bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation and Toxicity Evaluation of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Treatment of Acne
Authors: Lala Rita , Nandvikar Nikita
Published: October 2021

Background: Acne vulgarise is an inflammatory disease involving the pathological alteration of the sebaceous glands of the body. It is not a life-threatening disease but has a great influence on lifestyle. Topical combination therapy of vitamin A and antibacterial drugs is an effective treatment for acne.

Materials and Methods: The current work investigates the nanostructure lipid colloidal carrier system of Tretinoin and Clindamycin phosphate. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared by highspeed homogenization-sonication technique and characterized for physicochemical properties, permeation, in vivo anti-acne and toxicity (acute 2000 mg/Kg, repeat 1000 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. 

Results: The prepared system was found to be stable, homogenous with more site retention of drugs having non-irritation and toxicity potential. The formulation showed a size of 283 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.43 and Zeta potential (ZP) -37.9 mV with drug entrapment 92.0% and 66.15% for tretinoin and clindamycin respectively. Observed permeation was 18 % and 45% for Tretinoin and Clindamycin less than marketed formulation which is more focused on dermal retention of drug. No significant abnormalities and toxicological symptoms were observed for acute and repeat dose toxicity study for histopathology and haematological examinations of organs.

Conclusion: Prepared NLC formulation was aimed at epidermal targeting. Based on obtained results it is concluded that developed lipid-based nanocarrier system of selected drugs showed the targeting potential for effective acne treatment.
Iklan Go-Jek Versi “Munculnya Gozali” dalam Kajian Poskolonialisme
Authors: Caroline Cynthia , Wicandra Obed Bima , Asthararianty Asthararianty
Published: October 2021

Penelitian ini mengkaji penggunaan visual figur dan bahasa hibrid dalam iklan GO-JEK versi “Munculnya Gozali” yang diunggah ke sosial media GO-JEK pada April 2018. Visual figur dan bahasa hibrid yang ada di dalam iklan GO-JEK ini menggunakan campuran antara unsur budaya Jepang dan Indonesia. Akan tetapi di dalam hal ini unsur budaya Jepang yang digunakan adalah unsur dari serial televisi superhero dan kaijyuu. Hal tersebut dapat dilihat dari tokoh, setting, dialog, subtitle, alur cerita, dan lain sebagainya yang merupakan obyek penelitian. Dalam proses penelitian ini akan digunakan teori semiotika pertelevisian oleh John Fiske sebagai instrumen pertama dari proses penelitian. Kemudian, obyek penelitian yang ada akan dianalisis dengan menggunakan teori hibriditas dan mimikri dalam kajian poskolonialisme oleh Homi K. Bhabha. Di mana kedua teori tersebut bekerja secara bersamaan dan sangat kompleks di dalam iklan. Sehingga melalui bentuk visual iklan demikian dapat dimaknai sebagai penggambaran rasa kurang percaya diri masyarakat Indonesia berkaitan dengan kemampuan anak-anak bangsa. Meskipun sebenarnya apa yang dihasilkan oleh anak-anak bangsa lebih menjawab masalah yang ada dan sesuai dengan budaya masyarakat Indonesia.
Inflammatory Arthritis and the Effect of Physical Activity on Quality of Life and Self‐Reported Function: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Björk Mathilda , Dragioti Elena , Alexandersson Helene , Esbensen Bente Appel , Boström Carina , Friden Cecilia , Hjalmarsson Sara , Hörnberg Kristina , Kjeken Ingvild , Regardt Malin , Sundelin Gunnevi , Sverker Annette , Welin Elisabet , Brodin Nina
Published: October 2021

Objective

Although physical activity is an evidence‐based intervention that reduces disease‐related symptoms and comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the effect of physical activity on self‐reported function and quality of life (QoL) has not yet been analyzed. The present study synthesizes the evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity on QoL and self‐reported function in adults with RA, spondyloarthritis (SpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

The databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Screening, risk of bias assessment (using the RoB 2.0 tool), and data extraction were independently performed by 2 or more of the authors. Meta‐analyses were conducted with a random‐effects model.

Results

Systematic review included 55 RCTs, and meta‐analysis included 37 RCTs. Of the 55 studies included, 76%, 20%, and 4% were designed to investigate RA, SpA, and PsA, respectively. In the RA studies, effects of physical activity on QoL and function were found compared to the group of inactive controls; no effects were found compared to the group of active controls. In the SpA studies, the effects of physical activity on QoL were in favor of the control group. Effects of physical activity on function were found compared to the group of inactive controls and sustained in fatigue and pain when compared to the group of active controls. In the PsA studies, no effects on QoL were found, but effects on function were noted when compared to the group of inactive controls. The effect size was below 0.30 in the majority of the comparisons.

Conclusion

Physical activity may improve QoL and self‐reported function in individuals with RA, SpA, and PsA. However, larger trials are needed, especially in SpA and PsA.
Cyclometalated Pt(II)‐Terpyridine Metallomesogen: What Is Visible or Invisible That Is a Matter of Molecular Packing and Orientation
Authors: Kang Dong‐Gue , Rim Minwoo , Ryu Ki‐Hyun , Lee Kyung Min , Godman Nicholas P. , McConney Michael E. , De Sio Luciano , Park Minwook , Kim Dae‐Yoon , Jeong Kwang‐Un
Published: October 2021

An anisotropic light emitting metallomesogen (PtM) consisting of a cyclometalated platinum(II)–terpyridine (Pt(II)–tpy) chromophore and a flexible dendron is newly synthesized as a thermal‐induced and polarization‐induced solid‐state luminescence switching material. The self‐assembled PtM is uniaxially aligned by mechanical shearing within the mesophase resulting in high optical anisotropy with chromophores. The shear‐induced metastable PtM crystal exhibits emission change depending on the polarization direction and thermally triggered reversible emission quenching‐recovery characteristic. In order to precisely control the optical feature of the PtM, the self‐assembled supramolecular structure and thermal‐sensitive photophysical properties are characterized. Based on the multiresponsive luminescence switching system of PtM, a multiplexed optical code is encrypted with a simple coating and its feasibility for optical anticounterfeiting applications is demonstrated.
Synthesis of Amphiphilic Silica with High Exposure of Surface Groups and Its Utilization in Efficient Removal of Organic Dyes from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Qiu Zhenhao , Weng Guoying , Wang Huibin , Li Yanshuo , Fan Benhan , Bai Xiu , Zhang Qiaohong , Chen Chen
Published: October 2021

Amphiphilic silica is synthesized with the simultaneous introduction of two kinds of polar and weakly polar organic groups on its surface using a one‐step reverse‐phase microemulsion method. The obtained materials present as nanospheres with a size of ≈100 nm. A high percentage (≈80%) of silicon species can be exposed and the amount of surface SiOH increased by above 50% with the introduction of organic groups. Plenty of groups, including polar groups (3‐aminopropyl and hydroxyl) and weakly polar group (n‐propyl) coexisting on the surface, enable the material to show amphiphilicity. This amphiphilic material can show an excellent property for the removal of various organic dyes from the aqueous solution, and the maximum adsorption capacity of Congo Red, Acid Blue 25, Reactive Blue 19, and Reactive Black 5 can reach 2453.1, 1157.7, 964.6, and 916.9 mg g−1, respectively. Good reusability is also realized for the present amphiphilic material, which can be reused for at least three times. The reported work provides a successful example to prove that the surface hydrophilicity and lipophilicity can be simultaneously improved just through a simple introduction of certain organic groups, and then realize efficient removal of dyes from the polluted water.
1D/3D Heterogeneous Assembling Body as Trifunctional Electrocatalysts Enabling Zinc–Air Battery and Self‐Powered Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhou Guizhong , Liu Guishan , Liu Xiaobin , Yu Qingping , Mao Huimin , Xiao Zhenyu , Wang Lei
Published: October 2021

Developing low‐cost, efficient, and stable trifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is still a significant challenge. Herein, this study reports a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) derived trifunctional electrocatalyst, composed of Co5.47N and Co7Fe3 (CoFeN) that embedded into 1D N‐doped carbon nanotubes modified 3D cruciform carbon matrix (NCNTs//CCM). Benefiting from the robust interfacial conjugation of Co5.47N/Co7Fe3 and the 1D/3D hierarchical structure with a large surface area, the as‐prepared CoFeN‐NCNTs//CCM display trifunctional electrocatalytic activity for ORR (half‐wave potential of 0.84 V), OER (320 mV at 10 mA cm–2), and HER (−151 mV at 10 mA cm–2). The assembled Zn‐air battery exhibits high power density (145 mW cm–2), enhanced charge–discharge performance (voltage gap of 0.76 V at 10 mA cm–2), and long‐term cycling stability (over 445 h). The resultant overall water‐splitting cell achieves a current density of 10 mA cm–2 at 1.63 V, which can compete with the best reported trifunctional catalysts. What is more, the self‐assembled Zn‐air batteries are utilized to power the overall water splitting successfully, verifying great potential of the CoFeN‐NCNTs//CCM as functional material for sustainable energy storage and conversion system.
Tuning Hydrogels by Mixing Dynamic Cross‐Linkers: Enabling Cell‐Instructive Hydrogels and Advanced Bioinks
Authors: Morgan Francis L. C. , Fernández‐Pérez Julia , Moroni Lorenzo , Baker Matthew B.
Published: October 2021

Rational design of hydrogels that balance processability and extracellular matrix (ECM) biomimicry remains a challenge for tissue engineering and biofabrication. Hydrogels suitable for biofabrication techniques, yet tuneable to match the mechanical (static and dynamic) properties of native tissues remain elusive. Dynamic covalent hydrogels possessing shear‐thinning/self‐healing (processability) and time‐dependent cross‐links (mechanical properties) provide a potential solution, yet can be difficult to rationally control. Here, the straightforward modular mixing of dynamic cross‐links with different timescales (hydrazone and oxime) is explored using rheology, self‐healing tests, extrusion printing, and culture of primary human dermal fibroblasts. Maintaining a constant polymer content and cross‐linker concentration, the stiffness and stress relaxation can be tuned across two orders of magnitude. All formulations demonstrate a similar flow profile after network rupture, allowing the separation of initial mechanical properties from flow behavior during printing. Furthermore, the self‐healing nature of hydrogels with high hydrazone content enables recyclability of printed structures. Last, a distinct threshold for cell spreading and morphology is observed within this hydrogel series, even in multi‐material constructs. Simple cross‐linker mixing enables fine control and is of general interest for bioink development, targeting viscoelastic properties of specific cellular niches, and as an accessible and flexible platform for designing dynamic networks.
Precise Subcellular Organelle Targeting for Boosting Endogenous‐Stimuli‐Mediated Tumor Therapy
Authors: Zhen Wenyao , An Shangjie , Wang Shuqi , Hu Wenxue , Li Yujie , Jiang Xiue , Li Jinghong
Published: October 2021

Though numerous external‐stimuli‐triggered tumor therapies, including phototherapy, radiotherapy, and sonodynamic therapy have made great progress in cancer therapy, the low penetration depth of the laser, safety concerns of radiation, the therapeutic resistance, and the spatio‐temporal constraints of the specific equipment restrict their convenient clinical applications. What is more, the inherent physiological barriers of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including hypoxia, heterogeneity, and high expression of antioxidant molecules also restrict the efficiency of tumor therapy. As a result, the development of nanoplatforms responsive to endogenous stimuli (such as glucose, acidic pH, cellular redox events, and etc.) has attracted great attention for starvation therapy, ion therapy, prodrug‐mediated chemotherapy, or enzyme‐catalyzed therapy. In addition, nanomedicines can be modified by some targeted units for precisely locating in subcellular organelles and boosting the destroying of tumor tissue, decreasing the dosage of nanoagents, reducing side effects, and enhancing the therapeutic efficiency. Herein, the properties of the TME, the advantages of endogenous stimuli, and the principles of subcellular‐organelle‐targeted strategies will be emphasized. Some necessary considerations for the exploitation of precision medicine and clinical translation of multifunctional nanomedicines in the future are also pointed out.
Spacer Cation Alloying in Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskites for Efficient Red Light‐Emitting Diodes with Precisely Tunable Wavelengths
Authors: Qing Jian , Ramesh Sankaran , Xu Qiang , Liu Xiao‐Ke , Wang Heyong , Yuan Zhongcheng , Chen Zhan , Hou Lintao , Sum Tze Chien , Gao Feng
Published: October 2021

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have recently shown significant progress with external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) exceeding 20%. However, PeLEDs with pure‐red (620−660 nm) light emission, an essential part for full‐color displays, remain a great challenge. Herein, a general approach of spacer cation alloying is employed in Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) for efficient red PeLEDs with precisely tunable wavelengths. By simply tuning the alloying ratio of dual spacer cations, the thickness distribution of quantum wells in the RPP films can be precisely modulated without deteriorating their charge‐transport ability and energy funneling processes. Consequently, efficient PeLEDs with tunable emissions between pure red (626 nm) and deep red (671 nm) are achieved with peak EQEs up to 11.5%, representing the highest values among RPP‐based pure‐red PeLEDs. This work opens a new route for color tuning, which will spur future developments of pure‐red or even pure‐blue PeLEDs with high performance.
Microbially Catalyzed Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Ma Hongshi , Han Fei , Zhai Dong , Zhang Bingjun , Sun Yuhua , Li Tian , Chen Lei , Wu Chengtie
Published: October 2021

Bone is a complex mineralized tissue composed of various organic (proteins, cells) and inorganic (hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate) substances with micro/nanoscale structures. To improve interfacial bioactivity of bone‐implanted biomaterials, extensive efforts are being made to fabricate favorable biointerface via surface modification. Inspired by microbially catalyzed mineralization, a novel concept to biologically synthesize the micro/nanostructures on bioceramics, microbial‐assisted catalysis, is presented. It involves three processes: bacterial adhesion on biomaterials, production of CO32− assisted by bacteria, and nucleation and growth of CaCO3 nanocrystals on the surface of bioceramics. The microbially catalyzed biominerals exhibit relatively uniform micro/nanostructures on the surface of both 2D and 3D α‐CaSiO3 bioceramics. The topographic and chemical cues of the grown micro/nanostructures present excellent in vitro and in vivo bone‐forming bioactivity. The underlying mechanism is closely related to the activation of multiple biological processes associated with bone regeneration. The study offers a microbially catalytic concept and strategy of fabricating micro/nanostructured biomaterials for tissue regeneration.
Enzyme Therapeutic for Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Organ Transplantation
Authors: Yan Ran , Ren Jie , Wen Jing , Cao Zheng , Wu Di , Qin Meng , Xu Duo , Castillo Roxanne , Li Feifei , Wang Fang , Gan Zhihua , Liu Chaoyong , Wei Ping , Lu Yunfeng
Published: October 2021

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) remains as a critical challenge for organ transplantation. Herein, an enzyme therapeutic based on superoxide dismutase and catalase for effective mitigation of IRI and pathogen‐induced liver injury is reported, providing a therapeutic for organ transplantation and other diseases.
An Ultrarobust and High‐Performance Rotational Hydrodynamic Triboelectric Nanogenerator Enabled by Automatic Mode Switching and Charge Excitation
Authors: Fu Shaoke , He Wencong , Tang Qian , Wang Zhao , Liu Wenlin , Li Qianying , Shan Chuncai , Long Li , Hu Chenguo , Liu Hong
Published: October 2021

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging technology for ambient mechanical energy harvesting, which provides a possibility to realize wild environment monitoring by self‐powered sensing systems. However, TENGs are limited in some practical applications as a result of their low output performance (low charge density) and mechanical durability (material abrasion). Herein, an ultrarobust and high‐performance rotational TENG enabled by automatic mode switching (contact mode at low speed and noncontact at high speed) and charge excitation is proposed. It displays excellent stability, maintaining 94% electrical output after 72 000 cycles, much higher than that of the normal contact‐mode TENG (30%). Due to its high electrical stability and large electrical output, this TENG powers 944 green light‐emitting diodes to brightness in series. Furthermore, by harvesting water‐flow energy, various commercial capacitors can be charged quickly, and a self‐powered fire alarm and self‐powered temperature and humidity detection are realized. This work provides an ideal scheme for enhancing the mechanical durability, broadening the range of working frequency, and improving the electrical output of TENGs. In addition, the high‐performance hydrodynamic TENG demonstrated in this work will have great applications for Internet of Things in remote areas.
Viologen‐Immobilized 2D Polymer Film Enabling Highly Efficient Electrochromic Device for Solar‐Powered Smart Window
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Jia Xiangkun , Zhang Panpan , Liu Yannan , Qi Haoyuan , Zhang Peng , Kaiser Ute , Reineke Sebastian , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang
Published: October 2021

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) have emerged as a unique class of optoelectronic devices for the development of smart windows. However, current ECDs typically suffer from low coloration efficiency (CE) and high energy consumption, which have thus hindered their practical applications, especially as components in solar‐powered EC windows. Here, the high‐performance ECDs with a fully crystalline viologen‐immobilized 2D polymer (V2DP) thin film as the color‐switching layer is demonstrated. The high density of vertically oriented pore channels (pore size ≈ 4.5 nm; pore density ≈ 5.8 × 1016 m‐2) in the synthetic V2DP film enables high utilization of redox‐active viologen moieties and benefits for Li+ ion diffusion/transport. As a result, the as‐fabricated ECDs achieve a rapid switching speed (coloration, 2.8 s; bleaching, 1.2 s), and a high CE (989 cm2 C‐1), and low energy consumption (21.1 µW cm‐2). Moreover, it is managed to fabricate transmission‐tunable, self‐sustainable EC window prototypes by vertically integrating the V2DP ECDs with transparent solar cells. This work sheds light on designing electroactive 2D polymers with molecular precision for optoelectronics and paves a practical route toward developing self‐powered EC windows to offset the electricity consumption of buildings.
2D Cu9S5/PtS2/WSe2 Double Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor with High Current Gain
Authors: Yang Sanjun , Pi Lejing , Li Liang , Liu Kailang , Pei Ke , Han Wei , Wang Fakun , Zhuge FuWei , Li Huiqiao , Cheng Gang , Zhai Tianyou
Published: October 2021

Bipolar junction transistor (BJT) as one important circuit element is now widely used in high‐speed computation and communication for its capability of high‐power signal amplification. 2D materials and their heterostructures are promising in building high‐amplification and high‐frequency BJTs because they can be naturally thin and highly designable in tailoring components properties. However, currently the low emitter injection efficiency results in only moderate current gain achieved in the pioneer researches, severely restraining its future development. Herein, it is shown that an elaborately designed double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT) can greatly promote the injection efficiency, improving the current gain by order of magnitude. In this DHBT high‐doping‐density wide‐bandgap 2D Cu9S5 is used as emitter and narrow‐bandgap PtS2 as base. This heterostructure efficiently suppresses the reverse electron flux from base and increase the injection efficiency. Consequently, the DHBT achieves an excellent current gain (β ≈ 910). This work systematically explores the electrical behavior of 2D materials based DHBT, and provides deep insight of the architecture design for building high gain DHBT, which may promote the applications of 2Dheterojunctions in the fields of integrated circuits.
Ultrasound Triggered ZnO‐Based Devices for Tunable and Multifaceted Biomedical Applications
Authors: Carofiglio Marco , Laurenti Marco , Genchi Giada Graziana , Ciofani Gianni , Grochowicz Marta , Cauda Valentina
Published: October 2021

Smart materials able to respond to an external stimulus or an environmental condition represent milestone developments in modern medicine. Among them, zinc oxide (ZnO) is a highly intriguing inorganic material with versatile morphologies/shapes and multifunctional properties like piezoelectricity, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and antimicrobial ones. Here, the fabrication of smart ZnO‐based films is shown that can remotely be activated by ultrasound (US). US exposure induces electrical potentials on the fabricated devices that can be exploited to stimulate electrically responsive cells or promote ROS generation for cancer treatment. ZnO microparticles with surface nanostructuring are thus synthesized and processed in the form of a paste to deposit thin films on flexible polymeric supports. ZnO paste formulation and the fabrication procedure of the final device are optimized in terms of uniformity, hydrophilicity, and purity. Graphene oxide and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) are also layered onto the ZnO films in order to provide the devices with additional functionalities. ROS generation and electro‐mechanical performances upon US stimulation are evaluated for all of the developed devices. Finally, biocompatibility studies are conducted with osteoblast‐like cell cultures for possible applications in the contexts of bone tissue engineering/therapy.
Implementing Machine Learning in Laboratory Synthesis by Hybrid of SVR Model and Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Pourashraf Tolou , Shokri Saeid , Yousefi Mohammad , Ahmadi Abbas , Azar Parviz Aberoomand
Published: October 2021

Numerous studies have been performed to modify ferrites to achieve the desired magnetic properties for the intended applications. Many variables with interactions between themselves are involved in modifying these properties. This study aims to provide an accurate and effective method for predicting the magnetic properties of M‐type ferrites under the influence of involved variables. For this purpose, ferrites are synthesized by doping 17 different ions and the results of the analysis of samples form the experimental data. The support vector regression (SVR) model is selected for prediction and in order to optimize hyper parameters, genetic, particle swarm optimization, and sequential minimal optimization techniques are used. Based on the comparison between the outcomes of these algorithms, the model with the best performance is used to predict coercivity and residual magnetism in M‐type magnetic ferrites. Furthermore, with the cross validation technique, the accuracy and robustness of the model designed for new samples are evaluated. The results show that the selected SVR model, with an average absolute relative error of 2% and 0.7%, is able to predict coercivity and residual magnetism, respectively. Consequently, the prediction method presented has the capability to accelerate and develop the modification of magnetic properties for different applications.
Effect of phosphorus application on the performance of some cowpea lines
Authors: Suzuki Kanako , Fatokun Christian , Boukar Ousmane
Published: October 2021

Field experiments were conducted for 2 yr (2014 and 2015) in Fashola, southwestern Nigeria, a low‐phosphorus (P) environment (approx. 1 mg kg−1), to determine the effect of P application on nutrient uptake, growth parameters, and yield in four cowpea [Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.] genotypes (two low‐P tolerant and two low‐P sensitive). Applications were 0 and 30 kg P ha−1using single super phosphate broadcast on the soil surface just before planting. Phosphorus is very important for leaf and stem development in cowpea at the vegetative stage (i.e., 5 or 6 wk after seeding). This effect appeared more strongly on the genotype with a high amount of biomass (‘Iron bean’) than on genotypes with low biomass (‘IT97K‐499‐38’, ‘Sanzi’, and ‘TVu 7778’). However, in all tested genotypes, P application resulted in taller plants, more leaf area, and heavier shoot dry weight. Uptake of P was increased at flowering stage and at the beginning of pod formation, suggesting that P is necessary for pod formation. As proof, the seed weight per pod in both years (with the exception of ‘Iron bean’ in 2015) was significantly higher under P application. An adequate amount of P uptake can lead to high‐quality seeds.
A homozygous GRIN1 null variant causes a more severe phenotype of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Blakes Alexander J. M. , English Joel , Banka Siddharth , Basu Helen
Published: October 2021

Pathogenic variants in glutamate receptor, ionotropic, NMDA‐1 (GRIN1) cause an autosomal dominant or recessive neurodevelopmental disorder with global developmental delay, with or without seizures (AD or AR GRIN1‐NDD). Here, we describe a novel homozygous canonical splice site variant in GRIN1 in a 12‐month‐old boy with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy and severe global developmental delay. This represents only the second family with a homozygous predicted‐null variant in GRIN1 reported to date. We review the published literature on AR GRIN1‐NDD and find that the phenotype in our patient is much more severe than those seen with homozygous missense variants. A similarly severe phenotype of intractable epilepsy and infantile death has only been reported in one other family with a homozygous nonsense variant in GRIN1. We, therefore, propose that biallelic predicted‐null variants in GRIN1 can cause a markedly more severe clinical phenotype than AR GRIN1‐NDD caused by missense variants.
Effect of surface‐modifiednano‐aluminumtrihydroxide on electrical properties of silicone/nano‐silicananocomposite
Authors: Park Jae‐Jun , Lee Jae‐Young
Published: October 2021

The surface of fumed nano‐silica (nano‐SiO2) was treated with an alkyl silazane to change from hydrophilic surface to hydrophobic, and the surface of aluminum trihydroxide (nano‐ATH) was treated with a vinyl silazane to improve electrical properties (high voltage direct current [HVDC] breakdown strength and tracking resistance) in silicone nanocomposites. They were prepared by mixing liquid silicone resin with the modified nano‐SiO2and the modified nano‐ATH, and the effects of the modified nano‐ATH particles on the electrical properties were studied in order to apply them to heavy electric equipment. The surface modifications were confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle analysis. As the nano‐ATH content increased, (±)HVDC breakdown strength increased and tracking resistance was greatly improved. As the nano‐ATH content increased, the initial generation of leakage current was delayed, and the occurrence frequency and the intensity of the leakage current decreased. The erosion weight due to the tracking also decreased.
More exposure opportunities for promoting freshwater conservation
Authors: He Fengzhi , Jähnig Sonja C. , Wetzig Annett , Langhans Simone D.
Published: October 2021

Freshwater ecosystems have a higher percentage of threatened and extinct species than terrestrial or marine realms, but remain under‐represented in conservation research and actions arguably as a consequence of less popularity and promotion.

Cover images of conservation journals were used as a proxy of exposure and potential promotion opportunities provided for different ecosystems and species. To examine whether articles related to cover images received more attention, citations and Altmetric scores of cover‐featured articles were compared with non‐featured ones within the same host journal issue.

Freshwater ecosystems (10.4%) were featured less often than marine (15.2%) or terrestrial (74.4%) ecosystems on covers of 18 conservation journals from 1997 to 2016. All 15 most featured species are from terrestrial or marine ecosystems.

In addition, cover‐featured studies showed higher citations and Altmetric scores than non‐featured ones within the same host journal issue, indicating that cover‐featured articles received more attention. Further investigations are needed to examine the relationship (i.e. whether there is a true causality) between being featured on the cover, and citations and Altmetric scores received by articles, as well as potentially resulting in greater conservation efforts. Nevertheless, we believe that providing exposure opportunities is likely to better inform the public about the continuing degradation of freshwater ecosystems and its impacts on human well‐being, including economic loss and danger to public health. Journal editors can contribute by balancing their selection of featured ecosystems and species when opportunities arise.

Increasing exposure opportunities for freshwater ecosystems through various channels seems a promising approach to raise public awareness and appreciation of freshwater biodiversity. Scientists can play an active role and form an alliance with journal editors, conservation organizations, and media, to increase momentum in society for fresh waters to be experienced as essential ecosystems and prevent further degradation of freshwater habitats and biodiversity loss.
Näherungsverfahren zum Nachweis gegen Bodenverflüssigung in Gebieten mittlerer Seismizität nach DIN EN 1998‐5/NA:2021
Authors: Vrettos Christos
Published: October 2021

Die vorgenommene Neueinschätzung der Erdbebengefährdung für Deutschland im Rahmen der Erstellung des neuen Nationalen Anhangs zu DIN EN 1998‐1 gab den Anlass, die in der geltenden DIN EN 1998‐5 angegebene Nachweisführung zur Bodenverflüssigung zu bewerten und zu aktualisieren. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde für Gebiete mittlerer Seismizität ein leicht handhabbares Nachweisverfahren entwickelt, welches den aktuellen Stand der Technik berücksichtigt. Es basiert auf Ergebnissen von Drucksondierungen am Standort und erlaubt eine direkte Aussage zur potenziellen Gefährdung infolge Verflüssigung. Das Verfahren ist Bestandteil des neuen Nationalen Anhangs zu DIN EN 1998‐5.
The enabling role of formalized corporate networks to drive small and medium‐sized enterprises toward sustainability
Authors: Corazza Laura , Cisi Maurizio , Falavigna Greta
Published: October 2021

The global economy's transition toward more sustainable development models is undoubtedly grounded on small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). However, SMEs, individual entrepreneurs, and microenterprises have always encountered barriers to implementing social responsibility and sustainability concepts. The paper investigates the enabling role of formalized corporate networks to drive SMEs toward sustainable behaviors. A quantitative nonlinear regression approach is applied to a content analysis of a sample of network contracts coded. The content analysis is applied to analyze the declared objectives, the purpose of the contract, and sustainability areas. An ordered logistic regression is applied on variables related to the behavior of SMEs before entering in the contract and post‐adhesion phases. Data demonstrates how networks of SMEs can be used as enabling factors to boost sustainability among them. Specifically, the study is based on a sample of 96 formalized network contracts (FNCs), including 1486 Italian SMEs in that sustainability‐oriented networks. It offers an evidence‐based perspective on how networks of companies can play a fundamental role in the development of policies aimed at bringing small companies closer to the concept of sustainability (such as eco‐innovations, eco‐efficiency, environmental performance, and social innovations, among others) and its practical implementation. This paper has two significant strengths. The first is that it uses as a sample a set of 1486 companies, including individual entrepreneurs and microenterprises, whose data are usually difficult to collect. The second is that it demonstrates the efficacy of a contractual form that could be scalable to different countries.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Identifying high‐risk diabetic population from the OCEAN‐TAVI registry
Authors: Matsumoto Shingo , Ohno Yohei , Miyamoto Junichi , Ikari Yuji , Tada Norio , Naganuma Toru , Yamawaki Masahiro , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Mizutani Kazuki , Tabata Minoru , Ueno Hiroshi , Takagi Kensuke , Watanabe Yusuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro ,   The OCEAN‐TAVI Investigators
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To identify the vulnerable diabetic cohort in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Backgrounds

Considerable controversy remains about whether specific cohort exists in which presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) carries adverse risk of mortality after TAVR.

Methods

Of the 2588 patients who were enrolled in the OCEAN‐TAVI registry, 2526 patients with glycohemoglobin data were analyzed. The individuals were divided into DM and non‐DM groups according to previous medical history of DM or using diabetic medicine, and increased HbA1c values (≥6.5%) at baseline. The primary endpoint of this study was 2‐year all‐cause mortality after TAVR.

Results

The follow up rate of clinical outcome at 1‐year was 2514/2526 (99.5%) and median follow‐up period was 22.5 months. DM group had 699 (27.7%) patients, in which 153 (21.9%) was diagnosed by increased HbA1c levels without previous medical history of DM. Kaplan–Meier curve of 2‐year all‐cause mortality presented significant difference between patients with and without DM (p = 0.029). In addition, patients with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels > 100 mg/dl and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% had great risk of mortality after TAVR (LDL‐C: hazard ratio [HR] 1.82, p < 0.001; LVEF: HR 2.61, p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

Presence of DM was significantly associated with poor outcome after TAVR and adverse effect of DM was remarkable in patients with relatively higher LDL‐C levels and reduced LVEF under 40%. These subtypes may need intensive control of cardiovascular risk factors, including DM, before and after TAVR.
Incidence of anaphylaxis and accidental peanut exposure: A systematic review
Authors: Muraro Antonella , Sublett J. Wesley , Haselkorn Tmirah , Nilsson Caroline , Casale Thomas B.
Published: October 2021

Background

Peanut allergy (PA), a common food allergy, is increasing in prevalence and is associated with high rates of anaphylaxis. Prevalence of food‐related anaphylaxis is higher in children and adolescents than in adults, and the pediatric incidence is increasing. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to determine the incidence of peanut‐induced anaphylaxis in children and/or adolescents with PA.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed database and through supplemental methods. Eligible articles for inclusion were peer‐reviewed studies published in English that reported the incidence of anaphylaxis in pediatric PA using the 2006 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network criteria, sample size, and follow‐up duration. Incidence rates were calculated as person‐years at risk or a crude incidence rate was calculated. Meta‐analyses of pooled data were conducted using the I2 statistic as the measure of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 830 citations were screened; 8 met the study inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Pooled meta‐analysis estimates of the incidence of (1) anaphylaxis among children/adolescents with food allergies, (2) anaphylaxis among children/adolescents with PA, and (3) accidental exposure to peanuts among children/adolescents with PA were 3.72 cases per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.35, 5.10), 2.74 cases per 100 person‐years (95% CI = 1.42, 4.05), and 12.28 cases per 100 person‐years (95% CI = 11.51, 13.05), respectively.

Conclusions

The risks of anaphylaxis among children with food allergies and those with PA contribute to the serious overall burden of PA and food allergy for children and their families.
Trajectories of fear of cancer recurrence in young breast cancer survivors
Authors: Schapira Lidia , Zheng Yue , Gelber Shari I. , Poorvu Philip , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Peppercorn Jeffrey , Come Steven E. , Borges Virginia F. , Partridge Ann H. , Rosenberg Shoshana M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is more intense in younger women. Because FCR is a powerful determinant of quality of life, identifying those at risk for persistently elevated FCR can inform timing of interventions.

Methods

A total of 965 women with stage 0 to stage III breast cancer enrolled in the Young Women's Breast Cancer Study, a prospective cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer at age ≤40 years, completed the 3‐item Lasry Fear of Recurrence Index. Group‐based trajectory modeling was used to classify distinct FCR patterns from baseline through 5 years post‐diagnosis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify patient, disease, and treatment characteristics associated with each trajectory.

Results

Five FCR trajectories were identified with the majority of participants having moderate (33.1%) or high FCR (27.6%) that improved over time. A total of 6.9% participants had moderate FCR that worsened, whereas 21.7% had high FCR at baseline that remained high throughout. In the fully adjusted multinomial model, stages II and III (vs stage I) were associated with higher odds of being in the high/stable trajectory, whereas stage 0 (vs I), being financially comfortable (vs not comfortable), was associated with lower odds of being in the high/stable trajectory. White (vs non‐White) was associated with higher odds of being in a trajectory that improved over time.

Conclusions

Although FCR improves over time for many young women with breast cancer, approximately one‐third had FCR that was severe and did not improve or worsened over 5 years after diagnosis. Ongoing monitoring is warranted, with early referral to mental health professionals indicated for those at highest risk for unresolved FCR.

Lay Summary

Fear of recurrence is common among young women with breast cancer.

The authors followed a large cohort of young women diagnosed with breast cancer when they were 40 years of age and younger, and found 5 distinct trajectories that show moderate and severe fears do not always improve over time and may require targeted mental health intervention.
Trends in drug revenue among major pharmaceutical companies: A 2010‐2019 cohort study
Authors: Meyers Daniel E. , Meyers Benjamin S. , Chisamore Timothy M. , Wright Kristin , Gyawali Bishal , Prasad Vinay , Sullivan Richard , Booth Christopher M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Over the past 2 decades there has been a substantial increase in the number of new cancer medicines; this has been accompanied by a dramatic rise in drug costs. It is unknown how these trends impact the revenue of the pharmaceutical sector.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study to characterize temporal trends of revenue generated from cancer medicines as a proportion of total drug revenue among 10 large pharmaceutical companies from 2010 to 2019. Itemized product‐sales data publicly available through company websites or annual filings were used to identify annual drug revenue. Revenue data were adjusted for inflation and converted to 2019 US dollars.

Results

During the study period, cumulative annual revenue generated from cancer drugs increased by 70%: from $55.8 billion to $95.1 billion, while cumulative revenue from nononcology drugs decreased 18%: from $342.2 billion to $281.5 billion. The proportion of total drug revenue generated from oncology drugs increased substantially over the study period: from 14% in 2010 to 25% in 2019 (τ = 1.0, P < .001).

Conclusions

Among 10 of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, revenues generated from the sale of cancer drugs have increased by 70% over the past decade, while revenues from other medicines have decreased by 18%. Revenues from cancer drugs now account for one‐quarter of the net revenues from these companies. Further work is needed to understand if this increase in sales revenue reflects industry profit, and to what extent increased spending has translated into improvements in patient and population outcomes.
A homogenized cerebrospinal fluid model for diffuse optical tomography in the neonatal head
Authors: Lohrengel Stephanie , Mahmoudzadeh Mahdi , Oumri Farah , Salmon Stéphanie , Wallois Fabrice
Published: October 2021

Diffuse optical tomography is a non‐invasive and non‐irradiating medical imaging technique that is particularly suitable for cerebral monitoring of newborns since it can be used at the bedside of the patient. Here, a new model for optical tomography in the neonatal brain is presented that takes into account the presence of arachnoid trabeculæ in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is known that the classical diffusion approximation (DA) for light propagation is at the limit of validity in the CSF layer due to the low values of the absorption and scattering coefficients. The new model is obtained by the DA of the homogenized radiative transfer equation and is rigorously justified. Numerical results in two and three dimensions attest for the improved sensitivity of the new model to the presence of perturbations in the brain layer.
Catecholamines in neuroblastoma: Driver of hypertension, or solely a marker of disease?
Authors: Harding Matthew , Deyell Rebecca J. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom
Published: October 2021

Background

Neuroblastoma is a common solid tumor of childhood and is often associated with hypertension. Potential etiologies contributing to hypertension include renal compression, pain, volume overload, and catecholamine secretion.

Cases

We completed a single center retrospective review of children with neuroblastoma and ≥stage II hypertension (per Hypertension Canada guidelines) over a 2‐year period. All patients (n = 10) had elevated urine normetanephrine levels and eight had intra‐abdominal tumors. Four patients had refractory hypertension requiring > three agents, of which three required alpha/beta blockade.

Conclusion

Although multifactorial, hypertension in neuroblastoma often has a neuroendocrine component. Excess normetanephrine production in neuroblastoma may be a more common hypertensive mechanism than previously appreciated. Urinary normetanephrine elevation could suggest potential neuroendocrine‐mediated hypertension.
Imperative role of optimization techniques to reconfigure solar photovoltaic array systems to diminish shading effects
Authors: Pachauri Rupendra Kumar
Published: October 2021

Solar photovoltaic (PV) efficiency improvement is critical to the use of large‐scale power generation. The effects of partial shading are a major source of concern for reduced power generation and increased power loss (PL). Researchers explored an extensive way to resolve the shading issue using the metaheuristic approach for the reconfiguration of PV arrays. In this perspective, a detailed review of metaheuristic approaches involved in PV array reconfiguration solutions to provide improved performance. Furthermore, all metaheuristic approaches are classified as (i) evolutionary, (ii) trajectory, (iii) art inspired, (iv) ancient inspired, and (v) nature inspired. The evolutionary and nature‐inspired metaheuristic approaches are used in the application of PV array reconfiguration and are critically studied in terms of ease of implementation of global power maxima under partial shading conditions (PSCs). In this present paper, an experimental study validates the MATLAB/Simulink results investigated under shading scenario for conventional total‐cross‐tied (TCT) and maximum–minimum tier equalization swapping (MMTES) metaheuristic technique‐based PV array configurations. The obtained results in terms of percentage of power gain are 11.88% and 11.52% with respect to TCT in MATLAB/Simulink and experimental studies. Further, this study assesses the potential of each algorithm by comparing it with well‐established procedures involved in PV array reconfiguration. This paper examines an important review on the types and nature of objective functions, figure of merits, pros and cons, challenges, and future research opportunities.
The Coulter Principle: A history
Authors: Graham Marshall Don.
Published: October 2021

A historical description of Wallace H. Coulter's invention and development of his companies' instrumentation for analysis of blood cells or particles has never been available, and too often, this void has been addressed by conjectural or promotional publications. A history thesis, based on the author's access to Coulter's personal papers and to files kept by his father, Joseph R. Coulter, Sr., has recently become available; for the first time Coulter's developmental process is factually detailed against the historical context in which it occurred. This paper is an introductory overview of that developmental process as discussed therein. It should be of interest to not only the ISAC membership, but to Cytometry's broader readership as well.
Design of a novel degree load‐balanced and fuzzy ant colony optimization protocol for optimizing the clustering architecture in WSN
Authors: Juneja Kapil
Published: October 2021

A sensor network is a situation‐based critical network defined under certain restrictions and constraints. The clustered architecture is defined over these networks to utilize the criticality vectors and to improve network communication. In this paper, a degree load‐balanced and fuzzy‐ACO (DLB‐fACO) protocol is proposed for optimizing the clustered architecture. In this architecture, the load analysis is performed while forming the clusters. The cluster head selection is performed based on energy, cluster density, and probability vector. The node degree‐ and energy‐balanced analysis is performed for identifying the cluster members. Once the clusters are formed, the ACO approach is applied to perform the cluster‐based hierarchical routing. Communication is performed at two levels. In the first level, node‐to‐cluster head communication is performed by considering energy and degree consideration. In the second level, the fuzzy‐integrated ACO method is applied for inter‐cluster route formation. The route optimization is here performed under fuzzy‐based energy, degree, and distance parameters. These fuzzy parameters are evaluated within the ACO algorithm for generating the optimized route. The proposed load‐balanced protocol is analyzed against the LEACH, LEACH‐C, LEACH‐CC, M‐LEACH, Fuzzy‐PSO, Fuzzy‐ACO, Fuzzy‐Cuckoo, and FMCB‐ER protocols. The experimentation results confirm the significant gain in network lifetime and packet communication. The cluster count, clustering switching, and communication failure are also reduced in comparison with existing conventional and optimized protocols.