bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and properties of transparent powder filled soft poly(vinyl chloride) composite film with high transparency
Authors: Wang Ran , Xu Shiai
Published: October 2021

In this study, transparent powder (TP) with a refractive index similar to that of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was used as inorganic filler to prepare PVC composite film with high transparency. TP was modified with γ‐methylacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Zeta potential analysis. Then, KH570 modified TP was incorporated into PVC, and its effects on the mechanical, transparent, and thermal properties of soft PVC composite film were investigated by tensile test, transmittance measurement and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the optimum loading of modified TP is 7.5 phr (mass), at which the breaking strength (18.5 MPa) and elongation at break (669.5%) of the composite film are 60.9% and 54.0% higher than that of pure PVC film, respectively. The highest light transmittance is 85.6% at a filler loading of 5 phr. Thus, TP filled PVC composite film has excellent mechanical transparent properties and high transparency.
Bio‐based epoxy modified with nano‐SiO2 and organosilicon for controlled‐release urea
Authors: Chen Songling , Han Yanyu , Chen Chunyu , Liu Hongdou , Zou Hongtao
Published: October 2021

Nearly 100 million tons of spent mushroom substrates (SMS) are discarded annually in China, which causes a series of environmental pollutants. To improve the nitrogen (N) use efficiency of and to shift dependence away from petroleum‐based products, a novel bio‐based epoxy coated urea was successfully developed. The bio‐based epoxy coating was synthesized from the liquefied SMS and bisphenol‐A diglycidyl ether. Subsequently, both nano‐SiO2 and organosilicon were employed to modify the bio‐based epoxy and increase its hydrophobicity. Water absorption, ammonium adsorption, and water contact angles of the bio‐based epoxy coatings were investigated. The nutrient release behaviors of the bio‐based epoxy coated urea in water were also investigated and the modification mechanisms were explored by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results revealed that the hydrophobic ability of the nano‐SiO2 and organosilicon dual modified bio‐based epoxy coated urea coating was significantly enhanced and that its nutrient release longevity was increased to 56 days. Therefore, this work demonstrated that bio‐based epoxy coated urea with superior release characteristics exhibited great potential in modern agricultural applications.
Stick‐slip and convergence of feedback‐controlled systems with Coulomb friction
Authors: Ruderman Michael
Published: October 2021

An analysis of stick‐slip behavior and convergence of trajectories in the feedback‐controlled motion systems with discontinuous Coulomb friction is provided. A closed‐form parameter‐dependent stiction region, around an invariant equilibrium set, is proved to be always reachable and globally attractive. It is shown that only asymptotic convergence can be achieved, with at least one but mostly an infinite number of consecutive stick‐slip cycles, independent of the initial conditions. Theoretical developments are supported by a number of numerical results with dedicated convergence examples.
Stability considerations of a Schwarzschild black hole with an dependent mass‐function
Authors: Hess Peter Otto , López‐Moreno Enrique
Published: October 2021

The axial and polar modes for the ring down of a Schwarzschild black hole are calculated using an ‐dependent mass‐function and finally applying the asymptotic iteration method (AIM). We were able to reach up to 500 iterations, obtaining for the first time convergence for a wide range of large damping modes. The general relativity (GR) and an extended model with an ‐dependent mass‐function are compared. This mass‐function allows an analytical solution for the Tortoise coordinate. The example of the mass‐function corresponds to the leading correction for possible extended theories and serves as a starting point to treat other ‐dependent parameter mass‐functions.
Assessing global developmental delay across instruments in minimally verbal preschool autistic children: The importance of a multi‐method and multi‐informant approach
Authors: Girard Dominique , Courchesne Valérie , Degré‐Pelletier Janie , Letendre Camille , Soulières Isabelle
Published: October 2021

Intellectual assessment in preschool autistic children bears many challenges, particularly for those who have lower language and/or cognitive abilities. These challenges often result in underestimation of their potential or exclusion from research studies. Understanding how different instruments and definitions used to identify autistic preschool children with global developmental delay (GDD) affect sample composition is critical to advance research on this understudied clinical population. This study set out to examine the extent to which using different instruments to define GDD affects sample composition and whether different definitions affect resultant cognitive and adaptive profiles. Data from the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Second Edition, a parent‐report tool, were analyzed in a sample of 64 autistic and 73 neurotypical children (28–69 months). Our results highlight that cognitive assessment alone should not be used in clinical or research practices to infer a comorbid diagnosis of GDD, as it might lead to underestimating autistic children's potential. Instead, using both adaptive and cognitive levels as a stratification method to create subgroups of children with and without GDD might be a promising approach to adequately differentiate them, with less risk of underestimating them.
Urbaner Holzbau
Authors: Kühl Michael
Published: October 2021

Die verheerenden Stadtbrände im Mittelalter und der Siegeszug des Stahlbetons nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg haben dazu geführt, dass Holz als Baustoff in deutschen Großstädten quasi nicht vorhanden ist. Seit einigen Jahren nun erlebt der Baustoff durch die Änderung der Bauordnungen und die verstärkten Nachhaltigkeitsdebatten einen enormen Aufschwung. So auch in Berlin, wo mit dem Projekt „Walden 48“ eines der größten Holzgebäude der Hauptstadt entstanden ist. Das Wohngebäude ist eine Hybridkonstruktion mit Holz‐Betonverbunddecken, tragenden Brettsperrholzschotten und Stahlbetonkernen. Weitgespannte Decken, auskragende wandartige Träger aus Brettsperrholz, hoch belastete Stützen aus BauBuche in den Untergeschossen und hölzerne Fassaden mit hohen schalltechnischen Anforderungen zeigen eindrucksvoll die Leistungsfähigkeit des modernen Holzbaus im urbanen Kontext.
A combined MaxEnt and GIS‐based methodology to estimate cactus pear biomass distribution: application to an area of southern Italy
Authors: Leanza Paola Maria , Valenti Francesca , D'Urso Provvidenza Rita , Arcidiacono Claudia
Published: October 2021

The need to investigate suitable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels has increased interest in several renewable energy sources, especially in widely available sources of biomass. This has made environmental and socio‐economic improvements possible. In recent years, biogas from biomass has increasingly been considered the most feasible alternative to energy from fossil fuel, as it allows both the possibility to reduce waste disposal treatment and the opportunity to produce green energy. Opuntia ficus‐indica (OFI) has been suggested as a possible biomass as it could represent a suitable resource for producing biomethane as a new frontier within the context of a circular economy. This study aims to define a methodology for evaluating the distribution of OFI biomass that is potentially available for biogas production by applying maximum entropy modeling in a case study of a province located in southern Italy. The geographic information system (GIS)‐based model that was developed made it possible to estimate the suitability of the species in the territory and to define specific indices at the municipal level by enabling the localization of the highest productive territorial areas. Municipalities were grouped into three different classes ranging from low to high potential ones. In future years, new municipalities could be part of the high‐potential group, due to global warming resulting from climate change. The results could be relevant to the intervention priorities established by the European Union related to the planning activities supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds within the Smart Specialization Strategy. In this regard, knowledge of the potential production and distribution of a species in a territory is highly valuable information for the quantification of the biomass potentially available for biogas production, prior to strategic planning for the improvement of the biogas sector. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
From celiac disease to coccidia infection and vice‐versa: The polyQ peptide CXCR3‐interaction axis
Authors: Lauxmann Martin A. , Vazquez Diego S. , Schilbert Hanna M. , Neubauer Pia R. , Lammers Karen M. , Dodero Veronica I.
Published: October 2021

Zonulin is a physiological modulator of intercellular tight junctions, which upregulation is involved in several diseases like celiac disease (CeD). The polyQ gliadin fragment binds to the CXCR3 chemokine receptor that activates zonulin upregulation, leading to increased intestinal permeability in humans. Here, we report a general hypothesis based on the structural connection between the polyQ sequence of the immunogenic CeD protein, gliadin, and enteric coccidian parasites proteins. Firstly, a novel interaction pathway between the parasites and the host is described based on the structural similarities between polyQ gliadin fragments and the parasite proteins. Secondly, a potential connection between coccidial infections as a novel environmental trigger of CeD is hypothesized. Therefore, this report represents a promising breakthrough for coccidian research and points out the potential role of coccidian parasites as a novel trigger of CeD that might define a preventive strategy for gluten‐related disorders in general. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/oMaQasStcFI
The environmental performance of UK‐based B Corp companies: An analysis based on the triple bottom line approach
Authors: Liute Adriana , De Giacomo Maria Rosa
Published: October 2021

The B Corp certification recognizes high social and environmental performance in business. This performance is measured in five pillars—Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers—but with no minimum threshold per pillar. This allows companies to choose those impact areas where they want to perform well. This study, based on the triple bottom line theory, analyses the environmental performance of 68 UK‐based B Corps from two environmentally sensitive sectors: manufacturing and wholesale/retail. We use an inductive approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to find out whether this trade‐off‐permitting approach leads to high environmental performance in companies and whether the certification successfully prevents greenwashing. Our results show firstly that companies in the two sectors tend to perform better socially than environmentally; secondly, that prioritizing one social impact area generally leads to below‐average environmental performances compared to certified peers; and thirdly, that to rule out greenwashing, B Corp should ensure certified companies display high levels of environmental performance and that they align their “green” claims to their performance.
Case report: The physiology of a preventable tragedy –Near death in a hot tub
Authors: Becker Bruce E.
Published: October 2021

Hyperthermia in children is a known risk within enclosed vehicles. Exposure to an overheated hot tub poses a real risk in children due to unique pediatric physiology. Medical and aquatic professionals should understand the risk and mitigation strategies.
Ectopic right coronary artery arising from the left sinus of Valsalva: A rare variant
Authors: Badri Mohamed , Qassem Nora , Mohammed Awadalkareem M. A. , Eljack Moh.Mah.Fadel Allah , Mohamed Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien , Elmahi Osman Kamal Osman , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: October 2021

An ectopic coronary artery is observed in 0.05–0.1% of angiographic series, may be of tangential origin or proximal endocardial pathway, may result in a slit hole that interferes with flow, and is associated with sudden death.
Strong Ligand Stabilization Based on π‐Extension in a Series of Ruthenium Terpyridine Water Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Amthor Sebastian , Hernández‐Castillo David , Maryasin Boris , Seeber Phillip , Mengele Alexander K. , Gräfe Stefanie , González Leticia , Rau Sven
Published: October 2021

The substitution behavior of the monodentate Cl ligand of a series of ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes (terpyridine (tpy)=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) has been investigated. 1H NMR kinetic experiments of the dissociation of the chloro ligand in D2O for the complexes [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl]Cl (1, bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine) and [Ru(tpy)(dppz)Cl]Cl (2, dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine) as well as the binuclear complex [Ru(bpy)2(tpphz)Ru(tpy)Cl]Cl3 (3 b, tpphz=tetrapyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c:3′′,2′′‐h:2′′′,3′′′‐j]phenazine) were conducted, showing increased stability of the chloride ligand for compounds 2 and 3 due to the extended π‐system. Compounds 1–5 (4=[Ru(tbbpy)2(tpphz)Ru(tpy)Cl](PF6)3, 5=[Ru(bpy)2(tpphz)Ru(tpy)(C3H8OS)/(H2O)](PF6)3, tbbpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) are tested for their ability to run water oxidation catalysis (WOC) using cerium(IV) as sacrificial oxidant. The WOC experiments suggest that the stability of monodentate (chloride) ligand strongly correlates to catalytic performance, which follows the trend 1>2>5≥3>4. This is also substantiated by quantum chemical calculations, which indicate a stronger binding for the chloride ligand based on the extended π‐systems in compounds 2 and 3. Additionally, a theoretical model of the mechanism of the oxygen evolution of compounds 1 and 2 is presented; this suggests no differences in the elementary steps of the catalytic cycle within the bpy to the dppz complex, thus suggesting that differences in the catalytic performance are indeed based on ligand stability. Due to the presence of a photosensitizer and a catalytic unit, binuclear complexes 3 and 4 were tested for photocatalytic water oxidation. The bridging ligand architecture, however, inhibits the effective electron‐transfer cascade that would allow photocatalysis to run efficiently. The findings of this study can elucidate critical factors in catalyst design.
Regioselective Magnesiation and Zincation Reactions of Aromatics and Heterocycles Triggered by Lewis Acids
Authors: Kremsmair Alexander , Hess Andreas , Heinz Benjamin , Knochel Paul
Published: October 2021

Mixed TMP‐bases (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidyl), such as TMPMgCl ⋅ LiCl, TMP2Mg ⋅ 2LiCl, TMPZnCl ⋅ LiCl and TMP2Zn ⋅ 2LiCl, are outstanding reagents for the metalation of functionalized aromatics and heterocycles. In the presence of Lewis acids, such as BF3 ⋅ OEt2 or MgCl2, the metalation scope of such bases was dramatically increased, and regioselectivity switches were achieved in the presence or absence of these Lewis acids. Furthermore, highly reactive lithium bases, such as TMPLi or Cy2NLi, are also compatible with various Lewis acids, such as MgCl2 ⋅ 2LiCl, ZnCl2 ⋅ 2LiCl or CuCN ⋅ 2LiCl. Performing such metalations in continuous flow using commercial setups permitted practical and convenient reaction conditions.
Efficient Decarboxylative/Defluorinative Alkylation for the Synthesis of gem‐Difluoroalkenes through an SN2’‐Type Route
Authors: Xing Wei‐Long , Wang Jia‐Xin , Fu Ming‐Chen , Fu Yao
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

An efficient decarboxylative/defluorinative alkylation for synthesizing gem‐difluoroalkenes is described, providing a general method for installation of the challenging alkyl fragments containing α‐electron‐withdrawing groups into α‐trifluoromethyl alkenes. Mechanistic studies suggest that this process involves an SN2′‐type synthetic route in the absence of transition‐metal catalysts or photocatalysis. Moreover, this protocol can easily be scaled up, and successfully applied to the modification of biologically active molecules, thus complementing methodologies that give access to structurally versatile gem‐difluoroalkenes.
PROTOCOL: The relationship between homework time and academic performance among K‐12 students: A systematic review
Authors: Guo Liping , Li Jieyun , Xu Zheng , Hu Xiaoling , Liu Chunyan , Xing Xin , Li Xiuxia , White Howard , Yang Kehu
Published: October 2021

This review will synthesize the results from publications focused on homework time and academic performance, and estimate the relationship between the two. Our objectives are: (1) To identify the extent of the relationship between homework time and students' academic performance; (2) To analyze the differences in the effectiveness of homework time across genders, grades, subject and regions; and (3) To identify the potential factors that affect homework time, such as academic subject, task difficulty, type of homework, mode of homework, parental involvement, and feedback on homework.
Chronic comorbid conditions among adult cancer survivors in the United States: Results from the National Health Interview Survey, 2002‐2018
Authors: Jiang Changchuan , Deng Lei , Karr Matthew A. , Wen Yumeng , Wang Qian , Perimbeti Stuthi , Shapiro Charles L. , Han Xuesong
Published: October 2021

Background

Cancer survivors develop other chronic medical conditions because of shared risk factors and delayed effects of cancer treatment. This study investigated trends in the prevalence of chronic diseases and estimated their population sizes among adult cancer survivors in the United States from 2002 to 2018.

Methods

Using 2002‐2018 National Health Interview Survey data, this study calculated the age‐sex‐race/ethnicity–adjusted prevalences and estimated the population sizes for the following chronic conditions among cancer survivors: hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/asthma, hepatitis, arthritis, liver disease, kidney disease, and morbid obesity. This study also examined multiple chronic conditions (MCC; 3 or more health conditions). MCC trends were further examined by sociodemographic factors to identify high‐risk populations. Parallel analyses were performed for participants without a cancer history to provide a reference.

Results

Among 30,728 cancers survivors, increasing trends were observed in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and morbid obesity, whereas decreasing prevalence trends were observed for ischemic heart disease, COPD, and hepatitis. Cancer survivors with MCC increased from 4.7 million in 2002 to 8.1 million in 2018 (the prevalence increased from 43.7% to 46.6%). The increase was more pronounced among survivors aged 18 to 44 years. Among adults without a cancer history, the MCC prevalence also increased, although more slowly than among survivors.

Conclusions

The number of adult cancer survivors in the United States with comorbid illnesses has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. Optimal management of comorbid conditions and aggressive interventions for risk reduction may benefit the cancer survivor population.
A new reliability‐based task scheduling algorithm in cloud computing
Authors: Amini Motlagh Aida , Movaghar Ali , Rahmani Amir Masoud
Published: October 2021

In the last decade, the scale of heterogeneous computing (HC) systems such as heterogeneous cloud computing environments was growing like never before. So network failures are unavoidable in such systems, which affect system reliability. Since the task scheduling algorithm in HC is challenging, we investigate a new reliability‐aware task scheduling algorithm (RATSA) in this paper. RATSA is designed to schedule tasks on directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) by using the shuffled frog‐leaping algorithm (SFLA) and genetic algorithm (GA) as evolutionary algorithms. The population‐based SFLA‐GA is applied to optimize makespan in the RATSA as an NP‐complete problem. Moreover, the proposed algorithm exploits a new heuristic‐based earliest finish time technique for task mapping to virtual machines (VMs) section to decrease the failure rate. Experimental results on random DAGs indicate that RATSA improves some current algorithms in terms of reliability and has acceptable performance in makespan. The results reveal that the RATSA decreases the overall failure rate by 43% compared to some current task scheduling algorithms.
HepG2 as promising cell‐based model for biosynthesis of long‐term metabolites: Exemplified for metandienone
Authors: Zschiesche Annette , Chundela Zdenek , Thieme Detlef , Keiler Annekathrin M.
Published: October 2021

In order to detect the abuse of substances in sports, the knowledge of their metabolism is of undisputable importance. As in vivo administration of compounds faces ethical problems and might even not be applicable for nonapproved compounds, cell‐based models might be a versatile tool for biotransformation studies. We coincubated HepG2 cells with metandienone and D3‐epitestosterone for 14 days. Phase I and II metabolites were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–tandem mass spectrometry and confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The metandienone metabolites formed by HepG2 cells were comparable with those renally excreted by humans. HepG2 cells also generated the two long‐term metabolites 17β‐hydroxymethyl‐17α‐methyl‐18‐nor‐androst‐1,4,13‐trien‐3‐one and 17α‐hydroxymethyl‐17β‐methyl‐18‐nor‐androst‐1,4,13‐trien‐3‐one used in doping analyses, though in an inverse ratio compared with that observed in human urine. In conclusion, we showed that HepG2 cells are suitable as model for the investigation of biotransformation of androgens, especially for the anabolic androgenic steroid metandienone. They further proved to cover phase I and II metabolic pathways, which combined with a prolonged incubation time with metandienone resulted in the generation of its respective long‐term metabolites known from in vivo metabolism. Moreover, we showed the usability of D3‐epitestosterone as internal standard for the incubation. The method used herein appears to be suitable and advantageous compared with other models for the investigation of doping‐relevant compounds, probably enabling the discovery of candidate metabolites for doping analyses.
Serum Albumin Antifouling Effects of Hydroxypropyl‐Cellulose and Pluronic F127 Adsorbed on Isobutyramide‐Grafted Stellate Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Bizeau Joëlle , Adam Alexandre , Bégin‐Colin Sylvie , Mertz Damien
Published: October 2021

Limiting the serum protein fouling is a major challenge in the design of nanoparticles (NPs) for nanomedicine applications. Suitable chemical surface modification strategies allow to limit the interactions with adsorbing proteins. In this communication, we address the potential of isobutyramide (IBAM) groups grafted on stellate silica nanoparticles (STMS) for the immobilization of two biocompatible polymers renown for biomedical and low fouling applications: Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and Pluronic F127 (PF127). We report that both polymers can be loaded on STMS@IBAM NPs surface with a maximum loading content close to 10 wt %. Regarding their antifouling properties, we report that the coatings of such HPC or PF127 polymers allow to reduce significantly the human serum albumin (HSA) adsorption in average by 70 % as compared to the surface of the free polymer STMS@IBAM. These results highlight the antifouling potential of these polymer pre‐treatments on IBAM‐modified STMS NPs surface.
A Label‐free Electrochemiluminescence Sensing for Detection of Dopamine Based on TiO2 Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Fan Xuemei , Sun Nan , Wang Shumin , Xu Min , Zuo Cheng , Xu Xiaojuan , Li Zhejian , Sun Qiangqiang , Wang Yimeng , Liu Ping , Fan Xinhui
Published: October 2021

TiO2 electrospun nanofibers (TiO2 ENNFs) were synthesized with titanium tetraisopropoxide as precursor by an electrospinning process and characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, FT−IR, UV and FL. For the excellent properties of film formation, Nafion/TiO2 ENNFs modified electrode was constructed, which exhibited an excellent electrochemiluminescence (ECL) performance and stability while K2S2O8 as co‐reactant. In the presence of dopamine (DA), the ECL signal quenched, which was due to that DA easily can be oxidized by holes generated by S2O82− in electrode surface, thereby inhibiting the formation of TiO2*. Based on this, a new ECL method was proposed for DA detection with a linear range from 0.033 μM to 6.7 μM. The detection limit was 0.017 μM and it was applied in the detection of DA in dopamine hydrochloride injection with satisfactory results.
Chemical Functionalization of 2D Black Phosphorus toward Its Applications in Energy Devices and Catalysis: A Review
Authors: Kuchkaev Aidar M. , Lavate Sneha , Kuchkaev Airat M. , Sukhov Aleksandr V. , Srivastava Rohit , Yakhvarov Dmitry G.
Published: October 2021

Due to its unique in‐plane anisotropic structure, high carrier mobility, and adjustable direct bandgap, 2D black phosphorus (BP) has emerged as an important graphene‐like material for various micro‐ and optoelectronic, energy, catalytic, and biomedical applications. However, its lack of environmental stability severely limits its processing in ambient conditions. Chemical functionalization is an effective method for increasing the ambient stability of the material. Herein, the main approaches for chemical functionalization of 2D BP with various organic and inorganic substrates, as well as the routes for the preparation of 0D/2D and 2D/2D heterostructures, are discussed. Furthermore, the recent advances of 2D BP‐based materials in energy and catalysis fields are summarized. Finally, the challenges and future prospects for the preparation and functionalization of 2D BP are also highlighted.
How much energy is stored in SARS‐CoV‐2 and its structural elements?
Authors: Şimşek Bartu , Özilgen Mustafa , Utku Feride Şermin
Published: October 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the virus causing the COVID‐19 disease. Data regarding the morphological properties of this virus are collected from the literature and then the energy stored in each structural element is calculated with Domalski and Hearing's group contribution method. Viruses, including the Corona viruses, derive all of their energy from the host cell and carry out all of their activities with this energy. SARS‐CoV‐2 construct a vehicle needed for the delivery of its mRNA to other hosts to inflict them with the disease. Upon transfer of the viral RNA to the new host, the remaining parts of the viral structure are discarded. Structural and molecular assessments showed that the chemical formula of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is C7,336,852H12,384,463N1,247,424O1,915,357P100,231S25,084 and its enthalpy of formation is −8.70 × 10−16 kJ. Comparison of SARS‐CoV‐2 with the other viruses shows that its elemental composition does not like any of the others. The results of this study are expected to improve our knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of this virus.
Co‐creating developmental science
Authors: Whitmore Lucy B. , Mills Kathryn L.
Published: October 2021

Co‐creating science with members of the researched population improves the science being conducted. Here, we argue that developmental science would particularly benefit from incorporating co‐creation into the scientific process given the unique strength of including the perspectives of young people with lived experiences in scientific research. We propose that developmental scientists approach co‐created research similarly to other open science practices and provide considerations for working with young people and community organizations in co‐created developmental science projects.
Accuracy of different triage strategies for human papillomavirus positivity in an Italian screening population
Authors: Gustinucci Daniela , Benevolo Maria , Cesarini Elena , Mancuso Pamela , Passamonti Basilio , Giaimo Maria Donata , Corvetti Rosa , Nofrini Valeria , Bulletti Simonetta , Malaspina Morena , Tintori Beatrice , Giorgi Rossi Paolo ,   the Umbria HPV Screening Working Group
Published: October 2021

How to manage human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive women in cervical cancer screening remains debated. Our study compared different strategies to triage HPV positivity in a large cohort of women participating in a population HPV‐based screening program. Women were tested for HPV (Cobas 4800; Roche), and those positive were triaged with cytology; cytology‐positives were referred to colposcopy, while negatives were referred to 1‐year HPV retesting. All HPV‐positive women were also evaluated with p16/ki67 dual staining (Roche). All lesions found within 24 months of follow‐up were included in the analyses. Of the 70 146 women tested, 4757 (6.8%) were HPV‐positive. Of these, 1090 were cytology‐positive and were referred to colposcopy. Of the 2958 HPV‐positive/cytology‐negative women who presented at 1‐year retesting, 1752 (59.9%) still tested positive. Cumulatively, 532 CIN2+ (including 294 CIN3+) were found. The sensitivity of cytology, HPV16/18 and p16/ki67 as triage test for CIN3+ was 67.9%, 56.0% and 85.0%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) for immediate colposcopy referral was 21.0%, 15.8% and 22.9%, respectively. Combining cytology with typing increased sensitivity to 83.9% and lowered PPV to 14.8%, while combining p16/ki67 and typing increased sensitivity to 91.1%, lowering the PPV to 15.9%. Women negative to p16/ki67 triage presented a cumulative 1‐year CIN3+ risk of about 1%. In conclusion, when triaging HPV positivity, p16/ki67 performed better than cytology with or without HPV16/18 genotyping. The strategies that included dual staining achieved sensitivity and low 1‐year risk for CIN3+ sufficiently high enough to permit considering extending the surveillance interval to 2 to 3 years for HPV‐positive/triage‐negative women.
Not so conservative: Suppression effects between social and economic ideology on moral foundations and moral absolutism
Authors: Avendaño Diego , Duarte Andrés , Pallares Anderson
Published: October 2021

Recent research outcomes suggest that social and economic conservatism show divergent associations with external criteria. In this article, we present a quantitative study with 534 Colombian participants. We found that, although positively correlated, these two dimensions of conservative ideology also exhibit suppression effects and differentiated psychological profiles regarding moral foundations and moral absolutism. Specifically, controlling for economic conservatism increased the positive association between social conservatism and the binding moral foundations and moral absolutism, while controlling for social conservatism changed the signs of the initial positive associations between economic conservatism and these variables. Our results suggest the need to use independent measures for each dimension of ideology and test for suppression when evaluating their respective interaction with other psychological constructs.
Label‐free detection of living cervical cells based on microfluidic device with terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Xiaoyue , Li Mei , Peng Qi , Huang Jian , Liu Lifen , Li Ping , Shu Chenggan , Hu Xing , Fang Jie , Ye Fei , Zhu Weipei
Published: October 2021

Early diagnosis of cervical cancer is essential for a good prognosis. Terahertz wave detection technology is a nondestructive and label‐free physical detection technology, which can detect and monitor the cancer cells in real time, especially for patients with deep or inaccessible tumors. In this study, a single‐cell‐layer microfluidic device was developed. After replacing the optical clearing agent, the characteristics of H8, HeLa and SiHa cell lines in adherent and suspended states were detected. Additionally, the absorption increased with increasing cell density. For the mixed suspension cell samples, principal component analysis–support vector machine method was used to identify benign and malignant cell component. After living cells formaldehyde, changes in cell membrane permeability were evaluated to identify the cell survival status (i.e., dead or living) based on terahertz spectroscopy amplitude differences. Therefore, extending the terahertz spectrum detection to the molecular level can characterize the life essence of cells and tissues.
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐Adolescent‐Restructured Form (MMPI‐A‐RF) characteristics of ADHD in a Korean psychiatric sample
Authors: Chakranarayan Cheryl , Weed Nathan C. , Han Kyunghee , Skeel Reid L. , Moon Kyungjoo , Kim Ji‐Hae
Published: October 2021

Global rates of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have risen. In Korea, ADHD is associated with functional impairments and comorbidity with other psychological disorders. This study examined the correlates of ADHD in a psychiatric sample of Korean adolescents on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐Adolescent‐Restructured Form (MMPI‐A‐RF). In a clinical sample of 247 adolescents, MMPI‐A‐RF scores from 46 patients diagnosed with ADHD were compared to the remainder of the clinical sample and to the Korean MMPI‐A‐RF norms. Results demonstrated significantly different scores for the ADHD group on scales indicating externalizing concerns and behavior dysfunction compared with the clinical group with other disorders and to a normative sample. Notable differences were also observed between clinical groups on scales reflecting interpersonal functioning. Relative risk ratio analyses demonstrated that an MMPI‐A‐RF T‐score of 55 was generally most effective for predicting risk for an ADHD diagnosis in the clinical sample.
Lignocellulosic residue valorization in a sequential process of solid‐state fermentation and solid substrate anaerobic digestion
Authors: Caroca Eric , Elorrieta Mariela , Palma Carolyn , Navia Daniel , Lebrero Raquel , Carvajal Andrea
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Lignocellulosic residue valorization is a relevant topic because the study of residue and waste recycling is essential for circular economy development. This area is focused on treatment development for value‐added compound production. This work presents a sequential process of solid‐state fermentation (SSF) by white‐rot fungi (WRF) followed by solid substrate anaerobic digestion (SSAD) with the objective of producing bioenergy and other ancillary product. The agricultural residue from common bean pod (Phaseolus vulgaris) has never been studied for the purpose of a biorefinery concept. In addition, the intermediate stage for enzyme recovery was evaluated, comparing two extractants on their enzyme stability and effectiveness effect and the subsequence SSAD process effect.

RESULTS

Trametes versicolor produced the highest enzymatic activity of laccase, reaching 1588 U L−1 at 12 days of SSF. Under this condition, both extractants showed excellent enzymatic stability at 17 °C, but only the enzymes recovered with phosphate buffer were capable of the micropollutant degradation. SSF caused an increase in biodegradability of the lignocellulosic residue, providing an increase in biogas yield between 0% and 75.5%; however, high volatile solids consumption during fungal growth decreased the amount of biogas per volatile solid mass before treatment.

CONCLUSION

Common bean pods were successfully valorized through the sequential process by SSF of the WRF T. versicolor and SSAD, producing enzymes as a value‐added product and biogas from the remaining solids. The enzymes produced were stable and effective for micropollutant degradation when they were recovered with phosphate buffer. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Experiences of United States genetic counseling supervisors regarding race/ethnicity in supervision: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Dewey Cheyenne , McCarthy Veach Patricia , LeRoy Bonnie , Redlinger‐Grosse Krista
Published: October 2021

While addressing culture in supervision is important, research suggests genetic counseling supervisors are unsure how to discuss it within the supervisory relationship. This study explored the perceptions of genetic counselor supervisors from the United States regarding how their supervisors approached racial/ethnic differences in their supervisory relationships when they were students, effects on those relationships, and subsequent influences on their supervision practices. Nine genetic counselors who self‐identified as White/Caucasian, and nine who self‐identified as racial/ethnic backgrounds other than White/Caucasian, were purposively recruited to participate in semi‐structured phone interviews. Questions explored participant perceptions of how their supervisors approached racial/ethnic differences in supervision, effects on those supervisory relationships, and influences of their experiences as students on their current supervision practice. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes, with most participants agreeing that (1) recognition of race/ethnicity in supervision was limited as a student and in their current supervision practices; (2) supervisors vary in their comfort discussing race/ethnicity; (3) prior student supervision experiences of racial/ethnic differences have limited effects on current supervision practice; and (4) supervisors desire more training in how to approach conversations around race/ethnicity. Further professional discussions about the role of race/ethnicity in the supervisory relationship and training in addressing the cultural context in supervision are needed.
Characterizing winter season severity in the Midwest United States, part II: Interannual variability
Authors: Budikova Dagmar , Ford Trent W. , Wright Jefferson D.
Published: October 2021

The Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) describes the “harshness” of the cold season. This work utilizes AWSSI to explore the interannual teleconnective influences that shaped winter severity between 1951 and 2020 across the Midwest U.S. Annual AWSSI total variability clusters into four distinct geographic areas, each shaped by different teleconnective influences. The regions are closely delineated by the main river basins and include the Ohio (Region 1), upper Mississippi and Missouri (Region 2), central Mississippi and southern Missouri (Region 3), and the Great Lakes (Region 4). Of outmost influence in shaping severe winters across the Midwest have been synoptic flow modifications associated with significant meandering and southern displacement of the Polar jet over the conterminous United States and/or the Midwest that depress near‐surface air temperatures and increase the likelihood of snow fall and/or snow depth. These flows are most closely related to the combined influence of the negative (positive) phases of the NAO (PNA and PDO) in Region 1, PNA− in Region 2, NAO− in Region 3, and the negative (positive) phase of the PNA (TNH) across Region 4. Mild winters have been shaped by more zonal flows with the Polar jet positioned north of the Midwest and bringing milder temperatures, less snowfall, and reduced winter severity to the impacted areas. Such modifications have been related to TNH−, PNA+, and NAO+ across Regions 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mild winters have been shaped by TNH− and to a limited extent NAO+, across Region 4.
Anharmonic effects on Vibrational circular dichroism and Raman optical activity spectra of medium‐size molecules: Alpha‐pinene and beta‐pinene
Authors: Ziadi Kamal
Published: October 2021

An analysis of the vibrational circular dichoism (VCD) and Raman optical activity (ROA) of two medium‐sized molecules, alpha‐pinene and beta‐pinene, was performed using the second‐order perturbative PT2 method. We calculated the intensity (I in
) using the differential cross section. We reproduce mid‐IR spectra by generalized vibrational PT2 (GVPT2), where the GVPT2 approach has been applied to calculate both vibrational band wavenumbers and intensities to determine anharmonic effects on the spectral shape, adding combination bands to fundamental transition bands. Furthermore, the comparison with experimental spectra for both the band positions and the intensity pattern, our calculation, was evaluated.
The impact of hospital volume on racial disparities in resected rectal cancer
Authors: Shannon Adrienne B. , Straker Richard J. , Keele Luke , Kelz Rachel R. , Fraker Douglas L. , Roses Robert E. , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Although high volume centers (HVC) equate to improved outcomes in rectal cancer, the impact of surgical volume related to race is less defined.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgical resection for stage I–III rectal adenocarcinoma were divided into cohorts based on race and hospital surgical volume. Outcomes were analyzed following 1:1 propensity‐score matching using logistic, Poisson, and Cox regression analyses with marginal effects.

Results

Fifty‐four thousand one hundred and eighty‐four (91.5%) non‐Black and 5043 (8.5%) Black patients underwent resection of rectal cancer. Following 1:1 matching of non‐Black (N = 5026) and Black patients, 5‐year overall survival (OS) of Black patients was worse (72% vs. 74.4%, average marginal effects [AME] 0.66, p = 0.04) than non‐Black patients. When compared to non‐Black patients managed at HVCs, Black patients had worse OS (70.1% vs. 74.7%, AME 1.55, p = 0.03), but this difference was not significant when comparing OS between non‐Black and Black patients managed at HVCs (72.3% vs. 74.7%, AME 0.62, p = 0.06). Length of stay was longer among Black and HVC patients across all cohorts. There was no difference across cohorts in 90‐day mortality.

Conclusions

Although racial disparities exist in rectal cancer, this disparity appears to be ameliorated when patients are managed at HVCs.
Evolution of Voice Quality in Type 1–2 Transoral CO2 Laser Cordectomy: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Crevier‐Buchman Lise , Circiu Marta P. , Lisan Quentin , Hans Stephane
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare the 12‐month evolution of voice quality outcomes in patients who benefited from types 1–2 transoral CO2 laser cordectomy (TLC) for an early‐stage vocal fold squamous cell carcinoma (VFSCC).

Study Design

Prospective uncontrolled study.

Methods

Sixty patients with cT1 VFSCC were consecutively recruited from a single medical center. Thirty patients benefited from type 1 TLC, while type 2 TCL was performed in 30 patients. The following voice quality outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month post‐TLC: voice handicap index (VHI), GRBAS, speech rate, maximum phonation time (MPT), and acoustic parameters. Voice quality evolution was compared between type 1 and type 2 TLC.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients completed the evaluations. Type 1 TLC patients reported significant improvements of VHI, grade of dysphonia, and breathiness at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month post‐TLC. Speech rate and jitter values improved 6‐ and 12‐month post‐TLC. A few voice quality outcomes reported 3‐ or 6‐month post‐TLC improvements in type 2 TLC group, while VHI, grade of dysphonia improved at 6‐ and 12‐month post‐TLC. MPT significantly decreased at 6‐ and 12‐month post‐TLC, while there were no acoustic measurement changes in type 2 TLC.

Conclusions

The effect of TLC on voice quality may depend on the type of TLC. Type 1 TLC was associated with faster voice quality improvements compared with type 2 TLC. VHI and dysphonia grade were identified as the most relevant tool of voice changes irrespective to the TLC type.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1421–1426, 2022
Development of a novel screening tool for predicting Cochlear implant candidacy
Authors: Ngombu Stephany J. , Ray Christin , Vasil Kara , Moberly Aaron C. , Varadarajan Varun V.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Cochlear implantation (CI) is a well‐established treatment for sensorineural hearing loss. Due in part to a lack of referral guidelines, CI technology remains underutilized, and many patients who could benefit from CI may not be referred for evaluation. This study aimed to develop a model for predicting CI candidacy using routine audiometric measures, with the goal of providing guidance to clinicians regarding when to refer a patient for CI evaluation.

Methods

Unaided three‐frequency pure tone average (PTA), unaided speech discrimination score (SDS), and best‐aided sentence recognition testing with AZBio sentence lists were collected from 252 subjects undergoing CIE. Candidacy was defined by meeting traditional (AZBio score ≤ 60%), or Medicare criteria (≤40%). A logistic regression model was developed to predict candidacy. Confusion matrices were plotted to determine the sensitivity and specificity at various probability thresholds.

Results

Logistic regression models were capable of predicting probability of candidacy for traditional criteria (P < .001) and Medicare criteria (P < .001). PTA and SDS were significant predictors (P < .001). Using a probability cutoff of .5, the models yielded a sensitivity rate of 91% and 78% for traditional and Medicare criteria, respectively.

Conclusion

Probability of CI candidacy may be determined using a novel screening tool for referral. This tool supports individualized counseling, serves as a proof of concept for candidacy prediction, and could be modified based on an institution's philosophy regarding an acceptable false positive rate of referral.

Level of Evidence

4.
Linear and Ring Polymer Brushes: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Egorov Sergei A.
Published: October 2021

Monomer resolved density functional theory is employed to study structural properties and interactions between polymer‐grafted flat walls. Both linear and ring polymer brushes are considered. The three major control parameters are the grafting density, the grafted chain length, and temperature. The effect of these parameters on the brush–brush overlap and attractive interaction strength is analyzed. It is found that ring brushes provide better steric stabilization compared to their linear counterparts, in agreement with available experimental and simulation data.