bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing, volume and precursory indicators of rock‐ and cliff fall on a permafrost mountain ridge (Mattertal, Switzerland)
Authors: Hendrickx Hanne , Le Roy Gaëlle , Helmstetter Agnès , Pointner Eric , Larose Eric , Braillard Luc , Nyssen Jan , Delaloye Reynald , Frankl Amaury
Published: February 2022

High mountain environments are increasingly affected by rockfall‐related hazards, driven by climate change. Studying rockfall in these environments is, however, challenging due to the inaccessibility of mountain ridges and the complex interaction between controlling factors. In this study, the rock wall of Grosse Grabe North Pillar in the Matter valley (Western Swiss Alps) was studied in detail over a timespan of 4 years (2017–2021). Data was collected from time‐lapse photography, terrestrial laser scanning, unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry and seismic measurements. The presented dataset is unique because data collection started before the onset of the rock wall destabilization, allowing us to understand precursory indicators of large‐scale events. In total, we recorded 382 rock‐ and cliff fall events (100–31 300 m3), with a total volume of 204 323 ± 8173 m3, resulting in a scar depth of ~40 m. An associated rock wall retreat rate of 71.2 ± 2.8 mm year−1 was calculated for the 1991–2021 period. Highly fractured south‐exposed gneiss lithology is viewed as the main predisposition for the observed rock‐ and cliff fall events, allowing high‐temperature oscillations to cause irreversible movements at fracture level. Cliff falls (104–106 m3) were preluded by an outward movement of the rock wall that started to increase 1.5 years before any significant collapse of the rock wall, reaching locally up to 30 cm. All cliff fall events occurred in summer, exposing ice in the clefts. This is assumed to be the base of the permafrost from the north side. Rapid permafrost degradation is viewed as a triggering factor after its exposure, causing progressive failure of the rock wall, leading to very high rock wall retreat rates on a decadal timescale.
Trust and inclusion during the Covid‐19 pandemic: Perspectives from Black and South Asian people living with dementia and their carers in the UK
Authors: Armstrong Megan , Aker Narin , Nair Pushpa , Walters Kate , Barrado‐Martin Yolanda , Kupeli Nuriye , Sampson Elizabeth L. , Manthorpe Jill , West Emily , Davies Nathan
Published: February 2022

Introduction

People from ethnic minority backgrounds living with dementia are more likely to be diagnosed later and have less access to health and social care support than their White counterparts in the United Kingdom (UK). Covid‐19 has exacerbated health inequalities and diminished trust from underserved communities in the government and health services. The wider aim of the study was to explore the impact of covid‐19 on Black and South‐Asian people living with dementia and their carers as well as exploring the experiences of dementia care. The present paper specifically explores their views on trust and mistrust using an ecological model.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 family carers and four people living with dementia from South Asian or Black communities living in the community. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.

Design

An exploratory qualiative design was used.

Results

Four main themes were developed exploring trust at the structural, organisational, community and individual level. At the structural level, participants discussed the inequity of Covid‐19, some lack of trust in the UK Government and confusion in its messaging, and the anxiety sometimes leading to curtailment of media usage. At the organisational level, there was some evidence of a perceived lack of person‐centred and culturally sensitive care from healthcare professionals, as well as concerns around care homes as places of safety. At the neighbourhood community level, participants discussed both a distrust as well as a strengthening of relationships and, at the individual level, factors such as knowledge of services, identity, and faith influenced their experience of the pandemic.

Conclusions

People living with dementia need support at all levels and this study highlights how the pandemic impacted each level. Ways to improve trust in the Government and health professionals alongside culturally adapted health messaging should be explored. Alongside this, an examination of how cultural values and norms may influence help‐seeking responses to dementia and increase trust in services may be helpful post‐pandemic.
Tumor‐derived exosomes induce immunosuppressive macrophages to foster intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression
Authors: Luo Chubin , Xin Haoyang , Zhou Zhengjun , Hu Zhiqiang , Sun Rongqi , Yao Na , Sun Qiman , Borjigin Uyunbilig , Wu Xia , Fan Jia , Huang Xiaowu , Zhou Shaolai , Zhou Jian
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Macrophages are prominent components of solid tumors and exhibit distinct functions in different tumor microenvironments. Exosomes are emerging as necessary mediators of the cross‐talk between tumor cells and the microenvironment. However, the underlying mechanisms of exosomes involving into crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages during disease progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have not been yet fully realized.

Approach and Results

We found that the macrophages of ICC tumor tissues up‐regulated the expression levels of immunosuppressive molecule programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1). Increased PD‐L1+ macrophages in tumor tissues effectively suppressed T‐cell immunity and correlated with poor survival rates in patients with ICC. High‐throughput RNA‐sequencing analysis that was performed to identify differential levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) between exosomes derived from ICC cells and primary human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells revealed that miR‐183‐5p was increased in ICC cell‐derived exosomes. Exosomal miR‐183‐5p inhibited phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression, to subsequently affect the elevations on both phosphorylated AKT and PD‐L1 expression in macrophages. Furthermore, macrophages that treated with ICC cell–derived exosomes significantly suppressed T‐cell immunity in vitro and contributed to the growth and progression of ICC in vivo, which were reversible through blockages on PD‐L1 of these macrophages. Finally, clinical data showed that up‐regulated levels of plasma exosomal miR‐183‐5p correlated with poor prognosis of patients with ICC after curative resection.

Conclusions

Tumor‐derived exosomal miR‐183‐5p up‐regulates PD‐L1‐expressing macrophages to foster immune suppression and disease progression in ICC through the miR‐183‐5p/PTEN/AKT/PD‐L1 pathway. Exosomal miR‐183‐5p is a potential predictive biomarker for ICC progression and a potential target for development of therapeutic strategies against immune tolerance feature of ICC.
Development of clinical pharmacy quality measures: A call to action
Authors: Nesbit Suzanne A. , Haas Curtis E. , Carter Barry L. , Kehoe William A. , Jacobi Judi , D'Amico Heather Rucker , Peace Jacob T.
Published: February 2022

In the past year, American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) has released white papers on quality measures of clinical pharmacy services in ambulatory care, acute care, and transitions of care. While reviewing established metrics and proposing new measures, these papers call out the lack of development, standardization, and validation of quality measures for the practice of pharmacy. This commentary provides a call to action for ACCP and the pharmacy enterprise.
The various regulatory functions of long noncoding RNAs in apoptosis, cell cycle, and cellular senescence
Authors: Heydarnezhad Asl Mohammad , Pasban Khelejani Faezeh , Bahojb Mahdavi Seyedeh Zahra , Emrahi Leila , Jebelli Asiyeh , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad
Published: February 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of noncoding cellular RNAs involved in significant biological phenomena such as differentiation, cell development, genomic imprinting, adjusting the enzymatic activity, regulating chromosome conformation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and cellular senescence. The misregulation of lncRNAs interrupting normal biological processes has been implicated in tumor formation and metastasis, resulting in cancer. Apoptosis and cell cycle, two main biological phenomena, are highly conserved and intimately coupled mechanisms. Hence, some cell cycle regulators can influence both programmed cell death and cell division. Apoptosis eliminates defective and unwanted cells, and the cell cycle enables cells to replicate themselves. The improper regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle contributes to numerous disorders such as neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, viral infection, anemia, and mainly cancer. Cellular senescence is a tumor‐suppressing response initiated by environmental and internal stress factors. This phenomenon has recently attained more attention due to its therapeutic implications in the field of senotherapy. In this review, the regulatory roles of lncRNAs on apoptosis, cell cycle, and senescence will be discussed. First, the role of lncRNAs in mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis is addressed. Next, the interaction between lncRNAs and caspases, pro/antiapoptotic proteins, and also EGFR/PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1 signaling pathway will be investigated. Furthermore, the effect of lncRNAs in the cell cycle is surveyed through interaction with cyclins, cdks, p21, and wnt/β‐catenin/c‐myc pathway. Finally, the function of essential lncRNAs in cellular senescence is mentioned.
Genetic analysis combined with 3D‐printing assistant surgery in diagnosis and treatment for an X‐linked hypophosphatemia patient
Authors: Jin Jie‐Yuan , Zhang Li‐Yang , Guo Shuai , Tang Ke , Zeng Lei , Xiang Rong , Liang Jie‐Yu
Published: February 2022

Background

Hypophosphatemia is mainly characterized by hypophosphatemia and a low level of 1alpha,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D2 (1,25‐(OH)2D2) and/or 1alpha,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25‐(OH)2D3) in the blood. Previous studies have demonstrated that variants in PHEX and FGF23 are primarily responsible for this disease. Although patients with variants of these two genes share almost the same symptoms, they exhibit the different hereditary pattern, X‐link dominant and autosome dominant, respectively. Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is a method which can accurately reconstruct physical objects, and its applications in orthopedics can contribute to realizing a more accurate surgical performance and a better outcome.

Methods

An X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) family was recruited, with four patients across three generations. We screened candidate genes and filtered a duplication variant in PHEX. Variant analysis and co‐segregation confirmation were then performed. Before the operation of our patient, a digital model of our patient's leg had been rebuilt upon the CT scan data, and a polylactic acid (PLA) model had been 3D‐printed.

Results

A novel duplication PHEX variant c.574dupG (p.A192GfsX20) was identified in a family with XLH. Its pathogenicity was confirmed by the co‐segregation assay and online bioinformatics database. The preoperative plan was made with the help of the PLA model. Then, arch osteotomy and transverse osteotomy were performed under the guidance of the previous simulation. The appearance of the surgical‐intervened leg was satisfactory.

Conclusions

This study identified a novel PHEX variant and showed that 3D printing tech is a very promising approach for corrective osteotomies.
Stabilization of water‐in‐oil emulsions using a wax ester synthesized by a new homemade heterogeneous biocatalyst
Authors: Lisboa Milena Chagas , de Almeida Rodrigues César , Mattedi Silvana , Mendes Adriano Aguiar , Dariva Cláudio , Franceschi Elton , Lima Álvaro Silva , Soares Cleide Mara Faria
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Cetyl palmitate is a wax ester naturally found in sperm whale spermaceti, and it is of importance in the cosmetics industry. International regulations prohibit the sale of sperm whale spermaceti, so it is now being replaced by pure cetyl palmitate obtained by a chemical route or from mixtures based on jojoba oil. Another alternative is to use an enzymatic route for wax ester synthesis. For such a purpose, a new heterogeneous biocatalyst was prepared by our research group via physical adsorption of Burkholderia cepacia lipase on aerogel modified with a protic ionic liquid (IB‐IL‐OPT). Its catalytic activity was compared with that of a biocatalyst prepared using a non‐chemically modified silica aerogel (IB‐Control). The objective of this work was to apply this homemade heterogeneous biocatalyst to cetyl palmitate synthesis via a direct esterification reaction in a solvent system and to test the final product as a stabilizing agent in water‐in‐oil emulsions.

RESULTS

IB‐IL‐OPT achieved maximum acid conversion of 95–100% under optimal experimental conditions established using a central composite rotational design: biocatalyst concentration of 14.8% (w/w), molar ratio of 1:1.3, 41 °C for 15 h of reaction under continuous mechanical agitation (200 rpm). The IB‐Control gave 58.8% acid conversion in similar conditions. IB‐IL‐OPT was successively reused for four cycles. The wax ester showed potential as a good emulsifier for virgin coconut oil.

CONCLUSIONS

The cetyl palmitate obtained via an enzymatic route without further purification showed good emulsifying potential, forming Pickering emulsions. This opens new perspectives for study and applications in the cosmetics industry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Attitudes and satisfaction of dental faculty toward calibration: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tabassum Afsheen , Alhareky Muhanad , Madi Marwa , Nazir Muhammad Ashraf
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate attitudes and satisfaction of faculty members about calibration efforts in the undergraduate dental program at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study included faculty members (n = 75) who participated in calibration exercises for effective assessments in preclinical and clinical courses. The previously validated questionnaire was utilized. The questionnaire was composed of four sections: demographics, faculty members' attitude, quality of calibration efforts, and faculty satisfaction. The satisfaction score of faculty members was calculated and compared with their demographic data. Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations, frequencies, and proportions. The data were analyzed using an independent sample t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

The response rate was 92% (n = 69). Note that 97% participants agreed that faculty calibration was an important aspect of dental education and 88.10% were willing to attend calibration exercises even if not required by their institution. Most participants (82.1%) agreed students were more satisfied with their clinical education when faculty members were calibrated. In this study, the perception of 85.1% of the participants was that calibration efforts reduced faculty variations. Most participants (73.10%) were satisfied with the quality of faculty calibration exercises in the college. The mean satisfaction score of the sample was 13.21 ± 3.65, which was significantly higher among faculty members with a doctoral degree (13.88 ± 3.64) than those with a master's degree (12.08 ± 3.46) (p = 0.048). The study showed no significant relationship of gender, age, status, and year of experience with faculty's satisfaction with calibration efforts.

Conclusion

Most faculty members recognized the importance of faculty calibration in dental education and were satisfied with the quality of calibration efforts. Satisfaction with calibration efforts was significantly related to the high education of faculty members.
Performance scanning electron microscopic investigations and elemental analysis of hair of the different animal species for forensic identification
Authors: Madkour Fatma A. , Abdelsabour‐Khalaf Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Veterinary forensics have attracted less attention compared with human forensics. Animal hair morphological examination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hair mineral analysis using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) provide reference databases for animal hair identification used in forensic investigations. This study was performed on four different animal species: large ruminants (buffalo and cattle), small ruminants (goat and sheep), carnivores (cat and dog), and equines (donkey and horse). The hair scale pattern, scale margin type, and distance between scales were identified. The hair scale pattern was imbricate in large ruminants, goat, and horse; coronal (crown‐like) in carnivores and donkey; and spinous in sheep. The morphometric measurements, including cuticle layer thickness, cuticle scale height, cortex diameter, and hair shaft width were recorded. The highest cuticle thickness was found in horse, and the highest cuticle hair scale was detected in cattle. Moreover, the largest cortex diameter was measured in buffalo, whereas the smallest one was in cat. With regard the content of hair elements, some elements were specific for the hair of certain tested animals, such as bromine in sheep and magnesium and phosphorus in buffalo. In addition, vanadium and titanium were found only in cattle and dog, and the latter element was also detected in sheep. In conclusion, this study provides two techniques for animal hair identification that can be used in forensic investigations.

Research highlights

Hair scale pattern was imbricate in (large ruminants, goat, and horse); coronal in (carnivores and donkey); and spinous in (sheep) with different scale margins type.

Hair shaft width in all tested animal species ranged from 23.78 ± 1.24 μm to 85.51 ± 1.14 μm.
The impact of COVID‐19 on consumption poverty in Mozambique
Authors: Barletta Giulia , Castigo Finório , Egger Eva‐Maria , Keller Michael , Salvucci Vincenzo , Tarp Finn
Published: February 2022

This study assesses the impact of COVID‐19 on household consumption poverty. To predict changes in income and the associated effects on poverty, we rely on existing estimated macroeconomic impacts. We assume two main impact channels: direct income/wage and employment losses. Our simulations suggest that consumption decreased by 7.1%–14.4% and that poverty increased by 4.3–9.9 percentage points in 2020. This points to a reversal of the positive poverty reduction trend observed in previous years. Poverty most certainly increased in the pre‐COVID period due to other shocks, so Mozambique finds itself in a deepening struggle against poverty.
SiC‐based analytical model for gate‐stack dual metal nanowireFETwith enhanced analog performance
Authors: Neeraj  , Goel Anubha , Sharma Shobha , Rewari Sonam , Gupta Radhey Shyam
Published: February 2022

In this paper, silicon carbide‐based analytical model for gate‐stack dual metal nanowire field effect transistor (gate‐stack DM NW FET) has been analyzed by solving the 2D Poisson's equation using parabolic approximation method for electric potential, subthreshold current and subthreshold slope. The results have been examined for various silicon carbide film depth and channel length. The results predicted by the analytical model have excellent agreement with simulated results obtained by ATLAS 3D device simulator. A gate‐stack having high k‐dielectric material, that is, Hafnium oxide (HfO2) along with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) has been used. Also, performance characteristics of gate‐stack DM NW FET have been compared with the performance characteristics of nanowire field effect transistor (NW FET), Nanowire field effect transistor (NW FET) (Sic) and dual metal nanowire field effect transistor (DM NW FET) (SiC). It is so proved that our proposed device, that is, gate‐stack DM NW FET (4H‐SiC) exhibits superior performance in terms of drain current (Ids), transconductance (gm), output conductance (gd) and cut off frequency (fT) than the existing devices.
The dominant modes of the long rains interannual variability over Tanzania and their oceanic drivers
Authors: Kebacho Laban Lameck , Chen Haishan
Published: February 2022

Mitigating the impacts of droughts and floods over East Africa (EA) may largely be possible through accurate predictions of the long rains (March–May). Though the close interannual variability between the long rains, Indian and Pacific Oceans has been widely studied, Tanzania's long rain variability remains unclear. This paper examines the Tanzanian long rains dominant modes through an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, and their relationship with winter sea surface temperature (SST) for the period 1951–2018. Correlation and composite analyses were applied to explore the associated mechanisms. The first EOF (EOF1) mode is characterized by negative anomalies over Tanzania. The second EOF (EOF2) mode depicts positive (negative) anomalies over northern (southern) Tanzania. The third EOF (EOF3) mode reveals positive (negative) anomalies over eastern (western) Tanzania. EOF1 is closely related to the SST anomalies (SSTAs) in the southeastern Indian Ocean (SEIO). When the SSTAs are positive, they subsequently linked to upper (lower) level convergence (southeasterly winds) over Tanzania. Associated with this convergence entails a sinking motion, leading to a negative rainfall anomaly. The southeasterly winds indicate an early onset of the southeast monsoon, leading to normal rainfall been recorded. EOF2 is linked to the SSTAs in the central Pacific (CP). Positive SSTAs are related to reversed Walker circulation (WC) over northern Tanzania, while the upper‐level convergence was observed around southern Tanzania. This meridional dipole vertical motion pattern enhances (suppresses) rainfall anomalies. EOF3 is associated with mega El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐like SSTAs. The SSTAs are related to eastward shift of WC over the Indian Ocean, and zonal cell over the western Indian Ocean with rising limb is located east of Tanzania. The ascending motion enhances rainfall over eastern Tanzania. Predictions based on the SEIO, CP, and mega ENSO index may significantly support long rains prediction efforts and provide early warning.
Advanced screen printing: Application on microLED tiled display
Authors: Frandoli Gaia , D'Acunzo Marco , Hada Dan , Antoniolli Francesca , Galiazzo Marco
Published: February 2022

One of the suitable applications for microLED technology is on large LED screens, which are recently emerging as new generation of displays. The display is built as a combination of an array of smaller modules (or tiles) in a bottom up approach. On each module, LEDs are mounted on one side of the substrate and are powered by a matrix which is positioned on the opposite substrate face. In this configuration, the active matrix and the scan driver need to be electrically connected. Established manufacturing technologies such as lithography, sputtering and via drilling, used to achieve this connection suffer from low productivity and high costs, so new approaches have been recently investigated. In this work the realization of wrap‐around electrodes by screen printing has been studied, and this technique proves to be competitive with mainstream processes due to high productivity and processing yields.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in primary lymphedema patients who underwent vascularized lymph node transplantations
Authors: Hsu Shao‐Yun , Lin Chia‐Yu , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: February 2022

Background

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) may result in microsurgical flap failure. This study investigated the outcomes of HITT in primary lymphedema patients who underwent vascularized lymph node transplantations (VLNT).

Methods

Between 2012 and 2019, primary lymphedema patients who underwent VLNTs were retrospectively included. The 4Ts score was used to categorize patients into HITT (scores of 5–7) and non‐HITT (score < 5) groups. Outcome evaluations included the re‐exploration rate, success rate, circumferential differences, cellulitis episodes, and Lymphedema Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (LYMQoL) scores.

Results

Twenty‐six and 15 patients with 31 and 16 VLNTs were included in the HITT and non‐HITT groups, respectively. The HITT group had significantly greater first, second and third re‐exploration rates of 38.7% (12/31), 25.7% (8/31), and 6.5% (2/31) than the non‐HITT group (6.3%, 0%, and 0%, all p < 0.01), respectively. The platelet counts significantly decreased by 21.0% in the HITT group compared with the non‐HITT group (14%) on postoperative Day one (p < 0.01) with a cutoff value of 17% and AUC = 0.88.

Conclusions

HITT may cause a high re‐exploration rate of VLNTs in primary lymphedema patients. The 17% reduction in platelets on postoperative day one was an early sign for detecting HITT.
Ultrasound‐Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) Improves Pain Control in Patients With Rib Fractures
Authors: Kring Randy M. , Mackenzie David C. , Wilson Christina N. , Rappold Joseph F. , Strout Tania D. , Croft Peter E.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is an ultrasound‐guided compartment block; limited data suggest that it can decrease pain in patients with rib fractures or chest wall pain. We sought to determine the effect of SAPB on pain and incentive spirometry (IS) maximal vital capacity in adult patients with rib fractures.

Methods

We enrolled a prospective sample of adult patients with at least two unilateral rib fractures who were being admitted for pain control. SAPB was performed by trained emergency physicians. Patients reported pain on an 11‐point Numeric Rating Scale at rest and during IS, before, 15, and 60 minutes after SAPB.

Results

Mean pain scores decreased by 1.8 (SD 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79–2.81) at 15 minutes and 2.5 (SD 2.69, 95% CI: 1.24–3.76) at 60 minutes. Compared to pre‐block pain scores during IS, mean pain scores decreased by 1.95 (SD 1.99, 95% CI: 1.02–2.88) at 15 minutes and 2.4 (SD 2.42, 95% CI: 1.27–3.53) at 60 minutes. Mean maximum vital capacity increased by 232 mL (SD 406, 95% CI: 36–427) at 60 minutes. Zero SAPB‐attributable complications were identified in the 24 hours post‐enrollment.

Conclusions

In patients with multiple rib fractures, SAPB reduced pain scores at rest and during IS, and increased maximal vital capacity. The SABP may be a safe and effective modality for pain control in trauma patients with multiple rib fractures.
Isocyanoacetylene and cyanoacetylene formation study from C2H2 + CN reaction
Authors: Albernaz Alessandra F. , da Silva Washington B. , Correa Eberth
Published: February 2022

In the present work, we study the kinetic mechanism of the reaction. The potential energy surface shows two pathways producing HCCNC and HC3N from the C2H2 + CN reaction. The calculated overall rate constants are such that their dependence with respect to the temperature manifests themselves as deviations from the typical Arrhenius behavior. To characterize this situation we use the Aquilanti‐Mundim d‐Arrhenius formula with the aid of the experimental data in the literature to estimate the rate constant for the HCCNC production for the temperature interval of 200–3000 K at 50 Torr of pressure.
Fully Biobased Vitrimers: Future Direction toward Sustainable Cross‐Linked Polymers
Authors: Vidil Thomas , Llevot Audrey
Published: February 2022

Improving the sustainability of polymer networks is a crucial challenge in polymer science due to their important role in industry. Their traditional syntheses conflict with several principles of green chemistry as the employed monomers are petroleum‐based, their production involves the use of toxic reagents, and their permanently cross‐linked structures impede their chemical recycling and reshaping. The development of vitrimers represents a unique solution to address the issue of polymer network end‐of‐life by enabling reprocessability while maintaining good thermomechanical properties and solvent resistance. Although over the last decades biomass has proved to be an excellent feedstock for the production of permanently cross‐linked polymers, the field of biobased vitrimers is still in its infancy. In this review, a comprehensive overview of vitrimers synthesized from biobased monomers is presented. The emphasis is set on the compatibility of the biomass structure with the nature of the dynamic covalent chemistry, as well as the sustainability of the synthetic approaches. Implementing renewable feedstocks and recyclability in the production of polymer networks paves the way for the development of the next generation of sustainable materials.
Hot Melt Super Glue: Multi‐Recyclable Polyphenol‐Based Supramolecular Adhesives
Authors: Liu Hanru , Geng Huimin , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Xu , Hao Jingcheng , Cui Jiwei
Published: February 2022

The rapid and facile synthesis of hot melt super glue (HMSG) via the formation of adhesive supramolecular networks between catechol or pyrogallol hydroxyl groups (−OH) of polyphenols and repeat units (−CH2CH2O−) of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based on hydrogen bonds is reported. The adhesion strength of HMSG, processed by heating–cooling of polyphenols and PEG without additional solvents, can be tuned up to 8.8 MPa via changing the molecular weight of PEG and the ratio of hydrogen bonding donors and receptors. The advantages of the reported HMSG lie in the ease and scalability of the assembly process, rapid adhesion on various substrates with excellent processability, resistance of low temperature and organic solvents, and recyclable adhesion strength. The solvent‐free HMSG represents a promising adhesive supramolecular network to expand the versatility and application of polyphenol‐based materials.
Evaluating the impact of different positron emitters on the performance of a clinical PET/MR system
Authors: Meng Xiangxi , Liu Hui , Li Hui , Wang Shujing , Sun Hongwei , Wang Feng , Ding Jin , He Liuchun , Chen Xin , Jin Lujia , Dong Yun , Zhu Hua , Yang Zhi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The positron range and prompt gamma emission are distinctive with different positron emitters. The performance assessment of an integrated PET/MR scanner with these positron emitters is required for related applications, as the magnetic field interferes with the positron propagation. Such an assessment is to be performed on the United Imaging uPMR 790‐integrated PET/MR system.

Methods

The performance measurement methods were modified based on NEMA NU 2‐2012, involving18F,64Cu,68Ga,89Zr, and124I as positron emitters. The NEMA IEC phantom was used for evaluations of image qualities. An agarose cap was wrapped around the point source for tissue‐simulating spatial resolution measurement. The count rate performance was assessed with selected positron emitters. Images of a 3D‐printed Derenzo phantom and representative patients were also acquired.

Results

The image quality measurement showed that all five positron emitters were suitable for the PET/MR system studied. However, due to the magnetic field, the image of the point source showed an elongated comet‐tail feature, which could be eliminated by a tissue‐simulating cap. This effect is more obvious in124I and68Ga, due to their long positron ranges. The imaging ability with various positron emitters was further validated with the count rate assessment, the Derenzo phantom, and the clinical images.

Conclusions

Different positron emitters could be effectively imaged by the PET/MR system tested. The resolution measurement strategy proposed could be applied to measure PET spatial resolution in the magnetic field.
Whole‐brain mapping of mouse CSF flow via HEAP‐METRIC phase‐contrast MRI
Authors: Li Juchen , Pei Mengchao , Bo Binshi , Zhao Xinxin , Cang Jing , Fang Fang , Liang Zhifeng
Published: February 2022

Purpose

CSF plays important roles in clearing brain waste and homeostasis. However, mapping whole‐brain CSF flow in the rodents is difficult, primarily due to its assumed very low velocity. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel phase‐contrast MRI method to map whole‐brain CSF flow in the mouse brain.

Methods

A novel generalized Hadamard encoding–based multi‐band scheme (dubbed HEAP‐METRIC, Hadamard Encoding APproach of Multi‐band Excitation for short TR Imaging aCcelerating) using complex Hadamard matrix was developed and incorporated into conventional phase contrast (PC)‐MRI to significantly increase SNR.

Results

Slow flow phantom imaging validated HEAP‐METRIC PC‐MRI’s ability to achieve fast and accurate mapping of slow flow velocities (~102 µm/s). With the SNR gain afforded by HEAP‐METRIC scheme, high‐resolution (0.08 × 0.08 mm in‐plane resolution and 36 0.4 mm slices) PC‐MRI was completed in 21 min for whole‐brain CSF flow mapping in the mouse. Using this novel method, we provide the first report of whole‐brain CSF flow in the awake mouse brain with an average flow velocity of ~200 µm/s. Furthermore, HEAP‐METRIC PC‐MRI revealed CSF flow was reduced by isoflurane anesthesia, accompanied by reduction of glymphatic function as measured by dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI.

Conclusion

We developed and validated a generalized HEAP‐METRIC PC‐MRI for mapping low velocity flow. With this method, we have achieved the first whole‐brain mapping of awake mouse CSF flow and have further revealed that anesthesia reduces CSF flow velocity.
MR and fluorescence imaging of gadobutrol‐induced optical clearing of red fluorescent protein signal in an in vivo cancer model
Authors: Kazachkina Natalia I. , Zherdeva Victoria V. , Meerovich Irina G. , Saydasheva Asiya N. , Solovyev Ilya D. , Tuchina Daria K. , Savitsky Alexander P. , Tuchin Valery V. , Bogdanov Alexei A.
Published: February 2022

Multimodality registration of optical and MR images in the same tissue volume in vivo may be enabled by MR contrast agents with an optical clearing (OC) effect. The goals of this study were to (a) investigate the effects of clinical MR contrast agent gadobutrol (GB) and its combinations as a potential OC agent assisting in fluorescence intensity (FI) imaging in vivo and (b) evaluate MRI as a tool for imaging of topical or systemic application of GB for the purpose of OC. Subcutaneous tumor xenografts expressing red fluorescent marker protein were used as disease models. MRI was performed at 1 T 1H MRI using T1‐weighted 3D gradient‐echo (T1w‐3D GRE) sequences to measure time‐dependent MR signal intensity changes by region of interest analysis after image segmentation. Topical application of 1.0 M or 0.7 M GB‐containing OC mixture with water and dimethyl sulfoxide showed similar 30–40% increases of tumor FI during the initial 15 min. Afterwards, the OC effect of GB on FI and tumor/background FI ratio showed a decrease over time in the case of 1.0 M GB, unlike the 0.7 M GB mixture, which resulted in a steady increase of FI and tumor/background ratio for 15–60 min. The use of T1w‐3D GRE MR pulse sequences showed that concentrated 1.0 M GB resulted in MR signal loss of the skin due to high magnetic susceptibility and that signal loss coincided with the OC effect. Intravenous injection of 0.3 mmol GB/kg resulted in a rapid but transient 40% increase of FI of the tumors. Overall, 1 T MRI enabled tracking of GB‐containing OC compositions on the skin surface and tumor tissue, supporting the observation of a time‐dependent FI increase in vivo.
Optimization assisted deep learning based intrusion detection system in wireless sensor network with two‐tier trust evaluation
Authors: Kagade Ranjeet B. , Jayagopalan Santhosh
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, owing to the openness of transmission medium, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) suffer from a variety of attacks, together with DoS attacks, tampering attacks, sinkhole attacks, and so on. Therefore, an effectual system is necessary for recognizing the intrusions in WSN. This paper aims to set up a novel intrusion detection system (IDS) via a deep learning model. Initially, optimal cluster head (CH) is selected among the sensor nodes, from which the sensor nodes that have high energy will be prioritized to act as CH. In this proposed work, the CH selection is evaluated optimally by not only considering the energy parameter, further under the constraints like delay and distance. For optimal selection, a novel approach named as self‐improved sea lion optimization (SI‐SLnO) model is introduced in this work. As per the proposed strategy, the trust of CH and nodes is evaluated based on a multidimensional two‐tier hierarchical trust model by considering content trust, honesty trust, and interactive trust. Finally, the deep learning‐based intrusion detection takes place via optimized neural network (NN), where the training is done by the proposed SI‐SLnO algorithm via the optimal weight tuning process. At last, the supremacy of the developed approach is examined via evaluation over numerous extant techniques.
Semi‐labeled unrooted binary tree optimization subject to nonnegativity
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Soheil , Wormald Nick
Published: February 2022

Let denote the distance matrix of n objects, and let T be an unrooted binary tree in which the leaves denote those n objects. We want to find such a tree with the constraint that the edge weights are nonnegative where the distances between the leaves best estimate their corresponding values in D. Accordingly, we have adopted the residual sum of squares (RSS) criterion to minimize the discrepancy between the distance between leaves in the tree and their corresponding distance in D. For this optimization problem, we have designed an iterated local search (ILS) scheme based on the nearest neighbor interchange (NNI) operation to search the neighborhood.
Anomalous structural recovery in the near glass transition range in a polymer glass: Data revisited in light of temperature variability in vacuum oven‐based experiments*
Authors: Jin Shuang , McKenna Gregory B.
Published: February 2022

There is considerable interest in data reported by Cangialosi et al. [Cangialosi, D., Boucher, V. M., Alegría, A., & Colmenero, J. (2013). Physical Review Letters, 111(9), 095701] that purportedly showed unusual irregular responses in the isothermal structural recovery behavior of glasses because the observation challenges the general view of the dynamics being smooth functions of time as observed in extensive dilatometric experiments by Kovacs [Kovacs, A. J. (1964). In Fortschritte der Hochpolymeren‐Forschung, 3, 394–507. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.] in the 1960s. The reported data show an apparent two mechanism structural (enthalpy) recovery at aging temperatures ranging from 6 to 17 K below which is also controversial as it could not be reproduced in work from Koh and Simon [Koh, Y. P., & Simon, S. L. (2013). Macromolecules, 46(14), 5815–5821.] where a second plateau observed in the enthalpy loss curve was not reproduced in nearly 1‐year‐long experiments at 15 K below . Therefore, it is important to determine what might be possible reasons for the apparent non‐smooth relaxations. Here, we examine the possibility that the poor temperature control of a typical vacuum oven could explain the anomalous results. We used the Tool–Narayanaswamy–Moynihan (TNM) model of structural recovery to calculate the effect of typical vacuum oven temperature variation on the structural recovery of polystyrene and find that we can reproduce the reported experimental results. The issue of temperature control using a vacuum oven is discussed, and data from thermocouple measurements of temperature at various locations inside a vacuum oven are shown.
Reducing racial and ethnic disproportionality in school discipline through an assessment‐to‐intervention process: A framework and process
Authors: Pullmann Michael D. , Gaias Larissa M. , Duong Mylien T. , Gill Tara , Curry Caryn , Cicchetti Colleen , Raviv Tali , Kiche Sharon , Cook Clayton R.
Published: February 2022

Racial and ethnic disproportionality in discipline (REDD) represents a longstanding and pervasive issue in the United States educational system. However, researchers and interventionists have not sufficiently provided educators with appropriate frameworks and feasible tools to disrupt REDD and promote equity. The goal of this paper is to present a framework of eight malleable factors associated with REDD and describe the Disproportionality in Discipline Assessment for Schools (DDAS). The DDAS is a suite of user‐friendly tools based on this framework, designed to help school teams identify and address REDD. Two studies are described. Study 1 presents the results of educator feedback on a presentation of the framework and the DDAS in terms of their perception of its feasibility, usability, and validity/logical soundness. Study 2 presents the process of applying the DDAS in four real‐world school settings. Results indicated that the framework and the DDAS were useful and feasible tools to help schools increase equity and address REDD. Modifications to the framework and the DDAS were made to improve validity and appropriateness.
Nurses' willingness to participate in public health emergency: A qualitative study in China
Authors: Zhu Ping , Wu Bing , Tan Jing‐Yu (Benjamin) , Wang Meixiang , Wu Bainv , Chen Fang , Zhao Yun , Zhi Xiaoxu , Zhang Liuliu , Meng Aifeng
Published: February 2022

Along with the increasing of infections of COVID‐19, nurses are needed more in caring patients with COVID‐19. The aim of this study is to explore the real intention and influencing factors of the nurses' willingness to participate in public health emergency in facing the COVID‐19. A total of 10 nurses who volunteered to care patients with COVID‐19 were selected. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis method based on the theory of planned behavior. Three main categories were attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavior control. Under the first category, two subcategories were included: nurses' personal and professional value expectation, patriotism. Two subcategories were yielded for the second category: support from family and friends, role model impact of important people. In addition, three subcategories were identified for the third category: physical condition, professional knowledge and skills, national measures and incentive policies. Nurses with high willingness have seven features: high value expectation, patriotism, generous family support, good physical condition, experienced professional knowledge and skills, awareness of national measures and incentive policies. Combined with our previous quantitative study, developing tailored training programs to improve nurses’ professional value expectation, knowledge and skills in coping with unwilling attitude and weak perceived behavior control are effective ways.
Staying put out of choice or constraint? The residential choice behaviour of Dutch older adults
Authors: de Jong Petra , Rouwendal Jan , Brouwer Aleid
Published: February 2022

Residential mobility varies with age. In contrast to younger age groups, older adults show a tendency to ‘stay put’. There is little evidence whether this immobility of older adults is due to choice (i.e., the wish to age in place) or to constraint (i.e., the lack of alternatives). This study makes an empirical analysis of the underlying preferences for housing of Dutch older adults by reporting the stated preferences of Dutch older adults for bundles of housing characteristics. It offers insight in the relative importance of various aspects of housing and explores whether these preferences are stable for different age groups. The study finds a strong preference for the current dwelling, especially for the older age groups. Running separate models for different age groups results in an improvement of the log‐likelihood, indicating the presence of heterogeneity in housing preferences among Dutch older adults.
Electrical Conduction Mechanism of β‐MnTe Thin Film with Wurtzite‐Type Structure Using Radiofrequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Kim Mihyeon , Mori Shunsuke , Shuang Yi , Hatayama Shogo , Ando Daisuke , Sutou Yuji
Published: February 2022

Manganese telluride (MnTe) compound is known to be a polymorphic chalcogenide. Recently, it has been reported that the MnTe shows nonvolatile memory properties with a significant change in resistance via a polymorphic transition between NiAs‐type (NC) structure (low resistance) and wurtzite‐type (WZ) structure (high resistance). This crystalline polymorphic MnTe is expected to realize a phase‐change memory with fast operation speed and ultralow operation energy. While the NC‐MnTe, generally designated as α‐MnTe, is intensively studied, WZ‐MnTe is still poorly understood. Herein this study, electrical conduction mechanism of a β‐MnTe film with a WZ‐type structure is studied. A resistivity, Hall mobility, and Seebeck coefficient of the WZ‐MnTe film are measured at various temperatures. The temperature dependence of resistivity in the temperature range 120–300 K clearly indicates that the WZ‐MnTe film shows a variable‐range hopping (VRH) conduction. In this temperature region, with decreasing temperature, the conduction mechanism changes from Mott–VRH conduction to Efros–Shklovskii VRH conduction at about 210 K. Furthermore, the low thermally activated Hall mobility, occurrence of Hall‐effect sign anomaly, and relatively low activation energy for thermopower, which are the observed results, suggest that the small polaron hopping conduction is dominant above 310 K.
Efficacy and safety of colchicine treatment in patients with COVID‐19: A prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pourdowlat Guitti , Saghafi Fatemeh , Mozafari Abolfazl , Sahebnasagh Adeleh , Abedini Atefeh , Nabi Meybodi Mohsen , Salehi Nezamabadi Ali , Mousavinasab Seyed Ruhollah , Kiani Arda , Raji Hanieh , Soltani Nadia , Gholmzadeh Baeis Mehdi , Eidani Esmaeil , Sadeghi Yakhdani Abdolrahim , Movaseghi Fatemeh , Habtemariam Solomon , Akhoundi Meybodi Zohreh , Gholinataj Jelodar Mohsen
Published: February 2022

Colchicine has shown clinical benefits in the management of COVID‐19 via its anti‐inflammatory effect. However, the exact role of colchicine in COVID‐19 patients is unknown. The current clinical trial was performed on 202 patients with moderate to severe COVID‐19. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive up to a 3‐day course of 0.5 mg colchicine followed by a 12‐day course of 1 mg colchicine in combination with standard care or a 15‐day course of standard care. Among 202 randomized patients, 153 completed the study and received colchicine/standard care or continued standard care (M age, 54.72 [SD, 15.03] years; 93 [63.1%] men). On day 14, patients in the colchicine/standard care group had significantly higher odds of a better clinical status distribution on chest CT evaluation (p = .048). Based on NYHA classification, the percentage change of dyspnea on day 14 between groups was statistically significant (p = .026), indicating a mean of 31.94% change in the intervention group when compared with 19.95% in the control group. According to this study, colchicine can improve clinical outcomes and reduce pulmonary infiltration in COVID‐19 patients if contraindications and precautions are considered and it is prescribed at the right time and in appropriate cases.