bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the droplet trajectory on the resulting droplet deformation and droplet size distribution in high‐pressure homogenizer orifices
Authors: Preiss Felix Johannes , Rütten Eva , Tröster Alexander , Gräf Volker , Karbstein Heike Petra
Published: January 2022

High‐pressure homogenization is a commonly used process to produce emulsions with a droplet size of less than 1 μm. During the process, a pre‐emulsion is pumped with a pressure of several mega Pascal through a disruption unit, where the droplets are deformed and subsequently broken up in the turbulent area of the disruption unit. The scope of this investigation is to determine the influence of the droplet trajectory on the droplet size distribution of emulsions of different viscosity ratios or interfacial tension. Measurements of the droplet deformation prior to the droplet breakup using image‐processing tools complemented the observations. In addition, computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to determine the stress history on the droplet trajectories. It was found that droplets on a trajectory close to the wall are more deformed when leaving the disruption unit compared to droplets on the centreline. The deformation of droplets at the edge of the jet increases downstream the disruption unit until it is finally disrupted. The simulation results support the experimental data, as it can be shown that shear and strain stresses on the trajectories close to the wall significantly exceed the stresses on the trajectories on the centreline. For an emulsion with a viscosity ratio greater than 3, droplets on a trajectory close to the wall resulted in smaller droplets and narrower droplet size distribution, while no significant influence was found for smaller viscosity ratios. Lowering the interfacial tension results in a stronger deformation, which was more pronounced for lower viscosity ratios (λ ≈ 3).
Valorization of soybean oil residue through advanced technology of graphene oxide modified membranes for tocopherol recovery
Authors: do Nascimento Nicole Novelli , Vieira Ana Carolina , Tardioli Paulo Waldir , Bergamasco Rosângela , Vieira Angélica Marquetotti Salcedo
Published: January 2022

Soybean oil deodourization distillate (SODD) is a source of tocopherols used to produce vitamin E, in which α‐tocopherol is the isomer with higher biological activity and value‐added for the food industry. Hence, the aim of the present study was to modify the membrane surface with sulphonic groups, polyethyleneimine, and graphene oxide nanoparticles functionalized with tannic acid to recover SODD α‐tocopherol. First, the SODD saponification step was conducted followed by a liquid–liquid separation, which performed a pre‐concentration of α‐tocopherol approximately 28 times. The unsaponifiable material was dried and diluted in hexane, obtaining the feed solution for the membrane filtration processes. HPLC‐UV/DAD analysis showed that the modified membrane containing 1.12 mg of graphene oxide and 4.50 mg of tannic acid (M3) allowed to recover 82.00% of α‐tocopherol in the concentrate (14.16 wt.% of α‐tocopherol). From the characterizations of the modified membrane, it was observed that M3 presented hydrophobic properties and was able to be reused in two filtration cycles with a 64.39% flow recovery rate and a 71.96% recovery of α‐tocopherol. The results showed that the membrane modification with graphene oxide is a compelling methodology with low energy consumption and is eco‐friendly for the recovery and purification of α‐tocopherol from SODD.
Weekly cisplatin with or without imatinib in advanced chordoma: A retrospective case‐series analysis from the Italian Rare Cancers Network
Authors: Baldi Giacomo G. , Lo Vullo Salvatore , Grignani Giovanni , Vincenzi Bruno , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Mastore Marinella , Buonomenna Ciriaco , Morosi Carlo , Barisella Marta , Frezza Anna Maria , Provenzano Salvatore , Simeone Noemi , Picozzi Fernanda , Mariani Luigi , Casali Paolo G. , Stacchiotti Silvia
Published: January 2022

Background

To report on a retrospective case‐series analysis of weekly cisplatin (wCDDP) as a single agent or combined with imatinib (wCDDP/I) in patients with advanced chordoma treated within the Italian Rare Cancer Network.

Methods

Adult patients with a diagnosis of advanced, brachyury‐positive chordoma, treated from April 2007 to October 2020 with wCDDP or wCDDP/I were retrospectively identified. Imatinib was withheld at the same time as wCDDP. Response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, overall survival (OS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐three consecutive patients were identified (wCDDP as front‐line n = 8 [24.2%]; wCDDP as a further line n = 25 [75.8%]; prior imatinib n = 25 [75.8%]; evidence of progression before starting wCDDP n = 33). Of 32 patients evaluable for response (wCDDP, n = 22 [68.8%]; wCDDP/I, n = 10 [31.3%]), best response was stable disease (SD) in 27 patients (84.3%) and progression in 5 patients (15.6%). At a median follow‐up of 54 months, the median OS (m‐OS) was 30.3 months (interquartile range [IQR], 18.1‐56.6), the m‐PFS was 8.0 months (IQR, 5.1‐17.0), the 6‐month PFS rate was 65.2%, and the 12‐month PFS rate was 30.3%. Of 22 patients who received wCDDP, the best response was SD in 18 patients (81.8%) and progression in 4 patients (18.2%), and the m‐PFS was 8.0 months (IQR, 5.1‐17.0 months). Of 10 patients who received treatment with wCDDP/I, the best response was SD in 9 patients (90%) and progression in 1 patient (10%), and the m‐PFS was 9.3 months (IQR, 4.9‐26.5 months).

Conclusions

This series suggests that wCDDP, both as a single agent and combined with imatinib, has antitumor activity in chordoma. Although no dimensional responses were observed, 65% and 30% of previously progressive patients were progression‐free at 6 and 12 months, respectively. A prospective study is warranted.
Carbon Materials as Positive Electrodes in Bromine‐Based Flow Batteries
Authors: Popat Yaksh , Trudgeon David , Zhang Caiping , Walsh Frank C. , Connor Peter , Li Xiaohong
Published: January 2022

Bromine based redox flow batteries (RFBs) can provide sustainable energy storage due to the abundance of bromine. Such devices pair Br2/Br− at the positive electrode with complementary redox couples at the negative electrode. Due to the highly corrosive nature of bromine, electrode materials need to be corrosion resistant and durable. The positive electrode requires good electrochemical activity and reversibility for the Br2/Br− couple. Carbon materials enjoy the advantages of low cost, excellent electrical conductivity, chemical resistance, wide operational potential ranges, modifiable surface properties, and high surface area. Here carbon based materials for bromine electrodes are reviewed, with a focus on application in zinc‐bromine, hydrogen‐bromine, and polysulphide‐bromine RFB systems, aiming to provide an overview of carbon materials to be used for design and development of bromine electrodes with improved performance. Aspects deserving further R&D are highlighted.
Metacognitive beliefs about uncontrollability relate most strongly to health anxiety among US‐based non‐Latinx White primary care patients: Comparing strength of relations with US‐based non‐Latinx Black and Latinx primary care patients
Authors: Fergus Thomas A. , Wilder Kayla , Koester Paul , Kelley Lance P. , Griggs Jackson O.
Published: January 2022

Metacognitive beliefs have emerged as important to health anxiety, particularly beliefs that health‐related thoughts are uncontrollable. Preliminary research examining generalized worry indicates uncontrollability beliefs relate more strongly to anxiety among US‐based self‐identifying White relative to Black college students. The present study sought to extend that line of research by examining if metacognitive beliefs about the uncontrollability of health‐related thoughts differentially relate to health anxiety among self‐identifying non‐Latinx Black (n = 123), Latinx (n = 104) and non‐Latinx White (n = 80) US‐based primary care patients. As predicted, although positive associations were seen across all three groups, beliefs that health‐related thoughts are uncontrollable more strongly related to health anxiety among White patients compared to both Black and Latinx patients. Those differential relations held in multivariate analyses while statistically controlling for positive depression screening status, generalized anxiety symptom severity and medical morbidity. Although the effect size surrounding the differential relations was small in magnitude, the present results further support the notion that metacognitive beliefs about uncontrollability relate less strongly to anxiety among US‐based ethnoracial minorities compared to White individuals. Potential reasons for the differential relations are discussed, along with additional areas for future research.
Identification of resistance for Phyllachora maydis of maize in exotic‐derived germplasm
Authors: Lipps Sarah , Smith Damon , Telenko Darcy , Paul Pierce , Kleczewski Nathan , Jamann Tiffany
Published: January 2022

Tar spot of maize (Zea mays L.), caused by the obligate biotroph Phyllachora maydis Maubl., is an emerging disease in the United States and Canada, and the identification of sources of resistance for tar spot will enable the development of resistant hybrids. In 2019 and 2020, 25 accessions from the germplasm enhancement of maize (GEM) project containing exotic introgressions in elite backgrounds were evaluated in nine environments for tar spot severity. Environmental conditions had a major influence on disease development, as tar spot severity varied across locations with only four of the nine locations showing moderate to high levels of disease. In five environments, disease levels were low and disease severity data was not collected or used. Accessions were visually evaluated for tar spot during reproductive growth stages in three environments and during vegetative growth stages in one environment. There was a strong correlation between resistance to P. maydis across locations where accessions were evaluated in reproductive growth stages. Two accessions, GEMS‐0066 and GEMS‐0226, were the most resistant and could prove useful for tar spot resistance breeding. These accessions are publicly available and able to be directly used in breeding programs.
Can single‐cell RNA sequencing reshape the clinical biochemistry of haematology? New clusters of circulating blood cells
Authors: Fang Hao , Zeng Yiming , Zhang Lianzhong , Chen Chengshui , Powell Charles A. , Wang Xiangdong
Published: January 2022

scRNA‐seq is on track for use as a routine measurement of clinical biochemistry and to assist in clinical decision‐making and guide the performance of molecular medicine, but there are still a large number of challenges to be overcome. In conclusion, scRNA‐seq‐based clusters and differentiations of circulating blood cells have been examined and informative in patients with various diseases, although the information generated from scRNA‐seq varies between different conditions, technologies and diseases. Most of the clinical studies published have focused on the landscape of circulating immune cells, disease‐specific patterns of new clusters, understanding of potential mechanisms, and potential correlation between cell clusters, differentiations, cell interactions and circulating and migrated cells. It is clear that the information from scRNA‐seq advances the understanding of the disease, identifies disease‐specific target panels and suggests new therapeutic strategies. The adaptation of scRNA‐seq as a routine clinical measurement will require standardisation and normalisation of scRNA‐seq‐based comprehensive information and validation in a large population of healthy and diseased patients. The integration of public databases on human circulating cell clusters and differentiations with application of artificial intelligent and computational science will accelerate the application of scRNA‐seq for clinical practice. Thus, we call special attention from scientists and clinicians to the clinical and translational discovery, validation and medicine opportunities of scRNA‐seq development.
Simulation and in vivo experimentation predict AdamTS‐A location of function during caudal visceral mesoderm migration in Drosophila
Authors: Hamilton William C. , Stolarska Magdalena A. , Ismat Afshan
Published: January 2022

Background

Caudal visceral mesoderm (CVM) cells migrate as a loose collective along the trunk visceral mesoderm (TVM) and are surrounded by extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we examined how one extracellular protease, AdamTS‐A, facilitates CVM migration.

Results

A comparison of mathematical simulation to experimental results suggests that location of AdamTS‐A action in CVM cells is on the sides of the cell not in contact with the TVM, predominantly at the CVM‐ECM interface. CVM migration from a top‐down view showed CVM cells migrating along the outside of the TVM substrate in the absence of AdamTS‐A. Moreover, overexpression of AdamTS‐A resulted in similar, but milder, mis‐migration of the CVM. These results contrast with the salivary gland where AdamTS‐A is proposed to cleave connections at the trailing edge of migrating cells. Subcellular localization of GFP‐tagged AdamTS‐A suggests that this protease is not limited to functioning at the trailing edge of CVM cells.

Conclusion

Using both in vivo experimentation and mathematical simulations, we demonstrated that AdamTS‐A cleaves connections between CVM cells and the ECM on all sides not attached to the TVM. Clearly, AdamTS‐A has a more expansive role around the entire cell in cleaving cell‐ECM attachments in cells migrating as a loose collective.
Loss of the IR region in conifer plastomes: Changes in the selection pressure and substitution rate of protein‐coding genes
Authors: Ping Jingyao , Hao Jing , Li Jinye , Yang Yiqing , Su Yingjuan , Wang Ting
Published: January 2022

Plastid genomes (plastomes) have a quadripartite structure, but some species have drastically reduced or lost inverted repeat (IR) regions. IR regions are important for genome stability and the evolution rate. In the evolutionary process of gymnosperms, the typical IRs of conifers were lost, possibly affecting the evolutionary rate and selection pressure of genomic protein‐coding genes. In this study, we selected 78 gymnosperm species (51 genera, 13 families) for evolutionary analysis. The selection pressure analysis results showed that negative selection effects were detected in all 50 common genes. Among them, six genes in conifers had higher ω values than non‐conifers, and 12 genes had lower ω values. The evolutionary rate analysis results showed that 9 of 50 common genes differed between conifers and non‐conifers. It is more obvious that in non‐conifers, the rates of psbA (trst, trsv, ratio, dN, dS, and ω) were 2.6‐ to 3.1‐fold of conifers. In conifers, trsv, ratio, dN, dS, and ω of ycf2 were 1.2‐ to 3.6‐fold of non‐conifers. In addition, the evolution rate of ycf2 in the IR was significantly reduced. psbA is undergoing dynamic change, with an abnormally high evolution rate as a small portion of it enters the IR region. Although conifers have lost the typical IR regions, we detected no change in the substitution rate or selection pressure of most protein‐coding genes due to gene function, plant habitat, or newly acquired IRs.
Morphological, cytological, and molecular evidences for natural hybridization between Roegneria stricta and Roegneria turczaninovii (Triticeae: Poaceae)
Authors: Chen Chen , Zheng Zilue , Wu Dandan , Tan Lu , Yang Cairong , Liu Songqing , Lu Jiale , Cheng Yiran , Sha Lina , Wang Yi , Kang Houyang , Fan Xing , Zhou Yonghong , Zhang Changbing , Zhang Haiqin
Published: January 2022

Some plants with low fertility are morphologically intermediate between Roegneria stricta and Roegneria turczaninovii, and were suspected to be natural hybrids between these species. In this study, karyotype analysis showed that natural hybrids and their putative parents were tetraploids (2n = 4x = 28). Meiotic pairing in natural hybrids is more irregular than its putative parents. Results of genomic in situ hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization indicate that natural hybrids contain the same genome as their putative parents. The nuclear gene DNA meiotic recombinase 1 (DMC1) and the chloroplast gene rps16 of natural hybrids and their putative parents were analyzed for evidence of hybridization. The results from molecular data supported by morphology and cytology demonstrated that the plants represent natural hybrids between R. stricta and R. turczaninovii. The study is important for understanding species evolution in the genus since it demonstrates for the first time the existence of populations of natural homoploid hybrids in Roegneria. The study also reports for the first time that the composition of the genomic formula of R. turczaninovii is StY, confirming that the current taxonomic status is correct.
Scale dependency in native–exotic richness relationships revisited
Authors: Guo Qinfeng
Published: January 2022

In their seminal paper, Shea and Chesson (Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 2002, 17, 170) developed a highly cited model (S&C model) showing scale dependency in the native–exotic richness relationships. Two decades later, extensive additional data have been accumulated, leading to new findings and insights. Accordingly, two updates were made here to the original S&C model: (1) changing the “negative” richness relationship between natives and exotics to “non‐consistent” or “non‐significant”; and (2) modifying the original diagram to correctly represent native and exotic species richness and their correlations across both small and large scales.
Semi‐Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin methods for scalar hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Kometa Bawfeh K. , Tambue Antoine , Iqbal Naveed
Published: January 2022

In this article, we present a new class of semi‐Lagrangian methods for the numerical approximation of hyperbolic conservation laws. The methods provide a strategy for resolving nonlinear hyperbolic conservations laws within the framework of semi‐Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin finite‐element methods (SLDG) initially proposed for linear advection problems [J‐M. Qiu and C‐W. Shu, J Comput Phys 230 (2011)]. Using a flux‐correction technique we combine the good numerical properties of the SLDG methods with those of the well‐known Runge‐Kutta discontinuous Galerkin methods (RKDG). The high‐order accuracy and local conservative properties of the resulting schemes make them very attractive for convection‐dominated convection‐diffusion problems, and conservation laws in particular. The semi‐Lagrangian component of the schemes allows for the use of larger Courant numbers than is possible when using high‐order RKDG methods alone.
The importance of myocarditis in Covid‐19
Authors: Haryalchi Katayoun , Olangian‐Tehrani Sepehr , Asgari Galebin Seyed Mohammad , Mansour‐Ghanaie Mandana
Published: January 2022

Background

The outbreak of Covid‐19 is a real threat to public health. It causes cardiovascular complications such as acute myocardial injury and myocarditis. Symptoms of myocarditis vary from chest pain, tachycardia, or chest tightness. Inotropes and/or vasopressors and mechanical ventilation are the protocols for cardiogenic shock in patients with myocarditis. Some previous studies stated that the mechanism of cardiac injury is not well defined but, it can be due to direct myocardial infection, respiratory failure or hypoxemia, and indirect injury from systemic inflammatory response separately or all three factors together. The pathologic processes included direct myocardial injury by virus binding to ACE2, systemic inflammation, altered myocardial demand‐supply ratio, and plaque and coronary thrombosis. There are disagreements on the usage of corticosteroids in active‐infection myocarditis. As everyday new complications of Covid‐19 appear, there is a need for further research to overcome them.

Aims

This narrative study aimed to assess the effect of Covid‐19 on myocarditis.
M2‐polarization‐related CNTNAP1 gene might be a novel immunotherapeutic target and biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Weiquan , Meng Xiangui , Yuan Hongwei , Xiao Wen , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: January 2022

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignancies, characterized by high mortality rate in urology. Unfortunately, reliable biomarkers for ccRCC diagnosis and prognosis remain lacking. Contactin‐associated protein 1 (CNTNAP1) has yet to be thoroughly investigated in cancer, especially its relationship with immune infiltration or clinical outcomes of ccRCC. Here, we explored The Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Clear Cell Carcinoma database (TCGA‐KIRC) for prognostic significance, differential expression, and probable mechanism of CNTNAP1. The aberrant CNTNAP1 expression was also validated by the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and ccRCC clinic samples. We used Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery to perform the GO and KEGG enrichment. TIMER database was further utilized to assess its correlation with immune infiltration in ccRCC. The CellMiner database was used to analyze the relationship between CNTNAP1 expression and drug sensitivity. Results showed CNTNAP1 was upregulated in TCGA‐KIRC, ICGC, and clinic samples. And CNTNAP1 expression was positively related to infiltration levels of cancer‐associated fibroblast, regulatory T cells, and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, while negatively related to eosinophils. Furthermore, we observed CNTNAP1 was appreciably positively associated with alternatively activated macrophage (M2) in ccRCC. Finally, high CNTNAP1 expression was negatively correlated with nilotinib, crizotinib, eribulin mesylate, and vinorelbine. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that CNTNAP1 might act as an immunotherapeutic target and a promising novel biomarker for ccRCC.
Optimal design of broadband non‐radiative dielectric guide devices using binary genetic algorithm and 2D‐FVFEM
Authors: Bashir Tahir , Morimoto Keita , Iguchi Akito , Tsuji Yasuhide , Kashiwa Tatsuya , Nishiwaki Shinji
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a class of broadband non‐radiative dielectric (NRD) guide devices based on digital material are presented using optimal design technique. The NRD guides to be discussed here include low crosstalk crossing waveguide, T‐branch, 90°‐bend, and Z‐bend waveguide. To reduce the computational efforts, we employ recently proposed 2D‐FVFEM as simulation method. Based on digital material optimization strategy, binary genetic algorithm is implemented to obtain an optimal device structure in the design region. To achieve the desired properties, we introduce a unique one‐two symmetric conditions for the structural optimization. Hence, the designed crossing, T‐branch, 90°‐bend, and Z‐bend, respectively, achieve high transmission efficiencies greater than 99.5%, 49.5%:49.5%, 99.4%, and 99.9% at operating frequency 60 GHz, and, furthermore, achieve broadband property as well in the frequency ranges of 58 –64, 58–62, 59–62, and 59–63 GHz. The numerical results of 2D‐FVFEM are also verified by 3D‐FVFEM. Owing to excellent performances, the proposed NRD guide devices can be useful in a lot of millimeter‐wave circuit and system applications.
A comprehensive method to increase yield and narrow the yield gap of winter wheat for sustainable intensification
Authors: Liu Yuli , Zhang He , Li Guicai , Sun Xiaofang , Wang Meng
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The agricultural production system is facing increasing demand pressure and environmental pressure. Green and efficient production methods are urgently needed in order to further enhance the yield of winter wheat and reduce the negative impact on the environment. Here, we analyzed the potential yield and yield gap of winter wheat in Shandong Province of China from 1981 to 2009. Meanwhile, we specified the effects of sowing time, irrigation and fertilization scheme, and variety characteristics on winter wheat.

RESULTS

In the past 29 years, the yield gap in most areas of Shandong has become smaller, because the actual yield has increased and the potential yield has changed little under the background of climate change. In addition, it is found that delaying sowing date is beneficial to increase yield by helping winter wheat avoid adverse climate conditions. Also, an irrigation amount of 240 mm and nitrogen application amount of 180–210 kg ha−1 are best to maintain high yield, high resource utilization rate and low environmental pollution in this area. These suggested levels are lower than those currently used by many local farmers. Wheat varieties with longer grain‐filling period and photoperiod response, higher grain‐filling rate and grain weight were more adaptable to climate change.

CONCLUSION

Improving agronomic management measures can significantly increase the yield of winter wheat and narrow the yield gap. This study can provide valuable information for improving the production potential of winter wheat, and for reducing the damage of agricultural activities to the environment. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
What is the clinical impact of staging and surveillance PET‐CT scan findings in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma?
Authors: Lee Linus , Kazmer Alexander , Colman Matthew W. , Gitelis Steven , Batus Marta , Blank Alan T.
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Positron emission tomography‐computerized tomography (PET‐CTs) are becoming increasingly utilized in sarcoma care, workup, and surveillance. This study aimed to describe additional PET‐CT findings as well as subsequent workups and changes in the clinical course due to those results.

Methods

Patient records were retrospectively reviewed, and the additional workups and evaluations triggered by PET‐CT findings were qualitatively analyzed to document their results. Additional changes in the clinical course were documented.

Results

A total of 183 bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients underwent PET‐CT as part of staging or surveillance. Additional workup was performed in 31.5% (n = 41 of 130) patients who had positive PET‐CT findings. Among these, 36.6% (n = 15 of 41) patients had clinically significant findings that altered the clinical course. Overall, 14.8% (n = 27 of 183) experienced a change in the clinical course due to PET‐CT.

Conclusion

PET‐CT often highlights lesions of potential clinical importance. Additional workup, as well as changes in the clinical course, were not infrequent. Future, multi‐institutional studies should address the value of PET‐CT in sarcoma care.
One‐Pot Preparation of Polysaccharide‐Based Antibacterial Hydrogel for Skin Wound Repair
Authors: Xu Gan , Geng Yusheng , Hu Le , Wang Jianhua , Pan PanPan , Chen Jingdi
Published: January 2022

Polysaccharide hydrogels are widely applied as wound dressings for skin wound repair due to their good biocompatibility and ability to regulate microenvironments. However, hydrogel application can result in skin wetting that can easily cause wound infections. Herein, a polysaccharide‐based antibacterial hydrogel that can promote skin wound repair is prepared by a one‐pot method. In this study, tannic acid (TA) is oxidized and cross‐linked with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through a Schiff base reaction to form the macromolecule CMCS‐TA. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) cross‐links more easily with CMCS‐TA than CMCS when utilizing the cross‐linking agent carbondiimide hydrochloride (EDC). EDC has no cytotoxicity after hydrolysis and the hydrogel prepared by EDC cross‐linking has a low swelling rate. Due to the in situ reduction of Ag particles, the CMC/CMCS‐TA/Ag hydrogel exhibits good antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus. Cytocompatibility tests and histological analysis indicate that the antibacterial hydrogel has good biocompatibility and can promote wound repair in a rat infection model. Therefore, the polysaccharide‐based hydrogel can be a promising wound dressing for skin wound repair.
On the stability and behavior of solutions in mixed differential equations with delays and advances
Authors: Yeniçerioğlu Ali Fuat , Yazıcı Cüneyt , Pinelas Sandra
Published: January 2022

In this study, some new results are obtained on asymptotic behavior and stability analysis of the mixed type differential equation

where
,
and
are real nonnegative continuous functions on
, and
and
are real valued functions of bounded variation on
. These results were obtained by using an appropriate real root of the characteristic equation. Moreover, by the use of two appropriate distinct real roots of the corresponding characteristic equation, a new result on the behavior of solutions is established. Five examples are also given to illustrate our results. We also presented the application of the obtained results in the special case of constant coefficients and have given three different cases in one example. The results obtained in this article show that real roots play an important role.
Microwave foaming of carbon dioxide saturated poly lactic acid
Authors: Srinivas Sundarram Sriharsha , Ibekwe Nwachukwu , Prado Stephanie , Rotonto Clarissa , Feeney Sean
Published: January 2022

Micro cellular polymer foams find numerous applications such as in filtration, tissue scaffolds, insulation, and catalyst carriers. This study reports on a solvent free approach to fabricate microcellular poly lactic acid foams through a combination of additive manufacturing and microwave foaming. This approach provides the capability to foam polymers in a repeatable and controllable manner with minimal human intervention. Initially, samples are 3D printed, followed by gas saturation, and microwave foaming. The effect of microwave foaming parameters, namely power, temperature and time on the pore morphology was analyzed using a complete parametric study. The results show that microwave foaming can successfully generate porous structure with power and temperature being the main factors affecting the pore morphology. A combination of midrange power and high temperature results in foams with desired properties of small pore size and high porosity. The resulting foams have pore size as small as 120 μm with porosity of 78%. These foams fabricated using a solvent free approach find applications in biomedical field as three dimensional tissue scaffolds for drug testing and bio‐artificial organ development.
Potential benefits versus hazards of herbal therapy during pregnancy; a systematic review of available literature
Authors: Balarastaghi Soudabeh , Delirrad Mohammad , Jafari Abbas , Majidi Mohammad , Sadeghi Mahmood , Zare‐Zardini Hadi , Karimi Gholamreza , Ghorani‐Azam Adel
Published: January 2022

The use of herbal medicine has considerably grown worldwide in the past two decades. Studies have shown that the prevalence of herbal diet therapy in pregnancy ranged from 1% to 60% in different societies. Many clinical reports have shown that some herbal medicines may have toxic effects on pregnant women and their fetuses because active ingredients of some medicinal plants can readily pass through the biological barriers (e.g., placental barrier). In the present study, we aimed to systematically review the literature to discover potential benefits versus the hazards of herbal therapy during pregnancy. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review was performed, and after the literature search and selection of the appropriate documents, the desired data were extracted and reported. From 35 articles with a total of 39,950 study population, the results showed that some medicinal plants could cause severe toxicity on mothers and fetuses, in addition to abortion during pregnancy. It was also shown that some plants may lead to developmental abnormalities or fetal death. Findings of this survey showed that some herbal medicines have toxic, teratogenic, and abortive potential, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy because active ingredients of some medicinal plants are able to pass through the placental barrier and reach the fetus.
A meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies of flavonoid subclasses and stroke risk
Authors: Li Xue‐qi , Wang Chong , Yang Ting , Fan Ze‐kai , Guo Xiao‐fei
Published: January 2022

Epidemiological studies indicate that higher intakes of flavonoids are associated with reduced stroke risk, however, which subtypes play significant roles to protect against stroke remain unclear. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed up to Oct. 2021. Flavonoids or their subtypes (flavanol, flavanone, flavone, flavan‐3‐ol, isoflavone, or anthocyanin) were paired with stoke as the search term. Multivariate‐adjusted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest versus the lowest category were pooled by using a random‐effects model. Dose–response analysis was implemented by using a restricted cubic spline regression model. Ten independent prospective cohort studies with 387,076 participants and 9,564 events were included. Higher intakes of flavanones were inversely associated with stroke risk (RR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.78, 0.93). Dose–response analysis showed that 50 mg/day increment of flavanones was associated with 11% reduction in stroke risk (RR = 0.89; 95%CI: 0.84, 0.94). Flavan‐3‐ols was marginally inversely associated with stroke risk (RR = 0.92; 95%CI: 0.82, 1.02). Dose–response analysis showed that 200 mg/day increment of flavan‐3‐ols was associated with 14% reduction in stroke risk (RR = 0.86; 95%CI: 0.75, 0.98). The non‐significant association was observed with respect to other flavonoid subclasses. This study demonstrated higher intakes of flavanones and flavan‐3‐ols were associated with a lower risk of stroke. Dietary intakes of lemon and citrus rich in flavanones and flavan‐3‐ols might have beneficial functions for the protection against stroke. The findings of these associations of the present study need to be confirmed in other regions and ethnic origins.
Validation of the Swedish National Inpatient Register for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in 2005
Authors: Andersson Therese , Isaksson Anja , Khalil Hesham , Lapidus Leif , Carlberg Bo , Söderberg Stefan
Published: January 2022

The Swedish National Inpatient Register (NPR) has near‐complete coverage of in‐hospital admissions and ICD codes in Sweden. Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition presenting challenges regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up. Here we aimed to validate the accuracy of acute PE diagnosis in the NPR, investigational findings, antithrombotic treatment, and follow‐up of PE patients in Sweden. From a nation‐wide cohort of all patients with in‐hospital diagnoses of acute PE (ICD‐10‐SE codes I26.0–I26.9) in 2005 (n = 5793), we selected those from two Swedish regions for thorough manual review of hospital records. We identified 599 patients with PE diagnoses according to the ICD‐10 coding system. We excluded 58 patients with admissions related to previous PE (47; 8%) or incorrect ICD codes (11; 2%), leaving 501 patients with probable PE diagnoses. We confirmed the diagnosis in 441 (79%) cases, which was based on imaging (435 patients; 73%) or autopsy (6; 1%). In the remaining 60 (11%) cases, the PE diagnosis was based on clinical findings and can therefore not be confirmed. Of the surviving patients with PE, 231 (47%) were offered follow‐up within 6 months after the acute event. At follow‐up, 67 patients (29%) had symptoms requiring clinical attention (dyspnoea or reduced general condition). The Swedish NPR showed acceptable accuracy for PE diagnosis, and could be reliably used for register‐based research regarding acute PE.
Reversible Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Photoswitching in Aqueous Media by Diarylethene: Toward High‐Accuracy Live Optical Imaging
Authors: Jung Hye‐youn , Kim Boram , Jeon Min Ho , Kim Yoonkyung
Published: January 2022

Fluorescence imaging is an indispensable tool in modern biological research, allowing simple and inexpensive color‐coded visualizations of real‐time events in living cells and animals, as well as of fixed states of ex vivo specimens. The accuracy of fluorescence imaging in living systems is, however, impeded by autofluorescence, light scattering, and limited penetration depth of light. Nevertheless, the clinical use of fluorescence imaging is expected to grow along with advances in imaging equipment, and will increasingly demand high‐accuracy probes to avoid false‐positive results in disease detection. To this end, a water‐soluble and relatively safe diarylethene (DAE)‐based reversible near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence photoswitch for living systems is prepared here. Furthermore, to facilitate excellent switching performance, the photoirradiation results obtained is compared using three different visible light sources to turn on NIR fluorescence through cycloreversion of DAE. While photoswitching using 589 nm light leads to slightly higher cell viability, fluorescence quenching efficiency and fatigue resistance are higher when 532 nm light with low photobleaching is used in both aqueous solution and living systems. The authors anticipate that their reversible NIR fluorescence photoswitch mediated by DAE can be beneficial for fluorescence imaging in aqueous media requiring accurate detection, such as in the autofluorescence‐rich living environment.
Prussian‐Blue Analogue‐Derived Hollow Structured Co3S4/CuS2/NiS2 Nanocubes as an Advanced Battery‐Type Electrode Material for High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Mule Anki Reddy , Ramulu Bhimanaboina , Yu Jae Su
Published: January 2022

The facile and cost‐effective fabrication of hybrid nanostructures comprised of hollow mixed metallic chalcogenides has attracted growing interest in the development of high‐performance energy storage devices. Herein, multi‐component (nickel‐cobalt‐copper‐sulfides/selenides (NCCS/NCCSe)) hollow nanocubes (HNCs) are prepared via a single‐step sulfurization/selenization process. The NCCS material shows interior HNCs, and the NCCSe material exhibits slightly formed porous cubes. Both the prepared materials demonstrate higher charge storage performance than the precursor NCC NCs owing to the improved surface morphology and addition of sulfur and selenium ions. Particularly, the NCCS HNCs electrode reveals superior specific capacity (capacitance) (70.32 mAh g−1 (666.20 F g−1) at 5 mA cm−2) along with excellent cycling stability of 108.6% even after 10 000 cycles. Interestingly, the electrode delivers a good rate capability of 83.5% at a high current density of 20 mA cm−2. The feasibility of the battery‐type NCCS HNCs as a positive electrode is explored by constructing an aqueous electrochemical hybrid capacitor (AEHC). The AEHC exhibits maximum energy and power densities of 23.15 Wh kg−1 and 7899.08 W kg−1, respectively. Remarkably, it demonstrates superior long‐life cycling stability even after 10 000 cycles (120.6% retention). The suitability of AEHC for practical application is also tested by driving electronic devices.
Strongly Chiral Liquid Crystals in Nanoemulsions
Authors: Yang Yu , Palacio‐Betancur Viviana , Wang Xin , de Pablo Juan J. , Abbott Nicholas L.
Published: January 2022

Liquid crystal (LC) emulsions represent a class of confined soft matter that exhibit exotic internal organizations and size‐dependent properties, including responses to chemical and physical stimuli. Past studies have explored micrometer‐scale LC emulsion droplets but little is known about LC ordering within submicrometer‐sized droplets. This paper reports experiments and simulations that unmask the consequences of confinement in nanoemulsions on strongly chiral LCs that form bulk cholesteric and blue phases (BPs). A method based on light scattering is developed to characterize phase transitions of LCs within the nanodroplets. For droplets with a radius to the pitch ratio (Rv/p0) as small as 2/3, the BP‐to‐cholesteric transition is substantially suppressed, leading to a threefold increase of the BP temperature interval relative to bulk behavior. Complementary simulations align with experimental findings and reveal the dominant role of chiral elastic energy. ForRv/p0 ≈1/3, a single LC phase forms below the clearing point, with simulations revealing the new configuration to contain a τ−1/2disclination that extends across the nanodroplet. These findings are discussed in the context of mechanisms by which polymer networks stabilize BPs and, more broadly, for the design of nanoconfined soft matter.
Experimental study on the tensile behavior of ultra‐high performance concrete fiber continuous joints
Authors: Zhao Qiu , Huang Jinju , Yang Jianping , Wang Ying , He Ganlin , Lai Zhichao
Published: January 2022

The application of ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) in the bridge deck effectively increases the strength, ductility, and durability of the deck system, while the problem of fiber discontinuity at the joint‐deck interface remains unsolved. This study proposes an innovative UHPC joint to create steel fiber continuity at the interface and experimentally investigates its tensile behavior. Test parameters include fiber content, fiber length and diameter, fiber shape, and fiber strength. Test results indicate that the joint tensile strength increases with fiber content, fiber length, and fiber strength. The specimen with hooked end fibers also develops higher joint tensile strength compared with the specimen with straight fibers. It is recommended to use fibers with a smaller diameter to increase the interfacial bonding area between the fibers and the matrix. High‐strength fibers are also recommended to achieve the best efficiency in a high‐strength matrix, like UHPC. The tensile performance of the joint with a fiber content of no less than 0.5%, and an embedment length of 15 mm (with a fiber length/diameter ratio of 50), and a diameter of 0.3 mm is similar to the performance of the specimen cast as one piece. Therefore, a properly designed UHPC fiber continuous joint is recommended in engineering practice to improve the integrity of the joint‐deck system.
Examining the antimicrobial efficacy of granulated tetraacetylethylenediamine derived peracetic acid and commercial peracetic acid in urban wastewaters
Authors: Spencer‐Williams Isaiah , Theobald Allister , Cypcar Christopher C. , Casson Leonard W. , Haig Sarah‐Jane
Published: January 2022

The ever‐increasing need for access to safe water has meant that alternative water sources and innovative water reclamation approaches are often required to meet the global water demand. As a result, many wastewater treatment facilities have faced regulatory pressure to seek alternative disinfection methods that ensure public health safety, while adhering to regulations that set limits on carcinogenic disinfection by‐products (DBPs). Peracetic acid (PAA) is an emerging wastewater disinfectant in the United States that has been widely used in other industries such as food sanitization and does not produce carcinogenic DBPs. However, several factors such as transport, storage, and physical and chemical effects have stymied its widespread use in wastewater markets. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the antimicrobial efficacy of an on‐site generated PAA compared against a commercially available PAA. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using standard fecal contamination indicators (i.e., total coliforms and Escherichia coli) in six urban wastewater treatment facilities ranging in size and treatment processes. Overall, few statistical differences were found between the antimicrobial efficacies of on‐site generated PAA and commercially available PAA; however, before becoming more widely utilized, the on‐site PAA should be tested against emerging fecal contamination indicators (e.g., human norovirus and enterovirus) and be assessed in terms of economic and sustainability impacts.

Practitioner Points

Alternative Ct approaches should be considered when using disinfectants like PAA.

On‐site generated PAA can achieve the same level of disinfection as commercial PAA.

On‐site generation of PAA may help further its use as a wastewater disinfectant.
Racemic Porous Organic Cage Crystal with Selective Gas Adsorption Behaviors
Authors: Yang Wei , Sun Nana , Wang Xinxin , Yu Baoqiu , Wang Hailong
Published: January 2022

A mixture containing the reactions solution between 3,3′′,5,5′′‐tetraformyl‐4,4′′‐[1,1′:4′,1′′‐terphenyl]diol (TTD) and two enantiomers of cyclohexanediamine, respectively, affords porous racemic molecular crystal (1). Two kinds of homochiral [3+6] porous organic cage molecules1have been clearly disclosed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, forming one‐dimensional porous supramolecular channels with the narrowest size of 3.5 Å. The intercrossing channels of1enable the permanent porosity as well as the selective gas adsorption of acetylene and carbon dioxide over methane.
Evaluation at the Endgame: Evaluating Sustainability and the SDGs by Moving Past Dominion and Institutional Capture
Authors: Rowe Andy
Published: January 2022

Three facts underlay this chapter. First, the human system and all our ambitions for improving the human system depend on sustainable natural systems. Second, we do not have much time. On track to fall well short of all sustainability goals, the climate and sustainability crises grow and extinction looms. Third, up to this point evaluation has shown little interest in sustainability, yet evaluation potentially addresses the very questions that are central to informing and guiding rapid adaptation of human behavior to successfully surmounting extinction.

Business-as-usual evaluation will not suffice. At the endgame with extinction looming, we need an evaluation that is more nimble, keeps up with rapidly accelerating knowledge, is relentlessly use-seeking and that guides the way to joined-up approaches. The evaluation we need will systematically mainstream sustainability across all evaluations and interventions, in all evaluation criteria and standards. For this, all evaluations will always address nexus where human and natural systems join and incorporate knowledge and methods from both systems. Existing evaluation knowledge is well suited to this task, as are knowledges in biophysical sciences. We know and promote knowledge processes for integrative evaluation and are starting to shift toward the requirements for evaluation at the nexus. As this chapter shows, the anchors holding us back are political, not technical.
Application of Geospatial Methods in Evaluating Environmental Interventions and Related Socioeconomic Benefits
Authors: Anand Anupam , Batra Geeta
Published: January 2022

Environmental interventions underpin the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Rio Conventions. The SDGs are integrated and embody all three aspects of sustainable development—environmental, social, and economic—to capture the interlinkages among the three areas. The Rio Conventions—on biodiversity, climate change, and desertification, also intrinsically linked—operate in the same ecosystems and address interdependent issues, and represent a way of contributing to the SDGs. Assessing the results of environmental interventions and the related socioeconomic benefits is challenging due to their complexity, interlinkages, and often limited data. The COVID-19 crisis has also necessitated creativity to ensure that evaluation’s critical role continues during the crisis. Satellite and other geospatial information, combined with existing survey data, leverage open-source and readily available data to determine the impact of projects. Working with geospatial data helps maintain flexibility and can fill data gaps without designing new and often expensive data tools for every unique evaluation. Using data on interventions implemented by the Global Environment Facility in biodiversity, land degradation, and climate change, we present the application of geospatial approaches to evaluate the relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness of interventions in terms of their environmental outcomes and observable socioeconomic and health co-benefits.