bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured Si−C Composites As High‐Capacity Anode Material For All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries**
Authors: Poetke Stephanie , Hippauf Felix , Baasner Anne , Dörfler Susanne , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: April 2021

Silicon carbon void structures (Si−C) are attractive anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries to cope with the volume changes of silicon during cycling. In this study, Si−C with varying Si contents (28–37 %) are evaluated in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) for the first time. The carbon matrix enables enhanced performance and lifetime of the Si−C composites compared to bare silicon nanoparticles in half‐cells even at high loadings of up to 7.4 mAh cm−2. In full cells with nickel‐rich NCM (LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2, 210 mAh g−1), kinetic limitations in the anode lead to a lowered voltage plateau compared to NCM half‐cells. The solid electrolyte (Li6PS5Cl, 3 mS cm−1) does not penetrate the Si−C void structure resulting in less side reactions and higher initial coulombic efficiency compared to a liquid electrolyte (72.7 % vs. 31.0 %). Investigating the influence of balancing of full cells using 3‐electrode ASSB cells revealed a higher delithiation of the cathode as a result of the higher cut‐off voltage of the anode at high n/p ratios. During galvanostatic cycling, full cells with either a low or rather high overbalancing of the anode showed the highest capacity retention of up to 87.7 % after 50 cycles.
Can a monthly exenatide extended release regimen provide a therapeutic and cost benefit?
Authors: Elkeeb Rania , Eid Tony , Yu Janie , Nguyen Hang , Atef Eman
Published: April 2021

Exenatide is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The current regimen is a 2 mg extended release (ER) weekly injection. The aim of our study was to prove the efficacy of exenatide ER if administered once‐monthly. The proposed monthly dose was based on an Excel simulation using pharmacokinetic parameters extracted using Plot Digitizer® (version 2.6.8) from Cirincione et al. (2017), as well as accounting for the exenatide ER formulation characteristics, in vivo and in vitro exenatide stability. A PBPK model of exenatide molecule was developed using (Simcyp® version 19) based on data from in vitro and clinical PK studies. The model was used to confirm the Excel simulation findings of the effectiveness of exenatide ER monthly in maintaining the plasma level above the minimum effective concentration (MEC). Our simulation from Excel and Simcyp® showed that the drug plasma levels of the once monthly ER dose maintained a steady state concentration (Css) above the MEC. The simulated Excel plasma level ranged from Cmin to Cmax of 60–130ng/L, respectively. The exenatide compound was successfully modeled and used to predict the Css of the ER monthly dose. The Simcyp® simulated Css of the ER was 117 ng/L. A monthly exenatide ER dose provides a plasma level within the therapeutic range. This new proposed dose has a significant pharmacoeconomic benefit and could well improve patient adherence.
Study of Stability and Proton Conductivity of Zn‐based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Son Younghu , Rao Purna Chandra , Kim Jiyun , Park Gyungse , Yoon Minyoung
Published: April 2021

Among the various types of solid‐state proton conductors (SSPCs), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as significant importance in the field of proton‐exchange membrane fuel‐cell (PEMFCs) applications. Herein, we have synthesized a three‐dimensional trinuclear zinc‐based metal–organic framework, denoted as Zn‐SDC‐MOF by modification of reported synthetic conditions, where stilbenedicarboxylic acid (H2SDC) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy) are employed as an organic linker unit. With motivation of air stable trinuclear Zn‐SDC MOFs, we have analyzed the water stability behavior of this compound. It resulted in exceptional water stability performance over 3 weeks as confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Moreover, this MOF compounds have shown modest proton conductive performance of 0.8 × 10−3 S cm−1, at 95% relative humidity (RH) and 298 K.
Investigating the link between managers' green knowledge and leadership style, and their firms' environmental performance: The mediation role of green creativity
Authors: Riva Farzana , Magrizos Solon , Rubel Mohammad Rabiul Basher
Published: April 2021

Despite extensive literature on green hotel management and sustainability, scant attention has been given on the role of managers to solve environmental related issues. This study's aim is to assess the effects of managers' green knowledge and green transformational leadership on firms' environmental performance with the mediating effect of green creativity. The study analyzes the perceptions of 363 employees in different managerial positions of the hotel industry employing Partial Last Square Structural Equation Modeling. The findings of the study show a positive effect of green knowledge and green transformational leadership on green creativity and green transformational leadership on environmental performance. Furthermore, green creativity is also found to have significant mediating effect between green knowledge and environmental performance, and green transformational leadership and environmental performance relations. The main implication of the current research is that managers' green concerns might help the stakeholders in the hotel industry to respond through appropriate green initiatives for their organizations. Further suggestions for literature and practice are discussed.
Flexible Assembly of Engineered Tetrahymena Ribozymes Forming Polygonal RNA Nanostructures with Catalytic Ability
Authors: Mori Yuki , Oi Hiroki , Suzuki Yuki , Hidaka Kumi , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Endo Masayuki , Matsumura Shigeyoshi , Ikawa Yoshiya
Published: April 2021

Ribozymes with modular architecture constitute an attractive class of structural platforms for design and construction of nucleic acid nanostructures with biological functions. Through modular engineering of theTetrahymenaribozyme, we have designed unit RNAs (L‐RNAs), assembly of which formed ribozyme‐based closed trimers and closed tetramers. Their catalytic activity was dependent on oligomer formation. In this study, the structural variety of L‐RNA oligomers was extended by tuning their structural elements, yielding closed pentamers and closed hexamers. Their assembly properties were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Complications and failure modes of coronary embolic protection devices: Insights from the MAUDE database
Authors: Megaly Michael , Morcos Ramez , Khalil Charl , Garcia Santiago , Basir Mir , Maini Brijeshwar , Khalili Houman , Burke M Nicholas , Alaswad Khaldoon , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: April 2021

Background

There is limited data on complications associated with the use of coronary embolic protection devices (EPDs).

Methods

We queried the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database between November 2010 and November 2020 for reports on coronary EPDs: Spider FX (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) and Filterwire EZ (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA).

Results

We retrieved 119 reports on coronary EPD failure (Spider FX n = 33 and Filterwire EZ n = 86), most of which (78.2%) occurred during saphenous vein graft interventions. The most common failure mode was inability to retrieve the EPD (49.6%), with the filter trapped against stent struts in 76.2% of the cases. Other device complications included filter fracture (28.6%), failure to cross (7.6%), failure to deploy (7.6%), and failure to recapture the filter (3.4%). Filter fracture (54.5 vs. 29.1%) and failure to recapture (9.1 vs. 2.1%) were more commonly reported, while failure to deploy the filter (0 vs. 10.5%) was less commonly reported with the Spider‐FX.

Conclusions

The most common modes of failure of coronary EPDs are the failure of retrieval (49.6%), followed by the filter fracture (28.6%). When using EPDs, careful attention to the technique is essential to avoid failures and subsequent complications.
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Aza‐Crown Ether Complexes as Biomimetics for Lanthanide and Calcium Dependent Alcohol Dehydrogenases**
Authors: Vetsova Violeta A. , Fisher Katherine R. , Lumpe Henning , Schäfer Alexander , Schneider Erik K. , Weis Patrick , Daumann Lena J.
Published: April 2021

Understanding the role of metal ions in biology can lead to the development of new catalysts for several industrially important transformations. Lanthanides are the most recent group of metal ions that have been shown to be important in biology, that is, in quinone‐dependent methanol dehydrogenases (MDH). Here we evaluate a literature‐known pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and 1‐aza‐15‐crown‐5 based ligand platform as scaffold for Ca2+, Ba2+, La3+ and Lu3+ biomimetics of MDH and we evaluate the importance of ligand design, charge, size, counterions and base for the alcohol oxidation reaction using NMR spectroscopy. In addition, we report a new straightforward synthetic route (3 steps instead of 11 and 33 % instead of 0.6 % yield) for biomimetic ligands based on PQQ. We show that when studying biomimetics for MDH, larger metal ions and those with lower charge in this case promote the dehydrogenation reaction more effectively and that this is likely an effect of the ligand design which must be considered when studying biomimetics. To gain more information on the structures and impact of counterions of the complexes, we performed collision induced dissociation (CID) experiments and observe that the nitrates are more tightly bound than the triflates. To resolve the structure of the complexes in the gas phase we combined DFT‐calculations and ion mobility measurements (IMS). Furthermore, we characterized the obtained complexes and reaction mixtures using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and show the presence of a small amount of quinone‐based radical.
Temperature‐Triggered Structural Dynamics of Non‐Coordinating Guest Moieties in a Fluorescent Actinide Polyrotaxane Framework
Authors: Li Fei‐ze , Geng Jun‐shan , Hu Kong‐qiu , Zeng Li‐wen , Wang Jing‐yang , Kong Xiang‐he , Liu Ning , Chai Zhi‐fang , Mei Lei , Shi Wei‐qun
Published: April 2021

We present here the synthesis of a novel fluorescent actinide polyrotaxane compoundURCP1through the utilization of an end‐cutting pseudorotaxane precursor with only the cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) macrocyclic components acting as linking struts. The non‐coordinating guest motif in the obtained polyrotaxane, with increased freedom and structural flexibility, can display intriguing temperature‐triggered conformational variations inside the cavity of CB[6], which was clearly evidenced by crystallographic snapshots at different temperatures. Notably, this observation of temperature‐triggered structural dynamics inURCP1represents the first report of actinide polyrotaxane with such feature in solid‐state. Moreover,URCP1has a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 49.8 %, comparable to other luminescent uranyl compounds, and can work as a fluorescent probe to selectively detect Fe3+over other eight competing cations in aqueous solution, with the limit of detection being as low as 4.4×10−3 ppm.
Processus de formation délibéré des capacités organisationnelles: Analyse comparée appliquée aux capacités opérationnelles et dynamiques
Authors: Slaouti Abdenour
Published: April 2021

Managers often face the need to renew their capabilities in dynamic markets. To increase their chances of success, we first offer a model of the capability‐building process that details five interconnected phases as well as the precautions and conditions to be taken into account for its completion. Our subsequent analysis of 29 empirical studies shows the advantages of integrating the routines of new capabilities, and this, for a successful process. Finally, we identify four situations around the formation of distinct capabilities, which should enlighten managers in their decision‐making in relation to the construction of new organizational capabilities.
A learner's journey towards a chemical engineering degree
Authors: Nease Jake , Leung Vincent , Ebrahimi Shelir , Levinson Beth , Puri Ishwar K. , Filipe Carlos D. M.
Published: April 2021

The overall goal of any engineering program is to maximize the capacity of its graduates to succeed academically and professionally. We describe how a path can be designed for learners to proceed towards this goal and describe the rationale used to create its foundational steps. It begins with a summer bridge program for incoming students before entering university as first‐year undergraduates. Since the prior knowledge of these learners is not uniform, the bridge program is designed to provide opportunities for them to become better prepared academically for first‐year engineering. These students thus transition to university‐level learning more smoothly. In their first year, students work in groups to tackle socially relevant projects through an integrated 13‐unit course that is designed based on integrated learning, collaboration, problem‐solving, community engagement, and communication. Since teaching and learning using this approach is unusual and challenging, the curriculum must be carefully designed and implemented with adequate resources in place, particularly for cohorts of more than 1000 students in our case who work in small four or five‐member teams. In upper years, learning in chemical engineering is enriched by conducting discovery‐based workshops where students work on engineering problems requiring the application of new mathematical concepts. Finally, we describe a hybrid method for testing and assessment, where learners take tests individually, following which they are also provided with the option to retake these tests in groups to promote collaborative learning. Retaking tests in teams enhances the ability of learners to reflect and learn from mistakes and promotes peer mentoring.
Actionable driver DNA variants and fusion genes can be detected in archived cytological specimens with the Oncomine Dx Target Test Multi‐CDx system in lung cancer
Authors: Amemiya Kenji , Hirotsu Yosuke , Nagakubo Yuki , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Higuchi Rumi , Tsutsui Toshiharu , Kakizaki Yumiko , Miyashita Yoshihiro , Oyama Toshio , Omata Masao
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Molecular testing is critical for identifying actionable variants in lung cancer for precision medicine. When tumor tissue samples are unavailable, archived cytological specimens (ACSs) can be used. The authors examined whether oncogenic variants could be accurately detected in ACSs versus paired formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues with in vitro diagnostic tests.

METHODS

The authors collected 18 ACSs and 15 FFPE tissues from 15 patients with lung cancer and investigated genomic profiles with the Oncomine Dx Target Test Multi‐CDx system, which is an integrated next‐generation sequencing platform that comprehensively examines 4 companion diagnostic target genes (epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]; B‐Raf proto‐oncogene, serine/threonine kinase [BRAF]; anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK]; and ROS proto‐oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase [ROS1]). They compared the quantity and quality of extracted nucleic acids, the sequencing quality control (QC), and the detected variants between ACSs and FFPE tissues.

RESULTS

The total amount of DNA and RNA obtained from 1 slide was higher in FFPE tissues than ACSs. The RNA integrity number was higher in ACSs. There were no differences in sequencing QC between ACSs and FFPE tissues. A total of 21 variants, including EGFR mutations and ALK and ROS1 fusion genes, were detected in both ACSs and FFPE tissues with 100% concordance.

CONCLUSIONS

ACSs can be a feasible alternative with which to identify actionable mutations and fusion genes via the Oncomine Dx Target Test Multi‐CDx system.
An energy‐efficient clustering algorithm with self‐diagnosis data fault detection and prediction for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Loganathan Sathyapriya , Arumugam Jawahar , Chinnababu Vinothkumar
Published: April 2021

Wireless sensor networks are used to track and regulate physical conditions like temperature and the environment's humidity. Wireless sensor networks with their advanced features are adopted for many real‐time applications. The limited capacity batteries usually power the sensor nodes. But the big challenge of limited battery capacity obstructs remote and inaccessible areas where their use is the most favorable. For extending the lifetime of the network, the battery should optimally utilize it for different operations. The requirement toward low complexity and low energy consumption motivate the wireless sensor networks' efficient clustering algorithm. The sensor nodes group into clusters; one sensor node is chosen as a cluster head, and communication to the sink node from the sensor nodes occurs through the cluster head (CH) node. In the proposed method, cluster heads are determined based on the sensor node's weighted metric. The sensor nodes are then self‐adaptive by making correct decisions in real‐time based on the sensed data, but detected information is often inaccurate due to some mechanical, wireless loss, and battery problems. The erroneous or irrelevant data should be overlooked to avoid unnecessary data transmission, which contributes to reducing the network's lifetime. In the neighborhood‐dependent self‐diagnosis fault detection technique, the faulty sensed data are filtered at the sensor node itself. In the data prediction algorithm, the filtered data are predicted at the cluster head. All the factors collectively contribute to enhance the network's lifetime. The lifetime improvement of the proposed approach is almost doubled compared with LEACH one time better than QLEACH and ECH, and 51% better than temporal approach.
The Photophysics of Dibenzo[a,j]phenazine
Authors: Thom Kristoffer A. , Förster Tom , Weingart Oliver , Goto Shimpei , Takeda Youhei , Minakata Satoshi , Gilch Peter
Published: April 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by the research groups of Peter Gilch, Oliver Weingart (both HHU Düsseldorf, Germany) and Youhei Takeda (Osaka University, Japan). The image shows a comic style artwork of Kristoffer Thom – the first author of the paper – explaining the results of the study with the help of a blackboard. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cptc.2020000250.
Water‐deficit stress alters intra‐panicle grain number in sorghum
Authors: Adotey Regina Enninful , Patrignani Andres , Bergkamp Blake , Kluitenberg Gerard , Prasad P.V. Vara , Jagadish S. V. Krishna
Published: April 2021

Despite the ability of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench] to withstand harsh environmental conditions, it is susceptible to water‐deficit stress during grain filling. To identify postflowering, drought‐tolerant sorghum genotypes, parents of nested association mapping populations were evaluated under controlled and water‐deficit conditions in greenhouse and field conditions. In both experiments, water‐deficit stress was imposed by withholding water during the grain‐filling period. In field experiments, rootzone soil moisture was measured weekly using a neutron probe to quantify the plant available water under well‐watered and water‐deficit conditions. Investigations were focused on determining the variability in the grain‐filling pattern across different positions within the panicles (intra‐panicle) of 11 different sorghum genotypes. Water‐deficit conditions characterized by low plant available water had a consistently negative association with grain number along different positions in the panicle. Our findings indicate that maintaining grain numbers per panicle under postflowering water deficit is more important than increasing individual grain weight. Among the tested genotypes, SC35 and SC1103 were most tolerant to water‐deficit conditions under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. Currently available biparental populations developed using these genotypes provide an opportunity to enhance tolerance to postflowering water‐deficit stress in sorghum.
Perovskites on Ice: An Additive‐Free Approach to Increase the Shelf‐Life of Triple‐Cation Perovskite Precursor Solutions
Authors: O'Kane Mary E. , Smith Joel A. , Alanazi Tarek I. , Cassella Elena J. , Game Onkar , van Meurs Sandra , Lidzey David G.
Published: April 2021

The development of stable perovskite precursor solutions is critical if solution‐processable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are to be practically manufacturable. Ideally, such precursors should combine high solution stability without using chemical additives that might compromise PSC performance. Here, it was shown that the shelf‐life of high‐performing perovskite precursors could be greatly improved by storing solutions at low‐temperature without the need to alter chemical composition. Devices fabricated from solutions stored for 31 days at 4 °C achieved a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.6 % (97 % of original PCE). The choice of precursor solvent also impacted solution shelf‐life, with DMSO‐based solutions having enhanced solution stability compared to those including DMF. The compositions of aged precursors were explored using NMR spectroscopy, and films made from these solutions were analysed using X‐ray diffraction. It was concluded that the improvement in precursor solution stability is directly linked to the suppression of an addition‐elimination reaction and the preservation of higher amounts of methylammonium within solution.
The implications of the giant bivalve family Alatoconchidae for the end‐Guadalupian (Middle Permian) extinction event
Authors: Chen Fayao , Xue Wuqiang , Yan Jiaxin , Meng Qi
Published: April 2021

The end‐Guadalupian extinction is an important biotic event in the Phanerozoic with an ecological impact comparable to the ‘big five’ extinctions. However, the age, pattern, and mechanism of this extinction are all under debate. The bivalves of the Alatoconchidae family attained body volumes up to 10,000 cm3 and had a wide distribution in the low latitude Palaeotethys and Panthalassa. These giant clams originated in the early Kungurian and went extinct in the Late Guadalupian. Therefore, they are the typical victims of the end‐Guadalupian extinction and are major index fossils for the understanding of this event. Although extraction of these giant bivalves from the host‐resistant limestone is hard, plenty of new‐found transverse sections on outcrops are available for morphological reconstruction and volume estimation. The measurement from the representative fossil localities in South China indicates the clams achieved a substantial volume increase during the Wordian and sustained the giant size to the late Capitanian, till their abrupt disappearance. The giant clams originated under atmospheric hyperoxia and warm climate after the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age. Their body volume increase was roughly parallel to the seawater warming. The accompanied high seawater carbonate saturation and Mg/Ca ratio are beneficial to their biomineralization of the large shells with aragonite or high‐Mg calcite components. On the contrary, these giant bivalves were probably killed by the major or rapid changes of those environmental factors that once facilitated their success, such as drastic fluctuation of seawater temperature, sudden ocean acidification, and marine anoxia.
Marijuana legalization and household spending on food and alcohol
Authors: Lu Thanh
Published: April 2021

Utilizing the Consumer Expenditure Interview Survey from 2005 to 2019, I study spending on food and alcohol following recreational marijuana law (RML). Exploiting differences in the timing of the passage of RMLs and employing two‐way fixed‐effects methods, I find that households located in states adopting these laws increase their quarterly spending on food, which is driven mainly by spending on food consumed away from home. Legalization of recreational marijuana also leads to increased quarterly spending on alcohol. These findings suggest a complementarity between food, alcohol, and marijuana.
Pharmacological Activation of Nrf2 Enhances Functional Liver Regeneration
Authors: Chan Benjamin K.Y. , Elmasry Mohamed , Forootan Shiva S. , Russomanno Giusy , Bunday Tobias M. , Zhang Fang , Brillant Nathalie , Starkey Lewis Philip J. , Aird Rhona , Ricci Emanuele , Andrews Timothy D. , Sison‐Young Rowena L. , Schofield Amy L. , Fang Yongxiang , Lister Adam , Sharkey Jack W. , Poptani Harish , Kitteringham Neil R. , Forbes Stuart J. , Malik Hassan Z. , Fenwick Stephen W. , Park B. Kevin , Goldring Christopher E. , Copple Ian M.
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates an array of cytoprotective genes, yet studies in transgenic mice have led to conflicting reports on its role in liver regeneration. We aimed to test the hypothesis that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 would enhance liver regeneration.

Approach and Results

Wild‐type and Nrf2 null mice were administered bardoxolone methyl (CDDO‐Me), a potent activator of Nrf2 that has entered clinical development, and then subjected to two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. Using translational noninvasive imaging techniques, CDDO‐Me was shown to enhance the rate of restoration of liver volume (MRI) and improve liver function (multispectral optoacoustic imaging of indocyanine green clearance) in wild‐type, but not Nrf2 null, mice following partial hepatectomy. Using immunofluorescence imaging and whole transcriptome analysis, these effects were found to be associated with an increase in hepatocyte hypertrophy and proliferation, the suppression of immune and inflammatory signals, and metabolic adaptation in the remnant liver tissue. Similar processes were modulated following exposure of primary human hepatocytes to CDDO‐Me, highlighting the potential relevance of our findings to patients.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 is a promising strategy for enhancing functional liver regeneration. Such an approach could therefore aid the recovery of patients undergoing liver surgery and support the treatment of acute and chronic liver disease.
Socialization of children's experience and expression of pride
Authors: Hagan Courtney A. , Halberstadt Amy G. , Leary Kevin A.
Published: April 2021

To understand socialization pathways in the development of specific, self‐relevant emotions, we examined the socialization of third‐grade children's experience and expression of pride in a sample of 196 mother–child dyads, including children's gender and race as instantiations of cultural contexts. Mothers' self‐reported beliefs about the value of positive emotions, beliefs about the value of negative emotions, and positive expressivity within the family were examined in relation to Black and White boys' and girls' own reported feelings and expressions of pride in response to five vignettes. Results revealed that mothers' beliefs and expressive behaviour were associated with their children's feelings of pride, but were not significantly associated with children's expressing pride in the vignettes. Socialization processes seemed similar across child gender and race, with the one exception of maternal value of positivity being differently associated with children's pride expression by race. Results exploring gender and race as cultural contexts indicated that mothers' beliefs and expressivity varied little by child gender, but did by race; Black mothers reported valuing positive emotions more so than White mothers. Children reported pride differences in the vignettes by both gender and race, with female and Black children reporting feeling and expressing pride more so than male and White children. These findings suggest parental and cultural roles in the socialization of how children feel and express pride.
Hematologic adaptation to mask‐wearing among pregnant women and obstetrical outcome during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Friedrich Lior , Levin Gabriel , Maixner Nitzan , Bart Yossi , Tsur Abraham , Yinon Yoav , Meyer Raanan
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mask‐wearing on hematological laboratory components and obstetrical outcomes among women delivering during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Laboratory results and obstetrical outcomes of women with singleton gestations, admitted for delivery during the COVID‐19 mask‐wearing period (April–June 2020) were compared with those of women delivering during the parallel period in 2019 and with a larger cohort derived from nine pre‐pandemic years (March 2011–April 2020).

Results

Overall, 1838 women delivered during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Compared with the pre‐pandemic period, mean hemoglobin and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher during the mask‐wearing period (12.15 ± 1.1 vs 11.96 ± 1.2, P < 0.001 and 472 ± 103.6 vs 448 ± 85.1 mg/dl, P < 0.001, respectively). Platelet levels were lower (200 ± 56.0 vs 206 ± 57.5 K/µl, P < 0.001). The rate of delivery at <34 weeks of gestation was lower during the mask‐wearing period (1.1% vs 2%, odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.37–0.88, P = 0.01), whereas cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage rates were higher (26.7% vs 24.4%, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25, P = 0.022 and 4.1% vs 2.8%, OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.8, P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

A hard‐to‐ventilate space created by wearing a mask during the COVID‐19 era may be the underlying cause of the observed higher hemoglobin level among pregnant women, possibly affecting obstetrical outcomes.
Major differences in the characteristics of users of the copper intrauterine device or levonorgestrel intrauterine system at a clinic in Campinas, Brazil
Authors: Laporte Montas , Metelus Sherly , Ali Moazzam , Bahamondes Luis
Published: April 2021

Objective

To compare the sociodemographic characteristics of users of the copper intrauterine device (Cu‐IUD) and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) at a family planning clinic in Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Methods

A retrospective audit study was conducted to analyze the characteristics of new users of IUDs at the clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas. Data covered insertions performed between 1979 and 2006 when only the Cu‐IUD was offered at the clinic, and between 2007 and 2019 when the LNG‐IUS was also offered, both free of charge to women. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

There were 31 385 insertions. Cu‐IUD: n = 17 156 (1979–2006) and n = 2013 (2007–2019); LNG‐IUS n = 12 216 (2007–2019). Up to 2006, Cu‐IUD users were less likely to be nulligravidas, more likely to be younger than 40 years of age, and with fewer years of schooling. Following introduction of LNG‐IUS, the sociodemographic characteristics of users presented major changes over time. Comparing the period 1979–2006 with 2007–2019, new users of the LNG‐IUS were more likely to be older than 40 years of age, with fewer years of completed schooling, and to be nulligravidas.

Conclusion

Major changes in sociodemographic characteristics of users were noted according to preference over time. Introduction of the LNG‐IUS presents a major opportunity to increase IUD use.
Assessment of electrospun cardiac patches made with sacrificial particles and polyurethane‐polycaprolactone blends
Authors: Beck Emily C. , Jarrell Dillon K. , Lyons Anne C. , Vanderslice Ethan J. , VeDepo Mitchell C. , Jacot Jeffrey G.
Published: April 2021

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the leading cause of death in live‐born infants. Currently, patches used in the repair of CHDs are exclusively inert and non‐degradable, which increases the risk of arrhythmia, follow‐up surgeries, and sudden cardiac death. In this preliminary study, we sought to fabricate biodegradable scaffolds that can support cardiac regeneration in the repair of CHDs. We electrospun biodegradable scaffolds using various blends of polyurethane (PU) and polycaprolactone (PCL) with and without sacrificial poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) particles and assessed the mechanical properties, cell infiltration levels, and inflammatory response in vitro (surface cell seeding) and in vivo (subcutaneous mouse implant). We hypothesized that a blend of the two polymers would preserve the low stiffness of PU as well as the high cell infiltration observed in PCL scaffolds. The inclusion of PU in the blends, even as low as 10%, decreased cell infiltration both in vitro and in vivo. The inclusion of sacrificial PEO increased pore sizes, reduced Young's moduli, and reduced the inflammatory response in all scaffold types. Collectively, we have concluded that a PCL patch electrospun with sacrificial PEO particles is the most promising scaffold for further assessment as in our heart defect model.
Tissue‐engineering the larynx: Effect of decellularization on human laryngeal framework and the cricoarytenoid joint
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Wafa Emad I. , Hoffman Henry , Chang Kristi , Salem Aliasger K.
Published: April 2021

Decellularization approaches have been commonly used as alternative techniques to reconstruct tissues. However, due to the complex tissue compartmentation of the larynx, the decellularization process may not retain the characteristics necessary for the successful recreation of the larynx. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the decellularization process on the framework of the human cadaveric larynx generally and the cricoarytenoid joint specifically. In this work, five freshly frozen human cadaveric larynges were decellularized utilizing a protocol that was previously demonstrated to be effective in decellularizing a porcine larynx. The decellularization protocol included: biological, chemical, and physical decellularization methods. Each specimen served as its own control to assess changes after decellularization. Studies and measurements included: histological, using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Live/Dead™ stains; DNA quantification; micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT) imaging; and biomechanical testing of the cricoarytenoid joints. The decellularization protocol took 12 days for each specimen. Microscopy of H&E stained samples demonstrated substantial removal of cells with preservation of the extracellular matrix that was more evident in cartilage than muscle specimens. Confocal microscope images of Live/Dead™ stained specimens also demonstrated almost complete removal of cells. Pre‐decellularization cartilage‐DNA quantity range was 27.0 to 336.8 ng/mg while post‐decellularization DNA quantity range was 0 to 30.4 ng/mg (p = 0.031). For muscles, pre‐decellularization DNA quantity range was 150.0 to 3,384.6 ng/mg, while post‐decellularization DNA quantity range was 0 to 45.5 ng/mg (p = 0.031). μ‐CT demonstrated preservation of the cartilaginous framework with a slight reduction of cricoarytenoid joint space. Furthermore, μ‐CT demonstrated no significant reduction in the Housefield unit (p = 0.25) and mineral density (p = 0.25) after decellularization. Biomechanical testing demonstrated a non‐significant reduction of forces required for anterior displacement of the arytenoid (mean reduction of forces, 0.1 ± 0.2 N, p = 0.16) and forces required for posterior displacement of the arytenoid (mean reduction of forces, 0.2 ± 0.3 N, p = 0.05). This study demonstrates effective decellularization of human larynges as evidenced by significant DNA depletion and preservation of extracellular matrix, which are outcomes that are required for a biological scaffold to regenerate a non‐immunogenic larynx. The decellularization process caused minimal weakness in the cricoarytenoid joints due to treatment with multiple detergents and enzymes in the decellularization protocol.
Karyomorphological and SEM studies in newly discovered populations of a critically endangered medicinal plant — Lilium polyphyllum D. Don ex Royle from a high altitude protected area of north‐western Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Singh Harminder , Kumar Singh Sushil
Published: April 2021

In this study, new populations of a critically endangered Himalayan herb, Lilium polyphyllum D. Don ex Royle have been reported from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India for the first time. Karyotypic, palynological, and spermological studies under the light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) have been carried out on specimens from these populations with an aim to add more knowledge to the current database of the species. Presently studied individuals depicted a diploid (2x) chromosome count of 2n = 24, which is in confirmation with the previous reports from Kashmir Himalaya. Mitotic study showed a karyotype formula of 2n = 2x = 2m + 2sm + 4st + 16t, that is, 2 metacentric +2 submetacentric +4 acrocentric +16 telocentric chromosomes. LM and SEM observations revealed that the pollen grains are monosulcate, heteropolar, elliptical in polar view, and oblate with reticulate ornamentation. Based on the criteria of number, shape, and arrangement of columellae that form the muri, pollen grains in L. polyphyllum correspond to Martagon type. This is the first SEM based study on pollen grains and seeds of endangered Himalayan white lily. Based on the present ecological data collected we confirm the status of L. polyphyllum to be critically endangered in the study area.
Testing the plastic‐wrapped composting system to dispose of swine mortalities during an animal disease outbreak
Authors: Costa Tiago , Akdeniz Neslihan , Gates Richard S. , Lowe James , Zhang Yuanhui
Published: April 2021

Composting has been used to dispose of animal mortalities and infected materials, such as manure and feed, during major animal disease outbreaks. In this study, we adapted the plastic‐wrapped mortality composting system developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during the 2004 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak to compost swine mortalities. The goals of the study were to evaluate the performance of the plastic‐wrapped composting system to dispose of swine mortalities and to field test its ability to eliminate the spread of airborne pathogens through the aeration ducts. Two cover materials, ground cornstalks and woodchips, were tested using passively and actively aerated composting sheds. The mortalities were inoculated with Salmonella spp. and vaccine strains of Bovine herpesvirus‐1 and Bovine viral diarrhea virus. Air samples collected from the upper aeration duct (air outlet) during the first 10 d of composting were negative for Salmonella and the viruses tested, which indicated that aerosol transmission of the pathogens was limited. The aeration plenum placed under the mortalities helped to keep conditions aerobic, as O2 concentrations of both passively and actively aerated test units were above 11%. Actively aerated cornstalks had the highest degree‐hours (1,462 °C h d−1), which was followed by passively aerated cornstalks (1,312 °C h d−1), actively aerated woodchips (1,303 °C h d−1), and passively aerated woodchips (1,062 °C h d−1). After a 7‐wk composting period, all three pathogens were inactivated based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction test results. The mortalities were not inoculated with the African swine fever virus, but temperature data showed that if they were, the system had the potential to eliminate this virus.
Hardy–Sobolev inequality for Sobolev functions in central Herz–Morrey spaces
Authors: Mizuta Yoshihiro , Shimomura Tetsu
Published: April 2021

Our aim in this paper is to establish Hardy–Sobolev inequality for Sobolev functions in central Herz–Morrey spaces. As an application, we are concerned with Sobolev‐type integral representation for a C1‐function on which vanishes on the unit ball.
Effect of silica‐coated TiO2 nanorods on the foamability of polypropylene and photostability of foamed polypropylene
Authors: Yuan Wenjing , Wang Feng , Gao Chong , Liu Peng , Ding Yanfen , Zhang Shimin , Yang Mingshu
Published: April 2021

Researches about the heterogeneous nucleation ability of nanorods and the weather resistance of polypropylene (PP) foams were very limited. In this study, the well‐defined rutile TiO2 nanorods with UV‐absorbing function were coated with silica and then calcined. The obtained nanorods (denoted as “TS”) could be uniformly dispersed in PP matrix by melt blending. The foaming behavior of linear PP and its composites was investigated by using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a physical foaming agent. The results demonstrated that the addition of 5 wt% TS made PP/TS‐5% foam have higher cell density, regular cell structure and uniform cell distribution owing to the large numbers of nucleation sites provided by well‐dispersed TS nanorods. At the same time, the aging performance of PP foam samples was evaluated by the changes of macro or micro morphology, melting and crystallization behavior before and after UVB irradiation. It was intuitively found that the damage to the surface of PP foams caused by UV light, involving the erosion of surface, the collapse of cells and the degradation of PP chains could be significantly suppressed by the incorporation of TS nanorods. These findings indicated that TS nanorods could be used as multifunctional nanofillers to achieve the PP foams with improved foamability and photostability.
Black Athlete Sister Circle provides support, mentorship, opportuntities
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: April 2021

When Tomika L. Ferguson was a Division I student‐athlete at the University of Virginia, she craved sisterhood. As she pursued her Ph.D. in higher education at Indiana University, she centered her research on Black female student‐athletes and created the Black Athlete Sister Circle.
Divergence time estimation and mapping of morphological and cytogenetical data in the southern South American geophyte genus Pterocactus (Cactaceae)
Authors: Las Peñas M. Laura , Bernardello Gabriel
Published: April 2021

Pterocactus has 10 species endemic to restricted areas of the Argentine Monte and Patagonia regions, also growing in neighbouring Chile. We analysed phylogenetic relationships between its species, based on plastid DNA sequences (psbA‐trnH, rpl16, trnH‐matK), exomorphological features (spine type and size, stem segment form, flower position, epidermis colour, areole pubescence, stem surface) and cytogenetical traits (genome size, somatic chromosome number). Traits were mapped using character mapping and ancestral state reconstruction to understand the dynamics of evolutionary changes. Pterocactus was monophyletic. Two lineages were recovered: clade A (with P. fischeri diverging early and P. reticulatus, P. valentinii, P. megliolii, P. gonjianii, and both P. tuberosus forms) and clade B (with P. neuquensis diverging first and P. araucanus and P. hickenii). Both samples examined of P. australis were paraphyletic. It was estimated that Pterocactus split from its sister group at 9.38 mya. The crown group age was estimated to be 7.69 myr. Species showed x = 11 with different ploidy levels (2n = 22, 44, 99, ca. 110, and 154); only P. tuberosus f. tuberosus was diploid. The numbers were typical of each taxon studied, and polyploidy was important in its diversification. Two 18S‐5.8S‐26S sites were detected regardless of the ploidy level, except P. fischeri with four sites and 2n = ca. 110. The number of 5S sites was 2 in P. gonjianii and the diploid P. tuberosus f. tuberosus, 4 in the tetraploid P. tuberosus f. lelongii, 10 in the probably decaploid P. fischeri and 8 in P. araucanus of unknown chromosome number. The genome size ranged from 2C = 4.94 pg in P. megliolii of unknown chromosome number to 2C = 16.68 pg in the tetradecaploid P. hickenii. The ancestor is reconstructed as a dwarf shrub with cylindrical central spines of 16.35–31.2 mm long, non‐woolly areoles, cylindrical to globose/obpyriform stem segments, non‐tuberculate stem surface, lateral flower position, green/brown to violet epidermis, probably diploid, and with a genome size between 1.10 and 1.23 pg.
Two-loop anomalous dimensions of QCD operators up to dimension-sixteen and Higgs EFT amplitudes
Authors: Jin Qing jun , Ren Ke , Yang Gang
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We consider two-loop renormalization of high-dimensional Lorentz scalar operators in the gluonic sector of QCD. These operators appear also in the Higgs effective theory obtained by integrating out the top quark loop in the gluon fusion process. We first discuss the classification of operators and how to construct a good set of basis using both off-shell field theory method and on-shell form factor formalism. To study loop corrections, we apply efficient unitarity-IBP strategy and compute the two-loop minimal form factors of length-3 operators up to dimension sixteen. From the UV divergences of form factor results, we extract the renormalization matrices and analyze the operator mixing behavior in detail. The form factors we compute are also equivalent to Higgs plus three-gluon amplitudes that capture high-order top mass corrections in Higgs EFT. We obtain the analytic finite remainder functions which exhibit several universal transcendentality structures.
Correction to: Patterns of prevalence and contemporary clinical management strategies in complicated acute biliary calculous disease: an ESTES ‘snapshot audit’ of practice
Authors: Bass Gary Alan , Gillis Amy , Cao Yang , Mohseni Shahin ,   for the European Society for Trauma, Emergency Surgery (ESTES) Cohort Studies Group, Shamiyeh A. , Rosetti L. , Klimbacher G. , Klugsberger B. , Healy P. , Moriarty C. , Power C. , Knightly N. , Hill A. D. K. , Winter D. C. , Kelly M. E. , Creavin B. E. , Ryan É. J. , Duffy C. C. , Sugrue M. , Moore M. H. , Flanagan L. , Ryan J. , Keady C. , Fahey B. , McKevitt K. L. , Barry K. , Conlon K. C. , Mentor K. , Kazemi-Nava A. , J. B. , Ridgway P. F. , Kavanagh D. O. , Whelan M. , Donnelly M. , McCarrick C. , Muhammad U. , Connelly T. M. , Neary P. C. , Magalina S. , Cozza V. , LaGreca A. , Gui D. , Malagnino A. , Zago M. , Montuori M. , Biloslavo A. , Samardzic N. , Fracon S. , Cosola D. , de Manzini N. , Fernandes U. , Avelar P. , Marques R. , Esteves A. S. , Marçal A. , Gomes C. , Machado D. , Teles T. , Neves S. , Semiao M. , Cunha R. , Pereira J. , Constantino J. , Sá M. , Casimiro C. , Ionescu L. , Livadariu R. , Stirbu L. , Danila R. , Timofte D. , Astefaniei B. , Olavarria A. Landaluce , Mateos B. Estraviz , Taranco J. Gonzalez , Gomez D. , Barrutia J. , Zeballos J. , Garcia D. Morales , Najera A. Lozano , Tolaretxipi E. Gonzalez , Tallon-Aguilar L. , Pintor-Tortolero J. , Sanchez-Arteaga A. , Cruzado V. Duran-Muñóz , Camacho-Marente V. , Tinoco-Gonzalez J. , Älverdal A. , Redeen S. , Mohseni S. , Mohammad A. , Ahl R. , Wikström M. , Marinos S. , Warner N. , Patel R. , Magro T. , Sunthareswaran R. , Mihailescu A. , Pokusewski G. , Bubuianu A. L. , Dimitriu C. , Paraoan M. , Desai A. , Jones K. , Mlotshwa M. , Ross K. , Lambracos S. , Tryliskyy Y. , Cullinane D. C.
Published: April 2021

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.
Computationally Efficient Approach to Implementation of the Chinese Remainder Theorem Algorithm in Minimally Redundant Residue Number System
Authors: Selianinau Mikhail
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we deal with the critical problem of performing non-modular operations in the Residue Number System (RNS). The Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) is widely used in many modern computer applications. Throughout the article, an efficient approach for implementing the CRT algorithm is described. The structure of the rank of an RNS number, a principal positional characteristic of the residue code, is investigated. It is shown that the rank of a number can be represented by a sum of an inexact rank and a two-valued correction to it. We propose a new variant of minimally redundant RNS, which provides low computational complexity for the rank calculation, and its effectiveness analyzed concerning conventional non-redundant RNS. Owing to the extension of the residue code, by adding the excess residue modulo 2, the complexity of the rank calculation goes down from$O\left (k^{2}\right )$Ok2to$O\left (k\right )$Okwith respect to required modular addition operations and lookup tables, wherekequals the number of non-redundant RNS moduli.