bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly effective bi‐functional electrochemical activity of Ag2O‐PrO2/γ‐Al2O3 electrocatalysts towards OER and ORR
Authors: Khan Mariam , Janjua Naveed Kausar , Ahmad Awais , Luque Rafael , Al‐Kahtani Abdullah A. , Tighezza Ammar Mohamed
Published: June 2022

The oxygen reduction and evolution reaction (ORR/OER), are the keystones for many energy generating and storage devices, have influence with many electrocatalytic reactions. The sluggish kinetics of these reaction is a challenging situation on the surface of electrodes which imposes large over‐potential and affects the energy output of fuel cells. Although the platinum‐based electrode materials have excellent activity toward ORR/OER but their high cost limits commercialization of fuel cells. To deal with this problem, platinum‐free electrode materials has aroused the considerations of scientists. The present work is proposed to study the oxygen reduction reaction and water oxidation on the surface of xAg2O‐yPrO2/γ‐Al2O3/Glassy‐Carbon. The ORR was studied electrochemically via cyclic voltammetry on the surface of these nano‐catalysts while the OER was investigated via cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry in alkaline media. The mechanism of ORR on catalysts surface was enquired and the results indicate that ORR followed two electrons pathway in case of 10PrO2/γ‐Al2O3/Glassy‐Carbon while four electrons reduction pathway is identified on surface of others catalysts which divulged that addition of silver with praseodymium shifted the mechanism from 2e− to 4e− pathway. The electrocatalysts featured the stability during multiple scans and no corrosion of electrode in OER/ORR is observed. Different kinetic parameters for both reactions are determined which affirmed that both ORR and OER on the active surface of catalysts is irreversible and diffusion controlled. 4Ag2O‐6PrO2/γ‐Al2O3 is indicated to be proficient electro‐catalyst among other members of the series, having greater value of mass transport and diffusion coefficients. The bi‐functionality of all electrocatalysts are verified by their electrochemical responses in alkaline medium. The catalytic reduction of oxygen and oxidation of water by these electro‐catalysts imitates their potential as electrode material in batteries and unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFC) technology for energy production as substitute of platinum electrode.
Addressing Organizational Change in the Evolving Energy Marketplace
Authors: Campbell Colleen , Rasmussen Shawna , Johnstone Kate
Published: June 2022

In the last few years, energy and utility companies have needed to manage a substantial amount of change to meet the need for a low‐carbon and clean energy economy. These changes have required significant levels of investment in new business models, managing the electric grid and system operations, and increased renewable energy and smart technologies. A transition of significant proportion for an industry which touches every aspect of our daily lives. Utilities that successfully manage the transition to a clean energy economy will likely flourish, while others will likely lose market shares to retail energy providers and competitors offering self‐generation alternatives. Retail energy and technology providers will also need to adapt as the pace of this clean energy transition quickens to meet global, national, and state climate mitigation goals. This transition curve is intensified due to several factors, including the ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic, hybrid work models, digital transformation, industry talent shifts and workforce shortages, supply‐chain constraints, and increasing regulatory demands. How an organization views and prepares for this transition can present both opportunities and challenges for the industry.
Energy Efficiency Subsidies and Mandates: Not All they're Hyped Up to be
Authors: Costello Kenneth W.
Published: June 2022

Advocates praise the use of energy efficiency (EE) for reducing climate change and the energy bills of consumers. Many contend that it is the most economical way to decrease carbon emissions—that by reducing energy consumption along with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, these initiatives more than pay for themselves. Advocates of EE also believe that much more needs to be done to encourage and even mandate further EE investments by energy consumers.
A Long Economic View on the FERC's New Policy Statements on Natural Gas Pipelines
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: June 2022

I first contributed to this journal in October 1994, when it was called simply Natural Gas. In those days, great battles raged before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including between natural gas distributors whose groups I represented—including the 22 distributors in New England, and the natural gas pipeline companies that had historically served them—including Tennessee, Texas Eastern, and Transco. NERA's close involvement generally in regulatory problems involving the 1938 Natural Gas Act (NGA) goes back to the 1950s—particularly the work of my late colleague and friend at NERA, Professor Alfred E. Kahn, on behalf of a group that would later be known as the Associated Gas Distributors (AGD). In such a way, NERA has wrestled with US natural gas industry problems under the NGA for over 65 years. We have the long perspective.
Europe's Natural Gas Challenge and Help from the United States
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: June 2022

In the wake of Russia's seizure of the Crimea in 2014, then US President Barack Obama pledged to help Europe wean itself off its deep dependence on Russian natural gas—a strategic weapon Russia could use to compel most of Europe to politically and socially stand down when it was helpful to Russia's objectives to do so. President Obama pledged that if a few issues were resolved, the United States could provide significant amounts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe to displace dependence on Russian supplies. One weakness in President Obama's pledge was that the US did not yet have any operational LNG export capability.
Integrating Aster 07XT, Landsat 8, and aeromagnetic data for the delineation of potential mineralization sites in North Cameroon
Authors: Anaba Fotze Quentin Marc , Bikoro Bi‐Alou Marcelin , Ndougsa‐Mbarga Théophile , Bailly Laurent , Bernard Julien , Penaye Joseph , Sep Nlomngan Jean Paul , Djieto Lordon Anatole Eugene , Ketchaya Yanick Blaise , Moussango Ibohn Patrice Augustin
Published: June 2022

In mineral exploration, detailed hydrothermally altered minerals mapping is an important approach prior to the field campaign. The study area contains several gold‐bearing quartz veins associated with hydrothermally altered zones rich in sulphides, muscovite/sericite, iron oxides, and hydrous silica. In this study, Aster 07XT, Landsat 8, and aeromagnetic data were integrated to detect potential zones associated with gold mineralization in Northern Cameroon. For this purpose, the relative band absorption depth, band ratioing, and analytic signal techniques were applied to enhance, identify and map hydrothermal alteration minerals, that is, hydroxyl‐bearing, iron oxide/hydroxide. In addition, a semi‐automatic approach was applied to extract remotely sensed and aeromagnetic lineaments from PCI Geomatica and Centre for Exploration Targeting Grid Analysis respectively. Hence, several potential mining targets were delineated from the processing of both remote sensing and aeromagnetic data. The major directions of the lineaments affecting the area include NE–SW/ENE–WSW, E–W, and N–S. Detailed field campaigns, petrographic analyses, and spectral measurements of rock samples were carried out in Tchollire and environs to verify the results from remotely sensed data. The analytical observations indicated the presence of quartz, epidote, chlorite, magnetite, haematite, sericite, galena, sulphide, telluride minerals, etc. Moreover, the target hydrothermal alteration zones were proved to be spatially associated with known mining areas and gold occurrences in the study area. Consequently, new prospective mining areas have been designated. This study confirmed the reliability and applicability of the processing of satellite imagery in mineral exploration in Northern Cameroon. It is suggested that the dataset used in this study provides a suitable tool for mapping hydrothermal alteration minerals linked to gold deposits and can be applied in other provinces with similar geological settings.
Neurocognitive decline as a major predictor of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy among adults living with HIV in Dodoma region, central Tanzania
Authors: Nyundo Azan A.
Published: June 2022

Background

The survival of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome largely depends on good adherence to antiretroviral medications. Neuropsychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorders (MDDs) and neurocognitive disorders, in particular, are common in the HIV population and attributed to suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral treatment and overall poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between neurocognitive disorders and nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Dodoma region's adult population living with HIV.

Methods

The study was conducted in Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital using a cross‐sectional design to assess 397 participants through a systematic sampling approach. Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to determine neurocognitive function, while the Simplified Medical Adherence Questionnaire was used to assess nonadherence to ART. Logistic regression analysis was computed to determine the association between cognitive decline and nonadherence to ART while controlling for sociodemographic and clinical confounders.

Results

Out of the 397 recruited participants, 266 (67.00%) and 41 (10.33%) met the criteria for neurocognitive decline and nonadherence to ART. Participants with cognitive impairment had a significantly poorer adherence rate than those without, even after controlling for confounders adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.183 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.031, 4.630, p = 0.0413). MDD was the only additional factor that remained significantly associated with ART nonadherence (aOR: 4.332, 95% CI: 1.634, 11.485, p = 0.0032).

Conclusion

Neurocognitive disorders are strong predictor of suboptimal adherence to ART; a comorbid neuropsychiatric condition such as MDD may further compromise the ART adherence rate leading to poor HIV care and poor clinical outcome. Further research with systematic and more robust studies in the field will provide a baseline to design and integrate appropriate care models to maximize ART adherence in HIV care. Integration of psychiatric services in HIV care can benefit the overall patient outcome.
The asymmetric impact of oil price uncertainty on emerging market financial stress: A quantile regression approach
Authors: Das Debojyoti , Dutta Anupam , Jana Rabin K. , Ghosh Indranil
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the effects of the crude oil implied volatility index (OVX) upon emerging market financial stress (EMFS). We resort to a quantile regression framework as this approach is a better alternative to disentangle the relationship under different market conditions. Besides, we also examine how EMFS responds to the lags and asymmetries in the OVX. The empirical results show significantly positive impacts of OVX upon EMFS. Further, the effects of OVX become more assertive in the upper quantiles of EMFS, implying higher sensitivity to OVX when stress levels are high. In terms of the lagged effects, the relationship is transient as the OVX coefficients become weaker with increasing lag sizes. We further find that only positive impulses in OVX can significantly predict EMFS. Lastly, we report evidence that the Credit market stress is a crucial driver of EMFS.
Fair value hierarchy, bargaining power, and audit pricing across audit firms’ client portfolios
Authors: Clark Stanley , Vagner Brandon , Ward Terry
Published: June 2022

This study explores how the presence of Level 2 and/or 3 fair value assets (FVA_23) influences audit pricing across small and large clients for Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 audit firms. Through analysis of 7918 firm‐year observations, we investigate whether companies with FVA_23 incur higher audit fees than companies without FVA_23 and the differences between how Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 firms price risk for large and small companies. Our theoretical basis is product differentiation and economic importance, which suggest competing influences on audit fees based on firm and company size. We are the first to analyze the effect of FVA_23 on audit fees with the United States sample including all industries during a stabilized regulatory period, and we are the first to explore the effect of FVA_23 on audit pricing across small and large audit clients for Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 firms. We find companies with FVA_23 incur higher audit fees than companies without FVA_23. More specifically, we find small and large companies realize different audit fees compared to companies of similar size without FVA_23. Additionally, Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 firms price audits with FVA_23 differently than audits without FVA_23. Furthermore, Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 audit pricing is influenced by FVA_23 differently based on company size.
Ligand‐assisted imprinting‐probe‐labeling strategy reveals Siglec‐7 ‐ glycoprotein interactions
Authors: Li Pei‐Jhen , Kawade Sachin Kisan , Adak Avijit K. , Shen Yu‐Ju , Fan Chen‐Yo , Hsieh Yu‐Heng , Angata Takashi , Chen Yu‐Ju , Lin Chun‐Cheng
Published: June 2022

The development of a ligand‐assisted imprinting probe (i.e., LIP 1) for the site‐specific labeling of recombinant Siglec‐7 protein (rSiglec‐7) is reported. LIP 1 is a LIP bearing a ganglioside GD3 glycan, a natural ligand for Siglec‐7, that is embedded in an ortho‐hydroxyl cinnamate core, which exhibits UV‐light‐dependent conformational changes, and is appended with a clickable alkyne handle. LIP 1 enables the selective introduction of an alkyne at the threonine residue 91 (Thr91), which is proximal to the carbohydrate‐binding pocket of Siglec‐7, as identified by LC–MS/MS analysis. By using LIP 1, an azide‐containing environment‐sensitive merocyanine dye is conjugated to rSiglec‐7 by a click reaction, which is capable of directly imaging live HeLa cells as a result of highly specific interactions with cell‐surface glycoproteins containing sialic acid. Moreover, the conjugation of doxorubicin (Dox) to alkynylated rSiglec‐7 retains the original activity of protein binding to the interacting natural GD3 glycan ligand, as revealed by microarray analysis; hence, the rSiglec‐7 conjugate can serve as cargo (Dox)‐delivery vehicle to Siglec‐ligand‐expressing HeLa cells. The LIP labeling strategy described herein is expected to be a general strategy for the future development of glycoprobes for investigating lectin‐glycan interactions.
Preparation of rGO‐CNT/Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 composite with enhanced photoresponse properties as a highly effective visible light driven photocatalyst
Authors: Alijani Hassan , Kaveh Reyhaneh
Published: June 2022

In this study a facile method to synthesize a new type of photocatalyst by coating Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 composite on rGO‐CNT network was reported. The composite of Silver orthophosphate/Niobium(V) oxide (Ag3PO4/Nb2O5) was prepared through depositing Ag3PO4 particles on the surface of Nb2O5 particles. The prepared Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 composite photocatalyst shows a much higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB than pure Ag3PO4 and Nb2O5 under simulated sunlight. This can be related to the efficient separation of photoinduced electron/hole pairs derived from the Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 heterojunction. Moreover, the prepared reduced Graphene Oxide‐Carbon nanotube (rGO‐CNT) network inhibits the restacking of sheets of Graphene Oxide (GO) during the reduction process and can create fast electronic conducting channels, making this an effective strategy for improving the photocatalytic performance of the prepared composite of Ag3PO4/Nb2O5. The degradation rate constant (kapp) of the optimized rGO‐CNT/Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 photocatalyst was higher by a factor of 6.7 times than that of the corresponding Ag3PO4 nanoparticles. The synergistic interactions between Ag3PO4, Nb2O5, and the presence of rGO‐CNT network lead to an increased surface area, a decreased aggregation of the particles, a reduced recombination rate for the photogenerated electron/hole pairs, and an efficient charge carrier transfer. In addition, no loss of photocatalytic activity was observed after six recycles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Strain‐mediated electrical and optical properties of novel lead‐free CuFe2O4–KNbO3 nanocomposite solid solutions: A combined experimental and Density Functional Theory studies
Authors: I. B. Shameem Banu , Raman Rajesh , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , P. Komalavalli , B. H. Poornima , S. Divyalakshmi , S. Sathik Basha , A. Sathya Priya , Hussain Shamima
Published: June 2022

This article summarizes the strain‐mediated electrical and optical properties of novel lead‐free xCuFe2O4 (1 − x) KNbO3 (x = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) multiferroic nanocomposite through a solid state route. X‐ray diffraction analysis divulges the influence of interfacial strain in the KNbO3–CuFe2O4 matrix and shows the coexistence of orthorhombic and cubic spinel phases, respectively. Morphological analysis reveals that the average particle size of 0.3CuFe2O4–0.7KNbO3 is 25 nm which is smaller than the other two nanocomposites. The UV–visible absorption studies and Raman spectroscopy of 0.3CuFe2O4–0.7KNbO3 nanocomposite present the high energy bandgap and electro coupling of KNbO3 and CuFe2O4 phases. The DFT theoretical bandgap behaviors of all the three nanocomposites synchronize with the experimental bandgap results. Dielectric, ferroelectric and magnetoelectric behaviors are also improved in 0.3CuFe2O4–0.7KNbO3 nanocomposite as compared to pristine KNbO3 and the other two nanocomposites.

Highlights

This article summarizes the strain‐mediated electrical and optical properties of novel lead‐free xCuFe2O4–(1 − x) KNbO3 (x = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) multiferroic nanocomposite through a solid state route.

X‐ray diffraction analysis divulges the influence of interfacial strain in the KNbO3–CuFe2O4 matrix and shows the coexistence of orthorhombic and cubic spinel phases, respectively.

The 0.3CuFe2O4–0.7 KNbO3 nanocomposite shows a remarkable increase in the optical bandgap, remnant polarization, dielectric permittivity, and magnetoelectric coefficient compared to the other two nanocomposites.

DFT calculations on KNbO3–CuFe2O4 matrix reveal the impact of diffusion between two phases and support the bandgap experimental results.
Intermittent neurologic decompensation: An underrecognized presentation of tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Champagne Marjolaine , Horvath Gabriella A. , Perreault Sébastien , Gauthier Julie , Hyland Keith , Soucy Jean‐François , Mitchell Grant A.
Published: June 2022

Tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency (THD) is a treatable inborn error of dopamine biosynthesis caused by mutations in TH. Two presentations are described. Type A, milder, presents after 12 months of age with progressive hypokinesis and rigidity. Type B presents before 12 months as a progressive complex encephalopathy. We report a girl with mild THD who had recurrent episodes of neurological decompensations. Before the first episode, she had normal development except for mild head tremor. Episodes occurred at 12, 19, and 25 months of age. After viral infections or vaccination, she developed lethargy, worsened tremor, language, and motor regression including severe axial hypotonia, recuperating over several weeks of intensive rehabilitation but with residual tremor and mild lower limb spasticity. Basal ganglia imaging was normal. Exome sequencing revealed two missense variants of uncertain significance in TH: c.1147G>T and c.1084G>A. Both have low gnomAD allele frequencies and in silico, are predicted to be deleterious. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed low homovanillic acid (HVA, 160 nmol/L, reference 233–938) and low HVA/5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid molar ratio (1.07, reference .5–3.5). She responded rapidly to L‐Dopa/carbidopa without further episodes. Literature review revealed four other THD patients who had a total of seven episodes of marked hypotonia and motor regression following infections, occurring between ages 12 months and 6 years. All improved with L‐Dopa/carbidopa treatment. Intermittent THD is treatable, important for genetic counseling, and should be considered after even a single episode of marked hypotonia with recuperation over weeks, especially in patients with preexisting tremor, dystonia, or rigidity.
Modeling knowledge management for job satisfaction improvement
Authors: Kavalić Mila , Stanisavljev Sanja , Mirkov Smiljana , Rajković Jelena , Terek Stojanović Edit , Milosavljev Dragana , Nikolić Milan
Published: June 2022

This paper analyzes the influence and predictive effects of knowledge management on job satisfaction. The aim of this paper is to develop a model based on the effects of knowledge management on job satisfaction. The data were obtained by interviewing 520 managers of all levels from manufacturing enterprises in Serbia. The results showed that knowledge management has a complex influence on job satisfaction. It negatively affects the dimensions of Salary, Promotion, and Supervision and positively influences the Additional Benefits dimension, while having combined effects on the other dimensions. In a working environment where knowledge management levels are high, employees may perceive their salaries, rewards, and promotion opportunities as inadequate. This is because they feel they deserve more due to their knowledge, ability, engagement, and the enterprise's success. Serbian enterprises are often unable to pay their employees higher salaries. The theoretical importance of the results is precisely in the fact that the individual relations of the observed dimensions are determined and that the desired model is developed. The practical significance of the work is that leaders and managers, based on these relations, can see the possibilities and ways to improve certain aspects of knowledge management and job satisfaction.
Evaluation of the long‐term results of vascular anastomosis using polyurethane adhesive and shape‐memory stent in the rat carotid artery model
Authors: Heitzer Marius , Ooms Mark , Katz Marie Sophie , Peters Florian , Kilic Konrad , Tolba René , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Hermanns‐Sachweh Benita , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: June 2022

Introduction

In free flaps, 5%–10% of complications are related to failure of sutured vascular anastomoses. Adhesive‐based microvascular anastomoses are potential alternatives but are associated with failure rates of 70% in research studies. VIVO is a new adhesive with slow biodegradation within 6 months that has shown a 100% patency rate in research studies over 2 h observation time but long‐term patency has not been evaluated. The authors hypothesize that VIVO will enable a reliable microvascular procedure comparable to sutured anastomoses over a 28‐day period.

Materials and Methods

The right common carotid artery of 60 male Sprague Dawley rats, ~450 g, were used for microvascular end‐to‐end anastomosis. VIVO was applied with reduced sutures with a temporary catheter in one group and in the other with a custom‐shaped memory stent. Anastomoses with eight interrupted sutures served as control. All groups were n = 20. Anastomosis time and bleeding were recorded for each procedure. Doppler flowmetry was performed 20 min, 1, 10, and 28 days postoperatively. Postmortem toluidine staining was used for semi‐quantitative analysis of stenosis, thrombosis, necrosis, and aneurysm formation by histologic evaluation.

Results

No occlusion was detected 20 min and 1 day postoperative, and after 28 days of observation in all anastomoses. The anastomosis time of the VIVO with catheter group was about 32% significantly faster than the VIVO with stent group. In the VIVO group with stent, the bleeding time was ~80% shorter than in the control group with 2.1 ± 0.3 and VIVO with catheter 2.0 ± 0.5 (p ≤ .001 each). Minor and nonsignificant stent‐associated thrombus formation and stent‐typical intraluminal stenosis were detected exclusively in the VIVO with stent group.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of a rat study, the use of VIVO in anastomosis showed promising results. VIVO with catheter was found to be advantageous.
Identifying Chirality in Line Drawings of Molecules Using Imbalanced Dataset Sampler for a Multilabel Classification Task
Authors: Kok Yong En , Woodward Simon , Özcan Ender , Torres Torres Mercedes
Published: June 2022

Chirality, the ability of some molecules to exist as two non‐superimposable mirror images, profoundly influences both chemistry and biology. Advances in deep learning enable the automatic recognition of chemical structure diagrams, however, studies on discovering the molecule chirality are scarce and the machine‐readable molecular representations are not always sufficient to fully support the encoding of this important property. Here, we pretrained networks on a ChEMBL+ dataset (79641 molecules) and fine‐tuned them for the binary classification of chirality (achiral/chiral) or multilabel chirality type classifications (none/centre/axial/planar). To address the label combination imbalanced problem in the multilabel task, the study proposed a Formulated Imbalanced Dataset Sampler (FIDS) to sample a formulated amount of minority label combinations on top of the training set. On a 10‐fold cross validation experiment using our CHIRAL dataset (1142 manually curated molecules), our models achieved up to an accuracy of 90 % in the binary task. In the multilabel task incorporated with FIDS, the overall performance increases from 87 % to 89 % and the accuracy per label combination can attained up to a 50 % increase. Through the study of heatmaps, our work also exemplified the potential of deep neural network to make predictions based on the actual location of chirality elements.
Prenatal detection and evaluation of differences of sex development: A qualitative interview study of parental perspectives and unmet needs
Authors: Whitehead J , Hirsch Josephine , Rosoklija Ilina , Goetsch Weisman Allison , Dungan Jeffrey , Finlayson Courtney , Chen Diane , Johnson Emilie K.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Prenatal diagnoses of differences of sex development (DSD) are increasing due to availability of cell‐free DNA screening (cell‐free DNA screening (cfDNA)). This study explores first‐hand experiences of parents whose children had prenatal findings of DSD.

Methods

Eligible parents were identified through chart review at a pediatric center and interviewed about their prenatal evaluation, decision making, informational sources, and support systems. Interviews were coded using a combined inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Parents also completed quantitative measures of decisional regret.

Results

Seventeen parents (13 mothers; 4 fathers) of 13 children (with 7 DSD diagnoses) were recruited. Four children had discordance between sex predicted by cfDNA versus prenatal ultrasound, and 2 had non‐binary appearing (atypical) genitalia on prenatal ultrasound. Of these 6, 3 were not offered additional prenatal testing or counseling.

Most parents described tension between obtaining support through disclosure of their child's diagnosis and preserving their child's autonomy/privacy, highlighting the need for mental health support.

Conclusion

This is the first study to gather qualitative data from parents whose children had prenatal findings of DSD. We identified multiple targets for intervention to improve care for patients with DSD across the lifespan, including improvements in clinician education, pre‐ and post‐test counseling, and patient education materials.
Chronic bronchiectasis complicated with benign jejuno‐ileal pneumatosis intestinalis
Authors: Wei Sheng‐Huan , Huang Li‐Ting , Huang Tang‐Hsiu
Published: June 2022

Patients with chronic bronchiectasis are susceptible to various respiratory complications. In this report, however, we describe a 53‐year‐old male with chronic bronchiectasis who developed extensive but asymptomatic jejuno‐ileal pneumatosis intestinalis. The patient did not have preceding pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, and he did not receive cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy. Nor did he exhibit any clinical or radiographic evidence of intestinal ischaemia, obstruction or infection. Mucosal defects, due to his severe diarrhoea relating to the prolonged anti‐pseudomonal antibiotic treatment for his lungs, and the intestinal luminal pressure fluctuation, resulting from his exacerbated cough and from his frequent abdominal straining during defecation, were considered to have precipitated the condition. Following conservative treatment, the patient recovered well. In addition to adverse respiratory events, clinicians managing patients with bronchiectasis should also be alert to such an unusual extrapulmonary complication, because either neglecting the condition or unnecessary exploratory surgery may lead to hazardous outcomes.
Rare case of cystic anterior mediastinal tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Butler Jessica , Barry Simone
Published: June 2022

We report a case of a 28‐year‐old immunocompetent woman found to have a mediastinal lesion on chest x‐ray performed as part of a visa renewal process. Computed tomographic imaging revealed a cystic superior anterior mediastinal mass. Although initially asymptomatic, the woman subsequently developed progressive chest discomfort. She underwent surgical resection of the mass. Histological assessment demonstrated necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, while Gene Xpert™ testing was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and she was subsequently commenced on anti‐tuberculous therapy.
Atezolizumab in combination with carboplatin plus nab‐paclitaxel for managing combined large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Tsutsumi Rei , Kataoka Nobutaka , Kunimatsu Yusuke , Sato Izumi , Tanimura Mai , Nakano Takayuki , Tanimura Keiko , Takeda Takayuki
Published: June 2022

Large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs), categorized as high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, account for approximately 3% of resected lung cancers. LCNECs containing other components are called ‘combined LCNECs’ and have no standard treatment. A 73‐year‐old male with a metastatic brain tumour from a combined LCNEC of the lung containing adenocarcinoma and sarcomatoid components was referred to our department. The patient was treated with chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and nanoparticle albumin‐bound (nab)‐paclitaxel in combination with atezolizumab, which was decided in accordance with the histological evaluation of the components. This treatment resulted in partial response and remained durable for 12 months with an ongoing regimen. The current case suggests that the constituents of chemoimmunotherapy should be selected in accordance with the reported efficacy of relevant regimens for each component of the combined LCNEC.
Model‐based event‐triggered neural learning control for discrete‐time strict‐feedback systems
Authors: Shi Haotian , Wang Min , Wang Cong
Published: June 2022

In this article, the model‐based event‐triggered neural learning control problem is investigated for a class of discrete‐time strict‐feedback systems. First, with the case of sufficient network resources, an adaptive neural controller is designed with a new neural weight update law, which avoids the ‐step delay of traditional adaptive neural control methods. The proposed controller performs the tracking control task while ensuring that the radial basis function neural network can accurately identify the unknown system nonlinear dynamics and the estimated neural weights can converge to their ideal values. Second, with the case of limited network resources, the convergent neural weights can be reused to construct the neural network model, event‐trigger conditions, and the neural learning controller, which can improve the tracking control performance and save the communication resources. Especially, compared with the traditional event‐triggered adaptive neural controller, the neural learning controller can reduce the burden of online calculations since the constant neural weights are used to construct the neural network model and trigger conditions. For the proposed control scheme, simulation results are given to verify its effectiveness.
Competing risks predictions with different time scales under the additive risk model
Authors: Lee Minjung , Fine Jason P.
Published: June 2022

In the analysis for competing risks data, regression modeling of the cause‐specific hazard functions has been usually conducted using the same time scale for all event types. However, when the true time scale is different for each event type, it would be appropriate to specify regression models for the cause‐specific hazards on different time scales for different event types. Often, the proportional hazards model has been used for regression modeling of the cause‐specific hazard functions. However, the proportionality assumption may not be appropriate in practice. In this article, we consider the additive risk model as an alternative to the proportional hazards model. We propose predictions of the cumulative incidence functions under the cause‐specific additive risk models employing different time scales for different event types. We establish the consistency and asymptotic normality of the predicted cumulative incidence functions under the cause‐specific additive risk models specified on different time scales using empirical processes and derive consistent variance estimators of the predicted cumulative incidence functions. Through simulation studies, we show that the proposed prediction methods perform well. We illustrate the methods using stage III breast cancer data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute.
Flexible MXene‐Based Composite Films: Synthesis, Modification, and Applications as Electrodes of Supercapacitors
Authors: Luo Yijia , Que Wenxiu , Bin Xiaoqing , Xia Chenji , Kong Bingshan , Gao Bowen , Kong Ling Bing
Published: June 2022

MXenes, as a 2D planar structure nanomaterial, were first reported in 2011. Due to their large specific surface area, high ductility, high electrical conductivity, strong hydrophilic surface, and high mechanical flexibility, MXenes have been extensively explored in the development of various functional materials with desired performances. This review is aimed to summarize the current progress in synthesis, modification, and applications of MXene‐based composite films as electrode materials of flexible energy storage devices. In the synthesis of MXenes, the evolution and exploration of etchants are emphasized. Furthermore, in order to develop MXene‐based composite films, the components used to modify the MXene nanoflakes, including 0D, 1D, and 2D nanomaterials, are summarized, and the perspectives and research direction of such materials are also discussed.
Human Heart Anoxia and Reperfusion Tissue (HEART) Model for the Rapid Study of Exosome Bound miRNA Expression As Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ellis Bradley W. , Ronan George , Ren Xiang , Bahcecioglu Gokhan , Senapati Satyajyoti , Anderson David , Handberg Eileen , March Keith L. , Chang Hsueh‐Chia , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: June 2022

Current biomarkers for myocardial infarction (MI) diagnosis are typically late markers released upon cell death, incapable of distinguishing between ischemic and reperfusion injury and can be symptoms of other pathologies. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been proposed as alternative biomarkers for MI diagnosis; however, detecting the changes in the human cardiac miRNA profile during MI is extremely difficult. Here, to study the changes in miRNA levels during acute MI, a heart‐on‐chip model with a cardiac channel, containing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes in human heart decellularized matrix and collagen, and a vascular channel, containing hiPSC‐derived endothelial cells, is developed. This model is exposed to anoxia followed by normoxia to mimic ischemia and reperfusion, respectively. Using a highly sensitive miRNA biosensor that the authors developed, the exact same increase in miR‐1, miR‐208b, and miR‐499 levels in the MI‐on‐chip and the time‐matched human blood plasma samples collected before and after ischemia and reperfusion, is shown. That the surface marker profile of exosomes in the engineered model changes in response to ischemic and reperfusion injury, which can be used as biomarkers to detect MI, is also shown. Hence, the MI‐on‐chip model developed here can be used in biomarker discovery.
Exposure to traffic‐related fine particulate matter 2.5 causes respiratory damage via peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma‐regulated inflammation
Authors: Gong Xiaolei , Zhu Limin , Liu Jinlong , Li Chunxiang , Xu Zhuoming , Liu Jinfen , Zhang Haibo
Published: June 2022

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) potentially triggers airway inflammation. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has been reported to regulate inflammatory responses in diverse cell types. Therefore, this work investigated the mechanisms of PPARγ in regulating traffic‐related PM2.5‐induced airway inflammation. Using the diffusion flame burner soot generation, traffic‐related PM2.5 was generated and adsorbed. BALB/c male mice and human bronchial epithelial cells (16‐HBE) were exposed to PM2.5 alone or co‐treatment with rosiglitazone (RSG), an agonist of PPARγ. To the end of exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), venous blood and arterial blood, trachea, bronchus and lung tissues were collected. The levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17 were detected by ELISA, and the cell types in BALF were counted. Hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) assay were used to analyze the pathological conditions of lung, bronchus, and pulmonary artery. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL, and PPARγ expression in lung and bronchus was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Western Blot was used to detect PPARγ, NF‐kB, AP‐1 and STAT3 expression in lung and bronchus. The viability was detected by MTT method. PM2.5 exposure caused pathological damage to the lung, bronchus and pulmonary artery tissue, which induced apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells. PM2.5 exposure caused local inflammation of the whole body and airway. PPARγ expression increased after PM2.5 exposure. PM2.5 exposure regulated the downstream signaling pathways to affect the inflammatory response through PPARγ. Exposure to traffic‐related PM2.5 caused respiratory damage via PPARγ‐regulated inflammation.
Nephroprotective role of Echinacea purpurea against potassium dichromate‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats
Authors: Karhib Mustafa M. , El‐Sayed Raghda A. , Ghanem Nora F. , El‐Demerdash Fatma M.
Published: June 2022

Environmental and occupational exposure to chromium compounds, especially hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], is widely recognized as a potential nephrotoxic in humans and animals. Its toxicity is associated with the overproduction of free radicals, which induces oxidative damage. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is an herbaceous perennial plant rich in phenolic components and frequently used for its medicinal benefits. The current work evaluated the effectiveness of E. purpurea (EP) against oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity induced by potassium dichromate in male rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, E. purpurea (EP; 50 mg/kg; once daily for 3 weeks), hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI); 15 mg/kg; single intraperitoneal dose), and EP + Cr(VI) where rats were pretreated with EP for 3 weeks before receiving CrVI, respectively. Results revealed that rats exposed to Cr(VI) showed a significant increase in PC, TBARS, and H2O2, kidney function biomarkers (Urea, creatinine, and uric acid), lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), TNF‐α, IL‐18, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and IGF‐1 (Insulin‐like growth factor‐1) levels as well as a considerable decline in metallothionein (MT), glutathione (GSH) content, enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and protein content. Cr(VI) induced apoptosis in kidney tissues as revealed by upregulation of Bax and caspase 3 and downregulation of Bcl‐2. Furthermore, EP treatment ameliorated the Cr(VI)‐induced histopathological and ultrastructure variations of kidney tissue, which was confirmed by the biochemical and molecular data. It is clear from the results of this study that EP exerts nephroprotective effects by improving the redox state, suppressing inflammatory reaction and cell apoptosis as well as ameliorating the performance of kidney tissue architecture, which is eventually reflected by the improvement of kidney function in rats.
Ectopic parathyroid hyperplasia in a dog
Authors: Christie Sarah , Gunstra Amber L.
Published: June 2022

An 11‐year‐old, female, spayed Siberian husky was presented for further evaluation based on biochemical analysis confirming primary hyperparathyroidism. Initial ultrasound evaluation confirmed a mass associated with the right external parathyroid gland. A parathyroidectomy of the left and right external glands was performed and histopathology confirmed hyperplasia. The hypercalcaemia persisted postoperatively despite removal of two hyperplastic parathyroid glands. Computed tomography with contrast was performed 5 weeks postoperative and identified a small nodule caudodorsal and lateral to the right thyroid lobe. Cervical exploratory surgery was performed and the nodule was excised; histopathology confirmed hyperplasia with a Kursteiner cyst, indicating an ectopic parathyroid gland. The patient became hypocalcaemic postoperatively and was subsequently managed with calcitriol and calcium carbonate. The patient has been slowly tapered off the calcium supplementation.
Use of Refractory‐Volatile Element Deep Eutectic Regions to Grow Single Crystalline Intermetallic Compounds
Authors: Slade Tyler J. , Canfield Paul C.
Published: June 2022

Compounds containing both refractory and volatile elements present a unique challenge for crystal growth, given the conflicting realities of high melting temperatures and high vapor pressures. Nevertheless, the discovery of superconductivity in FeAs and FeSe based materials and a Weyl semimetal state in TaP are motivations to explore compounds containing such pairs. Here, we discuss use of the low‐melting single phase liquid regions above deep M‐X eutectics (M=transition metal, X=P, S) as the basis for high temperature solutions for growing intermetallic compounds containing volatile‐refractory pairs. We show that Ni‐P, Pd‐P, Pt‐P, and Pd‐S compositions form single phase melts at moderate temperatures below 1000 °C and with minimal vapor pressure. We first present the simple case of growing Ni2P from Ni‐P and next discuss the more complicated growth of RPd3S4 (R=La, Ce, Nd, Eu) from a Pd‐S melt. We show how frit‐disc alumina crucible sets allow for contamination‐free capture of decanted liquid and its reuse in subsequent experiments, demonstrating a fractionation of the CePd3S4 growth to determine the optimal conditions for crystal growth. We conclude by using the single phase liquid regions above the Pt‐P and Pd‐P eutectics to grow single crystals of MPt5P (M=Mn, Fe) and MnPd5P. As these materials have primarily been studied in polycrystalline form, we give an overview of the magnetic and transport properties of our single crystals. The examples outlined here illustrate the utility of using the single phase liquid above deep metal‐X eutectics for solution growth and materials discovery.
Introduction
Authors: Kravchenko Zhanna , Kings Lisa , Jezierska Katarzyna
Published: June 2022

This chapter presents the conceptual framework of resourcefulness that brings together the contributions to this volume; it also establishes Poland, Russia, and Sweden as particularly relevant cases for understanding transformation in the relationships between civil society, the state, and the market. Here, we explore the organizational realities of civil societies in the three countries and their shared history of a strong state. We posit resources as a contrast medium, allowing us to distinguish between different types of resourcefulness in civil society organizations’ responses to various pressures. Finally, the overall thematic structure of this book and each of its contributions are highlighted.
Epilogue: Relational Resource Constellations
Authors: Papakostas Apostolis
Published: June 2022

Highlighting several theoretical and empirical contributions of the preceding chapters, the epilogue presents a relational typology for understanding the roles of different types of resources for civil society organizations. This chapter explores variations in the generalizability/specificity and convertibility of economic, symbolic, and human resources and suggests approaching civil society as a landscape of organizations that coexist but have different origins, futures, and interdependencies. The constellations of relationships among organizations and between organizations and their environments are hierarchical and dynamic. They are constantly shifting, closing, and opening spaces that a broad variety of organizational forms and missions can inhabit.
Domestic Funding for Civil Society in a Non-Democratic Context: The Example of the Presidential Grants in Russia
Authors: Skokova Yulia , Fröhlich Christian
Published: June 2022

This chapter examines the nature of governmental support of civil society in a non-democratic context, taking the example of Russia. Russian civil society organizations exist in dual realities when the state sets up a structure of supporting measures but at the same time limits the scope of their activity. While limiting measures and their effects on Russian civil society have been well analyzed, this chapter considers the issue of how state support for civil society actors actually shapes the sector and contributes to regime legitimacy. We argue that governmental support for civil society organizations in non-democratic regimes not only bolsters the state’s welfare function but also attempts to intertwine non-governmental welfare provision with elements of a state-led legitimation discourse.
Humane Resources? The People Behind Polish Civil Society Organizations
Authors: Chimiak Galia
Published: June 2022

This chapter maps the transformation of human resources in Polish institutionalized civil society over the last thirty years. Informed by the supply-side perspective, according to which individuals’ motivations and backgrounds provide the major explanatory variable accounting for the establishment and running of civil society organizations, it focuses on individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to working in civil society rather than on a particular type of organizing. More specifically, the study analyzes cases of Polish domestic and global civic engagement—from the Solidarity movement in the late 1980s to contemporary foreign aid initiatives—in order to determine the factors contributing to the seemingly mutually exclusive trends of internationalization and localization of civic activism in Poland.
Managing a Competitive Tontine Business
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye
Published: June 2022

This chapter reviews some practical business issues that sponsors of a modern tontine might encounter when launching this venture, with particular emphasis on the competitive pressures from offering a non-guaranteed solution, the regulatory issues around the provision of securities versus insurance and some other administrative matters that might arise.