bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestational stress alters maternal behavior and inflammatory markers in the olfactory bulb of lactating mice
Authors: Luft Carolina , Wearick‐Silva Luis Eduardo , da Costa Mariana Severo , Pedrazza Leonardo , Antunes Géssica Luana , Grassi‐Oliveira Rodrigo , de Oliveira Jarbas Rodrigues , Donadio Márcio Vinícius Fagundes
Published: November 2021

Inflammatory markers represent important candidates responsible for the altered behavior and physiology observed after stressful experiences. In the maternal brain, the olfactory bulb (OB) is a key constituent of the neural circuit that mediates the reciprocal interaction between mother and infant. This study aimed to investigate the effects of stress during pregnancy on maternal behavior and inflammatory changes in the olfactory bulb of lactating mice. Female Balb/c mice were divided into two groups: control (CT) and restraint stress (RS). Maternal behavior was performed during the first 8 days of life of the offspring. On the 10th day after parturition, corticosterone, gene, and protein expression were assessed. Stress during pregnancy decreased the maternal index at postnatal day 4 and the nuclear factor‐κB 1 (NFκB1) gene expression in the OB. Moreover, females from the RS group showed increased interleukin (IL‐1β) protein expression. In contrast, stressed females exhibited a decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) protein expression in the OB. In conclusion, exposure to stress during pregnancy was able to induce specific postnatal effects on maternal behavior and balance of inflammatory mediators in the OB.
Poverty and gender in Latin America: How far can income‐based measures go?
Authors: Amarante Verónica , Colacce Maira , Scalese Federico
Published: November 2021

Assumptions of the traditional income poverty measure have strong implications not confirmed by the evidence, but this measure is still widely used in gender poverty analysis. We explore the boundaries of the gender analysis of monetary poverty based on the currently available information (household surveys for 16 Latin American countries). Our results indicate that departing from the conventional methodology has more influence on women than men, worsening female indicators. Households emerge as crucial venues for income support for low income partnered women and for women with no access to any income, whose autonomy is seriously compromised due to this fact.
Assessment of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies level in convalescents plasma
Authors: Skorek Andrzej , Jaźwińska‐Curyłło Anna , Romanowicz Aleksandra , Kwaśniewski Krzysztof , Narożny Waldemar , Tretiakow Dmitry
Published: November 2021

Despite extensive vaccination, the quantity of patients infected with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and its variants continues to grow worldwide. Treating patients with a severe course of COVID‐19 is a difficult challenge. One of the generally accepted and specific therapy methods is the use of plasma rich in anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. On the other hand, assessing the antibodies level depending on the time after infection allows for vaccine‐decision. The study marked the level of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies in 351 COVID‐19 convalescent residents of one geographical region in Poland. The study group included blood donors. The studies were cross‐sectional and extended to a questionnaire to determine infection severity. These data were compiled statistically. The study considered epidemiological factors, the time from the end of the infection, and infection severity. The fastest increase of the antibodies level was observed up to 59 days after COVID‐19, and it was statistically significantly higher among men. Higher levels of antibodies were found among people above the average age in both men and women. There was an increase in the level of antibodies since the onset of the disease in men, while in women, it decreased. The antibodies level was also found to depend on the severity of the course of COVID‐19 infection. The optimal group of plasma donors in the studied geographical region is men and women above 39 years old. after a more severe infection. The titer of antibodies increases with time from the disease.
Spatiotemporal distribution of varicella in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Young Hwa , Choe Young June , Hwang Seung‐sik , Cho Sung‐il
Published: November 2021

Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella‐zoster virus (VZV). Given its tendency to cluster geographically, spatial analyses may provide a better understanding of the pattern of varicella transmission. We investigated the spatial characteristics of varicella in Korea and the risk factors for varicella at a national level. Using national surveillance and demographic data, we examined the spatial distribution of incidence rates and their spatial autocorrelation and calculated Moran's index. Spatial regression analysis was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of varicella incidence at the district level. An increasing tendency in the annual incidence of varicella was observed over a 12‐year period (2006–2018), with a surge in 2017. There was a clear positive spatial autocorrelation of the varicella incidence rate during the surveillance period. During 2006–2014, High‐High (HH) clusters were mostly confined to the northeast region and neighboring districts. The spatial error model showed that population density had a negative coefficient and childhood percentage, percentage of children under 12 years of age among the total population, had positive coefficient, whereas vaccine coverage was insignificant. The varicella incidence according to geographic region varied with population density, childhood percentage, suggesting the importance of community‐level surveillance and monitoring strategies.
Associations of heart failure with susceptibility and severe complications of COVID‐19: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyung Jun , Park Moo‐Suk , Shin Jae Il , Park Jin , Kim Dong‐Hyeok , Jeon Jimin , Kim Jinkwon , Song Tae‐Jin
Published: November 2021

Infection is associated with occurrence and worsening of heart failure (HF). However, studies on the association of susceptibility and severe complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with HF history are limited. From the Korean nationwide COVID‐19 data set, 212,678 participants with at least one severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test were included between January 1 and June 4, 2020. To investigate the association of HF with susceptibility and severe complications of COVID‐19, 1:4 ratio propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression analysis were performed. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death. After PSM, COVID‐19 PCR positivity did not show a significant difference according to HF history in multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.79–1.04), p = 0.146). Of 7630 individuals with confirmed COVID‐19 infection, 310 (4.1%) had HF history. The overall primary outcome occurred in 426 (5.6%) individuals, including 159 (2.1%) cases of mechanical ventilation, 254 (3.3%) cases of ICU admission, and 215 (2.8%) cases of death. In multivariate logistic analysis, presence of HF history was associated independently with primary outcome (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.42–2.79, p < 0.001), particularly mortality (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.36–3.00, p < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that HF history is associated poor prognosis, particularly mortality, in COVID‐19. Patients with HF can have severe complication if infected with COVID‐19; therefore, careful management are necessary.
Evaluations of abusive supervisors: The moderating role of the abuser's gender
Authors: Kim Joseph K. , Harold Crystal M. , Holtz Brian C.
Published: November 2021

The present research examines the role of leaders' gender in influencing how employees evaluate abusive supervision. This paper argues that abusive supervision is considered to be a less typical leader behavior for female leaders, compared to male leaders, because abusive behaviors violate the stereotypes traditionally prescribed to female leaders (e.g., communal and caring). As such, drawing from gender stereotype theories (e.g., the lack‐of‐fit model and role congruity theory), we propose that, among leaders who engage in abusive supervision, employees will rate female leaders as less effective than male leaders. However, we also propose that employees will attribute female leaders' abuse to internal characteristics to a lesser extent than male leaders. Results from both an experimental study (Study 1) and a field study (Study 2) conducted with working adults support our hypotheses. Namely, results suggest that female leaders' abusive supervision is viewed as less typical leadership behavior and, consequently, is associated with lower ratings of effectiveness compared to abusive male leaders. Conversely, because abuse is viewed as female‐atypical behavior, employees were less likely to make internal attributions for female leaders' abusive behaviors. Implications for theory and practice will be discussed.
Endophytic colonization of entomopathogenic fungi increases plant disease resistance by changing the endophytic bacterial community
Authors: Chang Yuming , Xia Xinyao , Sui Li , Kang Qin , Lu Yang , Li Le , Liu Wende , Li Qiyun , Zhang Zhengkun
Published: November 2021

Various mechanisms are involved in plant disease resistance mediated by entomopathogenic fungi; however, the role of plant endophytic microbes in disease resistance is unknown. In the present study, we showed that the disease incidence of northern corn leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Et) on maize was reduced significantly by soil inoculation with Beauveria bassiana (Bb). Meanwhile, B. bassiana colonization and E. turcicum infection increased the diversity and abundance and diversity of endophytic bacteria and fungi, respectively, while the abundance of endophytic bacterial of the Bb + Et treatment decreased significantly compared with that of Et treatment alone. However, Bb + Et treatment increased the relative abundance of plant beneficial bacteria significantly, for example, Burkholderia and Pseudomonas. Network analyses showed that the microbiome complexity increased after soil inoculation with B. bassiana. Taken together, these results revealed the potential mechanism by which entomopathogenic fungi exert biological control of maize leaf spot disease.
Clinical performance of hydrophilic, titanium‐zirconium dental implants in patients with well‐controlled and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: One‐year results of a dual‐center cohort study
Authors: Latimer Jessica M. , Roll Katherine L. , Daubert Diane M. , Zhang Hai , Shalev Tamir ,   ABCD study collaborators, Wolff Larry F. , Kotsakis Georgios A.
Published: November 2021

Background

This study assessed the clinical performance of hydrophilic dental implants in a patient cohort with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Subjects with T2DM of ≥2‐years duration were allocated to either the well‐controlled (WC; HbA1c ≤ 7.0%,) or poorly‐controlled (PC; 7.5 < HbA1c < 10%) groups in a dual‐center, prospective cohort study. Each subject received a single, titanium‐zirconium (Ti‐Zr) dental implant with a chemically‐modified, hydrophilic (modSLA) surface in a posterior mandibular site. Postoperatively, subjects were followed at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12‐week intervals. Post‐loading, subjects were followed at 3, 6, and 12‐months. Clinical and radiographic parameters of implant success, and dental patient‐reported outcomes were collected.

Results

Twenty‐one dental patients (NWC = 11; NPC = 10; mean age: 66.8 ± 7.5 years) were enrolled and the 1‐year implant success rate was 100%. Peri‐implant bone levels were stable with 0.15 ± 0.06 mm mean marginal loss at 1 year without significant inter‐group differences (P = 0.79). Postoperative pain was minimal at 1‐week, and OHIP‐5 scores decreased significantly over time as compared with preoperative levels (P < 0.001) suggesting significant improvement in patient‐perceived oral health following implant therapy.

Conclusions

Elevated HbA1c levels > 7.5% did not compromise 1‐year success rates, or oral health‐related quality of life in PC patients receiving modSLA, Ti‐Zr implants. Given that implant placement up to 10% HbA1c significantly enhanced oral health‐related quality of life without complications or morbidity, the safety and efficacy of implants to improve oral function in T2DM is supported, even without ideal glycemic control.
Energy‐corrected sudden modeling of the non‐Markovian rotational relaxation matrix for high‐pressure Raman spectra of pure nitrogen
Authors: Buldyreva Jeanna , Sokolov Andrei , Kouzov Alexander
Published: November 2021

The general expression derived previously (A.P. Kouzov, J.V. Buldyreva, A.V. Sokolov, J. Chem. Phys. 149, 044305 (2018)) for the frequency‐dependent rotational relaxation matrix describing collisions of linear molecules is put into an energy‐corrected‐sudden (ECS) form convenient for spectra modeling. The translational interaction spectral functions characterizing the intracollisional dynamics and determining the relaxation matrix elements are factorized into a frequency‐dependent and an anisotropy ranks‐dependent parts. The particular case of isotropic Raman Q‐branch enables to establish connections of these parts with the adiabaticity factor accounting for the molecular rotation during the collision and the bimolecular relaxation rates, respectively. Analyses of these rates allow suggesting their realistic exponential‐polynomial model representations with a few adjustable parameters determined from fits on experimentally available
line widths. Thanks to the universal character of the non‐Markovian approach, the same parameters enable realistic computations of
anisotropic Raman spectra up to very far spectral wings and without any additional parameter with respect to the Markovian ECS.
Female breast cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa: A PRISMA‐S‐compliant systematic review of surgery
Authors: Amouzou Komla Séna , Ketevi Ameyo Ayoko , Sambiani Damigou Mawuli , Caroli Angela
Published: November 2021

Background

In sub‐Saharan countries (SSAs), the advanced stage at diagnosis and the limited surgical interventions of female breast cancer (FBC) lead to poor outcomes. This study assessed current modalities of FBC surgeries.

Methods

Six literature databases (Medline, Embase, African Journal Online, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) were searched, plus a manual search, in 2011–2021. We included primary data studies with any setting and presurgeries or postsurgeries treatments, we excluded non‐English language studies, editorials, and grey literature.

Results

The search yielded 21 observational studies (16 retrospective, 3 prospective, and 2 case reports). Of the total 6900 patients, 4121 (60%) patients underwent FBC surgical excision only, and 751/2779 (27%) conservative surgery (BCS) or therapy (BCT). All studies reported similar use of mastectomy (>60%), the FBC surgical excision/reconstruction studies displayed more neoadjuvant chemotherapy (536/2779, 19% vs. 215/4121, 5%), and radiotherapy or adjuvant radiotherapy (1461/2779, 52% vs. 411/3921, 4%). Patients' age, histological classification, staging, and follow‐up data were often missing.

Conclusions

The FBC complexity requires structured management by general and plastic surgeons, radiotherapy specialists, and obstetrician‐gynecologists through shared guidelines, protocols, and specific programs of public health. In SSAs, FBC surgical strategies should point at decreasing radical mastectomy and increasing BCS/BCT.
Separation of five flavone glycosides including two groups with similar polarities fromDracocephalum tanguticumby a combination of three high‐speed counter‐current chromatography modes
Authors: Chen Tao , Yang Xue , Wang Shuo , Shen Cheng , Li Hongmei , Wei Yangfei , Yan Shuping , Song Zhibo , Yang Fengmei , Liu Yarong , Hai Ping , Li Yulin
Published: November 2021

The separation of compounds with similar polarities is challenging. In the present study, five flavone glycosides, including two groups with similar polarities, were obtained fromDracocephalum tanguticumby three high‐speed counter‐current chromatography modes, including flow rate conversion mode, recycling mode, and heart‐cut mode. With flow rate conversion mode, compounds 3 and 4 with similar polarities and compound 5 were separated by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography with ethyl acetate/methanol/water (5.0% acetic acid) (8:2:10, v/v) system. The flow rate was controlled as: 1.8 mL/min for 0–160 min, 2.2 mL/min for 160–200 min, and 2.5 mL/min for 200–400 min. However, compounds 1 and 2 with similar polarities were not separated due to the similar distributive properties. Then, a recycling and heart‐cut mode were introduced to improve the separation efficiency. The heart‐cut mode was introduced in the second and third cycles, and compounds 1 and 2 were well separated in the fourth cycle. Consequently, five flavone glycosides, including two groups with similar polarities were obtained and identified as cosmosiin (1), pedaliin (2), quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside (3), pedaliin‐6''‐acetate (4), and sorbifolin‐6‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside (5). The current strategy provides a reference for separating compounds with similar polarities from a crude sample.
Evaluating the Impact of Cochlear Implantation on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Gurgel Richard K. , Duff Kevin , Foster Norman L. , Urano Kaitlynn A. , deTorres Alvin
Published: November 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

We hypothesize that treating hearing loss through cochlear implantation in older adults will improve cognitive function.

Study Design

Prospective, interventional study.

Methods

Thirty‐seven participants aged 65 years and older who met criteria for cochlear implantation were enrolled. Subjects underwent preoperative cognitive testing with a novel arrangement of standard neuropsychological tests, including tests of general cognition and mood (Mini‐Mental Status Exam [MMSE]), tests of verbally based stimuli and responses (Digit Span, Stroop, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test‐Revised [HVLT‐R], Hayling Sentence Completion), and comparable visually based tests (Spatial Span, d2 Test of Attention, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test [BVMT], Trails A and B). Testing was repeated 12 months postoperatively.

Results

One year postoperatively, subjects showed a statistically significant improvement in hearing and on the following tests of cognitive function: concentration performance of the d2 Test of Attention, Hayling Sentence Completion Test, HVLT‐R (total and delayed recall), Spatial Span (backward), and Stroop Color Word Test. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing 13 participants with preoperative cognitive impairment (MMSE ≤ 24) to 24 participants with normal cognition (MMSE ≥ 25). In this subgroup analysis, a greater magnitude of improvement was seen in those with impaired cognition, with statistically significant improvement in Digit Span (scaled score), Stroop Word (T‐score), Stroop Color‐Word (residual and T‐score), HVLT‐R, and Hayling (overall). All verbally based test scores improved, and 75% of the visually based test scores improved.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the cognitive benefits of cochlear implantation in older adults 1 year after surgery. For older adults with cognitive impairment prior to cochlear implantation, the cognitive benefits were even greater than in subjects with normal cognition.

Level of Evidence

3, nonrandomized controlled cohort Laryngoscope, 132:S1–S15, 2022
Is it necessary for clinical tumor volume including neck muscles in target volume delineation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
Authors: Chen Fei , Kong Xiangquan , Wu Haixia , Fang Weining , Fei Zhaodong , Wu Zhupeng , Zhao Dan , Ma Liqin
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To calculate the shrinkage of the neck muscles and dosimetric changes and to clarify the necessity of covering part of the muscle in neck node region delineation for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy.

Methods

In total, 44 patients with NPC were enrolled. Distances between the lateral border of the neck muscles and longitudinal midline were measured on every selected slice. This process was repeated three times, and the mean values of the three distances of planning computed tomography (CT) images and repeated CT images were adopted (labeled d1 and d2). The mean value of the differences between d1 and d2 was regarded as the medial shrinkage of the neck muscles. The initial clinical target volume of cervical lymph nodes (CTV‐n) was shifted medially with the value of shrinkage, yielding a new CTV‐n. Doses that covered 95% of the planning tumor volume (PTV) (D95), 99% of the PTV (D99), mean dose (Dmean), and maximum dose (Dmax) were used to calculate the dosimetric variation between the initial and new CTV‐n. Comparisons were performed using the paired samples t test.

Results

The median d1 was 3.81 cm (range: 1.19‐8.20 cm), and the median d2 was 3.68 cm (range: 0.94‐9.59 cm), with a statistically significant difference (P < .001). The mean difference between d1 and d2 was 1.5 ± 3.1 mm (SD). The D95 and D99 of PTV of initial CTV‐n decreased by 0.38% and 0.62% (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with NPC experienced medial shrinkage of the neck muscles by 1.5 mm, and the consequent dose variation was negligible. It is unnecessary to cover part of the muscles in the delineation of the CTV‐n.
Hydrogen‐assisted fatigue crack propagation behavior of equiatomic Co–Cr–Fe–Mn–Ni high‐entropy alloy
Authors: Xiao Huijin , Zeng Qiang , Xia Lin , Fu Zhenghong , Zhu Shaowei
Published: November 2021

The equiatomic Co–Cr–Fe–Mn–Ni high‐entropy alloy (HEA) shows well hydrogen embrittlement resistance under monotonic tensile load. However, the fracture behavior under cyclic load is still unclear. In this study, combining with the fracture features analysis by electron back‐scattered diffraction and electron channeling contrast imaging techniques, the hydrogen‐assisted fatigue crack propagation behavior of equiatomic Co–Cr–Fe–Mn–Ni HEA under in situ electrochemical hydrogen charging was investigated. The results suggest that the hydrogen had significant accelerating effects on the fatigue crack growth rate of Co–Cr–Fe–Mn–Ni HEA. Intergranular cracking with the formation of dislocation cells was observed at low stress intensity range (ΔK) area, while transgranular cracking with deformation twins was observed at a high ΔK area. The formation of these deformation features was assisted by hydrogen‐assisted dislocation emission.
Generic expansion of an abelian variety by a subgroup
Authors: d'Elbée Christian
Published: November 2021

Let A be an abelian variety in an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0. We prove that the expansion of A by a generic divisible subgroup of A with the same torsion exists provided A has few algebraic endomorphisms, namely . The resulting theory is NSOP1 and not simple. Note that there exist abelian varieties A with of any genus.
The effect of perturbations of frames on their alternate and approximately dual frames
Authors: Javanshiri Hossein , Hajiabootorabi Mahin , Mardanbeigi Mohammad R.
Published: November 2021

Approximately dual frames as a generalization of duality notion in Hilbert spaces have applications in Gabor systems, wavelets, coorbit theory, and sensor modeling. In recent years, the computing of the associated deviations of the canonical and alternate dual frames from the original ones has been considered by functional analysts. In this paper, we consider the quantitative measurement of the associated deviations of the alternate and approximately dual frames from the original ones. More precisely, it is proved that if the sequence Ψ is sufficiently close to the frame Φ, then for given approximately dual frame Φadof Φ, the approximately dual frame Ψadof Ψ can be found which is close to Φad, and particularly, we estimate their deviation in terms of the distance of the operators and and their approximation rates, whereTXandUXdenote the synthesis and analysis operators of the frameX, respectively. It is worth mentioning that some of our perturbation conditions are quite different from those used in the previous literatures on this topic.
Topology selection of switch‐type phase shifter units for wideband Ka‐band 5‐bit phase shifter with low RMS errors
Authors: Lin Yen‐Heng , Tsai Zuo‐Min
Published: November 2021

This article discusses different topologies of switch‐type phase shifter units and the effects of such units on phase accuracy and loss variation for wideband operation. It is observed that the optimal selection of topology depends on the value of phase shift. This article discusses a Ka‐band 5‐bit switch‐type phase shifter MMIC with T‐type high‐pass topology, T‐type low‐pass topology, and high‐pass/low‐pass switched‐path‐type topology. This circuit was implemented through a 65‐nm CMOS process. This phase shifter has low RMS phase error of 2.4°–6.2° and low RMS amplitude error of 0.48–0.66 dB over the 32–41 GHz.
Improving diagnosing performance for malignant parotid gland tumors using machine learning with multifeatures based on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Juan Chun‐Jung , Huang Teng‐Yi , Liu Yi‐Jui , Shen Wu‐Chung , Wang Chih‐Wei , Hsu Kang , Shin Nieh , Chang Ruey‐Feng
Published: November 2021

In this study, the performance of machine learning in classifying parotid gland tumors based on diffusion‐related features obtained from the parotid gland tumor, the peritumor parotid gland, and the contralateral parotid gland was evaluated. Seventy‐eight patients participated in this study and underwent magnetic resonance diffusion‐weighted imaging. Three regions of interest, including the parotid gland tumor, the peritumor parotid gland, and the contralateral parotid gland, were manually contoured for 92 tumors, including 20 malignant tumors (MTs), 42 Warthin tumors (WTs), and 30 pleomorphic adenomas (PMAs). We recorded multiple apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) features and applied a machine‐learning method with the features to classify the three types of tumors. With only mean ADC of tumors, the area under the curve of the classification model was 0.63, 0.85, and 0.87 for MTs, WTs, and PMAs, respectively. The performance metrics were improved to 0.81, 0.89, and 0.92, respectively, with multiple features. Apart from the ADC features of parotid gland tumor, the features of the peritumor and contralateral parotid glands proved advantageous for tumor classification. Combining machine learning and multiple features provides excellent discrimination of tumor types and can be a practical tool in the clinical diagnosis of parotid gland tumors.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping and R1 measurement: Determination of the myelin volume fraction in the aging ex vivo rat corpus callosum
Authors: Cho Hwapyeong , Lee Hansol , Gong Yelim , Kim Young Ro , Cho Junghun , Cho Hyung Joon
Published: November 2021

In studies of the white matter (WM) in aging brains, both quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and direct R1 measurement offer potentially useful ex vivo MRI tools that allow volumetric characterization of myelin content changes. Despite the technical importance of such MRI methods in numerous age‐related diseases, the supposed linear relationship between the estimates of either the QSM or R1 method and age‐affected myelin contents has not been validated. In this study, the absolute myelin volume fraction (MVF) was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as a gold standard measure for comparison with the values obtained by the aforementioned MR methods. To theoretically evaluate and understand the MR signal characteristics, QSM simulations were performed using the finite perturber method (FPM). Specifically, the simulation geometry modeling was based on TEM‐derived structures aligned orthogonally to the main magnetic field, the construct of which was used to estimate the magnetic field shift (ΔB) changes arising from the conjectured myelin structures. Experimentally, ex vivo corpus callosum (CC) samples from rat brains obtained at 6 weeks (n = 3), 4 months (n = 3), and 20 months (n = 3) after birth were used to establish the relationship between changes quantified by either QSM or R1 with the absolute MVF by TEM. From the ex vivo brain samples, the scatterplot of mean MVF versus R1 was fitted to a linear equation, where R1mean = 0.7948 × MVFmean + 0.8118 (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.9138; p < 0.01), while the scatterplot of mean MVF versus MRI‐derived magnetic susceptibility (χ) was also fitted to a line where χmeasured,mean = −0.1218 × MVFmean − 0.006345 (r = −0.8435; p < 0.01). As a result of the FPM‐based QSM simulations, a linearly proportional relationship between the simulated magnetic susceptibility, χsimulated,mean, and MVF (r = −0.9648; p < 0.01) was established. Such a statistically significant linear correlation between MRI‐derived values by the QSM (or R1) method and MVF demonstrated that variable myelin contents in the WM (i.e., CC) can be quantified across multiple stages of aging. These findings further support that both techniques based on QSM and R1 provide an efficient means of studying the brain‐aging process with accurate volumetric quantification of the myelin content in WM.
Attenuated efficacy of pediatric obesity treatment during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Appelhans Bradley M. , French Simone A. , Martin Molly A. , Lui Karen , Janssen Imke
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study examined whether the efficacy of a standard‐of‐care pediatric obesity treatment was affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Analyses leveraged data from an ongoing pediatric obesity treatment trial involving 230 lower‐income, urban children aged 6 to 12 years. Mixed‐effects regression models compared children who participated in a 12‐month weight‐management intervention before versus during the COVID‐19 pandemic on change from baseline in BMI z score (ΔzBMI) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Results

The observed pattern of ΔzBMI was significantly different before versus during the pandemic (χ2 = 22.73, p < 0.0001). Children treated before the pandemic maintained an average weight loss of −0.06 ΔzBMI at 12 months, whereas children treated during the pandemic steadily gained weight over time, averaging a net gain of 0.11 ΔzBMI at 12 months (χ2 = 34.99, p < 0.0001). Treatment session completion did not differ before versus during the pandemic (60.4% vs. 55.7%, respectively; p = 0.30) or account for differences in ΔzBMI.

Conclusions

Similar reductions in intervention efficacy may be anticipated in other pediatric obesity treatment trials conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Many families that have struggled with managing their child’s weight during this period may need encouragement to continue engaging in structured weight management as society renormalizes.
Influence of the Template Removal Method on the Mechanical Stability of SBA‐15
Authors: Beurer Ann‐Katrin , Bruckner Johanna R. , Traa Yvonne
Published: November 2021

Removing the template from the pores after the polycondensation of the silica precursor is a necessary step in the synthesis of mesoporous silica materials. In our previous work, we developed a method for the efficient and spatially controlled functionalization of SBA‐15. First, the silanol groups on the particle surface and in the pore entrances were passivated. After extraction of the template, a pretreatment step in N2 converted the silanol groups to the single and geminal state. Afterwards, an azide functionality was introduced exclusively into the mesopores. This ensured that the catalyst could afterwards be immobilized unambiguously in the mesopores. The mechanical stability of a material functionalized in such a spatially controlled manner is studied and compared to other template removal methods. Even though several studies investigated the influence of the calcination temperature, the presence or the absence of oxygen during the template removal, the specific conditions used during the herein reported selective functionalization procedure have not been covered yet.
Operator Input Is Vital for Shaping a Utility's Digital Future
Authors: Cooper Jim , Umberg Katie
Published: November 2021

Innovation isn't a new concept. It's a golden thread woven throughout human history that transforms the way we experience and use information.
Computational prediction of microstructures in α‐alumina/PMMA composites and its experimental verification
Authors: Saito Ken , Sato Kimiyasu , Tominaga Yuichi , Imai Yusuke
Published: November 2021

Processing, structure, property, and performance have been acknowledged in a linearly linked picture for materials manufacturing. It is promising to harness the processing‐structure relationship to accelerate the development of functional materials. In the present study, we attempted to predict microstructures of a polymer composite via computational simulations, because functions of the polymer composite would respond to its microstructures. A program KAPSEL, which has been widely utilized to calculate dynamics of solid particles in coherent fluids, was slightly amended to handle parameters related to interfacial science. Constituents of the target polymer composite were α‐alumina and poly(methyl methacrylate). When proper parameter values are given, the program yielded microstructural features similar to those found in an experiment. Nimbleness and affordability of the simulation scheme would allow us to omit experimental trial‐and‐error for functional polymer composites.
Upscaling of perovskite solar modules: The synergy of fully evaporated layer fabrication and all‐laser‐scribed interconnections
Authors: Ritzer David B. , Abzieher Tobias , Basibüyük Agit , Feeney Thomas , Laufer Felix , Ternes Simon , Richards Bryce S. , Bergfeld Stefan , Paetzold Ulrich W.
Published: November 2021

Given the outstanding progress in research over the past decade, perovskite photovoltaics (PV) is about to step up from laboratory prototypes to commercial products. For this to happen, realizing scalable processes to allow the technology to transition from solar cells to modules is pivotal. This work presents all‐evaporated perovskite PV modules with all thin films coated by established vacuum deposition processes. A common 532‐nm nanosecond laser source is employed to realize all three interconnection lines of the solar modules. The resulting module interconnections exhibit low series resistance and a small total lateral extension down to 160 μm. In comparison with interconnection fabrication approaches utilizing multiple scribing tools, the process complexity is reduced while the obtained geometrical fill factor of 96% is comparable with established inorganic thin‐film PV technologies. The all‐evaporated perovskite minimodules demonstrate power conversion efficiencies of 18.0% and 16.6% on aperture areas of 4 and 51 cm2, respectively. Most importantly, the all‐evaporated minimodules exhibit only minimal upscaling losses as low as 3.1%rel per decade of upscaled area, at the same time being the most efficient perovskite PV minimodules based on an all‐evaporated layer stack sequence.
Influence of maternal vomiting during early pregnancy on school‐age respiratory health
Authors: Poeran‐Bahadoer Sunayna D. , van Meel Evelien R. , Gaillard Romy , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: November 2021

Background

Hyperemesis gravidarum, a clinical entity characterized by severe nausea and excess vomiting, might lead to a suboptimal maternal nutritional status during pregnancy and subsequently to adverse respiratory health in the offspring. The role of common vomiting symptoms on offspring's respiratory health is unclear. We examined the associations of maternal daily vomiting during early pregnancy with childhood respiratory outcomes, and potential explaining factors.

Methods

This study was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort study from early pregnancy onwards among 4232 mothers and their children. Maternal vomiting during early pregnancy was assessed by a questionnaire. At age 10 years, information on current wheezing and ever asthma was obtained by a questionnaire, and lung function was measured by spirometry at our research center. We used multiple regression analyses to assess the associations of maternal daily vomiting during early pregnancy with childhood respiratory outcomes.

Results

Compared to children from mothers without daily vomiting during early pregnancy, children from mothers with daily vomiting during early pregnancy had a higher forced expiratory flow when 75% of the forced vital capacity (FVC) is exhaled (Z‐score difference [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.13 [0.03, 0.23]), and an increased risk of current wheezing and ever asthma ([odds ratio, OR] [95% CI]: 1.75 [1.10, 2.79] and 1.61 [1.13, 2.31], respectively). These associations were fully explained by sociodemographic factors, but not sex or lifestyle‐, infectious‐, or growth‐related factors. Maternal daily vomiting during early pregnancy was not associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC, and FEV1/FVC.

Conclusion

Only sociodemographic factors explain the associations of maternal daily vomiting during early pregnancy with childhood respiratory outcomes.
Building therapeutic alliances with patients in treatment for low back pain: A focus group study
Authors: Unsgaard‐Tøndel Monica , Søderstrøm Sylvia
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Low back pain is a multidimensional disorder and a biopsychosocial management approach is recommended. However, recent data indicates that physiotherapists mainly focus on biomechanical aspects in treatment and struggle with addressing psychosocial barriers for recovery. We wanted to explore how physiotherapists express their experiences of building therapeutic alliances within a biopsychosocial perspective of low back pain.

Methods

Qualitative focus‐group interviews were performed with five physiotherapists on two occasions with 6 months in between. Data were analyzed within a hermeneutical perspective with decontextualization and recontextualization, and identification of themes.

Results

Four main themes were identified from the analyses: (1) An ideal standard: Presence, empathy and applying the biopsychosocial perspective is central for building therapeutic alliance. (2) Time‐consuming: Active listening and personally adapted treatment is important and time‐consuming. (3) Challenging area: Advanced clinical reasoning is needed to understand and modify complex barriers for recovery. Clinical experience is sometimes necessary to integrate the psychological and social domains into physiotherapy management. (4) The art of balancing: Important to apply sensitive communication to help patients gain new insight. Some heavy psychosocial demands on patients may be outside physiotherapists' professional competence.

Discussion

The physiotherapists in this focus group study expressed a shared view that therapeutic alliance should build upon person‐centering, motivational communication, and facilitation of lifestyle adjustments within a biopsychosocial perspective of low back pain. Complex clinical reasoning necessary as the optimal cause‐corrective treatment strategies were often not obvious. Time and tools to uncover and modify relevant psychological obstacles for recovery were perceived challenging and partly dependent on clinical experience. Addressment of psychosocial obstacles for recovery should be included in basic as well as postgraduate curriculums for physiotherapists. Collaborative practice support strategies like peer guidance and better platforms for interprofessional collaboration and decision support could contribute to improve practice in the psychosocial domain.
Root treatment with a vitamin K3 derivative: a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides against Botrytis cinerea in tomato plants
Authors: García‐Machado Francisco J , García‐García Ana L , Borges Andrés A , Jiménez‐Arias David
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold has a great economic impact on several important crops. This necrotrophic fungus causes disease symptoms during vegetative growth and also into postharvest stages. The current method to combat this disease is fungicide application, with high economic costs and environmentally unsustainable impacts. Moreover, there is an increasing general public health concern about these strategies of crop protection. We studied the protection of tomato plants against B. cinerea by previous root treatment with menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB), a known plant defense activator.

RESULTS

Root treatment 48 h before inoculation with MSB 0.6 mmol L−1 reduced leaf lesion diameter by 30% and notably cell deaths, compared to control plants 72 h after inoculation. We studied the expression level of several pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes from different defense transduction pathways, and found that MSB primes higher PR1 expression against B. cinerea. However, this stronger induced resistance was impaired in transgenic salicylic acid‐deficient NahG line. Additionally, in the absence of pathogen challenge, MSB increased tomato plant growth by 28% after 10 days. Our data provide evidence that MSB protects tomato plants against B. cinerea by priming defense responses through the salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

This work confirms the efficacy of MSB as plant defense activator against B. cinerea and presents a novel alternative to combat gray mold in important crops.
Implementation of Nanoscale Secondary‐Ion Mass Spectrometry Analyses: Application to Ni‐Based Superalloys
Authors: Almoric Jean , Durand Malik , Seret Anthony , Nicolaÿ Alexis , Houel Arnaud , Berbezier Isabelle , Bozzolo Nathalie
Published: November 2021

Secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is probably the most widely used chemical analysis technique in semiconductor science and in metallurgy because of its ultimate sensitivity to all elements and in particular to light elements providing semiquantitative information on the depth distribution of elements, for instance, doping elements (i.e., B, H), contaminants (i.e., C and O), chemical gradients, and segregation in thin films and at interfaces, etc. With the size shrinking of systems, high‐resolution 3D chemical imaging is becoming a prerequisite for the development of new materials at the nanoscale and for the deep understanding of the correlation between their properties and functionalities. Herein, the development of an innovative analytical SIMS implemented in a focused ion beam (FIB) (using Ga source)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) is reported. The equipment enables to give elemental chemical mapping at very high resolution (<30 nm) by precise optimization of the secondary‐ion optics and detection, while preserving excellent sensitivity, thanks to the integration of a gas injection system (GIS), which improves a positive (negative) ionization rate with oxygen (cesium) injection. The capability of the technique is demonstrated with nanoscale characterization of Ni‐based superalloys with broad applications in the manufacturing of engine parts and accessories for aircraft and aerospace equipment.
Effect of Defects on Strain Relaxation in InGaN/AlGaN Multiple‐Quantum‐Well Near‐Ultraviolet Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Islam Abu Bashar Mohammad Hamidul , Shim Jong-In , Shin Dong-Soo , Kwak Joon Seop
Published: November 2021

Three similar‐structure InGaN/AlGaN multiple‐quantum‐well near‐ultraviolet (NUV) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are utilized to investigate the microscopic effect of defects on strain relaxation. Consistent correlations among the crystal quality, the piezoelectric field (FPZ), the internal quantum efficiency (IQE), and the bandgap shrinkage of NUV LEDs are obtained by investigating the macroscopic characterizations. The difference in crystal quality (or the defect density) of NUV LEDs is found by the ideality factor, the emission microscope image, the Shockley–Read–Hall coefficient, and the IQE. Electroreflectance spectra are used to calculate FPZ of NUV LEDs. FPZ, the IQE, and the peak‐wavelength shift at driving currents are increased with the samples’ crystal quality compared to the reference sample. Also, FPZ, the IQE, and the peak‐wavelength shift are decreased with the increase in samples’ defect densities. A similar result is found for the bandgap shrinkage. This effect significantly indicates that the strain relaxation is induced by defects. Herein, a model that systematically explains the observed changes in macroscopic properties of NUV LEDs is proposed.
p‐InAsSbP/n‐InAs Double Heterostructure as an On‐Chip Midinfrared Evanescent Wave Sensor of Liquids
Authors: Karandashev Sergey A. , Lukhmyrina Tatiana S. , Matveev Boris A. , Remenny Maxim A. , Usikova Anna A.
Published: November 2021

I–VandL–Icharacteristics as well as photocurrent in monolithic p‐InAsSbP/n‐InAs double heterostructure (λ = 3.4 μm) with several mesas/individual diodes grown onto a single n+‐InAs substrate have been measured at an activation of one of the diodes at ambient temperature in the presence of water, ethanol, and H20 + C2H5OH mixture at the n+‐InAs substrate surface. Adequately sufficient photocurrent values, the evidence for the absorption of internally reflected infrared radiation at the n+‐InAs substrate/liquid interface together with the correlation between the photocurrent and liquid chemical composition indicate the possibility of developing p‐InAsSbP/n‐InAs double heterostructures into a miniature monolithic “on‐chip” evanescent wave sensor of different liquids.
Phonons in WSe2/MoSe2 van der Waals Heterobilayers
Authors: Mahrouche Fayssal , Rezouali Karim , Mahtout Sofiane , Zaabar Foudil , Molina-Sánchez Alejandro
Published: November 2021

The first‐principles calculations of the structural and vibrational properties of the synthesized 2D van der Waals (vdW) heterobilayers (HBLs) formed by single‐layer dichalcogenides MoSe2 and WSe2 are reported. When combining these systems in periodic 2D heterostructures, the intrinsic phonon characteristics of the free‐standing constituents are to a large extent preserved but, furthermore, exhibit shear and breathing phonon modes that are not present in the individual building blocks. These unusual modes, which are extremely sensitive to weak vdW forces, could be a useful tool for the characterization of the optical properties of vdW heterostructures. In addition to these features, the departure of flexural modes of the HBL from the ones of its monolayer parents is also found.