bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ganglioneuroma on fine needle aspiration cytology: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Fang Camila , Pizzillo Isabella , Shi Yan , Sun Wei , Brandler Tamar C.
Published: January 2022

We report two cases of an uncommon benign lesion, retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma, first diagnosed on fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Our first case presented with nausea, constipation, vomiting, and neutropenia after three cycles of chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment, while our second patient presented with seemingly unprovoked abdominal pain and progressive neuropathy. Both underwent computed tomography (CT) scans, in which a soft tissue mass was found in the retroperitoneal space in each patient. An endoscopic ultrasound guided (EUS) FNA was performed on both patients, and as a result, the masses were diagnosed as retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas. As retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas have low incidence of proliferation, invasive surgery was avoided in favor of routine follow‐up imaging. Cytologically, both masses showed large, scattered ganglion cells with abundant cytoplasm and large nuclei against a background of wavy spindle cells with elongated nuclei. Histologically, both were positive for S‐100. When an EUSFNA is performed and quality material is collected, a diagnosis of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma may be established, preventing invasive surgery and its accompanying risks in favor of routine follow‐up imaging.
Prognostic value of the MELD‐XI score in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Saito Yuki , Nakai Toshiko , Ikeya Yukitoshi , Kogawa Rikitake , Otsuka Naoto , Wakamatsu Yuji , Kurokawa Sayaka , Ohkubo Kimie , Nagashima Koichi , Okumura Yasuo
Published: January 2022

Aims

Multi‐organ dysfunction was recently reported to be a common condition in patients with heart failure (HF). The Model for End‐stage Liver Disease eXcluding International normalized ratio (MELD‐XI) score reflects liver and kidney function. The prognostic relevance of this score has been reported in patients with a variety of cardiovascular diseases who are undergoing interventional therapies. However, the relationship between the severity of hepatorenal dysfunction assessed by the MELD‐XI score and the long‐term clinical outcomes of HF patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been evaluated.

Methods and results

Clinical records of 283 patients who underwent CRT implantation between March 2003 and October 2020 were retrospectively evaluated (mean age 67 ± 12, 22.6% female). Blood samples were collected before CRT implantation. Patients were divided into three groups based on tertiles of the MELD‐XI score: first tertile (MELD‐XI = 9.44, n = 95), second tertile (9.44 < MELD‐XI < 13.4, n = 94), and third tertile (MELD‐XI ≥ 13.4, n = 94). The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. Compared with the other groups, the third tertile group exhibited significantly older age, higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, lower haemoglobin level, and higher N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide level (all P < 0.05). The functional CRT response rate was also significantly lower in the third tertile group (P = 0.011). During a median follow‐up of 30 months (inter‐quartile range, 9–67), 105 patients (37.1%) died. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with a higher MELD‐XI score had a greater risk of all‐cause mortality (log‐rank test: P < 0.001). Even after adjustment for clinically relevant factors and a conventional risk score, the MELD‐XI score was still associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.07, P = 0.014, and adjusted hazard ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.09, P = 0.005, respectively). A higher MELD‐XI score was associated with a greater risk of all‐cause mortality than a lower MELD‐XI score regardless of whether a pacemaker or defibrillator was implanted (log‐rank test: P = 0.010 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Impaired hepatorenal function assessed by the MELD‐XI score was associated with older age, higher prevalence of multiple co‐morbidities, severity of HF, lower CRT response rates, and subsequent all‐cause mortality in HF patients undergoing CRT implantation. These results suggest that the MELD‐XI score can provide additional prognostic information and may be useful for improving risk stratification in this population.
Prediction of a Tensile Force‐Induced Structural Phase Transition from β‐Ti3O5 to λ‐Ti3O5 by Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Takeda Takuma , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi
Published: January 2022

Lambda trititanium pentoxide (λ‐Ti3O5) exhibits both a light‐induced phase transition and a pressure‐induced phase transition to beta trititanium pentoxide (β‐Ti3O5). Here, we investigate the possibility of a phase transition from β‐Ti3O5 to λ‐Ti3O5 by tensile force. Molecular dynamic simulations predict a tensile force‐induced phase transition from β‐Ti3O5 to λ‐Ti3O5 when the tensile force (p) is applied in the c‐axis direction. At p=4.2 GPa, the lattice constant of β‐Ti3O5 in the c‐axis direction abruptly increases, whereas that in the b‐axis direction decreases. Additionally, the β angle drops from 91.7° to 88.5°. We also evaluate the atomic arrangements of the Ti(3), O(4), and O(3) sites. The distance between Ti(3) and O(3) increases, while that between Ti(3) and O(4) decreases, coinciding with the expansion of the c‐axis lattice constant.
Substituted Malonic Acid Half Oxyesters (SMAHOs): Green Nucleophiles for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Xavier Tania , Condon Sylvie , Pichon Christophe , Le Gall Erwan , Presset Marc
Published: January 2022

Substituted malonic acid half‐oxyesters (SMAHOs) constitute an original family of malonic acid derivatives. They could be mostly used as pro‐nucleophiles through decarboxylative processes, making them enolate equivalents for the elaboration of greener methodologies. In addition to the native ester function, the presence of a substituent on the malonic position affords additional opportunities for structural diversification. These reagents are particularly well‐suited for the development of organocatalyzed processes, which has recently led to olefination and addition reactions as relevant synthetic routes to elaborated structures under mild conditions.
Solar‐Driven Airflow‐Enhanced All‐Daytime Solar Steam Generation Based on Inverse‐Bowl‐Shaped Graphene Aerogels
Authors: Xu Yunfan , Zhang Jinlei , Wu Shuyi , Di Yunsong , Liu Cihui , Dong Lifeng , Yu Liyan , Gan Zhixing
Published: January 2022

Solar steam generation (SSG) is a promising approach to solve the shortage of fresh water resources. Despite intensive research on photothermal materials, the SSG performance is still unsatisfactory for practical applications. Moreover, the actual solar trajectory is a semicircular arc, resulting in a continuous change of the incident angle, which is often ignored in previous reports. Herein, an inverse‐bowl‐shaped graphene aerogel (IBGA) is synthesized as the photothermal component for the SSG, which can always maintain a high water evaporation rate with the change of the incident angles. Furthermore, a solar‐driven airflow is introduced based on a modified Stirling engine to enhance the SSG performance. The SSG device based on IBGA with solar‐driven airflow exhibits a high evaporation rate of 2.46 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun irradiation. The outdoor experiments demonstrate that an SSG device with 1 m2 of IBGA can collect 15 kg freshwater on a sunny day, showing great potential for seawater desalination and wastewater treatments in practical applications.
Quick cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive unmanned aerial vehicles networks
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Jia
Published: January 2022

In cognitive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) networks (CUAVNs), cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) has been recognized as a key technology to enable UAVs to detect spectrum holes and opportunistically access primary licensed spectrum band without harmful interference. Considering that the location flexibility of flying UAV spectrum sensors makes the collaborative working mode of multiple UAVs difficult to achieve, this article establishes an easy‐to‐implement intraframe CSS mode by considering the cooperation within the microsensing time slots of a single UAV. On the basis of this, we adopt sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) as the fusion criterion of sensing decisions from microsensing slots to implement quick CSS for multiple channels under the sensing delay limit and make an investigation the achievable throughput of truncated‐SPRT for CUAVNs. Due to the uncertainty of the sensing decision number required in SPRT, we further propose a soft truncation (ST) way to terminate SPRT process and further evaluate the global CSS performance. At last, numerical simulation results show that the CSS efficiency of the proposed intraframe CSS outperforms that of the traditional interframe CSS, and the performance of ST‐SPRT is also better than hard truncation (HT)‐SPRT, in terms of the detection performance and throughput, especially in the multichannel spectrum sensing scenario.
Adaptive divergence and the evolution of hybrid trait mismatch in threespine stickleback
Authors: Chhina Avneet K. , Thompson Ken A. , Schluter Dolph
Published: January 2022

Selection against mismatched traits in hybrids is the phenotypic analogue of intrinsic hybrid incompatibilities. Mismatch occurs when hybrids resemble one parent population for some phenotypic traits and the other parent population for other traits, and is caused by dominance in opposing directions or from segregation of alleles in recombinant hybrids. In this study, we used threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) to test the theoretical prediction that trait mismatch in hybrids should increase with the magnitude of phenotypic divergence between parent populations. We measured morphological traits in parents and hybrids in crosses between a marine population representing the ancestral form and twelve freshwater populations that have diverged from this ancestral state to varying degrees according to their environments. We found that trait mismatch was greater in more divergent crosses for both F1 and F2 hybrids. In the F1, the divergence–mismatch relationship was caused by traits having dominance in different directions, whereas it was caused by increasing segregating phenotypic variation in the F2. Our results imply that extrinsic hybrid incompatibilities accumulate as phenotypic divergence proceeds.
Study on volatile aroma compounds in donkey broths of different stewing time
Authors: Wang Shuqi , Liu Haoyue , Xie Tian , Zhang Ning , Sun Jie , Chen Haitao , Sun Baoguo
Published: January 2022

Donkey broth has a unique aroma and is affected by cooking time. Five donkey broth samples of different stewing time were prepared. The volatile components were extracted by solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS). According to the result, a total of 45 volatile aroma compounds were identified in five donkey broths (stewing time of 0 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h respectively). In terms of gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O) analysis, aroma extraction dilution analysis (AEDA) and calculating odor activity values (OAVs), respective 26 and 15 aroma active compounds were pointed out significantly in five donkey broths. Twelve odorants including 2‐methyl pentanal, 3‐hydroxyl‐2‐butanone, hexanal, dimethyl trisulfide, nonanal, 3‐(Methylthio)propanal, 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol, benzaldehyde, 4‐methoxyallylbenzene, (E,E)‐2,4‐nonadienal, delta‐hexalactone and octanoic acid were characterized as the common aroma active compounds existed in donkey broths with different stewing time. Principal component analysis (PCA) and sensory evaluation results characterized the difference of aroma profiles for the five different donkey broths, which showed that the duration of the stewing time had an important effect on the general flavor of donkey broth.
COSMO‐RS as an effective tool for predicting the physicochemical properties of fragrance raw materials
Authors: Dupeux Tristan , Gaudin Théophile , Marteau‐Roussy Clémentine , Aubry Jean‐Marie , Nardello‐Rataj Véronique
Published: January 2022

A predictive tool called COSMO‐RS, Conductor‐Like Screening Model for Real Solvents, based on quantum chemistry, dielectric continuum models, electrostatics surface interactions, and statistical thermodynamics, has been used to predict five key physicochemical properties of raw materials used in perfumery industries. The prediction of boiling point (BP), octanol‐water partition coefficient (logP), vapor pressure (VP), water solubility (WS), and Henry's law constant (HLC) of fragrance molecules has been validated with a reference data set of 166 organic compounds. Knowing these properties for a fragrance molecule is essential and being able to predict them precisely can be particularly useful in the development of new molecules or in the replacement of controversial molecules regarding safety issues without compromising the overall hedonic accord. Finally, mapping the vapor pressureversusthe Henry's law constant and the octanol‐water partition coefficient consistently predicts the note class of the molecules useful for release comparison of captives.
Development of Alcohol‐Associated Hepatitis Is Associated With Specific Changes in Gut‐Modified Bile Acids
Authors: Muthiah Mark D. , Smirnova Ekaterina , Puri Puneet , Chalasani Naga , Shah Vijay H. , Kiani Calvin , Taylor Stephanie , Mirshahi Faridoddin , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: January 2022

The perturbations in bile acids (BAs) in alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) and its relationship to disease severity is not well defined. The aims of this study were to define (1) the effects of heavy alcohol consumption on BAs and related microbiome, (2) the additional changes with AH, and (3) the relationship of these changes to disease severity. In this multicenter study, plasma and fecal BAs and related microbiome were interrogated in healthy individuals, heavy drinking controls (HDCs) without overt liver disease, and AH. Compared to healthy controls, HDCs had increased glycine‐conjugated 7α and 27α primary BAs and increased secondary BA glycocholenic sulfate (multiple‐comparison adjusted P < 0.05 for all). Plasma‐conjugated cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid increased in AH along with the secondary BAs ursodeoxycholic and lithocholic acid (P < 0.001 for all), whereas deoxycholic acid decreased; however fecal concentrations of both deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were decreased. Glycocholenic acid further increased significantly from HDCs to AH. HDCs and AH had distinct plasma and fecal BA profiles (area under the curve, 0.99 and 0.93, respectively). Plasma taurochenodeoxycholic acid and tauroursodeoxycholic acid were directly related to disease severity, whereas fecal ursodeoxycholic acid was inversely related. The fecal abundance of multiple taxa involved in formation of secondary BAs, especially deoxycholic acid (Clostridium cluster XIVa) was decreased in AH. Multiple genera containing taxa expressing 3α, 3β, 7α, and 7β epimerases were decreased with concordant changes in fecal BAs that required these functions for formation. Conclusion: There are distinct changes in BA‐transforming microbiota and corresponding BAs in AH that are related to disease severity.
The evolution and inter‐sectoral interaction mechanism of China's national medical alliance: An analysis based on complex systems theory
Authors: Feng Chong , Zhu Jianping , Chen Yusheng
Published: January 2022

This work investigates the performance and inter‐sectoral interaction mechanism of China's largest vertically integrated care network, the national medical alliance (NMA). The data collected derive from the China Health Statistics Bulletin and the China Health Statistical Yearbook for the period 2009–2018. The data include 64 observation indicators for five medical sectors in the NMA, namely, tertiary hospitals (THS), secondary hospitals (SHS), community health centres (CHCS), township hospitals (TsHS) and professional public health institutions (PPHIS). This research combines complex systems theory with a multilevel structural dynamic factor model, and yields two main results. First, although the trend for the NMA's global factor is increasing, the evolutionary paths for sectoral factors differ substantially. Among the sectoral factors, the sectoral factor of THS continued to decline, and neither the sectoral factor of CHCS nor the sectoral factor of TsHS has significantly improved. Then, the interaction mechanism between the various NMA sectors is investigated. While a close relationship has been formed between THS and CHCS and between SHS and CHCS, there remains no close two‐way relationship between either THS and TsHS or THS and SHS. Thus, going forward, to reach the policy expectations, China's NMA implementation must consider the interaction between different constituent sectors.
Why most psychological research findings are not even wrong
Authors: Scheel Anne M.
Published: January 2022

Psychology's replication crisis is typically conceptualized as the insight that the published literature contains a worrying amount of unreplicable, false‐positive findings. At the same time, meta‐scientific attempts to assess the crisis in more detail have reported substantial difficulties in identifying unambiguous definitions of the scientific claims in published articles and determining how they are connected to the presented evidence. I argue that most claims in the literature are so critically underspecified that attempts to empirically evaluate them are doomed to failure—they are not even wrong. Meta‐scientists should beware of the flawed assumption that the psychological literature is a collection of well‐defined claims. To move beyond the crisis, psychologists must reconsider and rebuild the conceptual basis of their hypotheses before trying to test them.
Hesperidin delays cell cycle progression into the G0/G1 phase via suspension of MAPK signaling pathway in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Deng Jie , Liu Li , Li Li , Sun Jianhai , Yan Fei
Published: January 2022

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) derived from epithelial cells of bile ducts is highly aggressive tumor. Hesperidin extracted from citrus fruits is a promising antitumor compound. The purpose of this study is to explore molecular mechanism by which hesperidin affects cholangiocarcinoma progression. Cellular functional experiments were performed and subcutaneous transplant xenograft model was established. Our findings indicated that hesperidin suppressed iCCA cell proliferation in time‐ and concentration‐dependent manners. Hesperidin treatment induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, whereas it has no effect on cell apoptosis. Further, data revealed that hesperidin attenuated MEK5 and ERK5 phosphorylation and inhibited ERK5 nuclear localization by reducing MEKK2 activity in MAPK signaling pathway. It could cause alterations in expression of the downstream genes, including CDK4, CDK6 (cell cycle protein kinases), Cyclin D1 (a G1/S checkpoint), P21, and P27 (two G1‐checkpoint CDK inhibitors), thereby arresting cell cycle distribution of iCCA cells in the G0/G1 phase. BIX02189 treatment, a specific inhibitor of MEK5, in combination with hesperidin displayed synergistic inhibitory effects on cell cycle arrest and gene expressions. Furthermore, hesperidin administration alone or in combination with MEK5 inhibitor BIX02189 restrained iCCA tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, these results confirmed that hesperidin regulated the expression of cell cycle‐related genes by inhibiting the activation of MEKK2/MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway, inducing iCCA cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Our study provides a theoretical foundation and experimental basis for further development of hesperidin as a therapeutic agent for iCCA treatment.
Thinking under fire: Mentalization‐based couple therapy for high conflict and domestically abusive couples'
Authors: McCann Damian
Published: January 2022

Background

The question of working psychotherapeutically with high conflict and domestically abusive couples is one that continues to raise anxieties within the field.

Aims

Embracing a relational approach offers an alternative perspective to the more familiar individual‐based treatment interventions.

Materials and Methods

Drawing on my therapy with a married couple who presented in a crisis following an abusive incident, I will outline how I approached the assessment, my understanding of their presenting problem and the basis on which the therapy was conducted.

Results

During the eight months of treatment, the couple had frequent breakdowns in communication, and I found myself drawing on a range of mentalization‐based techniques that supported and maintained the working alliance.

Discussion

Helping the couple break the damaging effects of the abuse, which was seriously affecting them and impacting their children, provides a particular focus for this submission.

Conclusion

The rationale for undertaking couple therapy in situations of domestic violence and abuse was examined. The dynamic elements of theory underpinning practice, together with mentalization‐based techniques designed to tackle disregulated states of mind that may lead to violent and abusive exchanges, were considered through the presentation of a case example.
Disseminating online parenting resources in the community during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Lessons learned
Authors: Lasecke Meagan , Baeza‐Hernandez Katerina , Dosovitsky Gilly , DeBellis Amanda , Bettencourt Brianna , Park Alayna L. , Bunge Eduardo L.
Published: January 2022

Online parenting programs are an effective way to teach behavioral management skills to parents in the absence of in‐person resources. This community‐engaged study aimed to examine strategies for disseminating online parenting resources in schools. Online resources were disseminated to parents in a Northern California school district. Dissemination strategies were informed by conversations with school principals, teachers, and parents and considered agent, message, and format. A total of 685 parents and teachers clicked on the online resources: 151 parents and 114 teachers attended synchronous classes. The use of dissemination strategies had a compounding influence on the number of synchronous class attendees and clicks. Emails sent by the school district yielded the greatest number of clicks, which was influenced by message content and format. A community–academic partnership (CAP) led to the dissemination of evidence‐based online parenting resources to a large population and led to lessons learned that could inform future research involving CAPs.
Intramuscular and intratendinous placenta‐derived mesenchymal stromal‐like cell treatment of a chronic quadriceps tendon rupture
Authors: Maleitzke Tazio , Reinke Petra , Agres Alison N. , Alves Sónia A. , Akyüz Levent , Fleckenstein Florian N. , Bichmann Anna , Ofir Racheli , Perka Carsten , Duda Georg N. , Winkler Tobias
Published: January 2022

Background

Quadriceps tendon ruptures (QTRs) are rare but debilitating injuries, often associated with chronic metabolic conditions or long‐term steroid treatment. While the surgical treatment for acute QTRs is described thoroughly, no common strategy exists for the often frustrating treatment of chronic, reoccurring QTRs. The pro‐angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties of placenta‐derived adherent mesenchymal stromal‐like (PLX‐PAD) cells have been described to protect musculoskeletal tissues from inflammation and catabolic cytokine migration, yet little is known about the regenerative potential of PLX‐PAD cells in repetitively damaged tendon tissue.

Case

We report the case of an 80‐year‐old male patient with a chronic three‐time QTR of his right knee. The quadriceps tendon was reconstructed applying a conventional suture anchor repair procedure combined with a synthetic mesh augmentation and additional intramuscular and intratendineous PLX‐PAD cell injections as an individualized treatment approach. No adverse events were reported, and excellent radiological and functional outcomes with a passive range of motion of 0/0/120° knee extension‐flexion were observed at the 12 month follow‐up. Gait analysis confirmed restoration of joint motion, including gait speed, deficit in step length, and knee extensor muscle strength (pre‐surgery: 0.98 m/s, 40 cm, 42.4 ± 12.4 N; 9 months post‐surgery: 1.07 m/s, 0 cm, 10.4 ± 18.9 N) as well as hyperextension throughout stance and late swing phases (pre‐surgery: −11.2 ± 0.9°; 9 months post‐surgery: −2.7 ± 1.6°). Postoperative lymphocyte and cytokine analyses from the patient's peripheral blood serum suggested a systemic short‐term immunoregulatory reaction with postoperatively increased interleukin (IL)‐6 (pre‐surgery: 0.79 pg/mL; day 1: 139.97 pg/mL; day 5: 5.58 pg/mL; 9 months: 1.76 pg/mL) and IL‐10 (pre‐surgery: 0.9 pg/mL; day 1: 1.21 pg/ mL; day 5: 0.3 pg/mL; 9 months: 0.34 pg/mL) levels that decreased again over time.

Conclusions

Herein, we demonstrate a successfully treated chronic QTR with a synergistic surgical and biological reconstructive treatment approach. This local add‐on treatment with PLX‐PAD cells may be considered in specific cases of chronic QTRs, not susceptible to traditional suture anchor procedures and which exhibit a high risk of treatment failure. Further scientific engagement is warranted to explore underlying immunomodulatory mechanisms of action behind PLX‐PAD cell treatment for tendon injuries.
Comparison of photon transport efficiency in simple scintillation electron detector configurations for scanning electron microscope
Authors: Schauer Petr
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to find some general rules for the design of robust scintillation electron detectors for a scanning electron microscope (SEM) that possesses an efficient light‐guiding (LG) system. The paper offers some general instructions on how to avoid the improper design of highly inefficient LG configurations of the detectors. Attention was paid to the relevant optical properties of the scintillator, light guide, and other components used in the LG part of the scintillation detector. Utilizing the optical properties of the detector components, 3D Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of photon transport efficiency in the simple scintillation detector configurations were performed using the computer application called SCIUNI to assess shapes and dimensions of the LG part of the detector. The results of the simulation of both base‐guided signal (BGS) configurations for SE detection and edge‐guided signal (EGS) configurations for BSE detection are presented. It is demonstrated that the BGS configuration with a matted disc scintillator exit side connected to the cylindrical light guide without optical cement is almost always a sufficiently efficient system with a mean LG efficiency of about 20%. It is simulated that poorly designed EGS strip configurations have an extremely low mean LG efficiency of only 0.01%, which can significantly reduce detector performance. On the other hand, no simple nonoptimized EGS configuration with a light guide widening to a circular or square profile, with a polished cemented scintillator and with an indispensable hole in it has a mean LG efficiency lower than 6.5%.
Sensitive electrochemical recognition ofα‐synucleinprotein in human plasma samples using bioconjugated gold nanoparticles: An innovative immuno‐platform to assist in the early stage identification of Parkinson's disease by biosensor technology
Authors: Aminabad Esmaeil Darvish , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Ahmadalipour Ali , Mahmoudi Tohid , Feizi Mohammad Ali Hosseinpour , Safaralizadeh Reza , Mobed Ahmad
Published: January 2022

This research work explains the development of an electrochemical immunosensor for the selective recognition of SNCA in human biofluids. An innovative protocol was proposed for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticle‐supported dimethylglyoxime (AuNPs@DMGO) using one‐step electrogeneration method. Also, the application of AuNPs@DMGO for the sensitive quantification ofα‐Synuclein (SNCA) protein and its biomedical analysis. So, an innovative sandwich immunosensor was designed for the sensitive identification of SNCA antigen in an aqueous solution. The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were decorated on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode by chronoamperometry technique to provide appropriate immobilization surface with a large number of active sites for immobilization of specific biotinylated antibody (Ab1) and against SNCA protein. Then, the sandwich‐type immuno‐platform was completed by the attachment of secondary antibody (HRP conjugated Ab [Ab2]) to the primary complexes on the surface of the electrode. For the first time, α‐Synuclein protein was measured with an acceptable linear range of 4–64 ng/mL and a lower limit of quantification of 4 ng/mL. Benefiting from the simplicity and high sensitivity, the proposed method shows a potential of employment in clinical applications and high‐throughput screening of Parkinson's disease using POC.
Characterization of a CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite microwire by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Xu Ying , Wang Zixian , Wu Ren‐Jie , Cheng Horng‐Long , Chui Hsiang‐Chen
Published: January 2022

We investigated the structural properties of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite microwires through joint experimental and theoretical Raman spectroscopy. High‐quality methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPBI3, MA = CH3NH3+) microwires with tetragonal phases and explicit crystalline orientation were prepared. Raman spectroscopy was used in studying the as‐prepared microwires and determining not only the crystal quality but also crystalline orientation of MAPBI3 with the aid of normal mode calculations. High‐quality structural features were verified by well‐resolved Raman peaks related to the inorganic cage (IPbI stretching and bending modes below 100 cm−1), organic MA cation motions (libration ~150–200 cm−1 and torsional ~200–250 cm−1), a coupled mode of cage and MA cation liberation (~105–110 cm−1), and the almost undetectable degraded signal at 95 cm−1. In micro‐Raman mapping, an intensity ratio of 105 and 95 cm−1 was used for the direct imaging of crystal quality along the microwire. The characterization of the crystalline orientation of MAPBI3 microwires posed a challenge, which can be addressed by using polarized Raman technique with normal mode analysis. We believe that the proposed method can be extended to other organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites with different structures, such as polycrystalline films and single crystals.
Capillary electrophoresis applied for the determination of acidity constants and limiting electrophoretic mobilities of ionizable herbicides including glyphosate and its metabolites and for their simultaneous separation
Authors: Graf Hannes Georg , Biebl Sonja Maria , Müller Linda , Breitenstein Christina , Huhn Carolin
Published: January 2022

Thermodynamic acidity constants and limiting ionic mobilities were determined for polyprotic non‐chromophore analytes using capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection. It was not necessary to work with buffers of identical ionic strength as ionic strength effects on effective electrophoretic mobilities were corrected by modeling during data evaluation (software AnglerFish). The mobility data from capillary electrophoresis coupled to conductivity detection were determined in the pH range from 1.25 to 12.02 with a high resolution (36 pH steps). With this strategy, thermodynamic acidity constants and limiting ionic mobilities for various acidic herbicides were determined, sometimes for the first time. The model analytes included glyphosate, its metabolites, and its acetylated derivates (aminomethyl phosphonic acid, glyoxylic acid, sarcosine, glycine, N‐acetyl glyphosate, N‐acetyl aminomethyl phosphonic acid, hydroxymethyl phosphonic acid). The obtained data were used in simulations to optimize separations by capillary electrophoresis. Simulations correlated very well to experimental results. With the new method, the separation of glyphosate from interfering components like phosphate in beer samples was possible.
Structural and functional landscape connectivity for lesser prairie‐chickens in the Sand Shinnery Oak Prairie Ecoregion
Authors: Schilder Lucas J. , Heintzman Lucas J. , McIntyre Nancy E. , Harryman Samuel , Hagen Christian A. , Martin Russell , Boal Clint W. , Grisham Blake A.
Published: January 2022

The lesser prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a species of conservation concern on the Southern High Plains of Texas and New Mexico, USA. Because fragmentation and isolation have increased since pre‐settlement, dispersal through this heterogeneous landscape may be constrained, with serious implications for conservation and management of this species. Our objectives were to quantify landscape connectivity for lesser prairie‐chickens within a patch network of potentially isolated leks (breeding display grounds), and examine effects of land use change on modeled lesser prairie‐chicken movements through the landscape. We used graph theory to quantify structural landscape connectivity and circuit theory to quantify functional landscape connectivity for lesser prairie‐chickens in the Sand Shinnery Oak Prairie Ecoregion of the Southern High Plains. There was a high degree of clustering among leks (n = 1,023 leks), with a 41.9‐km coalescence distance of the network. We identified 3 leks as cutpoints within the network, meaning if the habitat patches containing these leks were fragmented, the remaining leks would become isolated from each other. We also identified several leks that were important for maintaining overall population connectivity for lesser prairie‐chickens on the Southern High Plains. Conservation Reserve Program land was important for maintaining connectivity among leks to the north and west of the main lek core area located in New Mexico, but wind energy development constrained pathways to the north and south of this main lek core area. Our results suggest that landscape connectivity was reduced by row‐crop agriculture and energy production and facilitated by the Conservation Reserve Program within the Sand Shinnery Oak Prairie Ecoregion.
Cyclic oxidation behavior of MCrAlX coatings made by electrolytic codeposition
Authors: Zhang Ying , Witman Jason , Dryepondt Sebastien
Published: January 2022

MCrAlY coatings made by electron beam physical vapor deposition or thermal spray are often used to provide protection for superalloys against high‐temperature oxidation and corrosion. In addition to Y, other elements such as Ta, Hf, and Si have been reported to be beneficial. In this paper, NiCoCrAlX (where X = Y, Ta, Hf, and/or Si) coatings were fabricated via an electrolytic codeposition process in a sulfate‐based Ni–Co plating solution. As compared to uncoated René 80 substrates, the electro‐codeposited NiCoCrAlX coatings demonstrated superior performance during oxidation testing with a 1‐h cycle frequency at 1000°C and 1100°C. Further improved oxidation resistance was observed for the coatings with Hf and Si additions, but not with the addition of Ta. The levels of S, Y, and O in the electrodeposited NiCoCrAlY coating were measured by high‐resolution glow discharge mass spectrometry and were compared to those in thermal spray coatings.
Boundary conditions of the mutual forbearance hypothesis: Impact of technology evolution on multimarket competition
Authors: Roy Raja , Sarkar Soumodip
Published: January 2022

Our study explores the intricate relationships between technology evolution and innovation, informing the mutual forbearance hypothesis. We propose that in high technology industries, the hypothesis is governed by the stage of technology evolution and is not deterministic. We show how mutual forbearance increases progressively as technology evolves from the emergence phase to the maturity phase. Then, based on a convenient sample of firms from the disk drive industry between 1991 and 1995, an era of ferment prior to the establishment of the dominant design, we examine our hypothesis and find support for mutual forbearance in the mature phase of the technology lifecycle.
Robotic deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvest in breast reconstruction
Authors: Daar David A. , Anzai Lavinia M. , Vranis Neil M. , Schulster Michael L. , Frey Jordan D. , Jun Min , Zhao Lee C. , Levine Jamie P.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Reducing donor site morbidity after deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap harvest relies mainly upon maintaining integrity of the anterior rectus sheath fascia. The purpose of this study is to describe our minimally‐invasive technique for robotic DIEP flap harvest.

Methods

A retrospective review of four patients undergoing seven robotic‐assisted DIEP flaps from 2019 to 2020 was conducted. Average patient age and BMI were 52 years (range: 45–60 years) and 26.7 kg/m2 (range: 20.6–32.4 kg/m2), respectively. Average follow‐up was 6.31 months (range: 5.73–7.27 months). Robotic flap harvest was performed with intramuscular perforator dissection in standard fashion, followed by the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach to DIEP pedicle harvest using the da Vinci Xi robot. Data was collected on demographic information, perioperative characteristics. Primary outcomes included successful flap harvest as well as donor site morbidity (e.g., abdominal bulge, hernia, bowel obstruction, etc.).

Results

All four patients underwent bilateral abdominally‐based free flap reconstruction. Three patients received bilateral robotic DIEP flaps, and one patient underwent unilateral robotic DIEP flap reconstruction. The da Vinci Xi robot was used in all cases. Average flap weight and pedicle length were 522 g (range: 110–809 g) and 11.2 cm (range: 10–12 cm), respectively. There were no flap failures, and no patient experienced abdominal wall donor site morbidity on physical exam.

Conclusion

While further studies are needed to validate its use, this report represents the largest series of robotic DIEP flap harvests to date and is a valuable addition to the literature.
Orthogonal mixed models and prime basis factorials
Authors: Ferreira Dário , Ferreira Sandra S. , Nunes Célia , Mexia João T.
Published: January 2022

Prime basis factorial models have the advantage of allowing the simultaneous study of a larger number of interactions compared to classical approaches. However, the procedures for obtaining the sums of squares can be somewhat cumbersome. In this work, we present a recurrence method for obtaining the sums of squares in prime basis factorial models. Nevertheless, this recurrence procedure may be applied in cases with any number of factors and levels, even when it is neither a prime nor a power of a prime. We illustrate the method with an application to real data, where the percentage of total deaths due to cancer, diabetes, and any circulatory system disease in three European countries, in 3 years, is compared. We compare the results with the ones obtained using ANOVA.
Three‐dimensional lightweight metamaterial with ultra‐wideband microwave absorption
Authors: Yang Yifan , Zhao Wenbo , Wu Zonghuan , Zhao Junming , Jiang Tian , Chen Ke , Feng Yijun
Published: January 2022

A three‐dimensional lightweight metamaterial (MM) with ultra‐wideband microwave absorption is proposed in this paper. Based on the concept of MMs, periodically arranged resistive films are introduced into the standing frame to form a standing lossy structure, which can introduce electric resonances in the gap between adjacent sub‐wavelength unit cells at lower frequencies. Several standing wave modes are also excited in the standing lossy structure at higher frequencies, resulting in an ultra‐wideband absorption for electromagnetic waves. The full‐wave simulation demonstrates that the MM can absorb over 90% of the incident wave energy in the range 1.46–40 GHz, with a relative bandwidth of 185.9%. The experimentally measured results correspond to the simulated results across the entire frequency range. In addition, the proposed MM is lightweight, easy to fabricate.
Event‐recurring multiband SWIFT functional MRI with 200‐ms temporal resolution during deep brain stimulation and isoflurane‐induced burst suppression in rat
Authors: Paasonen Ekaterina , Paasonen Jaakko , Lehto Lauri J. , Pirttimäki Tiina , Laakso Hanne , Wu Lin , Ma Jun , Idiyatullin Djaudat , Tanila Heikki , Mangia Silvia , Michaeli Shalom , Gröhn Olli
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To develop a high temporal resolution functional MRI method for tracking repeating events in the brain.

Methods

We developed a novel functional MRI method using multiband sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (SWIFT), termed event‐recurring SWIFT (EVER‐SWIFT). The method is able to image similar repeating events with subsecond temporal resolution. Here, we demonstrate the use of EVER‐SWIFT for detecting functional MRI responses during deep brain stimulation of the medial septal nucleus and during spontaneous isoflurane‐induced burst suppression in the rat brain at 9.4 T with 200‐ms temporal resolution.

Results

The EVER‐SWIFT approach showed that the shapes and time‐to‐peak values of the response curves to deep brain stimulation significantly differed between downstream brain regions connected to the medial septal nucleus, resembling findings obtained with traditional 2‐second temporal resolution. In contrast, EVER‐SWIFT allowed for detailed temporal measurement of a spontaneous isoflurane‐induced bursting activity pattern, which was not achieved with traditional temporal resolution.

Conclusion

The EVER‐SWIFT technique enables subsecond 3D imaging of both stimulated and spontaneously recurring brain activities, and thus holds great potential for studying the mechanisms of neuromodulation and spontaneous brain activity.
An exploration of clinical variables that enhance therapeutic alliance in patients seeking care for musculoskeletal pain: A mixed methods approach
Authors: Myers Christina , Thompson Glenn , Hughey Lindsey , Young Jodi L. , Rhon Daniel I. , Rentmeester Casey
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Objectives

Therapeutic alliance (TA) is an integral part of building a patient and clinician relationship. TA begins at the initial encounter; however, the specific TA behavioural practices that are most impactful and linked to pain reduction and improved function remain unclear. The primary objective of this study was to explore physical therapist behaviours and interactions during the initial physical therapy evaluation and how they related to the patient's perception of TA. A secondary objective was to explore the relationship between TA, pain intensity, and function.

Methods

A mixed methods study was conducted. Pain intensity, TA and self‐reported function were assessed at three time points. Spearman's Rho (ρ) was used to quantify if there was an association between increased TA and function and reduced pain intensity, while a checklist of TA themes and behavioural practices was used for the qualitative analysis.

Results

There was a statistically significant negative correlation between patient‐perceived TA and pain intensity immediately after the initial evaluation (ρ = −0.39 [p = 0.048]). Behavioural practices associated with higher TA included information gathering, pausing to listen, using humour and transitions, and use of clarifying questions. Behavioural practices associated with patient‐perceived lower TA interactions were lack of touch, the absence of pain neuroscience education, and not restating what the patient said during the interview.

Conclusion

This study highlights a relationship between TA and reduction of pain intensity after the initial evaluation and identifies key behavioural practices that could positively and negatively impact TA during the clinical encounter.
Satisfaction with the quality of nursing care among older adults during acute hospitalization in Ghana
Authors: Fuseini Abdul‐Ganiyu , Bayi Rahinatu , Alhassan Afizu , Atomlana Joseph Aniba
Published: January 2022

Aim

This study assessed the level of satisfaction with the quality of nursing care among hospitalized older adults and the factors associated with it.

Design

This was a quantitative descriptive cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

We used a validated questionnaire to collect data from a convenience sample of 206 older adults from three government hospitals in Tamale, Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t test and one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Most of the participants (72.3%) reported moderate levels of satisfaction with the quality of nursing care, while 23.8% reported high levels of satisfaction. The association between gender, religion and level of satisfaction with nursing care was not statistically significant. However, patients differed on levels of satisfaction based on healthcare facility: patients at the Tamale Central Hospital were more satisfied with the quality of nursing care than those at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. There is a need for capacity building and sensitization workshops on the rudiments of geriatric care for nurses in the metropolis to serve as an impetus for improvement in the quality of care.
Nanomechanical behavior of hierarchical self‐assemblies of perylene bisimide derivatives
Authors: Wang Weijie , Yao Qing , Sun Abin , Wang Wenpin
Published: January 2022

In the field of self‐assemblies of perylene bisimide (PBI) derivatives, effect of molecular structure on the mechanical properties of assemblies is essential but still not understood in full detail. To reveal the relationships of PBI molecules and mechanical properties of their assemblies, the PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PeakForce QNM) is applied to visualize the structures and quantify the mechanical properties of assemblies formed by the model PBI derivatives (M1: C6H13‐PBI‐OH; M2: C12H25‐PBI‐OH). The influence of the linear alkyl chainson self‐assembly of PBI derivatives has been investigated. We found that the long‐range ordered structures could be formed for both M1 and M2 in high‐polarity solvents. M1 formed the micron‐size bricks with the Young's modulus of (3.1 ± 1.0) GPa, whereas M2 assembled into the nanosheets with the Young's modulus of (2.5 ± 0.5) GPa. The competitive, non‐competitive and cooperative interactions of the π–π stacking, hydrogen‐bond interactions, and van der Waals interactions facilitated the growth of assemblies with the different hardness and size. This method can be used to investigate the molecular self‐assembly, which helps to establish relationships among structure, performance, and corresponding application of assemblies.
The preparation of polyamide 11 composites with extremely long ignition time
Authors: Jin Xiaodong , Cui Suping , Sun Shibing , Sun Jun , Zhang Sheng , Tang Wufei , Bourbigot Serge
Published: January 2022

The wildly‐used charring agent, pentaerythritol (PER), was solely incorporated into polyamide 11 (PA 11) matrix by melt compounding. The addition of 15%PER improved the UL rating of PA 11‐PER composites to V‐0 and reduced the peak heat release rate by 22.1%. Most importantly, the time to ignition had been incredibly increased from 93 s of neat PA 11 to 193 s of PA 11‐15PER sample. The thermal behaviors were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA‐Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The morphology, chemical structure and physical properties (such as crystallinity and viscosity) of char residues that were collected at ignition point or after MLC tests of PA 11 and PA 11‐15PER composites were fully demonstrated. It was suggested that the interactions between PA 11 and PER led to the rapid formation of a compact char layer which exhibited sufficient viscosity before ignition in the condensed phase, while the early released H2O and CO2from PER took effects in the gas phase.