bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do utilitarian versus hedonic products influence choice preferences: Mediating effect of social comparison
Authors: Shao Aiping , Li Hong
Published: June 2021

The present research explores how product type influences the trade‐off between relative and absolute best choice. We measure consumers' choice preferences and willingness to pay in five studies by manipulating different utilitarian versus hedonic products or different utilitarian versus hedonic goals of the same product. The results demonstrate that consumers prefer the absolute best choice for hedonic products and the relative best choice for utilitarian products (Studies 1a and 1b). When choosing a hedonic product, consumers are willing to pay significantly more for absolute than relative best choice. However, when choosing a utilitarian product, consumers are willing to pay more for the relative than absolute best choice, but the differences are not significant (Studies 2 and 3). Social comparison mediates the relationship between product type and choice preference. Specifically, compared to hedonic products, social comparison increases the relative best choice preference of utilitarian products (Study 4). Moreover, rivals moderate the effect of product type on choice preference (Study 5). The theoretical implication includes demonstrating the comparative advantage of product type on choice preference and interpreting the underlying mechanisms using social comparison. The findings also have important practical implications for utilitarian and hedonic consumption.
Methodological considerations on the means‐end chain analysis revisited
Authors: Kilwinger Fleur B. M. , van Dam Ynte K.
Published: June 2021

Means‐end chain analysis has been applied in a wide range of disciplines to understand consumer behavior. Despite its widespread acceptance there is no standardized method to analyze data. The effects of different analyses on the results are largely unknown. This paper makes a contribution to the methodological debate by comparing different ways to analyze means‐end chain data. We find that (1) a construct that is not mentioned can still be important to a respondent; (2) coding constructs at the same basic level or condensing constructs at a superordinate level lead to different results and both an increase and decrease of information; (3) aggregating data can be based on different algorithms which influences the results. Among available software packages there is no consistency in the used algorithm; (4) before applying means‐end chain analysis in a new research area the validity of assumptions underlying the research model should be evaluated. We conclude there is no universal “best way” to means‐end chain analysis, the most suitable approach depends on the research question. Research concerning how products are evaluated can best apply number‐of‐respondents‐based aggregation and low levels of condensation. Research concerning why products are valued can best apply frequency‐of‐responses‐based aggregation and high levels of condensation.
Banks CSR‐fit, customers' quality of life, and cross‐buying: A joint moderation model
Authors: Ogunmokun Oluwatobi A. , Timur Seldjan , Bayighomog Steven W. , Ikhide Juliet E.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the current study is first to investigate attitudinal loyalty as a mediator of the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR)‐fit and cross‐buying, before examining the interaction of CSR‐fit, CSR support, and quality of life in predicting cross‐buying through attitudinal loyalty. In total, 821 bank customers provided data for this study by filling online and in‐person surveys. The results from data analysis reveal that customers' perceived CSR‐fit relationship with cross‐buying behavior is mediated by their attitudinal loyalty toward their bank. Moreover, the conditional process analysis indicated that while CSR support strengthened the relationship of CSR‐fit and attitudinal loyalty, quality of life weakened this relationship. Specifically, in response to their banks' CSR‐fit, respondents with high CSR support and perceived low quality of life were the most likely to be loyal and engage in cross‐buying behaviors. The least, however, are those with low support and perceived high quality of life. This study enlightens our understanding of the intricate relationship between CSR‐fit perceptions and loyalty attitudes and behaviors. It further proposes a complex model investigating the psychological contingencies of the relationship and its marketing implication in the financial sector.
Constructing Stable and Porous Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Iodine Vapor Capture
Authors: Zhai Lipeng , Han Diandian , Dong Jinhuan , Jiang Wenqian , Nie Riming , Yang Xiubei , Luo Xiaolong , Li Zhongping
Published: June 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COF) with periodic porous structures and tunable functionalities are a new class of crystalline polymers connected via strong covalent bonds. Constructing COF materials with high stability and porosity is attracting and essential for COFs’ further functional exploration. In this work, two new covalent organic frameworks (TTA‐TMTA‐COF and TTA‐FMTA‐COF) with high surface area, large pore volume, and excellent chemical stability toward harsh conditions are designed and synthesized by integrating the methoxy functional groups into the networks. Both two COFs are further employed for iodine removal since radioactive iodine in nuclear waste has seriously threatened the natural environment and human health. TTA‐TMTA‐COF and TTA‐FMTA‐COF can capture 3.21 and 5.07 g g−1 iodine, respectively. Notably, the iodine capture capacity for iodine of TTA‐FMTA‐COF does not show any decline after being recycled five times. These results demonstrate both COFs possess ultrahigh capacity and excellent recyclability.
CircSPAG16 suppresses cadmium‐induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells by decoying PIP5K1α to inactivate Akt
Authors: Wang Qin , Pan Shuya , Jiang Qi , Li Luyao , Tu Wei , Zhang Qian , Zhou Xue
Published: June 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated to have important regulatory functions in chemical carcinogenesis via sponging microRNAs to regulate gene expression. Our study revealed a novel mechanism of circRNA in cadmium carcinogenesis through directly binding with protein. Here, we used cadmium‐transformed human bronchial epithelial BEAS‐2B cells to study the involvement and mechanism of circRNA in lung carcinogenesis caused by cadmium. By high‐throughput sequencing, circSPAG16 was identified to be the most significantly downregulated circRNA in cadmium‐transformed cells. CircSPAG16 was downregulated at Week 8, 12, 16, and 20 during cadmium‐induced cell transformation. In addition, circSPAG16 overexpression prevented cadmium‐induced transformation of BEAS‐2B cells. Mechanistically, circSPAG16 inhibited the function of phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase type‐1 α (PIP5K1α) by binding with it. We demonstrated that PIP5K1α acted as an oncogene to activate Akt and promoted cancer hallmarks including proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage‐independent growth in cadmium‐transformed cells. CircSPAG16 overexpression inactivates PIP5K1α/Akt signaling in the transformed cells. Furthermore, PIP5K1α overexpression significantly rescued the inhibitory effects of circSPAG16 overexpression on pAkt and cancer hallmarks in cadmium‐transformed cells. Collectively, our results revealed that circSPAG16 could prevent cadmium‐induced transformation through binding with PIP5K1α to inactivate Akt. These results provide a novel regulatory mechanism of circRNA into carcinogenesis induced by cadmium.
NJAMHAA celebrates 70th anniversary of improving lives, strong advocacy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2021

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) on May 20 marked its 70th anniversary with a virtual celebration that included more than 200 past and present members of NJAMHAA, key state leaders and other behavioral stakeholders. Founded in 1951 as the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Hygiene, NJAMHAA commenced with five members and has grown to more than 150 provider members today.
Some further results for finite‐time stability of impulsive nonlinear systems
Authors: Xi Qiang
Published: June 2021

This work focuses on Lyapunov‐based finite‐time stability (FTS) theory for impulsive systems. By virtue of a weak Lyapunov inequality condition, which is less restrictive than conditions in most existing results, some further FTS results including settling‐time estimation are derived for impulsive nonlinear systems, under different constraints of impulse time sequences. The impact of impulse jumps on FTS is investigated mathematically from different aspects such as the number and magnitude of impulses, the impulse times, and average impulsive interval (AII) of impulse time sequence. It is found that under relatively weak Lyapunov condition for continuous dynamics, suitable impulses can influence not only the finite‐time convergence (FTC) and settling‐time of a solution, but also the attraction domain of the origin of FTS, which has not been reported in the existing literatures. In particular, stabilizing impulses may change the locality and globality characteristics of FTS. An illustrative example is given to validate the theoretical results.
Radiofrequency‐induced heating of broken and abandoned implant leads during magnetic resonance examinations
Authors: Yao Aiping , Goren Tolga , Samaras Theodoros , Kuster Niels , Kainz Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The risks of RF‐induced heating of active implantable medical device (AIMD) leads during MR examinations must be well understood and realistically assessed. In this study, we evaluate the potential additional risks of broken and abandoned (cut) leads.

Methods

First, we defined a generic AIMD with a metallic implantable pulse generator (IPG) and a 100‐cm long lead containing 1 or 2 wires. Next, we numerically estimated the deposited in vitro lead‐tip power for an intact lead, as well as with wire breaks placed at 10 cm intervals. We studied the effect of the break size (wire gap width), as well as the presence of an intact wire parallel to the broken wire, and experimentally validated the numeric results for the configurations with maximum deposited in vitro lead‐tip power. Finally, we performed a Tier 3 assessment of the deposited in vivo lead‐tip power for the intact and broken lead in 4 high resolution virtual population anatomic models for over 54,000 MR examination scenarios.

Results

The enhancement of the deposited lead‐tip power for the broken leads, compared to the intact lead, reached 30‐fold in isoelectric exposure, and 16‐fold in realistic clinical exposures. The presence of a nearby intact wire, or even a nearby broken wire, reduced this enhancement factor to <7‐fold over the intact lead.

Conclusion

Broken and abandoned leads can pose increased risk of RF‐induced lead‐tip heating to patients undergoing MR examinations. The potential enhancement of deposited in vivo lead‐tip power depends on location and type of the wire break, lead design, and clinical routing of the lead, and should be carefully considered when performing risk assessment for MR examinations and MR conditional labeling.
Open birdcage coil for head imaging at 7T
Authors: Nikulin Anton V. , Vignaud Alexandre , Avdievich Nikolai I. , Berrahou Djamel , de Rosny Julien , Ourir Abdelwaheb
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To theoretically describe, design, and test the new geometry of the birdcage coil for 7 Tesla anatomical brain imaging, which includes a large window on top, without deliberately jeopardizing its homogeneity and efficiency. This opencage will not only improve patient comfort but also enable the volunteer to follow functional MRI stimuli. This design could also facilitate the tracking of patient compliance and enable better correction of the movement.

Methods

Via the transfer matrix approach, a birdcage‐like coil with a nonperiodic distribution of rungs is constructed with optimized currents in the coil rungs. Subsequently, the coil is adjusted in full‐wave simulations. Then, the coil is assembled, fine‐tuned, and matched on the bench. Finally, these results are confirmed experimentally on a phantom and in vivo.

Results

Indeed, the computed isolation of −14.9 dB between the feeding ports of the coil and the symmetry of the circular polarized mode pattern transmit RF magnetic field () showed that the coil was properly optimized. An experimental assessment of the developed coil showed competitive transmit efficiency and coverage compared with the conventional birdcage coil of similar size.

Conclusion

The proposed opencage coil can be designed and work without a dramatic drop of performance in terms of the field homogeneity, transmit efficiency (/), peak local specific absorption rate () and SAR efficiency (/).
A systematic review of utility‐based and disease‐specific quality of life measurement instruments for women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Wuytack Francesca , Moran Patrick , Daly Deirdre , Panda Sunita , Hannon Kathleen , Cusack Cinny , O'Donovan Maggie
Published: June 2021

Aim

This systematic review aims to identify disease‐specific and generic quality of life (QoL) outcome measurement instruments used in populations of women with urinary incontinence (UI) and to determine the most psychometrically robust and appropriate disease‐specific and generic tools for measuring the quality of life in this population.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, SCIELO, and CINAHL databases for studies evaluating measurement properties of QoL instruments in women with UI. The methodological quality of studies and the quality of measurement properties were evaluated using the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INtruments (COSMIN) checklist and quality criteria. Overall, evidence for measurement properties was graded using the modified grading of recommendations, assessment, development & evaluation approach.

Results

A total of 73 studies were included, and 27 specific and 6 generic instruments were identified. The Incontinence QoL questionnaire (IQoL) had the highest overall psychometric quality for English‐speaking populations and was the most widely translated tool. Evidence for generic QoL tools in this population is limited. Few studies evaluated measurement error or cross‐cultural validity.

Conclusion

The IQoL is the most psychometrically robust disease‐specific tool for use in this population. More research is needed to determine the most psychometrically robust generic tool. Future studies should also evaluate measurement error and cross‐cultural validity as evidence for these properties is particularly lacking.
Pain and functionality improved when underlying neuromuscular dysfunction addressed in chronic pelvic pain patients
Authors: Natarajan Janaki , Ahmed Tayyaba , Patil Soha , Mamsaang Marjorie , Kapadia Rucha , Tailor Yogita , Shrikhande Allyson
Published: June 2021

Aim

Examine the effects of treating underlying neuromuscular dysfunction in chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients.

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal study of 200 female and male patients with CPP was performed upon an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval (IRB# 17‐0761). The outpatient protocol consisted of ultrasound‐guided trigger point injections to the pelvic floor musculature with peripheral nerve blocks once a week for 6 weeks in an outpatient setting. Pelvic pain and functionality were measured before and after treatment using the Visual Analogue Scale and the Functional Pelvic Pain Scale. Functionality categories assessed were intercourse, bladder, bowel, working, walking, running, lifting, and sleeping.

Results

Pretreatment, mean VAS score was 6.44 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.50;p < 0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.09–6.79). Posttreatment mean VAS score was 4.25 (SD = 2.63;p < 0.05, 95% CI = 3.88–4.61). The mean FPPS score before treatment was 10.77 (SD = 6.39;p < 0.05, 95% CI = 9.88–11.65). Posttreatment mean FPPS score was 7.42 (SD = 5.87;p < 0.05, 95% CI = 6.61–8.23). Analysis of subcategories within FPPS indicated statistically significant improvement in the categories of intercourse, working, and sleeping.

Conclusion

Findings show the treatment was efficient at decreasing pain in CPP patients. Results show promise for improving overall pelvic functionality, particularly within the categories of intercourse, sleeping, and working.
Age at surgery is not a prognostic factor for the AdVance‐XP male sling efficacy: A post‐hoc analysis of a prospective 7‐year multicentric study
Authors: Mumm Jan‐Niclas , Abrarova Benazir , Schütz Julius , Klehr Benedikt , Rodler Severin , Vilsmaier Theresa , Gozzi Christian , Rehder Peter , May Florian , Homberg Roland , Gebhartl Peter , Stief Christian G. , Buchner Alexander , Bauer Ricarda M.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the factor age at the surgery on long‐term postoperative outcomes in patients with postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) after AdVance XP transobturator male sling implantation.

Methods

A total of 115 male patients with PPI, who had undergone AdVance XP sling implantation, were included. Patients had PPI with endoscopically confirmed good sphincteric‐contractility and a positive coaptive response. Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn post‐hoc tests were used to analyze the postoperative outcome differences between the patient groups aged less than 66, 66–75, and over greater than 75 years. Outcome measures were the 24 h pad test, the number of daily pads used, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ‐SF), International Quality of Life Score (IQOL), Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I), International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Visual Analog Scale scores. Observation time points were 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 84 months after surgery.

Results

Between the age groups, there was no difference in the success rate of the procedure (defined as 0 pads/24 h and less than 5 g in the 24‐h pad test) at any point in time. Subjective parameters measures using the ICIQ‐SF, PGI‐I, IQOL, and IPSS scores showed no differences between the two cohorts. Only erectile function (IIEF‐5 score) was lower in older patients in comparison to the cohort aged less than 66 years (p < 0.05 at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months).

Conclusions

The present study complements the European multicentre AdVance XP follow‐up study. Here, we show that age at surgery does not affect the objective success, subjective success, or the complication rate. Thus, we do not recommend factoring in chronological age into surgical selection criteria for the AdVance XP implantation.
Visualizing the effects of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibition and LDH‐A genetic ablation in breast and lung cancer with hyperpolarized pyruvate NMR
Authors: Varma Gopal , Seth Pankaj , Coutinho de Souza Patricia , Callahan Cody , Pinto Jocelin , Vaidya Manushka , Sonzogni Olmo , Sukhatme Vikas , Wulf Gerburg M. , Grant Aaron K.
Published: June 2021

In many tumors, cancer cells take up large quantities of glucose and metabolize it into lactate, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen to support oxidative metabolism. It has been hypothesized that this malignant metabolic phenotype supports cancer growth and metastasis, and that reversal of this so‐called “Warburg effect” may selectively harm cancer cells. Conversion of glucose to lactate can be reduced by ablation or inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the enzyme responsible for conversion of pyruvate to lactate at the endpoint of glycolysis. Recently developed inhibitors of LDH provide new opportunities to investigate the role of this metabolic pathway in cancer. Here we show that magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized pyruvate and its metabolites in models of breast and lung cancer reveal that inhibition of LDH was readily visualized through reduction in label exchange between pyruvate and lactate, while genetic ablation of the LDH‐A isoform alone had smaller effects. During the acute phase of LDH inhibition in breast cancer, no discernible bicarbonate signal was observed and small signals from alanine were unchanged.
Eternal love locked in an embrace and sealed with a ring: A Xianbei couple's joint burial in North Wei era, China (386–534 CE)
Authors: Zhang Quanchao , Hou Xiaogang , Yang Shiyu , Ruan Sunzifeng , Wang Anqi , Li Pengzhen , Sun Xiaofan , Zhu Hong , Zhang Qun , Wang Qian
Published: June 2021

Love as an important part of human emotion has been depicted in literature, folklore, and art since ancient China. However, in archaeological settings, direct skeletal evidence for love is rare. A joint burial from North Wei Dynasty (386–534 CE) was reported, in which skeletons of an adult male and an adult female were found placed in loving embrace posture with a ring in situ on the left ring finger of the female, displaying the desire for eternal love of the couple, and the respect to their love by people who buried them as well. It is likely that the wife sacrificed herself to be buried with her dead husband, though other scenarios could not be ruled out. The free expression and active pursuit of love in Chinese culture became prominent during the first millennium. This funerary practice might have been influenced by the customs from the Western Regions and beyond through the Silk Roads and the Sinicization and assimilation of the Xianbei people. This discovery is a unique display of human emotion of love in a burial, offering a rare glimpse people's views towards love, life, death, and afterlife in northern China during a time of intense cultural and ethnic exchange.
Surface‐modified mesoporous silica nanorods for the highly aging resistance rubber through controlled release of antioxidant
Authors: Luo Yang , Wang Jun‐Peng , Cui Xurui , Fu Ye , Li Guo Liang , Wang Wencai
Published: June 2021

The migration and blooming of antioxidant molecules in the field of anti‐aging rubber is a challenge, where developing novel nanocarriers loaded with antioxidant molecules can solve the above problem. In this article, the surface thiol functionalized mesoporous silica nanorods loaded with antioxidant N‐(1,3‐dimethyl)butyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (MSN‐SH‐4020) was synthesized to avoid the blooming of antioxidants and then to improve the anti‐aging performance of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR). The migration of antioxidant molecules could be limited by encapsulating antioxidant in the pore of mesoporous silica nanorods, and the contend of antioxidant in the SBR reaches up to 1.33 wt%. The sustained release of antioxidant molecules from the pore increases the effective time of action of the antioxidant. After 168 hours of thermal oxidative aging test at 100°C, styrene‐butadiene rubber with 10 wt % surface thiol functionalized mesoporous silica nanorods loaded with 4020 (MSN‐SH‐4020) shows preservation of mechanical properties without blooming. This approach is highly perspective in many applications, such as long‐life sealing rubber and conveyor belts.
Spherical versus prolate spheroidal particles in biosciences: Does the shape make a difference?
Authors: Gadzinowski Mariusz , Mickiewicz Damian , Basinska Teresa
Published: June 2021

In this mini‐review, the main differences between spherical and spheroidal particles in terms of their size, surface area, morphology, and ability to penetrate biological membranes are described. The main routes of manufacturing of prolate spheroidal particles with controlled aspect ratio are reported. There are also shown exemplary results of computational and experimental studies of spheroids useful in biomedical applications, such as controlled drug delivery and numerical studies of the passage of spheroids through biological membranes. The relations of shape, size, aspect ratio of spheroidal particles and particle–biological membrane interactions, bioavailability, and flow in blood vessels are presented. The perspectives for future studies leading to resolve crucial problems and to explain basic issues related to acting of ellipsoidal particles in biological environment are also discussed.
Mathematical analysis to predict tensile strength of banana/glass hybrid polymer composite
Authors: Jariwala Hitesh , Jain Piyush
Published: June 2021

This article presents a mathematical model to predict the tensile strength of banana/glass hybrid polymer composites. Equivalent fiber surface efficiency factor and fiber waviness factor have been introduced in the proposed model and their effects on tensile strength have been discussed. The hybrid composites were fabricated with the different proportions of volume fraction of each of the glass fibers and banana fibers keeping the total volume fraction (VF) of combined fibers from 20% to 50%. The tensile test of hybrid composites was carried out as per ASTM D3039. The proposed model has been tested versus experimental results as well as the literature results, which shows quite good approximation of tensile strength. The proposed model is generalized and can be applied to any hybrid reinforced composites with the combination of low‐elongated and high‐elongated fibers with varying fiber loading.
Using administrative healthcare database records to study trends in prescribed medication dispensed during pregnancy in Belgium from 2003 to 2017
Authors: Larcin Lionel , Lona Murielle , Karakaya Güngör , Van Espen Alexis , Damase‐Michel Christine , Kirakoya‐Samadoulougou Fati
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe trends in medication prescriptions dispensed during pregnancy in Belgium using administrative healthcare database records from a representative sample of the Belgian population.

Methods

Pregnant women were identified with reimbursement codes associated with the delivery of a baby. Data were extracted for three study periods, each over 3 years: 2003–2005, 2009–2011, and 2015–2017. The age‐standardized prevalence of dispensed medications during pregnancy were computed and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the trends in prevalence across the study periods. The most frequently dispensed medications were listed for each study period.

Results

The study included 23 912 pregnancies. The age‐standardized prevalence of pregnant women with at least one dispensed medication increased across the three study periods from 81.8.% to 89.3%. The median number and interquartile range of the different medications dispensed during pregnancy rose from 2 (1–6) to 3 (1–7) between the first and last study periods. In the 2015–2017 period, the most frequently dispensed medications during pregnancy included progesterone (25.5%), paracetamol (17.8%), and amoxicillin (17.1%). The data also showed an increasing trend for the dispensation of ibuprofen and ketorolac during pregnancy across the three study periods.

Conclusions

The prevalence of prescribed medications dispensed during pregnancy increased in Belgium from 2003 to 2017 with high proportion for Progesterone and Antibiotics. Utilization of certain nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased between 2003 and 2017, despite recommendations to avoid them.
School racial‐ethnic discrimination, rule‐breaking behaviors and the mediating role of trauma among Latinx adolescents: Considerations for school mental health practice
Authors: Meléndez Guevara Ana Maria , White Rebecca M. B. , Lindstrom Johnson Sarah , Nair Rajni L. , Roche Kathleen M.
Published: June 2021

Much of the literature linking adversity to trauma fails to account for racialized experiences, including racial‐ethnic discrimination, which is a highly prevalent form of adversity for youth of color in the U.S. Adversity and trauma often result in students experiencing elevated rule‐breaking behaviors, exacerbating existing racial‐ethnic disparities in disproportionate school discipline. Drawing from race‐based trauma theory, the present study explored trauma as a mediator of the longitudinal association between racial‐ethnic discrimination from teachers, other adults, and students in schools and rule‐breaking behaviors among Latinx youth. Data were from a longitudinal study of 547 Latinx students in a southeastern U.S. state. Across gender and nativity groups, school racial‐ethnic discrimination and trauma positively predicted later rule‐breaking behaviors. Additionally, for girls only, increased levels of trauma partially explained the association between school racial‐ethnic discrimination and rule‐breaking behaviors. The study highlights the importance of addressing school racial‐ethnic discrimination and trauma in equitable school metal health systems. Indeed, efforts aimed at reducing disproportionate school discipline among Latinx students should focus on reducing their exposure to school racial‐ethnic discrimination and increasing access to trauma‐informed and restorative justice approaches.
Academic major satisfaction and regret of students in different majors: Perspectives from Self‐Determination Theory
Authors: Hsu Yawen , Chi Yi‐hsuan
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to understand the differences in the academic motivation of students majoring in physical education (PE), fine arts, music, and other disciplines, and the effect of academic motivation on major satisfaction and regret. A total of 898 valid questionnaires were collected from students at five universities in Taiwan, including 203 PE, 207 fine arts, 201 music, and 287 other majors (including Social science and Science, Technology, and Engineering). All participants completed questionnaires measuring motivation, academic major satisfaction, and decision regret. The results revealed that the intrinsic motivation of students in PE, fine arts, and music majors was significantly higher than those in other majors. Furthermore, major satisfaction was positively correlated with intrinsic motivation and identified regulation and negatively correlated with external regulation and amotivation. The opposite was true for the relationship between regret and the various motivation types. The research findings can serve as a reference for career counseling in related departments.
Entropy‐based distance cutoff for protein internal contact networks
Authors: Sobieraj Marcin , Setny Piotr
Published: June 2021

Protein structure networks (PSNs) have long been used to provide a coarse yet meaningful representation of protein structure, dynamics, and internal communication pathways. An important question is what criteria should be applied to construct the network so that to include relevant interresidue contacts while avoiding unnecessary connections. To address this issue, we systematically considered varying residue distance cutoff length and the probability threshold for contact formation to construct PSNs based on atomistic molecular dynamics in order to assess the amount of mutual information within the resulting representations. We found that the minimum in mutual information is universally achieved at the cutoff length of 5 Å, irrespective of the applied contact formation probability threshold in all considered, distinct proteins. Assuming that the optimal PSNs should be characterized by the least amount of redundancy, which corresponds to the minimum in mutual information, this finding suggests an objective criterion for cutoff distance and supports the existing preference towards its customary selection around 5 Å length, typically based to date on heuristic criteria.
Synthesis, in vitro bioassays, and computational study of heteroaryl nitazoxanide analogs
Authors: Ahmed Tasmia , Rahman S. M. Abdur , Asaduzzaman Muhammad , Islam Abul Bashar Mir Md. Khademul , Chowdhury A. K. Azad
Published: June 2021

Antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) has shown diverse pharmacological properties and has appeared in several clinical trials. Herein we present the synthesis, characterization, in vitro biological investigation, and in silico study of four hetero aryl amide analogs of NTZ. Among the synthesized molecules, compound 2 and compound 4 exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli), superior to that displayed by the parent drug nitazoxanide as revealed from the in vitro antibacterial assay. Compound 2 displayed zone of inhibition of 20 mm, twice as large as the parent drug NTZ (10 mm) in their least concentration (12.5 µg/ml). Compound 1 also showed antibacterial effect similar to that of nitazoxanide. The analogs were also tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity by employing cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay technique in HeLa cell line, and compound 2 was identified as a potential anticancer agent having IC50 value of 172 µg which proves it to be more potent than nitazoxanide (IC50 = 428 µg). Furthermore, the compounds were subjected to molecular docking study against various bacterial and cancer signaling proteins. The in vitro test results corroborated with the in silico docking study as compound 2 and compound 4 had comparatively stronger binding affinity against the proteins and showed a higher docking score than nitazoxanide toward human mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK9) and fatty acid biosynthesis enzyme (FabH) of E. coli. Moreover, the docking study demonstrated dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS) as probable new targets for nitazoxanide and its synthetic analogs. Overall, the study suggests that nitazoxanide and its analogs can be a potential lead compound in the drug development.
Global analysis of the seasonal abundance of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii reveal temperature extremes determine population activity potential
Authors: Ørsted Michael , Lye Jessica , Umina Paul A , Maino James L
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The global pest spotted winged drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) continues to have a significant economic impact on fruit production in areas where it is established, in addition to newly invaded ranges. Management activities spanning national biosecurity responses to farm‐scale pest control are limited by the inability to predict the timing and severity of seasonal outbreaks of D. suzukii and its climatic drivers.

RESULTS

Here, we compiled and analysed data on international seasonal abundances for D. suzukii under different climates, crop types and management contexts to improve the predictability of seasonal population dynamics. In relating seasonal abundances to environmental predictors, specifically temperature, we found strong negative effects of exposure to high and low temperatures during the preceding month. Unlike most regional studies on D. suzukii phenology that focus on temperature in the physiological development range, we show that thermal extremes better explain seasonal population fluctuations.

CONCLUSION

Although trap catches remain an indirect measure of infestations and must be interpreted carefully in terms of crop risk, our results should support monitoring programmes through enhanced knowledge of the climatic factors affecting D. suzukii population activity. The negative impact of high temperatures suggests that late‐season management strategies focusing on manipulating crop microclimates to temperatures above 25 °C can reduce D. suzukii abundance. We show that early season abundance is modulated by climate, particularly the depth of cold extremes experienced in the preceding time interval. These associations may be further developed into early‐season crop risk forecasts to support monitoring programs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Preparation of thermosensitive buprofezin‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles by the sol–gel method and their application in pest control
Authors: Yang Jinghan , Feng Jianguo , He Kangli , Chen Zhiyang , Chen Wang , Cao Hongen , Yuan Shuzhong
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Environmental stimuli‐responsive release is one important way to reduce the dosage of pesticide, increase the usage efficiency and improve environmental compatibility.

RESULTS

On this basis, we synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and modified them to develop a thermosensitive pesticide controlled release formulation (CRF). In this study, MSNs prepared by the sol–gel method were used as the core, poly (N‐IsoPropylAcrylaMide) [P (NIPAM‐MAA)] was used as the shell, and buprofezin (Bup) was loaded by adsorption. The prepared Bup@MSNs@P(NIPAM‐MAA) could effectively prevent the degradation of buprofezin under UV light and exhibited excellent adhesion to rice leaves. The bioassay results showed that the mortality of Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) treated by Bup@MSNs@P(NIPAM‐MAA) was positively correlated with temperature, resulting mainly from the change of release amount of buprofezin caused by temperature variation. Bup@MSNs@P(NIPAM‐MAA) had long duration (20 days) for controlling N. lugens, and did not hinder the growth of rice. Meanwhile, Bup@MSNs@P(NIPAM‐MAA) had low toxicity to zebrafish and human pneumonocyte BEAS‐2B cells.

CONCLUSION

This novel thermosensitive pesticide CRF can be applied widely to other insecticides, thus greatly promoting the development of intelligent pesticide formulations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of physiologically based biopharmaceutics modeling to understand the impact of dissolution differences on in vivo performance of immediate release products: The case of bisoprolol
Authors: Macwan Joyce S. , Fraczkiewicz Grace , Bertolino Mauro , Krüger Phillip , Peters Sheila‐Annie
Published: June 2021

Merck KGaA observed slight differences in the dissolution of Concor® (bisoprolol) batches over the years. The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of in vitro dissolution on the simulated pharmacokinetics of bisoprolol using in vitro–in vivo relationship established with available in vitro dissolution and corresponding plasma concentrations‐time data for several bisoprolol batches. A mechanistic absorption model/physiologically based pharmacokinetics model linked with a biopharmaceutics tool such as dissolution testing, namely, physiologically based biopharmaceutics modeling (PBBM), can be valuable in determining a dissolution “safe space.” A PBBM for bisoprolol was built using in vitro, in silico, and clinical data. We evaluated potential influences of variability in dissolution of bisoprolol batches on its clinical performance through PBBM and virtual bioequivalence (BE) trials. We demonstrated that in vitro dissolution was not critical for the clinical performance of bisoprolol over a wide range of tested values. Based on virtual BE trials, safe space expansion was explored using hypothetical dissolution data. A formulation with in vitro dissolution reaching 70% dissolved in 15 min and 79.5% in 30 min was shown to be BE to classical fast dissolution of bisoprolol (>85% within 15 min), as point estimates and 90% confidence intervals of the maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve were within the BE limits (0.8–1.25).
PK/PD modeling of FXI antisense oligonucleotides to bridge the dose‐FXI activity relation from healthy volunteers to end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Willmann Stefan , Marostica Eleonora , Snelder Nelleke , Solms Alexander , Jensen Markus , Lobmeyer Maximilian , Lensing Anthonie W. A. , Bethune Claudette , Morgan Erin , Yu Rosie Z. , Wang Yanfeng , Jung Shiangtung W. , Geary Richard , Bhanot Sanjay
Published: June 2021

IONIS‐FXIRX (BAY2306001) is an antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits the synthesis of coagulation factor XI (FXI) and has been investigated in healthy volunteers and patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). FXI‐LICA (BAY2976217) shares the same RNA sequence as IONIS‐FXIRX but contains a GalNAc‐conjugation that facilitates asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR)‐mediated uptake into hepatocytes. FXI‐LICA has been studied in healthy volunteers and is currently investigated in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis. We present a model‐informed bridging approach that facilitates the extrapolation of the dose‐exposure‐FXI relationship from IONIS‐FXIRX to FXI‐LICA in patients with ESRD and, thus, supports the selection of FX‐LICA doses being investigated in patients with ESRD. A two‐compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model, with mixed first‐ and zero‐order subcutaneous absorption and first‐order elimination, was combined with an indirect response model for the inhibitory effect on the FXI synthesis rate via an effect compartment. This PK/pharmacodynamic model adequately described the median trends, as well as the interindividual variabilities for plasma drug concentration and FXI activity in healthy volunteers of IONIS‐FXIRX and FXI‐LICA, and in patients with ESRD of IONIS‐FXIRX. The model was then used to predict dose‐dependent steady‐state FXI activity following repeat once‐monthly doses of FXI‐LICA in a virtual ESRD patient population. Under the assumption of similar ASGPR expression in patients with ESRD and healthy volunteers, doses of 40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg FXI‐LICA are expected to cover the target range of clinical interest for steady‐state FXI activity in the phase IIb study of FXI‐LICA in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis.
Dielectric Properties of Relaxor CuCrO2 at Room Temperature
Authors: Apostolova Iliana N. , Apostolov Angel T. , Trimper Steffen , Wesselinowa Julia M.
Published: June 2021

The dielectric properties of CuCrO2 bulk and thin films are studied by evaluating the complex dielectric function ε. In addition to the small peak near the Néel temperature , a secondary broad peak is found at high temperatures around . As a feature of relaxor ferroelectrics, the maximum temperature increases with increasing frequency. The real part of ε decreases with increasing magnetic field h and the peak at vanishes. The secondary peak becomes smaller and is broadened with increasing magnetic field. ε increases with increasing film thickness. Near , the dielectric function offers a critical behavior expressed by an exponent . Using scaling arguments, critical exponents and are deduced. The exponents depend on the film thickness. While β increases, the exponent γ is reduced with increasing film thickness.
Effects of Charge Transfer on the Critical Distance of the Interlayer Ferromagnetic Order Transition in SCrSe‐Based van der Waals Bilayers
Authors: Min Jiewen , Zhou Mengshi , Zhang Chunxiao , Tang Chao , Peng Xiangyang , Zhong Jianxin
Published: June 2021

Recently, the distance‐dependent interlayer magnetism transition from antiferromagnetic (AFM) to ferromagnetic (FM) has been predicted in many 2D FM bilayers. Effectively controlling critical distance is a key point for reversible AFM–FM transitions. Based on first‐principles calculations, it is found that the critical distance can be modulated by the charge transfer induced by elemental substitution of anionic sublayers in SCrSe‐based van der Waals (vdW) bilayer structures. The interlayer AFM–FM transition is dependent on the interlayer p

z
overlap, which is determined by the bonding strength (ΔE
b) of the covalent‐like quasibonding (CLQB) from the coupling of interlayer p

z
orbitals. Large critical distance is achieved when the ΔE
b is significant in the bilayers. The interlayer p

z
overlap is altered by inducing intralayer or interlayer charge transfer, modulating the critical distance of interlayer AFM–FM transition. This work contributes to the control of magnetic configurations in layered 2D FM materials.
Effects of curcuminoids on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Zahedi Hoda , Hosseinzadeh‐Attar Mohammad Javad , Shadnoush Mahdi , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Barkhidarian Bahareh , Sadeghi Omid , Najafi Atabak , Hosseini Saeed , Qorbani Mostafa , Ahmadi Arezoo , Ardehali Seyed Hossein , Norouzy Abdolreza
Published: June 2021

Experimental studies have suggested the beneficial effects of curcuminoids as natural polyphenols against traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with curcuminoids on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, clinical outcomes and nutritional status in critically ill patients with TBI. A total of 62 ICU‐admitted adult patients with TBI were randomly allocated to receive either a daily dose of 500 mg curcuminoids or matched placebo via enteral nutrition for 7 consecutive days based on stratified block randomization by age and sex. Inflammatory and oxidative stress as well as clinical outcomes and nutritional status of the patients were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. There were no overall group effects regarding to all dependent variables. Compared with baseline, serum levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, MCP‐1 and CRP were significantly reduced in patients receiving curcuminoids (p < .05) without any significant changes in placebo group; however, changes in the activities of GPx and SOD in serum were not significant between two groups. Moreover, APACHEII and NUTRIC score were significantly improved following curcuminoids consumption in comparison with placebo (p < .05). The findings of this study suggest that short‐term supplementation with curcuminoids may have beneficial effects on inflammation, clinical outcomes and nutritional status of critically ill patients with TBI.
Assessment of bias in carbon isotope composition of organic leaf matter due to pre‐analysis milling methods
Authors: Worne Savannah , Lacey Jack H. , Barr Cameron , Schulz Cameron , Leng Melanie J.
Published: June 2021

Rationale

Stable isotope analysis of leaf material has many applications including assessment of plant water‐use efficiency and palaeoclimatology. To facilitate interpretations of small shifts in the carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of leaves, accurate and repeatable results are required. Pre‐sample homogenisation is essential to ensure a representative sample is analysed, but can also introduce error.

Methods

We investigate how different grinding methods (freezer‐milling and ball‐milling) affect the carbon content and δ13C of tree leaves from a wetland in Queensland, Australia, commenting on how increased temperature, sample contamination, sample loss or poor homogenisation may impact results.

Results

No alteration of leaf δ13C is observed due to different milling methods, although there may be a significant increase in %C of samples processed using ball‐milling.

Conclusions

We suggest %C variability is possibly due to contamination from abraded plastic vials or insufficient homogenisation during ball‐milling, with no significant impact on δ13C. Overall, we suggest that intermittent ball‐milling may be the best solution to reduce costs, preparation time and use of liquid nitrogen, aiming to achieve complete homogenisation using the shortest possible duration of milling.
Rapid fingerprint analysis for herbal polysaccharides using direct analysis in real‐time ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xing , Jiang Qing , Li Hongli , Chen David D. Y.
Published: June 2021

Rationale

Herbal polysaccharides have various potential medicinal values. Development of reliable analytical method for the fingerprint analysis of polysaccharides is critical for their quality assessment, origin identification, and authenticity evaluation.

Methods

Mechanochemical extraction (MCE) was used to extract polysaccharide components from different herbal species. Intact polysaccharides were then directly analyzed by direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS). Standard addition method with isotope‐labeled internal standard was used to quantify polysaccharide amounts directly from liquid extract. Multivariate data analysis was further conducted for species classification.

Results

The intact and large polysaccharides were decomposed into small fragment ions less than m/z 350 instantaneously using DART ion source. Different polysaccharides showed distinguished fingerprint DART‐MS spectra using both individual and mixed herbal species. The liquid supernatant from MCE was validated to be used as direct sample for DART‐MS analysis. Quantitation was successfully achieved for polysaccharide contents in Dendrobium officinale from different locations.

Conclusions

A rapid fingerprint protocol in combination of MCE and DART‐MS for herbal polysaccharides was developed. The whole process could be accomplished within a few minutes, from raw materials to final spectra, without requirements of pre‐digestion and additional sample purification.