bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zooplankton recovery from a whole‐lake disturbance: Examining roles of abiotic factors, biotic interactions, and traits
Authors: McGann Brian N. , Strecker Angela L.
Published: April 2022

Community assembly following disturbance is a key process in determining the composition and function of the future community. However, replicated studies of community assembly at whole‐ecosystem scales are rare. Here, we describe a series of whole‐lake experiments, in which the recovery of zooplankton communities was tracked following an ecosystem‐scale disturbance, that is, application of the piscicide, rotenone. Using a before‐after‐control‐impact design, 14 lakes in eastern Washington were studied: Seven lakes were treated with rotenone, while seven lakes acted as reference systems. Each lake was monitored up to 6 months before and 1–2 years after the rotenone treatments. Zooplankton samples and environmental measurements were collected approximately monthly from each lake. Community responses following disturbance were assessed using metrics of abundance, diversity, and community composition, as well as taxonomic group abundance. Zooplankton recovery was also assessed using species traits related to habitat, feeding mode, trophic level, body size, and life history. In addition to patterns of recovery, potential mechanisms were explored relating to abiotic conditions, biotic interactions, and traits. There were steep declines in the abundance (average across years: 99%) and diversity (average across years: 75%) of the zooplankton community following rotenone treatment. Although abundance had recovered by the second year of the study, community diversity had not fully recovered after 2 years. Communities from rotenone lakes appeared to be compositionally recovered within about 8 months following disturbance. Cyclopoid copepods were typically the first group to recover and remained dominant for a few months, whereas cladocerans recovered more slowly, typically within ~6–7 months following rotenone. Calanoid copepods were not fully recovered 2 years after rotenone treatment. Traits related to body size and feeding mode were associated with the zooplankton communities following rotenone treatment. We failed to observe significant spatial synchrony in recovery patterns of zooplankton across lakes, though we did observe significant synchrony of zooplankton taxonomic groups within lakes. These findings suggest that traits related to ecological function, and to a lesser extent, biotic, and abiotic factors, as well as characteristics of the disturbance itself, may be important in helping to understand recovery processes.
Antibacterial interactions of pulegone and 1,8‐cineole with monolaurin ornisin against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Farhanghi Ali , Aliakbarlu Javad , Tajik Hossein , Mortazavi Negar , Manafi Leila , Jalilzadeh‐Amin Ghader
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial interactions of pulegone and 1,8‐cineole with monolaurin ornisin against Staphylococcus aureus. The individual and combined antibacterial activities of the compounds were evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICi), and time‐kill methods. Furthermore, the mechanism of the antibacterial action of the compounds was tested by measuring the release of cell constituents. The MIC values of pulegone, 1,8‐cineole, nisin, and monolaurin were 5.85 µl/ml, 23.43 µl/ml, 6.25 µg/ml, and 0.031 mg/ml, respectively. A synergistic antibacterial activity (FICi = 0.5) was found between 1,8‐cineole and nisin. The time‐kill assay showed that the populations of S. aureus exposed to 1,8‐cineole, nisin, and their combination were decreased by 5.9, 5.3, and 7.1 log CFU (colony‐forming units)/mL, respectively. The combination of 1,8‐cineole and nisin also induced the highest release of cell constituents. It was concluded that the combination of 1,8‐cineole and nisin could be considered as a novel and promising combination which may reduce the required dose of each antibacterial compound.
The effect of roasting, storage temperature, and ethanoic basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) extract on the oxidative stability of crude sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil
Authors: Gebremeskel Abrehet F. , Ngoda Peninah N. , Kamau‐Mbuthia Elizabeth W. , Mahungu Symon M.
Published: April 2022

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an annual oilseed crop that is widely used for crude sesame oil (CSO) extraction. CSO is unrefined, thus, may impact the storage stability due to the uncontrolled processing and handling conditions, and absence of preservatives. The purpose of this study intends to analyze the fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of CSO. In a complete randomized (2*2*2) factorial design, clean sesame seeds (3.92% moisture content) were used for oil extraction with/without roasting treatment (200°C). The fatty acid profile and oxidative value of the CSO were analyzed. The roasted sesame seed oil extraction yield was higher (50.9%) and composed of 83.15% unsaturated fatty acids with an omega‐6 to omega‐3 ratio of 95.3. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was 2.9, while the moisture content of the CSO was 0.37%, exceeding the tolerable limit. The predominant fatty acids of CSO include palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Elevated thermal condition during processing and handling speeding up oxidation exceeded the tolerable limit after 25 days of storage, while the ethanoic basil extract was found to inhibit oxidation in the range of 16.38%–90% (p‐value < .05). The peroxide value (PV), para‐anisidine value (p‐AV), and total oxidation (TOTOX) value of CSO with 50 ppm (parts per million) basil extract were detected within the range of 0.29–3.92, 0.75–2.59, and 1.57–8.6 milliequivalents (meq) O2/kg oil, respectively, below the tolerable limit. Nevertheless, basil extract's antioxidant property was declined during prolonged storage, in particular, at elevated temperature. The use of organic extracts of locally available sweet basil herb is capable of mitigating oxidation and substituting inorganic antioxidant for a healthier diet.
CO2 absorption and microwave regeneration with high‐concentration TETA nonaqueous absorbents
Authors: Li Jinxiu , Li Yu , Li Chen , Tu Rui , Xie Pengfei , He Yi , Shi Yao
Published: April 2022

While nonaqueous organic‐amine absorbents have great potential in reducing energy consumption of CO2 capture, their absorption/desorption behaviors are still poorly understood when high‐concentration polyamines are used. On the other hand, large scale CO2 capture demands the use of high‐concentration polyamines absorbents. Therefore, we investigated the absorption and microwave regeneration behavior of high‐concentration triethylenetetramine (TETA) in three typical organic solvents, including polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200), diethylene glycol (DEG), and ethylene glycol (EG). The results showed that high‐concentration TETA nonaqueous absorbents demonstrate advantages in absorption rate and regeneration energy consumption. The average absorption rate of 2.0 and 5.0 mol/L TETA/EG was 2.84 and 4.70 times that of 0.6 mol/L, respectively. The energy consumption of TETA/EG and TETA/DEG decreased by 29.4 and 25.6% as the concentration increased from 0.6 to 5.0 mol/L. In addition, the high‐concentration TETA/PEG200 absorbent demonstrated observable tolerance for water vapor, which usually exists in flue gas. Results also showed that microwave regeneration was superior to conventional conduction heating especially when high‐concentration TETA/PEG200 absorbent were used. The energy consumption of microwave regeneration of the absorbent with a concentration of 0.6, 2.0, and 5.0 mol/L was reduced by 65.9, 81.2, and 86.0%, respectively when compared with conduction heating. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical Membranes Self‐Assembled at the Interface between Peptides and Polymer Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Yosefi Gal , Bitton Ronit
Published: April 2022

Biocompatible and biodegradable molecules capable of spontaneous self‐assembly into hierarchical structures have the potential to serve as building blocks for complex scaffolds for cell culture. These scaffolds are meant to mimic the natural environment required for successful cell growth. Thus, they must be precisely designed and present specific mechanical and structural properties along with required biological and chemical cues. Combining the hierarchical structure and chemical functionality of a peptide with the stability of a polymer has led to the formation of complex and stable biomaterials. Among these hybrid biomaterials, macroscopic membranes self‐assembled at the aqueous interface between self‐assembling peptides and polymer solutions have gained attention over the past decade. The goal of this mini‐review is to highlight the advantages and challenges of utilizing polymer/peptide self‐assembled macroscopic membranes toward the development of novel platforms for the study of the interaction of different cells with their environment. As most of the membranes features are determined as soon as they assemble, this review begins with a detailed description of the membranes formation mechanism, which evolved and developed over the years. The variety of membranes formed using different peptides and polymers is then described, with special focus placed on their unique structure. Then the bio‐functions of the membranes and their emerging potential for bio‐applications are presented. In the final section, the shortcomings preventing an extended use of these membranes as well as their future prospects, are discussed. This mini‐review aims to give light to an emerging niche of biomaterials capable of forming hierarchical structures utilizing natural building blocks and the naturally occurring process of self‐assembly, providing an innovative approach for creating scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular environment.
Ginkgolides and Huperzine A for complementary treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Villegas Cecilia , Perez Rebeca , Petiz Lyvia Lintzmaier , Glaser Talita , Ulrich Henning , Paz Cristian
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of cognitive function, memory, and inability to perform daily, social, or occupational activities. Its etiology is associated with the accumulation of β‐amyloid peptides, phosphorylated tau protein, and neuroinflammatory and oxidative processes in the brain. Currently, there is no successful pharmacological treatment for AD. The few approved drugs are mainly aimed at treating the symptoms; however, due to the increasing discovery of etiopathological factors, there are great efforts to find new multifunctional molecules to slow down the course of this neurodegenerative disease. The commercial Ginkgo biloba formulation EGb 761® and Huperzine A, an alkaloid present in the plant Huperzia serrata, have shown in clinical trials to possess cholinergic and neuroprotective activities, including improvement in cognition, activities of daily living, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD patients. The purpose of this review is to expose the positive results of intervention with EGb 761® and Huperzine in patients with mild to moderate AD in the last 10 years, highlighting the pharmacological functions that justify their use in AD therapy.
Herbal inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro effectively ameliorate acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Du Xinyi , Xu Longxin , Ma Yiming , Lu Shuaiyao , Tang Kegong , Qiao Xiangyu , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Xiaona , Peng Xiaozhong , Jiang Chengyu
Published: April 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019, a newly emerging serious infectious disease, has spread worldwide. To date, effective drugs against the disease are limited. Traditional Chinese medicine was commonly used in treating COVID‐19 patients in China. Here we tried to identify herbal effective lipid compounds from the lipid library of 92 heat‐clearing and detoxication Chinese herbs. Through virtual screening, enzymatic activity and inhibition assays, and surface plasmon resonance tests, we identified lipid compounds targeting the main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and verified their functions. Here, we found that natural lipid compounds LPC (14:0/0:0) and LPC (16:0/0:0) could target SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro, recover cell death induced by SARS‐CoV‐2, and ameliorate acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides and virus poly (I:C) mimics in vivo and in vitro. Our results suggest that LPC (14:0/0:0) and LPC (16:0/0:0) might be potential pan remedy against ARDS.
Genetic diversity of norovirus associated with outbreaks in school children with acute gastroenteritis in Changzhou, China, 2018–2019
Authors: Li Qiong , Yao Ping , Jiang Jingyi , Mao Xujian , Wang Fengming , Zhang Wanju
Published: April 2022

Norovirus is one of the major causes of outbreaks and sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis in school children. Obtaining local genotype diversity information regarding norovirus is important for developing and evaluating prevention strategies of the transmission of this virus in school children. Clinical specimens, obtained from the routine acute gastroenteritis surveillance network from 2018 to 2019, were primarily tested using commercial real‐time PCR Kit. Samples with Ct value less than 25 were selected and used for complete genome sequencing and those with Ct value between 25 and 30 were selected and used for he partial VP1 and RdRp regions sequencing. Phylogenetic trees of the viral genome were constructed by using the neighbor‐joining method with bootstrap analysis of 1000 replicates in MEGA 6.0. Epidemiological surveillance of acute intestinal infections (n = 384) showed high‐level detection (73.18%) of human norovirus in school endemic acute gastroenteritis events in Changzhou, with obvious epidemic characteristics in autumn and winter. Through genotyping, it was found that 93.12% of norovirus were GII, including GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.7, and GII.17. By October 2019, two norovirus genotypes, GII.4[P31] and GII.17[P17], became the preponderant epidemic strains. Phylogenetic analysis of the new GII.17[P17] complete genomes showed close relationship with Miyagi strain identified in Japan in 2015, and GII.4[P31] showed close relationship with Jinan strain indentified in China in 2017. The study highlights the emerging role of GII.4[P31] and GII.17[P17] in causing endemic acute gastroenteritis outbreaks at school children, in Changzhou, China in 2019.
Evaluation and multimodel projection of seasonal precipitation extremes over central Asia based on CMIP6 simulations
Authors: Dike Victor Nnamdi , Lin Zhaohui , Fei Kece , Langendijk Gaby S. , Nath Debashis
Published: April 2022

Central Asia faces an increasing challenge related to water resources arising from severe droughts and floods that have impacted the region in the past decades. Using a comprehensive set of extreme precipitation indices, we assess the performance of CMIP6 models in representing observed precipitation extremes and investigate future responses of these extremes to greenhouse gas emissions under four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP). Particularly, this study identifies robust signals of projected changes in spring and summer precipitation extremes over central Asia. Results show that the CMIP6 models reasonably reproduced the spatial distribution and variability of precipitation extremes over southern central Asia (SCA) and northern central Asia (NCA) during the spring and summer seasons, respectively. Across the SSPs, the CMIP6 models project a decrease in total spring wet‐day precipitation amount (PRCPTOT) over SCA and a significant increase in PRCPTOT over the NCA. The projected changes are characterized by a significant increase in maximum consecutive 5‐day precipitation (RX5day), wet‐day intensity (SDII), and the number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm); these suggest that the spring will be characterized by intense precipitation extremes. Moreover, no significant change is projected for consecutive wet days (CWD) and dry spells (CDD) over SCA. Nonetheless, the CMIP6 models project a significant increase in summer PRCPTOT over SCA and a decrease in summer PRCPTOT, RX5day, R10mm, SDII, and CWD over NCA while projecting a significant and robust increase in dry spells. It is also found that the severity of the projected dry spell deepens across the SSP spectra and gets more pronounced towards the end of the 21st century. Notably, the intermodel spread of the precipitation extremes is smaller during the spring over SCA, larger during the summer season over NCA, and more probable in the warmer future.
Demographics of children with feeding difficulties from a large electronic health record database
Authors: Edwards Sarah T. , Glynn Earl F. , Slogic Michael , Davis Ann M. , Killian Haley J. , Cocjin Jose , Attard Thomas M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Feeding difficulties are among the most common concerns expressed by parents in younger children. However, few studies have reported on the characteristics of patients with clinically significant feeding diagnoses. The aim of the current study is to describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with feeding difficulties including concurrent conditions, age, and sex, sampled nationwide utilizing the Cerner Health Facts Database.

Methods

We identified patients with a diagnosis of feeding difficulties (ICD‐9 783.3 or ICD‐10 R63.3), age 7 months to 17 years, with an outpatient visit between 2010 and 2017. The demographics and complex clinical conditions of this population were categorized. The cohort was then collapsed into a matrix defining recognized phenotype codes for ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 diagnoses to identify associated conditions.

Results

We identified 39,674 patients (0.95%) representing 101,684 encounters from 68 health systems across the United States; 43% of patients were female. Gastrointestinal conditions were the most common, followed by malnutrition, developmental and behavioral diagnoses, and neurologic conditions.

Conclusions

This study is one of the most robust studies defining the prevalence, demographic characteristics, and phenotypic profiling of patients with feeding difficulties. Our observations have implications on screening and resource allocation to recognize and manage this poorly understood population.
Reproducible fabrication of gold nanostar monolayers for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy‐based trace detection
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yang Xian , Wang Dan , Yu Linfeng , Hu Yanfang , Zhu Aonan , Zhang Cancan , Zheng Yunxiang , Yin Tailang , Zhang Yuying , Xie Wei
Published: April 2022

Rapid, simple, and reliable detection of toxics at trace level is of great significance for public health. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a powerful vibrational spectroscopic technique for molecules probing provides great advantages in trace detection; however, the low reproducibility of SERS signals from spot to spot and substrate to substrate remains a great challenge restricting its real applications. Here, we report a facile method for reproducibly preparing highly uniform self‐assembled monolayers of gold nanostars (Au NSs SAM) as SERS substrates using the classic Langmuir–Blodgett technique and introduced a statistical method to explore the signal reproducibility by t test. Our results show that the Au NSs SAM substrates fabricated in the same batch and different batches generated constant SERS signals without statistical differences and could detect dye molecules CV, R6G, and RhB in solution at concentrations as low as 10−8, 10−8, and 10−7 M, respectively. We then applied the Au NSs SAM for trace detection of Tetracycline (TC), one of the most widespread antibiotics entering the food chain and threatening the ecological balance. A detection limit of 0.05 μg/ml was achieved, with a linear response between SERS signal and TC concentration in the range of 0.05–10 μg/ml. Overall, this uniform Au NSs SAM could be reproducibly fabricated to provide a reliable platform for trace detection of TC residues or other toxics in water and is expected to have broad applications in different fields including environmental monitoring, food security, and so on.
Development of nano Bio LC columns for the search of acetylcholinesterase molecular targets
Authors: André Claire , Guillaume Yves Claude
Published: April 2022

A novel acetylcholinesterase Nano liquid chromatography capillary column (75 μm i.d. × 50 mm length) was developed for the fast screening of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and the evaluation of their molecular recognition mechanism. Biotinylated acetylcholinesterase was immobilized on a streptavidin Nano liquid chromatography capillary column. Because of the very strong streptavidin‐biotin interaction, the acetylcholinesterase immobilization step performed by frontal analysis is very fast (required less than 10 min), and the amount of immobilized acetylcholinesterase was in the microgram range (1 μg). The yellow anion obtained from the enzymatic reaction detected at 412 nm was achieved within 60 s, and the immobilized acetylcholinesterase retained 96% of the initial activity beyond 90 days. This column was successfully applied for the discrimination of weak affinity ligands to acetylcholinesterase from nonbinders, which is the heart of fragment‐based drug design. This column was used for the determination of the IC50 values of a series of inhibitor molecules. In addition, it was demonstrated that competitive experiments could be performed with our miniaturized system to confirm the existence and binding pocket of a ligand to acetylcholinesterase contained in a methanol plant extract. The results revealed that our acetylcholinesterase Nano liquid chromatography capillary column developed in this work represents a useful tool for the rapid screening of inhibitor candidates and evaluation of the action mechanism.
Robust, Superhydrophobic, and Self‐Healing Films with Hierarchical Nacre Mimetics: A High‐Efficiency and “Green” Route Based on Solvent‐Free Polyurethane/Modified Graphene Oxide Composites
Authors: Luo Xiaomin , Qin Rong , Feng Jianyan , Zhang Peng , Wang Wenqi , Ren Huijun , Kong Hui , Hu Wenjie
Published: April 2022

Superhydrophobic and self‐cleaning materials have attracted tremendous attention because of their broad applications. However, it is still challenging to develop excellent films exhibiting both reparable superhydrophobic and robust mechanical properties by an environmentally friendly method. Inspired by a natural nacre structure, the novel multi‐layered inorganic‐organic films consisting of n‐octadecylamine‐modified graphene oxide (NGO) and solvent‐free self‐healing polyurethane synthesized by Diels‐Alder reaction (SFPU‐DA) are demonstrated. Through the layer‐by‐layer assembly technology, super‐hydrophobic and self‐repairing solvent‐free polyurethane composite films (NGO/SFPU‐DA films) are prepared. The NGO/SFPU‐DA composite films exhibit healing of surface creases and cracks within 120 s at 120 °C. Meanwhile, the contact angle and sliding angle of the films can be as high as 151° and 8°, respectively. Noticeably, even after 21 times of rubbing, the superhydrophobicity of the obtained films does not significantly reduce. In addition, the tensile strength and peel strength of NGO/SFPU‐DA films can reach 22.6 MPa and 88.6 N/30 mm. Moreover, the steel coated with NGO/SFPU‐DA films exhibits lower corrosion current density and better corrosion resistance than the single NGO/SFPU‐DA film and uncoated steel. The method may provide an effective way to obtain excellent self‐cleaning materials with long service life.
Helical Microdomains with Homochirality Trapped in a Gyroid Network from Symmetric AB1CB2D Pentablock Quaterpolymer Melt Studied by Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Suzuki Jiro , Takano Atsushi , Matsushita Yushu
Published: April 2022

Phase behavior of symmetric ABCBD pentablock quaterpolymers, where B and B are the same polymer component, having the conditions of and , where denotes the volume fraction of component , is investigated by Monte‐Carlo simulation. At the larger region, , tetragonally packed A, C, and D cylinders in B matrix and hierarchically complex lamellar structures are observed depending on . At the smaller region, , a new phase is observed in between the cylindrical and lamellar phases, in which the C‐domain forms a three‐dimensionally periodic network wrapped with the level surface of the Schoen's Gyroid surface, while the A and D phases stay as the alternating helical domains with the same helical sense, i.e., having homochirality and A and D domains mutually reveal tetragonal symmetry. Thus, while the symmetric ABC terpolymers form a pair of gyroid networks, but the present quaterpolymers represent a single gyroid C‐network, where the A and D helices are nicely fitted to {100} homochiral holes of the gyroid template.
Level I PD‐MCI Using Global Cognitive Tests and the Risk for Parkinson's Disease Dementia
Authors: Boel Judith A. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Schmand Ben A. , Dalrymple‐Alford John C. , Marras Connie , Adler Charles H. , Goldman Jennifer G. , Tröster Alexander I. , Burn David J. , Litvan Irene , Geurtsen Gert J. ,   MDS Study Group Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
Published: April 2022

Background

The criteria for PD‐MCI allow the use of global cognitive tests. Their predictive value for conversion from PD‐MCI to PDD, especially compared to comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, is unknown.

Methods

The MDS PD‐MCI Study Group combined four datasets containing global cognitive tests as well as a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to define PD‐MCI (n = 467). Risk for developing PDD was examined using a Cox model. Global cognitive tests were compared to neuropsychological test batteries (Level I&II) in determining risk for PDD.

Results

PD‐MCI based on a global cognitive test (MMSE or MoCA) increases the hazard for developing PDD (respectively HR = 2.57, P = 0.001; HR = 4.14, P = <0.001). The C‐statistics for MMSE (0.72) and MoCA (0.70) were lower than those based on neuropsychological tests (Level I = 0.82; Level II = 0.81). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy balance was best in Level II.

Conclusion

MMSE and MoCA predict conversion to PDD. However, Level II neuropsychological assessment seems the preferred assessment for PD‐MCI.
Peer effects and human capital accumulation: Time spent in college and productivity in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Paulsen Richard J.
Published: April 2022

Starting in 2006, the National Basketball Association (NBA) set a minimum age requirement on players declaring for the draft. Consequently, elite high school players typically spend at least 1 year playing college basketball before entering the draft. This paper seeks to test for the impact of years spent in college and peer quality on NBA performance. Additional years in college are found to have an insignificant impact on persistence in the NBA at various points post draft, a positive impact on early career performance, and a negative impact on midcareer performance, while peer quality does not have a significant impact on performance.
A phase‐shifterless experimental scheme for power combination of two magnetrons utilizing a single RF power amplifier
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Atayyab , Khan Tariq Mairaj , Qamar‐ul‐Hassan Muhammad , Khaliq Muhammad Waseem , Zarin Syed Wahab , Ashraf Muhammad Mubashar
Published: April 2022

Various coherent power combining schemes have been developed with high power magnetrons to meet the increasing industrial demands of HPM and Wireless Power Transfer applications.In this paper, we propose a power combining scheme for two 1.25 kW magnetrons, based on phase‐shifter less philosophy. The proposed scheme utilizes a single signal generator synthesizing the injection signal for both magnetrons. A single RF Power Amplifier (PA) amplifies the injection signal for both magnetrons to the power level required by Adler's criteria. The amplified signal is then divided by 2:1 RF power divider. The divided signals are subsequently used for injection locking of both magnetrons through same length coaxial cables. The output power of the two magnetrons is combined in a symmetric H‐plane T‐combiner. Since both magnetrons follow the phase of a common injection source the instantaneous phase deviation in their injection‐locked responses is minimal, leading to a combining efficiency of 95%.
Motion corrected silent ZTE neuroimaging
Authors: Ljungberg Emil , Wood Tobias C. , Solana Ana Beatriz , Williams Steven C. R. , Barker Gareth J. , Wiesinger Florian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To develop self‐navigated motion correction for 3D silent zero echo time (ZTE) based neuroimaging and characterize its performance for different types of head motion.

Methods

The proposed method termed MERLIN (Motion Estimation & Retrospective correction Leveraging Interleaved Navigators) achieves self‐navigation by using interleaved 3D phyllotaxis k‐space sampling. Low resolution navigator images are reconstructed continuously throughout the ZTE acquisition using a sliding window and co‐registered in image space relative to a fixed reference position. Rigid body motion corrections are then applied retrospectively to the k‐space trajectory and raw data and reconstructed into a final, high‐resolution ZTE image.

Results

MERLIN demonstrated successful and consistent motion correction for magnetization prepared ZTE images for a range of different instructed motion paradigms. The acoustic noise response of the self‐navigated phyllotaxis trajectory was found to be only slightly above ambient noise levels (<4 dBA).

Conclusion

Silent ZTE imaging combined with MERLIN addresses two major challenges intrinsic to MRI (i.e., subject motion and acoustic noise) in a synergistic and integrated manner without increase in scan time and thereby forms a versatile and powerful framework for clinical and research MR neuroimaging applications.
Detection of electrostatic molecular binding using the water proton signal
Authors: Zhou Yang , Bie Chongxue , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Xu Jiadi , Zou Chao , Yadav Nirbhay N.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Saturation transfer MRI has previously been used to probe molecular binding interactions with signal enhancement via the water signal. Here, we detail the relayed nuclear overhauser effect (rNOE) based mechanisms of this signal enhancement, develop a strategy of quantifying molecular binding affinity, i.e., the dissociation constant (), and apply the method to detect electrostatic binding of several charged small biomolecules. Another goal was to estimate the detection limit for transient receptor‐substrate binding.

Theory and Methods

The signal enhancement mechanism was quantitatively described by a three‐step magnetization transfer model, and numerical simulations were performed to verify this theory. The binding equilibria of arginine, choline, and acetyl‐choline to anionic resin were studied as a function of ligand concentration, pH, and salt content. Equilibrium dissociation constants () were determined by fitting the multiple concentration data.

Results

The numerical simulations indicate that the signal enhancement is sufficient to detect the molecular binding of sub‐millimolar (∼100 μM) concentration ligands to low micromolar levels of molecular targets. The measured rNOE signals from arginine, choline, and acetyl‐choline binding experiments show that several magnetization transfer pathways (intra‐ligand rNOEs and intermolecular rNOEs) can contribute. The rNOEs that arise from molecular ionic binding were influenced by pH and salt concentration. The molecular binding strengths in terms of ranged from 70–160 mM for the three cations studied.

Conclusion

The capability to use MRI to detect the transient binding of small substrates paves a pathway towards the detection of micromolar level receptor‐substrate binding in vivo.
The impact of early childhood stressors on later growth in medieval and postmedieval London
Authors: Hawks Sarah M. , Godde Kanya , Hens Samantha M.
Published: April 2022

This research examined the relationship between linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) and stature in medieval and postmedieval London cemeteries to determine whether individuals with LEH in their permanent dentition also exhibited shorter stature. Pathological and metric data for 87 adult individuals from the medieval East Smithfield Black Death cemetery and 136 adult individuals from the postmedieval St. Bride's Lower Churchyard Cemetery were used in this study. A two‐way ANOVA, a component of the general linear model (GLM), was run to compare LEH prevalence to maximum femoral length, while accounting for time period and sex. The results showed a significant association in both samples between presence of LEH and femur length in males. The association did not differ between cemeteries, indicating no temporal change in the relationship. Examination of the distribution suggests the association was stronger in males than in females, a possible indication of superior female buffering in these samples. This research provides a look at how environmental stressors in childhood may have permanent effects on growth in past populations while also attempting to better understand how males and females may differ in buffering against episodes of stress.
The emerging potential of crystalline drug‐polymer combination for medical applications
Authors: Shaheen‐Mualim Merna , Kutner Neta , Farah Shady
Published: April 2022

There is a great potential in combining carrier‐free crystalline‐based drug delivery systems (DDSs) within polymeric implants/scaffolds in a manner that preserves each components' independent functionality, stability, and advantages. We believe that this will open new avenues in drug delivery research as well as accelerate polymers and crystalline‐based DDSs developments.
Design of effective injection strategy and operable cure window for an aircraft wing flap composite part using neat resin characterization and multi‐physics process simulation
Authors: Zade Anita , Neogi Swati , Kuppusamy Raghu Raja Pandiyan
Published: April 2022

A methodology using neat resin characterization and multi‐physics process simulation was proposed to develop a resin transfer molding (RTM) process for an aircraft wing flap composite part. Initially, RTM6 resin was thermally characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and curing kinetics was modeled using Kamal and Sourour model. A multi‐physics approach was employed to simulate the RTM mold filling and curing phases. Mold filling simulations were performed to obtain an effective injection strategy for the composite part. One‐point injection port and five‐point vents were obtained as an effective injection strategy using a trial and improvement process. Curing simulations were performed on the composite part using neat resin cure kinetics and cure process windows for neat resin and composite panel were developed. Subsequently, a cure difference window was developed to investigate cure difference progression between neat resin and composite panel at the processing conditions. Finally, the kinetics of cure difference progression was modeled as a function of neat resin cure conversion to design operable cure cycles for the composite panel. The results found that the cure differences converge with the increase in applied mold temperature.
Measurement of urine protein
Authors: Ramsden Jasmine , Poole Ruth
Published: April 2022

In this fourth article in our ‘Test Tips’ series, Jasmine Ramsden and Dr Ruth Poole compare the measurement of urine protein by three tests: urine dipstick testing, albumin:creatinine ratio and protein:creatinine ratio – providing guidance on key practical points to consider.
Diabetes care in the time of COVID‐19: video consultation as a means of diabetes management
Authors: Hall Rosie , Harvey Mary Rose , Patel Vinod
Published: April 2022

Background: This review specifically focuses on the use of video consultation in diabetes management, in comparison to standard care. The population of chronic condition sufferers in the UK is considerable and teleconsultation use has, in recent years, been explored. COVID‐19 has created an additional pressure on health services to use teleconsultation. Diabetes mellitus affects approximately four million people in the UK. If clinical outcomes are uncompromised, the benefits of using a remote service could encourage the use of video consultation for diabetes management in normal practice.

Aims: A systematic review of the use of video consultation in place of standard consultation in the management of diabetes mellitus. Both clinical and non‐clinical outcomes are reviewed, in addition to patient satisfaction levels after using video consultation.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to select published articles from web‐based health databases. Data extraction and analysis of results followed.

Results: Twelve studies were selected. Overall, the clinical outcomes (HbA1c, low‐density lipoprotein levels and blood pressure) appeared to be uncompromised with the use of video consultation. Patient satisfaction was high, with few limitations found. The economic and time saving benefits of this approach proved to be additional advantages.

Conclusions: Despite there being a lack of literature identified in this field, the results support the use of video consultation in diabetes management. The evidence suggests that this approach should be utilised in the time of COVID‐19 and beyond. Future research should assess the use of video consultation over a reasonable duration through randomised controlled trials. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
Improved melt strength and processability of impact copolymer polypropylene by introducing long‐chain branching via reactive extrusion with “ene” functionalized dendrimer
Authors: Jaisingh Aanchal , Goel Vishal , Kapur Gurpreet Singh , Nebhani Leena
Published: April 2022

A generation two dendrimer (G2) having eight terminal double bonds has been prepared via esterification reaction from a dendritic precursor having eight hydroxyl end groups (G1). The reactive extrusion of impact co‐polymer polypropylene (ICP) with G1 resulted in improved processability while leading to enhanced melt strength in the case of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE). G2 being an extension of G1, was melt grafted on ICP using a radical initiator to introduce long‐chain branching in the polymer backbone. The prepared samples were analyzed for their molecular weight distribution, thermal, rheological properties, and mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis showed higher thermal stability and slightly higher crystallization temperature with grafting of G2 on ICP. The rheological analysis through melt flow index measurements and parallel plate rheometer indicated higher processability, melt strength, complex viscosity, and zero‐shear viscosity for ICP grafted with an optimized amount of G2. The presence of long‐chain branching was confirmed with an increase in activation energy for ICP modified with G2 as compared to neat ICP. Modified ICP samples retained their bulk mechanical properties as neat ICP.
Assessment of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Saulnier Celine A. , Klaiman Cheryl
Published: April 2022

Adaptive behavior skills are often delayed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and these behaviors are significantly associated with poor outcomes in adulthood, especially for autistic individuals that have no cognitive and/or language delays. Therefore, despite having the capacity to be self‐sufficient, the vast majority of autistic adults fail to obtain successful levels of employment, independent living, and interpersonal relationships. Given that more than 60% of autistic individuals have intact cognition and language, adaptive behavior skills need to be appropriately assessed as part of the diagnostic process of ASD, and profiles of delays and deficits need to be accommodated throughout development. This paper provides guidelines for conducting adaptive behavior assessments as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for ASD, which is now considered standard practice. The history and definition of the construct of adaptive behavior are discussed, and considerations for the administration of various measures, interpretation of results, and translation of findings into intervention strategies are provided.
Structural Optimization and Performance Analysis of a Tunable Ultra‐Broadband Terahertz Absorber
Authors: Hu KeXiang , Xu SongTong , Chen Le , Wang PeiHua Yang , Wen ZhiHan , Wang QingKang
Published: April 2022

Herein, an isotropic dynamic and actively tunable ultra‐wideband metamaterial ideal absorber with simple vanadium dioxide (VO2) structure is proposed and numerically simulated in the terahertz region. The absorber consists of two coplanar resonant rings based on VO2 and a metal base layer separated by a dielectric spacer. The simulation results show that the designed absorber can achieve an excellent absorption rate of more than 90% and an absorption bandwidth of 3.50 THz in the frequency band from 2.47 THz to 5.97 THz by optimizing the geometry. By changing the conductivity of VO2 from 0 to 2000 Ω−1 cm−1, the absorption peak of the absorber can be continuously and dynamically tuned from 3.90% to 99.75%. Its absorption performance is much better than that of previously reported VO2‐based absorbers. The geometric structure is optimized by wave interference cancellation theory and impedance ‐matching theory, so as to achieve better absorption bandwidth and efficiency. The electric field distribution and the energy loss density are further discussed to explore the mechanism of the absorber. In addition, the terahertz absorber has wide‐angle absorption effect for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves, and the absorption spectrum is independent of incident polarization.
Rationale and design of a screening study to detect schistosomiasis‐associated pulmonary hypertension in Ethiopia and Zambia
Authors: Sinkala Edford , Ahmed Hanan Yusuf , Sibomana Jean Pierre , Lee Michael H. , Kassa Biruk , Kumar Rahul , Mazimba Sula , Binegdie Amsalu B. , Mpisa Sydney , Wamundila Kawana , Graham Brian B. , Hilton Joan F.
Published: April 2022

Schistosomiasis is a major cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) worldwide, but the prevalence and risk factors for schistosomiasis‐associated PAH (SchPAH) development are not well understood. Schistosomiasis‐associated hepatosplenic disease (SchHSD) is thought to be a major risk factor for PAH development. Herein, we describe our plans for prospectively screening SchHSD subjects for clinical evidence of PAH at two major academic medical centers and national referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Lusaka, Zambia. The screening study will primarily be conducted by echocardiography, in addition to clinical assessments. Plasma samples will be drawn and banked for subsequent analysis based on preclinical animal model rationale. If successful, this study will demonstrate feasibility of conducting prospective cohort studies of SchPAH screening in schistosomiasis‐endemic regions of Africa, and provide initial data on clinic‐based disease prevalence and potential mechanistic biomarkers underlying disease pathogenesis.
Inhaled iloprost induces long‐term beneficial hemodynamic changes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving combination therapy
Authors: Yasuda Kenichiro , Adachi Shiro , Nishiyama Itsumure , Yoshida Masahiro , Nakano Yoshihisa , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: April 2022

Inhaled iloprost is an established treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the long‐term hemodynamic changes that inhaled iloprost induces are unclear. Here, we retrospectively enrolled 18 patients with PAH who received inhaled iloprost as add‐on to oral combination therapy from December 2016 to January 2021 at our institute in Japan. We then examined the changes in hemodynamic parameters induced by iloprost in these patients during right heart catheterization (RHC). To examine the long‐term effects of iloprost, we repeated the RHC examination at follow‐up (median time to follow‐up, 8.5 months). During both catheterization procedures, iloprost was administered by using an I‐neb AAD system (Philips NV). In a comparison of pre‐inhalation values at the first and follow‐up RHCs, inhaled iloprost significantly improved mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP; 39.9 ± 7.8 to 32.5 ± 7.2 mmHg, p = 0.016) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; 588.5 ± 191.7 to 464.4 ± 188.5 dyn s cm−5, p = 0.047). During the follow‐up RHC, in a comparison of the pre‐inhalation and best recorded values out to 30 min after the end of iloprost inhalation, iloprost significantly decreased mPAP (32.5 ± 7.2 to 30.0 ± 6.6 mmHg, p = 0.007) and PVR (457.8 ± 181.4 to 386.2 ± 142.8 dyn s cm−5, p = 0.025) and significantly increased cardiac output (4.19 ± 0.91 to 4.64 ± 1.01 L/min, p = 0.035). Iloprost may have not only acute vasodilation effects but also long‐term hemodynamic benefits in PAH patients receiving combination therapy.
Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage as a rare complication of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Seth Ishith , Bhagavata Srinivasan Shyam Prakaash , Bulloch Gabriella , Yi Dong Seok , Frankel Anthony , Hsu Kelvin , Passam Freda , Garsia Roger , Corte Tamera J.
Published: April 2022

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a rare complication of antiphospholipid syndrome. With a mortality rate of 46%, early diagnosis and management remain an ongoing challenge. Case reports are limited, and management guidelines are not yet definitive. In this case report, we present a 43‐year‐old male with DAH who required high‐dose oral steroids, intravenous methylprednisolone cyclophosphamide and rituximab over 18 months to control life‐threatening episodes of pulmonary bleeding.
“Iavazzo score”, a preoperative score to predict duration of robotic‐assisted gynaecological surgeries
Authors: Iavazzo Christos , Fotiou Alexandros , Kokkali Kalliopi , Vorgias George
Published: April 2022

Background

Long operation time remains a disadvantage of robotic‐assisted gynaecological procedures. A score that predicts the duration of such surgeries could be useful.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of robotic‐assisted gynaecological surgeries in our institution were conducted. We assessed preoperative values such as body mass index, uterine size, previous abdominal surgeries, way of previous deliveries and pathology that led patients to the theatre and we created a preoperative predictive score, the ‘Iavazzo score’. Thereafter, we correlated this score with duration of surgery.

Results

57 patients were included. Mean ‘Iavazzo’ score was 7.96, while mean surgery and overall time were 140 and 208.8 min, respectively. Correlation between Iavazzo score and operation time was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Using median operation time, we found an area under curve of 0.86 and a cut‐off value of 7.5 for Iavazzo score.

Conclusions

‘Iavazzo’ score can be a useful predictive score that evaluates duration of robotic‐assisted gynaecological surgeries.