bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Method to Generate Dense Amorphous Structures for Molecular Simulation of Vinyl Polymers
Authors: Wichai Kamonthira , Sukhonthamethirat Natchamon , Kusinram Chidapha , Vao‐soongnern Visit
Published: April 2023

An efficient technique to construct dense amorphous polymers at the bulk density is illustrated for two vinyl polymers, i.e., PVX, –[CH2–CH(X)]–. Bulk amorphous polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) structures are generated starting from coarse‐graining polymer chains and are mapped onto the second nearest neighbor diamond (2nnd) lattice. PVX are represented by the rotational isomeric state (RIS) model and non‐bonded interactions are treated by the Lennard–Jones (LJ) potential function. Lattice Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is utilized to equilibrate coarse‐grained (C) PVX and the fully atomistic models can be recovered by the reverse‐mapping procedure to restore the missing atoms. After geometry optimization, chain and material properties of bulk PVX structure are computed to validate the atomistic models including conformational characteristics, Hildebrand solubility parameter, pair correlation function, and scattering structure factor.
Elevation of Flow Temperature and Structural Change of Poly(Lactic Acid) Gel Induced by Formation of Stereocomplex Crystals
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Kamizono Yukiha
Published: April 2023

Poly(lactic acid) gels formed from solutions of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D‐lactic acid) (PDLA). X‐ray diffraction patters indicate the formation of stereocomplex crystals for not only the gel formed from solution containing equimolar PLLA and PDLA, but also the gel formed from solution containing 9:1 of PLLA and PDLA. The flow temperatures of the gels were determined by viscoelastic measurements, and the morphologies of the dried gels were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The flow temperatures of the gels from solutions containing both PLLA and PDLA were higher than those containing only PLLA. Network structures formed by uniformly distributed thin fibers, were observed for the gels formed from solutions with L:D ratios near the equimolar ratio. The dependency of the flow temperature and morphology on the polymer concentration and L:D ratio of the gels was discussed based on the experimental data.
Thermal Properties and Morphological Studies of Poly(ethylene oxide) with the Addition of Salt or Nanofiller
Authors: Yusoff Siti Nor Hafiza Mohd , Halim Suhaila Idayu Abdul , Tarmizi Amirah Amalina Ahmad , Zainal Nurul Fatahah Asyqin , Han Chan Chin
Published: April 2023

The increasing demand of the functional polymers in the global industry has led to extensive development of new polymeric materials with enhanced properties. This work focuses on the effect of addition of lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the thermal properties (i.e., glass transition temperature [Tg], change in heat capacity [ΔCP], crystallinity [X*], melting temperature [Tm]) and morphology of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscope (POM). The Tg and ΔCP of PEO at a mass fraction of salt, WS ≤ 0.0196, increase with the addition of salt. Whereas the values of crystallinity and Tm of PEO at the same salt fraction decrease slightly with increasing salt fraction, suggesting the presence of an interaction between the salt molecules and PEO matrix. However, at WS ≥ 0.107, the Tg, crystallinity, and Tm of PEO decrease significantly with the addition of salt, suggesting the phase separation of the binary mixtures of PEO and salt into salt‐rich and salt‐poor phases are developed. This observation is supported by optical inspections where the salt precipitations can be seen. Meanwhile, the values of Tg, ΔCP, crystallinity, and Tm of PEO show insignificant changes with increasing nanofiller fraction indicating no interaction between PEO and the nanofiller. The two‐phase of PEO and nanofiller in the PEO‐TiO2 can be observed clearly from the optical inspection for all PEO‐nanofiller compositions. Hence, the addition of LiClO4 at low content exhibits relatively prominence on the PEO matrix than the TiO2. LiClO4 possesses better molecular interaction with PEO than TiO2 with PEO.
Thermal Degradation Behavior of a Poly(n‐Butylmethacrylate‐Co‐Acrylic Acid)/Organobentonite Nanocomposite: Non‐Isothermal Decomposition Kinetic Study
Authors: Metref Farid , Ouargli Abderrahmane
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a small amount of organomodified bentonite (OBT) on the thermal stability and degradation kinetics of the intercalated poly(n‐butylmethacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) P(n‐BMA‐AA) nanocomposite. P(n‐BMA‐AA)‐18 copolymer containing 17.9 mol% of acrylic acid (AA) and P(n‐BMA‐AA)‐17/OBT3 nanocomposite containing 16.7 mol% of AA at 3 mass% of OBT are synthesized via in situ free radical polymerization and characterized. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows an improvement of the thermal stability of P(n‐BMA‐AA)‐17/OBT3 nanocomposite compared to the pure copolymer. The apparent activation energies Ea of thermal decomposition of the elaborated nanocomposite are higher than those of the virgin copolymer, reflecting the OBT stabilizing effect upon the matrix's decomposition. Besides, the TGA kinetic study reveals that the degradation kinetic of copolymer is well fitted by model F2 (g(α) = (1 – α)−1 – 1). Whereas, the A1F1 (g(α) = –ln(1 – α)) and R2 (g(α) = 1 − (1 – α)1/2) models are found to well represent the experiment for the first and second stages degradation in the nanocomposite.
In Situ X‐Ray and Infrared Measurements of Alkane Absorption and Desorption Processes of Isotactic Poly(4‐Methyl‐1‐Pentene) Film
Authors: Murashige Hiromi , Hiejima Yusuke , Sanada Yusuke , Chiba Ayano
Published: April 2023

Small molecules are absorbed selectively in the amorphous regions in semicrystalline polymers, except for some specific polymeric systems forming host‐guest cocrystals such as syndiotactic polystyrene. The crystalline density of isotactic poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) (P4MP1) is substantially lower than those of analogs, and it is even slightly lower than the amorphous density. This study is investigated the absorption/desorption behaviors of short alkanes in P4MP1 in situ, and found that the alkanes are mainly absorbed in its amorphous region. Infrared spectroscopy measurements reveal that the P4MP1 film with low crystallinity absorbs higher amount of decane than the high crystallinity film does. Also it is found by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) that, when hexane is dropped onto the P4MP1 as‐cast film, a lamellar long‐spacing peak appears at 0.16 nm−1 which disappears with the spontaneous desorption of hexane. Because the pristine P4MP1 films give no obvious SAXS peak due to the close density of crystalline and amorphous regions, the appearance of the SAXS peak indicates that an X‐ray contrast is obtained by the preferential absorption to amorphous region. The disappearance of the peak is thus reasonably understood by the loss of the contrast due to desorption.
Preparation of Electrically Conducting Bamboo Paper Using Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pokhrel Shiraj , Giri Jyoti , Kafle Bhim P. , Sharma Kamal P. , Maruyama Takahiro , Adhikari Rameshwar
Published: April 2023

The electrically conducting composite paper is prepared by incorporating the cellulosic pulp extracted mechano‐chemically from a bamboo species, Arundinaria falcata, locally called Nigalo, with different amounts of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The raw and processed fibers as well as the composite papers with MWCNTs are examined with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The four‐probe method is utilized to quantify the conductivity of the nanocomposite paper. The FTIR study reveals the removal of non‐cellulosic components of plant fibers such as hemicelluloses, lignin, pectin, etc. during the chemical treatment. XRD analysis shows that the crystallinity of raw fiber increases from 56% to 63% after bleaching. The POM imaging of different samples also indicates an increase in the smoothness of the particle morphology, a decrease in particle size, and removal of lignin during the chemical treatment as suggested by the FTIR study. The composite paper comprising 5 and 10 wt% of MWCNT shows exceptionally high bulk conductivity of 1.56 and 6.27 S cm−1, respectively.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Striatal Dopamine Availability in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Oh Yoon‐Sang , Kim Joong‐Seok , Lyoo Chul Hyoung , Kim Hosung
Published: April 2023

Background

Sleep disorders are frequently associated with Parkinson's disease. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is one of these sleep disorders and is associated with the severity of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to dopaminergic neuronal cell degeneration and may impair the clearance of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Striatal dopamine uptake is a surrogate marker of nigral dopaminergic cell damage.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the differences in striatal dopamine availability between Parkinson's disease patients with or without obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods

A total of 85 de novo and nonmedicated Parkinson's disease patients were enrolled. Full‐night polysomnography was performed for all patients, and obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed as apnea/hypopnea index ≥5. Positron emission tomography was performed with 18F‐N‐(3‐fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbon ethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl) nortropane, and the regional standardized‐uptake values were analyzed using a volume‐of‐interest template and compared between groups with or without obstructive sleep apnea.

Results

Dopamine availability in the caudate nucleus of the obstructive sleep apnea group was significantly lower than that of the nonobstructive sleep apnea group. On subgroup analysis, such association was found in female but not in male patients. In other structures (putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus), dopamine availability did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study supports the proposition that obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to reduced striatal dopamine transporter availability in Parkinson's disease. Additional studies are needed to assess the causal association between obstructive sleep apnea and the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson's disease. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Views of Patients with Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder on Risk Disclosure
Authors: Pérez‐Carbonell Laura , Simonet Cristina , Chohan Harneek , Gill Aneet , Leschziner Guy , Schrag Anette , Noyce Alastair J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. There is no consensus about disclosure of this risk to patients with iRBD.

Objective

The objective of our study was to assess the experiences of risk disclosure in a group of patients with iRBD and their views on what, when, and how this should be done.

Methods

A survey was administered to patients with iRBD to explore their experiences and views on risk disclosure.

Results

Thirty‐one patients with iRBD (28 males; mean age, 70 [SD 8.7] years; mean disease duration, 8.7 [SD 6.4] years) were included. A third reported they had not been informed about the link between iRBD and other conditions by clinicians at diagnosis, but 90% would have liked to have received prognostic information, and 60% indicated that this should happen at the point that iRBD was diagnosed. Most participants wanted this information to come from the clinician diagnosing and treating iRBD (90.3%). Almost three‐quarters (72.2%) had searched for this information online.

Conclusions

Patients with iRBD mostly wished to have received information regarding the potential implications of iRBD when the diagnosis was made. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Neuroprotective, neurogenic, and anticholinergic evidence ofGanoderma lucidumcognitive effects: Crucial knowledge is still lacking
Authors: Luz Diandra A. , Pinheiro Alana M. , Fontes‐Júnior Enéas A. , Maia Cristiane S. F.
Published: April 2023

Ganoderma lucidumis a mushroom that has been widely used for centuries in Asian countries for its antiaging properties. It is popularly known as “Ling Zhi,” “Reishi,” and “Youngzhi,” and because of its benefits, it is known as the “immortality mushroom.” Pharmacological assays have revealed thatG. lucidumameliorates cognitive impairments through inhibition of β‐amyloid and neurofibrillary tangle formation, antioxidant effect, reduction of inflammatory cytokine release and apoptosis, genic expression modulation, among other activities. Chemical investigations on G. lucidum have revealed the presence of metabolites such as triterpenes, which are the most explored in this field, as well as flavonoids, steroids, benzofurans, and alkaloids; in the literature, these have also been reported to have mnemonic activity. These properties of the mushroom make it a potential source of new drugs to prevent or reverse memory disorders, as actual medications are able to only alleviate some symptoms but are unable to stop the progress of cognitive impairments, with no impact on social, familiar, and personal relevance. In this review, we discuss the cognitive findings ofG. lucidumreported in the literature, converging the proposed mechanisms through the several pathways that underlie memory and cognition processes. In addition, we highlight the gaps that deserve particular attention to support future studies.
Modulation of neurotrophic factors in the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI: Effects of Cerebrolysin
Authors: Rejdak Konrad , Sienkiewicz‐Jarosz Halina , Bienkowski Przemyslaw , Alvarez Anton
Published: April 2023

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are involved in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders such as dementia, stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and constitute molecular targets of high interest for the therapy of these pathologies. In this review we provide an overview of current knowledge of the definition, discovery and mode of action of five NTFs, nerve growth factor, insulin‐like growth factor 1, brain derived NTF, vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor alpha; as well as on their contribution to brain pathology and potential therapeutic use in dementia, stroke and TBI. Within the concept of NTFs in the treatment of these pathologies, we also review the neuropeptide preparation Cerebrolysin, which has been shown to resemble the activities of NTFs and to modulate the expression level of endogenous NTFs. Cerebrolysin has demonstrated beneficial treatment capabilities in vitro and in clinical studies, which are discussed within the context of the biochemistry of NTFs. The review focuses on the interactions of different NTFs, rather than addressing a single NTF, by outlining their signaling network and by reviewing their effect on clinical outcome in prevalent brain pathologies. The effects of the interactions of these NTFs and Cerebrolysin on neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, angiogenesis and inflammation, and their relevance for the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI are summarized.
Traveling waves for a diffusive virus infection model with humoral immunity, cell‐to‐cell transmission, and nonlinear incidence
Authors: Wu Weixin , Hu Zengyun , Zhang Long , Teng Zhidong
Published: April 2023

This paper is concerned with the existence and nonexistence of traveling waves of a virus infection model with humoral immunity, cell‐to‐cell transmission, and general nonlinear incidence. Our results show that the existence of traveling wave solutions is determined not only by the basic reproduction number
of virus infection and the antibody response reproduction number
but also by the critical wave speed
. More precisely, we obtain the existence of traveling wave solution connecting infection‐free equilibrium and antibody‐free infection equilibrium for
, and
and connecting infection‐free equilibrium and antibody‐present infection equilibrium for
, and
. The existence of traveling wave solution connecting infection‐free equilibrium and antibody‐present infection equilibrium is discussed. Some numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate our analytical results.
Potential value of air: Effect of air pollution on retail store performance and customer behavior
Authors: Liu Weixin , Li Jia , Huang Simin , Wang Yitong
Published: April 2023

External environmental factors can deeply shape customer behavior and contribute to uncertainty in retail operations. In this study, we use field data from a national fashion sporting goods retail chain to empirically study the effect on retail store performance from one important but underappreciated external environmental factor, air pollution; and investigate the potential mechanism of this air pollution's impact. We find that air pollution has an inverted U‐shaped effect on store traffic, which is attributed to a shift of customers between offline shopping and other activities with different air pollution exposure levels. The variation in store traffic caused by air pollution further leads to a U‐shaped relationship between air pollution and the retail conversion rate. In addition, air pollution can affect customer composition as well as the perceived utility of products, reflected by more men's wear and less sportswear sold in hazy weather. In view of the globally increasing air pollution problem, especially in the context of climate change, our findings highlight the importance and value of taking air pollution into account in operations and marketing management.
An energy preserving time scheme based on the mortar element method for effective transmission conditions between fluid and solid domains in transient wave propagation problems
Authors: Imperiale Alexandre
Published: April 2023

We are interested in providing an efficient numerical scheme to represent wave propagation in time domain for configurations where a fluid domain and a solid domain are separated by a thin coating layer. Various computational challenges and bottlenecks occur in this context: incorporating fluid–solid coupling, enabling non‐conform space discretization when wavelengths greatly differ from the fluid and the solid domain, and rendering robust time discretization w.r.t. the thin layer thickness. In order to address these issues, the proposed approach combines the mortar element method with so‐called effective transmission conditions, where the effect of the coating layer is incorporated through spring—mass coefficients at the interface between the fluid and solid domain. Using discrete energy arguments, we are able to prove that the associated fully discrete scheme is stable upon a stability condition independent of the thin coating layer. Moreover, we provide an efficient time marching algorithm leading to significantly improved performances, illustrated in 2D and 3D configurations linked to ultrasonic testing experiments modeling.
The prevalence and risk factors of different degrees of stress urinary incontinence in Chinese women: A community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Qianqian , Huang Yanwei , Wang Qingyan , Xue Kaikai , Zhou Fang
Published: April 2023

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of SUI and explore the factors that could influence the severity of SUI in adult females.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 1178 subjects were assessed using a risk‐factor questionnaires and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and then divided into no SUI group, mild SUI group and moderate‐to‐severe SUI group according to the ICIQ‐SF score. Univariate analysis between adjacent groups and ordered logistic regression models in three groups were then performed to analysis the possible associated factor with the progressive of SUI.

Results

The prevalence of SUI among adult women was 22.2% of them; 16.2% and 6% had mild SUI and moderate‐to‐severe SUI, respectively. Moreover, logistic analysis revealed that age, BMI, smoking, position preference for urination, urinary tract infections, urinary leaks during pregnancy, gynaecological inflammation and poor sleep quality were independent risk for the severity of SUI.

Conclusion

SUI symptoms were mostly mild among Chinese females, specific risk factors such as unhealthy living habits and urination behaviours increased the risk of SUI and the aggravation of symptoms. Therefore, targeted interventions should be formulated for women to delay disease progression.
Development and validation of the atopic dermatitis and infant skincare knowledge, attitude, and practice (ADISKAP 1.0) scale
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Zhao Mutong , Wu Qiong , Tian Jing , Shen Chunping , Liang Yuan , Wang Shan , Jiao Lei , Wang Yang , Liu Mingyi , Ma Lin , Ma Xiuhua
Published: April 2023

Importance

Preserving skin health is crucial for atopic dermatitis control as well as for the thriving of children. However, a well‐developed and validated tool that measures the knowledge, attitude, and practice of skin care is lacking.

Objective

To develop and validate the atopic dermatitis and infant skincare knowledge, attitude, and practice (ADISKAP 1.0) scale that measures parental health literacy on atopic dermatitis and skin care.

Methods

We conducted a review of the literature, a focus group (two dermatologists and 12 parents), and a panel discussion in order to generate the ADISKAP prototype. Two samples of parents with knowingly superior (dermatologists, n = 59) and inferior (general population, n = 395) knowledge traits participated in the validation of ADISKAP. Cronbach's alpha was reported as a measure of internal consistency, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the test‐retest validity. The known‐groups technique was used to evaluate construct validity.

Results

The ADISKAP scale contained 17 items after content and face validity validation. After removing items that displayed poor test‐retest reliability (n = 4) and construct validity (n = 3), 12 items were retained in the ADISKAP 1.0.

Interpretation

ADISKAP 1.0 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing parental knowledge, attitude, and practice on infantile atopic dermatitis and skin care.
Venlafaxine deprescribing and thyroid function
Authors: Zarowitz Barbara J. , Jain Shaily
Published: April 2023

Study Objective

This report highlights the effects of discontinuing venlafaxine on thyroid function in an older adult with previously well‐managed Hashimoto thyroiditis and sleep apnea.

Design

Concurrent intervention. Case study. Setting Community‐based psychiatry practice Patient ‐ 66 year old female Intervention Over 8 months, a 66‐year‐old patient slowly reduced the venlafaxine dose. She was treated simultaneously for sleep apnea. Measurements Clinical data including venlafaxine and levothyroxine dosing, thyroid hormone laboratory values, subjective complaints, and objective electrocardiographic (ECG) findings were aggregated and analyzed.

Main Results

As venlafaxine dose was decreased over time, the patient complained of bounding heart palpitations shown to be premature ventricular contractions, and wide and narrow complex ventricular tachycardia on ECG. Thyroid‐stimulating hormone decreased from a baseline value of 0.791 uIU/mL to a nadir of 0.18 uIU/mL during venlafaxine dosage reduction from 225 mg/day to 155 mg/day. Cardiac symptoms subsided following levothyroxine dosage reduction.

Conclusions

There was a direct relationship between antidepressant dosage reduction and levothyroxine dosage requirements. Cautious monitoring is recommended during venlafaxine deprescribing in patients with pre‐existing thyroid disease.
The synthesis of highly crystalline covalent organic frameworks via the monomer crystal induction for the photocatalytic asymmetric α‐alkylation of aldehydes
Authors: Zhou Zimo , Li Li , Dai Lu , Liu Huanyu , Li Yueting , Li Pengfei
Published: April 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are ordered porous organic frameworks, which found wide applications in gas sorption and separation, catalysis, sensoring, and many others owing to their permanent porosity and designable structural motifs. To take full advantage of the well‐defined porous structure, COFs need to be synthesized with high crystallinity. However, the synthesis of COFs with high crystalline is a general challenge, which requires dedicated linker design and reaction condition optimization. To achieve this, we developed a monomer crystal‐induced strategy to construct crystalline COFs. The synthesized COFs have higher crystallinity, surface area, and thermal stability than those prepared without monomer crystal induction. Furthermore, the high crystalline COFs exhibit excellent performance in the photocatalytic asymmetric alkylation of aldehydes. The monomer crystal‐induced method not only represents a new route for the synthesis of crystalline COFs but also sheds light on the mechanism of the formation of COFs.
An Australian experience using Tc‐PSMA SPECT/CT in the primary diagnosis of prostate cancer and for staging at biochemical recurrence after local therapy
Authors: Duncan Iain , Ingold Nicholas , Martinez‐Marroquin Elisa , Paterson Catherine
Published: April 2023

Background

Technetium 99 prostate‐specific membrane antigen (Tc‐PSMA) single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) has the potential to provide greater accessibility globally than gallium 68 (Ga)‐PSMA positron emission tomography (PET)/CT but has not been studied as extensively in primary diagnosis, staging, or relapse of prostate cancer (PC). We instituted a novel SPECT/CT reconstruction algorithm using Tc‐PSMA and established a database to prospectively accumulate data on all patients referred with PC. This study extracts data on all patients referred over a 3.5‐year period with the primary aim of comparing the diagnostic accuracy of Tc‐PSMA and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the primary diagnosis of PC. The secondary aim was to assess the sensitivity of Tc‐PSMA in detecting disease with relapse after either radical prostatectomy or primary radiotherapy.

Methods

A total of 425 men referred for primary staging (PS) of PC and 172 men referred with biochemical relapse (BCR) were evaluated. We evaluated diagnostic accuracy and correlations between Tc‐PSMA SPECT/CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), prostate biopsy, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), and age in the PS group and positivity rates at different PSA levels in the BCR group.

Results

Taking the biopsy's grade according to the International Society of Urological Pathology protocol as a reference, the sensitivity (true positive rate), specificity (true negative rate), accuracy (positive and negative predictive value), and precision (positive predictive value) for Tc‐PSMA in the PS group were 99.7%, 83.3%, 99.4%, and 99.7%, respectively. Comparison rates for MRI in this group were 96.4%, 71.4%, 95.7%, and 99.1%. We found moderate correlations between Tc‐PSMA uptake in the prostate and biopsy grade, the presence of metastases, and PSA. In BCR, the Tc‐PSMA positive rates were 38.9%, 53.2%, 62.5%, and 84.6% at PSA levels of <0.2, 0.2 to <0.5, 0.5 to <1.0, and > 1.0 ng/mL respectively.

Conclusions

We have shown that Tc‐PSMA SPECT/CT using an enhanced reconstruction algorithm has a diagnostic performance similar to Ga‐PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI in an everyday clinical setting. It may have some advantages in cost, sensitivity for primary lesion detection, and the ability for intraoperative localization of lymph nodes.
Performance and Degradation of Commercial Ultraviolet‐C Light‐Emitting Diodes for Disinfection Purposes
Authors: Trivellin Nicola , Piva Francesco , Fiorimonte Davide , Buffolo Matteo , De Santi Carlo , Zanoni Enrico , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Meneghini Matteo
Published: April 2023

Herein, the reliability of commercial ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) subjected to constant current stress is reported. Electrical, optical, and spectral analyses are carried out on UV‐C LEDs with an emission peak of 275 nm and a nominal optical power of 12 mW at 100 mA. Degradation tests are carried out at the maximum rated current, the double and at three times the maximum. The LED lifetime is found to be inversely proportional to the third power of the stress current density, indicating that the degradation mechanism might be activated by high‐energy electrons arising from Auger–Meitner recombination. Electrical characterization indicates an increase in defect‐related leakage, whereas the spectral analysis identifies a variation in two emission peaks which can be ascribed to a defect density increase in the active region and the p‐gallium nitride (GaN) layer of the LEDs. A final remark comes from the strong dependence of lifetime on operating current: increasing current to lower the number of LEDs in a system is not an optimized strategy. In fact, this has a substantial impact on system lifetime, thus lowering the total number of permitted disinfections.
Causal inference with longitudinal data subject to irregular assessment times
Authors: Pullenayegum Eleanor M. , Birken Catherine , Maguire Jonathon ,   The TARGet Kids! Collaboration
Published: April 2023

Data collected in the context of usual care present a rich source of longitudinal data for research, but often require analyses that simultaneously enable causal inferences from observational data while handling irregular and informative assessment times. An inverse‐weighting approach to this was recently proposed, and handles the case where the assessment times are at random (ie, conditionally independent of the outcome process given the observed history). In this paper, we extend the inverse‐weighting approach to handle a special case of assessment not at random, where assessment and outcome processes are conditionally independent given past observed covariates and random effects. We use multiple outputation to accomplish the same purpose as inverse‐weighting, and apply it to the Liang semi‐parametric joint model. Moreover, we develop an alternative joint model that does not require covariates for the outcome model to be known at times where there is no assessment of the outcome. We examine the performance of these methods through simulation and illustrate them through a study of the causal effect of wheezing on time spent playing outdoors among children aged 2–9 years and enrolled in the TargetKids! study.
Porous Salts as Platforms for Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Korman Kyle J. , Dworzak Michael R. , Yap Glenn P. A. , Bloch Eric D.
Published: April 2023

The preparation of a new class of reactive porous solids, prepared via straightforward salt metathesis reactions, is described here. Reaction of the dimethylammonium salt of a magnesium‐based porous coordination cage with the chloride salt of [CrIICl(Me4cyclam)]+ affords a porous solid with concomitant removal of dimethylammonium chloride. The salt consists of the ions combined in the expected ratio based on their charge as confirmed by UV–vis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies, ion chromatography (IC), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The porous salt boasts a Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area of 213 m2 g−1. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals the chromium(II) cations in the structure reside in the interstitial space between porous cages. Importantly, the chromium(II) centers, previously shown to react with O2 to afford reactive chromium(III)‐superoxide adducts, are still accessible in the solid state as confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy. The site‐isolated reactive centers have competence toward hydrogen atom abstraction chemistry and display significantly increased stability and reactivity as compared to dissolved ions.
Machine Learning‐Assisted High‐Throughput SERS Classification of Cell Secretomes
Authors: Plou Javier , Valera Pablo S. , García Isabel , Vila‐Liarte David , Renero‐Lecuna Carlos , Ruiz‐Cabello Jesús , Carracedo Arkaitz , Liz‐Marzán Luis M.
Published: April 2023

During the response to different stress conditions, damaged cells react in multiple ways, including the release of a diverse cocktail of metabolites. Moreover, secretomes from dying cells can contribute to the effectiveness of anticancer therapies and can be exploited as predictive biomarkers. The nature of the stress and the resulting intracellular responses are key determinants of the secretome composition, but monitoring such processes remains technically arduous. Hence, there is growing interest in developing tools for noninvasive secretome screening. In this regard, it has been previously shown that the relative concentrations of relevant metabolites can be traced by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), thereby allowing label‐free biofluid interrogation. However, conventional SERS approaches are insufficient to tackle the requirements imposed by high‐throughput modalities, namely fast data acquisition and automatized analysis. Therefore, machine learning methods were implemented to identify cell secretome variations while extracting standard features for cell death classification. To this end, ad hoc microfluidic chips were devised, to readily conduct SERS measurements through a prototype relying on capillary pumps made of filter paper, which eventually would function as the SERS substrates. The developed strategy may pave the way toward a faster implementation of SERS into cell secretome classification, which can be extended even to laboratories lacking highly specialized facilities.
Supramolecular Gel‐to‐Gel Transition Induced by Nanoscale Structural Perturbation via the Rotary Motion of Feringa's Motor
Authors: Qin Yunan , Wang Yurou , Xiong Jingpeng , Li Quan , Zeng Ming‐Hua
Published: April 2023

Supramolecular rather than covalent molecular engineering on Feringa motors can provide an alternative toolkit for tuning the properties of motorized materials through appropriate supramolecular structural perturbations, which are underexplored. Herein, a multicomponent supramolecular gel system is successfully prepared by employing an ultra‐low molecular weight gelator and a modulator‐Feringa motor. The electron microscopic, spectroscopic, and rheological data revealed that the morphology and mechanical properties of the gel can be tuned via a crystallographic mismatch branching (CMB) mechanism simply by adding varied amounts of motor modulators. Notably, the rotary motion of the motor is preserved in such a multicomponent gel system, and the morphology and rheology of the gel can be further altered by the motor's rotary motion that promotes the structural perturbation, resulting in seldomly seen gel‐to‐gel transition events. The work shown here offers prospects to utilize a supramolecular perturbation strategy to deliver responsiveness from molecular motors to the corresponding bulk materials.
Modulating the Charge Transfer Plasmon in Bridged Au Core‐Satellite Homometallic Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Yun , Jia Jia , Zhang Jie , Xiao Ruixue , Xu Wenjia , Feng Yuhua
Published: April 2023

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is one of the important properties for noble metal nanoparticles. Tuning the LSPR on demand thus has attracted tremendous interest. Beyond the size and shape control, manipulating intraparticle coupling is an effective way to tailor their LSPR. The charge transfer plasmon (CTP) is the most important mode of conductive coupling between subunits linked by conductive bridges that are well studied for structures prepared on substrates by lithography method. However, the colloidal synthesis of CTP structure remains a great challenge. This work reports the colloidal synthesis of extraordinary bridged Au core‐satellite structures by exploiting the buffer effect of polydopamine shell on Au core for Au atom diffusion, in which the Au bridge is well controlled in terms of width and length. Benefiting from the tunable Au bridges, the resonance energy of the CTP can be readily controlled. As a result, the LSPR absorptions of the core‐satellite structures are continuously tuned within the NIR spectral range (from 900 to >1300 nm), demonstrating their great potentials for ultrafast nano‐optics and biomedical applications.
Sustainable, Insoluble, and Photonic Cellulose Nanocrystal Patches for Calcium Ion Sensing in Sweat
Authors: Li Qiongya , He Chenchen , Wang Cunli , Huang Yuxiao , Yu Jiaqi , Wang Chunbo , Li Wei , Zhang Xin , Zhang Fusheng , Qing Guangyan
Published: April 2023

Self‐assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is invaluable for the development of sustainable optics and photonics. However, the functional failure of CNC‐derived materials in humid or liquid environments inevitably impairs their development in biomedicine, membrane separation, environmental monitoring, and wearable devices. Here, a facile and robust method to fabricate insoluble hydrogels in a self‐assembled CNC–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) system is reported. Due to the reconstruction of inter‐ or intra‐molecular hydrogen bond interactions, thermal dehydration makes an optimized CNC/PVA photonic film form a stable hydrogel network in an aqueous solution rather than dissolve. Notably, the resulting hydrogel exhibits superb mechanical performance (stress up to 3.3 Mpa and tough up to 0.73 MJ m−3) and reversible conversion between dry and wet states, enabling it convenient for specific functionalization. Sodium alginate (SA) can be adsorbed into the CNC photonic structure by swelling dry CNC/PVA film in a SA solution. The prepared hydrogel showcases the comprehensive properties of freezing resistance (−20°C), strong adhesion, satisfactory biocompatibility, and highly sensitive and selective Ca2+ sensing. The material could act as a portable wearable patch on the skin for the continuous analysis of calcium trends during different physical exercises, facilitating their development in precision nutrition and health monitoring.
Withdrawal: Observation of the Initial Interfacial Reaction between High Aluminum Molten Steel and CaO‐Al2O3 Inclusion at 1873 K Using Laser Confocal Scanning Microscopy and Micro‐CT
Authors: Wang Weijian , Gao Yuan , Ren Ying , Zhang Lifeng
Published: April 2023

steel research int. 2024, 2300084

https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202300084

The above article, published online as accepted article, prior to the version of record, on 13 April 2023 in Wiley Online Library (https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202300084) has been withdrawn by agreement between the authors, the journal's Editor in Chief, Sandra Kalveram, and Wiley‐VCH GmbH.
Study on Austenite Grain Growth Law of Ultra‐High Strength Hot‐Stamped 22MnB5 Steel During Thin Slab Casting and Rolling Process
Authors: Zhang Haohao , Long Mujun , Tang Peizhao , Ai Songyuan , Guo Wei , Chen Dengfu , Wu Jialu
Published: April 2023

Clarifying the austenite grain growth law in the thin slab casting and rolling (TSCR) process can provide theoretical guidance for the control of austenite grain in the slab. Starting with the austenite nucleation during solidification process, the growth law of austenite grains is methodically studied throughout the TSCR continuous casting and soaking process. The results show that the austenite growth is not interrupted during the TSCR continuous casting and soaking process. The austenite grain growth in the continuous casting process accounts for more than 70% of the total growth. The growth rate of austenite in the continuous casting cooling process is always faster than that when reheated to this temperature. Compared with the holding temperature and holding time, the final size of austenite grains in the TSCR process slab is most affected by the continuous casting cooling rate. In addition, compared with the traditional process, the growth rate of austenite in TSCR process is faster at the end of soaking.
A Eurocode‐compliant design approach for cold‐formed steel sections
Authors: Ungermann Dieter , Lemański Tim , Brune Bettina
Published: April 2023

A Eurocode‐compliant design approach was developed for the design of thin‐walled cold‐formed steel sections which combines the AISI S100‐16‐Direct Strength Method (DSM) with the design provisions of EN 1993‐1‐3. The new design approach transfers the cross‐sectional resistance determined acc. to DSM based on numerical elastic buckling analyses on the gross cross‐section into the global member verification acc. to EN 1993‐1‐3. Additional factors were introduced to optimize the new approach, e.g., to account for the effects of the nonlinear stress distribution in cross‐sections subject to local and/or distortional buckling. Within the framework of the German research project FOSTA P1328/IGF 19964, an extensive series of tests on differently shaped, perforated, and unperforated cold‐formed sections in compression and bending were conducted which serve to analyze the buckling phenomena and the load‐bearing capacity and to validate the new design approach. In addition, a numerical model was developed, calibrated to the tests, and used for further parametric analyses on the load‐bearing capacity of cold‐formed sections.
Effect of chloride penetration on CFRP sheet, CFRP‐concrete interface, and CFRP‐strengthened concrete beams
Authors: Wang Penggang , Han Xiaofeng , Wang Yutian , Jiang Fuxiang , Zhao Tiejun , Yin Yanbo
Published: April 2023

Whether the performance of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP)‐strengthened concrete structure is affected by chloride penetration is the key to the application under chloride environments. In this paper, the effect of chloride penetration on tensile properties of CFRP sheet, bond behavior of CFRP‐concrete, and flexural performance of CFRP‐strengthened concrete beams were studied. Results show that chloride penetration has no effect on the elastic modulus of the CFRP sheet. The tensile strength and elongation of the CFRP sheet decrease with the exposure time increase, reducing by 10% and 12.7% after 240 days. The interface failure of CFRP‐concrete is likely to occur on the concrete surface. As the exposure time increases, the interface failure develops toward the epoxy resin layer; the sliding stiffness and end slip of the interface decrease. However, the ultimate bearing capacity of the interface first increases and then decreases. As the exposure time increase, the effective bonding length gradually increases, and the failure mode of CFRP‐strengthened beams changes from bending failure to shear failure. After 120 days, the ultimate bearing capacity of the beams is significantly reduced. From three parts of materials, interfaces, and components to provide an evaluation basis for the use, regular detection, and life prediction of CFRP‐strengthened reinforced concrete beams under chloride environments.
Silencing circular RNA hsa_circABCC1 inhibits osteosarcoma progression through down‐regulating HDAC4 via sponging miR‐591
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Na , Liu Jingsheng , Zhou Jianwei , Lei Shuanhu , Yue Haiyuan , Feng Haijun , Feng Kai , Kang Xuewen
Published: April 2023

Background

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to play an important regulatory role in the development of various cancers, including osteosarcoma (OS). However, the role of circRNA ABCC1 (circABCC1) in OS was still poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of circABCC1 in OS progression and its potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The expression of circABCC1, microRNA‐591 (miR‐591) and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in OS tissues or cells was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot (WB) analyses. In vitro experiments, the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and autophagy of U2OS and HOS cells were assessed in vitro using cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, 5‐ethynyl‐29‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry (FCM) assay, transwell migration and invasion assays (transwell) and WB assay, respectively. Interactions between circABCC1 and miR‐591, miR‐591 and HDAC4 were confirmed using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay system. The oncogenic role of circABCC1 in OS in vivo was examined by establishing a tumor xenograft model.

Results

CircABCC1 was significantly elevated in OS tissues (about 3.1‐folds) and cells (U2OS (about 2.1‐folds) and HOS (about 2.8‐folds)) compared with the control (p < .05). Silencing of circABCC1 significantly reduced the viability and proliferation, promoted apoptosis, impaired migration and invasion, and increased autophagy of U2OS and HOS cells (p < .05). In addition, miR‐591 was confirmed to be a target of circABCC1, exerting an opposite effect to circABCC1 (p < .05). MiR‐591 attenuation in U2OS and HOS cells was able to reply to the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion as well as promotion of cell apoptosis and autophagy mediated by silencing circABCC1 (p < .05). HDAC4 was verified to be the target gene of miR‐591 in U2OS and HOS cells and was regulated by the circABCC1/miR‐591 axis (p < .05), and restoration of HDAC4 levels in U2OS and HOS cells was able to restore the altered cellular function caused by silencing circABCC1 (p < .05). In addition, knockdown of circABCC1 attenuated tumor growth in vivo (p < .05).

Conclusion

Silencing of circABCC1 inhibits osteosarcoma progression by attenuating HDAC4 expression through sponging miR‐591.
The estrogen/miR‐338‐3p/ADAM17 axis enhances the viability of breast cancer cells via suppressing NK cell's function
Authors: Shi Yijiu , Pan Jianhui , Hang Chen , Tan Lin , Hu Li , Yan Zhilong , Zhu Jiangfan
Published: April 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are the critical elements of the innate immune response and implicated in rapidly recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. However, the tumor‐suppressive ability of NK cells is often impaired in several cancer types. The critical roles of microRNAs have been elucidated by increasing evidences, while the regulation of miR‐338‐3p in anti‐tumor activation of NK cells and its relationship with estrogen in breast cancer (BC) are still confusing. Here, miR‐338‐3p level was found to be significantly downregulated in BC tissues and estrogen receptor positive (ER+) cells, this difference was more obvious in ER+ patients or BC patients at advanced stage (TNM III and IV). MiR‐338‐3p level was shown to be downregulated by 17β‐estradiol in BC cells (MDA‐MB‐231 cells and MCF‐7) in vitro. MiR‐338‐3p overexpression decreased disintegrin and metalloprotease‐17 (ADAM17) secretion in MDA‐MB‐231 (ER−) and MCF‐7 (ER+) cells. In addition, miR‐338‐3p overexpression or treatment with anti‐ADAM17 antibody could down‐regulate granzyme B, CD16, and NKG2D in NK cells, which was reversed by human recombinant ADAM17. Furthermore, these educated NK cells could promote the viability of MDA‐MB‐231 or MCF‐7 cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR‐338‐3p was negatively regulated by estrogen in BC cells, impairing NK cell's activity by the up‐regulation of ADAM17, and conversely promoted the viability of BC cells. Therefore, the estrogen/miR‐338‐3p/ADAM17 axis is critically implicated in BC pathogenesis and may provide potential targets for BC diagnosis and treatment.
European Political Science: The Magnitude, Heterogeneity and Relevance of a Divided Discipline
Authors: Capano Giliberto , Verzichelli Luca
Published: April 2023

The study of politics goes back a considerable length of time and is deeply rooted in the evolution of human societies and their beliefs, preferences and worldviews. However, political science, as a specific discipline anchored to theory-driven empirical analyses of political phenomena, is still in its youth.