bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of adjuvant radiation therapy after chemotherapy in resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Shridhar Ravi , Blinn Paige , Huston Jamie , Meredith Kenneth L.
Published: December 2022

Background

Adjuvant capecitabine is considered a standard of care for resected cholangiocarcinoma per the BILCAP trial. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy in that trial was not addressed. This study was designed to examine the outcomes of adjuvant radiation in patients who received chemotherapy for resected cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Database, the authors identified high‐risk patients with resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with either positive nodes (N+) or margins (R1) who received adjuvant chemotherapy between 2006 and 2014. Overall survival (OS) was determined with the Kaplan–Meier method. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate analysis (MVA) were performed to identify prognostic factors for survival.

Results

The authors identified 1478 patients after PSM who were included in the analysis. There was no difference in OS between patients receiving single‐agent chemotherapy and patients receiving multiagent chemotherapy (p = .69). There was a significant OS benefit associated with radiation therapy. The median OS and the 5‐year OS rate for radiated patients versus nonradiated patients were 34 months and 33% versus 27 months and 24% (p < .001) for the whole group, 30 months and 29% versus 24 months and 19% (p = .007) for the N+ subgroup, and 25 months and 23% versus 20 months and 12% (p = .03) for the R1 subgroup. MVA demonstrated that age, N stage, T stage, R1, and grade were associated with increased mortality, whereas adjuvant radiation was associated with decreased mortality (p < .001).

Conclusions

This is the first study showing that adjuvant radiation therapy after chemotherapy resulted in a significant OS benefit for patients with resected high‐risk extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Trials are needed to address the role of radiation therapy in this population.
Global sensitivity analysis based on Gaussian‐process metamodelling for complex biomechanical problems
Authors: Wirthl Barbara , Brandstaeter Sebastian , Nitzler Jonas , Schrefler Bernhard A. , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: December 2022

Biomechanical models often need to describe very complex systems, organs or diseases, and hence also include a large number of parameters. One of the attractive features of physics‐based models is that in those models (most) parameters have a clear physical meaning. Nevertheless, the determination of these parameters is often very elaborate and costly and shows a large scatter within the population. Hence, it is essential to identify the most important parameters (worth the effort) for a particular problem at hand. In order to distinguish parameters which have a significant influence on a specific model output from non‐influential parameters, we use sensitivity analysis, in particular the Sobol method as a global variance‐based method. However, the Sobol method requires a large number of model evaluations, which is prohibitive for computationally expensive models. We therefore employ Gaussian processes as a metamodel for the underlying full model. Metamodelling introduces further uncertainty, which we also quantify. We demonstrate the approach by applying it to two different problems: nanoparticle‐mediated drug delivery in a complex, multiphase tumour‐growth model, and arterial growth and remodelling. Even relatively small numbers of evaluations of the full model suffice to identify the influential parameters in both cases and to separate them from non‐influential parameters. The approach also allows the quantification of higher‐order interaction effects. We thus show that a variance‐based global sensitivity analysis is feasible for complex, computationally expensive biomechanical models. Different aspects of sensitivity analysis are covered including a transparent declaration of the uncertainties involved in the estimation process. Such a global sensitivity analysis not only helps to massively reduce costs for experimental determination of parameters but is also highly beneficial for inverse analysis of such complex models.
Postharvest commercial quality improvement of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) after foliar biofortification with selenium
Authors: Trod Betiana S. , Buttarelli Melina S. , Stoffel María M. , Céccoli Gabriel , Olivella Laura , Barengo Pamela B. , Llugany Mercè , Guevara María G. , Muñoz Fernando F. , Daurelio Lucas D.
Published: December 2022

Broccoli heads (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) are one of the most valuable vegetable crops parts due to their high nutritional content. Nevertheless, they are quickly decomposed during postharvest, with the consequent loss of commercial quality. Several postharvest treatments have been analyzed to delay this process, but the influence of preharvest treatments has been little studied. Previously, we have examined the effect of foliar application of sodium selenate and selenite (50 and 100 g ha−1) on selenium accumulation and commercial quality of broccoli at harvest time. Here, we analyze the effect of these preharvest treatments on postharvest shelf‐life of broccoli grown under field and pot conditions, in “Belstar” and “Legend” cultivars. Examination of the external appearance of the heads, quantified by Hue and L parameters, showed a marked delay in yellowing in treated samples compared to controls. In addition, selenium treatments mostly maintained the firmness and diameter of the heads. Similar results were obtained for both growing conditions and cultivars. Noticeably, the nutritional composition of broccoli heads was maintained or even improved after several foliar treatments with selenium compared with the control ones. Finally, the same analysis was performed in broccoli heads stored at low temperature, also showing different parameters improvement in the selenium‐treated groups compared to control. So, we can conclude that foliar selenium treatment, besides being an overcoming strategy to obtain selenium‐enriched broccoli, also contributes to improving the quality of heads during postharvest.
Oxidation of N‐Alkyl(iso)quinolinium Salts Over TEMPO@Metal‐Organic Framework Heterogeneous Photocatalyst†
Authors: Fu Shan‐Shan , Yuan Qiang‐Qiang , Ma Lihua , Zhang Zhi‐Ming , Lu Tong‐Bu , Guo Song
Published: December 2022

Quinolones and isoquinolones are of particular importance to pharmaceutical industry due to their diverse biological activities. However, their synthetic protocols were limited by high toxicity, high energy consumption, poor functional group tolerance and noble metal catalyst. This study concerns the development of a series of TEMPO@PCN‐222 (TEMPO: 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy; PCN: porous coordination network) composite photocatalysts by coordinating different amount of 4‐carboxy‐TEMPO with the secondary building units of PCN‐222. Upon visible‐light irradiation, photogenerated holes in the highest occupied molecular orbital of PCN‐222 can smoothly transfer to TEMPO, which can significantly boost the photosynthesis of bioactive (iso)quinolones from readily available N‐alkyl(iso)quinolinium salts. TEMPO@PCN‐222 exhibits an outstanding catalytic stability and substrate tolerance with a 1‐methyl‐2‐quinolinone yield of 86.7 %, over four times that with PCN‐222 (21.4 %). This work provides a new route to construct composite photocatalysts from abundant starting materials for efficient photosynthesis of high value‐added chemicals.
The ABA votes to eliminate LSAT requirement
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2022

There has been an interesting development in law school admissions that could have an impact on admissions and standardized testing at all levels.
Study finds online microaggressions strongly impact disabled users
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2022

A new study conducted by Cornell University researchers found that online microaggressions have a strong impact on users with disabilities. The researchers interviewed 20 volunteers who were active on social media platforms and self‐identified as having disabilities. The researchers then asked participants to describe online discrimination and ableist microaggressions that had impacted their lives. The findings of the study are recorded in a paper entitled “Nothing Micro about It: Examining Ableist Microaggressions on Social Media.”
Tailup expression in Drosophila larval and adult cardiac valve cells
Authors: Meyer Christian , Bataillé Laetitia , Drechsler Maik , Paululat Achim
Published: December 2022

In Drosophila larvae, the direction of blood flow within the heart tube, as well as the diastolic filling of the posterior heart chamber, is regulated by a single cardiac valve. This valve is sufficient to close the heart tube at the junction of the ventricle and the aorta and is formed by only two cells; both are integral parts of the heart tube. The valve cells regulate hemolymph flow by oscillating between a spherical and a flattened cell shape during heartbeats. At the spherical stage, the opposing valve cells close the heart lumen. The dynamic cell shape changes of valve cells are supported by a dense, criss‐cross orientation of myofibrils and the presence of the valvosomal compartment, a large intracellular cavity. Both structures are essential for the valve cells' function. In a screen for factors specifically expressed in cardiac valve cells, we identified the transcription factor Tailup. Knockdown of tailup causes abnormal orientation and differentiation of cardiac muscle fibers in the larval aorta and inhibits the formation of the ventral longitudinal muscle layer located underneath the heart tube in the adult fly and affects myofibrillar orientation of valve cells. Furthermore, we have identified regulatory sequences of tup that control the expression of tailup in the larval and adult valve cells.
Plant phenological dataset collated by the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters
Authors: Holopainen Jari , Helama Samuli , Väre Henry
Published: December 2022

Long records of phenological observations constitute data for ecological, climate, and global change studies. Here we provide a unique dataset of plant phenological observations made in boreal Europe between 1750 and 1965 from locations situated across historical and modern Finland, mostly between 70° and 60° N and 30° and 20° E. This dataset was generated initially by the efforts of several generations of volunteers representing naturalists whose field observations and notes had initially made the continuous collection of the data possible. In addition, the data were collated by the Finnish Economic Society and the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters and published irregularly in the form of several monographs and periodicals by contemporary academic enthusiasts. Each phenological observation contains 11 features including: site name, site latitude, site longitude, scientific species name, phenological stage, and (if any) its substage, year, date (month and day) and the day since the summer solstice, the original literature source, and outlier estimate. Species names given originally either in Latin, Finnish, German, and/or Swedish were transformed into scientific species names. Moreover, outdated taxonomic names were updated as appropriate. Phenological stages that had been given originally either in German, Finnish, and/or Swedish were transformed into English and standardized by excluding synonyms. Site names were adopted at the county level, with corresponding latitude and longitude generated herein. The digitized dataset represents 265,478 observations of 985 taxa (assigned to variety/subspecies/species/hybrid/genus) for their 16 different phenological stages made in 371 locations across the region. We provide this dataset to support comparative studies and modeling projects, seeking to improve the understanding of terrestrial ecosystem dynamics and its responses to a changing environment from a local to a global scale. Use of this dataset for academic or educational purposes is encouraged as long as the data source is correctly cited with attribution given to this presentation of the data. Users are free to use and analyze the data; additionally, we would like to hear from other researchers who use this dataset in teaching or for their own research.
Over 32% Efficient All‐Inorganic Two‐Terminal CsPbI2Br/Si Tandem Solar Cells: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Hossain Md. Jayed , Hossain Mainul
Published: December 2022

Cesium‐based all‐inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer excellent thermal stability and an optimum bandgap for photovoltaic applications, making them promising alternatives to the thermally unstable organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites. State‐of‐the‐art single‐junction CsPbI2Br PSCs are yet to achieve high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic–inorganic hybrid counterparts. Herein, numerical simulations, through solar cell capacitance simulator‐1D (SCAPS‐1D), to demonstrate a highly efficient two‐terminal tandem solar cell (TSC), with CsPbI2Br and a silicon heterojunction (a‐Si:H/c‐Si) as the top and bottom subcells, respectively, are used. The standalone subcells are first calibrated to match the experimental results reported in literature, followed by the evaluation of the tandem configuration. With 0.5 μm‐thick CsPbI2Br top cell, the bottom c‐Si thickness is adjusted to match the top and bottom subcell currents, boosting the PCE to 26.25%. The PCE of the TSC can be further improved, by carefully selecting the electron and hole transport layers for the top PSC and by tuning the work function of the front‐contact electrode. Under optimized and current‐matched conditions, the proposed tandem design shows a conversion efficiency as high as 32.44%, enabling the pathway for highly efficient all‐inorganic perovskite/silicon tandems.
Comparing the test–retest reliability of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging metrics across single band and multiband acquisitions in the context of healthy aging
Authors: Cahart Marie‐Stephanie , O'Daly Owen , Giampietro Vincent , Timmers Maarten , Streffer Johannes , Einstein Steven , Zelaya Fernando , Dell'Acqua Flavio , Williams Steven C. R.
Published: December 2022

The identification of meaningful functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) biomarkers requires measures that reliably capture brain performance across different subjects and over multiple scanning sessions. Recent developments in fMRI acquisition, such as the introduction of multiband (MB) protocols and in‐plane acceleration, allow for increased scanning speed and improved temporal resolution. However, they may also lead to reduced temporal signal to noise ratio and increased signal leakage between simultaneously excited slices. These methods have been adopted in several scanning modalities including diffusion weighted imaging and fMRI. To our knowledge, no study has formally compared the reliability of the same resting‐state fMRI (rs‐fMRI) metrics (amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations; seed‐to‐voxel and region of interest [ROI]‐to‐ROI connectivity) across conventional single‐band fMRI and different MB acquisitions, with and without in‐plane acceleration, across three sessions. In this study, 24 healthy older adults were scanned over three visits, on weeks 0, 1, and 4, and, on each occasion, underwent a conventional single band rs‐fMRI scan and three different rs‐fMRI scans with MB factors 4 and 6, with and without in‐plane acceleration. Across all three rs‐fMRI metrics, the reliability scores were highest with MB factor 4 with no in‐plane acceleration for cortical areas and with conventional single band for subcortical areas. Recommendations for future research studies are discussed.
Midterm postoperative outcomes of different types of surgical reconstruction of sinus venosus atrial septal defects with anomalous pulmonary venous connection: The Results of Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bhende Vishal V. , Sharma Tanishq S. , Mehta Deepakkumar V. , Trivedi Bhadra Y. , Kumar Amit , Patel Viral B. , Panesar Gurpreet , Soni Kunal , Dhami Kartik B. , Patel Nirja , Pathan Sohilkhan R. , Majmudar Hardil P.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs) constitute a substantial part of atrial septal defects and are usually characterized by anomalous pulmonary venous connection (APVC), causing complications like sinus node dysfunction and arrhythmias. Several surgical approaches are used for treating SVASDs in pediatric patients, including single‐ and two‐patch techniques. The study aimed to prospectively evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of these two methods with different follow‐up periods.

Methods

Ten patients aged 1–8 years with SVASDs and partial APVC were enrolled in the study at Bhanubhai and Madhuben Patel Cardiac Centre, Karamsad, India, between December 2018 and October 2021. The single‐patch (sandwich‐patch) technique was used in two patients, whereas the two‐patch (dual‐patch) technique with autologous pericardium was used in seven. Safety was assessed as the absence of complications in the follow‐up periods of 6 months, 1, and 2 years, whereas efficacy was estimated by the preserved sinus rhythm and the development of arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic methods were used to evaluate both parameters.

Results

No deaths, reoperations, pulmonary vein, and superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis or phrenic nerve palsy were observed among the 10 patients in the three follow‐up periods. Sinus rhythm was arrested in two of the seven patients who underwent two‐patch repair, whereas no rhythm disturbances occurred in those who underwent single‐patch repair.

Conclusion

Both techniques used in SVASD repair with autologous pericardium proved to cause the smaller rate of complications in midterm postsurgical phase. However, there is a potentially great risk of the development of sinus node malfunction after the application of the two‐patch technique. Therefore, methods avoiding sinus node interference are preferred in patients with partial APVC involving SVC.
Animal models of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy for hematological malignancies: A review
Authors: Lv Xiaoli , Mao Yingwei , Cao Song , Feng Yonghuai
Published: December 2022

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for hematologic malignancies. However, chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most common long‐term toxic reactions in chemotherapy, and the occurrence of CIPN affects patients’ quality of life and can cause interruption of chemotherapy in severe cases, thus reducing the efficacy of chemotherapy. We currently summarize the existing CIPN animal models, including the characteristics of several common animal models such as bortezomib‐induced peripheral neuropathy, vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy, and oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy. It was found that CIPN may lead to behavioral, histopathological, and neurophysiological changes inducing peripheral neuropathy. However, the mechanism of CIPN has not been fully elucidated, especially the prevention and treatment protocols need to be improved. Therefore, this review article summarizes the progress of research on CIPN animal models and the possible mechanisms and treatment of CIPN.
Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetics of Dapagliflozin in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease With or Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Penland Robert C. , Melin Johanna , Boulton David W. , Tang Weifeng
Published: December 2022

Evidence shows that sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin, can delay the progressive decline of kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We used a population pharmacokinetics (popPK) model to characterize the pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin in patients with CKD and compare dapagliflozin systemic exposure in different populations, such as CKD with or without T2DM and T2DM without CKD. A 2‐compartmental popPK model was developed from a previous popPK model. The final popPK model was based on 9715 dapagliflozin plasma concentrations from 3055 patients included in clinical studies involving adults with CKD with or without T2DM, adults with T2DM, healthy subjects, and pediatric patients with T2DM. Overall, the apparent clearance for patients treated with dapagliflozin was 21.6 L/h, similar to previous estimates in adults with T2DM and healthy subjects (22.9 L/h). Model‐derived area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) was not meaningfully different between patients with CKD with and without T2DM. Median AUC was 1.6‐fold higher in adult patients with CKD with T2DM compared with adult patients with T2DM without CKD. Compared with patients with normal kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), median AUC was 2.4‐fold higher in patients with CKD (with/without T2DM) with estimated glomerular filtration rate 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m2 owing to decreased renal clearance of dapagliflozin. A higher AUC was observed in patients with a higher age or lower body weight but was not considered clinically relevant. This popPK model adequately described dapagliflozin pharmacokinetics and found that systemic exposure in patients with CKD was consistent, irrespective of T2DM status.
Cardiac magnetic resonance findings in acute and post‐acute COVID‐19 patients with suspected myocarditis
Authors: Palmisano Anna , Vignale Davide , Bruno Elisa , Peretto Giovanni , De Luca Giacomo , Campochiaro Corrado , Tomelleri Alessandro , Agricola Eustachio , Montorfano Matteo , Esposito Antonio
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cardiac injury is commonly reported in COVID‐19 patients, resulting associated to pre‐existing cardiovascular disease, disease severity, and unfavorable outcome. Aim is to report cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in patients with myocarditis‐like syndrome during the acute phase of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (AMCovS) and post‐acute phase (cPACS).

Methods

Between September 2020 and January 2022, 39 consecutive patients (24 males, 58%) were referred to our department to perform a CMR for the suspicion of myocarditis related to AMCovS (n = 17) and cPACS (n = 22) at multimodality evaluation (clinical, laboratory, ECG, and echocardiography).

CMR was performed for the assessment of volume, function, edema and fibrosis with standard sequences and mapping techniques. CMR diagnosis and the extension and amount of CMR alterations were recorded.

Results

Patients with suspected myocarditis in acute and post‐COVID settings were mainly men (10 (59%) and 12 (54.5%), respectively) with older age in AMCovS (58 [48–64]) compared to cPACS (38 [26–53]). Myocarditis was confirmed by CMR in most of cases: 53% of AMCovS and 50% of cPACS with negligible LGE burden (3 [IQR, 1–5] % and 2 [IQR, 1–4] %, respectively).

Myocardial infarction was identified in 4/17 (24%) patients with AMCovS. Cardiomyopathies were identified in 12% (3/17) and 27% (6/22) of patients with AMCovS and cPACS, including DCM, HCM and mitral valve prolapse.

Conclusions

In patients with acute and post‐acute COVID‐19 related suspected myocarditis, CMR improves diagnostic accuracy characterizing ischemic and non‐ischemic injury and unraveling subclinical cardiomyopathies.
Distinct non‐coding RNA cargo of extracellular vesicles from M1 and M2 human primary macrophages
Authors: Pantazi Paschalia , Clements Toby , Venø Morten , Abrahams Vikki M. , Holder Beth
Published: December 2022

Macrophages are important antigen presenting cells which can release extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying functional cargo including non‐coding RNAs. Macrophages can be broadly classified into M1 ‘classical’ and M2 ‘alternatively‐activated’ macrophages. M1 macrophages have been linked with inflammation‐associated pathologies, whereas a switch towards an M2 phenotype indicates resolution of inflammation and tissue regeneration. Here, we provide the first comprehensive analysis of the small RNA cargo of EVs from human M1 and M2 primary macrophages. Using small RNA sequencing, we identified several types of small non‐coding RNAs in M1 and M2 macrophage EVs including miRNAs, isomiRs, tRNA fragments, piRNA, snRNA, snoRNA and Y‐RNA fragments. Distinct differences were observed between M1 and M2 EVs, with higher relative abundance of miRNAs, and lower abundance of tRNA fragments in M1 compared to M2 EVs. MicroRNA‐target enrichment analysis identified several gene targets involved in gene expression and inflammatory signalling pathways. EVs were also enriched in tRNA fragments, primarily originating from the 5′ end or the internal region of the full length tRNAs, many of which were differentially abundant in M1 and M2 EVs. Similarly, several other small non‐coding RNAs, namely snRNAs, snoRNAs and Y‐RNA fragments, were differentially enriched in M1 and M2 EVs; we discuss their putative roles in macrophage EVs. In conclusion, we show that M1 and M2 macrophages release EVs with distinct RNA cargo, which has the potential to contribute to the unique effect of these cell subsets on their microenvironment.
Mediterranean herbs, spices, and medicinal plants—Natural remedies and rich sources of bioactive compounds
Authors: Trajkovska‐Broach Anita , Trajkovska Petkoska Anka
Published: December 2022

The article reviews traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices frequently used in the Mediterranean cuisine, as well as wild medicinal plants most used as natural therapeutics among the people in the Mediterranean basin. Their high phytonutrient content and their diversity are highlighted. Bioactive compounds, such as allicin, apigenin, quercetin, kaemferol, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, thymol, and others, are briefly described along with their therapeutical effects. The herbs, spices, and medicinal plants are vital constituents of the Mediterranean dietary pattern and lifestyle, known as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), and significantly contribute to the high antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory character of the diet and its health and well‐being benefits. The first Mediterranean herbal pyramid including the herbs, spices, and medicinal plants of the region is proposed.
Isothermal Crystallization of Poly(ε–Caprolactone) PCL in Three‐Armed Copolymers
Authors: Giaroli María Carolina , Redondo Franco Leonardo , Freitas Andréia M. S. , Brancallion Oswaldo , Bender Caroline R. , Beck Thaíssa S. , de Freitas Augusto G. O. , Ciolino Andrés Eduardo , Ninago Mario Daniel
Published: December 2022

Branched copolymers are a special class of polymeric materials in which are reflected the combined effects of polymer segments and architectural constraints of the branched architecture. In this work, three‐armed graft copolymers, poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐graft‐poly(caprolactone), [P(HEMA‐g‐PCL)]3, are synthesized by combination of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) mechanisms in a one‐pot/one‐step protocol. The resulting macromolecules are characterized by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The preliminary results indicate the success of the methodology and are in agreement with literature reports. In addition, DSC isothermal crystallization are performed, and Avrami's theory is employed in order to obtain kinetics parameters of interest, such as the half‐life for the crystallization process (t1/2), the bulk crystallization constant (k), and the Avrami's exponent (n). Thermal analysis evidences a noticeable reduction in the melting temperature compared with linear PCL homopolymer. However, the presence of branches does not modify the values of the maximum degradation temperatures significantly. Finally, the synthesized copolymers adopt a two‐dimensional crystallization type (disk and cylindrical).
Influence of Moisture and Hydrogen Peroxide Fiber Treatment on the Flexural Properties of Polypropylene Composites Reinforced with Unsmoked Cigarette Butts
Authors: de Souza Milena Chanes , Moroz Ivan , Cesarino Ivana , Bronzato Giovana Roberta Francisco , Reis Victor Angelo Cavalari Arantes dos , de Carvalho Brito Lucas Balieiro , Zanzini Murilo Gibbin , Leão Alcides Lopes
Published: December 2022

Smuggled cigarettes are seized around the world, and a correct destination is needed for this material. In this context, the Federal Revenue of Brazil (RFB) has created Ordinance n°59 of 2019 on the destination of contraband cargo seizures, to which this manuscript aims to propose a use with greater added value. The influence of two factors on the flexural properties of composite samples are studied as follows: i) the influence of prior hydrogen peroxide treatment executed on the cigarette butts (CBs), tested in composite samples made with 50% Polypropylene (PP) and 50% CBs in wt%; and ii) the influence of moisture on composites composed of 60% PP and 40% CBs in wt%, after up to 72 h immersed in water. The fiber treatment has not caused significant reduction of flexural properties in the produced composites, and all composite samples with moisture have showed greater flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) than the dry sample. However, these bending properties can decrease as the moisture increases, so further studies are encouraged. It is demonstrated that these composites are feasible to produce, may be used in moist environments in flexural stresses and allow for fiber hydrogen peroxide treatment without significant reduction in flexural properties.
Production of Carboxymethylated Xanthan Gum Microemulsions for Eugenol Encapsulation
Authors: Abreu Flávia Oliveira Monteiro da Silva , Lima Micaele Ferreira , de Oliveira Bruno Peixoto , Lima Mayrla Rocha , de Araújo Filho José Vilemar , Moisés Aguiar Antonia Aniellen Raianne , Ribeiro Wesley Lyeverton Correia
Published: December 2022

Eugenol is a compound with well‐known bioactivity; however, its volatility limits its therapeutic applicability. In the present study, carboxymethylated xanthan gum (CXG) is synthesized and characterized regarding its degree of substitution (DS) by potentiometric titration and by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Oil‐in‐water xanthan gum‐based nanoemulsions enriched with eugenol have been prepared in variable conditions, using XG (xanthan gum) and CXG as matrices to produce a stable formulation with an effective ovicidal activity. Physical–chemical characterizations are performed, besides ovicidal activity on Haemonchus contortus, the main gastrointestinal nematode infecting and affecting small ruminants. FTIR results indicate the insertion of the carboxymethyl groups in the structure of xanthan gum through the peaks at 1100 and 1600 cm−1, and titration shows a DS of 1.25 for CXG. XG and CXG emulsions present stability over 30 days and encapsulation efficiency higher than 50%. The CXG2 emulsion (CXG:oil:tween 4:2:1) shows better stability concerning the lower zeta potential value, and the morphology shows domains with smaller sizes in the range of 1.41 µm. The evaluated nanoemulsions show ovicidal activity against H. contortus, which encourages their future use as an alternative to control haemonchosis in sheep and goats.
Oven‐Drying Microfibrillated Cellulose Covered with a Low Molecular Weight Copolymer for Dispersion in a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Dias Paula do Patrocínio , Chinelatto Marcelo Aparecido
Published: December 2022

Hornification remains a great challenge to the large‐scale use of oven‐dried microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) in industrial processes due to the difficulty to redisperse the oven‐dried MFC, especially in non‐polar polymer matrices. Therefore, an MFC coverage treatment with a low molecular weight copolymer is proposed here as a method to overcome hornification. MFC‐copolymer is produced by mechanical stirring and then oven‐dried. A poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/MFC‐copolymer blend is prepared by melt extrusion to assess the dispersiveness of the treated MFC into the polymer matrix. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results suggest that the copolymer terminal hydroxyls can interact with the reactive hydroxyls present on the MFC surface, decreasing MFC hydrophilicity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirms that the copolymer covers parts of the MFC surface, which enables the microfibrils' redispersion. The solvent‐free, eco‐friendly, and low‐cost MFC‐copolymer treatment facilitates MFC redispersion by melting extrusion process in a low polarity polymeric matrix.
Deterministic and stochastic evolution of rumor propagation model with media coverage and class‐age‐dependent education
Authors: Tong Xinru , Jiang Haijun , Chen Xiangyong , Li Jiarong , Cao Zhen
Published: December 2022

Considering the media coverage and age‐dependent education, a deterministic and a stochastic class‐age‐structured rumor propagation models are studied, respectively. First, the deterministic rumor propagation model is characterized by a coupled system of ordinary and partial differential equations. The positivity and boundness of solutions are proved, and the basic reproduction number is derived. Second, the stochastic rumor propagation model is formulated by stochastic differential equations. The existence of global positive solutions in model is discussed with the Itô's formula and stochastic Lyapunov function. Additionally, by utilizing comparison principle of stochastic differential equations and the strong law of large numbers, several sufficient conditions for extinction and persistence of the rumor are derived. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out for illustrating the results.
Blow‐up of solutions for an integrable periodic two‐component Camassa‐Holm system with cubic nonlinearity
Authors: Zhu Min , Wang Ying
Published: December 2022

This paper considers the Cauchy problem and blow‐up phenomena of a new integrable two‐component Camassa‐Holm system with cubic nonlinearity, which includes the Fokas‐Olver‐Rosenau‐Qiao equation as the special case. The local well‐posedness for the system is studied. Moreover, the precise blow‐up scenario for strong solutions to the system is established and three new blow‐up results with respect to the initial data are obtained.
Stability and asymptotic behavior of the 3D Boussinesq equations with MHD convection
Authors: Chen Dongxiang , Jian Fangfang , Chen Xiaoli
Published: December 2022

This paper is devoted to investigating the stability and large time behavior problem on the three‐dimensional Boussinesq equations for magnetohydrodynamic convection near hydrostatic equilibrium by energy method. The stability for the fluids with certain symmetries is built on the spatial domain
with
being a 1D period box. In addition, the exponential decay of the oscillation parts is established.
Identification of a novel link between adiposity and visuospatial perception
Authors: Chen H. Alexander , Hovens Iris B. , Davis Xue S. , Hutelin Zach , Wall Kathryn M. , Small Dana M.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Recent work has reported a negative association between BMI and performance on the Penn Line Orientation Task. To determine the reliability of this effect, a comprehensive assessment of visual function in individuals with healthy weight (HW) and those with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) was performed.

Methods

Visual acuity/contrast, Penn Line Orientation Task, and higher‐order visuospatial function were measured in 80 (40 with HW, 40 with OW/OB) case‐control study participants. Adiposity, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, diet, physical activity, and heart rate variability were also assessed. A subgroup of 22 participants plus 5 additional participants (n = 27) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning.

Results

Compared with those with HW, individuals with OW/OB performed worse on tasks requiring judgments of line orientation. This effect was mediated by body fat percentage and was unrelated to other measures. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed a negative association between BMI and response in the primary visual cortex (V1) during line orientation judgment. Performance was unrelated to V1 response but positively correlated with response in a network of regions, including the lateral occipital cortex, when BMI was accounted for in the model.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a selective deficit in line orientation perception associated with adiposity and blunted activation in the V1 that cannot be attributed to visual acuity and does not generalize to other visuospatial tasks.
Communication with parents and young adult patients affected by complex vascular malformations
Authors: Sisk Bryan , Bereitschaft Christine , Kerr Anna
Published: December 2022

Background

Vascular malformations (VMs) are rare disorders that can cause pain, coagulopathy, disfigurement, asymmetric growth, and disability. Families affected by complex VMs experience misdiagnosis, limited trustworthy information, delayed or inappropriate treatments, and persistent uncertainty. However, more research is needed to understand the communication experiences of these families during clinical encounters.

Procedure

We performed semi‐structured interviews with 34 parents of children with VMs (18% men; 82% women; mean age = 41 years) and 25 young adults with VMs (8% men; 88% women; 4% nonbinary; mean age = 29) living in the United States, recruited through four patient advocacy groups. We performed thematic analysis to assess communication experiences, using a previously developed functional model of communication in pediatric oncology as an a priori framework.

Results

We identified evidence of eight communication functions previously identified in pediatric oncology: building relationships, exchanging information, enabling self‐management, managing uncertainty, responding to emotions, making decisions, providing validation, and supporting hope. Uncertainty was pervasive through participants’ experiences and seemed to influence the fulfillment of communication functions. Fewer participants seemed to highlight the role of clinicians in responding to emotions or supporting hope, compared to other communication functions.

Conclusion

Interviews with parents and young adult patients with VMs provided evidence for eight functions of communication. While exchanging information and building relationships were described by nearly every respondent, supporting hope and responding to emotions were mentioned less frequently. Future studies should develop patient‐reported communication measures to quantify the fulfillment of these functions and to identify areas of communication in need of intervention.
An Update of DNA Hydrogel Application in Biosensing
Authors: Futian Bai , Lu Ga , Jun Ai
Published: December 2022

DNA gel not only uses the skeleton function of hydrogel but also the biological function of DNA to realize the unified fusion of the structure and function of hydrogel material. By introducing specific small molecules into the DNA gel, it can respond to pH, temperature, ultraviolet, infrared, metal ions, and drug small molecules. To further realize the detection and loading of various small molecules in the biomedical field, the specific recognition and detection of heavy metal ions and toxins in the environment are done. In this paper, the preparation of pure DNA gel and hybrid DNA gel, their detection in the biomedical and environmental fields are reviewed, and their prospects and further development directions are discussed.
A systematic review of educational robotics studies for the period 2010–2021
Authors: Gunes Habibe , Kucuk Sevda
Published: December 2022

The aim of this research is to systematically review the theses on educational robotics applications produced in Turkey between the years 2010–2021. The aim is to provide a broad perspective on current studies by revealing the existing situation in the literature. For this purpose, 124 postgraduate theses in the national thesis database were examined within the scope of the research. The theses were analysed using the content analysis method and the educational robotics publication classification form. According to the results of the research, most theses were carried out in 2019 and educational robotics was mostly studied in the master's theses. Experimental design with the quantitative method and the quasi‐experimental pre‐test post‐test control group was widely used as research methods. Research in the theses was mostly conducted in secondary schools. The implementations lasted between 1 and 2 months (6–8 weeks). The size of the study groups were 31–100 and the sample selection was appropriate for its purpose. Lego sets and Arduino sets were used the most in information technologies and software and science courses. The proposals sections of the theses suggest that future research should carry out studies with longer‐term implementations and larger sample groups. For practitioners, the theses suggest that robotics‐based activities should be added to the curriculum in every age group. They emphasize the need for a STEM‐based robotics course for teachers as an in‐service training course and that it would be beneficial to have robotics workshops in schools. The results obtained from the study are discussed in detail.
The video abstracts for this article are available at https://youtu.be/rv9xiGxF4Uc and https://youtu.be/lXctWfpey5E.
Analysis of chattering in homogenous sliding mode controllers using the locus of a perturbed relay system
Authors: Rehan Ahmed , Boiko Igor , Zweiri Yahya
Published: December 2022

This work investigates the use of the locus of a perturbed relay system (LPRS) method for the analysis of chattering and other possible oscillations in discontinuous homogenous Sliding Mode Controllers (SMC). Particularly these homogeneous SMCs are considered as linear input‐to‐state and nonlinear separable state‐to‐output dynamics of Wiener type. The existence of non‐vanishing oscillations in these sliding mode control systems, when parasitic dynamics are present, is shown. This supports the claim that the finite‐time convergence for homogenous SMCs only occurs in the absence of any parasitic dynamics which is an ideal and non‐realizable condition. We investigate the chattering and other possible oscillations using the LPRS for the controllers proposed in the study by Ding et al. The undertaken analysis reveals multiple periodic solutions for the plants of relative degrees 2 through 4. The LPRS, originally developed for linear plants, is extended to linear input‐to‐state and nonlinear separable state‐to‐output dynamics. To investigate chattering, the parasitic dynamics are included in this analysis through a second‐order actuator model. The proposed approach to analysis provides exact values of the frequency and amplitude of chattering, as well as categorization of the obtained periodic solutions into orbitally stable and orbitally unstable. The analytical results are supported by simulations.
Ni/Ni12P5 Heterostructure Decorated on Multi‐channel Carbonized Wood Frameworks for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Pan Yichen , Yang Caixia , Zhang Jiancheng , Li Caicai , Sun Qingfeng
Published: December 2022

For exploiting high‐efficiency and stable non‐noble metal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts, rationally design and optimizing the electrode structures are extremely essential. Herein, inspired by the abundant pores and highly ordered multi‐channel structures of natural wood, a typical electrode with Ni/Ni12P5 heterostructure embedded in the multi‐channel carbonized wood frameworks (Ni/Ni12P5/CW) was designed and fabricated. The open micro‐channel structure and electrical conductivity of carbonized wood (CW) facilitates electron transfer, electrolyte penetration, and gas diffusion. Meanwhile, formation of the Ni/Ni12P5 heterostructure is beneficial to improve the activity of pristine nickel phosphide. As expected, the Ni/Ni12P5/CW electrode exhibited excellent HER catalytic activity, which merely needed overpotentials of 86, 138 and 173 mV to drive 10, 50 and 100 mA cm−2 in alkaline media, respectively. In addition, it showed superior durability with no significant degradation for more than 60 h of continuous operation at different current densities. This work will enlighten the development and utilization of wood‐based materials for application in electrocatalysis.
Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and BSA Binding Properties of Curcumin Caffeate Capped Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Greener Method
Authors: Gandha Gogoi Nishi , Dutta Pankaj , Saikia Jiban , Handique Jyotirekha G.
Published: December 2022

A green method of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) preparation using curcumin caffeate (CCaf) as stabilizing/capping and reducing group is reported here. CCaf is prepared through esterification of curcumin and caffeic acid in presence of p‐toluene sulphonic acid as catalyst. CCaf facilitates production of AgNPs in aqueous medium and room temperature without any external reducing agents. The antioxidant, antibacterial and BSA binding interactions of these CCafAgNPs are evaluated. The antioxidant activity and the corresponding IC50 value for the CCafAgNPs is found to be comparable with ascorbic acid taken as standard antioxidant for the study. The results of bactericidal screening of CCafAgNPs are better compared to CCaf capping group and found to exhibit broad spectrum antibacterial property against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial pathogens. In presence of CCafAgNPs the absorption spectra of BSA showed changes with increase in intensity around 280 nm of native BSA peak and appearance of a new band around 320 nm, indicating the possible binding interactions between BSA and CCafAgNPs.
Comparative Amine‐Catalyzed Thia‐Michael Reactions of Primary and Secondary Thiols with Maleic and Itaconic Anhydrides and Esters
Authors: Bantchev Grigor B. , Doll Kenneth M.
Published: December 2022

Experiments using two amine catalysts (triethylamine, TEA and triethylenediamine, DABCO®), two thiols (primary 1‐octanethiol, OctSH and secondary cyclohexanethiol, cHexSH) and four Michael acceptors (maleic anhydride, MA, itaconic anhydride, IA, dimethyl maleate, DMM and dimethyl itaconate, DMI) in thia‐Michael reactions were performed to gain mechanistic insight into these important carbon‐sulfur bond forming reactions. The TEA catalyst showed higher activity than DABCO®. IA gave a steady increase of product whereas MA initially displayed fast growth followed by decline of the product after 24 h. Both DMM and DMI displayed no product for the first three hours but significant amounts after 24 h. Among the thiols, OctSH gave more product than cHexSH in all cases. Overall, IA showed more final product than MA. In the opposite manner, DMM showed more product than DMI. Isomerization of the double bonds in IA, and to a lesser extent in DMM and DMI, was noticed. This led to formation of isomeric thia‐Michael products from IA. Density‐functional theory was used to calculate the ΔG of the reactions. It showed that the ΔG of the thia‐Michael reaction with MA to be 2.1±0.1 kcal/mol more favorable than the one with IA, and that ΔG of the reactions with primary thiol to be 1.1±1.0 kcal/mol less than with those using secondary thiols.