bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empress Lü
Authors: Sanderovitch Sharon
Published: October 2021

Empress Lü was the consort of Emperor Gaozu, founder of the Han dynasty (202bce–220ce). As Empress Dowager – after Gaozu's death and during the reigns of his heir and two subsequent child emperors – she assumed the authority of the supreme ruler and became the first of three women who ruled the empire during over 2000 years of Chinese imperial history. The evaluation of her reign and character has relied heavily on the records made by Han historians Sima Qian and Ban Gu. Both portray, albeit with varying degrees of direct and indirect condemnation, the attempts of an Empress Dowager to retain and enhance the power of her own clan at the expanse of the ruling imperial clan – and perhaps in its stead. The stories these historians recount include some of the most horrific acts of violence and abuse in Chinese imperial history. In the literature from the Han onward, Lü's figure became a symbol of the ruthless greed for power that threatened the continuity of a dynastic line. Recent times, however, have seen an increase in diverging evaluations of Empress Lü as ruler and person, in both the academic arena and popular representations. A compilation of legal statutes and ordinances excavated in 1983 and dated to 186bceadds to our knowledge of governance and administration during Lü's regime and may be further utilized in the emerging discourse of the firstde factofemale ruler in Chinese imperial history.
Jade
Authors: So Jenny F.
Published: October 2021

In this entry the over 3500‐year history of jade in China from the Bronze Age to the fifteenth century
ce
is described in broad strokes to reveal how it came to be an enduring presence in Chinese material culture. Created to serve the spiritual needs of the Neolithic communities, jade became, in subsequent millennia, a symbol of worldly power, the embodiment of Confucian ideals, the essence of Daoist and Buddhist religious perfection, the object of intellectual, antiquarian, and imperial pursuits, and eventually a luxury commodity in an increasingly materialistic and globalized world. This history also charts how supplies of raw materials, working techniques, and ethnic, political, economic, and historical sensibilities influenced material choices, artifact types, designs, and consumption, revealing how complex interactions between indigenous Chinese traditions and those of its foreign neighbors and rulers strengthened jade's already firm hold on Chinese culture
.
Hylozoic by Design: Converging Material and Biological Complexities for Cell‐Driven Living Materials with 4D Behaviors
Authors: Shariati Kaavian , Ling Andrea Shin , Fuchs Stephanie , Dillenburger Benjamin , Liu Wanjun , Ma Minglin
Published: October 2021

The emergence of novel techniques in biology and material science, coupled with greater understandings of cell–material interactions, have given rise to the creation of living materials and bioarchitectures imbued with engineered living behaviors. These multidimensional materials and constructs capable of performing programmable and time‐ or stimuli‐dependent activities, namely 4D behaviors, may do so as a result of material features alone, or as a product of incorporated biological or cellular agents. This review discusses fabrication strategies employed in the development of 4D living materials and examples of their 4D activities driven by cellular events or processes. The fabrication strategies investigated throughout are focused on those that facilitate the responsive, functional transformation of the 3D structure with the time that extends beyond changes driven solely by material features, and enable an increase in the cell‐dependent functional capacity of the construct. Living materials comprised of cells and their own products, as well as both cells and added non‐living materials are investigated. Further, the authors analyze how material complexities and biological complexities have thus far been interfaced to allow for intricate living behaviors, and discuss the design considerations and challenges encountered in developing living materials. Finally, the future directions of living materials are outlined.
Modulation and Modeling of Three‐Dimensional Nanowire Assemblies Targeting Gas Sensors with High Response and Reliability
Authors: Han Hyeuk Jin , Lee Gyu Rac , Han Yujin , Jang Hanhwi , Cho Eugene N. , Kim Sunho , Kim Chang Sub , Yim Soonmin , Jeong Jae Won , Kim Jong Min , Yu Seunghee , Tuller Harry L. , Jung Yeon Sik
Published: October 2021

Despite improved sensitivity, simple downsizing of gas‐sensing components to randomly arranged nanostructures often faces challenges associated with unpredictable electrical conduction pathways. In the present study, controlled fabrication of three‐dimensional (3D) metal oxide nanowire networks is demonstrated that can greatly improve both signal stability and sensor response compared to random nanowire arrays. For example, the highest ever reported H2S gas response value, and a 5 times lower relative standard deviation of baseline resistance than that of random nanowires assemblies, are achieved with the ordered 3D nanowire network. Systematic engineering of 3D geometries and their modeling, utilizing equivalent circuit components, provide additional insights into the electrical conduction and gas‐sensing response of 3D assemblies, revealing the critical importance of wire‐to‐wire junction points and their arrangement. These findings suggest new design rules for both enhanced performance and reliability of chemical sensors, which may also be extended to other devices based on nanoscale building blocks.
An ROS‐Activatable Nanoassembly Remodulates Tumor Cell Metabolism for Enhanced Ferroptosis Therapy
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Li Liqi , Li Yanan , Fei Yang , Xue Chencheng , Yao Xuemei , Zhao Youbo , Wang Xuan , Li Menghuan , Luo Zhong
Published: October 2021

Ferroptosis is an emerging antitumor option and has demonstrated unique advantages against many tumor indications. However, its efficacy is potentially hindered by the endogenous lipid peroxide‐scavenging mechanisms and the reliance on acidic pH. Herein, a nanointegrated strategy based on clinically‐safe components to synergistically remodel glutathione and lactate metabolism in tumor cells for enhanced ferroptosis therapy is developed. First ferrocene is conjugated on PEGylated polyamidoamine dendrimers via reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐cleavable thioketal linkage, which would further self‐assemble with the glutathione (GSH)‐depleting agent diethyl maleate (DEM) and monocarboxylate transporter 4‐inhibiting siRNA (siMCT4) to afford biostable nanoassemblies (siMCT4‐PAMAM‐PEG‐TK‐Fc@DEM). The nanoassemblies can be activated by the elevated ROS levels in tumor intracellular environment and readily release the incorporated therapeutic contents, afterward DEM can directly conjugate to GSH to disrupt the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)‐mediated antioxidant defense, while siMCT4 can block the MCT4‐mediated efflux of lactic acid and acidify the intracellular milieu, both of which can improve the ferrocene‐catalyzed lipid peroxidation and induce pronounced ferroptotic damage. The siMCT4‐PAMAM‐PEG‐TK‐Fc@DEM nanoplatform demonstrates high ferroptosis‐based antitumor potency and good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, which may offer new avenues for the development of more advanced antitumor therapeutics with improved translatability.
Konjac glucomannan: A review of structure, physicochemical properties, and wound dressing applications
Authors: Zhou Ning , Zheng Shengxuan , Xie Wanzhen , Cao Guoyu , Wang Lin , Pang Jie
Published: October 2021

Natural bio‐based materials used in wound dressings have been continuously developed in recent years, and have certain advantages in water retention, biocompatibility, and therapeutic properties. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a kind of plant polysaccharide with good cell compatibility and gel properties. Various gels obtained by modification of KGM through physical and chemical methods have great application potential in wound excipients. In the past few years, various KGM‐based wound barrier materials such as hydrogels, xerogel, microspheres, films, and fibers have been continuously researched and developed. The combination of KGM and other polymers can improve the problem of poor mechanical properties and give it new functional properties, which is beneficial to the moisturizing of the wound surface and the release of drugs to promote wound healing. This article reviews the physicochemical properties of KGM and the latest developments in KGM‐based composite gels, reveals the relationship between molecules in KGM‐based composite gels, and looks forward to the research and development prospects of KGM‐based composites in wound dressings.
Personality and early susceptibility to COVID‐19 in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kanazawa Satoshi
Published: October 2021

This paper takes advantage of a unique dataset with a prospectively longitudinal, nationally representative sample (n = 5,178) that began in 1958 and has information on COVID‐19 health status in 2020 to examine the effect of Big Five personality traits on compliance with social distancing requirements and contraction of COVID‐19. The results show some consistency with epidemiological recommendations (Conscientious individuals were more likely to maintain social distance and less likely to contract COVID‐19; men were less likely to comply and more likely to contract) but more inconsistency (Agreeable individuals were more likely to comply with social distancing requirements yet more likely to contract COVID‐19; Open and Neurotic individuals were no less likely to comply yet more likely to contract COVID‐19). The results highlight the importance of Big Five personality factors for behaviour in the global pandemic and may call into question the universal effectiveness of social distancing requirements for all individuals. However, the small number of confirmed cases of COVID‐19 during the early months of the pandemic requires caution in interpretation of the results. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
McConnell's sign: Echocardiography in the management of acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Patel Vishal I. , Miles Michelle , Shahangian Sharareh , Javien John
Published: October 2021

Management of acute pulmonary embolism depends immensely on rapid diagnosis and early intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography has gained favorability in scenarios where diagnostic computed tomography angiography is not feasible. McConnell's sign, an echocardiographic finding of segmental right ventricular wall‐motion abnormality with apical sparing, is highly specific and may guide therapeutic intervention. We present the case of a 59‐year‐old man who was found to have acute pulmonary embolism with obstructive shock, managed successfully with thrombolytic therapy after identification of McConnell's sign. We review current literature and develop a framework for the integration of echocardiography into the multimodal approach to management.
Saturated Boronic Acids, Boronates, and Trifluoroborates: An Update on Their Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Gorlova Alina O. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: October 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue are Oleksandr Grygorenko and co‐workers at Enamine Ltd., Institute of Organic Chemistry NAS Ukraine, and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The image depicts a musical allegory for chemical synthesis: a guitar player in a flask, creating notes that become an orgoboron compound. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202102108.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Some [2]Paracyclo[2](5,8)quinoliphane Derivatives with Planar and Central Chirality
Authors: Mazzeo Giuseppe , Ghidinelli Simone , Ruzziconi Renzo , Grandi Marco , Abbate Sergio , Longhi Giovanna
Published: October 2021

With the aim of finding and characterizing new simple organic molecules (SOM) generating circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), we test here nine [2]paracyclo[2](5,8)‐quinoliphane derivatives, whose circular dichroism (CD) spectra were previously measured at short wavelengths in a study encompassing also OR and VCD (CD in the IR). Completion of the CD spectra is carried out with attention paid to weaker and longer wavelength features. The observed signs of the CPL spectra are compared to the signs of the CD band at the longest wavelength and are found coincident except in two cases. The magnitudes of dissymmetry ratios g in luminescence are of the order 10−3, like the corresponding |g| values for the absorption case. TD‐DFT calculations for the two simplest cases provide details on the molecular orbitals involved in the transitions responsible for the observed signals of these molecules. The calculations allow us to provide also a first explanation of the two observed behaviors of the |glum|/|gabs| ratios.
Recent Progress in Circularly Polarized Luminescence of [2.2]Paracyclophane Derivatives
Authors: Teng Jin‐Ming , Zhang Da‐Wei , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: October 2021

[2.2]Paracyclophane (PCP) and its derivatives have attracted growing widespread interest in recent years due to their unique chemical structures, specific photophysical properties and potential chiroptical activities, especially in the study of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Among the CPL‐active small organic molecules, the introduction of a PCP skeleton with planar chirality is one of the most effective strategies to obtain emitters with both high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and luminescent dissymmetry factors (glum). At present, the development of CPL emitters based on the PCP skeleton is still limited and only a few molecular design strategies have been reported. This review summarizes and discusses the corresponding reports, and the emitters are sorted according to their chemical structures. It is expected that this review can provide researchers with a practical perspective in CPL studies and can provide inspiration for future research on CPL.
Recursive Bayesian computation facilitates adaptive optimal design in ecological studies
Authors: Leach Clinton B. , Williams Perry J. , Eisaguirre Joseph M. , Womble Jamie N. , Bower Michael R. , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: October 2021

Optimal design procedures provide a framework to leverage the learning generated by ecological models to flexibly and efficiently deploy future monitoring efforts. At the same time, Bayesian hierarchical models have become widespread in ecology and offer a rich set of tools for ecological learning and inference. However, coupling these methods with an optimal design framework can become computationally intractable. Recursive Bayesian computation offers a way to substantially reduce this computational burden, making optimal design accessible for modern Bayesian ecological models. We demonstrate the application of so‐called prior‐proposal recursive Bayes to optimal design using a simulated data binary regression and the real‐world example of monitoring and modeling sea otters in Glacier Bay, Alaska. These examples highlight the computational gains offered by recursive Bayesian methods and the tighter fusion of monitoring and science that those computational gains enable.
On the Shape and Synthesis of Extended Fluorenones: Recent Advances and Upcoming Challenges
Authors: Large Benjamin , Prim Damien
Published: October 2021

Extended fluorenones represent a particular class of polycyclic compounds. The extension of the aromatic system through the fusion of additional benzene rings onto the central tricyclic fluorenone gives rise to an impressive topological diversity and allows to modulate the properties of the original molecule. The multiple ways this aromatic extension can be joined onto the tricyclic core generates multiple spatial arrangements from linear, angular, mixed linear‐angular, to helical. This extensive range of shapes and their subsequent applications has piqued the curiosity of the scientific community, who now creatively compete to develop selective and direct routes to these valuable molecular architectures. Potential applications of these diverse domains have also driven the development of strategies for the installation of various substituents at selected sites of the carbon backbone. This Review intends to provide the reader with an up‐to‐date overview of the methods for constructing extended fluorenones and their properties.
Selective Palladium‐Catalyzed α,β‐Homodiarylation of Vinyl Esters in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Trzepizur Damian , Brodzka Anna , Koszelewski Dominik , Wilk Monika , Ostaszewski Ryszard
Published: October 2021

A palladium‐catalyzed 1,2‐diarylation of vinyl esters with arylboronic acids in water has been developed. This newly elaborated protocol features a good functional group tolerance and provides one‐step access to 1,2‐diarylethanol derivatives under mild reaction conditions. The presented reaction can be carried out in the water at ambient temperature without the addition of any ligands, what makes this procedure environmentally benign. The transformation occurs within a single catalytic cycle and is feasible due to the modification of transition metal catalytic activity through the influence of π‐acceptor olefin (benzoquinone) as well as water as a medium. Moreover, this protocol allows to generate entire compound libraries (highly profitable in medicinal chemistry) and utilizes sustainable arylboronic acids as coupling partners under mild conditions. It is also noted that the structure of boron moiety has a great impact on the reaction selectivity, the usage of sterically hindered esters of arylboronic acids influence the reaction course towards stilbenes.
Performance evaluation of IEEE 802.11p, LTE and 5G in connected vehicles for cooperative awareness
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Naeem , Katz Marcos
Published: October 2021

In recent years, researchers and scientists are continuously striving to design and develop advance wireless technologies for vehicular communication. Advanced short‐range (IEEE‐802.11p/ITS‐G5) and long‐range (LTE, LTE‐A, and 5G) technologies are indispensable for Vehicular Ad hoc networking (VANETs). Meanwhile, exploiting technologies for cooperative awareness of connected vehicles is important for seamless network connectivity in hazardous situations. For seamless network availability, there is a need to integrate short‐range and long‐range technologies together. In this article, we design a pilot platform based on IEEE‐802.11p, LTE and 5G test network (5GTN) utilizing road traffic and weather information. The use of real‐time and accurate road traffic and weather information together with road condition information is crucial to enhance road safety. To deliver updated road weather and traffic information, we have used a combination of networks. In this article, a comparison of vehicle to vehicle (V2V) and vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) pilot scenarios was carried out considering the mentioned networks. The used IEEE 802.11p acts as a primary vehicular communication channel, assisted by other cellular‐based LTE and 5G networks. Network performance was analyzed by considering latency, packet loss, and throughput in V2V and V2I scenarios. These pilot measurements revealed that the state‐of‐the‐art 5G test network performs better in contrast of IEEE‐802.11p and LTE network by delivering real‐time road weather and road traffic observation data. These pilots filed measurements show the potential of combining short‐ and long‐range technologies for enhanced road safety.
Trainee participation does not adversely affect the safety of thyroid surgery: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , Raghupathy Jaivikash , Song Harris Jun Jie Muhammad Danial , Yeo Brian Sheng Yep , Samuel Miny , See Anna , Parameswaran Rajeev
Published: October 2021

Surgical traineeship is essential but must be safe for patients. In thyroid surgery, surgeon volume correlates with improved clinical/economic outcomes. However, it is presently unclear how far does trainee participation affect post‐thyroidectomy complication rates in real‐world and randomized data. We systematically searched four databases for associations of trainee participation with any post‐thyroidectomy outcome. We conducted univariate meta‐analyses, sensitivity analyses, and assessed publication bias qualitatively and quantitatively. We included 1 randomized and 15 observational studies from 3755 records, comprising 34 774 thyroid surgical patients. Trainee participation was associated with 12 min longer operative time, but not higher complication rates (hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hematoma, blood loss, return to operating room, hospitalization duration, readmission, and mortality). Sensitivity, publication bias, and multivariate analyses did not change our findings. Real‐world and limited randomized data suggest that trainee participation in thyroid surgery is safe, given adequate consultant supervision and appropriate case selection.
Colchicine, COVID‐19 and hematological parameters: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sarwar Musharraf , Ali Zahid , Fatima Mahnoor , Sarfraz Zouina , Sarfraz Azza , Cherrez‐Ojeda Ivan
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Colchicine has the potential in reducing patient morbidity and mortality in COVID‐19 infection owing to its anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aims to determine the efficacy of colchicine in optimizing inflammatory hematological biomarker levels among COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

In accordance to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted using the following keywords: Colchicine, covid*, SARS‐CoV‐2, anti‐inflammatory, trials, clinical, hematological, laboratory. Databases were searched from December 2019 until August 26, 2021: MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and EMBASE. Other sources were located through ClinicalTrials.Gov, manually searching SAGE, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. The meta‐analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

In total, six studies were included, of which four reported c‐reactive protein (CRP) standardized mean reductions in the colchicine group (N = 165) as opposed to the control (N = 252; SMD = −0.49, p < 0.001). On noting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values post treatment, the colchicine group (N = 204) showed significant reductions at the end of treatment compared to control (N = 290; SMD = −0.85, p < 0.001). Finally, the D‐dimer values in colchicine groups (N = 129) compared to control (N = 216) also documented a negative effect size (SMD = −0.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Colchicine has efficacy in reducing inflammatory biomarkers observed in moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19 patients. It may be worthwhile to consider monitoring the clinical and laboratory parameters of patients in further trials to consider colchicine as a strong candidate for an adjunct to COVID‐19 treatment.
Myofibrillar protein composite gels: effect of esterified potato starch, lard and peanut oil on the gel properties
Authors: Wu Mangang , Hu Juan , Gu Xiangchun , Wang Qingling , Wei Ranran , Wang Jiahao , Li Zhikun , Liu Rui , Ge Qingfeng , Yu Hai
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Heat‐induced composite gels were prepared with 20 g kg−1 myofibrillar protein (MP) sol, 20 g kg−1 modified starch and 100 g kg−1 lipid pre‐emulsified by MP in 0.6 mol L−1 NaCl, at pH 6.2. The effects of esterified potato starch (EPS) and emulsified lipid (lard or peanut oil) on the rheology, texture properties and nuclear magnetic resonance characterization of MP gel were evaluated.

RESULTS

The addition of starch and lipid significantly improved the gel strength and water holding capacity (WHC) of the MP gel. Analysis of the relaxation time compared with the WHC tests showed that the variation range of the transverse T22 relaxation time of a gel was positively proportional to changes in WHC of the composite gel, and the lower the T22 relaxation time, the better the WHC of composite gel. Moreover, MP gel with starch and emulsified lard added at the same time has the lowest T2 relaxation time, and also the best WHC of the gel. Environmental scanning electron microscopy showed that emulsified oil droplets embedded the gaps in the protein network, and the gelatinized starch contributed to restrict the oil droplet size, resulting in thicker MP gel.

CONCLUSION

Emulsified lipid and modified starch have an important influence on the rheology and microstructure of MP gels, indicating the subtle interaction between starch, lipid and protein. The results suggest the potential feasibility of modified starch and vegetable oil to improve the textural properties in comminuted meat products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Abstract thinking as a risk factor for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in student paramedics
Authors: McKinnon Aimee , Lorenz Hjördis , Salkovskis Paul , Wild Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Abstract cognitive processing is characterized by “why?” and “what if?” questions and associated with processes such as rumination and worry. The tendency to think abstractly in response to stress has not been examined as a longitudinal risk factor for later stress reactions. The present study evaluated the extent to which an abstract thinking style could represent a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in student paramedics over a 6‐month follow‐up period. Student paramedics (N = 89) recruited from universities in the United Kingdom were assessed for baseline symptoms, abstract thinking, and cognitive responses to stressful memories; a follow‐up assesment was conducted 6 months later in their training. All participants were exposed to a potentially traumatic event between baseline and follow‐up. Baseline symptoms and trauma history accounted for 45% of the variation in follow‐up posttraumatic symptoms, with abstract thinking style explaining an additional 2.5% over and above what could be predicted from initial symptom levels. Abstract thinking was moderately related to rumination in response to stressful memories, r = .45, and correlated with follow‐up symptoms of PTSD, r = .49; anxiety, r = .40; and depression, r = .27. This study builds on previous work suggesting that abstract processing mode and abstract rumination are risk factors for PTSD. Abstract thinking in response to stress represents a potentially modifiable risk factor that could be targeted by a resilience‐focused intervention for individuals likely to encounter traumatic events.
A comparison of methods to assess the resistance of reinforcing steel against chloride‐induced corrosion in concrete—Particular consideration of 12% chromium steel
Authors: Boschmann Käthler Carolina , Ebell Gino , Keßler Sylvia , Schiegg Yves , Dauberschmidt Christoph , Angst Ueli M.
Published: October 2021

The critical chloride content Ccrit is an indicator of the corrosion resistance of reinforcing steels in concrete. In this article, several experimental methods for determining the critical chloride content Ccrit of mild and alloyed (12% Cr) steel in cementitious materials are compared. The methods used include accelerated polarization tests and tests employing more natural (unpolarized) conditions in which chloride ingress occurs by diffusion and capillary uptake. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed, in particular, against the objective of reaching a compromise between applicability to practice and feasibility in laboratory testing.
High‐Resolution 3D Printing of Mechanically Tough Hydrogels Prepared by Thermo‐Responsive Poloxamer Ink Platform
Authors: Imani Kusuma Betha Cahaya , Jo Ara , Choi Gyeong Min , Kim Beogyeong , Chung Jin‐Woong , Lee Heon Sang , Yoon Jinhwan
Published: October 2021

High‐resolution 3D‐printable hydrogels with high mechanical strength and biocompatibility are in great demand because of their potential applications in numerous fields. In this study, a material system comprising Pluronic F‐127 dimethacrylate (FDMA) is developed to function as a direct ink writing (DIW) hydrogel for 3D printing. FDMA is a triblock copolymer that transforms into micelles at elevated temperatures. The transformation increases the viscosity of FDMA and preserves its structure during DIW 3D printing, whereupon the printed structure is solidified through photopolymerization. Because of this viscosity shift, various functionalities can be incorporated through the addition of other materials in the solution state. Acrylic acid is incorporated into the pregel solution to enhance the mechanical strength, because the carboxylate group of poly(acrylic acid) ionically crosslinks with Fe3+, increasing the toughness of the DIW hydrogel 37 times to 2.46 MJ m−3. Tough conductive hydrogels are also 3D printed by homogenizing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate into the pregel solution. Furthermore, the FDMA platform developed herein uses DIW, which facilitates multicartridges 3D printing, and because all the materials included are biocompatible, the platform may be used to fabricate complex structures for biological applications.
Improved laser measurement using advanced techniques: A review
Authors: Liu Tiegen , Fu Yu , Wang Shuang , Jiang Junfeng , Sang Mei , Wu Zhiyang
Published: October 2021

Laser measurement technique has been widely explored and applied in various fields in recent years due to its advantages of high measurement precision and resolution. However, applications in frontier fields such as MEMS motion measurement and robotics control pose have requirement for higher precision and resolution, which promote further studies in improving the performance of this technique. Many advanced techniques have been proposed and applied in the laser measurement system to optimize its performance, and the optimized measurement system has found its way in state‐of‐the‐art applications. In this invited paper, we focus on the latest investigations and new applications of the improved laser measurement methods, especially present recent research works regarding the laser triangulation measurement and the laser heterodyne vibration measurement. At the end, we have discussed further developments and challenges of laser measurement technique.
RETRACTED: Utility of phrenic nerve conduction studies for identification of patients with neuromuscular diseases requiring invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Narukawa Shinya , Ishizuka Keita , Sugimoto Kohei , Nomura Kyoichi
Published: October 2021

Introduction/Aims

Predicting when a patient will require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a major challenge in routine care for some neuromuscular diseases. In this study, we prospectively investigated whether phrenic nerve conduction studies (PNCS) can predict when IMV will be required in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and myotonic dystrophy (DM).

Methods

PNCS amplitude (avAMP) and latency (avLAT) were compared between patients who required IMV (IMV group) and those who did not (non‐IMV group). PNCS were performed in 62 healthy controls and in patients with four different diseases that may require IMV: ALS (n = 56), GBS (n = 72), CIDP (n = 38), and DM (n = 24).

Results

The IMV group consisted of 12 patients with ALS, 14 with GBS, 2 with CIDP, and 4 with DM. avAMP was significantly lower in the IMV group with ALS than in the non‐IMV group (P < .05), but no significant difference was observed in avLAT. avAMP was significantly lower and avLAT was significantly longer in the IMV group with GBS than in the non‐IMV group (both P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the avAMP cutoff between the IMV and non‐IMV groups was 184.3 μV (area under the curve = 0.921; sensitivity, 84.6%; specificity, 88.2%) for ALS and GBS.

Discussion

PNCSs may aid in determining whether a patient with ALS or GBS requires IMV.
Ultrasound‐Triggered Delivery of Iproplatin from Microbubble‐Conjugated Liposomes
Authors: Browning Richard , Thomas Nia , Marsh Laura K. , Tear Louise R. , Owen Joshua , Stride Eleanor , Farrer Nicola J.
Published: October 2021

The PtIV prodrug iproplatin has been actively loaded into liposomes using a calcium acetate gradient, achieving a 3‐fold enhancement in drug concentration compared to passive loading strategies. A strain‐promoted cycloaddition reaction (azide‐ dibenzocyclooctyne) was used to attach iproplatin‐loaded liposomes L(Pt) to gas‐filled microbubbles (M), forming an ultrasound‐responsive drug delivery vehicle [M−L(Pt)]. Ultrasound‐triggered release of iproplatin from the microbubble‐liposome construct was evaluated in cellulo. Breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells treated with both free iproplatin and iproplatin‐loaded liposome−microbubbles [M−L(Pt)] demonstrated an increase in platinum concentration when exposed to ultrasound. No appreciable platinum uptake was observed in MCF‐7 cells following treatment with L(Pt) only or L(Pt)+ultrasound, suggesting that microbubble‐mediated ultrasonic release of platinum‐based drugs from liposomal carriers enables greater control over drug delivery.
Sound insulation of a novel laminated polymer matrix composite containing metallic hollow spheres based on phononic crystal structure design
Authors: Yu Tianmiao , Jiang Fengchun , Cao Mengxin , Wang Chunhe , Qin Ruonan , Guo Chunhuan
Published: October 2021

As a noval functional material designed and prepared artificially, one‐dimensional phononic crystal has a great prospect in the field of noise reduction. In this study, a novel one‐dimensional phononic crystal metamaterial based on the metallic hollow spheres (MHS)/polymer matrix laminated composites was designed and prepared. The result of impedance tube test shows that the laminated composite has excellent sound insulation performance. The incident direction of sound waves has little effect on the sound insulation performance of the laminated composites. The average sound insulation of MHSP/SR‐LC (MHSP side) was 44.4% higher than that of SR and 272.0% higher than that of PU. After analysis, it can be found that the average sound insulation of laminated composites increases with the acoustic impedance increasing, but the equivalent mass density and equivalent bulk modulus have little effect on it. The metallic hollow spheres can increase the sound energy loss by extending the transmission path of sound waves, andit can also improve the sound insulation by changing the density, elastic, and hardness of SR and PU matrix to increase the resonance strength of the spring‐mass oscillator. This work may open up new possibilities for the development of novel acoustic materials applied in noise control.
Characteristics and outcomes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia after pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplant
Authors: Hillier Kirsty , Harris Emily M. , Berbert Laura , Pai Sung‐Yun , Grace Rachael F.
Published: October 2021

Background

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a rare but complex and serious complication. Detailed descriptions of cases and management strategies are needed due to lack of prospective trials.

Objectives

Describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, and management of AIHA after HSCT in a pediatric cohort.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 33 pediatric patients with AIHA after HSCT at an academic tertiary care center from 2003 to 2019.

Results

The overall incidence of AIHA after allogeneic HSCT was 3.8% (33/868). AIHA was significantly more common after transplant for nonmalignant versus malignant diagnoses (7.0% [26/370] vs. 1.4% [7/498], p < .0001). AIHA developed at a median of 4.7 months (range 1.0–29.7) after transplant. Sixteen of 33 patients (48.5%) required new AIHA‐directed pharmacologic therapy; 17 (51.5%) were managed on their current immunosuppression and supportive care. Patients managed without additional therapy were significantly older, more likely to have a malignant diagnosis, and tended to develop AIHA at an earlier time point after transplant. Patients received a median of two red blood cell transfusions within the first 2 weeks of diagnosis and a median of one AIHA‐directed medication (range one to four), most commonly corticosteroids and rituximab.

Conclusions

AIHA after HSCT is rare but occurs more commonly in patients transplanted for nonmalignant diagnoses. While some pediatric patients who develop AIHA after transplant can be managed on current immunosuppression and supportive care, many require AIHA‐directed therapy including second‐line medications.
Breaking the challenge of polyherbal quality control using UV and HPLC fingerprints combined with multivariate analysis
Authors: Roshan Abdulrahman A. , Hathout Rania M. , El‐Ahmady Sherweit H. , Singab Abdelnasser B. , Gad Haidy A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Traditional herbal medicines are mostly composed of more than one herb which act synergistically; hence, there is high demand for proper quality control methods to ensure the consistent quality of polyherbal formulations.

Aims

Proposing a simple, reliable, and efficient method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of a polyherbal product using multivariate analysis of ultraviolet–visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy or HPLC‐PDA data.

Methodology

An antiobesity formula consisting of equal proportions of Trachyspermum ammi, Cuminum cyminum, and Origanum majorana was prepared as well as spiked with one of each herb simultaneously, representing accepted and unaccepted samples. Full factorial design (2k) was applied to study the effect of temperature, sonication, and stirring time for extraction optimisation. The HPLC and UV spectral fingerprints were separately subjected to multivariate analysis. The soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA) and partial least squares (PLS) models were developed to segregate the accepted from the unaccepted samples and to predict the herbal composition in addition to the thymol content in each sample.

Results

The SIMCAuv and SIMCAhplc models showed correct discrimination between the accepted and unaccepted samples with excellent selectivity and sensitivity. The PLSuv, PLShplc, and PLSthym models showed excellent linearity and accuracy with R2 > 0.98, slope close to 1, intercept close to 0, low root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) (close to 0). On validation, the PLS models correctly predicted the quantity of the three herbs and thymol content with ±5% accuracy.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the reliability and efficiency of HPLC and UV spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) for ensuring the consistency of polyherbal preparations.
Promoting readiness and engagement in pain rehabilitation for youth and families: Developing a pediatric telehealth motivational interviewing protocol
Authors: Smith Allison M. , Logan Deirdre E.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) is a promising approach for youth with complex, disabling, refractory pain conditions. However, youth and families who initiate IIPT without sufficient acceptance of its focus on functional rehabilitation or readiness to adopt a self‐management approach to their pain may face challenges in IIPT and/or experience suboptimal outcomes. Motivational interviewing (MI) techniques have been shown to enhance readiness to make a number of health behavior changes for adults and youth, but it has not been systematically examined in the context of pediatric IIPT. The authors developed an MI telehealth intervention protocol explicitly designed to prepare youth and families for admission to IIPT.

Method

The protocol development process is detailed here, including influential models, expert consultation, and feedback from IIPT clinical experts. The intervention protocol was then piloted with a group of eligible families to elicit feedback and prompt further refining. Feasibility and acceptability were explored through measures of treatment engagement and satisfaction.

Results

The Promoting Readiness and Engagement in Pain Rehabilitation (PREPaRe) intervention protocol contains four modules aimed to enhance youth and parent readiness to adopt a self‐management approach to persistent pain, through a motivational interviewing approach. Initial responses from the test group suggested high levels of treatment engagement and treatment satisfaction with PREPaRe.

Conclusions

PREPaRe appears feasible to administer and acceptable to families of youth with persistent pain seeking IIPT. Implications for implementation are discussed. Further study via randomized control trial is warranted.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04093921.
A transport of Jeffrey model viscoelastic fluid by complex peristalsis motion of nonuniform curved channel's walls under resistance of magnetic field
Authors: Javid Khurram , Al‐Khaled Kamel , Hassan Mohsan , Khan Salah Ud‐Din , Haleema  , Ahmad Ashfaq , Khan Shaukat
Published: October 2021

The main aim of the present investigation is that the viscoelastic fluids, such as blood, can easily be manipulated due to their magnetic features with an electromagnetic field. These peristaltic pumps are new inventions in bio‐engineering domains that provide more sustainable and sophisticated efficiencies as compared with unadventurous surgical pumps. Inspire by such uses, in the present study, a mathematical investigation into the peristaltic motion of viscoelastic fluid under the magnetic influence on a complex and curved nonuniform channel is considered. For the viscoelastic fluid, the Jeffrey model is used. The rheological equations are mathematically expressed in curvilinear coordinates and simplify by using the transformations. The transformed rheological equations are solved numerically by using the BVP4C method. The consequences of numerous flow feature such as axial velocity, pumping and trapping phenomena under the magnetic, radius of curvature, and viscoelastic parameters are calculated and displayed in graphical form for discussion. Additionally, an association with the curve and straight channels is deliberated with the help of graphs for both simple and complex peristaltic scenarios in MATLAB Software. The magnitude of pumping phenomena is enhanced by increasing magnetic parameter. The curved peristaltic pump has a larger magnitude of peristaltic pumping as compared with the straight peristaltic pump. The efficiency of complex pumps in the rheology of a viscoelastic fluid is much better than the simple peristaltic channel under both curvature and magnetic effects.
Heat transport in the flow of magnetized nanofluid over a stretchable surface with heat sources: A mathematical model with realistic conditions
Authors: Mackolil Joby , Mahanthesh B. , Muhammad Taseer
Published: October 2021

Analyzing the heat transport of nanofluids is of prime importance to various industrial and engineering sectors which involves modeling the physical phenomena via highly nonlinear partial differential equations. In this study, the flow and heat transport of a nanoliquid on a bi‐directionally elongating surface subject to two different heat modulations (linear temperature‐related heat source and space‐related exponential heat source) is investigated using the two‐component Buongiorno nanoliquid model. The dynamics of the nanoliquid are altered by an external magnetic field applied perpendicular to the sheet. The impact of Brownian motion, Lorentz forces, and thermophoresis are analyzed under the realistic passive control of the nanoparticles. A comparative analysis of the flow over the linear and nonlinear drawn surface is presented. Numeric solutions for the governing partial differential system are obtained through the finite difference method (FDM). Among two types of heat source modulations, the maximum heat transport is observed in the presence of the exponential space‐based heat source modulation. The flow and thermal fields are found to advance in the linear elongated surface flow than the nonlinear elongated flow. Furthermore, the random movement of the nanoparticles and the greater magnitude of the Lorentz force have a positive effect on the thermal enhancement in the nanoliquid system. The results of the study have applications in heating/cooling processes, nanoliquid‐dependent structures, and thermal systems with stretchable materials.
Laboratory/Pathology Services and Blood Bank
Authors: Fleming Kathryn M. , Klammer Matthias , Koh Mickey B. C.
Published: October 2021

Pathology and its laboratories are central in support of every facet of cancer care in a CCC center, from diagnosis, to patient support during treatment, research, therapeutic drug manufacture and development and bio-banking.

We have approached this discussion from the perspective of the timeline of a patient’s journey through cancer care. We begin with screening programs, high quality diagnostics and then maintaining quality supportive cancer care. Specialised services such as cellular therapies and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation with their unique requirements are considered and lastly we discuss the vital role of clinical trials and research in comprehensive cancer care with a focus on biobanks.

We also examine the role of the diagnostic laboratories and their clinical and scientific staff in shaping an integrated cancer diagnostic report, as an integral part of a cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) or “Tumour Board”. Increasingly, integration of a large amount of clinical data, laboratory results and interpretation of complex molecular and genomic datasets is required to underpin the role of CCC’s as centres of clinical excellence and to collaborate with partners in local, national and international research protocols.
Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity in the second order formalism
Authors: Moitra Upamanyu , Sake Sunil Kumar , Trivedi Sandip P.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We formulate the path integral for Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity in the second order formalism working directly with the metric and the dilaton. We consider the theory both in Anti-de Sitter(AdS) and de Sitter space(dS) and analyze the path integral for the disk topology and the “double trumpet” topology with two boundaries. We also consider its behavior in the presence of conformal matter. In the dS case the path integral evaluates the wavefunction of the universe which arises in the no-boundary proposal. In the asymptotic AdS or dS limit without matter we get agreement with the first order formalism. More generally, away from this limit, the path integral is more complicated due to the presence of modes from the gravity- dilaton sector and also matter sector with short wavelengths along the boundary that are smaller than the AdS or dS scales. In the double trumpet case, for both AdS and dS, we find that bosonic matter gives rise to a diverging contribution in the moduli space integral rendering the path integral ill-defined. The divergence occurs when the size of the wormhole neck vanishes and is related to the Casimir effect. For fermions this divergence can be avoided by imposing suitable boundary conditions. In this case, in dS space the resulting path integral gives a finite contribution for two disconnected universes to be produced by quantum tunneling.
B-hadron production in NNLO QCD: application to LHC t$$ \overline{t} $$ events with leptonic decays
Authors: Czakon Michał , Generet Terry , Mitov Alexander , Poncelet Rene
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We calculate, for the first time, the NNLO QCD corrections to identified heavy hadron production at hadron colliders. The calculation is based on a flexible numeric framework which allows the calculation of any distribution of a single identified heavy hadron plus jets and non-QCD particles. As a first application we provide NNLO QCD predictions for several differential distributions of B hadrons in t$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

events at the LHC. Among others, these predictions are needed for the precise determination of the top quark mass. The extension of our results to other processes, like open or associated B and charm production is straightforward. We also explore the prospects for extracting heavy flavor fragmentation functions from LHC data.