bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amylopectin from Glutinous Rice as a Sustainable Binder for High‐Performance Silicon Anodes
Authors: Ling Han Yeu , Wang Chengrui , Su Zhong , Chen Su , Chen Hao , Qian Shangshu , Li Dong‐Sheng , Yan Cheng , Kiefel Milton , Lai Chao , Zhang Shanqing
Published: October 2020

Silicon (Si) has been investigated as a promising anode material because of its high theoretical capacity (4200 mAh g‐1). However, silicon anode suffers from huge volume changes during repeated charge–discharge cycles. In this work, inspired by a remarkable success of the glutinous rice mortar in the Great Wall with ca. 2000‐year history, amylopectin (AP), the key ingredient responsible for the strong bonding force, is extracted from glutinous rice and utilized as a flexible, aqueous, and resilient binder to address the most challenging drastic volume‐expansion and pulverization issues of silicon anode. Additionally, the removal of toxic N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) organic solvent makes the electrode fabrication process environmentally friendly and healthy. The as‐prepared Si‐AP electrode with 60 wt% of Si can uphold a high discharge capacity of 1517.9 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.1 C after 100 cycles. The cycling stability of the Si‐AP has been remarkably improved in comparison with both traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and aqueous carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) binders. Moreover, when the content of silicon in the Si‐AP electrode increases to 70 wt%, a high discharge capacity of 1463.1 mAh g−1 can still be obtained after 50 cycles at 0.1° C. These preliminary results suggest that the sustainably available and environmentally benign amylopectin binders could be a promising choice for the construction of highly stable silicon anodes.
Distribution, infrastructure, and expertise of heart failure and cardio‐oncology clinics in a developing network: temporal evolution and challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors:   The Taskforce of the Hellenic Heart Failure Clinics Network
Published: October 2020

The Hellenic Heart Failure Association has undertaken the initiative to develop a national network of heart failure clinics (HFCs) and cardio‐oncology clinics (COCs). We conducted two questionnaire surveys among these clinics within 17 months and another during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak to assess adjustments of the developing network to the pandemic. Out of 68 HFCs comprising the network, 52 participated in the first survey and 55 in the second survey. The median number of patients assessed per week is 10. Changes in engaged personnel were encountered between the two surveys, along with increasing use of advanced echocardiographic techniques (23.1% in 2018 vs. 34.5% in 2020). Drawbacks were encountered, concerning magnetic resonance imaging and ergospirometry use (being available in 14.6% and 29% of HFCs, respectively), exercise rehabilitation programmes (applied only in 5.5%), and telemedicine applications (used in 16.4%). There are 13 COCs in the country with nine of them in the capital region; the median number of patients being assessed per week is 10. Platforms for virtual consultations and video calls are used in 38.5%. Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak affected provision of HFC services dramatically as only 18.5% continued to function regularly, imposing hurdles that need to be addressed, at least temporarily, possibly by alternative methods of follow‐up such as remote consultation. The function of COCs, in contrast, seemed to be much less affected during the pandemic (77% of them continued to follow up their patients). This staged, survey‐based procedure may serve as a blueprint to help building national HFC/COC networks and provides the means to address changes during healthcare crises.
Pain catastrophizing as a treatment process variable in cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with chronic pain
Authors: Gilliam Wesley P. , Schumann Matthew E. , Cunningham Julie L. , Evans Michele M. , Luedtke Connie A. , Morrison Eleshia J. , Sperry Jeannie A. , Vowles Kevin E.
Published: October 2020

Background

Interdisciplinary cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic pain is effective at improving function, mood and pain interference among individuals with disabling chronic pain. Traditionally, CBT assumes that cognitive change is an active therapeutic ingredient in the determination of treatment outcome. Pain catastrophizing, a cognitive response style that views the experience of pain as uncontrollable, permanent and destructive, has been identified as an important maladaptive cognition which contributes to difficulties with the management of chronic pain. Consequently, pain catastrophizing is commonly targeted in CBT for chronic pain.

Objectives

To examine change trajectories in pain catastrophizing during treatment and assess the relevance of these trajectories to outcomes at posttreatment.

Methods

Participants included individuals with chronic pain (N = 463) who completed a 3‐week program of interdisciplinary CBT. Pain catastrophizing was assessed weekly over the 3 weeks of treatment and latent growth curve modelling was used to identify trajectories of change.

Results

Findings indicated the presence of two classes of linear change, one with a significant negative slope in pain catastrophizing (i.e. improved class) and the other with a non‐significant slope (i.e. unchanged class). Next, latent growth mixture modelling examined treatment outcome in relation to class membership. These results indicated that individuals in the ‘improved’ PCS class had significantly greater improvement in pain interference and mood, as well as physical and mental quality of life compared to the ‘unchanged’ class.

Conclusions

Implications for our findings, in relation to the CBT model, are discussed.
Copper Based Organic Framework Modified Electrosensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Rani Reetu , Deep Akash , Mizaikoff Boris , Singh Suman
Published: October 2020

The electrochemical detection of ciprofloxacin (CIP) using copper metal organic framework (Cu BTC) is reported. The glassy carbon electrode was used as a base electrode which was further modified with Cu BTC and differential pulse voltammetry technique was adopted for electrosensing. Under optimized conditions, a linear response for CIP was obtained in concentration range from 1×10−8 to 20×10−6 mol L−1 with a limit of detection of 0.47×10−9 mol L−1. Moreover, the proposed electrosensor showed acceptable reproducibility with 2.39 % relative standard deviation. Determination of CIP in tap water samples showed good recovery in range of 94.6–108 %.
MoS2 Nanosheets Decorated Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Electrocatalyst for 4‐Nitrophenol Detection and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Dinesh Muthu , Muthumalai K. , Haldorai Yuvaraj , Thangavelu Rajendra Kumar Ramasamy
Published: October 2020

Various kinds of electrocatalysts have been widely investigated for the reduction of organic pollutants and the production of clean energy resources. Therefore, cost‐effective and stable electrocatalysts are need of the hour. Herein, we synthesized molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) decorated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite using a hydrothermal method for efficient hydrogen production and electrochemical detection of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). X‐ray diffraction and Raman analysis confirmed the successful formation of the MWCNTs/MoS2 composite. SEM images showed that the pristine MoS2 exhibited a flower‐like morphology with an average particle diameter of 3 μm. Transmission electron microscopy proved that the MoS2 nanosheets were decorated on the MWCNTs surface. The composite showed good performance in terms of electrochemical reduction of 4‐NP in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The linear sweep voltammetric response of the composite electrode for sensing of 4‐NP exhibited a linear relation with the concentration range of 0.75–71 μM and a low detection limit of 0.47 μM. The composite electrode showed high sensitivity (1.67 μA/μM/cm2), good stability, and excellent selectivity. The MWCNTs/MoS2 composite exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction relative to the MoS2 catalyst. The composite coated carbon cloth showed a low overpotential of 211 mV for hydrogen evolution in 0.5 M H2SO4. The electrocatalyst split water into hydrogen up to 22 h with a Tafel slope of 136 mV/dec.
Virtual microstructure design for steels using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Lee Jin‐Woong , Goo Nam Hoon , Park Woon Bae , Pyo Myungho , Sohn Kee‐Sun
Published: October 2020

The prediction of macro‐scale materials properties from microstructures, and vice versa, should be a key part in modeling quantitative microstructure‐physical property relationships. It would be helpful if the microstructural input and output were in the form of visual images rather than parameterized descriptors. However, only a typical supervised learning technique would be insufficient to build up a model with real‐image‐output. A generative adversarial network (GAN) is required to treat visual images as output for a promising PMPR model. Recently developed deep‐learning‐based GAN techniques such as a deep convolutional GAN (DCGAN), a cycle‐consistent GAN (Cycle GAN), and a conditional GAN‐based image to image translation (Pix2Pix) could be of great help via the creation of realistic microstructures. In this regard, we generated virtual micrographs for various types of steels using a DCGAN, a Cycle GAN, and a Pix2Pix and confirmed the generated micrographs are qualitatively indistinguishable from the ground truth.
Implicit large eddy simulation of passive scalar transfer in compressible planar jet
Authors: Tai Youming , Watanabe Tomoaki , Nagata Koji
Published: October 2020

Implicit large eddy simulation (ILES) of passive scalar transfer in compressible turbulence is evaluated for subsonic and supersonic turbulent planar jets. The ILES used in this study relies on fully explicit numerical schemes for spatial and temporal discretization and low‐pass and shock‐capturing filters used as an implicit subgrid‐scale (SGS) model. The ILES results are compared with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) database of the same flows. The ILES results exhibit good agreements with the DNS for first‐ and second‐order statistics of velocity and passive scalar. The scalar transport by turbulent velocity fluctuations is well captured by the ILES. The temporal evolution of the jet strongly depends on the jet Mach number, where a higher Mach number results in the delay of jet development. The Mach number dependence of velocity and passive scalar fields is consistent between the ILES and DNS. The low‐pass filters used as the implicit SGS model contribute to the dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy and scalar variance. Under the present numerical conditions, the filters account for about 50% of the dissipation in a fully developed turbulent jet. The dissipation rate in the ILES, which is the sum of the grid‐scale and SGS dissipation rates, is very close to the dissipation rate in the DNS, and the amount of the SGS dissipation is well controlled by the low‐pass filters. The filters also dump numerical oscillations in the velocity field caused by strong pressure waves outside the supersonic jet at the high Mach number.
Extending the cell‐based smoothed finite element method into strongly coupled fluid–thermal–structure interaction
Authors: He Tao
Published: October 2020

This work generalizes the cell‐based smoothed finite element method (CS‐FEM) into fluid–thermal–structure interaction (FTSI) analysis under the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian description. The thermal buoyancy is included with the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations through the Boussinesq approximation. The combined fluid flow and energy equations are solved by a smoothed characteristics‐based split algorithm that incorporates equal low‐order interpolations for the three primitive variables. The structural motions involving both oscillating rigid and flexible bodies are advanced by the generalized‐ method. Moreover, the nonlinear elastodynamics equations discretized with the CS‐FEM are linearized by the modified Newton–Raphson method. An efficient two‐level mesh updating scheme is subsequently discussed to account for large structural displacement and finite solid deformation. The cell‐based smoothing concept is then adopted to evaluate fluid forces acting on the immersed structure. The smoothed FTSI system is iteratively solved by the block‐Gauss–Seidel procedure. Transient FTSI examples are tested to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the CS‐FEM.
Effects of coffee roasting technologies on cup quality and bioactive compounds of specialty coffee beans
Authors: Bolka Muluken , Emire Shimelis
Published: October 2020

The effects of drum, fluidized bed, and traditional type of coffee roasting technologies on the cup quality and bioactive compounds of Yirgacheffe, Harar, and Sidama variety specialty coffee beans grown in Ethiopia were investigated at light, medium, and dark degree of roast from 150°C to 200°C for 7 to 15 min. No significant differences in cup quality were detected among the roasted coffee varieties disregard of the type of roasters. Varietal difference was found to have significant (p < .05) effect on caffeine content of the coffee beans. A significant reduction in trigonelline and total chlorogenic acids content of the coffee beans was observed during roasting process, with darker roasts attaining the least values. Drum roaster was found to be the best type of coffee roaster for specialty coffee beans at medium degree of roast with the highest cup quality, optimum bioactive compounds content, and minimum acrylamide formation. However, traditional roaster resulted at the least average cup score of 80% among the three coffee samples and the highest acrylamide content of 2.306 mg/L for Yirgacheffe coffee sample at light degree of roast. There are still some bottlenecks that need to be addressed via advancements using novel food processing technologies in order to devise the next generation of coffee processing.
Highly bioavailable curcumin preparation with a co‐grinding and solvent‐free process
Authors: Lu Yiying , Lin Mengting , Zong Jiancheng , Zong Lei , Zhao Zhen , Wang Shanglong , Zhang Zengliang , Han Min
Published: October 2020

Curcumin (Cur.) is a natural product isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, with a variety of biological and pharmacological activities in food and pharmaceutical products. However, curcumin's poor solubility in water greatly limits its bioavailability and clinical applications. In this study, co‐grinding curcumin with food additives produced a mixture, which was evaluated for the solubility in water, dissolution, material morphology, in vivo bioavailability, cell uptake and entry mechanism. We tested 9 food additives in total and found that poloxamers performed the best. The 2 co‐grinding mixtures Cur./Kolliphor® P407 and Cur./Kolliphor® P188 with high drug loading at 65.5% significantly improved the curcumin aqueous solubility, subsequently increased its intestinal epithelial cell uptake and oral bioavailability. The relative bioavailabilities for the 2 co‐grinding mixtures were 309% and 163%, respectively, compared with curcumin API. Co‐grinding process has a broad application prospect and is suitable for industrial production.
Iterative and doubling algorithms for Riccati‐type matrix equations: A comparative introduction
Authors: Poloni Federico
Published: October 2020

We review a family of algorithms for Lyapunov‐ and Riccati‐type equations which are all related to each other by the idea ofdoubling: they construct the iterate of another naturally‐arising fixed‐point iteration(Xh)via a sort of repeated squaring. The equations we consider are Stein equationsX − A∗X A = Q, Lyapunov equationsA∗X + X A + Q = 0, discrete‐time algebraic Riccati equationsX = Q + A∗X(I + G X)−1A, continuous‐time algebraic Riccati equationsQ + A∗X + X A − X G X = 0, palindromic quadratic matrix equationsA + Q Y + A∗Y2 = 0, and nonlinear matrix equationsX + A∗X−1A = Q. We draw comparisons among these algorithms, highlight the connections between them and to other algorithms such as subspace iteration, and discuss open issues in their theory.
Challenging the relationship of grip strength with cognitive status in older adults
Authors: Hooyman Andrew , Malek‐Ahmadi Michael , Fauth Elizabeth B. , Schaefer Sydney Y.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Grip strength is a widely used motor assessment in ageing research and has repeatedly been shown to be associated with cognition. It has been proposed that grip strength could enhance cognitive screening in experimental or clinical research, but this study uses multiple data‐driven approaches to caution against this interpretation. Furthermore, we introduce an alternative motor assessment, comparable to grip dynamometry, but has a more robust relationship with cognition among older adults.

Design

Associations between grip strength and cognition (measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) were analysed cross sectionally using multivariate regression in two datasets: (1) The Irish LongituDinal Study on Ageing (TILDA; N = 5,980, community‐dwelling adults ages 49–80) and (2) an experimental dataset (N = 250, community‐dwelling adults aged 39–98). Additional statistical simulations on TILDA tested how ceiling effects or skewness in these variables influenced these associations for quality control.

Results

Grip strength was significantly but weakly associated with cognition, consistent with previous studies. Simulations revealed this was not due to skewness/ceiling effects. Conversely, a new alternative motor assessment (functional reaching [FR]) had a stronger, more robust and more sensitive relationship with cognition compared to grip strength.

Conclusions

Grip strength should be cautiously interpreted as being associated with cognition. However, FR may have a stronger and clinically useful relationship with cognition.
Financial wealth effects and consumption expenditure
Authors: Swamy Vighneswara
Published: October 2020

There has been a renewed interest in the wealth effects on household consumption expenditure mostly in the background of the global financial crisis and Eurozone turmoil. The available literature on wealth effects mostly focuses on advanced economies. Hence, this article studies the financial wealth effects on private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) in an emerging economy like India. We use the quarterly data for the period 1951–2015 and employ the ARDL method that has the flexibility in overcoming the econometric issues associated with the traditional methods in the analysis of time series models. The results suggest that financial assets wealth in the form of stock market capitalization (MC) significantly affects the PFCE. This article establishes the long‐run positive relationship between financial wealth assets and household consumption. The major inference is that households are closely linked with the financial markets through their investments in the form of insurance, mutual funds, company deposits, company stocks, and other forms. Hence their consumption behavior is significantly affected by the financial wealth created by the financial markets. The policy implication is to make the financial markets more transparent, easy to access by reducing the related financial intermediation costs leading to a deeper integration of the households with the financial markets, which in turn would result in increased financial asset wealth generation and consequently increased household consumption to boost economic growth.
Factors related to completion of referral among women with suspected cervical cancer and dysplasia in Tanzania
Authors: Yim Elizabeth T. , Rogers Taylor B. , Msami Khadija , Calixte Rose , Kahesa Crispin , Mwaiselage Julius D. , Dorn Joan , Soliman Amr S.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To investigate completion of referral among women with suspected cervical cancer in Tanzania.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 196 women referred from two healthcare clinics to Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, between March 2016 and June 2018. Women with precancerous lesions or suspected cancer were interviewed about their knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and referred for follow‐up.

Results

Most participants were unable to name symptoms (55.1%), prevention methods (88.3%), or treatments (59.0%), although 79.1% rated the disease as severe. Women who came for routine early detection were less likely to complete referral than those who did not (odds ratio [OR], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.70). Women who knew someone who died from cervical cancer were 5.40 times more likely to complete referral than those who did not. Knowing someone with cervical cancer was a predictor of referral completion in three multivariate models: OR, 5.62 (95% CI, 2.20–14.38); 4.34 (1.64–11.47); and 4.61 (1.72–12.36). Having severe symptoms was a predictor of non‐completion in two models: 0.30 (0.12–0.75) and 0.35 (0.14–0.87).

Conclusion

Patient‐directed interventions should include education involving survivors of cancer and dysplasia, whereas system‐directed interventions should utilize reminders to increase referral completion.
The effect of different cutoff schemes in molecular simulations of proteins
Authors: Diem Matthias , Oostenbrink Chris
Published: October 2020

Molecular simulations of nanoscale systems invariably involve assumptions and approximations to describe the electrostatic interactions, which are long‐ranged in nature. One approach is the use of cutoff schemes with a reaction‐field contribution to account for the medium outside the cutoff scheme. Recent reports show that macroscopic properties may depend on the exact choice of cutoff schemes in modern day simulations. In this work, a systematic analysis of the effects of different cutoff schemes was performed using a set of 52 proteins. We find no statistically significant differences between using a twin‐range or a single‐range cutoff scheme. Applying the cutoff based on charge groups or based on atomic positions, does lead to significant differences, which is traced to the cutoff noise for energies and forces. While group‐based cutoff schemes show increased cutoff noise in the potential energy, applying an atomistic cutoff leads to artificial structure in the solvent at the cutoff distance. Carefully setting the temperature control, or using an atomistic cutoff for the solute and a group‐based cutoff for the solvent significantly reduces the effects of the cutoff noise, without introducing structure in the solvent. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the implications different cutoffs have on molecular dynamics simulations.
Restrictions on parameters of partial difference sets in nonabelian groups
Authors: Swartz Eric , Tauscheck Gabrielle
Published: October 2020

A partial difference set in a finite group satisfying and corresponds to an undirected strongly regular Cayley graph . While the case when is abelian has been thoroughly studied, there are comparatively few results when is nonabelian. In this paper, we provide restrictions on the parameters of a partial difference set that apply to both abelian and nonabelian groups and are especially effective in groups with a nontrivial center. In particular, these results apply to ‐groups, and we are able to rule out the existence of partial difference sets in many instances.
Clonal distribution of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium in Turkey and the new singleton ST733
Authors: Erdem Fatma , Kayacan Cigdem , Oncul Oral , Karagoz Alper , Aktas Zerrin
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to provide information about the spread and characteristics of the vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates (VREfm) in Turkey.

Methods

Seventy‐one nonduplicate consecutive isolates of VREfm were obtained from various clinical specimens of inpatients treated at university or training hospitals in seven regions of Turkey. Further characteristics included antibiotic susceptibility testing, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of SmaI‐digested genomic DNA, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of selected isolates. The presence of vancomycin resistance and virulence genes (esp and hyl) was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

All VREfm isolates had MICs to vancomycin of ≥32 mg/L and contained the vanA gene. The presence of esp gene was identified in 64 and hyl in eight VREfm isolates. All VREfm showed the multiresistance phenotype, including ampicillin (99%), penicillin (99%), imipenem (99%), ciprofloxacin (87%), moxifloxacin (87%), erythromycin (97%), streptomycin (86%), gentamicin (82%), tetracycline (70%), and teicoplanin (99%). All were susceptible to tigecycline while quinupristin‐dalfopristin (97%) and linezolid (93%) were the most active other agents. Analysis of the PFGE profiles showed that 53 (74.6%) VREfm isolates shared a similar electrophoretic profile, designed as type 1, and were closely related (>85%). The sequence type was identified by MLST in 44 VRE isolates with unrelated or closely related PFGE patterns. MLST revealed that nosocomial spread of VREfm resulted from dissemination of lineage C1 E faecium clones. Sequence types ST78, ST203, and ST117 were the most frequently isolated. This is the first report of ST733 around the world.

Conclusions

Lineage C1 clones are disseminated among clinical VREfm isolates in seven different regions in Turkey. Regarding VREfm isolates, the worldwide epidemic strains are in circulation in Turkey.
Assessing aberrant salience in young community help‐seekers with early psychosis: The approved Italian version of the Aberrant Salience Inventory
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Azzali Silvia , Garlassi Sara , Scazza Ilaria , Paterlini Federica , Chiri Luigi R. , Poletti Michele , Pupo Simona , Cicero David C. , Preti Antonio , Raballo Andrea
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Aberrant salience (AS) has a crucial role in the onset of psychosis. The Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) is the only self‐report instrument specifically developed for the assessment of AS. Aim of this study was to examine the reliability and the validity of the approved Italian version of the ASI in a clinical sample of young help‐seekers.

Methods

The ASI was completed by 204 individuals, aged 13–35 years. Reliability was assessed examining internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Concordant validity was established with CAARMS (“Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States”).

Results

The ASI showed high test‐retest reliability and excellent internal consistency. The ASI total score had significant positive correlations with CAARMS “Positive Symptoms” subscores.

Conclusions

The ASI showed satisfactory psychometric properties and seems to be a suitable instrument for early detection of psychosis in Italian mental health services.
The impact of afterschool program attendance on academic outcomes of middle school students
Authors: Budd Elizabeth L. , Nixon Carol T. , Hymel Alicia M. , Tanner‐Smith Emily E.
Published: October 2020

This evaluation examined the effects of afterschool programs—supported by an afterschool system intermediary organization (ASIO)—on middle school students' academic performance and examined how those effects varied by student characteristics and program engagement. In this longitudinal, quasi‐experimental matched comparison group evaluation, propensity score matching was used to create demographically balanced samples of ASIO‐supported afterschool program participants and nonparticipants. Students enrolled in the afterschool programs did not differ from non‐participants in growth over time on most academic outcomes. Students attending the afterschool programs showed less growth on certain state test scores compared to nonparticipants. Student demographic characteristics did not consistently influence participant outcomes. Among program participants only, students who were enrolled more than 1 year demonstrated a 7‐percentile‐point increase in state test scores per year of program engagement. There was no consistent evidence that ASIO‐supported afterschool program participation was associated with improved student academic outcomes. However, study results support increased emphasis on afterschool program retention, given that longer duration of participation in the afterschool programs was associated with more growth on multiple academic outcomes.
Solvent and catalyst‐free synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines by grindstone chemistry
Authors: Godugu Kumar , Nallagondu Chinna Gangi Reddy
Published: October 2020

The present work describes the solvent and catalyst‐free synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines in excellent to nearly quantitative yields from 2‐aminopyridines and a wide variety of ω‐bromomethylketones using a grindstone procedure at 25°C to 30°C for 3 to 5 minutes. The absolute structure of the compound, 2‐(3‐bromophenyl)‐7‐methylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine is determined by X‐ray crystallography. This green strategy has several noteworthy advantages such as wide spread substrate scope, short reaction times, water work up and the products do not require any chromatographic purification. Moreover, the method does not require any specialized equipment and is highly economical, environmentally benign and easy to carry out in any laboratory. Hence, the developed method meets the concept of “benign by design” and is greener alternative to the reported procedures for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines.
Suicidality Protective Factors Among Black College Students: Which Cultural and Personal Resources Matter?
Authors: Wang Mei‐Chuan , Wong Y. Joel , Nyutu Pius N. , Fu Chu‐Chun
Published: October 2020

This study examined the influence of cultural resources (ethnic identity, Afrocentric worldview, and religiosity) on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Black college students and the role of personal resources (ego resiliency and optimism) as mediators of this link. Data collected from 257 participants were analyzed. A bivariate correlational analysis showed that ethnic identity was significantly associated with lower levels of suicidality. In addition, ego resiliency mediated the relationships between Afrocentric worldview, ethnic identity, and religiosity and suicidality.

Este estudio examinó la influencia que tienen los recursos culturales (identidad étnica, visión del mundo afrocéntrica y religiosidad) sobre los pensamientos y comportamientos suicidas entre estudiantes universitarios negros, así como el papel de los recursos personales (resiliencia del ego y optimismo) como mediadores de esta conexión. Se analizaron los resultados recogidos de 257 participantes. Un análisis correlacional bivariado mostró que la identidad étnica estaba asociada significativamente a niveles más bajos de tendencias suicidas. Además, la resiliencia del ego medió la relación entre la visión del mundo afrocéntrica, la identidad étnica y la religiosidad y las tendencias suicidas.
Investigation of drug resistance against protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase inhibitors by next‐generation sequencing in HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Tekin Duygu , Gokengin Deniz , Onay Huseyin , Erensoy Selda , Sertoz Ruchan
Published: October 2020

Our aim was to investigate the mutations in protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase (IN) gene regions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using a single amplicon via next‐generation sequencing (NGS). The study included plasma samples from 49 HIV‐1‐positive patients, which were referred for HIV‐1 drug resistance testing during 2017. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed after the RNA extraction and one‐step reverse transcription stages. The sequencing of the HIV genome in the PR, RT, and IN gene regions was carried out using MiSeq NGS technology. Sanger sequencing (SS) was used to analyze resistance mutations in the PR and RT gene regions using a ViroSeq HIV‐1 Genotyping System. PCR products were analyzed with an ABI3500 GeneticAnalyzer (Applied Biosystems). Resistance mutations detected with NGS at frequencies above 20% were identical to the SS results. Resistance to at least one antiretroviral (ARV) drug was 22.4% (11 of 49) with NGS and 10.2% (5 of 49) with SS. At least one low‐frequency resistance mutation was detected in 18.3% (9 of 49) of the samples. Low‐frequency resistance mutations resulted in virological failure in only one patient. The cost of the analyses was reduced by sample pooling and multiplex analysis using the MiSeq system. This is the first study in Turkey to use NGS technologies for the detection of resistance mutations in all three gene (PR, RT, IN) regions using a single amplicon. Our findings suggest that NGS is more sensitive and cost‐effective than the SS method.
Social support at work: An integrative review
Authors: Jolly Phillip M. , Kong Dejun Tony , Kim Kyoung Yong
Published: October 2020

Social support can have a range of positive outcomes for both employees and organizations. Social support can lead to higher quality relationships, positive affective reactions, and increased individual performance and can buffer the negative effects of stressful demands. The power of social support has led to exponential growth in its investigation as a construct of interest in the workplace. However, this growth has come with several issues, which are the focus of this review. First, the literature is fragmented, with multiple conceptual frameworks employed to predict how social support may function in the workplace. Second, many studies are vague when defining social support, leading to diminished conceptual clarity. Third, there is no generally accepted measure of social support, and we describe problems with the structure and/or use of several commonly used measures. Finally, findings regarding the moderating effect of social support are decidedly mixed, calling into question why this might be so. On the basis of an extensive review of social support at work research, we highlight these issues, discuss how they can impede the advancement of understanding regarding social support in organizational settings, and propose an integrative framework to guide the field forward. Finally, we identify multiple areas for future investigation.
Commentary to Gusenbauer and Haddaway 2020: Evaluating retrieval qualities of Google Scholar andPubMed
Authors: Klopfenstein D. V. , Dampier Will
Published: October 2020

We read with considerable interest the study by Gusenbauer and Haddaway (Gusenbauer and Haddaway, 2020, Research Synthesis Methods, doi:10.1002/jrsm.1378) comparing the systematic search qualities of 28 search systems, including Google Scholar (GS) and PubMed. Google Scholar and PubMed are the two most popular free academic search tools in biology and chemistry, with GS being the number one search tool in the world. Those academics using GS as their principal system for literature searches may be unaware of research which enumerates five critical features for scientific literature tools that greatly influenced Gusenbauer's 2020 study. Using this list as the framework for a targeted comparison between just GS and PubMed, we found stark differences which overwhelmingly favored PubMed. In this comment, we show that by comparing the characteristics of the two search tools, features that are particularly useful in one search tool, but are missing in the other, are strikingly spotlighted. One especially popular feature that ubiquitously appears in GS, but not in PubMed, is the forward citation search found under every citation as a clickableCited by Nlink. We seek to improve the PubMed search experience using two approaches. First, we request that PubMed addCited by Nlinks, making them as omnipresent as the GS links. Second, we created an open‐source command‐line tool,pmidcite, which is used alongside PubMed to give information to researchers to help with the choice of the next paper to examine, analogous to how GS'sCited by Nlinks help to guide users. Findpmidciteathttps://github.com/dvklopfenstein/pmidcite.
Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder are Associated with Exaggerated Neural Response to Surprising Errors
Authors: Howlett Jonathon R. , Bomyea Jessica , Harlé Katia M. , Simmons Alan N.
Published: October 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by exaggerated salience of previously innocuous cues and associated with hyperactivity of salience‐related brain regions. Recently, computational models have been deployed to operationalize salience more precisely regarding surprise‐driven learning, leading to findings that such learning is altered in anxiety‐related disorders. In the present study, a sample of 20 combat veterans completed a probabilistic learning task during fMRI scanning. We applied a computational model to generate a trial‐by‐trial surprise signal (i.e., unsigned prediction error or difference between the expected probability of an outcome and the actual observed outcome), which allowed us to examine the neural response to surprising events. We did not observe an association between PTSD symptoms and behavioral indices of learning in the task. Surprising errors were associated with increased activity in the left precuneus/inferior parietal lobule and right inferior parietal lobule, two parietal regions that are linked to salience processing. Additionally, PTSD symptom severity was positively associated with precuneus/inferior parietal lobule activation to surprising errors, r = .63, p = .004. Taken together, this pattern of results suggests that PTSD symptoms are specifically associated with an exaggerated response to surprising errors in salience‐related regions of the brain. This altered pattern of neural activity could represent a target for intervention to improve PTSD symptoms.
Non‐adherence to consensus guidelines on preoperative imaging in surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Noltes Milou E. , Brands Stephan , Dierckx Rudi A.J.O. , Jager Pieter L. , Kelder Wendy , Brouwers Adrienne H , Francken Anne Brecht , Kruijff Schelto
Published: October 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the adherence to consensus guidelines on preoperative imaging of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) in real local practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of 411 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for pHPT from 2007 to 2017 in three referral centers.

Results

In 286/411 patients (69%) the preoperative imaging workup adhered to guidelines (utilizing ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy). In patients in whom guidelines were followed 63% were discharged within one day versus 37% in whom guidelines were not followed (P < .0005). The use of a bimodality imaging workup, starting with ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy followed by imaging upscaling aiming for anatomical and functional concordance, was a predictor for the performance of a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (OR 4.098, 95% CI 2.296‐7.315, P < .0005).

Conclusion

The level of compliance to preoperative imaging guidelines is suboptimal in this population. Patients in whom adherence was achieved showed a shorter length of stay. More education of physicians is required regarding the appropriate preoperative imaging workup in pHPT.

Level of evidence

2b (individual cohort study).
Heterogeneous Features of Keloids Assessed by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhang Mingzi , Yu Nanze , Zhang Wenchao , Long Xiao , Wang Youbin , Wang Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

Keloids are described as benign dermal fibroproliferative lesions, and vascularization may play a significant role in their pathogenesis. In this study, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was used to assess perfusion within keloids and surrounding skin, and perfusion of keloids at different stages was compared.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A total of 59 patients with 110 untreated keloids on the anterior chest were enrolled in this study. Different keloid stages (progressive, stable, and regressive) were defined according to patients’ descriptions of whether keloids became larger, stable, or smaller during the previous year. Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was assessed by a plastic surgeon, and patient reports on pain and itching were documented. LSCI was used to evaluate blood perfusion of keloids (K), skin adjacent to keloids (A), and nonadjacent skin (N). The mean perfusion of these regions was determined, and ratios (K/N, A/N) were calculated.

Results

A heterogeneous perfusion map was observed among the keloid groups, as well as within each keloid. A positive correlation was found between keloid perfusion and VSS. There were 62 (56.4%) keloids in the progressive stage, 33 (30.0%) keloids in the stable stage, and 15 (13.6%) keloids in the regressive stage. The mean K/N ratios in the progressive, stable, and regressive stages were 2.3 ± 0.5, 1.8 ± 0.3, and 1.5 ± 0.5, respectively. The mean A/N ratios were 1.2 ± 0.4, 1.2 ± 0.2, and 1.0 ± 0.5, respectively. Within each keloid, significantly higher perfusion was noted in the keloid and adjacent skin compared with nonadjacent skin.

Conclusion

These results indicate that LSCI is a promising technique for evaluating keloid blood perfusion and distinguishing heterogeneous keloids. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of a Superhydrophobic Cellulose Derivative Targeted for Eco‐Friendly Packaging Material
Authors: Fernandes Shannon Q. , Madhuranthakam Chandra Mouli R.
Published: October 2020

A major issue concerned with using synthetic polymers as packaging materials is the difficulty in the disposal or reuse which in turn is leading to environmental pollution. Design of eco‐friendly alternative materials or modified polymers is being done to overcome or address this issue. In this article, a design is proposed of a new cellulose derivative which consists of cellulose layered with nonacosan‐10‐ol and nonacosane‐5,10‐diol molecules targeted toward achieving superior nonwettability while assuring both physical strength and reusability. An atomistic model of this new material (called as Adulose from now) that had 24 cellulose chains and 48 molecules of each of the other wax materials is used in this study. Molecular dynamic simulations are performed on this material using LAMMPS software at 0 atm and 300 K for an isothermal‐isobaric ensemble. The stress–strain behavior is studied by conducting deformation simulations while the contact angle simulations of this material are evaluated to confirm the nonwettability (or hydrophobicity). Preliminary simulations show that Adulose has very good mechanical properties like its ultimate stress value is almost similar to that of polyethylene and an average contact angle of over 150° is achieved from the simulations.
The Influence of Structural Patterns on Acute Aquatic Toxicity of Organic Compounds
Authors: Tinkov Oleg , Polishchuk Pavel , Matveieva Mariia , Grigorev Veniamin , Grigoreva Ludmila , Porozov Yuri
Published: October 2020

Investigation of the influence of molecular structure of different organic compounds on acute toxicity towards Fathead minnow, Daphnia magna, and Tetrahymena pyriformis has been carried out using 2D simplex representation of molecular structure and two modelling methods: Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM). Suitable QSAR (Quantitative Structure – Activity Relationships) models were obtained. The study was focused on QSAR models interpretation. The aim of the study was to develop a set of structural fragments that simultaneously consistently increase toxicity toward Fathead minnow, Daphnia magna, Tetrahymena pyriformis. The interpretation allowed to gain more details about known toxicophores and to propose new fragments. The results obtained made it possible to rank the contributions of molecular fragments to various types of toxicity to aquatic organisms. This information can be used for molecular optimization of chemicals. According to the results of structural interpretation, the most significant common mechanisms of the toxic effect of organic compounds on Fathead minnow, Daphnia magna and Tetrahymena pyriformis are reactions of nucleophilic substitution and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. In addition acetylcholinesterase and voltage‐gated ion channel of Fathead minnow and Daphnia magna are important targets for toxicants. The on‐line version of the OCHEM expert system (https://ochem.eu) were used for a comparative QSAR investigation. The proposed QSAR models comply with the OECD principles and can be used to reliably predict acute toxicity of organic compounds towards Fathead minnow, Daphnia magna and Tetrahymena pyriformis with allowance for applicability domain estimation.
The Association of Grip Strength, Body Mass Index, and Lung Function in Youth with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bouma Sandra F. , Iwanicki Courtney , McCaffery Harlan , Nasr Samya Z.
Published: October 2020

Compared with body mass index (BMI), lean body mass and fat‐free mass are strongly associated with lung function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods of measuring body composition in youth with CF are often unreliable, expensive, or not clinically feasible. Grip strength (GS), a measure of muscle function, is used as a surrogate for muscle mass and is an indicator of nutrition status. This quality improvement project explored the feasibility of measuring GS in medically stable youth with CF, aged 6–21 years. A total 361 GS measurements were performed by using a digital hand dynamometer in youth from a single CF center. Using reference tables that were created for this project by merging data from the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, youth with CF were found to be weaker than age‐ and gender‐matched peers, even when controlled for differences in size. A positive association (P < .001) was found between GS percentile and lung function, as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted (FEV1pp). Statistical analysis revealed that both BMI percentile and absolute GS (AGS) percentile were positively associated with FEV1pp and with each other, primarily at the lower levels of BMI percentile (<50%) and AGS percentile (<50%). GS may provide a reliable, less expensive, and clinically feasible alternative to body composition measurements in monitoring nutrition status in youth with CF, especially in youth whose BMI is in the <50th percentile.
Osteochondritis dissecans and physical activity in skeletal remains of ancient hunter‐gatherers from Southern Patagonia
Authors: Zúñiga Thayer Rodrigo , Suby Jorge , Luna Leandro , Flensborg Gustavo
Published: October 2020

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint disease characterized by the detachment or separation of an articular cartilage fragment and subchondral bone in joint epiphyses. It has been diagnosed in archaeological skeletons worldwide but scarcely studied in hunter‐gatherer skeletal remains. The aim of this paper is to analyse the variation of OCD in skeletons of past populations that lived in Southern Patagonia during the Late Holocene, which can be useful to improve our understanding about the effects of the mechanical demands in hunter‐gatherers. The overall prevalence observed in this sample (40.5%), higher than the data reported for current populations and mostly located in the shoulder of young and middle adult males of terrestrial and maritime hunter‐gatherers, suggests that physical activity involved in both economic strategies would have played an important role in the development of OCD. The contact with European colonizers does not seem to have produced differences in the prevalence of OCD, although more dated skeletons are needed to test this hypothesis.