bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disease involvement in the central compartment in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Makary Chadi A. , Falco Jeffrey , Sussman Sarah , Ryan Lindsey , Reyes Camilo , Ramadan Hassan , Kountakis Stilianos E.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate disease presence in the central compartment (CC) in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Patients with eosinophilic CRS were divided into three endotypes: aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), and eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP). CT scans were reviewed for CC involvement, defined as the area between the superior nasal septum (SNS) and middle turbinate (MT). CC involvement was measured based on the degree of opacification (0: no opacification, 1: up to 50% opacification, and 2: >50% opacification), and distance from SNS to MT (mm). Patients who had lateralized MTs from prior surgery as the cause of CC widening were excluded. Patients who underwent orbital decompression were included as a control group.

Results

Fifty patients in each group (AERD, AFRS, and eCRSwNP) and 50 control patients were included. Average number of surgeries was 2.5 in AERD (p = 0.05), 2 in AFRS (p = 0.4), and 1.7 in eCRSwNP. Preoperative CC distance was significantly higher in AERD versus control, AFRS, and eCRSwNP: 4.2 versus 2.8 mm (p < 0.0001), 4.2 versus 1.9 mm (p < 0.0001), and 4.2 versus 2.7 mm (p < 0.0001), respectively. Postoperatively, CC distance and degree of opacification were significantly higher in AERD versus control, AFRS, and eCRSwNP. Within the AERD group, CC distance was significantly higher postoperatively than preoperatively (6.5 vs. 4.2 mm, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

CC involvement is more significant in AERD patients and if present, rhinologists should be suspicious of the diagnosis. This area could represent a source of inflammatory load in patients with AERD.
Engineering of a Peptide α‐N‐Methyltransferase to Methylate Non‐Proteinogenic Amino Acids
Authors: Song Haigang , Burton Antony J. , Shirran Sally L. , Fahrig‐Kamarauskaitė Jūratė , Kaspar Hannelore , Muir Tom W. , Künzler Markus , Naismith James H.
Published: April 2021

Introduction of α‐N‐methylated non‐proteinogenic amino acids into peptides can improve their biological activities, membrane permeability and proteolytic stability. This is commonly achieved, in nature and in the lab, by assembling pre‐methylated amino acids. The more appealing route of methylating amide bonds is challenging. Biology has evolved an α‐N‐automethylating enzyme, OphMA, which acts on the amide bonds of peptides fused to its C‐terminus. Due to the ribosomal biosynthesis of its substrate, the activity of this enzyme towards peptides with non‐proteinogenic amino acids has not been addressed. An engineered OphMA, intein‐mediated protein ligation and solid‐phase peptide synthesis have allowed us to demonstrate the methylation of amide bonds in the context of non‐natural amides. This approach may have application in the biotechnological production of therapeutic peptides.
Enhancing Rechargeable Persistent Luminescence via Organic Dye Sensitization
Authors: Li Zhanjun , Zhao Yang , Huang Kai , Huang Ling , Zhang Yuanwei , Yang Hong , Han Gang
Published: April 2021

Owing to their unique afterglow ability, long‐wavelength light activatable persistent luminescence (PersL) nanoparticles (PLNPs) have been emerging as an important category of imaging probes. Long‐wavelength LED light has been shown to be effective in recharging these nanoparticles. However, finding a simple and effective method to amplify such renewable PersL signals under long‐wavelength light is still a key challenge. Herein, we discovered that a dye‐sensitization strategy was able to effectively boost the renewable PersL signals of the NIR emitting ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ (ZGC)) under long‐wavelength LED light. Moreover, as a proof‐of‐principle tumorectomy demonstration, this new class of dye sensitized ZGC enabled simultaneous intraoperative anatomic tumor navigation and effective microscopic detection of tumor cells in pathological diagnosis.
Bioinspired Network Analysis Enabled Divergent Syntheses and Structure Revision of Pentacyclic Cytochalasans
Authors: Wu Hai , Ding Yiming , Hu Kun , Long Xianwen , Qu Chunlei , Puno Pema‐Tenzin , Deng Jun
Published: April 2021

We accomplished the divergent total syntheses of ten pentacyclic cytochalasans (aspergillin PZ, trichodermone, trichoderones, flavipesines, and flavichalasines) from a common precursor aspochalasin D and revised the structures of trichoderone B, spicochalasin A, flavichalasine C, aspergilluchalasin based on structure network analysis of the cytochalasans biosynthetic pathways and DFT calculations. The key steps of the syntheses include transannular alkene/epoxyalkene and carbonyl‐ene cyclizations to establish the C/D ring of pentacyclic aspochalasans. Our bioinspired approach to these pentacyclic cytochalasans validate the proposed biosynthetic speculation from a chemical view and provide a platform for the synthesis of more than 400 valuable cytochalasans bearing different macrocycles and amino‐acid residues.
Lewis‐Base‐Brønsted‐Säure‐Enzym‐Katalyse in enantioselektiven mehrstufigen Eintopf‐Synthesen
Authors: Mantel Marvin , Giesler Markus , Guder Marian , Rüthlein Elisabeth , Hartmann Laura , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: April 2021

Die Etablierung von Eintopf‐Mehrschritt‐Protokollen, die verschiedene Arten von Katalysatoren kombinieren, ist ein wichtiges Ziel zur Steigerung der Effizienz in der modernen organischen Synthese. Insbesondere das hohe Potenzial von Biokatalysatoren muss noch ausgeschöpft werden. Basierend auf einer eingehenden mechanistischen Untersuchung eines neuen organokatalytischen Protokolls unter Verwendung zweier Katalysatoren {1,4‐Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan (DABCO); Benzoesäure (BzOH)} wurde eine Sequenz etabliert, die Ausgangsmaterialien für die enzymatische Veredelung (Enreduktase; Alkohol‐Dehydrogenase) bereitstellt: Indem bis zu sechs katalytische Schritte innerhalb desselben Reaktionsgefäßes genutzt wurden, konnte ein Zugang zu einer Vielzahl von enantiomerenreinen Schlüsselbausteinen für die Naturstoffsynthese im Grammmaßstab ermöglicht werden.
A Vibration‐Induced‐Emission‐Based Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Selective and Visual Recognition of Glucose
Authors: Ramos‐Soriano Javier , Benitez‐Benitez Sergio J. , Davis Anthony P. , Galan M. Carmen
Published: April 2021

The development of chemosensors to detect analytes in biologically relevant solutions is a challenging task. We report the synthesis of a fluorescent receptor that combines vibration‐induced emission (VIE) and dynamic covalent chemistry for the detection of glucose in aqueous media. We show that the bis‐2‐(N‐methylaminomethyl)phenylboronic acid‐decorated N,N′‐diphenyl‐dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazine (DPAC) receptor 1 can detect glucose and discriminate between closely related monosaccharides including those commonly found in blood. Preliminary studies suggest monosaccharides bind to the DPAC‐receptor with a 1:1 stoichiometry to produce pseudomacrocyclic complexes, which in turn leads to distinct optical changes in the fluorescent emission of the receptor for each host. Moreover, the complexation‐induced change in emission can be detected visually and quantified in a ratiometric way. Our results highlight the potential of VIE‐type receptors for the quantitative determination of saccharides in biological samples.
Novel titanium(IV) diolate complexes with additional O‐donor as precatalyst for the synthesis of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene with reduced entanglement density: Influence of polymerization conditions and its implications on mechanical properties
Authors: Tuskaev Vladislav A. , Gagieva Svetlana Ch. , Kurmaev Dmitrii A. , Bogdanov Vyacheslav S. , Magomedov Kasim F. , Mikhaylik Elena S. , Golubev Evgenii K. , Buzin Mikhail I. , Nikiforova Galina G. , Vasil'ev Viktor G. , Khrustalev Viktor N. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Bakirov Artem V. , Shcherbina Maksim А. , Dzhevakov Pavel B. , Bulychev Boris M.
Published: April 2021

New alkoxo‐titanium(IV) complexes with diolate ligand containing additional donor oxygen atom have been synthesized from readily available and scalable precursors. The structure of complex 4 was established by X‐ray diffraction. Titanium atom adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry formed by six oxygen atoms of ligands. The resulting complexes 3–4 are moderately or highly active in ethylene polymerization in the presence of {EtnAlCl3–n + Bu2Mg} binary cocatalysts. The influence of the nature of the solvent, the organoaluminum cocatalyst and the polymerization temperature on the activity of catalytic systems, and the properties of the resulting polymers were studied. The obtained polymers are linear polyethylene of ultrahigh molecular weight (up to 5.8·106 g mol−1) with a broad molecular weight distribution. The polymers are suitable for the modern methods of polymer processing—the solventless solid‐state formation of super high‐strength (breaking strength up to 2.8 GPa) and high‐modulus (elastic modulus up to 140 GPa) oriented films and film tapes. The possibility of scaling up the synthesis of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) without a significant drop in the productivity of the catalytic system and polymer properties is shown. UHMWPE samples have been investigated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) methods to study the structural changes induced by solid‐state drawing of nascent reactor powders.
Enhancement of the rheological properties of magnetorheological elastomer via polystyrene‐grafted carbonyl iron particles
Authors: Jamari Siti Khumaira Mohd , Nordin Nur Azmah , Ubaidillah U. , Aziz Siti Aishah Abdul , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Nazmi Nurhazimah
Published: April 2021

In this work, carbonyl iron particles (CIP) was grafted with polystyrene coating on its surface via polymerization method, and the coated‐CIPs were then embedded into a silicone rubber with the ratio of 70:30 of CIP to silicone rubber in order to enhance the rheological properties of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) in terms of lower initial storage modulus and higher MR effect. By using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) that is equipped with the energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis, it was observed that elements of C, N, O, Si, Fe, Br, Cu, and Sn were detected, confirming that the coating layer has been successfully developed on the CIP. Additionally, the investigation of the rheological characteristics was conducted at 25°C with three different sweep conditions using rheometer MCR 302. Firstly the strain amplitude was swept from 0.001% to 10% strain with 1 Hz frequency. Then, the frequency was varied from 1 Hz to 100 Hz under 0.01% strain at an applied current of 0–5 A. Lastly, the current was swept from 0 to 5 A under 0.01% strain amplitude and 1 Hz excitation frequency. It was discovered that the storage modulus of the polystyrene‐coated CIP MRE is lower than that of uncoated‐CIP MRE in all three sweep profiles. Advantageously, the magnetorheological (MR) effect of the coated‐CIP MRE sample is higher than that of the uncoated‐CIP MRE by 28.04%. Moreover, it was found that the coated‐CIP MRE exhibited higher damping behavior with more than 0.14 loss factor than 0.12 loss factor of the uncoated sample. The dimensional stability of polystyrene coating on the CIP was an attributing factor to this enhanced damping behavior of the coated‐CIP MRE. Thus, it became clear that the polystyrene‐coated CIP embedment in MRE is more desirable than that of MRE with uncoated CIP.
Monitor growing protections for LGBTQ+ employees
Authors: Patterson Jollee Faber , Burris Erin
Published: April 2021

Institutions of higher education should pay close attention to recent events increasing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, as both the U.S. Supreme Court and President Joe Biden have taken significant action on this front and more changes are likely on the horizon. Just last year, the U.S. Supreme Court expanded employment protections under Title VII to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. And on the first day of his presidency, President Biden issued an executive order announcing that those same protections will apply under his administration's enforcement of Title IX. In February 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other services. Although the Equality Act will still need to pass in the Senate, it's clear there are growing legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and education institutions must act accordingly.
Review rulings involving employee accommodations requests
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2021

An overview of the key topics faced by campus administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Trends and causes of readmission following peripheral vascular intervention in patients with peripheral vascular disease
Authors: Moussa Pacha Homam , Mir Tanveer , Al‐khadra Yasser , Sattar Yasar , Ullah Waqas , Zaher Nathan , Ahmad Bachar , M. Suleiman Abdul‐Rahman , Darmoch Fahed , Soud Mohamad , Faraz Haroon , Hakim Zaher , Alraies M. Chadi
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To study the risk factors associated with 30‐readmission postperipheral vascular intervention (PVI) in peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Background

There has been a paucity of data regarding the trend and predictors of PVI readmission.

Methods

We performed an observational cohort study of patients admitted with peripheral vascular disease for PVI using the NRD for the years 2010–2014. PVI was defined as angioplasty, atherectomy, and/or stenting of lower limb vessels.

Results

A total of 453,278 patients (30‐day readmission n = 97,235). The mean age of study population was 68.6 ± 12.2 years and included 43.8% women. The 30‐day readmission post‐PVI was 21.5% (p = .034). Cardiovascular causes constitute 44% of readmission. Chronic limb ischemia and intermittent claudication were two most common cardiovascular causes constituting 11.7 and 4.9% cases of readmissions. Other cardiac causes of readmissions included heart failure (4.64%), dysrhythmias (1.4%), and acute myocardial infarction (1.7%). The high‐risk factors for of all‐cause 30‐day readmission were hypertension, CLI, diabetes, renal failure, dyslipidemia, smoking, chronic pulmonary disease, and atrial fibrillation (p < .005). Length‐of‐stay was greater than 5 days for 56.2 and 75.4% paid by Medicare.

Conclusions

Our study shows an average yearly readmission rate of 21.5% post‐PVI. Chronic comorbidities and prolonged hospitalization were associated with higher risk of readmission.
Polysaccharide Chemistry in Drug Delivery, Endocrinology, and Vaccines
Authors: Khalid Aimen , Asim‐ur‐Rehman  , Ahmed Naveed , Chaudhery Iqra , Al‐Jafary Meneerah A. , Al‐Suhaimi Ebtesam Abdullah , Tarhini Mohamad , Lebaz Noureddine , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: April 2021

Polysaccharides, due to their outstanding properties, have attracted the attention of researchers, working in the biomedical field and especially of those working in drug delivery. Modified/functionalized polysaccharides further increase the importance for various applications. Delivery of therapeutics for diverse ailments in different endocrine glands and hormones safely, is a focal point of researchers working in the field. Among the routes followed, the transdermal route is preferred due to non‐exposure of active moieties to the harsh gastric environment and first‐pass metabolism. This review starts with the overview of polysaccharides used for the delivery of various therapeutic agents. Advantages of polysaccharides used in the transdermal route are addressed in detail. Types of polysaccharides will be elaborated through examples, and in this context, special emphasis will be on the polysaccharides being used for synthesis of the membranes/films. Techniques employed for their modification to design novel carriers for therapeutics delivery will also be discussed. The review will end with a brief discussion on recent developments and future perspectives for delivery of therapeutic agents, and vaccine development.
Synthetic Approaches for 15N‐Labeled Hyperpolarized Heterocyclic Molecular Imaging Agents for 15N NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange in Microtesla Magnetic Fields
Authors: Chukanov Nikita V. , Shchepin Roman V. , Joshi Sameer M. , Kabir Mohammad S. H. , Salnikov Oleg G. , Svyatova Alexandra , Koptyug Igor V. , Gelovani Juri G. , Chekmenev Eduard Y.
Published: April 2021

NMR hyperpolarization techniques enhance nuclear spin polarization by several orders of magnitude resulting in corresponding sensitivity gains. This enormous sensitivity gain enables new applications ranging from studies of small molecules by using high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy to real‐time metabolic imaging in vivo. Several hyperpolarization techniques exist for hyperpolarization of a large repertoire of nuclear spins, although the 13C and 15N sites of biocompatible agents are the key targets due to their widespread use in biochemical pathways. Moreover, their long T1 allows hyperpolarized states to be retained for up to tens of minutes. Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is a low‐cost and ultrafast hyperpolarization technique that has been shown to be versatile for the hyperpolarization of 15N nuclei. Although large sensitivity gains are enabled by hyperpolarization, 15N natural abundance is only ∼0.4 %, so isotopic labeling of the molecules to be hyperpolarized is required in order to take full advantage of the hyperpolarized state. Herein, we describe selected advances in the preparation of 15N‐labeled compounds with the primary emphasis on using these compounds for SABRE polarization in microtesla magnetic fields through spontaneous polarization transfer from parahydrogen. Also, these principles can certainly be applied for hyperpolarization of these emerging contrast agents using dynamic nuclear polarization and other techniques.
Oxyphosphonium Enolate Equilibria in a (4+1)‐Cycloaddition Approach toward Quaternary C3‐Spirooxindole Assembly
Authors: Gulotty Eva M. , Rodriguez Kevin X. , Parker Erin E. , Ashfeld Brandon L.
Published: April 2021

An efficient and convergent (4+1)‐cycloaddition strategy toward the construction of spirooxindole benzofurans that involves the intermediacy of an isatin‐derived oxyphosphonium enolate is presented. Mechanistic investigations employing in situ NMR analysis of the reaction mixture revealed a correlation between phosphonium enolate structure and product distribution that was heavily influenced by the solvent and reaction temperature.
Bis(8‐hydroxyquinoline) Ligands: Exploring their Potential as Selective Copper‐Binding Agents for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Oliveri Valentina , Vecchio Graziella
Published: April 2021

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation, metal ion dyshomeostasis, and oxidative stress are pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ and metal ions form metal‐Aβ complex species that influence the aggregation of Aβ and, in particular, redox metal ions such as Cu lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To target metal coordination to Aβ and the reactivities of Cu−Aβ, metal chelating agents must extract Cu2+ from Aβ in AD pathological conditions. Bis(8‐hydroxyquinoline) ligands can extract Cu2+ from Aβ and therefore inhibit the Cu‐induced Aβ aggregation and the aerobic oxidation of ascorbate. In particular, N‐butyl‐2,2‐imino‐bis(8‐hydroxyquinoline) can selectively target Cu−Aβ reactivities in the presence of Zn2+ such as in AD brain patients. The ligands can release Cu in intracellular environments in the presence of a large excess of glutathione, contributing to restore Cu homeostasis.
Optimized Synthesis of Fmoc/Boc‐Protected PNA Monomers and their Assembly into PNA Oligomers.
Authors: Shaikh Ashif Y. , Björkling Fredrik , Nielsen Peter E. , Franzyk Henrik
Published: April 2021

Continuous advancement of application of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers encouraged exploration of rapid and efficient synthesis of PNA monomers and oligomers. Among the PNA monomers developed, only a few are commonly used in automated PNA synthesis. Herein, we report short and efficient protocols suitable for large‐scale synthesis of Fmoc/Boc‐protected PNA monomers with advantageous solubility properties; these also facilitate purification due to the traceless nature of the Boc protecting group. Initially, several coupling reagents were screened for assembly of a pentamer containing all four nucleobases, and then the most promising reagents were tested in the synthesis of a decamer. The Fmoc/Boc‐protected monomers proved compatible with both manual synthesis and assembly on an automated peptide synthesizer at room temperature or at 40 °C. As compared to the commonly used coupling agent, 1‐[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazolo[4,5‐b]pyridinium 3‐oxide hexafluorophosphate (HATU), both 2‐(1H‐benzotriazol‐1‐yl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU) and [ethyl cyano(hydroxyimino)acetato−O2]tri‐1‐pyrrolidinylphosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PyOxim) proved more favorable, with the latter being superior. A previously reported side reaction of guanine bases in the presence of benzotriazol‐1‐yl‐oxytripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PyBOP) was not observed with the phosphonium salts.
Trends in referrals to liaison psychiatry teams from UK emergency departments for patients over 65
Authors: Crowther George , Chinnasamy Manimegalai , Bradbury Sarah , Shaw Laura , Ormerod Sara , Wilkinson Alison , Chubb Rebecca , Daher Mazen , Kumar Pramod , Gaskin Andrew , Williams Karen , Brennan‐Tovey Justine , Brown Angus , Stebbings Eleanor , Sahu Sunita , Smyth Roger , Kinsler Hilary , O'Connor Stephen , Wells Andrew , Overshott Ross , Junaid Kehinde , Mordekar Aparna , Humphries Jenny , James Karen , Mittal Shweta , Dasari Sarita , Grant‐Peterkin Hugh , Campbell Niall , West Robert , Tadros George , Sampson Elizabeth L.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The number of people over the age of 65 attending Emergency Departments (ED) in the United Kingdom (UK) is increasing. Those who attend with a mental health related problem may be referred to liaison psychiatry for assessment. Improving responsiveness and integration of liaison psychiatry in general hospital settings is a national priority. To do this psychiatry teams must be adequately resourced and organised. However, it is unknown how trends in the number and type referrals of older people to liaison psychiatry teams by EDs are changing, making this difficult.

Methods

We performed a national multi‐centre retrospective service evaluation, analysing existing psychiatry referral data from EDs of people over 65. We described trends in the number, rate, age, mental health presentation, and time taken to assessment over a 7 years period.

Results

Referral data from 28 EDs across England and Scotland were analysed (n = 18,828 referrals). There was a general trend towards increasing numbers of people referred to liaison psychiatry year on year. Variability in referral numbers between different departments, ranged from 0.1 to 24.3 per 1000 ED attendances. The most common reasons for referral were mood disorders, self‐harm and suicidal ideas. The majority of referrals were assessed within 60 min, however there is variability between departments, some recording waits over 11 h.

Discussion

The data suggests great inter‐departmental variability in referral numbers. Is not possible to establish the cause of variability. However, the data highlights the importance of asking further questions about why the differences exist, and the impact that has on patient care.
Comparison of free‐living physical activity data obtained from a Fitbit Zip, the Apple iPhone Health app and a modified Bouchard Activity Record
Authors: Reynolds Rebecca C. , Smith Veronica M. , Macniven Rona
Published: April 2021

Issue addressed

Physical activity tracking devices have potential to improve public health, but their data needs to be reliable. No study has compared movement data between the Fitbit Zip, Apple iPhone Health app and physical activity records in a community setting over 10 days.

Methods

University students aged 18+ years wore both a Fitbit Zip and an iPhone at/near their right waist and completed a modified Bouchard Activity Record (BAR) for 10 days in a free‐living setting. Comparisons were made between the Fitbit Zip and iPhone for the number of steps and the distance travelled and between the Fitbit Zip and BAR for the minutes of activity in three different intensities.

Results

Eighteen students provided sufficient data for inclusion. There were strong correlations between steps per day (r = .87) and distance travelled (r = .88) between the Fitbit Zips and iPhones. However, the Fitbit Zip measured significantly more steps per day (mean 8437 vs 7303; P ≤ .001) and greater distances (mean 5.9 vs 4.9; P ≤ .001) than the iPhone. Correlations between the Fitbit Zips and the BARs were moderate for minutes of total (r = .51) and light (r = .40) activity and weak for moderate/fairly active (r = .20) and vigorous/very active (r = .25).

Conclusions

There were strong correlations between the physical activity data measured by Fitbit Zips and iPhones, but the iPhone Health app significantly underestimated the number of steps per day taken and the distance travelled when compared to the Fitbit Zip.

So what?

Understanding the comparability of accelerometer devices provides useful information for future pragmatic physical activity measurement.
The association between smoking during pregnancy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jianing , Yang Wenbo , Xiao Wenxuan , Cao Shiyi
Published: April 2021

Background

Smoking is a major public health problem. However, its association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is inconclusive.

Objective

To find the association between smoking during pregnancy and HDP.

Search strategy

We searched PubMed, Ovid and Cochrane Library up to March, 2021, using terms including “smoking” and “HDP”.

Selection criteria

Observational studies that assessed the relationship between smoking during pregnancy and HDP were included.

Data collection and analysis

Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and other necessary data were extracted. Stata16.0 MP was used to analyze statistics.

Main results

A total of 13 studies were included. Meta‐analysis revealed that smoking during pregnancy was a protective factor for HDP (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67–0.92), gestational hypertension (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.69–0.79), and pre‐eclampsia (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.58–0.73). Subgroup analysis showed that smoking during pregnancy was a risk factor for HDP in Asia but a protective factor in Europe and North America. Neither quitting smoking before pregnancy nor during pregnancy had a statistically significant association with HDP.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis revealed that smoking during pregnancy might prevent HDP, gestational hypertension, and pre‐eclampsia. Smoking during pregnancy was a risk factor for HDP in Asia but a protective factor in Europe and North America.
THE GOLD COAST GENERAL ELECTION, 1951
Authors: Russell A. C.
Published: April 2021

(The Gold Coast is divided into three areas or regions: the Colony, Ashanti and the Northern Territories. This account describes the preparations for the elections in the Colony.)
Evaluation of multiple reanalyses in reproducing the spatio‐temporal variability of temperature and precipitation indices over southern South America
Authors: Balmaceda‐Huarte Rocio , Olmo Matias Ezequiel , Bettolli Maria Laura , Poggi Maria Mercedes
Published: April 2021

Several temperature and precipitation indices, with special focus on extremes, were analysed in different sub‐regions of southern South America during 1979–2017 using multiple reanalyses, the CPC gridded data set and the most extended network of meteorological stations employed in regional climate studies up to date. Reanalyses generally well represented the spatial patterns of the indices, although they showed some differences in extreme indices over large portions of southern South America and tended to overestimate precipitation maximums, especially in southern Chile. Furthermore, ERA‐Interim presented clear difficulties in reproducing precipitation near the Andes Mountains, exhibiting the largest overestimations. This seemed to be improved in the new generation of ERA reanalyses (ERA5). When evaluating the long‐term changes, most of the data sets agreed in general warming conditions, stronger and more homogeneous for the maximum temperature. NCEP1 and NCEP2 reanalyses showed contrary temporal changes in almost all the temperature indices. Precipitation indices exhibited less consistent changes among reanalyses, although significant upward trends were detected for precipitation extremes in southeastern South America and downward trends were detected in southern Chile in the observational data sets. In addition, most of the data sets agreed in drier conditions in the arid diagonal region of Argentina as reflected by significant positive trends for dry spells and negative trends for the total annual precipitation. In terms of the inter‐annual correspondence, reanalyses usually presented good correlations to the stations reference in the regional averaged series, mainly for temperature indices and more variable for precipitation indices. Overall, no reanalysis was found to perform best. The use of reanalyses data to perform regional climate studies should consider the existent differences among them and with observational data. Moreover, using multiple sources of information is strongly recommended to account for observational uncertainty, especially in regions like southern South America, where data availability and its resolution are often limited.
Weight Gain and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adolescents with Down Syndrome
Authors: Manuel Rachel , Shah Gopi B. , Mitchell Ron B. , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine whether the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is affected by weight gain velocity (WGV) in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case series of children with Down syndrome, aged 9–19, referred for polysomnography (PSG) due to suspected OSA at an academic children's hospital. We determined the velocity (slope of change) of yearly weight gain using a mixed effect linear regression model. Subsequently, we determined if velocity of yearly weight gain was greater in adolescents with severe OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index > 10). Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

A total of 77 adolescents with Down syndrome were identified. The average age was 12.5 years (standard deviation = 3.1); 44 (57%) were male and 46 (60%) were Hispanic. The majority, 51 (66%) had severe OSA. The velocity of yearly weight gain prior to PSG in Down syndrome adolescents was similar regardless of OSA severity (mean diff in weight gain at PSG between severe and nonsevere OSA = −1.42, 95% confidence interval = −5.8 to 2.9, P = .52). Down syndrome adolescents with severe OSA weighed more at PSG (58.4 kg vs. 40.9 kg, P < .001) and all years prior to PSG. These findings remained even when controlling for age at PSG.

Conclusions

Severe OSA in adolescents with Down syndrome is associated with weight. There was no significant difference in WGV in children with Down syndrome with or without severe OSA.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:2598–2602, 2021
Optimization of Physical and Mechanical Properties of an Active Film of PLA/EEP by a Full Factorial Design
Authors: Nacera Chibani , Nadjet Ardjoum , Hocine Djidjelli , Boukerrou Amar
Published: April 2021

The objective of this work is to develop an active food packaging material based on poly (lactic acid) and ethanolic extracts propolis. Poly(lactic acid)/ethanolic extract propolis films are prepared by casting, using a three level full factorial design that allowed to study the parameters influencing Young's modulus and water absorption. Many experiments are carried out, with a suitable choice of two variables, leading to a mathematical model in the form of a first degree polynomial. The films are subjected to several analyzes: physical and mechanical properties and antibacterial activity. The results show that the optimal film is obtained with an amount of 14% w/w of ethanolic extracts propolis, giving an antimicrobial food packaging material with the following characteristics: amount of propolis extract: 0.14 g, Young's modulus: 1594.16 N mm−2, water absorption rate: 3%, breaking stress: 29.45% and elongation at break: 39.27%.
Rubber Composites Able to Efficiently Shield the Electromagnetic Radiation
Authors: Kvasničáková Andrea , Kruželák Ján , Hložeková Klaudia , Dosoudil Rastislav , Hudec Ivan
Published: April 2021

Manganese‐zinc ferrite is incorporated into natural rubber in order to prepare rubber magnetic composites. The main goal of the work is to investigate the influence of content of magnetic soft ferrite on physical–mechanical and electromagnetic shielding properties of magnetic composites. The results reveal that the tested composites are able to efficiently shield the electromagnetic radiation by absorption mechanisms. All composites containing 200 phr or more filler exhibit sufficient absorption shielding. On the other hand, the strength characteristics of the composites decreases with increasing content of ferrite.
Combinatorial Bees Algorithm for Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Ismail Asrul Harun , Hartono Natalia , Zeybek Sultan , Caterino Mario , Jiang Kaiwen
Published: April 2021

Vehicle routing problem (VRP) is a combinatorial optimization problem that has been studied intensively for years. Although VRP can be solved using an exact method for small instances, a more complex one will be impractical due to the nature of the problem as an NP‐hard problem. A metaheuristic is more suitable to solve this kind of problem because the near‐optimal solution can be found in a relatively shorter time compared to the exact algorithm. Bees Algorithm (BA) as nature‐inspired metaheuristic is used to find a near‐optimal solution of VRP‐TSPLIB's datasets. This study aims to provide the results of BA on the standard dataset of VRP. The BA has a very good performance, with 3.9% of the average Best‐Error and 1.2 million of the average evaluations to reach the solution.
Thermal Insulation Capacity of a 3D Printed Material
Authors: Mihalache Andrei , Hriţuc Adelina , Boca Marius , Oroian Bogdan , Condrea Ionuţ , Botezatu Carmen , Slătineanu Laurenţiu
Published: April 2021

The 3D printing process allows obtaining parts with different interior structures and made of different materials. Such parts can be used to avoid overheating of various objects under the action of thermal radiation. The existence of different internal structures of the parts, as well as the 3D printing conditions and the distinct physical properties of the materials used, determine a different behavior of the parts in terms of their thermal insulation capacity. To obtain an image of the thermal conductivity of thin parallelepiped‐shaped parts achieved by 3D printing, experimental research is conceived and materialized. The experiments involve the use of an infrared heat source, respectively, measurement of temperature on the surface opposite to that exposed to thermal radiation. The obtained results are mathematically processed to obtain empirical mathematical models that would highlight 3D printed parts' ability to be used as thermal insulating materials.
Aircraft Maintenance: Structural Health Monitoring Influence on Costs and Practices
Authors: Manco Pasquale , Caterino Mario , Macchiaroli Roberto , Rinaldi Marta , Fera Marcello
Published: April 2021

The structural health monitoring (SHM) represents an evolution of the traditional way to design and maintain mechanical structures. SHM systems allow to continuously (or discretely) monitor the structural integrity of an asset, not waiting for the planned check. This result implies an important reduction of inspection time and guarantees an improvement of service life cost of the structural components, but how and how much this cost can be influenced is still an open issue. This research addresses the identification of previous studies that dealt with this topic. A systematic literature review (SLR) is carried out with the aim of investigating the current SHM state‐of‐the art in the aircraft industry in order to point out the main advantages deriving from the application of these technologies and the existing gaps and limitations. Three database (Scopus, Web of science and Google Scholar) are used for selecting peer‐reviewed papers that address with evidence the changes in maintenance practices resulting from the use of SHM. The analysis proves the differences between the traditional programmed maintenance and the innovative predictive approach based on SHM information in terms of interval inspection policy and costs. Moreover, the technical limits that do not allow to totally exploit the potential strength of SHM are outlined.
About the Mechanical Properties for a Type of Green Composites with Hybrid Dammar/Sandarac Matrix and Natural Reinforcements
Authors: Miriţoiu Cosmin Mihai , Stănescu Marius Marinel , Bolcu Dumitru , Jiga Gabriel , Rădoi Alexandru Ioan , Tudose Daniela Ioana
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the mechanical properties for sandwich core strips with a 60% sandarac combination core and 40% Resoltech 1050 epoxy resin with 1055 hardener, and the upper and lower layers reinforced with cotton, silk and linen fabric, and the matrix is a combination of 60% dammar resin and 40% Resoltech 1050 epoxy resin with 1055 hardener. For these materials, there is determined: static mechanical properties from tensile stress (Young elastic modulus, yield strength, breaking strength) and chemical composition by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis with an scanning electron microscope. It is observed that the dammar resin, in all the cases, has increased mechanical characteristics compared to sandarac. Also, the samples reinforced with cotton show better mechanical properties compared to the ones reinforced with flax and silk.
Salinity Optical Sensor Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Structure with As2S3 Waveguide
Authors: Miclos Sorin , Popescu Aurelian , Savastru Dan , Baschir Laurentiu
Published: April 2021

The surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) structure consisting of a gold film and amorphous chalcogenide film deposited on the base of a prism is analyzed. The chalcogenide amorphous film with high refractive index, like As2S3, forms plasmonic waveguide, which can maintain several modes of the electromagnetic field. The sensitivity of optical sensor based on SPR for measuring the salinity of aqueous salt solutions is studied numerically. A rutile TiO2 prism that couples the light with plasmons is considered. The considered wavelength is 1550 nm, which is proper for use in the infrared fiber optic networks. The calculations show that the resonance angle depends on the salt concentration and that the shift is enough to resolve salinity of different concentrations.
Experimental Analysis of Corrective Insoles Materials
Authors: Cotoros Diana , Druga Corneliu , Stanciu Anca , Repanovici Angela , Mitu R.
Published: April 2021

The corrective static insole is a medical device meant to protect and support the locomotion system. In case of afflictions or lesions of this system, the insoles play a part in healing and rehabilitation. This study aims at analyzing a personalized insole, designed according to rapid prototyping approach with low expenses in order to assist the rehabilitation of pathologies like flat foot and adjacent complications, redistribution of plantar pressures at feet level but also adjusting postural attitude of walking and standing. The insole is developed following a thorough medical examination in order to establish a diagnosis and then an expert in biomechanics and medical engineering will design the product according to the subject's needs and anthropometric dimensions. The paper also performs the analysis of the materials used for manufacturing the corrective insoles, especially from mechanical point of view by determining the static and dynamic loads that may act upon the device. The study is conducted in Solidworks software environment and provides a finite element analysis of the material used for the personalized insole, in order to provide an efficient and convenient methodology in supporting feet imbalance following a pathology.
Mathematical analysis and efficient finite element approximation for variable‐order time‐fractional reaction–diffusion equation with nonsingular kernel
Authors: Liu Huan , Zheng Xiangcheng
Published: April 2021

The fractional derivative with nonsingular kernel has been widely used to many physical fields which was shown to offer a new insight into the mathematical modeling of natural phenomena. In this paper, we first study the well‐posedness and regularity of the multidimensional variable‐order time‐fractional reaction–diffusion equation with Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative and then present and analyze a Galerkin finite element approximation to the proposed model based on the proved smoothing properties of the solutions. To improve the computational efficiency of the variable‐order Caputo–Fabrizio derivative, we approximate the kernel of the fractional derivative by the K‐term truncation of its Taylor expansion at a fixed fractional order to develop a fast evaluation scheme which significantly reduces the memory requirement from
to
and the computational complexity from
to
where N refers to the number of time steps. We accordingly develop a fast Galerkin finite element method to the proposed model. Numerical experiments are carried out to substantiate the theoretical findings and to show the performance of the fast method.
Singular curve and critical curve for doubly nonlinear Lane–Emden type equations
Authors: Huang Haochuan , Huang Rui , Yin Jingxue
Published: April 2021

This paper is concerned with singular curve and critical curve for the periodic doubly nonlinear Lane–Emden type equation
. In 2010, under a convex assumption on the domain Ω, Wang et al. (2010) considered a partial case of
. While, there are no results about the cases of
and
before the present work. In this paper, we fill the gap for these two cases and give a total classification for the exponents. Furthermore, by constructing a special blow‐up sequence, we remove the convex assumption on the domain Ω, not only for the partial case considered in Wang et al. (2010) but also for other remaining cases.
Development of long‐distance power supply system with high power laser over single mode fiber
Authors: Hualong Yu , Shiyu Wang , Jiachen Wu
Published: April 2021

The technology of long‐distance power supply with high‐power laser (HPL) over single‐mode fiber (SMF) is of great significance in specific environment. The nonlinear effect of fiber and photovoltaic conversion (PC) efficiency are the key factors restricting the application of this technology. The wide linewidth laser and cascaded long period fiber grating (CLPFG) band rejection filter are used to suppress the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effects, respectively, integrating sphere like, scattering light guide cone and thermoelectric power generation improve PC efficiency. A HPL over SMF remote power supply system is developed and tested. The injected fiber power is 10 W, the wavelength of 1550 nm laser is transmitted through 103 km single‐mode fiber, and then 26 mW power is converted for the sensor. This is also the highest level of the open literature. It is expected to be applied to the power supply of high voltage transmission line remote monitoring information system in remote areas.
School psychologists as agents of change: Implementing MTSS in a rural school district
Authors: Frank Webb Anne , Michalopoulou Lito E.
Published: April 2021

This case study focuses on the role of school psychologists during the transition to and implementation of multi‐tiered systems of support (MTSS) in a small, rural school district. It provides guidance to other school psychologists in similar rural districts on how to support a system‐level change from the individual building level to the entire district level. The case study highlights the ways that the school psychologists' roles have changed due to the MTSS process as well as challenges that the district overcame. Further, it showcases that school psychologists can be valuable team members and can successfully advocate for change. It concludes with a summary of specific core components that have been essential in effectively implementing the frameworks at the school district level. Last, recommendations are provided to other practitioners regarding anticipated changes to MTSS given the extended school closure occurring due to the global pandemic.
Results of a “Psychologically Wise” professional development to increase teacher use of proactive behavior management strategies
Authors: Robertson Rachel E. , Buonomo Kristen , Abdellatif Haya , DeMaria Sarah
Published: April 2021

Proactive behavior management (PBM) has been shown to improve behavior in students with and without disabilities, yet teacher use of such strategies is often low. One barrier to the implementation of PBM is teacher beliefs that contradict a proactive approach to behavior management in favor of a punitive approach. The present study piloted a professional development program using “wise interventions” from social psychology to increase supportive beliefs and use of PBM in school personnel servicing children with disruptive classroom behavior with or at‐risk for disabilities. Twelve participants from a private special education program (SEP) and 10 participants from a public district met in small groups to review research, read testimonials, and engage in reflective writing about PBM. From before to after participation, SEP staff significantly increased their reported use of PBM and maintained these increases at 6‐month follow‐up. Public district participants also increased their reported use of PBM, however, this increase was not significant and declined 6 months later. A significant proportion of participants reported that the program changed how they think about behavior management. Implications for increasing teachers' supportive beliefs and use of PBM are discussed.