bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the efficacy of UEFA’s home-grown rule in European football
Authors:   , Bullough Steven
Published: September 2022

Professional football epitomises a truly globalised industry, with significant investment and attention afforded to the elite game, particularly in Europe which is the financial epicentre. There has been a significant increase in the migration of players from across the world following the 1995 Bosman ruling and subsequent relaxing of quotas. This resulted in legislation and regulations being introduced in Europe through UEFA, the governing body, to protect the development of home-grown players, without contravening the EU Commission’s freedom of movement laws. This programme of research investigates the efficacy of UEFA’s intervention by quantifying the way clubs (and National Associations) responded to the rule and assesses the design of the regulations using programme theory. The research focusses on quantitative analysis and utilises a combination of secondary data sources to collect statistics across six European countries (England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain). The findings outline the clear differences in the volume and 'quality' of playing opportunities for home-grown players between nations. These differences are visible between club types (size, wealth, success/standing) and different club cultures (e.g., philosoph y). The structural differences between nations (domestic leagues allowing second teams) also influences the process of transitioning young players and the volume of playing opportunities generated. UEFA’s home -grown rule has not abated such differences. The construction and imposition of UEFA’s home-grown regulations had a limited theory of change underpinning it and the design could be criticised for (1)focussing on outputs not the process and (2) not controlling dominant variables. The research has practical implications for UEFA in the future as the governing body charged with creating, designing, and implementing regulations to protect home-grown player opportunities. The recommendations outline the need to implement a clear theory of change for any future interventions by UEFA to better understand the relationship between inputs, actions, outputs, and outcomes.
Third sector organisations in widening participation policy: networks, expertise and authority
Authors:   , Squire Ruth
Published: September 2022

This thesis examines the involvement of third sector organisations in widening participation policy enactment. Whilst national widening participation policy is largely concerned with the actions of higher education providers and of government, there are a growing number of third sector organisations informing policy and practice through their activities and research. Thus far, these organisations have been absent from widening participation research and hence this thesis addresses a gap in understanding the many actors engaged in enactment of widening participation policy. This research is based in an interpretive approach to policy analysis, combining expert interviews with documentary analysis to explore the roles that third sector organisations have taken on within widening participation policy enactment. Based on Colebatch’s (2002) articulation of policy as authority, order and expertise, this thesis analyses the actions of third sector organisations in context to assess how they are contributing to shaping widening participation policy and the potential for further development of their influence. This research identifies that third sector organisations play a peripheral role in shaping widening participation policy, though some have more prominent roles in promoting a fair access variant of widening participation, in mainstreaming specific forms of outreach activity and in promoting a focus on evaluation and particularly a ‘what works’ approach. Despite limited indications of influence on policy, this research also demonstrates that many third sector organisations are actively engaging in policy discussions and seeking to inform the direction of policy through establishing positions as ‘networked experts’. These positions are unstable, and are influenced by funders, engagement in elite networks and by the leading organisations in the field. This thesis makes distinct contributions to knowledge through examining the emergence and practices of organisations not yet examined in widening participation policy and by exploring widening participation policy enactment in context. Additionally, the findings in relation to the environment of widening participation policy making offers new insights into how policy is made and enacted, including whose interests are represented.
Preventing cold-related harm in older people: a qualitative exploration of domiciliary care
Authors:   , Stocks Amanda-Jayne
Published: September 2022

Illness and death caused by living in a cold home is a serious issue in England, and response has focused upon practical interventions which can neglect the moderating effect of individual contextual or behavioural influences. People over 65 are vulnerable to cold and more are remaining at home, with help from domiciliary care services, as their care needs increase. Responding to a gap in the literature, this is the first study to examine how the domiciliary care system contributes to the prevention of cold-related harm in older people, and the influencing factors. The study used qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, underpinned by an interpretive constructionist epistemology, to explore the views and experiences of service commissioners (n=5), provider organisations (n=7) and direct care staff (n=10) within Yorkshire, England. A paradox was found in which the opportunity to deliver interventions by the domiciliary care system was undermined by the system itself. Response to increasing demand and fewer resources meant less time to care and a focus upon task; reducing the care staffs’ ability to run a dual agenda of care and prevention. National policy guidance to galvanise the prevention of cold-related harm within social care was not translating into commissioning practice; providing no incentive to deliver interventions or equip care staff with the knowledge and skills to do so. Regardless of these factors, some care staff reported delivering interventions that aimed to reduce the risk of harm in their clients. Importantly these were reported to go beyond the efficacy of practical interventions alone. The care staffs’ actions appeared to be driven by individual behavioural influences and therefore individual staff response to risk was variable. As such, the study concludes that the outcomes of an older person at risk of cold-related harm, and in receipt of domiciliary care services, is currently a matter of chance. Strength lies in the exploration of the domiciliary care system at both system and individual level. Thus, providing insight and understanding of the influences upon the system, and individuals within it, and ultimately the effect upon the prevention of cold-related harm. Notwithstanding sample and geographical limitations, the recommendations address what needs to happen if the opportunities presented by the domiciliary care system to prevent cold-related harm in older people are to be harnessed; including: how preventing cold-related harm can be incorporated into commissioning practice, how provider organisations can be encouraged to consider cold when delivering care and how care staff can be equipped with the knowledge, skills and motivation to do so.
El efecto de la cultura centrada en el conocimiento y la interacción social en la innovación organizativa. El efecto mediador de la gestión del conocimiento
Authors: Fierro Moreno Eréndira , Mercado Salgado Patricia , Cernas Ortíz Daniel Arturo
Published: September 2022

El efecto de los recursos organizacionales en la innovación tecnológica ha sido ampliamente estudiado. No obstante, el efecto de éstos en la innovación organizativa es tema que aún requiere de mayor escrutinio. De acuerdo con la teoría de recursos y capacidades, se formula la hipótesis de que la cultura centrada en el conocimiento y la interacción social son factores (recursos) que afectan a la innovación organizativa, pero que tal efecto es mediado por la gestión del conocimiento. A través de un estudio transeccional y con una muestra de hospitales públicos mexicanos mediante la percepción de sus mandos medios y directivos, se encontró soporte a las hipótesis planteadas. Los resultados obtenidos confirman la importancia de la cultura centrada en el conocimiento, de la interacción social y de la gestión del conocimiento como predictores de la innovación organizativa, además del papel determinante de la gestión del conocimiento como variable mediadora en el desarrollo de otras capacidades organizacionales.
Treatment results of anterior choroidal artery aneurysms treated mostly with coil embolization: A single-center experience
Authors: Roh Hyun Ki , Jeong Eun-Oh , Kim Kyung Hwan , Jeong Hee-Won , Lee Han-Joo , Choi Seung-Won , Kim Seon-Hwan , Koh Hyeon-Song , Youm Jin-Young , Kwon Hyon-Jo
Published: September 2022

Background: Anterior choroidal artery (AchA) aneurysms are usually small in diameter because of the size of the involved artery and are often wide-necked. Coil embolization of AchA aneurysm is thus challenging because of serious risks, such as thromboembolic occlusion of artery and perforation of aneurysm dome. Therefore, aneurysmal neck clipping remains widely performed despite a recent increase in the use of coil embolization for aneurysm treatment. We report the treatment results of AchA aneurysms mostly (92.3%) treated with coil embolization at our institute.Methods: The database and medical records of patients who underwent coil embolization for AchA aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical and imaging results and procedure-related complications were investigated after coil embolization performed between January 2006 and March 2022 at our institute.Results: In total, 96 AchA aneurysms comprising 65 unruptured and 31 ruptured aneurysms, including only 1 ruptured aneurysm (1.0%) re-embolized at postoperative day 192 because of coil compaction, were evaluated. After the initial coil embolization, complete occlusion was attained in 41, residual neck in 45, and residual aneurysm in 10 patients. Follow-up radiological studies after 6–174 months were performed for 80 aneurysms. Complete occlusion was noted in 57 patients, residual neck in 22, and residual aneurysm in 1. The dysarthria experienced by one (1.0%) patient was the only symptomatic procedure-related complication. After coil embolization, neither delayed new rupture nor re-rupture was observed.Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that coil embolization is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with AchA aneurysms.
Open access digital repositories of agricultural sciences in Africa: a webometric study
Authors: Ghosh Sanjib , Bijan Kumar Roy
Published: September 2022

The study examines different characteristics of link analysis and visibility of websites of agricultural digital repositories in Africa. The different link structures and the presence of web through different indicators like Internet access, web pages and link count are also highlighted. This study has used popular search engines Google) to analyse and measure the web presence of African agricultural repositories. An attempt has also been made to find out the correlation among the WIF and WISER indicators of selected agricultural repositories in Africa. The result shows that KARI e-repository-(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute) occupies the first place with 102467.5325 SWIF among 37 agricultural repositories in Africa. Again, it ranks 23rd position with 77 Web Pages and 02 In-link Web Pages and 0.025974026 RWIF. The findings of this study may guide webmasters and library professionals to identify the web presence of repositories and also help them to compare the repository websites of agricultural sciences in Africa by their WIF and WISER Rank.
On the move: spatial ecology and habitat use of red fox in the Trans-Himalayan cold desert
Authors: Reshamwala Hussain S. , Raina Pankaj , Hussain Zehidul , Khan Shaheer , Dirzo Rodolfo , Habib Bilal
Published: September 2022

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread wild carnivore globally, occupying diverse habitats. The species is known for its adaptability to survive in dynamic anthropogenic landscapes. Despite being one of the most extensively studied carnivores, there is a dearth of information on red fox from the Trans-Himalayan region. We studied the home range sizes of red fox using the different estimation methods: minimum convex polygon (MCP), kernel density estimator (KDE), local convex hull (LoCoH) and Brownian-bridge movement model (BBMM). We analysed the daily movement and assessed the habitat selection with respect to topographic factors (ruggedness, elevation and slope), environmental factor (distance to water) and anthropogenic factors (distance to road and human settlements). We captured and GPS-collared six red fox individuals (three males and three females) from Chiktan and one female from Hemis National Park, Ladakh, India. The collars were programmed to record GPS fixes every 15-min. The average BBMM home range estimate (95% contour) was 22.40 ± 12.12 SD km2 (range 3.81–32.93 km2) and the average core area (50% contour) was 1.87 ± 0.86 SD km2 (range 0.55–2.69 km2). The estimated average daily movement of red fox was 17.76 ± 8.45 SD km/d (range 10.91–34.22 km/d). Red fox significantly selected lower elevations with less rugged terrain and were positively associated with water. This is the first study in the Trans-Himalayan landscape which aims to understand the daily movement of red fox at a fine temporal scale. Studying the movement and home range sizes helps understand the daily energetics and nutritional requirements of red fox. Movement information of a species is important for the prioritisation of areas for conservation and can aid in understanding ecosystem functioning and landscape management.
Spatial Analysis of Changes in Cigarette Sales in Massachusetts and Bordering States Following the Massachusetts Menthol Flavor Ban
Authors: Asare Samuel , Majmundar Anuja , Westmaas J. Lee , Bandi Priti , Xue Zheng , Jemal Ahmedin , Nargis Nigar
Published: September 2022

This cohort study examines changes in cigarette sales in Massachusetts and its bordering states following a comprehensive ban on menthol flavor in Massachusetts in 2020.
Porphyrin‐based Donor–Acceptor Covalent Organic Polymer/ZnIn2S4 Z‐Scheme Heterostructure for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Cui Chao , Zhao Xiaolei , Su Xiaowen , Xi Ning , Wang Xiaoning , Yu Xiaowen , Zhang Xiao Li , Liu Hong , Sang Yuanhua
Published: September 2022

The construction of a Z‐scheme photocatalytic system is significant in realizing efficient water splitting for hydrogen (H2) evolution. Herein, a novel donor–acceptor covalent organic polymer (COP) is introduced to construct a COP‐ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) heterostructure via in situ condensation reaction. The COP‐ZIS heterostructure with platinum (Pt) as cocatalyst delivers a high hydrogen evolution rate of 5.04 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 16 and 3 times higher than ZIS and Pt/ZIS, respectively. The built‐in field between the highest occupied molecular orbital of COP and the valence band (VB) of ZIS forms a Z‐scheme heterostructure, realizing efficient charge separation. Based on density functional theory calculations, the porphyrin molecule in COP act as electron donor that provides compensating electrons to ZIS. The cocatalyst boosts the utilization of electrons in ZIS. The rate‐limiting steps for H2 evolution with ZIS are overcome by improving charge separation with the Z‐scheme heterostructure and speeding up the reaction with cocatalyst. Therefore, the COP‐ZIS heterostructure with Pt exhibits optimized H2 evolution. This study will inspire to construct novel organic and inorganic Z‐scheme photocatalysts for efficient green energy production.
An Activity‐Based Photosensitizer to Reverse Hypoxia and Oxidative Resistance for Tumor Photodynamic Eradication
Authors: Shi Leilei , Zhang Peng , Liu Xiaoxiao , Li Yuzhen , Wu Wenbo , Gao Xihui , Liu Bin
Published: September 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been a well‐accepted clinical treatment for malignant tumors owing to its noninvasiveness and high spatiotemporal selectivity. However, the treatment outcome of current PDT applications is hindered by hypoxia and intracellular oxidative resistance of solid tumors. Recent studies have shown that inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) can induce cell ferroptosis, reverse hypoxia, and elevate oxidative status. Theoretically, the design and synthesis of activity‐based photosensitizers that target HDACs can address the bottlenecks of PDT. Herein, the concept of an activity‐based photosensitizer is presented for targeting HDACs, which is designed based on a quinoxalinone scaffold through a pharmacophore migration strategy. The developed activity‐based photosensitizer can inhibit HDACs, and overcome hypoxia and intracellular oxidative resistance, realizing the full potential of photosensitizers for malignant tumor treatment. The molecular design strategy proposed in this project should provide theoretical guidance for the development of ideal photosensitizers for practical applications.
Stable Correlated 4d2 SrMoO3 Films Epitaxially Coated on Al2O3 for Electromagnetic Shielding and Transparent Conductors
Authors: Ha Youngkyoung , Lee Shinbuhm
Published: September 2022

Correlated perovskites have attracted significant attention worldwide for their potential application in transparent conductors. However, most studies in this area have focused on single‐crystalline films grown on expensive perovskites. In this study, the transparent conducting properties of SrMoO3 epitaxial films grown on Al2O3, the most commonly used substrate for optoelectronics, are investigated. The 45−80‐nm‐thick SrMoO3 epitaxial films on ‐oriented Al2O3 exhibit low sheet resistance (< 50 Ω □−1) at room temperature and high ultraviolet‐visible transmittances (> 60%), comparable with the values expected from single‐crystalline films. The highly conductive properties induced by two electrons in the outermost 4d orbitals guarantee a high electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of approximately 28.5 dB at 10 GHz in the X‐band. The SrMoO3 films are thermally stable below 450 °C in air and 700 °C in vacuum. Taken together, these results indicate that SrMoO3 epitaxial films grown on Al2O3 can be highly promising for optoelectronic applications in extreme environments.
Thermoresponsive Polymer Brushes for Switchable Protein Adsorption via Dopamine‐Assisted Grafting‐To Strategy
Authors: Teunissen Lucas W. , van den Beukel Jelle , Smulders Maarten M. J. , Zuilhof Han
Published: September 2022

Surface modifications using responsive polymers give access to biomedical applications that rely on switchable properties, such as smart sensors and actuator systems. In this work, thermoresponsive polymer coatings are synthesized on silicon oxide surfaces using a facile and effective two‐step grafting‐to strategy. Briefly, the substrates are first functionalized with a poly(dopamine) (poly(DA)) primer layer. Subsequently, block copolymers of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (poly(GMA)20‐block‐poly(NIPAM)n (n = 263, 528 and 705)) synthesized via reversible addition‑fragmentation chain‑transfer (RAFT) polymerization, are grafted to the poly(DA)‐modified surfaces. Characterization using ellipsometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements confirmed polymer attachment with appreciable grafting densities. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) is employed to investigate the thermoresponsive properties and degree of hydration of the polymers below and above their lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The longer the polymer chain, the more water is lost per repeating unit upon increasing the temperature above the LCST. The surfaces are exposed to diluted and undiluted human serum at 20 °C and 40 °C to demonstrate for all three polymer brushes switchable protein adsorption‐repellence. In a broader perspective, this study presents a straightforward, robust and efficient procedure to modify virtually any surface type with a thermoresponsive coating.
Flexible Conducting Polymer Electrodes for Selective Stimulation of Small Sensory Fibers in Humans
Authors: Velasco‐Bosom Santiago , Gurke Johannes , Han Sanggil , Lee Michael C. , Malliaras George G.
Published: September 2022

Small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN), a pathology caused by severe loss of free‐endings of unmyelinated sensory nerves, is difficult to diagnose and monitor. The use of cutaneous electrical stimulation as a diagnostic tool is hampered by the fact that the injected current penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates many other receptors. Interdigitated electrodes are recently proposed to control the depth of current penetration and selectively address small‐fibers. Here, flexible and adhesive interdigitated electrodes made of Au coated with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) are developed, that conform comfortably and reliably to human skin. It is shown that the PEDOT:PSS coating improves safety by significantly reducing the voltage required to inject current. The selectivity of the device is assessed by showing that it elicits a significantly slower reaction time than commercial cutaneous electrophysiology electrodes, as it exclusively activates unmyelinated fibers. The device is further evaluated on volunteers that undergo local capsaicin treatment to induce temporary loss of the nerve endings of small‐fibers. Pre‐ and post‐treatment electrical stimulation of the affected area with the device reveals impaired sensory detection that is not observed with commercial cutaneous electrophysiology electrodes. These results represent a significant step towards the use of electrical stimulation as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for SFN.
Enhanced Light–Tellurium Interaction through Evanescent Wave Coupling for High Speed Mid‐Infrared Photodetection
Authors: Ma Hui , Wu Jianghong , Wang Yunpeng , Zhong Chuyu , Ye Yuting , Wei Maoliang , Yu Rui , Du Yiqing , Tang Bo , Sun Cheng , Shi Yilin , Sun Chunlei , Wang Lichun , Zhu Haiming , Qiao Xvsheng , Li Lan , Lin Hongtao
Published: September 2022

Mid‐infrared (MIR) waveguide‐integrated photodetector is essential for various applications in the fields of sensing and optical communications. However, it is challenging to integrate traditional MIR photoactive materials such as HgCdTe or III−V compounds with complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible silicon platform due to the lattice mismatch. Tellurium (Te), a novel van der Waals (vdW) material with a narrow bandgap, high carrier mobility, and great air stability, is a promising candidate for high‐performance MIR detection. Here, high‐quality Te nanosheets are synthesized using a hydrothermal method and their carrier dynamics are characterized by transient reflection spectrum. The effect of mobility anisotropy on response speed is investigated intuitively by a free space phototransistor. Combining the strong evanescent wave of a waveguide architecture with the synergy effect between the carrier collection path and the highest mobility crystal orientation in Te, an integrated Te photodetector with enhanced light–matter interaction and reduced carrier transit time is achieved. For the first time, the MIR waveguide‐integrated Te photodetector with a responsivity of 2.3 A W−1 and a bandwidth of 4 GHz at 2015 nm is realized, which is the highest speed MIR photodetector based on narrow bandgap vdW materials to date.
One‐Step Exfoliation Method for Plasmonic Activation of Large‐Area 2D Crystals
Authors: Fu Qiang , Dai Jia‐Qi , Huang Xin‐Yu , Dai Yun‐Yun , Pan Yu‐Hao , Yang Long‐Long , Sun Zhen‐Yu , Miao Tai‐Min , Zhou Meng‐Fan , Zhao Lin , Zhao Wei‐Jie , Han Xu , Lu Jun‐Peng , Gao Hong‐Jun , Zhou Xing‐Jiang , Wang Ye‐Liang , Ni Zhen‐Hua , Ji Wei , Huang Yuan
Published: September 2022

Advanced exfoliation techniques are crucial for exploring the intrinsic properties and applications of 2D materials. Though the recently discovered Au‐enhanced exfoliation technique provides an effective strategy for the preparation of large‐scale 2D crystals, the high cost of gold hinders this method from being widely adopted in industrial applications. In addition, direct Au contact could significantly quench photoluminescence (PL) emission in 2D semiconductors. It is therefore crucial to find alternative metals that can replace gold to achieve efficient exfoliation of 2D materials. Here, the authors present a one‐step Ag‐assisted method that can efficiently exfoliate many large‐area 2D monolayers, where the yield ratio is comparable to Au‐enhanced exfoliation method. Differing from Au film, however, the surface roughness of as‐prepared Ag films on SiO2/Si substrate is much higher, which facilitates the generation of surface plasmons resulting from the nanostructures formed on the rough Ag surface. More interestingly, the strong coupling between 2D semiconductor crystals (e.g., MoS2, MoSe2) and Ag film leads to a unique PL enhancement that has not been observed in other mechanical exfoliation techniques, which can be mainly attributed to enhanced light‐matter interaction as a result of extended propagation of surface plasmonic polariton (SPP). This work provides a lower‐cost and universal Ag‐assisted exfoliation method, while at the same time offering enhanced SPP‐matter interactions.
Anionic Coordination Manipulation of Multilayer Solvation Structure Electrolyte for High‐Rate and Low‐Temperature Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Sun Nannan , Li Ruhong , Zhao Yue , Zhang Haikuo , Chen Jiahe , Xu Jinting , Li Zhendong , Fan Xiulin , Yao Xiayin , Peng Zhe
Published: September 2022

Challenges from high‐energy‐density storage applications have boosted the pursuit of designing high‐rate and low‐temperature lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs). Formulating high‐concentration electrolytes (HCEs) with a high transference number (t+) is an alternative solution to satisfy these demands. However, the implementation of HCEs is impeded by their lower ionic conductivity, higher viscosity, poorer wettability, and higher melting point, which are harmful to the practical applications. Herein, an anionic coordination manipulation strategy is proposed to break the constraints presented by HCEs. By manipulating the anionic species with different coordinating abilities, a high t+ up to 0.9 can be achieved even in the low‐concentration electrolytes of 1 mol L−1. By further forming a multilayer solvation structure in the anion manipulated electrolyte using non‐polar diluents, high Li Coulombic efficiency superior to 99% can be maintained under a high current density of 3 mA cm−2, and much‐improved performance is also demonstrated in high‐loading Li metal pouch cells. Furthermore, when applying multilayer solvated structure in electrolyte engineering, Li metal anodes at subzero temperature and LMBs at 0 °C also exhibit impressive cycling stability. This work provides a new guideline for designing advanced electrolytes for high‐rate LMBs under practical conditions.
Amyloid fibrils act as a reservoir of soluble oligomers, the main culprits in protein deposition diseases
Authors: Bigi Alessandra , Cascella Roberta , Chiti Fabrizio , Cecchi Cristina
Published: September 2022

Amyloid fibril formation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Transient prefibrillar oligomers forming during the aggregation process, exhibiting a small size and a large hydrophobic surface, can aberrantly interact with a number of molecular targets on neurons, including the lipid bilayer of plasma membranes, resulting in a fatal outcome for the cells. By contrast, the mature fibrils, despite presenting generally a high hydrophobic surface, are endowed with a low diffusion rate and poorly penetrate the interior of the lipid bilayer. However, increasing evidence shows that both intracellular α‐synuclein fibrils, as well and as extracellular amyloid‐β and β2‐microglobulin fibrils, can release oligomers over time that quickly diffuse to reach the membrane of the neighboring cells. The persistent leakage of harmful oligomers from fibrils triggers an ongoing cascade of events resulting in a sustained injury to neurons and glia and also provides aggregates with the ability to cross biological membranes and diffuse between cells or cellular compartments.
The relationship between the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus and the overlying clavicle: Anatomical study with application to plate osteosynthesis
Authors: Schmiedl Andreas , Buchhorn Andreas , Schönberger Michael
Published: September 2022

A subclavian artery aneurysm after clavicle fracture and plate osteosynthesis in a suspected case of a screw that was too long led us to investigate body donor cadavers. The aim was to verify clavicle variability, and the course of the neurovascular bundle in relation to the clavicle and to the osteosynthesis plate, in order to clarify safe zones for plate and screw fixation. We used one fresh frozen and 25 embalmed donors for in situ measurements: (1) length and craniocaudal thickness of the clavicle, (2) distances between the sternal end of the clavicle and the center of parts of the neurovascular bundle. The clavicle was 15.15 cm long. The mean distances from the sternal end of the clavicle were 5.62 cm to the subclavian vein, 6.75 cm to the subclavian artery and 8.42 cm to the cords of the brachial plexus. The subclavius muscle was 1 cm thick. Because of sex differences in length and distances, we recorded the distances between the sternal end and parts of the neurovascular bundle as ratios of clavicle length (at‐risk area) to provide sex‐independent parameters: 0.379 for the vein, 0.449 for the artery and 0.554 for the nerve. The neurovascular bundle runs below the clavicle between the medial fourth and three fifths of clavicle length. To avoid iatrogenic neurovascular injuries, special caution is necessary during drilling and screwing the osteosynthesis. We also recommend using screws shorter than 1.4 cm.
Consider how unionization rules could impact your athletics programs
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: September 2022

With a student‐athlete's right to negotiate for payments for the use of their name, image, and likeness now firmly established, many student‐athletes are capitalizing on individual and group/team‐based marketing opportunities in a variety of ways. While they certainly welcome this new income stream, there's a large external funding source in the form of media rights payments that remains untapped and appealing from the student‐athletes’ perspective. Indeed, various news reports indicate that the payments received by many schools from the sale of their individual and collective media rights appear to be increasing in size.
UHPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS Based Identification, Quantification, and Assessment ofin SilicoMolecular Interactions of Major Phytochemicals from Bioactive Fractions ofClerodendrum glandulosumLindl. Leaves
Authors: Kumar Deb Prashanta , Shilkar Deepak , Sarkar Biswatrish
Published: September 2022

Clerodendrum glandulosumLindl., is an ethnopharmacologically important species of the North‐eastern region of India. Leaves of this plant are consumed as food and traditionally used as medicine to cure hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes. This study was designed to explore the antioxidant potential in theClerodendrumleaves guided byin‐vitroactivity, which is responsible for the therapeutic benefits. Leaves were extracted with 95 % methanol and further fractionated with solvents of varying polarities (e. g., petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and butanol). Total phenolic and total flavonoid content of the crude extract/ fractions were measured by Folin‐Ciocalteu and AlCl3methods, respectively. Crude extract/ fractions were screen forin‐vitroantioxidant and cytoprotective activities to determine the most bioactive fraction. Simultaneously, the chemical constituents of these fractions were identified and characterized using UHPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS. Subsequently, major phenolic compounds identified were subjected toin‐silicomolecular docking with pro‐oxidant enzymes to elucidate possible biological functions. Both ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed the presence of a high concentration of phenolic and flavonoid content along with the best antioxidant and cytoprotective properties compared to all other fractions. Chemical profiling of these active fractions revealed the presence of different phenolic compounds, among which verbascoside was the principal compound. These major phytoconstituents also exhibited strong binding interactions with the crucial amino acid residues of the target proteins, which complemented thein‐vitrobioactivities. In conclusion, this study offers structured information on antioxidant phytochemicals present inC. glandulosumleaves, which would be worthwhile for future investigations on the therapeutic properties at the molecular level.
Comprehensive study on gluten composition and baking quality of winter wheat
Authors: Schuster Clemens , Huen Julien , Scherf Katharina Anne
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives

Protein and gluten content and composition are important for the baking quality of wheat flours. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive characterization of 82 wheat flours to analyze the influence of protein composition on rheological and baking quality parameters.

Findings

Protein composition, starch gelatinization behavior, as well as rheological (microfarinograph, gluten aggregation, extensibility), and baking parameters were determined. The correlation matrix showed no significant correlations between gluten composition and loaf volume. Parameters of the gluten aggregation test allowed a prediction of gluten, gliadin, and glutenin content with an absolute root mean square error of cross validation of 7.5, 6.0, and 3.2 mg/g, respectively, using partial least squares regression. Starch gelatinization temperature had an effect on gluten aggregation.

Conclusions

The gluten aggregation test was suitable to predict gluten, gliadin, and glutenin content. The lack of correlations between protein composition and loaf volume indicates that baking quality is the result of a complex combination of different parameters.

Significance and Novelty

Our study is the first to comprehensively analyze 82 wheat flours, especially in terms of gluten composition. We show that flour blends can reach excellent baking quality even if quality indicators like crude protein or extensibility are comparatively low.
Preparation, functional properties, and nutritional evaluation of chickpea protein concentrate
Authors: Zhang Yue , Huang Xujie , Zeng Xianchun , Li Liang , Jiang Yan
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives

Chickpeas are the second most consumed legume in the world, with a high protein content and high bioavailability. This study aimed to optimize extraction conditions of chickpea protein concentrate and evaluate its functional properties and nutritional value.

Findings

Chickpea protein concentrate was prepared by alkali solubilization with isoelectric precipitation and optimal conditions determined using response surface methodology were as follows: pH, 9.84; temperature, 28.94°C; solvent‐to‐solid ratio, 19.06:1 (ml:g); and extraction time, 98.19 min. The highest protein extraction yield was 60.69% and the protein content was 85.56%. Chickpea protein concentrate was found to have satisfactory solubility and foaming properties, while foaming stability, emulsion stability, and water‐holding capacity need to be improved in comparison with soybean protein concentrate. The levels of all essential amino acids of chickpea protein concentrate, except those of sulfur‐containing amino acids were close to the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO) standard pattern.

Conclusion

Chickpea protein concentrate has better solubility and foaming properties than soy protein concentrate, and can be modified to improve foaming stability and water‐holding properties, thus broadening its application in the food industry.

Significance and Novelty

Our results recommended chickpea protein concentrate as a better alternative to animal proteins for human health due to the good balance of amino acids, high protein bioavailability, and being less allergenic than soy protein.
Post‐traumatic missing talus: Staged allograft interposition and fusion. Should we fuse the “talo‐navicular” joint?
Authors: Kitridis Dimitrios , Lampridis Vasileios , Rigkos Dimitrios , Savvidis Ioannis , Georgiannos Dimitrios , Bisbinas Ilias
Published: September 2022

Complete talar dislocation—extrusion is an uncommon sequela of high‐energy trauma. When the talus is unavailable for reimplantation, a staged treatment plan with the use (a) of an antibiotic cement spacer, followed by (b) tibiotalocalcaneal fusion with bone allograft interposition, may ensure a good clinical outcome.
Hyperammonemia in a girl who inherited a likely pathogenic variant of the ornithine transcarbamylase gene from her asymptomatic father—A peculiar pattern of X‐linked recessive inheritance
Authors: Chan Toby Chun Hei , Cheung Hoi Ning , Chow Jasmine , Leung Mei Tik , Chen Sammy Pak Lam , Shek Chi Chung
Published: September 2022

A three‐year‐old Chinese girl presented with hyperammonemia was diagnosed biochemically and genetically (heterozygous for a novel likely pathogenic missense variant c.476T>A) as having ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, a rare X‐linked recessive urea cycle disorders. Extensive family genetic screening eventually revealed paternal gonadosomatic mosaicism.
Hydroxyzine‐induced fixed drug eruption and cross‐reaction with oxatomide
Authors: Terada Mizuki , Hayashi Shujiro , Okamoto Maki , Igawa Ken
Published: September 2022

There are a few reports in the literature implicating them in causing fixed drug eruption, the piperazine derivatives. In this case, although eszopiclone for insomnia medicinehas a piperazine ring, no eruption appeared so far. Oxatomide and hydroxyzine not only shared a piperazine ring but also shared two benzene rings via a methine group (=CH–). It was suspected that this shared structural group became an antigenic determinant and resulted in cross‐reactivity. Such a unique case has not been reported before.
Fluid–structure interaction analysis of eccentricity and leaflet rigidity on thrombosis biomarkers in bioprosthetic aortic valve replacements
Authors: Oks David , Samaniego Cristóbal , Houzeaux Guillaume , Butakoff Constantine , Vázquez Mariano
Published: September 2022

This work intends to study the effect of aortic annulus eccentricity and leaflet rigidity on the performance, thrombogenic risk and calcification risk in bioprosthetic aortic valve replacements (BAVRs). To address these questions, a two‐way immersed fluid–structure interaction (FSI) computational model was implemented in a high‐performance computing (HPC) multi‐physics simulation software, and validated against a well‐known FSI benchmark. The aortic valve bioprosthesis model is qualitatively contrasted against experimental data, showing good agreement in closed and open states. Regarding the performance of BAVRs, the model predicts that increasing eccentricities yield lower geometric orifice areas (GOAs) and higher normalized transvalvular pressure gradients (TPGs) for healthy cardiac outputs during systole, agreeing with in vitro experiments. Regions with peak values of residence time are observed to grow with eccentricity in the sinus of Valsalva, indicating an elevated risk of thrombus formation for eccentric configurations. In addition, the computational model is used to analyze the effect of varying leaflet rigidity on both performance, thrombogenic and calcification risks with applications to tissue‐engineered prostheses. For more rigid leaflets it predicts an increase in systolic and diastolic TPGs, and decrease in systolic GOA, which translates to decreased valve performance. The peak shear rate and residence time regions increase with leaflet rigidity, but their volume‐averaged values were not significantly affected. Peak solid stresses are also analyzed, and observed to increase with rigidity, elevating risk of valve calcification and structural failure. To the authors' knowledge this is the first computational FSI model to study the effect of eccentricity or leaflet rigidity on thrombogenic biomarkers, providing a novel tool to aid device manufacturers and clinical practitioners.
IoT enabled healthcare system for predicting the diseases using feature optimization, decision tree, neural network, and fuzzy temporal rules
Authors: Sharmila Bhargavi Vijayan , Pavai Madheswari Soundararajan
Published: September 2022

Diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases are identified to be fatal for human beings due to the lack of awareness, erratic food habits, lack of physical work and so forth. Many disease prediction systems are introduced by various researchers. However, early diagnosis of the diseases and monitoring systems are not working effectively and it increases the death rate. Recently, Internet of Things (IoT) is incorporated to collect the instant data from patient and the system makes effective decisions. Many IoT enabled healthcare systems are available for predicting the specific diseases but such effective healthcare system for measuring the severity of diabetes, cancer and heart diseases is scarce. For this purpose, a new neuro‐fuzzy model is used in the proposed IoT enabled healthcare system for disease prediction, which combines fuzzy rules with temporal features. First, it categorizes the available features of the patient records. Second, a new temporal decision tree is introduced for learning the patient records carefully and predicting the record by using the available data. Third, the fuzzy temporal decision tree calculates the relationship between the available features and also selects them as contributed features. In addition, some of the features are identified as not useful for making a final decision, and these are to be removed. Fourth, the fuzzy rules are to be generated by using the Mamdani fuzzy membership function. Finally, a new framework is proposed which is the combination of neuro‐fuzzy temporal networks, fuzzy temporal decision trees, and fuzzy temporal rules. The proposed model is evaluated by conducting experiments and proved as better than the existing systems in terms of prediction accuracy, error rate, and efficiency.
Population PK and PD Analysis of Domagrozumab in Pediatric Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Wojciechowski Jessica , Purohit Vivek S. , Harnisch Lutz O. , Dua Pinky , Tan Beesan , Nicholas Timothy
Published: September 2022

Myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, is a therapeutic target in muscle‐wasting diseases. Domagrozumab, a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody, binds myostatin and inhibits activity. Domagrozumab was investigated in a phase II trial (NCT02310763) as a potential treatment for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling is vital in clinical trial design, particularly for determining dosing regimens in pediatric populations. This analysis sought to establish the PK/PD relationship between free domagrozumab and total myostatin concentrations in pediatric patients with DMD using a prior semimechanistic model developed from a phase I study in healthy adult volunteers (NCT01616277) and following inclusion of phase II data. The refined model was developed using a multiple‐step approach comprising structural, random effects, and covariate model development; assessment of model adequacy (goodness‐of‐fit); and predictive performance. Differences in PKs/PDs between healthy adult volunteers and pediatric patients with DMD were quantitatively accounted for and evaluated by predicting myostatin coverage (the percentage of myostatin bound by domagrozumab). The final model parameter estimates and semimechanistic target‐mediated drug disposition structure sufficiently described both domagrozumab and myostatin concentrations in pediatric patients with DMD, and most population parameters were comparable with the prior model (in healthy adult volunteers). Predicted myostatin coverage for phase II patients with DMD was consistently > 90%. Baseline serum myostatin was ~ 65% lower than in healthy adult volunteers. This study provides insights into the regulation of myostatin in healthy adults and pediatric patients with DMD. Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT01616277 and NCT02310763.
Influence of Strong Ionic Interaction on the Kinetics of Graphite Intercalation Compound Formation
Authors: Miyazaki Kohei , Mizawa Atsushi , Ito Yuta , Sagane Fumihiro , Abe Takeshi
Published: September 2022

Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) of anions have attracted much attention as a positive electrode for use in dual‐ion batteries. In this study, GICs of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (TFSA) anions were electrochemically synthesized in ionic liquids with lithium or magnesium salts to investigate the kinetics of GICs formation. By varying the concentrations of LiTFSA or Mg(TFSA)2, the activation energy of interfacial anion transfer resistance was discovered to be correlated with the viscosity of the ionic liquid electrolytes. Such a change in activation energy is unique to ionic liquids and not seen in common molecular solvent electrolytes. In addition, ionic liquids with nearly identical viscosities exhibited similar resistances and activation energies. The relationship between the viscosity of ionic liquids and the kinetic parameters of interfacial anion transfer found in this study provides important insights for the construction of dual‐ion batteries that aim for both high capacity and high rate capability.
Processing Poly (ethylene terephthalate) Waste into Functional Carbon Materials by Mechanochemical Extrusion
Authors: Xu Jialu , Duan Xiaolan , Zhang Pengfei , Niu Qiang , Dai Sheng
Published: September 2022

With the plastic pollution becoming worse, the upcycling of plastic waste into functional materials is a great challenge. Herein, a mechanochemical extrusion approach was developed for processing poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste into porous carbon materials. The essence of the cyclic extrusion approach lies in the solvent‐free mixing of thermoplastic PET with pore‐directing additive (e. g., silica or zinc chloride) at the molecular level. PET waste could be upcycled into functional carbon with high surface area (up to 1001 m2 g−1), specific shapes, and preferred mechanical strength, after cyclic extrusion and carbonization. Moreover, metal species could be well dispersed onto porous carbons through solvent‐free extrusion, different from traditional loading methods (impregnation method, deposition‐precipitation method). In this manner, mechanochemical extrusion provides an alternative for upcycling plastic waste into value‐added materials.