping up testing can aid states that have a weak health care system through the detection of infection, contact tracing and isolation. In contrast, social distancing measures are more effective in states that are less populous and have lesser people dwelling in single‐room houses. Our results confirm the role of pre‐existing institutional factors in shaping the effect of policy actions on health outcomes.
Progressive stages of dysmetabolism are associated with impaired biological features of human cardiac stromal cells mediated by the oxidative state and autophagy
Authors: Pagano Francesca , Picchio Vittorio , Bordin Antonella , Cavarretta Elena , Nocella Cristina , Cozzolino Claudia , Floris Erica , Angelini Francesco , Sordano Alessia , Peruzzi Mariangela , Miraldi Fabio , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , De Falco Elena , Carnevale Roberto , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Frati Giacomo , Chimenti Isotta
Published: June 2022

Cardiac stromal cells (CSCs) are the main players in fibrosis. Dysmetabolic conditions (metabolic syndrome—MetS, and type 2 diabetes mellitus—DM2) are strong pathogenetic contributors to cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, modulation of the oxidative state (OxSt) and autophagy is a fundamental function affecting the fibrotic commitment of CSCs, that are adversely modulated in MetS/DM2. We aimed to characterize CSCs from dysmetabolic patients, and to obtain a beneficial phenotypic setback from such fibrotic commitment by modulation of OxSt and autophagy. CSCs were isolated from 38 patients, stratified as MetS, DM2, or controls. Pharmacological modulation of OxSt and autophagy was obtained by treatment with trehalose and NOX4/NOX5 inhibitors (TREiNOX). Flow‐cytometry and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analyses showed significantly increased expression of myofibroblasts markers in MetS‐CSCs at baseline (GATA4, ACTA2, THY1/CD90) and after starvation (COL1A1, COL3A1). MetS‐ and DM2‐CSCs displayed a paracrine profile distinct from control cells, as evidenced by screening of 30 secreted cytokines, with a significant reduction in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endoglin confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). DM2‐CSCs showed significantly reduced support for endothelial cells in angiogenic assays, and significantly increased H2O2 release and NOX4/5 expression levels. Autophagy impairment after starvation (reduced ATG7 and LC3‐II proteins) was also detectable in DM2‐CSCs. TREiNOX treatment significantly reduced ACTA2, COL1A1, COL3A1, and NOX4 expression in both DM2‐ and MetS‐CSCs, as well as GATA4 and THY1/CD90 in DM2, all versus control cells. Moreover, TREiNOX significantly increased VEGF release by DM2‐CSCs, and VEGF and endoglin release by both MetS‐ and DM2‐CSCs, also recovering the angiogenic support to endothelial cells by DM2‐CSCs. In conclusion, DM2 and MetS worsen microenvironmental conditioning by CSCs. Appropriate modulation of autophagy and OxSt in human CSCs appears to restore these features, mostly in DM2‐CSCs, suggesting a novel strategy against cardiac fibrosis in dysmetabolic patients. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Epoxy composites with high thermal conduction routes via in situ constructing “pea‐pod‐like” alumina‐boron nitride 3D structure
Authors: Zhao Yalin , Wu Zhixiong , Zhou Zhengrong , Miao Zhicong , Huang Rongjin , Li Laifeng
Published: June 2022

High thermal conductivity polymer materials are highly desirable for thermal management applications in electrical encapsulation and energy fields. The construction of three‐dimensional thermal conductivity structure has become an attractive method to improve the thermal conductivity of polymers. However, traditional methods for constructing 3D structures use prefabricated thermal conductivity models. Herein, we take epoxy resin as matrix, through the cooperation of sheet BN and spherical Al2O3 to in situ construct a “pea‐pod‐like” 3D thermal network, to prepare high thermal conductivity Al2O3‐BN‐Epoxy (ABE) composites. Compared with pure epoxy resin, the thermal conductivity of the ABE composites and the random Al2O3‐BN‐Epoxy (R‐ABE) composite is increased by 257% and 63%, respectively. And it still has a high thermal conductivity at low temperatures (696% enhancement at 60 K) for ABE60% composite. This method of in situ construction of 3D thermal conductivity networks is of great significance in the development and application of thermal management materials.
Effect of long‐term stress aging on aluminum‐BFRP hybrid adhesive joint's mechanical performance: Static and dynamic loading scenarios
Authors: Ulus Hasan , Kaybal Halil Burak , Cacık Fatih , Eskizeybek Volkan , Avcı Ahmet
Published: June 2022

Composite‐aluminum hybrid adhesive joints represent an ideal solution for designing lightweight structures for the marine industry. However, seawater aging is a serious concern, limiting the safe service life of the joint. Notably, efforts to understand the impact of aging have largely focused on the short‐term periods without considering actual operating conditions. Here, we report the mechanical performance of hybrid joints subjected to the long‐term stress aging. Besides, we modified the epoxy adhesive with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to limit the aging driven adhesive degradation and improve the adhesive's rigidity. We evaluated mechanical performances of hybrid joints by performing tensile, flexural, and drop‐weight impact tests. While we increased the load‐carrying capacity by over 25% with the HNTs modification before the stress aging process, modified adhesive withstood almost 55% higher tensile load than the neat epoxy adhesive after six‐month stress aging. The modified adhesive also absorbed 41% less impact energy, indicating the efficiency of HNTs on limiting the degradation due to the stress aging. Furthermore, the damage mode transformed from adhesion to cohesion, thanks to the improved adhesive‐composite interface performance. We envisage that these exciting results will pave the way for designing robust hybrid joints for the marine industry.
In situ synthesis of boron nitride “nanonoodles” based epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced thermal and dielectric properties
Authors: Miao Zhicong , Wu Zhixiong , Wang Tao , Zhao Yalin , Zhou Zhengrong , Zhang Siyi , Su Haojian , Huang Rongjin , Li Laifeng
Published: June 2022

The development of low loading fraction nanoscale reinforcements that can be used to improve the dielectric and thermal properties of a polymer remains a challenge by the reason of the insurmountable difficulties with exfoliation and dispersion of polymer nanocomposites. Here, we combined noodle‐like boron nitride nanoribbons (BNNRs) with epoxy resin (EP) by a facile in situ synthesis. The hydroxyl and amino on the BNNRs surface can not only improve dispersibility but also conduct the formation of EP with BNNRs by the in situ ring‐opening reaction. The thermal behavior, dielectric properties, and thermal conductivity of BNNRs/EP nanocomposites with different BNNRs contents were investigated. At an extremely low BNNRs loading fraction of 1 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite increased 48%, which is attributed to the long continuous heat conduction path formed by the strong integration of BNNRs and EP. In addition, the electrical breakdown strength increased from 95.58 to 159.17 kV·mm−1 as the BNNRs content increased, while the nanocomposites maintained acceptable dielectric properties. The results indicate the potential for BNNRs as a new class of nanofiller for dielectric polymers.
Large scale population screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—Predictable and unpredictable challenges
Authors: Cohen Gal , Shtorch‐Asor Atalia , Ben‐Shachar Shay , Goldfarb‐Yaacobi Racheli , Kaiser Meirav , Rosenfeld Revital , Vinovezky Mika , Irge Dana , Furman Yael , Reiss Dafni , Litz‐Philipsborn Shira , Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka
Published: June 2022

Objective

Large deletions and duplications account for 65%–80% of pathogenic Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) variants. A nationwide carrier screening for DMD was initiated in Israel in 2020. We assessed the carrier rate and spectrum of variants detected in a cohort of women screened for DMD carrier status and analyzed screening efficacy and challenges related to DMD population screening.

Methods

A cohort of 12,362 women were tested at a single institute using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification based copy number analysis of the 79 DMD exons. Consecutive sequencing of the primer region was performed when a single exon deletion was suspected.

Results

Deletions involving multiple exons were detected in seven cases and duplications involving multiple exons were found in four. Of these, nine were pathogenic based on previous reports and familial segregation testing, translating to a carrier rate of 1:1374. A family history was reported in three cases. Single exon deletions were suspected in 81 cases; further sequencing detected a single nucleotide variant affecting probe hybridization. These cases clustered according to ethnic origin.

Discussion

Population screening for DMD has a significant yield. Most carriers did not report a family history of dystrophinopathies. Screening should be adjusted for methodological limitations. Some cases may require extensive genetic counseling and work‐up.
Use of α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists tamsulosin and alfuzosin and the risk of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Latvala Laura , Tiihonen Miia , Murtola Teemu J. , Hartikainen Sirpa , Tolppanen Anna‐Maija
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Tamsulosin has been associated with dementia, but the results have been inconsistent. Concerns have been raised about using exposure assessment time too close to the outcome. We investigated the association between use of α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists indicated for benign prostate hyperplasia and risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using different exposure windows.

Methods

The study (24 602 cases and 98 397 matched controls) included men from the Finnish nationwide nested case–control study on Medication and Alzheimer's disease (MEDALZ). Cases received clinically verified AD diagnosis during 2005–2011 and were community‐dwelling at the time of diagnosis. Use of tamsulosin and alfuzosin in 1995–2011 was identified from the Prescription Register and categorized based on whether it had occurred within 3 years before AD diagnosis (lag time) or before that. Dose–response analysis using defined daily doses of drug (DDDs) was conducted. Associations were investigated with conditional logistic regression, adjusted for confounders and mediators.

Results

The use of α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists before lag time associated with an increased risk of AD (OR 1.24 [1.20–1.27]). After adjustment for comorbidities and concomitant drug use throughout the assessment time (confounders) and healthcare contacts within the lag period (mediators), the association weakened (aOR 1.10 [1.06–1.14]). We found no evidence of dose–response‐relationship when comparing the users of higher than median DDDs to the users of lower than median DDDs.

Conclusion

Our findings, especially the lack of dose–response‐relationship and attenuation after mediator adjustment, do not provide strong support for the previous hypothesis on α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists as a risk factor for dementia.
Fostering social connectedness among adolescents and adults with autism: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Tomfohrde Olivia , Hudock Rebekah L. , Kremer Kalli B. , Fatiha Nusroon , Weiler Lindsey
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States. Common characteristics of ASD are marked deficits in communication and social connectedness. As autistic children approach adolescence, there is a lack of interventions available to them. Mentoring can provide adolescents with a relationship that facilitates social connectedness with another person who has a shared life experience, filling a gap in services. The Autism Mentorship Program (AMP) was designed to provide autistic adolescents a meaningful relationship with an autistic young adult. Via participation in focus groups, mentees (n = 5), mentors (n = 6), and parents of mentees (n = 6) shared their experience of participating in an afterschool, youth mentoring intervention. Themes were developed from an open coding procedure. Results showed that AMP was associated with helping mentees find social connection within their mentoring relationship and among the group of mentees. Mentors also reported mutual benefits in social connectedness. Perceived benefits of the program, including improved academic performance, and suggestions for future programming are reported. AMP appears to be a promising program that provides social benefits for adolescents with ASD who may have few options for this type of support.
The effect of phubbing, a behavioral problem, on academic procrastination: The mediating and moderating role of academic self‐efficacy
Authors: Parmaksız İzzet
Published: June 2022

Our preoccupation with smartphones affects our attitudes. Our changing attitudes also create disruptions in our daily routines. Smartphones, the most common technological device we use, have exposed individuals to phubbing behavior. The behavioral problem we define as phubbing causes disruptions and procrastination in our academic responsibilities. In this study, the relationship between phubbing frequency and academic procrastination tendencies of students and the effect of academic self‐efficacy on this relationship were performed. For this purpose, in this study, the mediator and moderator role of academic self‐efficacy in the relationship between academic procrastination and phubbing was examined. The study group of the research consisted of 518 students in late adolescence from Turkey. 323 (62.4%) of the participants were females and 195 (37.6%) of them were males (Mage = 19.4 years). They completed questionnaires measuring phubbing tendency, academic procrastination, academic self‐efficacy, and personal information form. It was found that academic self‐efficacy was a partial mediator in the relationship between academic procrastination and phubbing. In addition, academic self‐efficacy also had a moderator effect. According to these results, it can be said that the acquisition of academic self‐efficacy can reduce the negative effects of phubbing, which is a behavioral problem, and the tendency to academic procrastination.
Just try it: Preliminary results of a six‐month therapy for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Martin Sylvia , Del‐Monte Jonathan
Published: June 2022

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is labeled as a personality disorder with impulsivity issues regarding relationships, risky behavior, and emotional dysregulation. This personality disorder is still considered to be hard‐to‐treat condition even though responses to treatment have improved significantly. In this field, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is recognized as one of the most efficient therapeutical approaches, and some versions adapted from this gold‐standard treatment proved their effectiveness in clinical settings. We tested the 6‐month cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol ECCCLORE, composed of three modules, respectively, working on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and relationships—in a French context to compare its effectiveness to Treatment As Usual. We recruited 56 patients with a BPD diagnosis in a day‐care unit, 34 receiving ECCCLORE and 22 receiving TAU. We assessed BPD traits, impulsivity, aggressiveness, suicidal risk, and hopelessness. Our results revealed the effectiveness of the 6‐month ECCCLORE protocol to decrease BPD symptoms and associated clinical dimensions. We also noted the persistence of its effect after a 1‐year follow‐up. Shortened CBT treatment protocols tend to prove their efficiency for symptom reduction in BPD. Further research is needed to replicate these results.
Depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer patients: Ties to pain, fatigue, and inflammation
Authors: Renna Megan E. , Shrout M. Rosie , Madison Annelise A. , Alfano Catherine M. , Povoski Stephen P. , Lipari Adele M. , Carson William E. , Malarkey William B. , Kiecolt‐Glaser Janice K.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Colorectal cancer poses a significant threat to both psychological and physical health. This study examined relationships between anxiety and depressive symptoms with pain, fatigue, and inflammation among colorectal patients.

Methods

Colorectal cancer patients (n = 88, stages 0‐IV) completed a laboratory‐based study visit before undergoing adjuvant cancer treatment. Patients completed questionnaires assessing depressive, anxiety, pain, and fatigue symptoms. A blood sample was also collected to measure c‐reactive protein (CRP). Analyses controlled for age, sex, cancer stage, body mass index (BMI), and menopause status.

Results

Multiple linear regression analyses showed colorectal patients with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms had greater pain, fatigue, and CRP (ps < 0.03). Approximately one‐third of patients with clinically significant depressive (CESD >16) and anxiety symptoms (BAI >16) also had clinically‐elevated levels of CRP (>3 mg/L) (ps = 0.02).

Conclusion

These results extend findings from other cancer subgroups showing heightened symptom burden among patients with depression and anxiety. They also highlight the detrimental role that elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms may play in the physical and biological side effects associated with colorectal cancer.
The prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with ostomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Farahani Mansoureh Ashghali , Sargolzaei Mohammad Sadegh , Shariatpanahi Shabnam , Dehkordi Ali Hasanpour , Dalvand Pegah , Heidari‐Beni Farshad
Published: June 2022

Aim

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with ostomy is reported differently. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to estimate the global prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with ostomy.

Method

A systematic search of Embase, Proquest, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science (ISI) databases was conducted from January 1990 up to 5 May 2021. A total of 3392 records were retrieved and 18 studies were ultimately included. Two reviewers independently assessed full‐text of articles according to predefined criteria. A random‐effects model was used to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression and I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Subgroup analysis and mea‐regression were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO and is available online. Data analysis was performed using R software version 4.3.1.

Results

In this study, the pooled prevalence of anxiety was 47.60% (95% CI, 29.94–65.26) and the pooled prevalence of depression was 38.86% (95% CI, 29.29–48.43). The subgroup analysis showed the prevalence of anxiety and depression in different regions was not significantly different (p = 0.854, p = 0.143 respectively). Nevertheless, the highest and lowest prevalence of anxiety were in Asia and the America 51.79% and 32.69%, respectively and the highest and lowest prevalence depression were in Asia with 49.80% and Europe with 26.77%, respectively.

Conclusion

The finding of this study showed the global prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with ostomy is high. Therefore, all health care providers who deal with these patients should use appropriate psychological strategies, techniques and interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in these patients.
pH‐Responsive Pt@mSiO2@CaP Core–Shell Nanoplatforms for Synergistic Chemo‐ and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wang Junlei , Li Danyang , Xu Qing , Wang Haijiao , Liang Chengfeng , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Shi‐Bin , Chen Aizheng , Jiang Nina
Published: June 2022

Platinum/mesoporous silica/amorphous calcium phosphate core–shell nanoplatforms (Pt@mSiO2@CaP) are prepared for near‐infrared light‐triggered photothermal therapy and pH‐responsive chemotherapy. In the core–shell nanoplatforms, the Pt cores with flower‐like shapes exhibit broadband near‐infrared light absorption, which endows the nanoplatforms with a remarkable photothermal performance under 808 nm laser irradiation. The mesoporous SiO2 intermediate layers offer accessible channels for drug loading. The drug release from the SiO2 intermediate layers is driven by the acidic environment of tumor cells owing to the biodegradability of the CaP outermost layer. The hyperthermia generated by the Pt cores accelerates the drug release, thereby increasing intracellular drug concentration. A marked synergistic therapeutic effect of chemo‐ and photothermal therapy in vitro is demonstrated using the DOX‐loaded Pt@mSiO2@CaP. The design of the three‐layer core–shell nanoplatforms points out a way to the synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials and extends to theranostic applications.
Effective dominance and redundant killing of single‐ and dual‐gene resistant populations of Helicoverpa zea on pyramided Bt corn and cotton
Authors: Santiago‐González José C , Kerns David L , Head Graham P , Yang Fei
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops producing multiple Bt proteins with different modes of action are widely planted in the United States. Helicoverpa zea is a major target pest of pyramided Bt crops and has evolved practical resistance to both Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in some regions of U.S. However, little information is available regarding redundant killing and the dominance of resistance for insects possessing multiple resistance on pyramided Bt crops. In this study, we evaluated redundant killing and the dominance of resistance for H. zea strains resistant to Cry1 or Cry1 + Cry2 on pyramided Bt corn and cotton.

RESULTS

We found that the Cry1‐resistant H. zea was incompletely dominant on Cry1Ac + Cry1F cotton. Pyramided crops producing Cry2 and/or Vip3Aa proteins showed a complete redundant killing against the Cry1‐resistant H. zea. The Cry1 + Cry2‐resistant H. zea displayed incompletely recessive to completely dominant resistance on pyramided Bt crops containing Cry1 and/or Cry2 proteins. The redundant killing was complete for the Cry1 + Cry2‐resistant H. zea on pyramided Bt crops producing Vip3Aa protein.

CONCLUSION

The dominant resistance of Cry1 and Cry2 in H. zea on pyramided Bt crops deviates from the assumption of functionally recessive resistance underlying the high‐dose refuge strategy. However, the assumptions of complete redundant killing are achieved for both Cry1‐ and Cry1 + Cry2‐resistant H. zea on pyramided Bt crops. These results suggest that the pyramided strategy could be valuable for increasing the durability of Bt technology for managing H. zea, a pest with inherently low susceptibility against Cry proteins. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Study on the Effect of Thermal Shock on Al‐Doped ZnO Films
Authors: Kong Lingqiang , Sun Ximei , Mo Zhao , Liu Zhixiang , Tang Yunqing
Published: June 2022

Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) films are fabricated on Si wafer and quartz glass by radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. 2 × 2 × 2 AZO supercells are built and analyzed using first principles based on density functional theory. The thermal shock is performed on AZO with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 shocks according to photoelectric testing standards. After the thermal shock, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the (002) diffraction peaks are relatively stable, and the obvious (100) preferential orientation is observed under 10 shocks, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and XRD show the structures of AZO films have little change and maintain hexagonal wurtzite structure, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows the Zn 2p binding energy all shift to the higher energy, indicating the high oxygen content in shocked AZO films. The simulation results show that the bandgaps decrease and the Fermi energy moves slightly to conduction band minimum after thermal shock. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the transmittance of AZO degrades significantly due to the increase in oxygen concentration, which means the thermal factor is adverse to photodetectors and solar cells related to light absorption and transmission.
Systematic Field Electron Emission Investigations of Vapor‐Phase‐Grown Sb2Te3Nanosheets
Authors: Bhopale Somnath R. , More Mahendra A.
Published: June 2022

Micron‐sized Sb2Te3nanosheets are grown on p‐type Si substrate by facile vapor‐phase route. Physicochemical properties of the Sb2Te3nanosheets are revealed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Owing to their high aspect ratio, field emission (FE) characteristics of the Sb2Te3nanosheets grown on Si substrate (termed as a “planar emitter”) are investigated. Furthermore, the FE behavior of a single Sb2Te3nanosheet attached to a blunt tungsten needle is studied. The single nanosheet emitter exhibited superior emission behavior in contrast to the planar emitter. The Fowler–Nordheim (F–N) plot for the single nanosheet emitter exhibits linear nature, whereas for the planar emitter it shows deviation from linearity. An attempt has been made to reveal the FE properties of a single Sb2Te3nanosheet in an “in‐plane” configuration, similar to the vacuum field emission transistor (VFET). In this case, a maximum emission current of 1 μA is observed at 290 V, which is comparable to other VFETs. The observed results clearly imply the potential of the single nanosheet emitters due to topological insulators, like Sb2Te3, for the development of new generation nanoscale vacuum electronic devices.
Phase Stability, Elastic and Electronic Properties of Ni3Ti Intermetallic Doped with Mn and Fe: First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Jiang Xinjun , Bai Jing , Li Yansong , Sun Shaodong , Guan Ziqi , Gu Jianglong , Cong Daoyong , Zhang Yudong , Esling Claude , Zhao Xiang , Zuo Liang
Published: June 2022

Herein, the phase stability, elastic and electronic properties of the (Ni, Mn, Fe)3Ti precipitation in Fe‐doped Ni–Mn–Ti alloy are systematically investigated by the first‐principles calculations. The results show that the doped Mn and Fe prefer to occupy the Ni site of the Ni3Ti phase, and they reduce the stability of the pure Ni3Ti. In addition, the elastic constants C
ij
of Ni3−x−y
Mn
x
Fe
y
Ti (x = 0, 0.25; y = 0, 0.25) are calculated and the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Pugh's ratio are deduced from C
ij
. The doped Mn and Fe reduce the mechanical properties of the pure Ni3Ti phase; however, the shear modulus and Young's modulus of the Ni3−x−y
Mn
x
Fe
y
Ti (x = 0, 0.25; y = 0, 0.25) second phases are still much stronger than those of the matrix phase Ni2MnTi. Further analysis of the magnetic properties and electronic structures shows that the doped Fe and Mn increase the magnetic moment of the Ni3Ti phase.
The role of macrophages in right ventricular remodeling in experimental pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Gu Sue , Mickael Claudia , Kumar Rahul , Lee Michael H. , Sanders Linda , Kassa Biruk , Harral Julie , Williams Jason , Hansen Kirk C. , Stenmark Kurt R. , Tuder Rubin M. , Graham Brian B.
Published: June 2022

Right ventricular (RV) failure is the primary cause of death in pulmonary hypertension (PH), but the mechanisms of RV failure are not well understood. We hypothesized macrophages in the RV contribute to the RV response in PH. We induced PH in mice with hypoxia (FiO2 10%) and Schistosoma mansoni exposure, and in rats with SU5416‐hypoxia. We quantified cardiac macrophages in mice using flow cytometry. Parabiosis between congenic CD45.1/.2 mice or Cx3cr1‐green fluorescent protein and wild‐type mice was used to quantify circulation‐derived macrophages in experimental PH conditions. We administered clodronate liposomes to Sugen hypoxia (SU‐Hx) exposed rats to deplete macrophages and evaluated the effect on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and capillary network in the RV. In hypoxia exposed mice, the overall number of macrophages did not significantly change but two macrophage subpopulations increased. Parabiosis identified populations of RV macrophages that at steady state is derived from the circulation, with one subpopulation that significantly increased with PH stimuli. Clodronate treatment of SU‐Hx rats resulted in a change in the RV ECM, without altering the RV vasculature, and correlated with improved RV function. Populations of RV macrophages increase and contribute to RV remodeling in PH, including through regulation of the RV ECM.
New impact diagnostics for cross‐validation of different observation types
Authors: Stiller Olaf
Published: June 2022

New cross‐validation diagnostics have been derived by further partitioning well‐established impact diagnostics. They are related to consistency relations, the most prominent of which indicates whether the first‐guess departures of a given observation type pull the model state into the direction of the verifying data (when processed with the ensemble estimated model error covariances). Alternatively, this can be regarded as cross‐validation between model error covariance estimates from the ensemble (which are used in the data assimilation system) and estimates diagnosed directly from the observations. A statistical cross‐validation tool has been developed that includes an indicator of statistical significance as well as a normalization that makes the statistical comparison largely independent from the total number of data and the closeness of their collocation. We also present a version of these diagnostics related to single‐observation experiments that exploits the same consistency relations but is easier to compute. Diagnostics computed within the Deutscher Wetterdienst's localized ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) are presented for various kinds of bins. Results from well‐established in‐situ measurements are taken as a benchmark for more complex observations. Good agreement is found for radio‐occultation bending angle measurements, whereas atmospheric motion vectors are generally also beneficial but substantially less optimal than the corresponding in‐situ measurements. This is consistent with reported atmospheric motion vector height assignment problems. To illustrate its potential, a recent example is given where the method allowed identifying bias problems of a subgroup of aircraft measurements.

Another diagnostic relationship compares the information content of the analysis increments with a theoretical optimum. From this, the information content of the LETKF increments is found to be considerably lower than those of the deterministic hybrid ensemble–variational system, which is consistent with the LETKF's limitation to the comparably low‐dimensional ensemble space for finding the optimal analysis.
Cover crop monocultures and mixtures affect soil health indicators and crop yield in the southeast United States
Authors: Decker Hannah L. , Gamble Audrey V. , Balkcom Kipling S. , Johnson Anna M. , Hull Noah R.
Published: June 2022

The southeastern United States has a long history of soil degradation due to intensive agriculture and climatic factors. Conservation management practices such as cover cropping aim to improve soil productivity and restore soil health. Our objectives were to evaluate the performance of cover crops and their short‐term effects on soil health indicators for two southeastern soil types. Cover crop experiments were conducted at the Wiregrass (WREC) and Tennessee Valley (TVREC) Research and Extension Centers in Alabama from 2017 to 2021. Cover crop treatments included winter fallow, monocultures, and two‐ and three‐way mixtures of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and forage radish (Raphanus sativus L.) preceding a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)–legume {peanut [Arachis hypogaea L.] or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]} cash crop rotation. At TVREC, aboveground biomass for both rye and clover were greater than radish. All cover crops, except the radish monoculture, increased soil organic carbon (SOC) 19–30% in the top 5 cm at TVREC compared with winter fallow. Similarly, some cover crop treatments increased permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) compared with the fallow control. However, this effect was not observed at WREC. Cover crops did not produce many meaningful aggregate stability differences at either location. Treatments containing rye or clover decreased soil strength. by 14–22% at TVREC after 4 yr of cover crop utilization. Short‐term cover crop use improved selected soil health indicators and reversed soil degradation at one location evaluated, but these benefits were dependent on soil type and cover crop selection.
Soil mean‐weight diameter and stability index under contrasting tillage systems for cotton production in North Carolina
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J.
Published: June 2022

Coarse‐textured soils are typically not highly aggregated due to low surface reactivity of sand‐sized grains. However, soil erosion and surface sealing can still be a concern from frequently tilled soil in relatively flat landscapes of the Coastal Plain and Flatwoods of the southeastern United States. Soil at 0‐to‐10‐cm depth was sampled from 120 randomly chosen cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields in North Carolina, which could be separated into three categories of tillage system: frequent disk tillage, rotated conservation and disk tillage, and continuous conservation tillage. This study assessed soil stability index derived using (a) mean‐weight diameter (MWD) following water immersion and oscillation for 10 min relative to that of (b) MWD following dry sieving of soil. This whole‐soil analysis had significant variation in soil stability index (interquartile range of 0.58 to 0.95 mm mm–1) along a sand concentration gradient, but that was differentiated by tillage system. The strongest association of MWD from dry‐stable crumbs (r = .71, p < .001) and of MWD from water‐stable crumbs (r = .65, p < .001) occurred with soil‐test biological activity, suggesting that organic C resources near the soil surface with continuous conservation tillage promoted both biological activity and soil stability. Physical manipulation of soil by biota (i.e., fauna, microbes, and roots) into water‐stable crumbs was a consequence of continuously undisturbed organic C resources near the soil surface, which also led to greater soil‐test biological activity and net N mineralization.
Improved nonparametric penalized maximum likelihood estimation for arbitrarily censored survival data
Authors: Tubbs Justin D. , Chen Lane G. , Thach Thuan‐Quoc , Sham Pak C.
Published: June 2022

Nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation encompasses a group of classic methods to estimate distribution‐associated functions from potentially censored and truncated data, with extensive applications in survival analysis. These methods, including the Kaplan‐Meier estimator and Turnbull's method, often result in overfitting, especially when the sample size is small. We propose an improvement to these methods by applying kernel smoothing to their raw estimates, based on a BIC‐type loss function that balances the trade‐off between optimizing model fit and controlling model complexity. In the context of a longitudinal study with repeated observations, we detail our proposed smoothing procedure and optimization algorithm. With extensive simulation studies over multiple realistic scenarios, we demonstrate that our smoothing‐based procedure provides better overall accuracy in both survival function estimation and individual‐level time‐to‐event prediction (imputation) by reducing overfitting. Our smoothing procedure decreases the bias (discrepancy between the estimated and true simulated survival function) using interval‐censored data by up to 48% compared to the raw un‐smoothed estimate, with similar improvements of up to 34% and 23% in within‐sample and out‐of‐sample prediction, respectively. Our smoothing algorithm also demonstrates significant overall improvement across all three metrics when compared to a popular semiparametric B‐splines estimation method. Finally, we apply our method to real data on censored breast cancer diagnosis, which similarly shows improvement when compared to empirical survival estimates from uncensored data. We provide an R package, SISE, for implementing our penalized likelihood method.
Estimands for factorial trials
Authors: Kahan Brennan C. , Morris Tim P. , Goulão Beatriz , Carpenter James
Published: June 2022

Factorial trials offer an efficient method to evaluate multiple interventions in a single trial, however the use of additional treatments can obscure research objectives, leading to inappropriate analytical methods and interpretation of results. We define a set of estimands for factorial trials, and describe a framework for applying these estimands, with the aim of clarifying trial objectives and ensuring appropriate primary and sensitivity analyses are chosen. This framework is intended for use in factorial trials where the intent is to conduct “two‐trials‐in‐one” (ie, to separately evaluate the effects of treatments A and B), and is comprised of four steps: (i) specifying how additional treatment(s) (eg, treatment B) will be handled in the estimand, and how intercurrent events affecting the additional treatment(s) will be handled; (ii) designating the appropriate factorial estimator as the primary analysis strategy; (iii) evaluating the interaction to assess the plausibility of the assumptions underpinning the factorial estimator; and (iv) performing a sensitivity analysis using an appropriate multiarm estimator to evaluate to what extent departures from the underlying assumption of no interaction may affect results. We show that adjustment for other factors is necessary for noncollapsible effect measures (such as odds ratio), and through a trial re‐analysis we find that failure to consider the estimand could lead to inappropriate interpretation of results. We conclude that careful use of the estimands framework clarifies research objectives and reduces the risk of misinterpretation of trial results, and should become a standard part of both the protocol and reporting of factorial trials.
Fear of cancer recurrence as a pathway from fatigue to psychological distress in mothers who are breast cancer survivors
Authors: Kuswanto Carissa Nadia , Sharp Jessica , Stafford Lesley , Schofield Penelope
Published: June 2022

Fatigue is prevalent and pervasive among breast cancer survivors. Mothers are particularly susceptible to fatigue due to the ongoing demands of their caring role. While fatigue has been associated with psychological distress in prior research, the pathway by which fatigue translates into psychological distress is unclear. Given the theoretical and empirical links between fatigue, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and psychological distress, the role of FCR in mediating the relationship between fatigue and psychological distress in mothers who are breast cancer survivors was investigated. Ninety‐two mothers who were breast cancer survivors completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, PROMIS‐Cancer Fatigue Short Form and Concerns About Cancer Recurrence scale in an online survey. Mediation analysis via PROCESS was used to examine whether fatigue predicted depression, anxiety or stress through FCR. Fear of cancer recurrence mediated the relationships between fatigue and anxiety and fatigue and stress, while fatigue directly predicted depression. This study highlights FCR as a potential pathway to anxiety and stress in response to ongoing fatigue, and as a mechanism of action to reduce psychological distress among mothers who are breast cancer survivors. Future research examining this pathway from fatigue to psychological distress should also explore the nature of mothers' fears about their cancer recurring.
Siglec15 Checkpoint Blockade for Simultaneous Immunochemotherapy and Osteolysis Inhibition in Lung Adenocarcinoma Spinal Metastasis via a Hollow Nanoplatform
Authors: Liang Haifeng , Zhou Lei , Hu Zhichao , Ge Yuxiang , Zhang Taiwei , Chen Qing , Wang Ben , Lu Shunyi , Ding Wang , Dong Jian , Xue Fengfeng , Jiang Libo
Published: June 2022

Low responsiveness to anti‐programmed death‐1/programmed death‐ligand 1 (anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1) for solid tumors indicates the presence of other immunosuppressive pathways. Siglec15, a newly discovered immune checkpoint, has been reported to repress immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and regulate osteoclast differentiation. However, the role of Siglec15 in the treatment for bone metastasis remains unclear. Herein, Siglec15 shows significantly higher expression in lung adenocarcinoma spinal metastasis (LUAD‐SM) than in para‐cancerous spinal tissues and primary LUAD. Subsequently, a TME‐responsive hollow MnO2 nanoplatform (H‐M) loaded with Siglec15 siRNA and cisplatin (H‐M@siS15/Cis) is developed, and the surface is modified with an aspartic acid octapeptide (Asp8), thus allowing H‐M to target spinal metastasis. High drug‐loading capacity, good biocompatibility, effective tumor accumulation, and efficient Siglec15 silencing are demonstrated. Furthermore, the nanoparticles could reverse immunosuppression caused by tumor cells and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and inhibit osteoclast differentiation via Siglec15 downregulation in vitro. In a LUAD‐SM mouse model, H‐M@siS15/Cis‐Asp8 exhibits superior therapeutic efficacy via synergetic immunochemotherapy and osteolysis inhibition. Taken together, this single nanoplatform reveals the therapeutic potential of the new immune checkpoint Siglec15 in LUAD‐SM and provides a strategy to treat this disease.
Does quitting smoking increase obesity? Evidence that accounts for misreporting
Authors: Tchernis Rusty , Teltser Keith , Teotia Arjun
Published: June 2022

Studying the relationship between smoking and obesity, the leading causes of preventable deaths in the U.S., helps assess the potential unintended consequences of policy efforts to reduce smoking. Because existing literature is mixed among studies using experimental and observational data, we investigate the role of misreporting in observational data. We use the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, cigarette taxes to instrument for smoking, and survey completion to instrument for misreporting. Starting with the seminal two‐stage least squares (2SLS) approach, our estimates similarly suggest quitting smoking substantially reduces body mass index (BMI). However, the relationship between cigarette taxes and BMI has shrunk over time, and the 2SLS estimates are sensitive to specification, functional form, and misreporting. Accounting for misreporting using the 2‐step estimator from Nguimkeu et al. (2019) yields estimates consistent with the experimental literature; quitting smoking modestly increases BMI. Our preferred estimate suggests reduced smoking accounts for 6% of the concurrent rise in obesity.
Boosting Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Water Splitting of Bi4NbO8Br by Polarization Field
Authors: Xu Ruohang , Wang Yuqing , Cui Dandan , Du Kunrong , Shi Zhijian , Zhang Hongrun , Xu Ze , Hao Weichang , Du Yi
Published: June 2022

Photocatalysis is regarded as a promising approach to solve the energy crisis by producing H2 from water splitting reaction driven by solar light. However, low photogenerated charge carriers yielding and separating rates limit the quantum efficiency in photocatalytic reactions, which is a common drawback for most visible‐light photocatalysts. Herein, a bismuth‐based photocatalyst, Bi4NbO8Br, through intercalating NbO6 octahedrons into layered BiOBr nanosheets, is designed and fabricated. Bi4NbO8Br demonstrates an enhanced photocatalytic water splitting ability as compared to BiOBr in visible light irradiation. The light absorption spectrum of Bi4NbO8Br is wider than that of BiOBr. It is found that such enhancements give rise to the ferroelectricity induced by the intercalated NbO6. The internal spontaneous polarization and an internal electric field formed in Bi4NbO8Br result in a significant band bending in its electronic structure and greatly promote the migration and separation of charge carriers in visible light irradiation.
Processing of Starch in Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Deng Xiaonan , Zhang Mengnan , Liu Kun , Pu Mingdong , Han Xiaozhao
Published: June 2022

The deep eutectic solvent of [choline chloride (ChCl)] [ethylene glycol (EG)] is demonstrated to be an effective non‐destructive solvent for starch processing. The pre‐gelatinized starch samples are prepared by its gelatinization, treatment, and re‐crystallization in this deep eutectic solvent and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H‐NMR), X‐ray diffraction analyses (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests. The gelatinization temperature of starch in the deep eutectic solvent of [choline chloride] [ethylene glycol] is measured using a DSC method. Compared to the native starch sample, slight increases in molecular weights and decreases in molecular weight distribution of the recovered starch samples are observed. The similar FTIR and H‐NMR spectra of the native starch and recovered starch samples suggest no reaction and variation in chemical structure during the processing. The XRD and DSC tests show that the strong micro‐granular crystalline structure of the native corn starch is destroyed during the gelatinization and treatment in the DES while new weak crystalline structure is formed during the re‐crystallization.
Study on the Preparation and Digestibility of Malic Acid Sweet Potato Starch Ester under Microwave Assistance
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Tiantian , Zhi Wenli , Zhou Yu , Hu Aijun , Zheng Jie
Published: June 2022

In this paper, malic acid sweet potato starch ester (MSE) is prepared by the microwave assisted l‐malic acid method, and its digestibility is studied. Through a response surface methodology based on a Box‐Behnken design (BBD), the optimum conditions for the preparation of MSE are obtained as follows: mass ratio (mL‐malic acid: mstarch) of 0.81, pH value of 1.21, microwave time of 6.8 min, and microwave power of 435 W, respectively. Under these conditions, the degree of substitution of MSE is 0.0712. In addition, the freeze‐thaw stability, transparency, and solubility of the MSE are better than the native starch. Microwave assisted l‐malic acid treatment significantly increases the resistant starch (RS) content in starch sample. FTIR reveals a new characteristic peak near 1735 cm–1 in MSE samples, and the relative crystallinity decreases from 33.03% to 21.18%. Differential scanning calorimetry results show that the endothermic peak of MSE decreases. These results indicate that microwave‐assisted l‐malic acid can significantly change the physicochemical properties of sweet potato starch, and it is an effective method for the preparation of RS with heat‐stable resistance.