bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Segmental neurofibromatosis presenting with congenital excessive skin folds
Authors: Helfand Alexander M. , Nouriel Ariella , Zisquit Jonah , Barzilai Aviv , Greenberger Shoshana
Published: November 2021

Segmental neurofibromatosis (SNF) is a rare type of neurofibromatosis (NF-1) resulting from post-zygotic somatic mutations in the neurofibromin gene that leads to mosaicism. Reported manifestations of SNF include neurofibromas, freckling, or café-au-lait spots limited to a single body region or limb.

We present a 5-month-old male referred to our clinic for evaluation of congenital excessive skin folds on the back. A mildly erythematous, poorly demarcated soft plaque was noted, consisting of excessive skin folds. A cluster of light brown hyperpigmented macules was seen overlying the plaque. A punch biopsy of the plaque confirmed a diagnosis of neurofibroma. Further investigation ruled out other manifestations of NF-1.

The early onset of our patient’s neurofibroma and its gross appearance with redundant skin folds are all unusual features. To our knowledge, congenital excessive skin folds found in a single tumor have not been previously described in the literature as a manifestation of SNF. Clinicians should be educated about the possibility of congenital localized skin folds in association with SNF in order to identify the disease in infancy and monitor any changes in neurofibroma pathology.
Proton pump inhibitor-induced Sweet’s syndrome: report of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis in a woman with recurrent breast cancer
Authors: Cohen Philip R.
Published: November 2021

Background: Sweet’s syndrome, also referred to as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, can either occur as an idiopathic disorder or associated with another condition, including cancer, or induced by exposure to a drug. Proton pump inhibitors selectively inhibit gastric parietal cell H+-K+-adenosine triphosphatase and are most commonly used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Purpose: Proton pump inhibitor-associated Sweet’s syndrome is described in a woman with recurrent breast cancer.

Methods: PubMed was used to search the following terms, separately and in combination: acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, breast cancer, malignancy, paraneoplastic, proton pump inhibitor, and Sweet’s syndrome. All papers were reviewed and relevant manuscripts, along with their reference citations, were evaluated.

Results: Proton pump inhibitors have previously been associated with cutaneous adverse reactions including maculopapular rash, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and toxic epidermal necrolysis. However, drug-induced Sweet’s syndrome has not been observed in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors. The reported woman developed Sweet’s syndrome after initial exposure and subsequent repeat challenge to proton pump inhibitors; subsequent studies also observed recurrence of her breast cancer presenting as metastases to her stomach and bone.

Conclusions: Drug-induced Sweet’s syndrome has most commonly been associated with granulocyte colony stimulating factor in oncology patients. Malignancy-associated Sweet’s syndrome has been observed in patients with solid tumors, including breast cancer. Confirmation of proton pump inhibitor-induced Sweet’s syndrome, by repeat challenge with another medication in the same class of drug, was observed in a woman with breast cancer; although the subsequent discovery of recurrent breast cancer presenting as gastric mucosa and vertebral metastases also raises the possibility of concurrent paraneoplastic Sweet’s syndrome, her Sweet’s syndrome symptoms and lesions resolved without recurrence while her recurrent metastatic visceral malignancy persisted. In summary, medication-associated Sweet’s syndrome can occur in oncology patients and proton pump inhibitors should be added to the list of medications associated with the potential to cause drug-induced Sweet’s syndrome.
Bipartite and Series-Parallel Graphs Without Planar Lombardi Drawings
Authors: Eppstein David
Published: November 2021

We find a family of planar bipartite graphs all of whose Lombardi drawings (drawings with circular arcs for edges, meeting at equal angles at the vertices) are nonplanar. We also find families of embedded series-parallel graphs and apex-trees (graphs formed by adding one vertex to a tree) for which there is no planar Lombardi drawing consistent with the given embedding.
Extending Partial Orthogonal Drawings
Authors: Angelini Patrizio , Rutter Ignaz , T P Sandhya
Published: November 2021

We study the planar orthogonal drawing style within the framework of
partial representation extension. Let $(G,H,\Gamma_H)$ be a partial
orthogonal drawing, i.e., $G$ is a graph, $H\subseteq G$ is a
subgraph, $\Gamma_H$ is a planar orthogonal drawing of $H$, and $|\Gamma_H|$ is the number of vertices and bends in~$\Gamma_H$.

We show that the existence of an orthogonal drawing~$\Gamma_G$ of $G$ that
extends $\Gamma_H$ can be tested in linear time. If such a drawing
exists, then there is also one that uses $O(|\Gamma_H|)$ bends per edge.
On the other hand, we show that it is NP-complete to find an
extension that minimizes the number of bends or has a fixed number
of bends per edge.
Zachování etnické identity a kultury Jezídů v Německu
Authors:   Fakulta sociálních věd Univerzity Karlovy, Doboš Natalia
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with an ethnic-religious minority whose members call themselves Yazidis. The aim of the work is to examine how the adaptation of the Yazidis emigrating to Germany, the process of integration into the majority society seems to be successful and how, despite their will to integrate, they try to guard and preserve their ethnic identity and culture. The theoretical part contains a branch anchoring of the topic and an explanation of key concepts such as ethnic identity, diaspora, Yazidism and etymology of the word. The practical part acquaints the reader more closely with the mysterious and closed society after centuries, which begins to reveal itself to the world only in the last decade. In the practical part of the work are interpreted qualitative data collected from field research, which the author carried out in two trips to Germany at the end of September 2020 and early January 2021. For data collection was used the method of qualitative research. The method of participatory observation was applied to data collection, in which the researcher lived in a traditional Yazidi family and participated in daily routine.
POTENTIAL CONSTRAINT OF RAINFALL AVAILABILITY ON THE ESTABLISHMENT AND EXPANSION OF AGROFORESTRY IN THE MOPANI DISTRICT, LIMPOPO PROVINCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: MAPONYA Phokele , MADAKADZE Casper , MBILI Nokwazi , DUBE Zakheleni , NKUNA Thabo , MAKHWEDZHANA Meshack , TAHULELA Takalani , MONGWAKETSI Kgosi
Published: November 2021

Agroforestry is a land use system that includes the use of woody perennial and agricultural crops and animals in combination to achieve beneficial ecological and economical interactions for food, fiber and livestock production. South Africa is considered a semi – arid country vulnerable to water stress, particularly drought. Limpopo Province average annual rainfall is 600mm and the threshold for rainfall agriculture is averaged at 250mm annually. In terms of forestry, rainfall needs to be higher than 750mm per annum to sustain commercial forestry. The objective of the study was to determine the potential constraint of rainwater on the establishment and expansion of agroforestry in Mopani district, Limpopo Province. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 62 agrosilviculture community growers and were spread on the 20ha SAFCOL forestland and each grower was allocated a row of 3226m2 (1ha = 10000m2; 20ha * 10000 = 200000m2/62) for production. Quantitative and qualitative designs were used. The results were based on the month the data collection started: September 2019 rainfall results indicated that there was generally good rainfall (25 - 50mm) in the agroforestry sites as compared to the agricultural open field areas. October 2019 rainfall situation improved with an increase in rainfall (51 - 100mm). During November and December 2019, increasing rainfall was experienced at 100 - 200mm and 175 - 250mm, respectively. The last three rainfall status (33rd, median and 66th percentiles) indicated the estimates of rainfall in the future years. It estimated annual rainfalls at 601 and +1000mm; +1000mm and +1000mm across 33rd, 50th and 66th percentiles, respectively. This rainfall situation is well above the Limpopo Province annual average rainfall, agriculture and forestry thresholds. Currently, the eucalyptus trees were integrated with other crops including maize, sweet potatoes, groundnuts and bambara nuts. It is thus recommended that the establishment and expansion of agroforestry be carried out in the identified suitable areas.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF CUMINUM CYMINUM SEEDS
Authors: BESSEDIK Amina
Published: November 2021

Cuminum cyminum (in arabic: Kemoun) is an important source of therapeutic, cosmetic, bio-food and technological agents. Ancient civilizations used this plant for therapeutic purposes. Extracts from this plant are nowadays strongly used in the industrial and research fields, particularly for the medicinal, pharmacological and cosmetological purposes. Bioactive molecules extracted from Cuminum cyminum may express biocidal activities and prove to be good candidates for new antioxidants. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the biological properties of this plant, including antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The seeds of cumin are harvested at the wilaya of Biskra, and stored in a dry place until their use. They were identified at Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef. Essential oil is obtained by hydro-distillation using a Clivenger type device (AFNOR, 2000). The obtained sample is stored in sealed bottles at low temperature (4°C) and away from light. The antibacterial effect is assessed by the disc method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is determined by standard methods. The antioxidant activity is evaluated by the DPPH free radical trapping method of the methanolic extracts. The essential oil of C. cyminum shows a better activity against Gram+ strains compared to Gram- strains. The determination of MICs leads to the conclusion that its activity can be triggered at a very low concentration. The reaction with DPPH gives an interesting IC50. This testifies to the ability of this essential oil to reduce free radicals. Thanks to the antibacterial activities that we have highlighted, cumin can be considered as a palliative that could replace certain antibiotics. Moreover, its antioxidant activity allows us to use it as a natural food additive.
ACCEPTANCE AND ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: EL BILALI Hamid , BEN HASSEN Tarek , BOTTALICO Francesco , BERJAN Sinisa , CAPONE Roberto
Published: November 2021

There is a need for transition towards sustainability in agriculture and food systems. New technologies and innovations can play a central role in improving agriculture productivity and sustainability. However, there is still a gap in understanding the factors that determine the acceptance and adoption of technologies in agriculture. Therefore, this review provides an overview on the main models and theories on the acceptance, adoption, use and/or diffusion of technologies. The most prominent theories and models include the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Technology Acceptance Model, the Motivational Model, the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the Innovation Diffusion Theory, the Social Cognitive Theory, the Social Construction of Technology, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Furthermore, different combinations of these models have been used in technology adoption studies. These conceptual approaches and models span across disciplines (e.g. sociology, psychology, innovation, management) and differ in terms of theoretical assumptions, goals, variables and assessment methods. Factors determining the acceptance and use of technologies in agriculture are related to the technology itself and the ease of its use as well as social (age, gender), emotional, attitudinal and cognitive factors. Technology adoption is also affected by the environment and context in which it takes place. Technology acceptance models make use of predictors that are cognitive or relating to attitude, beliefs or perceptions. Some of the models focus on internal factors, such as antecedents of behaviour (e.g. values, attitudes, intentions), while others also address external issues (e.g. social norms, economic incentives, institutional environment). The framing of technology adoption within the wider Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) offers interesting opportunities for fostering transition towards sustainability in agriculture. Indeed, technologies are just one component of AKIS and innovation in agriculture also encompasses social, organizational, marketing and institutional fields.
Fast and accurate annotation of acoustic signals with deep neural networks
Authors: Steinfath Elsa , Palacios-Muñoz Adrian , Rottschäfer Julian R , Yuezak Deniz , Clemens Jan
Published: November 2021

Acoustic signals serve communication within and across species throughout the animal kingdom. Studying the genetics, evolution, and neurobiology of acoustic communication requires annotating acoustic signals: segmenting and identifying individual acoustic elements like syllables or sound pulses. To be useful, annotations need to be accurate, robust to noise, and fast.

We here introduce DeepAudioSegmenter (DAS), a method that annotates acoustic signals across species based on a deep-learning derived hierarchical presentation of sound. We demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, and speed of DAS using acoustic signals with diverse characteristics from insects, birds, and mammals. DAS comes with a graphical user interface for annotating song, training the network, and for generating and proofreading annotations. The method can be trained to annotate signals from new species with little manual annotation and can be combined with unsupervised methods to discover novel signal types. DAS annotates song with high throughput and low latency for experimental interventions in realtime. Overall, DAS is a universal, versatile, and accessible tool for annotating acoustic communication signals.
Developing ICT Competencies: New Skill Sets for Excellent Customer Service in Academic Libraries
Authors: Asimah A. P. , Osman I.
Published: November 2021

This study seeks to examine the perception of academic librarians on the acquisition of ICT skills and customer service competencies in order to meet the diverse and increasingly complex information needs of library users in the digital environment. The study adopts the qualitative approach to research by using content analysis of job advertisements and semi-structured interviews with purposively selected academic librarians. Fifty (50) job advertisements published in newspapers and online portals from 2010-2019 were collected and studied. Ten (10) academic librarians were selected from five (5) academic libraries in Ghana to identify existing skill sets and customer service competencies within academic libraries. The findings of the study showed that ICT skills and competencies are an integral requirement for job placement within academic libraries. However, there is more to be done on the use of ICT skills to deliver excellent customer service online. The findings of the study would be useful for librarians, managers of tertiary institutions and policy makers who seek to address the issue of staff competency, skill sets and training for improved service delivery within academic libraries.
Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane over Vanadium Catalyst Supported on Alkali-Modifiedx-Al2O3
Authors: M. Crivelaro Vinicius , Okamoto Sayuri , G. Cortez Gilberto
Published: November 2021

The propane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) reaction has been considered as an alternative method for propene production owing to its exothermic nature, which renders it environmentally friendly. The use of alkaline promoters for supported V catalysts can increase propene selectivity and partially inhibit the formation of CO and CO2. Our goal was to evaluate the promoting effect of K and Na and the support effect using gibbsite as precursor for the propane ODH reaction. Catalysts were prepared via co-impregnation of V and alkali metals on a previously prepared alumina support and were characterized using N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed reduction, and isopropanol decomposition tests to evaluate their acid-base properties. The activity of the synthesized catalysts for the propane ODH reaction was evaluated at the O2:C3H8:He molar ratios of 5:2:4, 6:1:4, and 4:3:4. The addition of alkali metals to the V catalysts increased propane conversion and propene selectivity; moreover, both parameters increased with increasing molar fraction of O2 in the reactants. K doping increased the propene selectivity of the doped catalysts, because it inhibited a large fraction of catalytic surface acidic sites. A high molar fraction of O2 in the reactants facilitated the regeneration of the catalyst, whereas a high reoxidation rate improved catalytic activity and propene selectivity.
Uterine Metastases in a Diagnosed Case of Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Azhar Musa , Hamdani Syed Abdul Mannan , Iftikhar Jhanzeb , Ahmad Waqas , Mushtaq Sajid , Awan Umme Kalsoom
Published: November 2021

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among females and has a high propensity to metastasize, but gynaecological organs are rarely affected. We report a case where invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast metastasized to the uterus after initial management with curative intent. Our patient was on tamoxifen, which can cause endometrial hyperplasia and lead to a challenge in eventual diagnosis.
Pulpectomy with Bi-Rooted Primary Maxillary Canine: A Case Report
Authors: Khekade Sneha Himmatrao , Sajjanar Arun , George Miranda , Gahlod Niharika , Kumar Suryakant , Wasnik Milind
Published: November 2021

Bi-rooted canines are extremely uncommon in the primary dentition and are only diagnosed after a radiographic examination. Endodontic success in teeth with more canals than are typically discovered necessitates an accurate diagnosis and a thorough clinical radiographic examination. To avoid complications, morphological differences in pulpal anatomy must be identified prior to treatment. Here we report a case of Pulpectomy in a bi-rooted primary maxillary canine.
Application of Box–Behnken Design and Desirability Function in the Development and Optimization of Stealth Liposomes of Microtubule Inhibitor
Authors: Rao Bandaru Lakshmi Narayana , Krishnan S. Parimala , Reddy Challa Balashekar
Published: November 2021

Aims: The aim of the present study was to develop and optimize a Stealth Liposomal Drug Delivery System of microtubule inhibitor using Box–Behnken Design and Desirability function.

Study Design: Development and Optimization of Stealth Liposomes.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, between September 2020 and May 2021.

Methodology: Stealth Liposomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method (TFH). The formulation was optimized using Box – Behnken design to study the effect of independent variables, Amount of Egg Phosphatidylcholine (X1), Amount of Cholesterol (X2), and Amount of DSPE-PEG 2000(X3) on dependent variables Entrapment Efficiency (Y1) and In-vitro drug release (Y2).

Results: Entrapment efficiency of the Stealth Liposomes ranges from 56.35 to 84.25%and in-vitro release ranges from 62.38 to 94.26%. The optimized formulation was found using the desirability function to get maximum entrapment with maximum drug release. The optimized formulation showed entrapment efficiency of 80.46% and in-vitro release of 90.11%.

Conclusion: Stealth Liposomal Drug Delivery System for microtubule inhibitor was successfully developed and optimized using desirability function in Design Expert software by a three-factor, three level Box – Behnken design.
Detect Drug Interactions with Metronidazole
Authors: Dighriri Ibrahim , Mobarki Ahmed , Althomali Naif , Alqurashi Khalid , Daghriri Othman , Howimel Bashaer Bin , Alahmad Izdihar , Alsaadi Rawan , Alsufyani Manar , Balobade Manar , Altemani Reem , Alatawi Bayader , Sharoufna Wejdan , Almuntashiri Taif , Almushawwah Sultan
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Metronidazole has been prescribed to treat infections for over a century and continues to be helpful in the therapy of amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis. Metronidazole is a cost-effective medication because of its low price, few adverse effects, and favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties; nevertheless, it interacts with a wide variety of other medications. Some interactions with other medicines diminish its effectiveness, while others increase it.

Aims: The study aims to detect and evaluate metronidazole interactions with other medicines at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital.

Methodology: This retrospective study encompasses the review of 360 computerized prescriptions inside the outpatient clinic at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia between March and September 2020 to detect and evaluate interactions among metronidazole and different medications.

Results: Metronidazole interactions are mostly major or moderate. Metronidazole had the most common interactions with domperidone (15.83 %), famotidine (13.89 %), and ciprofloxacin (11.67 %). Metronidazole contains a nitroimidazole ring, which suppresses the metabolism in the liver of numerous medications, including those that may be metabolized by the CYP3A4 and/or CYP450 2C9 isoenzymes. The combination of metronidazole with phenytoin or phenobarbital can cause metronidazole elimination to be accelerated and phenytoin clearance to be reduced. Metronidazole may improve warfarin's anticoagulant effects, leading to a longer prothrombin time and a higher risk of bleeding. Concurrent use of metronidazole with alfuzosin, escitalopram, and ondansetron may raise the risks of QT-interval prolongation and arrhythmias.

Conclusion: Most metronidazole drug interactions can be avoided by following excellent clinical care and clinical pharmacology concepts, such as avoiding complex treatment regimens, educating patients. and identifying patient risk factors. Furthermore, before prescribing and dispensing medicines, physicians and pharmacists should utilize drug-drug interactions checkers such as Micromedex and Lexicomp or a book such as Stockley's Drug Interactions.
Microfluidic‐Generated Biopolymer Microparticles as Cargo Delivery Systems
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Lan Yang , Ling Si‐Da , Dong Yu‐Hang , Wang Yun‐Dong , Xu Jian‐Hong
Published: November 2021

Droplet microfluidics offers precise and simultaneous control of multiple fluids at microscale, which enables synthesis of novel microparticles with compositional and structural diversity in a controllable way. The morphology and functionality of generated microparticles can be well designed by modulating the hydrodynamic profile as well as geometric structures. The synergistic combination of droplet microfluidics with biodegradable materials makes it possible to encapsulate actives/drugs inside microparticles at high efficiency for drug delivery. The utilization of these microfluidic‐generated microparticles with the characteristics of easy biodegradability and good biocompatibility in the field of drug delivery has made considerable progress in recent years. In this review, the commonly used structures of microchannel and methods to generate microparticles with droplet microfluidics are introduced. In addition, recent advances of biodegradable microparticles in the application of drug delivery are discussed and summarized with the focus on two kinds of biopolymers for preparing biodegradable microspheres, natural biopolymers, and synthetic biopolymers. Next, environment‐sensing microencapsulation systems have been discussed because of their ability to release drug upon external stimulation, thereby allowing on‐demand drug delivery. Finally, current challenges of utilizing microparticles in drug delivery are pointed out and some perspectives for the future direction in research and applications are provided.
Small Molecule Approach to Passivate Undercoordinated Ions in Perovskite Light Emitting Diodes: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Lee Ji Yeong , Kim Seo Yeon , Yoon Hyo Jae
Published: November 2021

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) hold promise for the development of next‐generation display and light technologies; however, various problems related to factors such as external quantum efficiency (EQE), long‐term stability, and dependence on toxic species hinder their successful debut in display and lighting markets. Research on PeLEDs involving the small‐molecule approach—the incorporation of small organic molecules into or onto active perovskite layers in PeLEDs for mitigating the aforementioned issues—has burgeoned in the last eight years. This review covers recent advances and challenges in the small‐molecule approach by i) surveying the chemical structures used in the small‐molecule approach, ii) summarizing the methods of molecular insertion into PeLED devices, iii) comprehensively discussing the effects of small‐molecule‐based interfacial engineering and passivation of undercoordinated metal and halide ions on the photophysical functions of devices and their mechanisms, iv) emphasizing the small‐molecule‐induced enhanced performance of devices in the context of long‐term stability and EQE, and v) providing perspectives and discussing challenges for future research.
Ultrahigh Color Rendering in RGB Perovskite Micro‐Light‐Emitting Diode Arrays with Resonance‐Enhanced Photon Recycling for Next Generation Displays
Authors: Liang Jie , Du Yuxiang , Wang Kang , Ren Ang , Dong Xinyu , Zhang Chunhuan , Tang Ji , Yan Yongli , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: November 2021

Light sources with high color purity are promising for revolutionizing traditional displays because of their wide achievable color gamut, high contrast ratio, and good color saturation. The demand for next‐generation displays has driven the development of the optoelectronic materials with narrow linewidth. Until now, most optoelectronic materials usually give emission with full width at half maximum exceeding 30 nm. The lack of a general approach to further improving the color purity has limited their applications for next‐generation displays. Here, a universal resonance‐enhanced photon recycling strategy is developed to realize current‐driven displays with unprecedented high color rendering based on the perovskite light‐emitting diode (LED) arrays in distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) cavity. Benefiting from the outstanding optoelectronic properties and solution processability, perovskites are processed into micro‐LED arrays through a screen‐printing technology. The light output from individual micro‐LED is strongly modulated by resonance‐enhanced photon recycling derived from the cavity structure, leading to significant spectral narrowing and directional emission. On this basis, unprecedented high‐color‐purity is achieved in a prototype of current‐driven display panels. The outstanding performance of red, green, and blue (RGB) micro‐LED arrays with resonance‐enhanced photon recycling provides a deep insight into the design concepts and device structures for next‐generation display technology.
Flexible Alternating‐Current Electroluminescence Plunging to Below 1 Hz Frequency by Triboelectrification
Authors: Sun Yanshuo , Zhu Laipan , Yang Jin , Zhang Jianjun , Chen Baodong , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2021

Low frequency, portable power source is one of the key challenges for applications of wearable alternating‐current electroluminescent (ACEL) device because it typically requires a working frequency above 500 Hz. Here, an extremely low frequency self‐powered ACEL system is proposed, which consists of a vertical contact‐separation triboelectric nanogenerator and a self‐made flexible ACEL device. It achieves directly‐driven electroluminescence phenomenon in real‐time by triboelectrification and works completely self‐powered through converting kinetic energy of human body into electricity. The working frequency has fallen from 500 to 1 Hz, i.e., the real frequency needed for electroluminescence has dropped 500 times, which is due to the favorable low‐frequency high‐voltage advantages of the triboelectric nanogenerator. It delivers a stabilized open‐circuit voltage of 160 V and a short‐circuit current of 6 µA for applied force of 0.1 N. Meanwhile, a strong blueshift is also observed experimentally with the change of working frequency. Furthermore, a self‐powered medical protective gown is demonstrated that is real‐time monitoring both the temperature and humidity. This work breaking the bottleneck of high‐frequency driving, demonstrates the great potential of self‐powered ACEL systems in wearable electronics and medical health.
ScaffComb: A Phenotype‐Based Framework for Drug Combination Virtual Screening in Large‐Scale Chemical Datasets
Authors: Ye Zhaofeng , Chen Fengling , Zeng Jiangyang , Gao Juntao , Zhang Michael Q.
Published: November 2021

Combinational therapy is used for a long time in cancer treatment to overcome drug resistance related to monotherapy. Increased pharmacological data and the rapid development of deep learning methods have enabled the construction of models to predict and screen drug pairs. However, the size of drug libraries is restricted to hundreds to thousands of compounds. The ScaffComb framework, which aims to bridge the gaps in the virtual screening of drug combinations in large‐scale databases, is proposed here. Inspired by phenotype‐based drug design, ScaffComb integrates phenotypic information into molecular scaffolds, which can be used to screen the drug library and identify potent drug combinations. First, ScaffComb is validated using the US food and drug administration dataset and known drug combinations are successfully reidentified. Then, ScaffComb is applied to screen the ZINC and ChEMBL databases, which yield novel drug combinations and reveal an ability to discover new synergistic mechanisms. To our knowledge, ScaffComb is the first method to use phenotype‐based virtual screening of drug combinations in large‐scale chemical datasets.
Improved Protein Structure Prediction Using a New Multi‐Scale Network and Homologous Templates
Authors: Su Hong , Wang Wenkai , Du Zongyang , Peng Zhenling , Gao Shang‐Hua , Cheng Ming‐Ming , Yang Jianyi
Published: November 2021

The accuracy of de novo protein structure prediction has been improved considerably in recent years, mostly due to the introduction of deep learning techniques. In this work, trRosettaX, an improved version of trRosetta for protein structure prediction is presented. The major improvement over trRosetta consists of two folds. The first is the application of a new multi‐scale network, i.e., Res2Net, for improved prediction of inter‐residue geometries, including distance and orientations. The second is an attention‐based module to exploit multiple homologous templates to increase the accuracy further. Compared with trRosetta, trRosettaX improves the contact precision by 6% and 8% on the free modeling targets of CASP13 and CASP14, respectively. A preliminary version of trRosettaX is ranked as one of the top server groups in CASP14's blind test. Additional benchmark test on 161 targets from CAMEO (between Jun and Sep 2020) shows that trRosettaX achieves an average TM‐score ≈0.8, outperforming the top groups in CAMEO. These data suggest the effectiveness of using the multi‐scale network and the benefit of incorporating homologous templates into the network. The trRosettaX algorithm is incorporated into the trRosetta server since Nov 2020. The web server, the training and inference codes are available at: https://yanglab.nankai.edu.cn/trRosetta/.
Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO over Transition Metal/N‐Doped Carbon Catalysts: The Active Sites and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Liang Shuyu , Huang Liang , Gao Yanshan , Wang Qiang , Liu Bin
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to value‐added chemicals/fuels provides a promising way to mitigate CO2 emission and alleviate energy shortage. CO2‐to‐CO conversion involves only two‐electron/proton transfer and thus is kinetically fast. Among the various developed CO2‐to‐CO reduction electrocatalysts, transition metal/N‐doped carbon (M‐N‐C) catalysts are attractive due to their low cost and high activity. In this work, recent progress on the development of M‐N‐C catalysts for electrochemical CO2‐to‐CO conversion is reviewed in detail. The regulation of the active sites in M‐N‐C catalysts and their related adjustable electrocatalytic CO2 reduction performance is discussed. A visual performance comparison of M‐N‐C catalysts for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) reported over the recent years is given, which suggests that Ni and Fe‐N‐C catalysts are the most promising candidates for large‐scale reduction of CO2 to produce CO. Finally, outlooks and challenges are proposed for future research of CO2‐to‐CO conversion.
Ionic Diffusion‐Driven Ionovoltaic Transducer for Probing Ion‐Molecular Interactions at Solid–Liquid Interface
Authors: Han Junghyup , Yoon Sun Geun , Lee Won Hyung , Jin Huding , Cho Yong Hyun , Kim Youn Sang
Published: November 2021

Ion–solid surface interactions are one of the fundamental principles in liquid‐interfacing devices ranging from various electrochemical systems to electrolyte‐driven energy conversion devices. The interplays between these two phases, especially containing charge carriers in the solid layer, work as a pivotal role in the operation of these devices, but corresponding details of those effects remain as unrevealed issues in academic fields. Herein, an ion–charge carrier interaction at an electrolyte–semiconductor interface is interrogated with an ion‐dynamics‐induced (ionovoltaic) energy transducer, controlled by interfacial self‐assembled molecules. An electricity generating mechanism from interfacial ionic diffusion is elucidated in terms of the ion–charge carrier interaction, originated from a dipole potential effect of the self‐assembled molecular layer (SAM). In addition, this effect is found to be modulated via chemical functionalization of the interfacial molecular layer and transition metal ion complexation therein. With the aiding of surface analytic techniques and a liquid‐interfacing Hall measurement, electrical behaviors of the device depending on the magnitude of the ion‐ligand complexation are interrogated, thereby demonstrating the ion–charge carrier interplays spanning at electrolyte–SAM‐semiconductor interface. Hence, this system can be applied to study molecular interactions, including chemical and physical influences, occurring at the solid–liquid interfacial region.
Transcriptome analysis ofElymus breviaristatus‘Tongde’ under different nitrogen treatments
Authors: Yao Youhua , An Likun , Yao Xiaohua , Bai Yixiong , Li Xin , Li Xilai
Published: November 2021

Elymus breviaristatus‘Tongde’ is used for establishing artificial grasslands and is important for maintaining the balanced grassland ecosystem and for soil water conservation on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China. Nitrogen (N) is an important element that affects Tongde development. Thus, we investigated the rational application of N and the molecular mechanism involved. Transcriptome analysis (RNA‐Seq) was conducted using Tongde leaf and root samples produced under controlled conditions with different NH4NO3treatments (0, 40, 80, and 160 mg L–1). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined in the leaf and root tissues (0/40 vs. 80/160 mg L–1). We identified 109 DEGs in the leaf samples with 41 upregulated and 68 downregulated genes and 325 DEGs in the root samples with 71 upregulated and 252 downregulated genes. Analysis based on Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways indicated that members of the LOX and ELIP families were regulated by the NH4NO3concentration in the leaves, probably because the high N concentration promoted plant growth. In the root samples, ribosomal proteins were mainly regulated and may have affected sieve tube transport regulation or stress resistance. Changes in the expression levels ofNTRandNRfamily genes corresponded directly to N levels, indicating their important roles as regulatory genes. Nitrogen stress tolerance should be investigated further to understand the importance of N for Tongde development.
Vapor‐phase polymerization of high‐performance thin‐film composite membranes for nanofiltration
Authors: Li Wanbin , Yang Zhe , Yang Wulin , Guo Hao , Tang Chuyang Y.
Published: November 2021

Thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes are commendable semipermeable barriers for water treatment. Although conventionally immiscible interfaces between aqueous and organic solutions are widely utilized for obtaining TFC membranes, interfacial polymerization still suffers from the issues of harmful solvents, complex diffusion/reaction of the reactants, and thermodynamic and kinetic instability of interfaces. In this study, vapor‐phase polymerization with no requirements for organic solvent and immiscible interface is utilized for processing TFC nanofiltration membranes. Through cross‐linking ofβ‐cyclodextrin and piperazine layers by trimesoyl chloride vapor, polyester and polyamide TFC membranes with high cross‐linking degree are simply prepared in a scalable and reproducible manner. The prepared TFC membranes exhibit stable nanofiltration and desalination performance for all water, organic solvent, and water–organic mixture systems, with permeance up to an order of magnitude higher than that of commercial membranes.
Perceived monoracism and psychological adjustment of multiracial adults: The roles of racially diverse contexts and creating third space
Authors: Gabriel Abigail K. , Yoo Hyung Chol , Jackson Kelly F. , Guevarra Rudy P.
Published: November 2021

Across two studies, we examined whether racially diverse contexts in combination with creating a third (multiracial) space played a protective role in the association between perceived monoracism and psychological adjustment for multiracial adults. Study 1 participants (N = 263; 77.8% female, Mage = 32.16 years) were recruited from national multiracial organizations and completed an online cross‐sectional survey in 2009. Study 2 participants (N = 1478; 56.2% female, Mage = 48.89 years) were recruited by the Pew Research Center and completed a nationally representative survey in 2015. Results indicated significant three‐way interaction effects on psychological adjustment, with differential effects depending on the types of perceived monoracism. Specifically, when subjective racial diversity was high, creating a third space buffered against the deleterious effects of multiracial discrimination on distress, negative affect, and life satisfaction; while it exacerbated the link between perceived racial ambiguity and negative affect. This study provides empirical evidence for the importance of using an ecological framework when examining multiracial identity and experiences. Results also highlight the need to move beyond conceptualizing and measuring multiracial experiences as dichotomous risks or resiliencies. Rather, we should aim to understand multiracial experiences as either promoting or inhibiting across contexts, time, and individual characteristics.
Roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in patients with lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome: Open‐label, dose‐selection, lead‐in stage of a phase 3 study
Authors: Henry David H. , Glaspy John , Harrup Rosemary , Mittelman Moshe , Zhou Amy , Carraway Hetty E. , Bradley Charles , Saha Gopal , Modelska Katharina , Bartels Pamela , Leong Robert , Yu Kin‐Hung P.
Published: November 2021

Anemia is the predominant cytopenia in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and treatment options are limited. Roxadustat is a hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor approved for the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease in the UK, EU, China, Japan, South Korea, and Chile. MATTERHORN is a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in anemia of lower risk‐MDS. Eligible patients had baseline serum erythropoietin ≤ 400 mIU/mL, and a low packed RBC transfusion burden. In this open‐label (OL), dose‐selection, lead‐in phase, enrolled patients were assigned to 1 of 3 roxadustat starting doses (n = 8 each): 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mg/kg. The primary efficacy endpoint of the OL phase was the proportion of patients with transfusion independence (TI) for ≥ 8 consecutive weeks in the first 28 treatment weeks. A secondary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with a ≥ 50% reduction in RBC transfusions over an 8‐week period compared with baseline. Adverse events were monitored. Patients were followed for 52 weeks. Of the 24 treated patients, TI was achieved in 9 patients (37.5%) at 28 and 52 weeks; 7 of these patients were receiving 2.5 mg/kg dose when TI was achieved. A ≥ 50% reduction in RBC transfusions was achieved in 54.2% and 58.3% of patients at 28 and 52 weeks, respectively. Oral roxadustat dosed thrice weekly was well tolerated. There were no fatalities or progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Based on these outcomes, 2.5 mg/kg was the chosen starting roxadustat dose for the ongoing double‐blind study phase.
New Type of Aromatic π‐Systems for Anion Recognition: Strong Anion‐π and C−H⋅⋅⋅Anion Interactions Between Halides and Aromatic Ligands in Half‐Sandwich Compounds
Authors: Malenov Dušan P. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: November 2021

Half‐sandwich compounds of benzene, cyclopentadienyl, pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, and indenyl were studied as a new type of aromatic π‐systems for interactions with halide anions. Although uncoordinated benzene forms only C−H⋅⋅⋅anion interactions, and hexafluorobenzene forms only anion‐π interactions, aromatic ligands in half‐sandwich compounds can form both types of interactions, because their entire electrostatic potential surface is positive. These aromatic ligands can form stronger anion‐π interactions than organic aromatic molecules, as a consequence of more pronounced dispersion and induction energy components. Moreover, C−H⋅⋅⋅anion interactions of aromatic ligands are stronger than anion‐π interactions, and significantly stronger than C−H⋅⋅⋅anion interactions of benzene. Our study shows that transition‐metal coordination can make aromatic moieties suitable for strong interactions with anions, and gives insight into the design of new anion receptors.
Fumarate hydratase variant prevalence and manifestations among individuals receiving germline testing
Authors: Lu Eric , Hatchell Kathryn E. , Nielsen Sarah M. , Esplin Edward D. , Ouyang Karen , Nykamp Keith , Zavoshi Shirin , Li Shantao , Zhang Liying , Wilde Blake R. , Christofk Heather R. , Boutros Paul C. , Shuch Brian
Published: November 2021

Background

Germline variants in fumarate hydratase (FH) are associated with autosomal dominant (AD) hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) and autosomal recessive (AR) fumarase deficiency (FMRD). The prevalence and cancer penetrance across different FH variants remain unclear.

Methods

A database containing 120,061 records from individuals undergoing cancer germline testing was obtained. FH variants were classified into 3 categories: AD HLRCC variants, AR FMRD variants, and variants of unknown significance (VUSs). Individuals with variants from these categories were compared with those with negative genetic testing.

Results

FH variants were detected in 1.3% of individuals (AD HLRCC, 0.3%; AR FMRD, 0.4%; VUS, 0.6%). The rate of AD HLRCC variants discovered among reportedly asymptomatic individuals without a clear indication for HLRCC testing was 1 in 2668 (0.04%). In comparison with those with negative genetic testing, the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) prevalence was elevated with AD HLRCC variants (17.0% vs 4.5%; P < .01) and VUSs (6.4% vs 4.5%; P = .02) but not with AR FMRD variants.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HLRCC discovered incidentally on germline testing is similar to recent population carrier estimates, and this suggests that this is a relatively common cancer syndrome. Compared with those with negative genetic testing, those with VUSs had an elevated risk of RCC, whereas those with AR FMRD variants did not.
How therapists' emotion recognition relates to therapy process and outcome
Authors: Abargil Maayan , Tishby Orya
Published: November 2021

Empathy is an essential characteristic for therapists that explained 9% of the variance in treatment outcomes. Many measures of empathy are based on self‐report questionnaires. Therefore, they reflect how a person perceives his empathic abilities, which can be biased from his true abilities. The ability to recognize emotions has been found to be related to empathy and serves as a measure for the use of empathic abilities. In this study, we examined therapists' empathic abilities, using a novel task for recognizing emotions, and looked at how they related to the therapy process and outcomes. The study included 33 patient–therapist dyads. Therapist empathy was assessed with an emotion detection task, the JeFEE. Clients filled questionnaires after each session regarding therapy progress and their symptoms. We found that emotion recognition moderated the change in (a) client secure attachment to therapist, (b) client avoidant attachment to therapist, (c) client working alliance, (d) client rate of tense or upset they felt during the session, (e) client lack of emotional clarity of emotions, (f) client non‐acceptance of emotional responses, (g) client overall emotion regulation and (h) client main target complaint. Implication for therapy and therapists' selection and training are discussed.
Psychotherapists' acceptance of telepsychotherapy during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A machine learning approach
Authors: Békés Vera , Aafjes‐van Doorn Katie , Zilcha‐Mano Sigal , Prout Tracy , Hoffman Leon
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aimed to develop predictive models of three aspects of psychotherapists' acceptance of telepsychotherapy (TPT) during the COVID‐19 pandemic, attitudes towards TPT technology, concerns about using TPT technology and intention to use TPT technology in the future.

Method

Therapists (n = 795) responded to a survey about their TPT experiences during the pandemic, including quality of the therapeutic relationship, professional self‐doubt, vicarious trauma and TPT acceptance. Regression decision tree machine learning analyses were used to build prediction models for each of three aspects of TPT acceptance in a training subset of the data and subsequently tested in the remaining subset of the total sample.

Results

Attitudes towards TPT were most positive for therapists who reported a neutral or strong online working alliance with their patients, especially if they experienced little professional self‐doubt and were younger than 40 years old. Therapists who were most concerned about TPT were those who reported higher levels of professional self‐doubt, particularly if they also reported vicarious trauma experiences. Therapists who reported low working alliance with their patients were least likely to use TPT in the future. Performance metrics for the decision trees indicated that these three models held up well in an out‐of‐sample dataset.

Conclusions

Therapists' professional self‐doubt and the quality of their working alliance with their online patients appear to be the most pertinent factors associated with therapists' acceptance of TPT technology during COVID‐19 and should be addressed in future training and research.