bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental study on the startup velocity and motion characteristics of sand beds in air–water pipelines
Authors: Zhang Geng , Li Jun , Yang Hongwei , Liu Gonghui , Huang Honglin , Zhang Ruiyao
Published: March 2022

Sand deposition in the wellbore is one of the most common problems in oil–gas and hydrate exploitation work. A detailed understanding of the migration characteristics of the sand bed and accurate prediction of the starting velocity of the sand bed are key aspects of effective sand carrying. Therefore, this study conducted a large‐scale outdoor gas–water–sand three‐phase flow experiment. The effects of critical factors such as flow pattern, sand size, sand bed height, and pipe inclination angle on sand bed startup velocity and migration were studied experimentally. The experimental results indicated that during the startup process of the sand bed, sand particles exhibited three states: rolling, jumping, and suspension. During the experiment, the sand bed morphology included a static bed, rolling bed, jumping bed, and suspension bed. Compared to a stratified flow, intermittent flow and agitated flow were more beneficial for the startup velocity of sand beds. An increase in pipe inclination also reduced the starting velocity of the sand bed. With an increase in sand size, the startup velocity of the sand bed increased correspondingly. However, there was no significant influence on the migration morphology of the sand bed. Additionally, the greater the thickness of the sand bed, the lower the starting velocity of the sand bed. Based on the stress states of sand grains, in combination with experimental data, this study used least‐squares estimation to establish a prediction model for the startup velocity of sand beds. The model prediction results were in good agreement with the experimental data. This study will provide a basis for predicting the startup velocity of sand beds during the gas–liquid two‐phase sand‐carrying process.
Application of ultrathin TiO2 layers in solar energy conversion devices
Authors: Zhou Chenyu , Xi Zhaoyi , Stacchiola Dario J. , Liu Mingzhao
Published: March 2022

A vital pursuit in solar energy research is to achieve high efficiency and long‐term stability in energy conversion devices. Coating or sandwiching an ultrathin layer of TiO2 onto active solar components has been demonstrated to be a remarkably effective and facile strategy to improve their stability. The TiO2 film acts as a protection layer and enhances solar energy conversion efficiency by passivating surface recombination sites or facilitating electron transport. To date, numerous efforts have been devoted to applying ultrathin TiO2 layers in various kinds of solar energy conversion devices. In this study, we review deposition techniques, characterization methods of the resulting ultrathin TiO2 layer, as well as its applications in dye‐sensitized solar cells, organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells, and photoelectrochemical cells.
The rationalized myth of faculty mentoring: A critical examination of faculty experiences and institutional change
Authors: Ng Jennifer C. , Portillo Shannon K. , Thomas Kelli R.
Published: March 2022

Drawing on the experience of one university seeking to improve its faculty mentoring efforts, this chapter provides a model for how organizations can facilitate the broad adoption of new mentoring practices that contextualize individual behavior in institutional norms so what results is more than a “rationalized myth.”
Charting your path to endowed or distinguished: A guide for mid‐career faculty members
Authors: Hartlep Nicholas D. , Freeman Sydney
Published: March 2022

Two of the most prestigious, yet elusive, titles that professors in higher education can earn are the designations of distinguished professor and endowed chair. These named positions often come with benefits such as salary enhancements, resources for research and teaching, and favorable adjustments of time allocation within a faculty member's position description and job responsibilities. Often, though, mid‐career faculty know little about how they can intentionally pursue these positions. This chapter provides tangible tools to assist mid‐career faculty in understanding what endowed and distinguished positions are and how to best prepare for and pursue such positions. It also provides recommendations for how institutions can be intentional in supporting such professorial advancements.
Scholar mami strategies: Advancing in the teaching‐oriented institution at mid‐career
Authors: Vega Blanca Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

This chapter describes individual and institutional strategies for faculty advancement in teaching‐oriented institutions, with special attention to the experiences of Women of Color.
Confronting mid‐career faculty challenges in community colleges
Authors: Ahern Holly
Published: March 2022

This chapter provides individual and institutional strategies for confronting the historical challenges facing community college faculty, especially the prestige model, mission ambiguity, and declining resources.
Association between radiation dose to organs at risk and acute patient reported outcome during radiation treatment for head and neck cancers
Authors: Arbab Mona , Chen Yu‐Hui , Tishler Roy B. , Gunasti Lauren , Glass Jason , Fugazzotto Jo Ann , Killoran Joseph H. , Sethi Rosh , Rettig Eleni , Annino Donald , Goguen Laura , Uppaluri Ravindra , Hsu Carolyn , Burke Elaine , Hanna Glenn J. , Lorch Jochen , Haddad Robert I. , Margalit Danielle N. , Schoenfeld Jonathan D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Associations between patient‐reported outcomes and dose to organs at risk (OARs) may promote management and guide future investigations.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated PROs and OAR dose in head and neck (H&N) cancer.

Results

In 169 patients, we identified weak associations between: “Difficulty swallowing/chewing” and increased mean RT dose to the oral cavity, larynx, pharyngeal constrictor muscles (PCM) and contralateral parotid; “choking/coughing” and larynx mean dose; “problems with mucus in mouth and throat” and oral cavity, contralateral parotid mean dose and parotid V30, contralateral submandibular gland and PCM mean dose; “difficulty with voice/speech” and oral cavity, contralateral parotid, contralateral submandibular gland and larynx mean dose; and “dry mouth” and ipsilateral submandibular gland, oral cavity and PCM mean dose.

Conclusion

We identified weak associations between PRO and dose to OARs—these data can guide on treatment management, patient counseling, and serve as a baseline for future investigations.
Numerical simulation of unsteady ethylene glycol/CNTs micropolar nanofluid flow through a squeezing channel: An approach to industrial applications
Authors: Sastry D. R. V. S. R. K. , Naresh Kumar N. , Shaw Sachin
Published: March 2022

The impressive high thermal conductivity and low weight allow the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve heat dissipation and cooling. In the present problem, we aim to analyze the CNTs embedded micropolar nanofluid flow between two parallel stretching sheets with the base fluid ethylene glycol (EG) which is effectively used as antifreeze and coolant. Both single‐walled carbon nanotubes and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are considered. The fluid is influenced by the external magnetic field parallel to the microrotation along with viscous and Joule dissipations. The flow and heat equations are converted to a set of coupled ordinary differential equations with the aid of similarity transformations. Due to the nonexistence of the closed‐form solution, we have developed the analytical approximate solution by homotopy analysis method using the polynomial base function. Furthermore, we have used the most efficient Runge–Kutta integration scheme of the fourth order associated with shooting technique to solve the system of equations. Results are exhibited graphically for various physical parameters and also found a good agreement with earlier work. From the results, we noticed that squeezing increases the angular velocity of the fluid particles. Also, in the case of squeezing, the volume fraction has enhanced the viscous drag and was found high for MWCNT–EG nanofluid.
The relationship between vitamin D receptor gene and TREM‐1 gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility and prognosis of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Xiao Li , Que Shengshun , Mu Lei , Zheng Rongxiu
Published: March 2022

Objective

The objective of this was to study the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM‐1) gene single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and neonatal sepsis susceptibility and prognosis.

Methods

The blood of 150 neonatal sepsis patients and 150 normal neonates was collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. Sanger sequencing was used to analyze the genotypes of VDR rs739837 and TREM‐1 rs2234246.

Results

Vitamin D receptor rs739837 locus GT, TT genotype, dominant model, and recessive model were all protective factors for sepsis (0 < OR < 1, p < 0.05). The risk of sepsis in carriers of the rs739837 G allele was 0.65 times that of the rs739837 T allele (95% CI: 0.50–0.83, p < 0.001), CT, TT, dominant model, and recessive model at rs2234246 were risk factors for sepsis (OR > 1, p < 0.05). The risk of sepsis in carriers of the rs739837 T allele was 1.38 times that of carriers of the C allele (95% CI: 1.16–1.61, p < 0.001). The polymorphisms of VDR gene rs739837 and TREM‐1 gene rs2234246 were not significantly correlated with the survival of patients with neonatal sepsis (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Vitamin D receptor gene rs739837 locus G>T is associated with a reduction in the risk of neonatal sepsis, TREM‐1 rs2234246 C>T is associated with the increased risk of neonatal sepsis, but none of them was significantly associated with the prognosis of neonatal sepsis.
Could immersive daydreaming underlie a deficit in attention? The prevalence and characteristics of maladaptive daydreaming in individuals with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Theodor‐Katz Nitzan , Somer Eli , Hesseg Rinatya M. , Soffer‐Dudek Nirit
Published: March 2022

Objective

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) entails excessive immersion and engagement in complex fantasy worlds, causing distress and impairing functioning. Maladaptive Daydreamers often report that existing diagnostic labels are unhelpful for them. Previous studies reported high rates of comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among persons with MD, raising the question of their separateness. This study explored whether MD differs essentially from ADHD by examining an ADHD sample, hypothesizing a much lower incidence of MD.

Method

Adults diagnosed with ADHD (N = 83) were assessed for ADHD symptoms, MD, depression, loneliness, and self‐esteem. Participants who exceeded the study's cutoff score for suspected MD were invited to participate in a structured diagnostic interview for MD.

Results

In accordance with the hypothesis, only 20.5% of the ADHD sample met the proposed diagnostic criteria for MD. Compared with ADHD‐only participants, this subgroup presented increased depression, loneliness, and lowered self‐esteem.

Conclusion

MD has unique clinical characteristics that are distinct from ADHD. We suggest that in some cases presenting with ADHD symptoms, an MD conceptualization may better explain the clinical picture. Future research should aim at a better differentiation of daydreaming, ADHD, and related constructs such as mind‐wandering.
Dynamic control design and performance evaluation of extractive distillation for N‐hexane/acetone/chloroform
Authors: Guo Luyu , Xu Qilei , Ma Cuncheng , Shan Baoming , Zhang Fangkun , Cui Peizhe , Wang Yinglong , Zhu Zhaoyou
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The triple‐column extractive distillation (TCED) process for the ternary multi‐azeotropic mixture of N‐hexane/acetone/chloroform is a significant step in waste recovery and purification. Given the common occurrence of feed disturbances in practical industrial production, a feasible dynamic control scheme should effectively resist feed disturbances and ensure product quality, enabling the process to run steadily and safely with a high efficiency. However, it is challenging to design a robust control scheme for separation processes accompanied by side‐stream capability. In this work, dynamic control schemes were designed for four separation processes: conventional and double side‐stream TCED processes with single and double entrainers. A multipoint temperature control scheme, composition‐temperature cascade control scheme and variable ratio control were combined to improve the dynamic performance of the control schemes.

RESULTS

The results showed that the control schemes designed for the four extractive distillation processes are highly robust, resisting ±20% feed flow and composition disturbances. A variable ratio control combined with composition‐temperature cascade was found to be vital for double side‐stream TCED schemes.

CONCLUSION

The conventional TCED with a single entrainer (CS‐TCED) is an optimal process for N‐hexane/acetone/chloroform separation both from control and economic perspectives. The designed control scheme is simple, low‐cost and easy‐to‐implement with a superior dynamic performance over other separation schemes. This study has a certain theoretical guidance for N‐hexane/acetone/chloroform separation in terms of economic benefits and practical production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Cerebrospinal fluid amino acids glycine, serine, and threonine in nonketotic hyperglycinemia
Authors: Swanson Michael A. , Miller Kristen , Young Sarah P. , Tong Suhong , Ghaloul‐Gonzalez Lina , Neira‐Fresneda Juanita , Schlichting Lisa , Peck Cheryl , Gabel Linda , Friederich Marisa W. , Van Hove Johan L. K.
Published: March 2022

Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is caused by deficient glycine cleavage enzyme activity and characterized by elevated brain glycine. Metabolism of glycine is connected enzymatically to serine through serine hydroxymethyltransferase and shares transporters with serine and threonine. We aimed to evaluate changes in serine and threonine in NKH patients, and relate this to clinical outcome severity. Age‐related reference values were developed for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serine and threonine from 274 controls, and in a cross‐sectional study compared to 61 genetically proven NKH patients, categorized according to outcome. CSFd‐serine andl‐serine levels were stereoselectively determined in seven NKH patients and compared to 29 age‐matched controls. In addition to elevated CSF glycine, NKH patients had significantly decreased levels of CSF serine and increased levels of CSF threonine, even after age‐adjustment. The CSF serine/threonine ratio discriminated between NKH patients and controls. The CSF glycine/serine aided in discrimination between severe and attenuated neonates with NKH. Over all ages, the CSF glycine, serine and threonine had moderate to fair correlation with outcome classes. After age‐adjustment, only the CSF glycine level provided good discrimination between outcome classes. In untreated patients,d‐serine was more reduced thanl‐serine, with a decreasedd/l‐serine ratio, indicating a specific impact ond‐serine metabolism. We conclude that in NKH the elevation of glycine is accompanied by changes inl‐serine,d‐serine and threonine, likely reflecting a perturbation of the serine shuttle and metabolism, and of one‐carbon metabolism. This provides additional guidance on diagnosis and prognosis, and opens new therapeutic avenues to be explored.
Development, maturation, and growth of the myodural bridge within the posterior atlanto‐axial interspace in the rat
Authors: Lai Hua‐xun , Gong Jin , Hack Gary D. , Song Ting‐wei , Liu Bo , Yu Sheng‐bo , Zhang Jian‐fei , Sui Hong‐jin
Published: March 2022

The myodural bridge (MDB) complex are fibrous bridges that functionally connect the spinal dura mater to the suboccipital musculature. Previously, we described the maturational sequence of the MDB within the posterior atlanto‐occipital interspace of the rat. The present paper describes the morphology and developmental maturation of the MDB within the posterior atlanto‐axial interspace of the rat. In the present study, E18 embryonic rats, newborn rats, and adult rats were selected to evaluate the development and growth of the MDB. Within the posterior atlanto‐axial interspace of the rat, the fibers of the MDB and its associated muscles, in the embryonic rat, were observed to be scarce and lightly stained. In contrast, these same structures observed in the postnatal rat were quite apparent and robustly stained. After birth, it was observed that MDB originated from the rectus capitis dorsal major muscle, extended forward and downward, and finally merged with the posterior atlanto‐axial membrane. As the rats developed and matured, the observed MDB fibers passing through the posterior atlanto‐axial interspace appeared denser and more organized. This study evidenced that the MDB fibers within the posterior atlanto‐axial interspace were primarily composed of type I collagen fibers in the postnatal rat. By observing the suboccipital region, we are able to hypothesize that the MDB complex plays a key role in maintaining the subdural space located within the upper cervical segment during growth and development. This study provides a morphological basis for future research on the function of the MDB complex.
Intrahost variation and evolutionary dynamics of adenoviruses correlate to neutrophils in infected patients
Authors: Huo Shuting , Hai Yan , Guo Yaxin , Nie Li , Li Hongmei , Qiao Peiwen , Zong Kexin , Li Xin , Guo Yuanyuan , Song Jingdong , Zhao Honglan , Lei Wenwen , Lan Yu , Liu William J. , Gao George F.
Published: March 2022

With deep sequencing of virus genomes within the hosts, intrahost single nucleotide variations (iSNVs) have been used for analyses of virus genome variation and evolution, which is indicated to correlate with viral pathogenesis and disease severity. Little is known about the features of iSNVs among DNA viruses. We performed the epidemiological and laboratory investigation of one outbreak of adenovirus. The whole genomes of viruses in both original oral swabs and cell‐cultured virus isolates were deeply sequenced. We identified 737 iSNVs in the viral genomes sequenced from original samples and 46 viral iSNVs in cell‐cultured isolates, with 33 iSNVs shared by original samples and cultured isolates. Meanwhile, we found these 33 iSNVs were shared by different patients, among which, three hot spot areas 6367−6401, 9213−9247, and 10 584−10 606 within the functional genes of the adenovirus genome were found. Notably, the substitution rates of iSNVs were closely correlated with the clinical and immune indicators of the patients. Especially a positive correlation to neutrophils was found, indicating a predictable biomarker of iSNV dynamics. Our findings demonstrated the neutrophil‐correlated dynamic evolution features of the iSNVs within adenoviruses, which indicates a virus−host interaction during human infection of a DNA virus.
Processing of information from the parafascicular nucleus of the thalamus through the basal ganglia
Authors: Hanini‐Daoud Maroua , Jaouen Florence , Salin Pascal , Kerkerian‐Le Goff Lydia , Maurice Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Accumulating evidence implicates the parafascicular nucleus of the thalamus (Pf) in basal ganglia (BG)‐related functions and pathologies. Despite Pf connectivity with all BG components, most attention is focused on the thalamostriatal system and an integrated view of thalamic information processing in this network is still lacking. Here, we addressed this question by recording the responses elicited by Pf activation in single neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), the main BG output structure in rodents, in anesthetized mice. We performed optogenetic activation of Pf neurons innervating the striatum, the subthalamic nucleus (STN), or the SNr using virally mediated transcellular delivery of Cre from injection in either target in Rosa26‐LoxP‐stop‐ChR2‐EYFP mice to drive channelrhodopsin expression. Photoactivation of Pf neurons connecting the striatum evoked an inhibition often followed by an excitation, likely resulting from the activation of the trans‐striatal direct and indirect pathways, respectively. Photoactivation of Pf neurons connecting the SNr or the STN triggered one or two early excitations, suggesting partial functional overlap of trans‐subthalamic and direct thalamonigral projections. Excitations were followed in about half of the cases by an inhibition that might reflect recruitment of intranigral inhibitory loops. Finally, global Pf stimulation, electrical or optogenetic, elicited similar complex responses comprising up to four components: one or two short‐latency excitations, an inhibition, and a late excitation. These data provide evidence for functional connections between the Pf and different BG components and for convergence of the information processed through these pathways in single SNr neurons, stressing their importance in regulating BG outflow.
Weakened amplitude and delayed phase of the future temperature seasonal cycle over China during the twenty‐first century
Authors: Hu Dan , Jiang Dabang , Tian Zhiping , Lang Xianmei
Published: March 2022

The surface air temperature seasonal cycle in China has clearly changed in response to global warming, but its future projection has yet to be studied. Here, we investigate the performance and projection of the temperature seasonal cycle in China in 32 global climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6). The characteristics of the temperature seasonal cycle, as represented by the amplitude and phase, are measured by the Fourier transform. The results show that the CMIP6 models can reasonably capture the observed typical temperature seasonal cycle feature with clear north–south gradients both for amplitude and phase in China. In the twenty‐first century, the models robustly project a delay in the phase across the whole country and a reduction in the amplitude in most of China relative to the reference period. Those changes are similar in the two shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios, with overall larger magnitudes in the SSP5‐8.5 scenario than in the SSP2‐4.5 scenario. Projected amplitude changes are mainly linked to surface energy flux changes, especially latent heat flux changes. In response to future global warming, larger increases in the latent heat flux and thus stronger surface evaporative cooling lead to weaker surface warming in summer than in winter, contributing to a decrease in the amplitude of the temperature seasonal cycle in most regions of China.
Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of rhamnolipid fabricated fucoxanthin loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles supported by simulation studies
Authors: Jaiswal Jyoti , Srivastav Amit Kumar , Patel Rahul , Kumar Umesh
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Fucoxanthin is a hydrophobic carotenoid with many beneficial biological activities. However, due to low aqueous solubility their clinical efficacy is limited thus leading to poor oral bioavailability. To address this issue, we encapsulated fucoxanthin in rhamnolipid fabricated bovine serum albumin (BSA) loaded nanoparticles (LNPs) for improving solubility dependent bioavailability of fucoxanthin.

RESULTS

These synthesized LNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ultraviolet (UV)‐visible spectrophotometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Our results showed that LNPs were spherical in shape with particle size around 180 nm along with positive zeta potential. The encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency calculated for LNPs were 69.66 ± 1.5% and 14 ± 0.2%, respectively. The antioxidant assay of LNPs indicate high radical scavenging activity compared to pure fucoxanthin. Besides this, our release studies indicates that drug release occur from the matrix of nanocarrier system through diffusion based on concentration. Thus, these findings indicate successful encapsulation of fucoxanthin, with improved solubility thereby leading to increased bioavailability. This nano formulation is derived from components which are FDA approved that could be exploited for encapsulating other vital nutraceutical molecules.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results showed successful synthesis of biodegradable nanocarrier for delivering fucoxanthin supported by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and thermodynamics of free binding energy studies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The role of microencapsulation in maintaining biological activity of royal jelly: comparison with biological activity and bioaccessibility of microencapsulated, fresh and lyophilized forms during storage
Authors: Dundar Ayse Neslihan , Cinar Aycan , Altuntas Seda , Ulubayram Neslihan , Taner Gokce , Dagdelen Adnan Fatih , Demircan Huseyin , Oral Rasim Alper
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Royal jelly (RJ) is a unique beehive product and has been recommended for human health since ancient times because of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, neuroprotective, anti‐lipidemic and anti‐aging features. However, the biggest obstacle in the use of RJ is the need for cold storage and the instability of bioactive components over time. In the present study, 10‐hydroxy‐2‐decenoic acid (10‐HDA) content, as well as antioxidant [using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazy and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) methods] and antimicrobial activity (five Gram‐positive, five Gram‐negative and three yeasts), were comparatively evaluated for three RJ forms, two of which can be stored at 24 ± 1 °C during storage.

RESULTS

Microencapsulated royal jelly (MRJ) stored at room temperature succeeded in preserving its 10‐HDA content, a major bioactive compound, during the 6 months, with respect to lyophilized royal jelly (LRJ) and fresh RJ stored at 4 °C. The initial 10‐HDA contents of RJ, LRJ and MRJ were determined as 1.90%, 5.26% and 2.75%, respectively. Moreover, the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity mostly remained constant throughout the storage period (P ≥ 0.05). Gram‐positive strains were generally more sensitive than Gram‐negative strains. In the present study, the in vitro simulated digestion analysis showed that MRJ can tolerate the digestion process.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the encapsulation process was considered as one preservative technique for RJ. The microencapsulation of RJ as shown in the results of the present study are encouraging in terms of enabling the local beekeeping sector to achieve ease of production and increased product diversity. MRJ shows promise as a commercial product with a high export value for producers. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Correlates and clinical associations of military sexual assault in Gulf War era U.S. veterans: Findings from a national sample
Authors: Patel Tapan A. , Mann Adam J. , Nomamiukor Faith O. , Blakey Shannon M. , Calhoun Patrick S. , Beckham Jean C. , Pugh Mary J. , Kimbrel Nathan A.
Published: March 2022

Military sexual assault (MSA) is a prevalent issue among military personnel that can have direct implications on postmilitary mental health. Gulf War era U.S. veterans represent the first cohort in which women veterans were integrated into most aspects of military service except for combat. The present study sought to build on prior studies by identifying characteristics associated with the occurrence of MSA and clinical correlates of MSA and examining how these differ between men and women. This study analyzed cross‐sectional survey data from a national sample of treatment‐seeking Gulf War era veterans. Participants (N = 1,153) reported demographic information, clinical outcomes, military background, and history of MSA. MSA was more common among female veterans (n = 100, 41.3%) than male veterans (n = 32, 3.6%). The odds of experiencing MSA were approximately 19 times higher for female veterans relative to their male peers, OR = 18.92, p < .001. Moreover, as expected, MSA was robustly associated with probable current posttraumatic stress disorder, probable current depression, and past‐year suicidal ideation in female veterans, whereas combat exposure was robustly associated with these sequelae in male veterans. The present findings confirm that a large proportion of female veterans from the Gulf War era experienced MSA and highlight the deleterious correlates of MSA on veterans’ mental health. Sex differences of correlates of MSA and subsequent clinical associations are highlighted.
Mortality Among Children with a Tracheostomy
Authors: Teplitzky Taylor B. , Brown Ashley F. , Brooks Rebecca L. , Bailey Candice H. , Whitney Cindy , Sewell Ashley , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Johnson Romaine F. , Chorney Stephen R.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To characterize the cause of death among children with a tracheostomy.

Study Design

Prospective cohort.

Methods

All pediatric patients (<18 years) who had a tracheostomy placed at a tertiary care institution between 2015 and 2020 were included. The location and cause of death were recorded along with patient demographics and age.

Results

A total of 271 tracheostomies were placed with 46 mortalities reviewed for a mortality rate of 16.8%. Mean age at placement was 1.7 years (SD: 3.4) and mean age at death was 2.9 years (SD: 3.5). Most tracheostomies were placed for respiratory failure (N = 33, 72%). The mean time to death after tracheostomy was 1.2 years (SD: 1.2) and 28% (N = 13) occurred during the same admission as placement. Mean time to death after hospital discharge was 1.3 years (SD: 1.3). Etiology of death was respiratory failure (33%, N = 15), cardiopulmonary arrest (15%, N = 7), unknown (43%, N = 20), or secondary to a tracheostomy‐related complication for 9% (N = 4). Location of death was in intensive care units for 41% (N = 19) and 30% died at home (N = 14). Comfort care measures were taken for 37% (N = 17). Severe neurological disability (HR: 4.06, p = 0.003, 95% CI: 1.59–10.34) and congenital heart disease (HR: 2.36, p = 0.009, 95% CI: 1.24–4.48) correlated with time to death on Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Conclusions

Nearly one‐third of children with a tracheostomy who expire will do so during the same admission as tracheostomy placement. Although progression of underlying disease will lead to most deaths, 9% will be a result of a tracheostomy‐related complication, which represents a meaningful target for quality improvement initiatives.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:403–409, 2023
A global meta‐analysis of grazing effects on soil seed banks
Authors: Shi Ya‐Fei , Shi Shan‐Heng , Huang Xiao‐Min , Jiang Ying‐Sha , Liu Jia , Zhao Yang , Zhang Zhi‐Shan
Published: March 2022

Livestock grazing is a major disturbance affecting plant diversity and abundance in terrestrial ecosystems. The intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) predicts that moderate‐intensity grazing should produce the highest species diversity, while the Milchunas‐Sala‐Lauenroth (MSL) model posits that the IDH is valid only for mesic areas. However, it remains unclear how grazing affects soil seed bank and whether or not the IDH or MSL models are valid for soil seed bank communities. Here, we presented a global meta‐analysis synthesizing 483 observations: we found that grazing had a negative effect on soil seed bank abundance, but did not alter seed bank richness or the compositional similarity between the soil seed bank and the aboveground vegetation. Further refining the analysis, light‐intensity grazing was found to increase seed bank richness, while moderate‐intensity grazing had no effect, and heavy‐intensity grazing had a negative effect. Additionally, for both arid and mesic areas, soil seed bank richness declined with grazing intensity increased. Overall, grazing effects on soil seed banks differed from expectations set by studies of aboveground vegetation. Our study provides key insights for policy‐makers managing livestock grazing and grassland conservation.
Non‐classical Tauberian and Abelian type criteria for the moment problem
Authors: Patie P. , Vaidyanathan A.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this paper is to provide some new criteria for the determinacy problem of the Stieltjes moment problem. We first give a Tauberian type criterion for moment indeterminacy that is expressed purely in terms of the asymptotic behavior of the moment sequence (and its extension to imaginary lines). Under an additional assumption this provides a converse to the classical Carleman's criterion, thus yielding an equivalent condition for moment determinacy. We also provide a criterion for moment determinacy that only involves the large asymptotic behavior of the distribution (or of the density if it exists), which can be thought of as an Abelian counterpart to the previous Tauberian type result. This latter criterion generalizes Hardy's condition for determinacy, and under some further assumptions yields a converse to the Pedersen's refinement of the celebrated Krein's theorem. The proofs utilize non‐classical Tauberian results for moment sequences that are analogues to the ones developed in [8] and [3] for the bi‐lateral Laplace transforms in the context of asymptotically parabolic functions. We illustrate our results by studying the time‐dependent moment problem for the law of log‐Lévy processes viewed as a generalization of the log‐normal distribution. Along the way, we derive the large asymptotic behavior of the density of spectrally‐negative Lévy processes having a Gaussian component, which may be of independent interest.
Cyklon A, Lost, Phosgen und der Chemieunterricht der NS‐Zeit
Authors: Vaupel Elisabeth , Preiß Florian
Published: March 2022

Das nationalsozialistische Erziehungssystem wies dem Chemieunterricht eine besondere Aufgabe zu: Wehrchemie behandeln und chemisches Wissen für den Krieg vermitteln. Die Schüler sollten sich dabei nicht nur theoretisch, sondern auch praktisch mit Kampfstoffen befassen. Dazu entwickelten die Lehrmittelhersteller Unterrichtsmaterialien und Experimentiergeräte.
BASF‐Bilanz 2021: Mehr verkauft, weniger emittiert
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2022

Das Ludwigshafener Unternehmen BASF hat im Jahr 2021 den Umsatz am stärksten in den Bereichen Catalysts und Coatings mit chemischen Lösungen für Oberflächen erhöht.
Henkel‐Bilanz 2021: Kleben, reinigen, pflegen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2022

Henkel hat im Jahr 2021 mehr verkauft, Preise erhöht, Kosten reduziert und die Strukturen angepasst. Wasch‐ und Reinigungsmittel sollen zusammen mit den Körperpflegemitteln einen neuen Unternehmensbereich bilden.
Umweltverträglichkeit: Absolut bewerten
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2022

Ein Team der ETH Zürich hat eine Methode entwickelt, die prüft, wie umweltverträglich eine Chemikalie ist.
CheMento feiert Mini‐Jubiläum – 5. Runde erfolgreich gestartet
Authors: Gajda Alina
Published: March 2022

Im Jahr 2014 fiel der Startschuss für das Mentoring‐Programm der GDCh; jetzt im Januar startete das Programm nun bereits in die 5. Runde mit 30 Nachwuchschemiker:innen.
Viren‐RNA oder Antikörper
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: March 2022

Neue Testverfahren sollen Sars‐CoV‐2‐PCR‐Tests schneller machen oder Patienten verraten, ob diese gegen das Virus geschützt sind.
Pro Patentfreigabe
Authors: Schlund Rüger
Published: March 2022

Gerade bei einer Pandemie muss der Staat beim Patentschutz das letzte Wort haben.
Branched‐chain amino acid supplementation impairs insulin sensitivity and promotes lipogenesis during exercise in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Zhang Hongsong , Xiang Li , Huo Mingyu , Wu Yalan , Yu Mingyang , Lau Chi Wai , Tian Danyang , Gou Lingshan , Huang Yuhong , Luo Jiang‐Yun , Wang Li , Song Wencong , Huang Juan , Cai Zongwei , Chen Shaoliang , Tian Xiao Yu , Huang Yu
Published: March 2022

Objective

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) are popular dietary supplements for exercise. However, increased BCAA levels positively correlate with obesity and diabetes. The metabolic impact of BCAA supplementation on insulin sensitivity during exercise is less understood.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were fed for 12 weeks with a high‐fat diet, normal chow diet, or BCAA‐restricted high‐fat diet. They were subjected to running exercise with or without BCAA treatment for another 12 weeks.

Results

Exercise reduced body weight, improved insulin sensitivity, lowered BCAAs in plasma, and inhibited the upregulation of BCAAs and metabolites caused by BCAA supplementation in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) of obese mice. BCAA supplementation reversed insulin sensitivity ameliorated by exercise. The phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Ser473 and Ser474) was decreased by BCAAs in the sWAT of obese mice. However, BCAA supplementation had no such effects in lean mice. BCAAs also increased the expression of fatty acid synthase and other lipogenesis genes in the sWAT of exercised obese mice. BCAA restriction had no effect on body weight and insulin sensitivity in obese mice.

Conclusions

BCAA supplementation impaired the beneficial effect of exercise on glycolipid metabolism in obese but not lean mice. Caution should be taken regarding the use of BCAAs for individuals with obesity who exercise.

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Hybrid materials for electromagnetic shielding: A review
Authors: Zachariah Suji Mary , Grohens Yves , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: March 2022

Extensive development in electronics and allied sectors has led to unseen pollution termed electromagnetic interference (EMI). Motivated by its after‐effects, the fabrication of efficient EMI shielding has become a major area of research. This review presents a detailed analysis of very recent trends in various hybrid materials based on polymers, cement, concrete, paints, and so on with diverse filler inclusions for electromagnetic shielding applications. This paper also focuses on the origin and effects of electromagnetic (EM) radiation, the shielding mechanism, and the suitability of the hybrids, various fabrication techniques, characterization; and so on. Fiber‐reinforced polymer composites, metal films, microfilms, inks, paints, multiple laminated composites, foams, aerogel‐based polymer composites, textiles, and so on are discussed. Newly developed materials like MXene, borophene, semiconducting filler‐based hybrid materials are also covered. Finally, an attempt is made, to sum up, the major challenges faced in the design and development of polymer materials for EMI shielding applications.
Crystallographic snapshots of ternary complexes of thermophilic secondary alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus reveal the dynamics of ligand exchange and the proton relay network
Authors: Dinh Tung , Rahn K. Troy , Phillips Robert S.
Published: March 2022

Three‐dimensional structures of I86A and C295A mutant secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (SADH) from Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus were determined by x‐ray crystallography. The tetrameric structure of C295A‐SADH soaked with NADP+ and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was determined to 1.85 Å with an Rfree of 0.225. DMSO is bound to the tetrahedral zinc in each subunit, with ligands from SG of Cys‐37, NE2 of His‐59, and OD2 of Asp‐150. The nicotinamide ring of NADP is hydrogen‐bonded to the N of Ala‐295 and the O of Val‐265 and Gly‐293. The O of DMSO is connected to a network of hydrogen bonds with OG of Ser‐39, the 3′‐OH of NADP, and ND1 of His‐42. The structure of I86A‐SADH soaked with 2‐pentanol and NADP+ contains (R)‐2‐pentanol bound in each subunit, ligated to the tetrahedral zinc, and connected to the proton relay network. The structure of I86A‐SADH soaked with 3‐methylcyclohexanol and NADP+ has alcohol bound in three subunits. Two of the sites have the alcohol ligated to the zinc in an axial position, with OE2 of Glu‐60 in the other axial position of a trigonal bipyramidal complex. One site has 3‐methylcyclohexanol bound noncovalently, with the zinc in an inverted tetrahedral geometry with Glu‐60. The fourth site also has the zinc in a trigonal bipyramidal complex with axial Glu‐60 and water ligands. These structures demonstrate that ligand exchange of SADH involves pentacoordinate and inverted zinc complexes with Glu‐60. Furthermore, we see a network of hydrogen bonds connecting the substrate oxygen to the external solvent that is likely to play a role in the mechanism of SADH.
Antibody mutations favoring pH‐dependent binding in solid tumor microenvironments: Insights from large‐scale structure‐based calculations
Authors: Wei Wanlei , Corbeil Christopher R. , Gaudreault Francis , Deprez Christophe , Purisima Enrico O. , Sulea Traian
Published: March 2022

Antibody‐based therapeutics for treatment of various tumors have grown rapidly in recent years. Unfortunately, safety issues, attributed to off‐tumor effects and cytotoxicity, are still a significant concern with the standard of care. Improvements to ensure targeted delivery of antitumor pharmaceuticals are desperately needed. We previously demonstrated that incorporating histidyl pH‐switches in an anti‐HER2 antibody induced selective antigen binding under acidic pH conditions (MAbs 2020;12:1682866). This led to an improved safety profile due to preferential targeting of the oncoprotein in the acidic solid tumor microenvironment. Following this success, we expanded this approach to a set of over 400 antibody structures complexed with over 100 different human oncoproteins, associated with solid tumors. Calculations suggested that mutations to His of certain residue types, namely Trp, Arg, and Tyr, could be significantly more successful for inducing pH‐dependent binding under acidic conditions. Furthermore, 10 positions within the complementarity‐determining region were also predicted to exhibit greater successes. Combined, these two accessible metrics could serve as the basis for a sequence‐based engineering of pH‐selective binding. This approach could be applied to most anticancer antibodies, which lack detailed structural characterization.
Exposure‐response analyses for selection/confirmation of optimal isatuximab dosing regimen in combination with pomalidomide/dexamethasone treatment in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Rachedi Fatiha , Koiwai Kimiko , Gaudel‐Dedieu Nadia , Sebastien Bernard , Thai Hoai‐Thu , Brillac Claire , Fau Jean Baptiste , Nguyen Laurent , van de Velde Helgi , Veyrat‐Follet Christine , Semiond Dorothée
Published: March 2022

Isatuximab is an approved anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody with multiple antitumor modes of action. An exposure‐response (E‐R) analysis using data from patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) enrolled in a phase Ib clinical study who received isatuximab at doses from 5 to 20 mg/kg weekly for 1 cycle (4 weeks) followed by every 2 weeks thereafter (qw/q2w) in combination with pomalidomide/dexamethasone (n = 44) was first used to determine the optimal dose/schedule for the phase III ICARIA‐MM study. It was complemented by an E‐R analysis from a second phase Ib study of patients who received isatuximab at doses from 3 to 10 mg/kg q2w or 10 or 20 mg/kg qw/q2w in combination with lenalidomide/dexamethasone (n = 52). Plasma trough concentration at week 4 (CT4W) was the best predictor for response, and the benefit of the initial 4‐weekly administration was confirmed. Although the predicted overall response rate (ORR) was higher at 20 mg/kg vs. 10 mg/kg, the 95% confidence intervals were overlapping. Considering the high probability of success to reach the targeted ORR of greater than or equal to 60%, 10 mg/kg qw/q2w was selected. Results of the E‐R analysis from the lenalidomide/dexamethasone study and published disease modeling using data from both phase Ib clinical studies reinforced 10 mg/kg qw/q2w as the optimal dose/schedule for the phase III ICARIA‐MM study. E‐R analysis showed that higher CT4W was associated with higher ORR. Developed models supported the phase III isatuximab dosing regimen selection/confirmation of 10 mg/kg qw/q2w for use in combination with pomalidomide/dexamethasone in patients with RRMM.
Effect of Co Content and Temperature on Shear Mechanical Properties of Nano‐Polycrystalline Ni–Co Alloy
Authors: Chen Xiaotong , Lu Xuefeng , Ren Junqiang , Xue Hongtao , Tang Fuling , Ding Yutian
Published: March 2022

Herein, the effects of different Co content and temperature factors on the shear mechanical properties of nano‐polycrystalline nickel–cobalt alloy are analyzed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It is found in the work that the highest shear modulus of 63.03 GPa is obtained when the Co content is 10%, attributed to the lattice distortion caused by the difference in the lattice parameters between two elements. During the shearing process, the multilevel twins are present with intensification of the deformation process, resulting in excellent dynamic shear performance. Shockley dislocations will drive the stacking faults and other partial dislocations to constitute a tetrahedral edge, and finally forms a tetrahedral structure. In addition, as the temperature of the shear environment increases, the highest strain and stress decrease. The grain boundary atoms increase significantly, and the atoms inside the grains decrease accordingly. As the degree of atomic disorder increases, the grain boundaries will melt gradually. The decrease of partial dislocation density can weaken the entanglement effect caused by dislocations. The previous conclusions promote the product development and application of nano‐polycrystalline alloys in the future, and provide important guidance significant for the engineering application of nickel–cobalt alloys.
Investigating 3R In Vivo Approaches for Bio‐Distribution and Efficacy Evaluation of Nucleic Acid Nanocarriers: Studies on Peptide‐Mimicking Ionizable Lipid
Authors: Giselbrecht Julia , Pinnapireddy Shashank Reddy , Alioglu Fatih , Sami Haider , Sedding Daniel , Erdmann Frank , Janich Christopher , Schulz‐Siegmund Michaela , Ogris Manfred , Bakowsky Udo , Langner Andreas , Bussmann Jeroen , Wölk Christian
Published: March 2022

Formulations based on ionizable amino‐lipids have been put into focus as nucleic acid delivery systems. Recently, the in vitro efficacy of the lipid formulation OH4:DOPE has been explored. However, in vitro performance of nanomedicines cannot correctly predict in vivo efficacy, thereby considerably limiting pre‐clinical translation. This is further exacerbated by limited access to mammalian models. The present work proposes to close this gap by investigating in vivo nucleic acid delivery within simpler models, but which still offers physiologically complex environments and also adheres to the 3R guidelines (replace/reduce/refine) to improve animal experiments. The efficacy of OH4:DOPE as a delivery system for nucleic acids is demonstrated using in vivo approaches. It is shown that the formulation is able to transfect complex tissues using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane model. The efficacy of DNA and mRNA lipoplexes is tested extensively in the zebra fish (Danio rerio) embryo which allows the screening of biodistribution and transfection efficiency. Effective transfection of blood vessel endothelial cells is seen, especially in the endocardium. Both model systems allow an efficacy screening according to the 3R guidelines bypassing the in vitro–in vivo gap. Pilot studies in mice are performed to correlate the efficacy of in vivo transfection.