bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacophore‐guided Virtual Screening to Identify New β3‐adrenergic Receptor Agonists
Authors: Ujiantari Navista Sri Octa , Ham Seungmin , Nagiri Chisae , Shihoya Wataru , Nureki Osamu , Hutchinson Dana Sabine , Schuster Daniela 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe β3‐adrenergic receptor (β3‐AR) is found in several tissues such as adipose tissue and urinary bladder. It is a therapeutic target because it plays a role in thermogenesis, lipolysis, and bladder relaxation. Two β3‐AR agonists are used clinically: mirabegron1and vibegron2, which are indicated for overactive bladder syndrome. However, these drugs show adverse effects, including increased blood pressure in mirabegron patients. Hence, new β3‐AR agonists are needed as starting points for drug development. Previous pharmacophore modeling studies of the β3‐AR did not involve experimental in vitro validation. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct prospective virtual screening and confirm the biological activity of virtual hits. Ligand‐based pharmacophore modeling was performed since no 3D structure of human β3‐AR is yet available. A dataset consisting of β3‐AR agonists was prepared to build and validate the pharmacophore models. The best model was employed for prospective virtual screening, followed by physicochemical property filtering and a docking evaluation. To confirm the activity of the virtual hits, an in vitro assay was conducted, measuring cAMP levels at the cloned β3‐AR. Out of 35 tested compounds, 4 compounds were active in CHO−K1 cells expressing the human β3‐AR, and 8 compounds were active in CHO−K1 cells expressing the mouse β3‐AR.
Dual‐mode wideband slotted patch antenna using characteristic mode analysis and low‐cost SISL technology
Authors: Newton Moro Eric , Ma Kaixue , Luo Yu , Yan Ningning , Tang Bin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA dual‐mode wideband slotted patch antenna using characteristic mode analysis (CMA) on substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) platform is presented. The proposed antenna combines the fundamental mode (TM01) and a higher‐order mode (TM21) of a rectangular patch to enhance antenna bandwidth. First, detailed studies into the modal significance, far‐field pattern, and current distribution on the potential radiating patch with the assistance of the CMA. The split radiation pattern of the TM21 mode is reshaped into a single directive pattern through slot‐loading techniques on the rectangular patch. The TM21 shifts close to the fundamental mode with similar polarization currents at the short‐edge length of the patch. Full‐wave simulations are performed to verify the CMA report by exciting the TM01 and TM21 modes. The proposed antenna is fabricated and tested. The experimental results agree well with the simulations and show a −10 dB bandwidth of 3.30–3.65 GHz. An average gain and efficiency of more than 7.0 dBi and 86% are accomplished in measurement over the operation band of the ongoing 5G communication. Besides, the antenna exhibits a compact size, low cost, and self‐package characteristics.
Evaluation of the effect of levator ani muscle contraction on post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence using cine MRI
Authors: Kumagai Shin , Muraki Osamu , Yoshimura Yasukuni 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimPost‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) is the greatest concern for urologists after radical prostatectomy (RP). It is thought that PPI is composed of multiple factors including static and dynamic components. The purpose of this study is to show visually levator ani muscle (LAM) contraction during pelvic floor muscle contraction and to evaluate the dynamic differences in its contraction between men with and without PPI.MethodsThis study was a case‐control study of the urinary continent or incontinent men. It investigated whether LAM contraction was involved in urinary leakage based on examination of LAM contraction by cine magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsThe LAM contracted from the coccyx to the pubis in the same manner before and after surgery. The degree of contraction of the LAM in post‐prostatectomy groups was smaller than that in the healthy adult group. The contraction distances of each part of the pelvic floor were decreased by 50%–70% in the incontinence group compared to those in the continence group. The bladder neck moved 2.5‐fold further in the continence group and the direction of movement was more vertical than in the incontinence group. Urethral compression was attenuated by about 40% in the incontinence group compared to that in the continence group.ConclusionsRP can cause damage to the LAM. LAM contraction is reduced after RP compared with that in healthy adult men. In men with PPI, the reduced muscle contraction might not compress the urethra sufficiently when abdominal pressure is raised. Pelvic floor muscle training might provide a meaningful method for the recovery of LAM contraction in patients with PPI.
Examining weekly facilitated group sessions and counselor‐crafted self‐monitoring feedback on treatment outcome in digital weight control: A pilot factorial study
Authors: West Delia S. , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Stansbury Melissa L. , Ogden Doris , Borden Janna , Harvey Jean R. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveWeight control programs that incorporate group sessions produce greater weight losses, but this has not been explored in the context of online programs. Further, counselor‐crafted self‐monitoring feedback is a core element of lifestyle interventions, although pre‐scripted, modular feedback which does not require detailed counselor review may adequately promote weight loss. The current study explored the weight losses achieved in an online program that included facilitated group sessions, as well as outcomes when counselor‐crafted self‐monitoring feedback was provided.MethodsA 2 × 2 pilot factorial randomized participants (90% women) with overweight/obesity (N = 73) to facilitated group sessions (yes/no) and type of feedback (counselor‐crafted/pre‐scripted, modular) within a 16‐week online behavioral weight control program. Weight change outcomes were collected digitally. Treatment engagement and intervention delivery time were also tracked.ResultsIndividuals offered weekly facilitated online group sessions lost more weight (−5.3% ± 4.9%) than those receiving the same digital program without group sessions (−3.1% ± 4.0%; p = 0.04). Those receiving group sessions also demonstrated significantly greater treatment engagement. Individuals receiving pre‐scripted, modular feedback lost significantly more weight (−5.3% ± 4.8%) than those receiving the more traditional counselor‐crafted feedback (−3.1% ± 4.1%; p = 0.04), but treatment engagement did not differ between conditions. However, interventionist time required to provide feedback was markedly lower for pre‐scripted than counselor‐crafted feedback (1.4 vs. 3.5 h per participant over 16 weeks, respectively, p = 0.01).ConclusionsIncorporating weekly facilitated online group sessions significantly increased weight losses achieved in a digital lifestyle program. Further, pre‐scripted, modular feedback required significantly less staff time than counselor‐crafted feedback without diminishing weight losses. Thus, group sessions and pre‐scripted feedback warrant consideration when designing digital lifestyle programs.
Effects of COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions on parents' attitudes towards green space and time spent outside by children in Cambridgeshire and North London, United Kingdom
Authors: Howlett Kate , Turner Edgar C. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, children are spending less time outdoors and are more disconnected from nature than previous generations. However, interaction with nature at a young age can benefit wellbeing and long‐term support for conservation. Green space accessibility in the United Kingdom varies between rural and urban areas and is lower for children than for adults. It is possible that COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions may have influenced these differences.

In this study, we assessed parents' attitudes towards green space, as well as whether the COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions had affected their attitudes or the amount of time spent outside by their children, via an online survey for parents of primary school‐aged children in Cambridgeshire and North London, UK (n = 171). We assessed whether responses were affected by local environment (rural, suburban or urban), school type (state‐funded or fee‐paying) or garden access (with or without private garden access).

Parents' attitudes towards green space were significantly different between local environments: 76.9% of rural parents reported being happy with the amount of green space to which their children had access, in contrast with only 40.5% of urban parents.

COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions also affected parents' attitudes to the importance of green space, and this differed between local environments: 75.7% of urban parents said their views had changed during lockdown, in contrast with 35.9% of rural parents. The change in amount of time spent outside by children during lockdown was also significantly different between local environments: most urban children spent more time inside during lockdown, while most rural children spent more time outside.

Neither parents' attitudes towards green space nor the amount of time spent outside by their children varied with school type or garden access.

Our results suggest that lockdown restrictions exacerbated pre‐existing differences in access to nature between urban and rural children in our sampled population. We suggest that the current increased public and political awareness of the value of green space should be capitalised on to increase provision and access to green space and to reduce inequalities in accessibility and awareness of nature between children from different backgrounds.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Improved mechanical properties of poly(l‐lactic acid) stent coated by poly(d, l‐lactic acid) and poly(l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) biopolymer blend
Authors: Cheng Jie , Li Junjie , Deng Dongwen , Wu Gensheng , Zhou Min , Zhao Gutian , Ni Zhonghua 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBiopolymer coating is widely used in stent for drug delivery while few researches relate to its effect on mechanical properties. The strategy of blending poly(d, l‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) and poly(l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) (100/0, 80/20, 50/50, wt/wt) was adopted in this study to explore solutions. Experiments on radial force, bending stiffness and surface morphology of poly(L‐lactic acid) stents were carried out to study the comprehensive influence of coatings with different formulations on the mechanical properties of stents. Results suggested that stents coated with PDLLA/PLGA (80/20) have shown the most superior radial supporting performance and axial flexibility. Moreover, scanning electron microscopic image of surface morphology of stents showed reliable adhesion between the coatings and stents. This study can provide a feasible method for improving the mechanical properties of bioresorbable vascular stents.
The structure, properties, and foaming of long chain branched polypropylene/clay‐supported calcium pimelate composites
Authors: Cao Jing , Wen Na , Zheng Yuying , Chen Que 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLong chain branched polypropylene/clay‐supported calcium pimelate (LCBPP/CaHA‐OMMT) composites and their foams were prepared using self‐made CaHA‐OMMTs. The CaHA‐OMMT showed high β‐nucleation efficiency, especially that with larger initial interlayer distance could induce 89% of β crystal in LCBPP with a dosage of 0.5%. Clay layers were mostly exfoliated in the composites with low CaHA‐OMMT content, while intercalated structure was dominant and agglomeration occurred when the content of CaHA‐OMMT was higher than 2%. The composite foams were prepared with improved compression molding. The cell structure of the composite foams is improved, that is, the density, cell size, and cell size distribution decreased, and the cell density increased compared with that of LCBPP foam. The minimum average cell size of LCBPP/CaHA‐OMMT foams was 77 μm and the maximum cell density was 2.8 × 106 cells/cm3 with the CaHA‐OMMT content of 2%. It is concluded that there are two requirements for high nucleation efficiency: the CaHA was supported on OMMT layers, and the OMMT platelets were dispersed well and exfoliated. The compression properties of the composite foams, including compression modulus, energy absorption density and failure strength increased first and then decreased with the increase of CaHA‐OMMT content.
Influence of spin casting solvent on the self‐assembly of silicon‐containing block copolymer thin films via high temperature thermal treatment
Authors: Giammaria Tommaso J , Laus Michele , Chiarcos Riccardo , Ober Christopher K , Seguini Gabriele , Perego Michele 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe present paper focuses on the influence of different solvents (toluene, mesitylene, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) and ethyl acetate) on the self‐assembly behaviour of cylinder‐forming polystyrene‐block‐poly(dimethylsiloxane‐random‐vinylmethylsiloxane) diblock copolymer films deposited on thin brush layers of polystyrene (PS) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymers grafted to a silicon substrate. The morphology and the key metrics for all samples were determined from the analysis of the SEM images and their evolution was investigated, as a function of the annealing time at 310 °C, for each solvent and for both PS and PMMA brushes. In general, shorter correlation lengths ξ are observed on PS brushes than on PMMA brushes. In addition, SEM data analysis reveals that tetrahydrofuran, PGMEA and ethyl acetate solvents promote a morphological change from fingerprint‐like parallel cylinders to a hexagonally packed dot pattern for annealing time tA > 30 s. Finally, the line edge roughness and linewidth roughness values are weakly dependent on both the casting solvent and the nature of the grafted brush. The reported data reveal that the choice of the polymer brush nature and of the solvent employed during the spin coating of the diblock copolymer film could substantially affect the self‐assembly process and requires accurate optimization due to their subtle interplay. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
The effects of ADHD symptomatology and academic enabling behaviours on undergraduate academic achievement
Authors: Dou Angela , Oram Rylee , Rogers Maria , DuPaul George 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUniversity students demonstrating higher levels of Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptom severity largely experience lower academic achievement. Educational research has found that a group of behaviours (i.e., study skills, interpersonal skills, engagement, and motivation) known as academic enablers (AE) facilitate positive outcomes within a classroom‐based learning environment. The current study recruited 617 undergraduate students to explore whether ADHD symptomatology and AE emerge as significant predictors of academic achievement at the university level, and whether demonstration of AE contribute to predicting achievement above and beyond that of ADHD effects. Results from simple linear regression analysis indicated that higher ADHD symptom severity predicted poorer academic achievement. Greater application of AE—excluding interpersonal skills—predicted greater academic achievement among university students. Exploratory results from hierarchical linear regression analysis suggested that demonstration of engagement, motivation, and especially study skills contribute towards predicting greater academic achievement while controlling for negative effects from ADHD symptom presentation. These findings imply that undergraduate academic outcomes can potentially be improved for students struggling with more severe ADHD symptom presentation if more emphasis is placed by universities to promote academic enabling behaviours within the educational framework and environment.
An uncommon side effect of linezolid: Black hairy tongue
Authors: Sivaraman Shanmugapriyan , Gomathi Radhakrishnan Gokul , Manogaran Rajesh , Cheriyan Binoy Varghese 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLinezolid therapy is known to cause black hairy tongue, which is benign and reversible. A 65‐year‐old diabetic male was on treatment for diabetic nonhealing ulcer involving right foot and sole for the past 6 months. Linezolid was started based on the culture and sensitivity of the pus. Patient developed thrombocytopenia and black hairy tongue after 7 days of the drug regimen. Drug was stopped and patient was advised to maintain good oral hygiene, soft tooth brush for brushing and regular mouth wash with lukewarm water. The black hairy tongue completely resolved within a week after stopping the drug. The taste and foreign body sensation on the tongue while swallowing were also improved. The diabetic wound was treated by starting vancomycin after giving a surgical wound debridement by a general surgeon.
Metarhizium anisopliae is a valuable grist for biocontrol in beta‐cypermethrin‐resistant Blattella germanica (L.)
Authors: Zhang Xian Cui , Jiang Meng , Zang Ya Nan , Zhao Hai Zheng , Liu Cai Xia , Liu Bao Rui , Xue Hua , Schal Coby , Lu Xing Meng , Zhao Dong Qin , Zhang Xue Xia , Zhang Fan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe widespread use of chemical insecticides has resulted in the development of resistance in German cockroaches worldwide, and biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi as active ingredients have become a promising alternative strategy. Resistance can change many of the physiological and biochemical characteristics of insect pests, such as cuticle thickness, detoxification enzyme activity, and even intestinal flora composition. Thus, potential interactions between pathogenic fungi and insecticide resistance may lead to unpredictable changes in pest susceptibility to fungi.RESULTSBeta‐cypermethrin‐resistant German cockroaches were more susceptible to infection with the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae regardless of age and sex. Histopathological results showed that the infection of resistant strains (R) by M. anisopliae was visibly faster than that of susceptible strains (S). The gut microbiota of the S strain indicated a stronger ability to inhibit fungi in vitro. The abundance of Parabacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, and Tyzzerella_3 decreased significantly in the R strain, and most demonstrated the ability to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, and antifungal infections. The expression levels of Akirin, BgTPS, and BgPo genes in the R strain were significantly lower than those in the S strain, while BgChi and CYP4G19 gene expression were significantly higher. The mortality of cockroaches infected with M. anisopliae decreased to varying degrees after RNA interference, reflecting the role of these genes in antifungal infection.CONCLUSIONSResults confirmed that insecticide resistance may enhance cockroach susceptibility to fungi by altering intestinal flora and gene expression. Fungal biopesticides have high utilization value in pest control and insecticide resistance management strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of electroacupuncture in the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore (E‐AcuSpA)
Authors: Fong Warren , Kwan Yu Heng , Quek Su‐An , Lim Ader , Wong Chiah Yuen , Chua Shin Yoong , Tan Hui Chin , Eng Clara , Tan Choy Tip , Dong Bao Qiang , Huang Youyi , Tan Chuen Seng , Tai Bee Choo , Woon Ting Hui , Phang Jie Kie , Koh Hwee Ling , Leung Ying Ying , Thumboo Julian , Østbye Truls 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite therapeutic advances, treatment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) continue to pose as a challenge as many do not respond well to conventional Western medications, such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Hence, acupuncture is a possible alternative. Some studies found electroacupuncture to be better than manual acupuncture, though no trials have been conducted in patients with axSpA. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of electroacupuncture compared to manual acupuncture for patients with axSpA.Methods/DesignThis randomized controlled trial will recruit 100 patients diagnosed with axSpA, who have active disease despite NSAIDs and bDMARDs. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either electroacupuncture or manual acupuncture in a 1:1 ratio. All participants will receive standard rheumatologic care in addition to 20 acupuncture sessions. The mean difference in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score between the 2 groups over 12 weeks will serve as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include improvements in other clinical, quality of life, and economic outcomes over 24 weeks. All adverse events will be recorded.DiscussionResults from this trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of electroacupuncture compared to manual acupuncture for patients with axSpA, and guide implementation into clinical practice. Limitations of this trial include the lack of patient blinding, use of a repeated measures design, and possible variation in acupuncture technique amongst the various Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.
Modeling depth‐averaged streamwise velocity in a channel with one‐line emergent vegetation patches
Authors: Li Dian , Huai Wenxin , Liu Mengyang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA single line of vegetation is common in natural rivers and ecological restoration projects and can serve many purposes. However, the strong momentum transfer between the vegetated and non‐vegetated areas and the discontinuously distributed patches usually makes it difficult to predict the lateral distributions of velocity. This study experimentally investigated channel flow with an array of emergent porous vegetation patches planted along the sidewall. The lateral distribution of depth‐averaged streamwise velocity was modeled using a modified Shiono and Knight method. The influences of lateral turbulence, bed friction, drag force, and secondary flows indicated by , f, Cd, and were all considered in the model. The input parameters and the boundary conditions were analyzed thoroughly and determined accordingly. The results showed that the modeled data agree reasonably well with the experimental data for different vegetation densities. The effects of the boundary conditions and the secondary flows were discussed in detail.