bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitude, Awareness, and Knowledge of Saudi Citizens towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Qassim Region – Saudi Arabia
Authors: Puteh Sharifa Ezat Wan , Aizuddin Azimatun Noor , Al-Salem Abdulaziz Abdullah , Al-shetaily Khalid Abdulrahman , Al-Owayyid Fawziah Hassan
Published: September 2021

Cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the Attitudes and awareness level of Citizens towards COVID-19 vaccination in Qassim region.  The present study’s results showed that awareness of COVID-19 Vaccination in Qassim region- Saudi Arabia shows that the mean score of awareness was 3.49 (SD 0.864) out of 5.   Regarding vaccination decision among Saudi citizens in Qassim region, (22.7%) of the participants were undecided, (14.7%) refused, and (62.6%) agreed to get a vaccine against COVID-19. Reason for vaccine refusal mainly was they don't believe the vaccine. 96 Participants (32.0%) were working in the healthcare sector, (44.8%) of them had received the COVID-19 Vaccine, and (38.5%) refused. The level of awareness among healthcare participants was (80.2%). The average knowledge score was 3.49 (SD =.864) out of a possible 5. Participants who reported having a graduate level of education had a considerably higher mean knowledge score. The mean score of attitudes was 1.95 (SD=1.176) out of 5, with majority of positive attitude score 62.7%. ((65.7% They received the first dose, and 6.0% they received the first dose and second dose)). Participants with age group 55 years and above years, are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other age groups. Married persons are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other categories. Participants with graduate educational level are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other educational levels. Employed persons are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other categories. Whereas, there is no relation between age and awareness among Saudi citizens towards COVID-19 (P-value= 0.140). As well, there is no relation between employed citizens and awareness among Saudi citizens towards COVID-19 (P-value =0.136), and there is relation between marital status and awareness among Saudi citizens (P-value = 0.013).
Prevalence of Low Birth Weight Neonates during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital at Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Shahani Muhammad Parial , Manaf Mohd Rizal Abdul , Aizuddin Azimatun Noor , Rahman Aneela Atta Ur , Shaikh Saeed Ahmed , Shah Qararo
Published: September 2021

In comparison to other middle-income countries, Pakistan has a high prevalence of low birth weight.  Currently the situation has worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic where stress can have a negative impact on intrauterine development, leading to a rise in preterm birth rates and the incidence of low birth weight babies. The goal of this study is to estimate the prevalence of low birth weight in a tertiary care hospital in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, the hospital records of two thousand, two hundred and seventy eight neonates were analyzed from patients’ data register for the year 2020. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel spread sheet. Of 2278 children admitted to the neonatal ward, only 29.2% babies had birth weight within normal range, 0.7% neonates were high birth weight, and the rest of the admitted babies (70.1%) during the year 2020 had birth weight below 2500 grams. Smallest birth weight observed in the study was 0.9 kg and 4.8 kg was highest birth weight (mean 2.35 kg, SD 0.88, SE 0.012). Female neonates were 895 (39.3%) and the rest of the 1383 (60.7%) babies were male. This study revealed that in Sindh province of Pakistan, the prevalence of low birth weight is extremely high during COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the findings suggest that there is need for a lot more emphasis on improving maternal mental health, nutrition and several other relevant factors to reduce the prevalence of low birth weight.
An Aqueous Mg2+‐Based Dual‐Ion Battery with High Power Density
Authors: Zhu Yunpei , Yin Jun , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Mohammed Omar F. , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: September 2021

Rechargeable Mg batteries promise low‐cost, safe, and high‐energy alternatives to Li‐ion batteries. However, the high polarization strength of Mg2+ leads to its strong interaction with electrode materials and electrolyte molecules, resulting in sluggish Mg2+ dissociation and diffusion as well as insufficient power density and cycling stability. Here an aqueous Mg2+‐based dual‐ion battery is reported to bypass the penalties of slow dissociation and solid‐state diffusion. This battery chemistry utilizes fast redox reactions on the polymer electrodes, i.e., anion (de)doping on the polyaniline (PANI) cathode and (de)enolization upon incorporating Mg2+ on the polyimide anode. The kinetically favored and stable electrodes depend on designing a saturated aqueous electrolyte of 4.5 m Mg(NO3)2. The concentrated electrolyte suppresses the irreversible deprotonation reaction of the PANI cathode to enable excellent stability (a lifespan of over 10 000 cycles) and rate performance (33% capacity retention at 500 C) and avoids the anodic parasitic reaction of nitrate reduction to deliver the stable polyimide anode (86.2% capacity retention after 6000 cycles). The resultant full Mg2+‐based dual‐ion battery shows a high specific power of 10 826 W kg−1, competitive with electrochemical supercapacitors. The electrolyte and electrode chemistries elucidated in this study provide an alternative approach to developing better‐performing Mg‐based batteries.
Bioinspired Multifunctional Glass Surfaces through Regenerative Secondary Mask Lithography
Authors: Michalska Martyna , Laney Sophia K. , Li Tao , Portnoi Mark , Mordan Nicola , Allan Elaine , Tiwari Manish K. , Parkin Ivan P. , Papakonstantinou Ioannis
Published: September 2021

Nature‐inspired nanopatterning offers exciting multifunctionality spanning antireflectance and the ability to repel water/fog, oils, and bacteria; strongly dependent upon nanofeature size and morphology. However, such patterning in glass is notoriously difficult, paradoxically, due to the same outstanding chemical and thermal stability that make glass so attractive. Here, regenerative secondary mask lithography is introduced and exploited to enable customized glass nanopillars through dynamic nanoscale tunability of the side‐wall profile and aspect ratio (>7). The method is simple and versatile, comprising just two steps. First, sub‐wavelength scalable soft etch masks (55–350 nm) are generated through an example of block copolymer micelles or nanoimprinted photoresist. Second, their inherent durability problem is addressed by an innovative cyclic etching, when the original mask becomes embedded within a protective secondary organic mask, which is tuned and regenerated, permitting dynamic nanofeature profiling with etching selectivity >1:32. It is envisioned that such structuring in glass will facilitate fundamental studies and be useful for numerous practical applications—from displays to architectural windows. To showcase the potential, glass features are tailored to achieve excellent broadband omnidirectional antireflectivity, self‐cleaning, and unique antibacterial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus.
Blood Divider for Simple, Surface Tension‐Based Isolation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Kim Byeongyeon , Seo In‐Ho , Seo Gwang Myeong , Kim Woo‐Joong , Shin Eui‐Cheol , Choi Sungyoung
Published: September 2021

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) separation is routinely performed by centrifugation with a density gradient medium, and is essential for immunological research and clinical applications. PBMC separation highly relies on laborious, time‐consuming blood layering and PBMC collection by careful pipetting. Current methods to address this problem use a physical barrier formed between the separation medium and a blood sample to avoid the need for delicate pipetting, but still pose a risk of red blood cell (RBC) contamination. Here, a blood divider (B‐DV) is proposed as a centrifuge tube insert that allows blood cells to pass through a separation medium in one direction, while blocking fluid passage in the opposite direction and thus preventing RBC contamination during PBMC harvest. The B‐DV is a 3D‐printed mesh in which a fluid can divide into two, above and below the mesh face as soon as inverting the centrifuge tube. Such complete fluid division enables minimizing the volume of the separation medium to the extent of RBC volume to be packed, thus reducing the sedimentation distance for RBCs, and facilitating rapid PBMC isolation by simple tube inverting. This technology enables rapid, easy PBMC separation without user‐to‐user variability on PBMC separation efficiencies.
Adhesive Capable of Underwater Adhesion and Wound Hemostasis Prepared Based on Solvent Exchange
Authors: Song Qiantao , Chen Yining , Huang Yanping , Dan Weihua , Wang Meng , Dan Nianhua
Published: September 2021

Whether used for underwater adhesion or wound hemostasis, adhesives are required to have strong wet adhesion. However, traditional adhesives are difficult to break through the blockade of the hydration interface, so they cannot achieve strong underwater adhesion, and their biological toxicities are also greater, not suitable for wound hemostasis. In this work, small molecule polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA‐200) and dopamine (DA) with good biocompatibility are used as raw materials to synthesize a long chain polymer (PDDA) with hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic group through the Michael addition reaction. Based on the hydrogen bond interaction between PDDA and silicotungstic acid (SiW) and the solvent exchange between dimethyl sulfoxide and water, the two are successfully caused to agglomerate and form a viscous aggregate (PDDA‐SiW). PDDA‐SiW not only has strong underwater adhesion to various substrates, but also has strong adhesion and readhesion to fresh pigskins. In addition, PDDA‐SiW also has very low hemolysis and cytotoxicity and strong antibacterial properties, and it is a very good underwater adhesion and wound hemostatic material.
The rate of secondary genomic findings in the Saudi population
Authors: Aloraini Taghrid , Alsubaie Lamia , Alasker Sarah , Al Muitiri Abdulrahman , Alswaid Abdulrahman , Eyiad Wafaa , Al Mutairi Fuad , Ababneh Farouq , Alfadhel Majid , Alfares Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Secondary findings (SF) are defined as genetic conditions discovered unintentionally during an evaluation of raw data for another disease. We aimed to identify the rate of secondary genetic findings in the Saudi population in the 59 genes of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) list. In our study, the raw data of 1254 individuals, generated from exome sequencing for clinical purposes, were studied. Variants detected in the 59 genes on the ACMG list of secondary findings were investigated. Pathogenicity classifications were assigned to those variants based on the ACMG scoring system. We identified 2409 variants in the 59 gene list, 45 variants were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants according to the ACMG classification. The LDLR gene had the greatest number of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants 12%. Cardiovascular genetic diseases had the highest frequency of disorders detected as secondary findings. In this study, the overall rate of positive cases identified with secondary findings in the Saudi population was 8%. The different in our current study and the previous studies in Saudi Arabia can be explained by the differences between the sequencing method, the criteria used for variant classification, the availability of newer evidence at the time of the publication, and the fact that we identified Saudi novel variants never reported in other populations.
Heterozygous variants in ZBTB7A cause a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with symptomatic overgrowth of pharyngeal lymphoid tissue, macrocephaly, and elevated fetal hemoglobin
Authors: von der Lippe Charlotte , Tveten Kristian , Prescott Trine E. , Holla Øystein L. , Busk Øyvind L. , Burke Katherine B. , Sansbury Francis H. , Baptista Júlia , Fry Andrew E. , Lim Derek , Jolles Stephen , Evans Jennifer , Osio Deborah , Macmillan Carol , Bruno Irene , Faletra Flavio , Climent Salvador , Urreitzi Roser , Hoenicka Janet , Palau Francesc , Cohen Ana S. A. , Engleman Kendra , Zhou Dihong , Amudhavalli Shivarajan M. , Jeanne Médéric , Bonnet‐Brilhault Frédérique , Lévy Jonathan , Drunat Séverine , Derive Nicolas , Haug Marte G. , Thorstensen Wenche M.
Published: September 2021

By clinical whole exome sequencing, we identified 12 individuals with ages 3 to 37 years, including three individuals from the same family, with a consistent phenotype of intellectual disability (ID), macrocephaly, and overgrowth of adenoid tissue. All 12 individuals harbored a rare heterozygous variant in ZBTB7A which encodes the transcription factor Zinc finger and BTB‐domain containing protein 7A, known to play a role in lympho‐ and hematopoiesis. ID was generally mild. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) fraction was elevated 2.2%–11.2% (reference value <2% in individuals > 6 months) in four of the five individuals for whom results were available. Ten of twelve individuals had undergone surgery at least once for lymphoid hypertrophy limited to the pharynx. In the most severely affected individual (individual 1), airway obstruction resulted in 17 surgical procedures before the age of 13 years. Sleep apnea was present in 8 of 10 individuals. In the nine unrelated individuals, ZBTB7A variants were novel and de novo. The six frameshift/nonsense and four missense variants were spread throughout the gene. This is the first report of a cohort of individuals with this novel syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.
Palladium nanoparticles encapsulated in polyimide nanofibers: An efficient and recyclable catalyst for coupling reaction
Authors: Du Yijun , Gou Faliang , Gao Danning , Liu Zhifeng , Shao Linjun , Qi Chenze
Published: September 2021

In this study, palladium‐encapsulated poly(amic acid) (Pd@PAA) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning, followed by thermal imidization to synthesize palladium‐encapsulated polyimide (Pd@PI) nanofibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the preparation of uniform and smooth Pd@PAA and Pd@PI nanofibers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results reveal that the Pd@PI nanofibers possessed excellent thermal stability. The dispersion of palladium nanoparticles in the polyimide nanofibers was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The catalysis results show that this Pd@PI fibrous catalyst was very efficient to catalyze the cross‐coupling reactions of aromatic iodides with n‐butyl acrylate (Heck reaction) or phenylboronic acid derivatives (Suzuki reaction) to afford the desired products in good to excellent yields. Moreover, the Pd@PI catalyst could be easily separated and recovered from the reaction mixture by simple filtration due to the regular fibrous structure and reused for 10 times for both Heck and Suzuki reactions without obvious loss of its initial catalytic activity. Thus, the Pd@PI nanofiber catalyst holds great potential in chemical industry in terms of its excellent catalytic activity and stability.
Corrosion and protection of galvanized steel in vegetation‐growing concrete (II): Coating protection
Authors: Xiong Shiyuan , Huang Xiaole , Xu Wennian , Guo Xiaoping , Liu Shuan
Published: September 2021

In previous work, the corrosion performance and anti‐corrosion mechanism of galvanized steel wire embedded in vegetation‐growing concrete under marine environment was highlighted. In this work, a graphene‐modified epoxy coating was developed and applied to the protection of galvanized steel in vegetation‐growing concrete under a marine environment. The effect of dispersed graphene on the anticorrosion performance of the epoxy coatings was evaluated. The composite coatings displayed outstanding barrier properties against H2O molecules compared to the pure epoxy coating. Salt spray test results revealed superior corrosion resistance offered by the prepared graphene‐modified epoxy coating on galvanized steel.
Knowledge extraction from literature and enzyme sequences complements FBA analysis in metabolic engineering
Authors: Kuriya Yuki , Inoue Mai , Yamamoto Masaki , Murata Masahiro , Araki Michihiro
Published: September 2021

Flux balance analysis (FBA) using genome‐scale metabolic model (GSM) is a useful method for improving the bio‐production of useful compounds. However, FBA often does not impose important constraints such as nutrients uptakes, by‐products excretions and gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) transfers. Furthermore, important information on metabolic engineering such as enzyme amounts, activities, and characteristics caused by gene expression and enzyme sequences is basically not included in GSM. Therefore, simple FBA is often not sufficient to search for metabolic manipulation strategies that are useful for improving the production of target compounds. In this study, we proposed a method using literature and enzyme search to complement the FBA‐based metabolic manipulation strategies. As a case study, this method was applied to shikimic acid production by Corynebacterium glutamicum to verify its usefulness. As unique strategies in literature‐mining, overexpression of the transcriptional regulator SugR and gene disruption related to by‐products productions were complemented. In the search for alternative enzyme sequences, it was suggested that those candidates are searched for from various species based on features captured by deep learning, which are not simply homologous to amino acid sequences of the base enzymes.
Digital papillary adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Kasimo Betty A. , Akello Vivian , Yahaya James J.
Published: September 2021

We present the case of a 64‐year‐old male with a 3‐month history of a mass involving the distal portion of the fifth finger on the left hand which was histologically confirmed as digital papillary adenocarcinoma. Although the tumor is low grade, the chances of recurrence and metastasis are high.
Efficient Extraction of Metal Ions Using a Recirculating Two‐Stage Flow Reactor
Authors: Harvie Andrew J. , de Mello John C.
Published: September 2021

We report a simple flow reactor for the selective extraction of target metal ions from an aqueous solution, using passive mixers and liquid‐liquid separators. The extraction takes place in two stages. In the first stage, target metal ions are selectively transferred to an organic phase containing extractant molecules; and, in the second stage, an acid solution strips the metal ions from the organic phase and regenerates the (uncomplexed) extractant molecules, thereby allowing them to be recirculated through the reactor. Using aqueous mixtures of copper sulphate and nickel sulphate as test solutions, copper ion extraction rates of 98 % are achieved, using the copper‐selective phenolic oxime ligand 5‐(tert‐butyl)‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde oxime as a molecular extractant. The two‐stage, recirculating nature of the reactor minimises the use of both the extractant molecules and the supporting organic solvent, resulting in a greener, more economical process.
Identifying Cell‐Type‐Specific Metabolic Signatures Using Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses
Authors: Gebert Nadja , Rahman Shahadat , Lewis Caroline A. , Ori Alessandro , Cheng Chia‐Wei
Published: September 2021

Studies in various tissues have revealed a central role of metabolic pathways in regulating adult stem cell function in tissue regeneration and tumor initiation. The unique metabolic dependences or preferences of adult stem cells, therefore, are emerging as a new category of therapeutic target. Recently, advanced methods including high‐resolution metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have been developed to address the growing interest in stem cell metabolism. A practical framework integrating the omics analyses is needed to systematically perform metabolic characterization in a cell‐type‐specific manner. Here, we leverage recent advances in transcriptomics and proteomics research to identify cell‐type‐specific metabolic features by reconstructing cell identity using genes and the encoded enzymes involved in major metabolic pathways. We provide protocols for cell isolation, transcriptome and proteome analyses, and metabolite profiling and measurement. The workflow for mapping cell‐type‐specific metabolic signatures presented here, although initially developed for intestinal crypt cells, can be easily implemented for cell populations in other tissues, and is highly compatible with most public datasets. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 4 August 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Intestinal crypt isolation and cell population purification

Basic Protocol 2: Transcriptome analyses for cell‐type‐specific metabolic gene expression

Basic Protocol 3: Proteome analyses for cell‐type‐specific metabolic enzyme levels

Basic Protocol 4: Metabolite profiling and measurement
Ecological stoichiometry ofCinnamomum migaoleaf litter and soil nutrients under nitrogen deposition in a karst region
Authors: Xiao Xuefeng , Chen Jingzhong , Liao Xiaofeng , Liu Jiming , Wang Deng , Li Jia , Yan Qiuxiao
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen (N) deposition, a major phenomenon of climate change, is increasing with industrialization and more human activity and can affect litter decomposition. Yet it remains unclear whether N deposition will accelerate or inhibit the decomposition of litter in karst regions, which are characterized by P‐limitation or N and P co‐limited stress conditions in soil. Here, to document the influence of simulated N deposition on litter decomposition in karst, the leaf litter ofCinnamomum migaowas studied, this being a dominant perennial woody plant endemic to karst landforms. We conducted a 300‐d field decomposition experiment with four treatments: control (CK); addition of (+) N at 50 kg⋅ha−1⋅a−1(N1); +N at 150 kg⋅ha−1⋅a−1(N2), and +N at 300 kg⋅ha−1⋅a−1(N3), in southwest Guizhou, the largest karst region in China (n = 4 treatments). From each treatment, the litter samples’ remaining mass were measured during the decomposition period, in addition to their nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), and potassium (K) concentrations, as well as that of soils; the soil’s pH was also measured. The results showed that litter remaining mass increased significantly under nitrogen deposition, which, as expected, acidified the soil. Meanwhile, litter N, P, and K contents responded to nitrogen deposition, whereas C did not. Otherwise, no direct effects of nitrogen deposition upon soil nutrients were detected. The soil nutrient contents were related to the release of the elements in litter. In conclusion, nitrogen deposition suppressed the decomposition ofC. migaolitter in karst, but the nutrients of karst soil are mainly replenished by litter inputs.
Effect of surface coating with seeds mucilages and xanthan gum on oil uptake and physical properties of fried potato strips
Authors: Salehi Fakhreddin , Roustaei Amirreza , Haseli Alireza
Published: September 2021

The oil uptake and high‐fat/oil content problem associated with fried food products can be decreased using polysaccharides (mucilages and gums) as edible coatings. In this study, the efficiency of seeds mucilages (Balangu, Basil, and Wild sage), and xanthan gum as edible coatings on the oil uptake, moisture retention, and physical properties (color indexes and surface shrinkage) of potato strips during oil frying have been examined. Coating treatment with seeds mucilages and xanthan gum significantly decreased the moisture loss and oil uptake of potato strips (p < .05). Lightness (L*) index values of uncoated‐control and coated potato strips decreased during frying. The lowest and highest color change intensity (∆E) and surface shrinkage (%) values were observed for the potato strips coated by Wild sage seeds gum and uncoated‐control sample, respectively. The MMF (Morgan‐Mercer‐Flodin) model was selected as the best equation for describing the color changes intensity kinetics of untreated and treated potato strips during frying. The appropriate coating suspension for reducing the oil content of fried potato strips and improving product appearance quality was 1.0% Wild sage seeds gum.
Mind the Gaps: Ethical and Epistemic Issues in the Digital Mental Health Response to Covid‐19
Authors: Skorburg Joshua August , Friesen Phoebe
Published: September 2021

Well before the Covid‐19 pandemic, proponents of digital psychiatry were touting the promise of various digital tools and techniques to revolutionize mental health care. As social distancing and its knock‐on effects have strained existing mental health infrastructures, calls have grown louder for implementing various digital mental health solutions at scale. Decisions made today will shape the future of mental health care for the foreseeable future. Here, in hopes of countering this hype, we examine four ethical and epistemic gaps surrounding the growth of digital mental health: the evidence gap, the inequality gap, the prediction‐intervention gap, and the safety gap. We argue that these gaps ought to be considered by policy‐makers before society commits to a digital psychiatric future.
Insight into the dynamics of micropolar fluid through annulus when the rate of entropy generation is significant
Authors: Mathur Priya , Mishra S. R.
Published: September 2021

In irreversible processes, such as the motion of the bodies, heat and mass transfer processes, fluid flow, and so forth, the amount of heat produced is measured by entropy. Therefore, the present analysis is devoted to the entropy analysis of the flow of micropolar fluid in a cylindrical annulus. In addition to that, both the velocity and thermal slip conditions are also taken care of. The rotation of the outer cylinder preserves with constant velocity causes the flow in the annulus. The governing nonlinear complex equations are solved using Runge–Kutta–Felhberg method. The analysis is carried out to describe the flow phenomena, entropy generation, and the Bejan number characterized by the contributing parameters via graphs and tables. Furthermore, the concurrency of the results with earlier studies shows the validation of the convergence criteria of the method employed.
Balancing from FRET to SET and Further to Photochemistry
Authors: Langhals Heinz , Dietl Christian , Wiedbrauk Sandra
Published: September 2021

Dyads of the hypsochromically absorbing energy donor benzoperylenetriscarboximide and the more bathochromically absorbing perylenebiscarboximide with various spacers were synthesized by means of the Sonogashira reaction where the transition moments of the donor and the acceptor are orthogonal causing zero for the geometry factor of κ for the simple p‐phenylene spacer. Exciton interactions were extinguished; however, the energy transfer by RET (resonance energy transfer) proceeded unaltered efficiently in contrast to the theory where vibronic effects were made responsible therefore. A lateral shift of donor and acceptor by means of a disubstituted naphthalene as the spacer was of no influence. The replacement of the naphthalene by the more electron rich pyrene caused a switch from RET to a photo‐induced single electron transfer (SET). RET as a very fast feeder allowed the suppression the formation of triplets of the donor and subsequent the generation of singlet oxygen and allowed to protect the dyad against photochemical degradation. Finally, the influence of the distance between donor and acceptor was studied.
Multilayer residual sparsifying transform (MARS) model for low‐dose CT image reconstruction
Authors: Yang Xikai , Long Yong , Ravishankar Saiprasad
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Signal models based on sparse representations have received considerable attention in recent years. On the other hand, deep models consisting of a cascade of functional layers, commonly known as deep neural networks, have been highly successful for the task of object classification and have been recently introduced to image reconstruction. In this work, we develop a new image reconstruction approach based on a novel multilayer model learned in an unsupervised manner by combining both sparse representations and deep models. The proposed framework extends the classical sparsifying transform model for images to a Multilayer residual sparsifying transform (MARS) model, wherein the transform domain data are jointly sparsified over layers. We investigate the application of MARS models learned from limited regular‐dose images for low‐dose CT reconstruction using penalized weighted least squares (PWLS) optimization.

Methods

We propose new formulations for multilayer transform learning and image reconstruction. We derive an efficient block coordinate descent algorithm to learn the transforms across layers, in an unsupervised manner from limited regular‐dose images. The learned model is then incorporated into the low‐dose image reconstruction phase.

Results

Low‐dose CT experimental results with both the XCAT phantom and Mayo Clinic data show that the MARS model outperforms conventional methods such as filtered back‐projection and PWLS methods based on the edge‐preserving (EP) regularizer in terms of two numerical metrics (RMSE and SSIM) and noise suppression. Compared with the single‐layer learned transform (ST) model, the MARS model performs better in maintaining some subtle details.

Conclusions

This work presents a novel data‐driven regularization framework for CT image reconstruction that exploits learned multilayer or cascaded residual sparsifying transforms. The image model is learned in an unsupervised manner from limited images. Our experimental results demonstrate the promising performance of the proposed multilayer scheme over single‐layer learned sparsifying transforms. Learned MARS models also offer better image quality than typical nonadaptive PWLS methods.
BRAF V600E Mediates Crizotinib Resistance and Responds to Dabrafenib and Trametinib in a
ROS1-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Qifeng , Ge Jun , Tian Yuke , Yao Wenxiu
Published: September 2021

Crizotinib, a multitargeted MET/ALK/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of ROS1 fusion–positive non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). However, “on-target” or “off-target” resistance alterations often emerge that confer the drug resistance. Patients with ROS1-rearranged NSCLC who develop crizotinib resistance, especially those acquiring “off-target” resistance mutations, still lack effective therapeutic options for after crizotinib treatment. Herein, we reported a patient with stage IVb lung adenocarcinoma harboring ROS1 fusion, who acquired a BRAF V600E and lost the ROS1 fusion after progression on crizotinib. It was deduced that the V600E may originate from a subclone with an extremely low fraction that was independent of ROS1 fusion–positive cells. The patient was subsequently treated with dabrafenib and trametinib combination and achieved a partial response lasting for more than 6 months. Our study revealed that BRAF V600E can confer the crizotinib resistance in ROS1 fusion–positive NSCLC and presented the first case showing that the treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib can serve as an effective option for later-line treatment for this molecular-defined subgroup.

Key Points
Synthesis of SnO2/TiO2 micro belt fibers from polymer composite precursors and their applications in Li‐ion batteries*
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriel , Hasan Md Toukir , Ramirez Daniel , Parsons Jason , Alcoutlabi Mataz
Published: September 2021

SnO2/TiO2 micro belt–fiber composites were successfully synthesized using centrifugal spinning and subsequent heat treatment of SnO2/TiO2/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) precursor fibers. SnO2/TiO2/PVP precursor solutions consisting of different ratios of SnO2 to TiO2 were prepared by mixing Tin (II) 2‐ethylhexanoate and titanium (IV) butoxide with PVP in ethanol. The SnO2/TiO2/PVP mixture was heat treated in air at 700°C, which resulted in the formation of SnO2/TiO2 micron‐sized fibers with a belt‐shaped morphology. Structural, morphology, and surface chemistry characterization of the materials was performed using powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. SEM analysis showed the SnO2/TiO2 composite fibers with (3:2) ratio had a micro belt morphology with particles on the surface. The material was tested as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs); the composite fiber electrode delivered an initial capacity of 1200 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. The capacity was observed to decrease to 279 mAh g−1 after 70 cycles; however, the sample retained a columbic efficiency of 99%, which indicated good reversibility. Due to the high surface area and unique structure, the as‐synthesized SnO2/TiO2 composite fibers may be promising for sensor and LIB applications.
pH‐Responsive Biocompatible Fluorescent Core‐Shell Nanogel for Intracellular Imaging and Control Drug Release
Authors: Mandal Tapas Kumar , Parvin Nargish , Joo Sang W.
Published: September 2021

This study reports a fluorescence iron core‐carbonized biocompatible hybrid poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐oriented nanogel (Fe2O3@C@PEG‐COOH nanogel). The fluorescence Fe2O3@C@PEG‐COOH nanogel is prepared using a facile one‐pot polycondensation reaction without organic solvents or catalysts. The properties of the fluorescenceFe2O3@C@PEG‐COOH nanogel are investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. A change in pH as a stimulus can trigger the release of loaded doxorubicin (DOX). Under acidic conditions, the nanogel releases the highly loaded drug slowly compared to the neutral and basic conditions, which is important for cancer treatment. The synthesized fluorescenceFe2O3@C@PEG‐COOH nanogel is well dispersed in water and shows fluorescence with high photostability, good biocompatibility with a paramagnetic nature. Furthermore, the nanogel can act as a potential fluorescent probe for cell imaging.
DIC/Oxyma‐based accelerated synthesis and oxidative folding studies of centipede toxin RhTx
Authors: Chen Xi‐Tong , Wang Jin‐Yan , Ma Yan‐Nan , Dong Li‐Ying , Jia Shi‐Xi , Yin Hao , Fu Xing‐Yan , Du Shan‐Shan , Qi Yun‐Kun , Wang KeWei
Published: September 2021

Coupling reagents play crucial roles in the iterative construction of amide bonds for the synthesis of peptides and peptide‐based derivatives. The novel DIC/Oxyma condensation system featured with the low risk of explosion displayed remarkable abilities to inhibit racemization, along with efficient coupling efficiency in both manual and automated syntheses. Nevertheless, an ideal reaction molar ratio in DIC/Oxyma condensation system and the moderate reaction temperature by manual synthesis remain to be further investigated. Herein, the synthetic efficiencies of different reaction ratios between DIC and Oxyma under moderate reaction temperature were systematically evaluated. The robustness and efficiency of DIC/Oxyma condensation system are validated by the rapid synthesis of linear centipede toxin RhTx. Different folding strategies were applied for the construction of disulfide bridges in RhTx, which was further confirmed in assays of circular dichroism and patch‐clamp electrophysiology evaluation. This work establishes the DIC/Oxyma‐based accelerated synthesis of peptides under moderate condensation conditions, which is especially useful for the manual synthesis of peptides. Besides, the strategy presented here provides robust technical supports for the large‐scale synthesis and oxidative folding of RhTx.
Kaempferol 3‐O‐gentiobioside, an ALK5 inhibitor, affects the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells via blockade of the TGF‐β/ALK5/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Zihao , Qiao Yu , Yang Li , Chen Zuwang , Li Tao , Gu MingZhen , Li Chong , Liu Mingming , Li Rong
Published: September 2021

Overactivation of TGF‐β/ALK5/Smad signaling pathway has been observed in the advanced stage of various human malignancies. As a key component of TGF‐β/ALK5/Smad signaling pathway transduction, TGF‐β type I receptor (also known as ALK5) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this study, to discover a novel ALK5 inhibitor, a commercial natural products library was screened using docking‐based virtual screening, followed by luciferase reporter assay. A flavonoid glycoside kaempferol 3‐O‐gentiobioside (KPF 3‐O‐G) was identified as a potent ALK5 inhibitor through directly bound to the ATP‐site of ALK5, resulting in the inhibitory effects on phosphorylation and translocation of Smad2 and expression of Smad4. Additionally, we found that KPF 3‐O‐G reduced cell proliferation and inhibited TGF‐β‐induced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, western blotting and immunofluorescent analysis showed that KPF 3‐O‐G significantly reversed the TGF‐β‐induced EMT biomarkers, including upregulation of E‐cadherin and downregulation of N‐cadherin, vimentin, and snail. In vivo study showed that KPF 3‐O‐G administration reduced tumor growth in human ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model, without obvious toxic effect. This study provided novel insight into the anticancer effects of KPF‐3‐O‐G and indicated that KPF‐3‐O‐G might be developed as potential therapeutics for cancer treatment after further validation.
Untargeted metabolomic study of HepG2 cells under the effect of Fucus vesiculosus aqueous extract
Authors: André Rebeca , Guedes Rita , López Javier , Serralheiro Maria Luísa
Published: September 2021

Rationale

Fucus vesiculosus has been described with potential to develop functional foods containing bioactive compounds against various diseases. However, more studies are needed to better understand its functioning and its previously reported bioactivities, mainly at the molecular level.

Methods

An untargeted metabolomic study was performed to analyse HepG2 cells exposed to F. vesiculosus aqueous extract, rich in phlorotannins and peptides, during 24 h. This study was carried out using liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

This metabolomic study showed significant changes in HepG2 metabolites in the presence of the extract, standing out being the increased intensity of various fatty acid amides (oleamide, (Z)‐eicos‐11‐enamide, linoleamide, palmitamide, dodecanamide and stearamide). This group of metabolites is reported in the literature with anticancer and hypocholesterolemic activity, bioactivities also described for F. vesiculosus. The extract induced, likewise, the expression of glutathione indicating its antioxidant effect.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential of the compounds present in the F. vesiculosus aqueous extract for the development of natural drugs, nutraceuticals or dietary supplements, justified at the molecular level by changes in cell metabolites related to anticancer and hypocholesterolemic activity. The results here described, using an untargeted metabolomic approach, may contribute to a better understanding of algal behaviour, when used as food, in health‐promoting effects.
Containing COVID‐19 risk in the UAE: Mass quarantine, mental health, and implications for crisis management
Authors: Thomas Justin , Terry James P.
Published: September 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic is the first global “NASECH disaster,” owing to its natural hazard (NH) origin and unprecedented subsequent repercussions for global society (S), economy (EC), and health (H). Emergency health control measures required the implementation of compulsory mass quarantine (CMQ) or so‐called periods of “lockdown.” Yet, CMQ is an instrument with iatrogenic consequences, associated with a rise in societal levels of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. With a view to informing future crisis management, the study investigated sociodemographic factors associated with mental wellbeing during the March–April 2020 lockdown in the United Arab Emirates. Respondents (n = 1585) completed self‐report measures of depression (PHQ8) and generalized anxiety (GAD7). Rates of symptomatology were notably higher than those observed in similar UAE‐based studies before the pandemic. Younger age, urban‐dwelling, female‐gender, and a history of mental health problems were significant factors linked to elevated levels of depression and anxiety. Findings emphasize (1) the crucial need for psychological intervention after disasters and (2) the importance of strengthening the nexus at the intersection of public health and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Implications are that future pandemic containment would benefit from adopting new Health–DRR paradigms and ensuring these are effectively translated into disaster policy.
Differential Chromogenic Response towards F− and H2PO4−: Hydrogen Bonding vs Deprotonation
Authors: Jha Satadru , Dey Nilanjan
Published: September 2021

Highly colored oxidized 3,3/‐di(indolyl)arylmethanes (DIAM) based probes have been synthesized in good yield using modified single‐step synthesis. The internal charge transfer state of the molecules as well as protonation equilibrium of indolyl units are dominated by the electronic nature of substituents (R=−CH3, −NMe2, −NO2 etc) present on the central aryl moiety. However, irrespective to the nature of the substituents, all compounds (HL) show selective chromogenic response towards basic anions, like F− and H2PO4− etc in CH3CN. At low concentration, both analytes induce hypsochromic shifts in absorption maximum owing to the formation of H‐bonded complex (HL….A). However, only F− ion at high concentration results in a large bathochromic shift (▵λ∼90 nm) at λmax, probably due to the formation of deprotonated receptor (L−), attributed by higher stability of H‐bonded [HF2−] dimer. Thus, one can easily discriminate between these ions via color‐changing response. On the other hand, HSO4− being an acidic anion results in protonation of indolyl nitrogen center (H2L+) even at low concentration in CH3CN‐H2O (1 : 1) mixture medium, leading to bathochromic shift of absorption maxima.
Growth and Selective Etching of Twinned Graphene on Liquid Copper Surface
Authors: Liu Fengning , Dong Jichen , Kim Na Yeon , Lee Zonghoon , Ding Feng
Published: September 2021

Although grain boundaries (GBs) in two‐dimensional (2D) materials have been extensively observed and characterized, their formation mechanism still remains unexplained. Here a general model has reported to elucidate the mechanism of formation of GBs during 2D materials growth. Based on our model, a general method is put forward to synthesize twinned 2D materials on a liquid substrate. Using graphene growth on liquid Cu surface as an example, the growth of twinned graphene has been demonstrated successfully, in which all the GBs are ultra‐long straight twin boundaries. Furthermore, well‐defined twin boundaries (TBs) are found in graphene that can be selectively etched by hydrogen gas due to the preferential adsorption of hydrogen atoms at high‐energy twins. This study thus reveals the formation mechanism of GBs in 2D materials during growth and paves the way to grow various 2D nanostructures with controlled GBs.
The importance of being Ernie
Authors: Herdova Marcela ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2021

Alfred Mele presents an influential argument for incompatibilism which compares an agent, Ernie, whose life has been carefully planned by the goddess Diana, to normal deterministic agents. The argument suggests both that Ernie is not free, and that there is no relevant difference between him and normal deterministic agents in respect of free will. In this paper, I suggest that what drives our judgement that Ernie is not free in the Diana case is that his actions are merely an extension of Diana's—he is akin to a tool, which she uses solely for her own purposes, and his behaviour occurs only because of the interest Diana takes in its occurring. This contrasts with normal deterministic universes, in which normal agents are not such tools.
In Situ Training of Brushtail Possums to use Microchip‐automated Doors
Authors: Watson Shania J. , Hoy Julia M. , Edwards Megan C. , Murray Peter J.
Published: September 2021

Individually‐targeted resource supplementation for wildlife is difficult to achieve due to the challenge of excluding nontarget animals. The use of microchip‐automated technology has the potential to improve conservation outcomes globally by facilitating targeted food and nesting, offering a refuge from predators, and decreasing competition. Eight wild‐born brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were trained in situ to use commercially available microchip‐automated doors installed on nest boxes placed within 5 m of their most used nesting site. Training to use the microchip‐automated door was conducted in 3 stages where the position of the door was lowered in sequential stages until it was fully closed at stage 3. Training was deemed complete at each stage when the possum entered the nest box on 2 separate nights. Seven of the 8 possums completed training. Successful training demonstrated that free‐living possums can be trained to use microchip‐automated technology in situ, thus avoiding stress, costs, and biosecurity risks associated with bringing wild animals into captivity for training. Training methods can be extrapolated to a wider range of species to assist with wildlife management from reintroductions to sustaining reduced populations. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Anthropology of the Military
Authors: Tomforde Maren , Ben-Ari Eyal
Published: September 2021

The anthropology of militaries in industrial countries is a relatively young discipline, which has seen significant growth since the end of the Cold War and the advent of the “new wars.” The chapter focuses on the anthropological analysis of social and cultural concerns related to (and derived from) the armed forces, war, and the provision for national security. It charts the main clusters of issues anthropologists are engaged with and explains the unique contribution of this discipline through the following themes: militarization, fieldwork, military organization and units, gender, military families, veterans, and medical anthropology. This chapter concludes with a discussion of anthropology’s contribution to military education.
Konzeption und Anlage der Studie
Authors: Kollhoff Sebastian
Published: September 2021

In diesem Kapitel werden die Konzeption und die Anlage der empirischen Studie dargestellt. Dazu erfolgt zunächst eine Konkretisierung der Fragestellung. Darauf aufbauend werden im nachfolgenden Abschnitt die Anlage und der Ablauf der Studie beschrieben, bevor die Erhebungsinstrumente, die eingesetzten Materialien sowie die Methoden zur Datenauswertung eingehend erläutert werden.
Vorwissen und Leistungsentwicklung
Authors: Kollhoff Sebastian
Published: September 2021

In diesem Kapitel werden die Auswertungen des parallelisierten Vor- und Nachtests dargestellt. Dazu wird zunächst auf Grundlage des Vortests das Vorwissen der Schülerinnen und Schülern beschrieben. Dieser Charakterisierung wird auf quantitativer Ebene die Lösungshäufigkeit der Testitems und Itemgruppen zugrunde gelegt. Die quantitativen Darstellungen werden durch die Diskussion ausgewählter Aufgabenlösungen der Schülerinnen und Schüler ergänzt, um die Testergebnisse vor dem Hintergrund der Entwicklung von Grundvorstellungen einzuordnen. Die Auswertungen des Vortests werden im Anschluss mit den dichotomisierten Auswertungen des Nachtests abgeglichen, um die Leistungsentwicklung der Schülerinnen und Schüler zu beschreiben. Abschließend wird die Zusammensetzung der Paare für die Partnerarbeiten während der Arbeitssitzungen zur Datenerhebung dargestellt.