bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of pyrido[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]dipyrimidines using CuFe2O4/KCC‐1/PMA as a novel and efficient nanocatalyst under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Sadeghi Seyyed Hojjat , Yaghoobi Morteza , Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2022

In this research, the synthesis of pyrido[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]dipyrimidines by CuFe2O4/KCC‐1/PMA magnetic nanoparticles was reported. Synthesis of pyrido[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]dipyrimidines was performed under solvent‐free conditions with good to excellent yields. The prepared nanocatalyst was synthesized in three steps and also was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and N2 adsorption–desorption measurement (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller [BET]) analyses. In addition, the reusability studies of CuFe2O4/KCC‐1/PMA showed that the recovered catalyst could be used for several times.
Isoconversional models toward the curing kinetics of self‐healable epoxy resin TGDDM and acid anhydride
Authors: Ma Zhihang , Wang Xiao , Li Junru , Li Xinlin , Zhang Chuanwei , Zhang Ruyi , Gu Yan , Zhang Pengfei
Published: June 2022

The reaction process and curing mechanism of self‐healable epoxy resin TGDDM and curing agent TA are complicated. In this paper, the curing reaction kinetic mechanism of the system is studied from the perspective of isoconversional models. The nth‐order model and autocatalysis model are established for observations of heat flow versus temperature and time during real‐time curing obtained by non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and evaluated under the standards of MSE, RMSE, and R‐square. Under the guidance of least squares fitting, the pre‐exponential factor (A), the activation energy (), the order of models (n, m) and other parameters in of the model are mainly estimated by Kissinger method, Ozawa method, Malek method, and other methods. The correlation between the activation energy () of the reaction and the degree of conversion also analyzed by the Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa method. The chemical reaction of the system is studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and the self‐healing property of the system is characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the esterification reaction occurred in the system, and the realization of the self‐healing property was also due to the transesterification reaction. In addition, the effect of the accelerator on the system is analyzed by the established autocatalysis model and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The result shows that the addition of the accelerator does not change the curing reaction mechanism of the system, but accelerated the reaction process and increased the glass transition temperature.
Differential influence of YAP1 and TAZ on differentiation of intestinal epithelial cell: A review
Authors: Fallah Sepideh , Beaulieu Jean‐François
Published: June 2022

Intestinal cell stemness, proliferation and differentiation are complex processes all occurring in distinct compartments of the crypt that need to be closely regulated to ensure proper epithelial renewal. The involvement of the Hippo pathway in intestinal epithelial proliferation and regeneration after injury via the regulation of its effectors YAP1 and TAZ has been well‐documented over the last decade. The implication of YAP1 and TAZ on intestinal epithelial cell differentiation is less clear. Using intestinal cell models in which the expression of YAP1 and TAZ can be modulated, our group showed that YAP1 inhibits differentiation of the two main intestinal epithelial cell types, goblet and absorptive cells through a specific mechanism involving the repression of prodifferentiation transcription factor CDX2 expression. Further analysis provided evidence that the repressive effect of YAP1 on intestinal differentiation is mediated by regulation of the Hippo pathway by Src family kinase activity. Interestingly, the TAZ paralog does not seem to be involved in this process, which provides another example of the lack of perfect complementarity of the two main Hippo effectors.
Supramolecular Ensembles Formed via Calix[5]arene‐Fullerene Host‐Guest Interactions
Authors: Hirao Takehiro , Haino Takeharu
Published: June 2022

This Review introduces the research directions for the synthesis of supramolecular fullerene polymers. First, the discovery of host‐guest complexes of pristine fullerenes is briefly outlined. We focus on progress in supramolecular fullerene polymers directed by the use of calix[5]arene‐fullerene interactions, which comprise linear, networked, helical arrays of fullerenes in supramolecular ensembles. The unique self‐sorting behavior of right‐handed and left‐handed helical supramolecular fullerene arrays is discussed. Thereafter, an extensive investigation of the calix[5]arene‐fullerene interaction for control over the chain structures of covalent polymers is introduced.
Changes in water demand resulting from pandemic mitigations in Southeast Michigan
Authors: Fritsche Jessica R. , Whitby Patricia , Griffin Eric , Norton John W. , Alfahham Nuha , Kuhns Timothy , Bell Katherine Y.
Published: June 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted many dimensions of daily life; including how and where people used water. These changes have important implications for water management and utility planning. This study quantifies regional water demand changes across 75 utilities in Southeast Michigan throughout 2020. Deviations were not uniform, with both increases and decreases noted in indoor base flow and average day demands. Effects on diurnal patterns included peak use decreasing but occurring later in the morning and lasting longer. Utility demand changes are statistically correlated to community characteristics of income, population density, job density, and daytime population as well as altered movement trends in response to shutdowns. Commuter communities and those with employment centers experienced greater demand deviations. Understanding the socio‐demographic factors behind the changes will help determine which patterns will be permanent or prevail post‐pandemic. Utilities will be able to better plan for water supplies, capital improvements, operations, and finances.
Identifying critical success factors for the agri‐food cold chain's sustainable development: When the strategy system comes into play
Authors: Su Miao , Woo Su‐Han , Chen Xiaochun , Park Keun‐sik
Published: June 2022

With serious environmental, cost, and social concerns arising from emerging countries' rapid growth in agricultural food cold chain (AFCC), AFCC firms urgently require a set of comprehensive sustainable strategic solutions. Therefore, this research identified and modeled the critical success factors (CSFs) that support the sustainable development of AFCCs. The study integrated institutional theory, stakeholder theory, and the triple bottom line model; it also surveyed cold chain experts from 16 different organizations in China and applied the adversarial interpretation structure model (AISM). This comprehensive analysis indicates that managing stakeholder pressure is the most motivating CSF of all strategies. This strategy eventually contributes to the sustainability of AFCC in China by driving other CSFs. Additionally, the study determined the degree of interdependence and dominance of different strategies. Thus, this study establishes a theoretical foundation for the sustainable improvement of AFCC organizations' business strategies and environmental policies.
Pan‐cancer analysis identifies CD300 molecules as potential immune regulators and promising therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Xu Zi‐jun , Jin Ye , Zhang Xin‐long , Xia Pei‐hui , Wen Xiang‐mei , Ma Ji‐chun , Lin Jiang , Qian Jun
Published: June 2022

Background

CD300s are a group of proteins playing vital roles in immune responses. However, much is yet to be elucidated regarding the expression patterns and clinical significances of CD300s in cancers.

Methods

In this study, we comprehensively investigated CD300s in a pan‐cancer manner using multi‐omic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We also studied the relationship between CD300s and the immune landscape of AML.

Results

We found that CD300A‐CD300LF were generally overexpressed in tumors (especially AML), whereas CD300LG was more often downregulated. In AML, transactivation of CD300A was not mediated by genetic alterations but by histone modification. Survival analyses revealed that high CD300A‐CD300LF expression predicted poor outcome in AML patients; the prognostic value of CD300A was validated in seven independent datasets and a meta dataset including 1115 AML patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CD300A expression could add prognostic value in refining existing risk models in AML. Importantly, CD300A‐CD300LF expression was closely associated with T‐cell dysfunction score and could predict response to AML immunotherapy. Also, CD300A was found to be positively associated with HLA genes and critical immune checkpoints in AML, such as VISTA, CD86, CD200R1, Tim‐3, and the LILRB family genes.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated CD300s as potential prognostic biomarker and an ideal immunotherapy target in AML, which warrants future functional and clinical studies.
Localized CO2 laser treatment of a recalcitrant oral ulceration in pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Chainani‐Wu Nita , Gopal‐Murthy Vinitha , Wu Aadi , Marinkovich M. Peter
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Recalcitrant oral lesions of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune blistering disease, can result in significant discomfort, difficulty in eating, and maintaining oral hygiene. Increasing the dosage of systemic medications to control such localized lesions results in an increased risk of adverse effects.

Case Presentation

We describe a male patient diagnosed at age 51 with PV by oral biopsy that included a direct immunofluorescence examination. After further baseline laboratory testing, he was started on prednisone and mycophenolate. These medications were slowly tapered with adjustments guided by clinical signs. Mycophenolate was replaced with intravenous immunoglobulin monthly infusions due to adverse effects about 2 years after initiation. During the 4.5‐year follow‐up period after diagnosis, his oral and skin lesions were well‐controlled apart from minor transient flares. However, a painful ulcerated lesion on the facial gingiva between #11 and 12 was nonresponsive, even with the use of topical clobetasol in trays. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was used to vaporize the recalcitrant lesion under local anesthesia. The procedure resulted in complete healing of ulceration with no recurrence until the most recent examination, 2 years postlaser surgery.

Conclusion

Adjunctive procedures that can facilitate a decrease in the cumulative dosage of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants have great value in the management of PV. CO2 laser vaporization is safe, with minimal morbidity and no long‐term side effects. It should be considered an adjunctive treatment option for the management of recalcitrant lesions in patients with oral PV.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

To our knowledge, this is the second report on the use of a CO2 laser in the treatment of recalcitrant oral lesions of PV and the first report with a documented long‐term resolution of the treated lesions.

What are the keys to the successful management of this case?

A localized recalcitrant lesion was treated with this approach. All other mucosal and cutaneous sites were well controlled on the patient's systemic medication regimen.

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

This approach is only relevant for the management of recalcitrant lesions in patients whose disease activity is otherwise well controlled. The availability of specialized equipment and trained clinicians is necessary.
Intelligent recognition of portrait sketch components for child autism assessment
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Xinyu , Chen Zhangmeng , Sun Qi , Zhang Xu , Liang Hui , Pan Junjun
Published: June 2022

For autistic children with slow language function, it is a classic and easy way to understand the development of their cognitive ability through simple painting experiments. Due to the lack of professional evaluators for painting assessment of autistic children, this article research and implement an intelligent assessment system for child autism through recognition of portrait sketch components. A portrait sketch database is constructed with the sample size of 30,400 after data expansion. The data consists of two formats: stroke vector sequence and 2D image. Then we propose a joint model coupled with LSTM and CNN features to automatically segment the portrait sketch components. It can perform better segmentation for exaggerated proportion and incomplete components samples. Finally, according to the evaluation criteria of the painting, we design an assessment model for child autism. The experiments are conducted in cooperation with relevant rehabilitation institutions to verify the effectiveness of the system. The analysis results show that our painting assessment system has a good ability to identify autistic tendencies. It can accurately evaluate children's autistic tendencies through “draw‐a‐man” experiments.
Thermal conductivity of salvaged fused cast alumina used in the glass industry
Authors: Wang Hsin , Hemrick James G.
Published: June 2022

Fused cast alumina (FCA) has been and continues to be used as a refractory material in energy intensive industries such as glass melting and chemical processing. In‐service degradation due to high temperature exposure in harsh environment affects the designed furnace thermal profiles and energy consumption. Phase transformation may occur at the refractory hot face during glass melting altering the properties. Three FCA blocks recovered from industrial furnaces were investigated in this study. The as‐received FCA consists primarily of a mixture of alpha (α) and beta (β) alumina that has a thermal conductivity value of 5–6 W/mK. The Hot Disk method was used to obtain thermal conductivity directly on the refractory blocks. At the hot face, a transformation from β to α alumina occurred and was confirmed by an X‐ray diffraction study. Thermal conductivity measurements as a function of position also showed a clear transition from β to α alumina at both ends of a complete block with no voids. Thermal conductivity of the α alumina tripled compared to β alumina. This study provides important information of heat transfer and thermal conductivity evolution to refractory manufacturers and users.
Hochdruck‐geeignete AM‐Konstruktionselemente mit hierarchisch‐funktionalen Metallstrukturen
Authors: Kiener Christoph , Boschert Stefan , Küsters Yves , Nicolai Alexander , Otto Robert
Published: June 2022

Unter den Methoden der additiven Fertigung (AM) bietet insbesondere das Metallpulverbett‐Laserstrahlschmelzen PBF‐LB/M die Möglichkeit, Bauteile für die Prozessverfahrenstechnik mit funktionalen Strukturen auszustatten: Aus dem digitalen 3D‐Modell entsteht direkt, ohne Einsatz mechanischer Werkzeuge, ein Bauteil mit mehreren funktionalen Kompartimenten. Dabei kann die prozesstechnische Funktionalität über mehrere geometrische Hierarchien („von 50 µm bis 50 cm”) gezielt adressiert und ortsaufgelöst in korrosions‐ und temperaturresistenten, hochdruckgeeigneten Legierungen gefertigt werden.
Zeitenwende in der Wirtschaft
Authors: Meyer Jens‐Uwe
Published: June 2022

Ukrainekrieg, Corona, Klimawandel, Lieferkettenprobleme – was viele Unternehmen aktuell erleben, ist eine Zeitenwende. Sie müssen ihre Geschäftsmodelle radikal überdenken und zum Teil neu erfinden, denn: Viele alte Wahrheiten gelten nicht mehr. Es bedarf eines “Reset” bzw. Neustarts auf allen Ebenen.
Bionische Optimierung im Druckbehälterbau
Authors: Becker Daniel , Gerling Sina , Kockmann Norbert
Published: June 2022

Bei der mechanischen Auslegung von chemischen Prozessapparaten sind bionische Leichtbaumethoden bisher nicht weit verbreitet. Die bionische Topologieoptimierung von Behälter‐Stutzen‐Verbindungen soll eine höhere Festigkeit der Geometrien bei gleichzeitig geringerem Gewicht ermöglichen. Die Ergebnisse der Optimierung ergeben mithilfe von FEM Simulationen eine Spannungsreduktion von ca. 5 %, während das Gewicht um 59,9 % verringert werden konnte. Prototypen der optimierten Geometrien werden anschließend in 3D‐Druckverfahren produziert.
Alle Anforderungen erfüllt
Authors: Häffner Markus
Published: June 2022

Bei einem Austausch oder bei Neuanlagen in der Chemieindustrie ist es sinnvoll, schon vor Ende der übergangsfrist 2025 die Anforderungen der neuen TA‐Luft zu berücksichtigen. Ineos hat deshalb in seiner neuen Chemieanlage TA‐Luft‐konforme Armaturen gemäß der Novelle von 2021 von AS‐Schneider installiert.
Grundlage für eine effiziente Digitalisierung
Authors: Glas Thilo , Spiegel Christoph , Diewald Christian
Published: June 2022

NOA und OPC UA ebnen den Weg zu Industrie 4.0 in der Prozessindustrie. Smarte IoT‐Tools warten lediglich auf die nötigen Daten. Längst sind in Brownfield‐Anlagen Tausende von intelligenten Feldgeräten installiert, die diese liefern könnten. Wie Diagnoseinformationen und Prozessmesswerte ohne großen Aufwand ihren Weg auf IoT‐Plattformen finden, zeigt eine skalierbare, sichere Best‐of‐Breed‐Lösung von drei erfahrenen Anbietern – die OT‐IT‐Bridge.
Mit Kraftmesstechnik Logistikkosten und CO2 sparen
Authors: Heidl Markus
Published: June 2022

Das Reduzieren von Kraftfahrzeugabgasen durch effizientere Logistikprozesse kann einen wesentlichen Beitrag leisten, um klimafreundlicher und CO2‐ärmer zu produzieren. Kraftmesstechnik mit Funksensoren und IIoT‐Infrastruktur schafft die dazu notwendige Voraussetzung – sogar auf dem Weg der Nachrüstung.
Local Anesthetics via Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Thomaidi Maria , Vagiaki Lida‐Evmorfia , Tripolitsiotis Nikolaos P. , Angeli Giasemi K. , Zarganes‐Tzitzikas Tryfon , Sidiropoulou Kyriaki , Neochoritis Constantinos G.
Published: June 2022

Local anesthetics occupy a prime position in clinical medicine as they temporarily relieve the pain by blocking voltage‐gated sodium channels. However, limited structural diversity, problems with the efficiency of syntheses and increasing toxicity, mean that alternative scaffolds with improved chemical syntheses are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrate a multicomponent reaction (MCR)‐based approach both towards the synthesis of commercial local anesthetics and towards novel derivatives as potential anesthesia candidates via scaffold hopping. The reactions are efficient and scalable, and several single‐crystal structures have been obtained. In addition, our methodology has been applied to the synthesis of the antianginal drug ranolazine, via an Ugi three‐component reaction. Representative derivatives from our libraries were evaluated as neuronal activity inhibitors using local field potential recordings (LFPs) in mouse hippocampal brain slices and showed very promising results. This study highlights new opportunities in drug discovery targeting local anesthetics.
Circulating tumor and invasive cell expression profiling predicts effective therapy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yu Kenneth H. , Park Jennifer , Mittal Avni , Abou‐Alfa Ghassan K. , El Dika Imane , Epstein Andrew S. , Ilson David H. , Kelsen David P. , Ku Geoffrey Y. , Li Jia , Park Wungki , Varghese Anna M. , Chou Joanne F‐L , Capanu Marinela , Cooper Brandon , Bartlett Andrew , McCarthy Devan , Sangar Vineet , McCarthy Brian , O'Reilly Eileen M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a refractory disease; however, modern cytotoxic chemotherapeutics can induce tumor regression and extend life. A blood‐based, pharmacogenomic, chemosensitivity assay using gene expression profiling of circulating tumor and invasive cells (CTICs) to predict treatment response was previously developed. The combination regimen of 5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) and gemcitabine/nab‐paclitaxel (G/nab‐P) are established frontline approaches for treating advanced PDAC; however, there are no validated biomarkers for treatment selection. A similar unmet need exists for choosing second‐line therapy.

Methods

The chemosensitivity assay was evaluated in metastatic PDAC patients presenting for frontline treatment. A prospective study enrolled patients (n = 70) before receiving either FOLFIRINOX or G/nab‐P at a 1:1 ratio. Six milliliters of peripheral blood was collected at baseline and at time of disease progression. CTICs were isolated, gene‐expression profiling was performed, and the assay was used to predict effective and ineffective chemotherapeutic agents. Treating physicians were blinded to the assay prediction results.

Results

Patients receiving an effective regimen as predicted by the chemosensitivity assay experienced significantly longer median progression‐free survival (mPFS; 7.8 months vs. 4.2 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.35; p = .0002) and median overall survival (mOS; 21.0 months vs. 9.7 months; HR, 0.40; p = .005), compared with an ineffective regimen. Assay prediction for effective second‐line therapy was explored. The entire study cohort experienced favorable outcomes compared with historical controls, 7.1‐month mPFS and 12.3‐month mOS.

Conclusions

Chemosensitivity assay profiling is a promising tool for guiding therapy in advanced PDAC. Further prospective validation is under way (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03033927).
MLPNN‐RF: Software fault prediction based on robust weight based optimization and Jacobian adaptive neural network
Authors: Thirukonda Krishnamoorthy Sivakumar Babu Rathish Babu , Sivasubramanian Suresh , Natarajan Sankarram
Published: June 2022

Software fault prediction (SFP) is a vital objective in software engineering. This might permit effective resource allocation and also enhance informed decisions about the release quality. SFP is being a critical issue for software professionals as well as the tech industry. Thus, SFP is necessary. The study intends to perform efficient error rate estimation using the proposed hybrid robust weight based optimization and Jacobian adaptive neural network (RWO‐JANN). It also aims to classify the software faults in an efficient way using multi‐layer perceptron neural network‐random forest (MLPNN‐RF). Various processes are involved to accomplish SFP. At first, the dataset is taken as input. After this, data preprocessing is performed. Subsequently, weights are initialized using the proposed RWO‐JANN. Weight initialization is performed through a series of steps. Then, the position and the weight parameter are updated to perform weight initialization. After this, the error rate is estimated and the weight is updated on the basis of the learning rate and Jacobian matrix calculation. Lastly, the decay rate is analyzed. If the error rate extends beyond the threshold value, the process repeats from weight initialization. If not, the testing process is performed and lastly the classified output for SFP is obtained by the proposed MLPNN‐RF. The proposed system is comparatively analyzed with the existing methods in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, sensitivity, specificity, and error rate. The analytical results revealed effective outcomes of proposed system than the existing techniques with accuracy of 99.01%.
Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries at Extreme Temperatures: Challenges, Strategies and Prospects
Authors: Qu Wenjia , Xia Jingyi , Luo Chong , Zhang Chen , Chen Renjie , Lv Wei , Yang Quanhong
Published: June 2022

High‐energy‐density‐batteries working at a wide‐temperature range are urgently required in many performance‐critical areas. Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSB) are promising high‐energy‐density batteries that have the potential to maintain high performance at extreme temperatures. However, some problems like severe shuttling and safety issues at high temperatures or sluggish reaction kinetics and charge‐transfer process at low temperatures decrease the performance and hinder their practical uses in extreme temperature conditions. Therefore, broadening the working temperature of LSB with stable electrochemical performance becomes a crucial topic. In this paper, the key stumbling blocks for high and low‐temperature LSB are comprehensively discussed. The solutions from the aspects of electrolyte and electrode materials are discussed to solve the aggravating shuttle effect and thermal safety issues under high temperature and the sluggish reaction kinetics under low temperature. Moreover, some specific promising solutions to extend the operating temperature range of LSB are also proposed and highlighted, which provide potential research directions on the practical LSB application in future.
Modeling factors to various drivers' actions due to vehicle malfunctions, the integrated latent class and latent variable model
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: June 2022

It is known that how individuals perceive the situation result in choices. However, it is unknown, how drivers process the information of vehicle malfunctions based on the situation at hand. In this study, we only considered drivers' actions in cases where vehicles had some forms of malfunction at the time of the crash. Also due to endogeneity bias, or aggregation of the error term, we did not include the vehicle malfunction directly in our model. In addition, we used the latent variable (LV) for class allocation. Although the latent class model considering latent variable (LCLV) is not comparable with other considered models, by means of log likelihood, the results expanded our understanding regarding the indirect impact of an indicator of vehicle malfunction by means of latent variable on drivers' actions. Due to inclusion of latent variables in both, the indicator and the choice models, the relationship between those two models could be revealed based on the impacts of the latent variables. It was found that, for instance, the latent variable, which decreases the likelihood of driving vehicles with brake defect, at the same time increases taking driver action of speeding. Or female drivers are less likely to be involved in speeding driving actions before crashes due to various vehicles malfunctions. Driving under the influence of drug or alcohol or being under emotional conditions were some of the factors impacting various drivers actions. This is the earliest study implemented the technique in the context of traffic safety.
Predicting time‐resolved electrophysiological brain networks from structural eigenmodes
Authors: Tewarie Prejaas , Prasse Bastian , Meier Jil , Mandke Kanad , Warrington Shaun , Stam Cornelis J. , Brookes Matthew J. , Van Mieghem Piet , Sotiropoulos Stamatios N. , Hillebrand Arjan
Published: June 2022

How temporal modulations in functional interactions are shaped by the underlying anatomical connections remains an open question. Here, we analyse the role of structural eigenmodes, in the formation and dissolution of temporally evolving functional brain networks using resting‐state magnetoencephalography and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data at the individual subject level. Our results show that even at short timescales, phase and amplitude connectivity can partly be expressed by structural eigenmodes, but hardly by direct structural connections. Albeit a stronger relationship was found between structural eigenmodes and time‐resolved amplitude connectivity. Time‐resolved connectivity for both phase and amplitude was mostly characterised by a stationary process, superimposed with very brief periods that showed deviations from this stationary process. For these brief periods, dynamic network states were extracted that showed different expressions of eigenmodes. Furthermore, the eigenmode expression was related to overall cognitive performance and co‐occurred with fluctuations in community structure of functional networks. These results implicate that ongoing time‐resolved resting‐state networks, even at short timescales, can to some extent be understood in terms of activation and deactivation of structural eigenmodes and that these eigenmodes play a role in the dynamic integration and segregation of information across the cortex, subserving cognitive functions.
Realist evaluation in times of decolonising global health
Authors: Renmans Dimitri , Sarkar Nandini , Van Belle Sara , Affun‐Adegbulu Clara , Marchal Bruno , Mukumbang Ferdinand C.
Published: June 2022

Realist evaluation (RE) is a theory‐driven evaluation approach inspired by scientific realism. It has become increasingly popular in the field of global health where it is often applied in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This makes it timely to discuss RE's relationship to the emerging decolonisation of global health movement. In this short perspective, we argue that the principles and practices that underpin RE have great potential to contribute to the decolonisation endeavour. Both the focus on the inclusion of local stakeholders and the openness to the rival theories these stakeholders bring to the fore, are promising. However, in practice, we see that a lack of acknowledgement of power imbalances and different ontologies and an overreliance on Western‐based theories thwart this potential. We therefore suggest that realist evaluations performed by external researchers, especially in the field of global health, should actively engage with issues of (power) inequities. This is not only the just thing to do, but will also contribute to a better understanding of the intervention and may facilitate the emancipation of the disenfranchised. One way of doing this is through the adoption of participatory (action) research methods, currently underused in realist evaluations. We finally give a short example of an evaluation that combines emancipatory and participatory practice development with a realist approach. The Afya‐Tek project in Tanzania has an innovative bottom‐up approach throughout the full evaluation cycle and shows the possible strength of the proposed combination to create better interventions, more empowered stakeholders, and more illuminating programme theories.
Effect of microalgae biodiesel blending on diesel engine characteristics
Authors: Murad Mariam E. , Al‐Dawody Mohamed F.
Published: June 2022

The current numerical work investigates the effect of using algae methyl ester (AME) blends with diesel fuel on diesel engine performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. Five volumetric blends of biodiesel drived from spirulina algae (20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% AME) have been examined numerically with help of Diesel‐RK and compared with diesel fuel. As a result of investigations, the addition of AME blends reduces the cylinder pressure and shifts it closer to Top Dead Center. The heat release rate reduced as the percentage of AME increased, whereas 30% AME reduces the heat release by 9.96%. All blends of AME to diesel decrease brake thermal efficiency (BTE) slightly and increase brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC), whereas using 30% AME reduces BTE 1.09% and increases BSFC 5.89% compared with diesel. The shorter delay time is observed by using the proposed AME blends recording reduction in the delay period starting from 18.23% up to 65.77%. Bosch smoke number decreases as a result of AME addition recording a 17.19% reduction in case of 30% AME while it increased after 70% AME. Promising reduction in SO2 emissions compared with diesel observed by an average of 14.08%, 21.78%, 38.41%, 56.28%, and 84.07% when using 20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% AME, respectively. Slight increase in CO2 emissions within the range of 1.17%–6.22% when using AME blends between 20% and 100%. On the basis of the main findings, the 30% AME biodiesel was noticed as the most excellent mixing proportion. The main contribution focuses on “How spirulina microalgae biodiesel can enhance the characteristics of a diesel engine.” The obtained results are compared with the findings of other studies.
Pelviureteric junction obstruction of the ipsilateral kidney caused by hydronephrosis secondary to crossed fused renal ectopia
Authors: Kato Taiki , Aoki Maria , Torii Koei , Hamakawa Takashi , Nishio Hidenori , Mizuno Kentaro , Ikegami Yosuke , Maruyama Tetsuji , Hayashi Yutaro , Yasui Takahiro
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Crossed fused renal ectopia is rare and usually asymptomatic. However, it is associated with urological anomalies.

Case presentation

A 15‐year‐old Japanese boy was transported to our hospital with right abdominal pain and hematuria after a soccer ball hit his right abdomen. Computed tomography revealed right hydronephrosis beyond the center of the body and no left kidney. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed immediately, and a pyeloplasty was scheduled for 5 months later. Right hydronephrosis was noted to have been caused by left pelvic expansion due to a crossed fused ectopic kidney (secondary to a left pelviureteric junction obstruction). Subsequently, a left dismembered pyeloplasty was performed. Twenty‐four months later, pain and hematuria were absent, and the creatinine level was 1.1 mg/dL. Ultrasonography revealed a shrunken right kidney.

Conclusion

We encountered a unique urological anomaly with crossed fused renal ectopia. Comprehensive anatomical evaluation before surgery is important for maintaining long‐term renal function.
Paraurachal paraganglioma
Authors: Tsuruta Masafumi , Goto Takayuki , Kono Jin , Kita Yuki , Masui Kimihiko , Sano Takeshi , Fujimoto Masakazu , Sawada Atsuro , Akamatsu Shusuke , Kobayashi Takashi
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are frequently reported around the abdominal aorta; however, are extremely rare near the urachus.

Case presentation

A 78‐year‐old woman was referred to the urology department of our hospital for further examination and treatment of a 1.2‐cm tumor in the lower abdominal wall, a tumor excision was then performed. On immunohistochemical staining, the tumor and supporting cells were positive for chromogranin A and the S 100 protein, respectively, and were diagnosed as PGL. The PGL was thought to be derived from chromaffin cells that migrated to the wall of the urachus during embryonic life and remained even after the wall regressed.

Conclusion

We report a case of PGL near the urachus that can be explained by the distribution of the sympathetic network around the midline of the lower abdominal wall during embryonic development. Therefore, PGL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of periurachal tumors.
ROBO‐GOLF: Robotic mowers for better turf quality on golf courses—Preliminary results
Authors: Hesselsøe Karin J. , Borchert Anne F. , Aamlid Trygve S.
Published: June 2022

Since 2020, the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy (NIBIO) Turfgrass Research Group has been studying agronomic, environmental, and economic consequences of switching to light‐weight robotic mowers on golf course fairways and semiroughs. Preliminary results from field trials in 2020 and 2021 at the NIBIO Turfgrass Research Center Landvik, Norway, and demonstration trials on one golf course in each of the five Nordic countries, showed that turfgrass quality with robotic mowing was similar to manual mowing. At Landvik, robotic mowing resulted in less disease in both fairway and semirough but more infestation of white clover than manual mowing in the semirough. A survey of players’ attitudes to robotic mowers conducted on the five golf courses showed that about 90% of the players were positive or neutral to the new technology. However, respondents asked for better adaptation of the local rules on the golf course and even the international rules of golf to robotic mowing.
Synthesis, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic activity of novel pyrazolo[4,3‐c][2,1]benzothiazine 4,4‐dioxide derivatives
Authors: Vo Ngoc Binh , Ngo Quoc Anh
Published: June 2022

13 novel pyrazolo[4,3‐c][2,1]benzothiazine 4,4‐dioxide derivatives that mimic the pharmacophore of piroxicam as well as celecoxib were conveniently synthesized in a catalyst‐free and atom‐economical method in which an unconventional redox‐neutral reaction of 2‐nitrochalcones with elemental sulfur to straightforward access to 2,1‐benzothiazine 2,2‐dioxide core is the key step. Eight new pyrazolo[4,3‐c][2,1]benzothiazine derivatives significantly inhibited NO production than the positive control. Besides that, most of the compounds exhibited weak cytotoxic activity suggesting a potent and selective antiinflammatory activity related to the antiproliferative activity of these novel compounds. Thus, incorporation of the pharmacophoric groups of the two above drugs in a single molecule plays an important role in determining a better antiinflammatory activity of the new compounds.
Exploring the molecular interaction of pheniramine with Enterococcus faecalis homoserine kinase: In‐silico studies
Authors: Yadav Jyoti , Singh Harpreet , Pal Sudhir Kumar , Das Satyajeet , Srivastava Vijay Kumar , Jyoti Anupam , Sharma Vinay , Kumar Sanjit , Kaushik Sanket
Published: June 2022

Infections caused by the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (also known as E. faecalis) are common in hospitals. This bacterium is resistant to a wide range of medicines and causes a variety of nosocomial infections. An increase in the number of infections caused by multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria is causing substantial economic and health issues around the world. Consequently, new therapeutic techniques to tackle the growing threat of E. faecalis infections must be developed as soon as possible. In this regard, we have targeted a protein that is regarded to be critical for the survival of bacteria in this experiment. Homoserine kinase (HSK) is a threonine metabolism enzyme that belongs to the GHMP kinase superfamily. It is a crucial enzyme in threonine metabolism. This enzyme is responsible for a critical step in the threonine biosynthesis pathway. Given the important function that E. faecalis Homoserine Kinase (ESK) plays in bacterial metabolism, we report here cloning, expression, purification and structural studies of E. faecalis HSK using homology modelling. In addition, we have reported on the model's molecular docking and Molecular Dynamic Stimulation (MD Stimulation) investigations to validate the results of the docking experiments. The results were promising. In silico investigations came up with the conclusion: pheniramine has good binding affinity for the E. faecalis HSK.
Electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometric study of fused nitrogen‐containing ring systems
Authors: Krajsovszky Gábor , Dalmadiné Kiss Borbála , Ludányi Krisztina , Mándity István M. , Bogdán Dóra
Published: June 2022

Four fused nitrogen‐containing ring systems were investigated by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry: Pyridazino‐indoles, pyridazino‐quinolines, a pyrimido‐quinoline derivative and pyrimido‐cinnolines. Fragmentation patterns of these compounds are discussed and compared. Several characteristic cross‐ring fragments were formed mainly on the pyridazine and pyrimidine rings of the ring systems. The connected Cl, NO2, Me, Ph and more extended heterocyclic substituents influenced the fragmentation.
Canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling has positive effects on osteogenesis, but can have negative effects on cementogenesis
Authors: Li Tiancheng , Wang Han , Jiang Yukun , Guan Yuzhe , Chen Shuo , Wu Zuping , Zou Shujuan , Bonewald Lynda Faye , Duan Peipei
Published: June 2022

Background

To date, therapeutic approaches for cementum regeneration are limited and outcomes remain unpredictable. A significant barrier to improve therapies for cementum regeneration is that the cementocyte and its intracellular signal transduction mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of Wnt pathway in cementogenesis.

Methods

The effects of canonical Wnt signaling were compared in vitro using immortalized murine cementocyte cell line IDG‐CM6 and osteocyte cell line IDG‐SW3 by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, confocal microscopy, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and Alizarin red S staining. In vivo, histological changes of cementum and bone formation were examined in transgenic mice in which constitutive activation of β‐catenin is driven by Dmp1 promoter.

Results

Expression of components of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway were much greater in the IDG‐SW3 cells compared with the IDG‐CM6 cells resulting in much lower expression of Sost/sclerostin in the IDG‐SW3 cells. In the IDG‐CM6 cells, low dose Wnt3a (20 ng/ml) had a modest effect while high dose (200 ng/ml) inhibited runt‐related transcription factor 2, osterix, ALP, and osteopontin in contrast to the IDG‐SW3 cells where high dose Wnt3a dramatically increased mRNA expression of these same markers. However, high Wnt3a significantly increased mRNA for components of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in both IDG‐CM6 and IDG‐SW3 cells. In vivo, constitutive activation of β‐catenin in the Dmp1‐lineage cells in mice leads to bone hyperplasia and cementum hypoplasia.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that Wnt signaling has distinct and different effects on the regulation of long bone as compared with cementum.
Associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms and abuse experiences in child and adolescent girls from a Central African country
Authors: Wa Mwenda Jonas Kakungu Assani , Kisungu Basile Kalema , Jean Baptiste Kakoma N'dusu , Alyousef Hala Ayaman , Meng Heng
Published: June 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently reported among survivors of abuse. However, there is a paucity of research examining the association between PTSD and abuse, including polyvictimization, in nonconflict areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of PTSD among girls in nonconflict zones who experienced at least one type of abuse. Participants in this cross‐sectional study were 3,011 middle‐school girls, aged 11–18 years, who attended randomly selected schools and completed questionnaires. The probable PTSD prevalence was 67.5%. The rate of probable PTSD increased with the number of experienced abuse types over a 12‐month period. The findings demonstrated associations between probable PTSD and exposure to five (86.9%), four (63.9%), and three types of abuse (60.1%). The strongest association was observed between probable PTSD and experiencing five types of abuse, OR = 26.806, 95% CI [19.303, 37.225]; associations were also found between PTSD and abuse with a weapon, OR = 4.341, 95% CI [3.519, 5.354]; rape with penetration, OR = 4.728, 95% CI [3.447, 6.484]; and experiencing three, OR = 6.625, 95% CI [4.325, 10.148], or four types of abuse, OR = 7.114, 95% CI [5.025,10.070]. The findings of this study underscore the importance of the need for psychological and physical health care for girls who have been exposed to abuse, regardless of the number of abuse experiences or abuse types she has experienced.
Mutation Screening of TFG in α‐Synucleinopathy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Li Chunyu , Lin Junyu , Gu Xiaojing , Hou Yanbing , Liu Kuncheng , Jiang Qirui , Ou Ruwei , Wei Qianqian , Chen Xueping , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Chen Yongping , Shang Huifang
Published: June 2022

Background

Recently, p.R383H in TFG was identified as the disease cause in a family with α‐synucleinopathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, no further replication has been conducted in larger cohorts.

Objective

The aim was to explore the genetic role of TFG in α‐synucleinopathy and ALS.

Methods

We analyzed the rare protein‐coding variants in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), ALS, multiple system atrophy (MSA), spastic paraplegia (N = 2709), and 7536 controls with whole‐exome sequencing.

Results

Nine rare variants were identified in PD and two in MSA. One PD patient carried the same variant p.R383H. Similarly, this patient developed early‐onset PD with bradykinesia and rigidity on the left side as the initial symptoms. However, at the gene level, rare variants of TFG were not enriched in patients.

Conclusions

Rare variants of TFG were not enriched in α‐synucleinopathy and ALS. However, we could not deny the potential pathogenicity of specific variants such as p.R383H. Further exploration is still necessary. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Absolutely continuous and pure point spectra of discrete operators with sparse potentials
Authors: Molchanov Stanislav , Safronov Oleg , Vainberg Boris
Published: June 2022

We consider the discrete Schrödinger operator
with a sparse potential
and find conditions guaranteeing either existence of wave operators for the pair
and
or presence of dense purely point spectrum of the operator
on some interval
with
.
A phase separation model for binary fluids with hereditary viscosity
Authors: Grasselli Maurizio , Poiatti Andrea
Published: June 2022

We consider a diffuse interface model for an incompressible binary viscoelastic fluid flow. The model consists of the Navier–Stokes–Voigt equations where the instantaneous kinematic viscosity has been replaced by a memory term incorporating hereditary effects coupled with the Cahn–Hilliard equation with Flory–Huggins potential. The resulting system is subject to no‐slip condition for the (volume averaged) fluid velocity
and to no‐flux boundary conditions for the order parameter
and the chemical potential
. We first establish the well‐posedness of the initial and boundary value problem. Then, taking advantage of an Ekman‐type damping, we obtain a dissipative estimate. Thus, we can define a dissipative dynamical system on a suitable phase space. Also, we show that any weak solution is such that
regularizes in finite time, and in dimension two, it stays uniformly away from pure phases; that is, the instantaneous strict separation property holds. Finally, we prove the existence of the global attractor, and exploiting the strict separation property, we demonstrate that an exponential attractor exists in dimension two.
Optimization design of sphere‐tube‐coupled photoacoustic cell and application of nitrogen dioxide detection
Authors: Li Zhengang , Liu Jiaxiang , Si Ganshang , Ning Zhiqiang , Fang Yonghua , Pan Ying
Published: June 2022

Based on photoacoustic spectroscopy, a high‐sensitivity sphere‐tube‐coupled photoacoustic cell suitable for gas detection in the ultraviolet to the near‐infrared band (UV‐NIR) was developed. A diffuse reflection sphere with the inner wall coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was invoked as a long optical path cell, and the light beam was reflected multiple times on the inner wall of the sphere to increase the absorption path of the gas. An aluminum tube was used as a resonance cavity, which worked in the first‐order longitudinal resonance mode to amplify the photoacoustic signal. To improve the performance of the photoacoustic cell and the detection ability of the gas to be measured, the geometric parameters of the photoacoustic cell were optimized through finite element simulation, which not only reduced the volume of the photoacoustic cell but also increased the sound pressure and quality factor. To compare the detection performance of the photoacoustic cell before and after optimization, relevant experiments were carried out with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as an example. The results showed that the response capacity of the photoacoustic cell for NO2 increased from 0.52546 to 0.61294 mV/ppm. The minimum detection limit was reduced from 270 to 68 ppt, and the average time of Allan deviation was 100 s. Additionally, due to the wide band high reflectance of PTFE, the gases with absorption peaks in UV‐NIR could realize high‐sensitivity detection based on the long optical path and acoustic resonance.