bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and disability in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Bobes J. , González M.P. , Bascarán M.T. , Arango C. , Sáiz P.A. , Bousoño M.
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study is to describe the situation of Spanish obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and compare it to that of the general population and other patient groups.

Methods

Thirty-six OCD patients on maintenance treatment were evaluated using the Y-BOCS, SF-36, and DAS-S. Their SF-36 scores were compared to Spanish norms and to those obtained from U.S. OCD patients, schizophrenic outpatients, depressed outpatients, heroin dependents, patients on hemodialysis, and kidney transplant recipients.

Results

Sixty-one percent ofthe patients had severe or extremely severe symptoms. Their quality oflif e was worse when compared with the Spanish norms in all SF-36 areas, but especially with respect to mental health. In contrast to U.S. OCD patients, social functioning is more impaired in the Spanish OCD patients. OCD patients reported the same quality oflif e as schizophrenics in the areas ofmental health, but better in the areas ofphysical health. Compared with heroin dependents and depressed patients, their quality oflif e was worse. On mental health scales, OCD patients scored worse than somatic patients.

Conclusions

OCD in the Spanish population was shown to be associated with worse quality of life than for any other patient group (including physical groups), except schizophrenics.
The health economic implications of treatment with quetiapine: an audit of long-term treatment for patients with chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Lynch J. , Morrison J. , Graves N. , Meddis D. , Drummond M.F. , Hellewell J.S.E.
Published: July 2002

This retrospective, case series audit assessed the clinical and health-economic impact of long-term treatment with quetiapine (‘Seroquel’), a new atypical antipsychotic, in patients with chronic schizophrenia.

The study design was of a case series format, comprising patients entered from one centre into the open-label extension of a multicentre 6-week efficacy study. Twenty-one patients (15 male, six female; mean age 39 years) were studied, of whom 17 (81%) had been rated as ‘partially responsive’ to previous antipsychotics. Data on hospitalisations and information on symptoms were collected retrospectively for the 12 months before quetiapine treatment was initiated and for the 12 months after.

Quetiapine was effective in reducing psychotic symptoms with mean BPRS scores reducing significantly, from 38 to 21 (P < 0.005). Motor function was also significantly improved with mean Simpson scale scores reducing from 15 to 12 (P < 0.005). Average inpatient days were reduced by 11% in year two (97 compared with 109 days) while the overall costs of treatment, including drug costs, fell by 5% (I£20,843 to I£19,827).

Four patients had been hospitalised for longer than 5 years before starting quetiapine; these chronically institutionalised patients remained in hospital, despite improved clinical outcomes (mean BPRS scores after treatment of 34, compared with 43 before), for the full 12 months of quetiapine treatment. Were the data from this audit to be re-analysed excluding these four patients then average inpatient days would have been reduced by 33% (45 to 30 days) and overall cost of treatment by 19% (I£8617 to I£7011).

This audit suggests that treatment with quetiapine over this 1-year period was associated with both clinical improvements and a decreased usage of inpatient services. The reduction in hospitalisation costs would appear to compensate for the increased cost of drug treatment. Significantly, potential savings appear to be greatest for those patients with a ‘revolving door’ pattern of repeated readmission.
LATE ENTRY INTO PRENATAL CARE IN A RURAL SETTING
Authors: Chandler Daniel
Published: July 2002

Social support, behavioral risk, and structural or demographic variables as well as acceptance of pregnancy were tested as determinants of late entry into prenatal care in a sample of 176 women in a rural county in California. The respondents were all those over age 18 served by four obstetric practices during a 4‐month period ending in February 2000. One nurse‐midwifery practice was included. Late entry into prenatal care during the first trimester occurred in 27.3% of the cases overall. Statistically significant independent variables in bivariate analyses were modeled in multivariate logistic regression. Stress, lack of family and friend support, Medicaid enrollment, age under 20 or over 34, low acceptance of pregnancy, and lack of a high school diploma were all predictors of late entry. Lack of family and friend support modified the effects of stress and Medicaid as payer. Although the determinants of late entry were remarkably complex in this sample, they have potential for public health intervention.
The Length Of The Second Stage Of Labor In Uncomplicated, Nulliparous African American And Puerto Rican Women
Authors: Diegmann Elaine K. , Andrews Claire M. , Niemczura Carol A.
Published: July 2002

The Friedman Curve of Normal Labor, based on Emanuel Friedman's studies of Caucasian women in 1954 and 1955, remains the “gold standard” for assessing progress in the second stage of labor. Clinical observation by the authors, however, suggests that the second stage of labor is shorter in African American and Puerto Rican women.

This descriptive, comparative study examined the duration of the second stage of labor in nulliparous African American and Puerto Rican women with uncomplicated births. The labor and delivery records of 373 African American and 157 Puerto Rican nulliparous women were randomly selected and reviewed, and the mean durations of the second stage of labor for both groups were compared to Friedman's labor curve.

The mean length of second stage of labor in the sample of African American women was 31.6 minutes with a standard deviation of +22.5 minutes, significantly shorter than Friedman's duration (P < .01). The mean length of second stage of labor in the sample of Puerto Rican women was 44.32 minutes with a standard deviation of +33.03 minutes. This was also shorter than Friedman's figure for the second stage of labor (P < .01). These findings provide a more appropriate curve for monitoring labor progress in women from different ethnic backgrounds.
What is a Case Manager? The Perspective of Persons with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Nehls Nadine
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUND: Case management services have expanded to include persons with diagnoses other than schizophrenia. Attention has been directed toward persons with chronic, nonpsychotic disorders—in particular, persons with personality disorders. However, to date, the nature and effects of case management for persons with personality disorders are relatively unknown.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore case management services from the perspective of community mental health center clients with borderline personality disorder. By providing descriptions and interpretations of the day-to-day experience of having a case manager, the benefits and limitations of this service delivery model for persons with borderline personality disorder are revealed.

STUDY DESIGN: An interpretive, phenomenological research approach was used.

RESULTS: Based on the interview data, the following three themes were identified and explicated through the words of the clients: (1) “My case manager treats me like a person,” (2) “My case manager is more than a case manager,” and (3) “My case manager has stuck with me for years.”

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that person-centered, comprehensive, and continuous services from a single caregiver are the core of case management services for persons with borderline personality disorder. Participants perceived their case managers as respectful, resourceful, and reliable. Further work is needed to determine how these practices can be more widely disseminated in mental health care for persons with borderline personality disorder.
Three Perspectives Regarding What Works and Does Not Work in Therapy: A Comparison of Judgments of Clients, Nurse-Therapists, and Uninvolved Evaluators
Authors: Raingruber Bonnie Jean
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUND: Uninvolved evaluators have primarily determined the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in outpatient mental health therapy whereas participant perspectives have been missing in the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The focus of this study was to compare the perspectives of participating nurse therapists and clients with those of uninvolved marriage, family, and child therapists (family therapists) regarding effective interventions.

DESIGN: A phenomenological study of eight matched pairs of clients and nurse-therapists, in which participants critiqued effective and ineffective therapeutic interventions seen in videotaped outpatient sessions, was completed. In this follow-up study, the videotapes were shown to family therapists, and their perspectives were compared with those of the nurse-therapists and clients.

RESULTS: Evaluative commentary from nurse-therapists and clients consistently agreed in content and scope as well as degree of conviction. Reflections of the family therapists frequently differed from those of the clients or nurse-therapists.

CONCLUSION: Participants in a therapy session are best able to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Aerogels
Authors: Smirnova Irina , Gurikov Pavel , Subrahmanyam Raman
Published: June 2021

Aerogels are a class of open nonfluid porous solid materials known for their low density, high specific surface area, and accessible pores. This combination of characteristics makes them highly promising for a wide gamut of applications ranging from thermal and acoustic insulation, catalysts and sensors, adsorbents and absorbents, energy storage, carriers for drug delivery and nutrition, and scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to starting materials for carbon aerogels and porous mixed oxides. Aerogel technology has faced significant bottlenecks in its commercialization, since its discovery in the 1930s, due to limited technical information and processing expertise required for production scaling. This article presents the significant technology developments in the past 10 years, highlighting the paradigm shift in aerogel processing. Lastly, this article invites the reader to envisage and contribute to a new generation of aerogel materials and applications with the fundamental tenets of aerogel production and pore engineering.
White House: Time to equalize cocaine‐crack sentencing
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2021

Back in 2006, a study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that most whites who support prison for cocaine possession blame the person who uses drugs, think that Blacks are more likely than whites to use cocaine and deny that racism is a problem or that it even exists (see “Study examines attitudes toward prison for first‐time cocaine offenders,” ADAW, June 12, 2006). At this time, sentencing disparities for crack cocaine and cocaine powder had been going on since the 1980s. The study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, could have been written today, but if President Joe Biden and his Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) have anything to say about it, that sentencing disparity is going to end.
Periodic tracking for piezo‐actuated displacement stage based on disturbance rejection proportional integral derivative and repetitive control
Authors: Zhuoyun Nie , Zhaoyang Li , Bing Zhang , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

Piezo‐actuated displacement stage is often used to perform periodic scanning tasks, but the conventional control schemes may not satisfactorily track periodic reference signals. Our solution is a disturbance rejection proportional‐integral‐derivative (DR‐PID)‐based repetitive control (RC) scheme in which the hysteresis nonlinearity with the same period of reference input can be well suppressed by RC law. Stability criterions for the closed‐loop system are developed based on small‐gain theorem. A simple and effective design algorithm is obtained based on the stability conditions, such that DR‐PID and RC can be designed separately. Finally, the validation and superiority of the proposed method are demonstrated by simulation studies.
Sub‐2 nm Ultrathin and Robust 2D FeNi Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets Packed with 1D FeNi‐MOFs for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zheng Fuqin , Zhang Wanfu , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhang Youlin , Chen Wei
Published: June 2021

Water oxidation is a critical process for electrochemical water splitting due to its inherent sluggish kinetics. In spite of the high catalytic activities of noble metal‐based electrocatalysts for water oxidation, their high cost, rare reserves, and low stabilities drive researchers to exploit efficient but low‐cost electrocatalysts. Ultrathin 2D nanomaterials are considered efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting. Herein, a facile strategy is proposed to fabricate 2D FeNi layered double hydroxide (FeNi‐LDH) nanosheets packed with the in situ produced 1D sword‐like FeNi‐MOFs by using FeNi‐LDH as a semi‐sacrificial template. In the composite, the thickness of the formed nanosheets is only 1.34 nm, much thinner than that of most previously reported 2D materials. The 1D porous sword‐like MOF nanorods have a long length of around 1.3 µm. Due to the unique 2D/1D combined structure, the as‐prepared FeNi LDH/MOF is directly used as electrocatalyst for the OER displays enhanced OER electrocatalytic performance with a low overpotential of 272 mV@100 mA cm–2, a small Tafel slope of 34.1 mV dec–1, high long‐term durability. This work provides a new way to fabricate integrated ultrathin 2D nanosheets and MOFs as advanced catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion.
Polarization Modulation for Wireless Communications Based on Metasurfaces
Authors: Huang Chen Xi , Zhang Jingjing , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2021

As an alternative to conventional wireless communication techniques that use amplitude, frequency, and phase modulations, polarization modulation (PoM) provides an additional degree of freedom for the modulation of carrier waves and allows the realization of simple transceiver designs. PoM also enhances physical‐layer security in wireless communication systems owing to its vector‐attribute and direction‐dependence features. In this study, a prototype of PoM wireless communications based on a digital coding metasurface that can dynamically control the polarization of electromagnetic waves in a certain frequency band is demonstrated. The binary digital signals can be encoded on the optical rotation states of the circularly polarized beams through the real‐time control of the bias voltages applied on the metasurface and successfully decoded at the receiving end. Because the metasurface is separated from the emitting antenna, the design can simplify the setup for multichannel communications and provide more flexibility by setting the emitting antennas at different operating frequencies at any time.
Aminoglycoside‐Based Biomaterials: From Material Design to Antibacterial and Gene Delivery Applications
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Yang Lei , Cheng Xuejing , Li Yiwen , Cheng Yiyun
Published: June 2021

Aminoglycosides are a family of naturally isolated or chemically semi‐synthesized antibiotics consisting of aminocyclitols with several amino and saccharide units. The unique molecule structures render aminoglycosides promising building blocks with high reactivity to perform various non‐covalent and covalent reactions, and they are further employed to rationally fabricate versatile materials, such as hydrogels, amphiphiles, hyperbranched polymers, biointerfaces, and nanoparticles. Despite aminoglycosides are widely used in clinics to treat bacterial infections, almost all the efforts are focused on molecular modifications to reduce their toxicities and overcome antibiotic resistance, while their actions as building blocks to construct biomaterials are scarcely discussed. In this feature article, the current progress on the rational design, emergent properties, and promising biological applications of aminoglycoside‐based biomaterials are summarized. It is believed that this paper may provide guidance to develop new biomaterials using natural functional molecules as building blocks, and start a new life of aminoglycosides from the view of materials science.
Stability of Perovskite Thin Films under Working Condition: Bias‐Dependent Degradation and Grain Boundary Effects
Authors: Hui Yong , Tan Yan‐Yan , Chen Liang , Nan Zi‐Ang , Zhou Jian‐Zhang , Yan Jia‐Wei , Mao Bing‐Wei
Published: June 2021

Witnessed by the rapid increase of power conversion efficiency to 25.5%, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are becoming promising candidates of next‐generation photovoltaics. However, PSCs can be unstable under the influence of light and bias. Especially, grain boundaries (GBs) are vulnerable to attack by light and bias in perovskite films, leading to degradation of photovoltaic properties of PSCs. Herein, photocurrent atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy are employed to systematically investigate the bias‐dependent charge transport behaviors and stability of (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 perovskite under working condition. Bias‐dependent morphology and photocurrent images show irreversible decomposition of the perovskite at a bias of 0.1 V or below, which is accelerated by light illumination, leading to formation of an interfacial layer that restricts carrier transport. Meanwhile, GBs appear to enhance carrier transport at larger bias, but serve as breakthrough sites for perovskite decomposition at smaller bias. Introducing excess methylammonium iodide promotes decomposition, while potassium iodide passivation greatly relieves the decomposition. These results support the ion migration mechanism of decomposition through interfaces and GBs. This work provides a deeper understanding of bias‐induced degradation of PSCs as well as bias‐dependent double‐edged roles of GBs, and forms valuable guidance for appropriate operation of PSCs.
Self‐Powered Controllable Transdermal Drug Delivery System
Authors: Yang Yuan , Xu Lingling , Jiang Dongjie , Chen Bo Zhi , Luo Ruizeng , Liu Zhuo , Qu Xuecheng , Wang Chan , Shan Yizhu , Cui Yong , Zheng Hui , Wang Zhiwei , Wang Zhong Lin , Guo Xin Dong , Li Zhou
Published: June 2021

Traditional topical ointment applied on the skin surface has poor drug penetration due to the thickening of the stratum corneum for psoriasis. Microneedles (MNs) provide a desirable opportunity to promote drug penetration. However, the common MNs are difficult to meet the requirement of on‐demand drug delivery. In this study, a smart electrical responsive MNs is fabricated by introducing conductive material of polypyrrole (PPy). Further, a self‐powered controllable transdermal drug delivery system (sc‐TDDS) based on piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) is developed. The sc‐TDDS can control drug release by collecting and converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The sc‐TDDS can release 8.5 ng dexamethasone (Dex) subcutaneously per electrical stimulation. When treating psoriasis‐like skin disease with sc‐TDDS, the inflammatory skin returned to normal after 5 days, which is obviously better than treating with traditional Dex solution coating. This work provides a promising approach of on‐demand transdermal drug release for various disease treatment scenarios.
Chaos at Interface Brings Order into Oxide/Silicon Structure
Authors: Averyanov Dmitry V. , Sokolov Ivan S. , Karateev Igor A. , Taldenkov Alexander N. , Kondratev Oleg A. , Parfenov Oleg E. , Tokmachev Andrey M. , Storchak Vyacheslav G.
Published: June 2021

Integration of oxides with silicon fuses advanced functional properties with a mature technological platform. In particular, direct EuO/Si contact holds high promise for spintronics but requires single‐crystalline epitaxial films with atomically sharp interfaces. The standard approach employing regular 2D superstructures of metal atoms on the Si surface fails to meet the challenge. Here, an alternative route is designed and shown to solve the problem. This route avoids regular templates; the chaotic 2D distribution of metal atoms on the Si surface prevents stabilization of unwanted crystal orientations. Thus, the disordered submonolayer phase at the interface promotes order in oxide/Si coupling, as witnessed by a combination of diffraction techniques and high‐resolution electron microscopy. The results not only mark tangible progress in manufacturing EuO/Si contacts but also provide a general framework for monolithic integration of functional oxides with semiconductor substrates.
Progress of Nonprecious‐Metal‐Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution in Acidic Media
Authors: Gao Jiajian , Tao Huabing , Liu Bin
Published: June 2021

Water oxidation, or the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which combines two oxygen atoms from two water molecules and releases one oxygen molecule, plays the key role by providing protons and electrons needed for the hydrogen generation, electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen fixation. The multielectron transfer OER process involves multiple reaction intermediates, and a high overpotential is needed to overcome the sluggish kinetics. Among the different water splitting devices, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer offers greater advantages. However, current anode OER electrocatalysts in PEM electrolyzers are limited to precious iridium and ruthenium oxides. Developing highly active, stable, and precious‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for water oxidation in acidic media is attractive for the large‐scale application of PEM electrolyzers. In recent years, various types of precious‐metal‐free catalysts such as carbon‐based materials, earth‐abundant transition metal oxides, and multiple metal oxide mixtures have been investigated and some of them show promising activity and stability for acidic OER. In this review, the thermodynamics of water oxidation, Pourbaix diagram of metal elements in aqueous solution, and theoretical screening and prediction of precious‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for acidic OER are first elaborated. The catalytic performance, reaction kinetics, and mechanisms together with future research directions regarding acidic OER are summarized and discussed.
Emulsion‐Guided Controllable Construction of Anisotropic Particles: Droplet Size Determines Particle Structure
Authors: Li Chen , Peng Haijun , Cai Jiandong , Li Le , Zhang Jian , Mai Yiyong
Published: June 2021

Anisotropic particles have attracted significant attention due to their alluring features that distinguish them from isotropic particles. One of the most appealing strategies for the synthesis of anisotropic particles is the emulsion‐guided method. However, morphological control and the understanding of formation mechanisms have remained a major challenge. Based on a novel mechanism, here, a facile one‐pot emulsion‐templating method for the tunable construction of anisotropic polymeric particles (APPs) with different defined structures is reported. Three types of monocomponent APPs with new morphologies and sizes in the range of 240–650 nm, including Janus mushroom‐like mesoporous poly(m‐phenylenediamine) (PmPD) particles, wheel‐shaped particles, and acorn‐like PmPD particles, are obtained by controlling the average size of the oil droplets in the emulsion. Furthermore, the APPs demonstrate the ability for conversion to nitrogen‐doped anisotropic carbon particles (ACPs) by pyrolysis at 800 °C under a N2 atmosphere, thereby inheriting their structures. These novel ACPs show appreciable potential as metal‐free electrocatalysts for use in oxygen reduction reactions. Compared to their isotropic counterpart, these ACPs exhibit remarkable advantages such as enhanced specific surface area and pore volume, reduced stacking density, and easy fabrication of continuous and uniform membrane electrodes.
Direct Observation of Photoexcited Electron Dynamics in Organic Solids Exhibiting Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence via Time‐Resolved Photoelectron Emission Microscopy
Authors: Fukami Yusuke , Iwasawa Masato , Sasaki Masahiro , Hosokai Takuya , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya , Fukumoto Keiki , Yamada Yoichi
Published: June 2021

Solid‐state films exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) can offer high internal electroluminescence (EL) quantum efficiency, even in a simplified device structure. However, the exciton dynamics in solid‐state TADF films, particularly for the unexpected exciton loss processes such as concentration quenching, have not yet been clarified. The dynamics of photoexcited electrons in the TADF process of a 2,4,5,6‐Tetra (9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl) isophthalonitrile (4CzIPN) solid film are observed via time‐resolved photoelectron emission microscopy (TR‐PEEM) and the results are compared with the conventional time‐resolved photoluminescence (TR‐PL) technique. The initial decay process of the photoexcited electrons probed via TR‐PEEM is thoroughly traced in the TR‐PL signal, while unusual long‐lived electrons are detected only through the use of TR‐PEEM. These results indicate that the excitons of 4CzIPN spontaneously dissociate into free carriers within the exciton lifetime, which seems to be a common process that contributes to the exciton loss in polar organic solids.
Graphene‐Based Microwave Metasurfaces and Radio‐Frequency Devices
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhu Weiren
Published: June 2021

Graphene, as a 2D material, has attracted significant attention due to its particular electronic band structure and unique physical properties. Metasurfaces integrated with graphene hold great promise for dynamic manipulation of the electromagnetic waves, where metasurfaces with strong resonances enhance the interaction with incident waves and in turn facilitate a deep modulation through electrical doping of graphene. However, the tunable surface conductivity of graphene is very frequency dependent that makes graphene behave significantly different in THz and microwave band. Due to the novel tuning method of graphene–electrolyte‐based sandwich structures, experimental studies of tunable microwave metadevices have aroused wide interests in the past few years. Herein, the recent progress of graphene‐based microwave metasurfaces and related devices, involved but not limited to tunable absorbers, dynamic beam steering, reconfigurable antennas, and attenuators, are reviewed, enriching the experimental developments of graphene in the microwave region.
Electrically Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Liu Li , Xu Qiang , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: June 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), combining the merits of inorganic and organic components, have received huge attention over the past two decades. Owing to the diversity of structures and excellent physicochemical properties, MOFs have been regarded as promising materials in wide‐ranging fields. However, the application as electrocatalysts is severely hampered by the low electrical conductivity of pristine MOFs. Previous studies have demonstrated that the development of conductive MOFs can be a feasible solution to this issue. Herein, various synthetic strategies to construct conductive MOFs are briefly summarized, including intrinsically conductive MOFs, guest‐based conductive MOFs, and conductive MOF composites. Some successful examples of conductive MOFs used as electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy conversions are also introduced. Finally, the existing problems and present prospects for the ulterior applications of conductive MOFs in electrocatalysis for renewable energy conversion and other reactions are highlighted.
A chemical engineer's take of COVID‐19 epidemiology
Authors: Nikita Saxena , Raman Ruchir , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: June 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2, a novel coronavirus spreading worldwide, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization 3 months after the outbreak. Termed as COVID‐19, airborne or surface transmission occurs as droplets/aerosols and seems to be reduced by social distancing and wearing mask. Demographic and geo‐temporal factors like population density, temperature, healthcare system efficiency index and lockdown stringency index also influence the COVID‐19 epidemiological curve. In the present study, an attempt is made to relate these factors with curve characteristics (mean and variance) using the classical residence time distribution analysis. An analogy is drawn between the continuous stirred tank reactor and infection in a given country. The 435 days dataset for 15 countries, where the first wave of epidemic is almost ending, have been considered in this study. Using method of moments technique, dispersion coefficient has been calculated. Regression analysis has been conducted to relate parameters with the curve characteristics.
The introduction of clinical genetic testing in Ethiopia: Experiences and lessons learned
Authors: Quinonez Shane C. , Terefework Zewdu
Published: June 2021

Limited data are available on genetic testing laboratories in low‐ and middle‐income countries including those in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). To characterize the need for genetic testing in SSA we describe the experience of MRC‐ET Advanced Laboratory, a genetic testing laboratory in Ethiopia. Test results were analyzed based on indication(s) for testing, referral category, and diagnostic yield. A total of 1311 tests were run using the full MRC‐Holland catalogue of Multiplex‐Ligation Probe Amplification assays. Of all samples, 77% were postnatal samples, 15% products of conception (POC), and 8% amniotic samples. Of postnatal samples, the most common testing categories were multiple congenital anomalies (32%), disorders of sex development (17%), and Obstetrics/Gynecology (16%). Forty‐three percent of postnatal samples were diagnostic, 11% were variants of uncertain significance (VUS), and 46% were normal with Trisomy 21 the most common diagnosis. Of POC samples, 10% were diagnostic, 34% revealed VUSs, and 55% were normal with Trisomy 18 the most common diagnosis. Of amniotic samples 17.5% were diagnostic, 3% revealed VUSs, and 79% were normal with Trisomy 18 the most common diagnosis. There is increasing demand for genetic testing in Ethiopia. Diagnostic genetic testing in SSA deserves increased attention as testing platforms become more affordable.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM®): Victor McKusick's magnum opus
Authors: Hamosh Ada , Amberger Joanna S. , Bocchini Carol , Scott Alan F. , Rasmussen Sonja A.
Published: June 2021

Victor McKusick's many contributions to medicine are legendary, but his magnum opus is Mendelian Inheritance in Man (MIM), his catalog of Mendelian phenotypes and their associated genes. The catalog, originally published in 1966 in book form, became available on the internet as Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM®) in 1987. The first of 12 editions of MIM included 1486 entries; this number has increased to over 25,000 entries in OMIM as of April 2021, which demonstrates the growth of knowledge about Mendelian phenotypes and their genes through the years. OMIM now has over 20,000 unique users a day, including users from every country in the world. Many of the early decisions made by McKusick, such as to maintain MIM data in a computer‐readable format, to separate phenotype entries from those for genes, and to give phenotypes and genes MIM numbers, have proved essential to the long‐term utility and flexibility of his catalog. Based on his extensive knowledge of genetics and vision of its future in the field of medicine, he developed a framework for the capture and summary of information from the published literature on phenotypes and their associated genes; this catalog continues to serve as an indispensable resource to the genetics community.
Binding studies of ferrocene‐steroid conjugates with human serum albumin as potential drug carrier using fluorescence spectroscopy and in silico docking approach
Authors: Narváez‐Pita Xiomara , Meléndez Enrique
Published: June 2021

The interactions of 16‐ferrocenylidene‐3α‐hydroxy androstan‐17‐one (1), 16‐ferrocenylidene‐3β‐hydroxy androstan‐17‐one (2), 21‐ferrocenylidene‐3β‐hydroxy pregn‐5‐en‐20‐one (3), and 16‐ferrocenylidene‐3β‐hydroxydehydro androstan‐17‐one (4) with human serum albumin (HSA) have been studied by fluorescence quenching spectroscopy and in silico docking calculations. The experimental results showed that the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA is quenched upon addition of the ferrocene‐steroid conjugates and the quenching mechanism is static. Thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the protein‐ferrocene interactions are spontaneous, highly entropic, and hydrophobic. Protein‐ligand docking studies were performed using AutoDock Vina Program. Docking studies corroborated the experimental data, and the binding interactions are hydrophobic. All ferrocene‐steroid conjugates get engaged in hydrophobic interactions with LEU387, TYR411, LEU430, and ARG485 amino acid residues.
Thermodynamic equilibrium analysis of oxy‐dry reforming of biogas with CO2 sequestration using Aspen HYSYS
Authors: Rosha Pali , Kumar Sandeep , Ibrahim Hussameldin
Published: June 2021

Hydrocarbon reforming route has gained immense attention for producing energy‐effective renewable fuels and/or chemicals in the recent era. In this simulation study, O2 addition and CH4 recycling's effect on the dry oxidative reforming reactor's performance was investigated. Aspen HYSYS simulation software was used to assess a biogas‐to‐syngas conversion process's feasibility by integrating with the CH4 recycling loop and CO2 sequestration in a dry oxidative reforming process. Simulation runs were performed by varying the O2/CH4 ratio content from 0 to 0.20 and temperature (450 to 700°C). Results illustrated that CH4 conversion improved by re‐injecting of unreacted CH4, followed by CO2 sequestration to a great extent. In dry oxidative reforming, at stoichiometry O2/CH4 ratio of 0.17, CH4 conversion (21.7%), and CO2 conversion (3.3%) were obtained at 500°C, with 1.2 H2/CO ratio. Further, 0.308 kg mole/h of H2 could be produced with biogas (1.0 kg mole/h) at optimal parameters 500°C (temperature) and 0.17 (O2/CH4 ratio) by using recycling loop in one cycle. Thus, dry oxidative reforming coupled with the CH4 recycling unit provides a better option for syngas/H2 production and remarkably addresses high energy demand in the dry reforming process.
Deformation‐induced bonding of polymer films below the glass transition temperature
Authors: Padhye Nikhil , Vallabh Ajay
Published: June 2021

Bonding between polymers through interdiffusion of macromolecules is a well‐known mechanism of polymer adhesion. A new polymer bonding mechanism in the solid state, taking place at ambient temperatures well below the glass transition value (Tg), has been recently reported; in this mechanism, bulk plastic compression of polymer films held in contact led to adhesion over timescales of the order of a fraction of a second. In this study, we prepared various blends of plasticized polymer films with desirable ductility from amorphous and semicrystalline powders of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives; then, we observed the bonding of these polymers at ambient temperatures, up to 80 K below Tg, purely through mechanical deformation. The deformation‐induced bonding of the polymer films studied in this work led to interfacial fracture toughnesses in the range of 1.0–21.0 J/m2 when bulk plastic strains between 3% and 30% were imposed across the films. Scanning electron microscopy observation of the debonded interfaces also confirmed that bonding was caused by deformation‐induced macromolecular mobilization and interpenetration. These results expand the range of applicability of sub‐Tg, solid‐state, deformation‐induced bonding processes.
Geospatial genetics: Integrating genetics into marine protection and spatial planning
Authors: Kershaw Francine , McClintock Will , Andrews Kimberly R. , Riet‐Sapriza Federico G. , Caballero Susana , Tetley Michael J. , Notarbartolo di Sciara Giuseppe , Hoyt Erich , Goldberg Grace , Chou Emily , Kane‐Ritsch Kelsey , Rosenbaum Howard C.
Published: June 2021

The protection of evolutionary processes and maintenance of genetic diversity is necessary for the persistence of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The importance of genetic diversity has been reflected in a range of marine policy mechanisms, and the genetic ‘toolbox’ has great potential to support marine protection and marine spatial planning (MSP) at multiple scales. Despite scientific advances in the application of genetics in marine protection and management, systematic integration of genetic information has been generally lacking, primarily due to a knowledge and communication disconnect between geneticists and the marine policy and management community.

To meet these outstanding needs, a ‘geospatial genetics’ approach to spatially map species‐specific genetic data and associated information in a way that can be readily integrated by practitioners into marine protection and MSP decisions was developed. Techniques to derive geospatial genetic data layers, which can be viewed and mapped alongside other kinds of spatial data commonly used by conservation practitioners, hold promise for increasing the accessibility of genetic data to support policy decisions more fully.

While applicable to many mobile and sessile taxa, an initial focus was placed on marine mammals, and the approach was developed and refined through a series of international meetings and published papers, as well as the development of interactive, expert‐reviewed case studies hosted on the MSP tool SeaSketch.

Outcomes of the work to date are currently serving in the policy arena by informing the identification of Important Marine Mammal Areas, an initiative led by the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force to apply criteria to identify marine mammal habitats across the world's ocean, seas and relevant inland waters through a standardized process.

It has become clear that geospatial genetics has great potential to foster increased collaboration among an intersectional community of geneticists, spatial ecologists, and practitioners. This increased opportunity for dialogue and cooperation will help ensure that evolutionary processes are factored into marine protection and MSP processes, and potentially for freshwater and terrestrial systems.
Recovery, conservation status, and environmental effects on arapaima populations in Guyana
Authors: Watson L. Cynthia , Stewart Donald J. , Clifford Kean , Castello Leandro , Jafferally Deirdre , James Samantha , Norman Zacharias , Watkins Graham G.
Published: June 2021

Using population estimates that were made regularly between 2001 and 2013, the state of recovery of arapaima populations and their IUCN conservation status were assessed after they were almost extirpated from the upper Essequibo basin, Guyana. Recovery rates were compared across multiple areas with different degrees of access by fishers to evaluate effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Population estimates were also used to investigate the influence of environmental factors on arapaima abundance in lakes with different morphometries, vegetation, and water types and to determine the relationship between the numbers of spawning individuals and subsequent recruits (at about age 2 years).

The most recent census conducted in November–December of 2013 indicated a 5.6‐fold increase in overall abundance compared with 2001, with 4,591 individuals, of which 1,932 were juveniles (1.0–1.5 m total length) and 2,659 adults.

Assessment of conservation status following IUCN criteria indicated that arapaima populations in the upper Essequibo basin in 2001 would have been considered borderline Critically Endangered, but in 2013 after conservation interventions, status would be categorized as Near Threatened.

Arapaima in the Essequibo basin appear to favour larger but shallow lakes with low conductivity, clear water, and abundant aquatic macrophytes. Stock–recruitment relationships suggest that the entire upper Essequibo basin population may still be growing and that there is approximately a 1:1 juvenile to adult ratio. This ratio of juveniles to adults across all areas suggests a paucity of young fishes to sustain overall population growth, which might reflect widespread illegal removals of young fishes in the basin.

Comparisons of arapaima densities in the upper Essequibo basin with those at four localities across the Amazon Basin, suggest that with enhanced conservation efforts in the Essequibo, populations could potentially increase two‐fold or more.
Erweitertes Torsionstragmodell extern vorgespannter Kreisringsegmente mit trockenen Fugen: Interaktionsmodell zur Bestimmung der Torsionstragfähigkeit unter Querkraft und Biegung
Authors: Hartwig Steffen , Middendorf Julia
Published: June 2021

Die intensive Nutzung der Verbindungstechnik der Trockenfugen im Bereich der Türme von Windenergieanlagen und des Fertigteilbrückenbaus macht es notwendig, die Berechnungsmodelle dieser Verbindungen zu verbessern. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Entwicklung eines Interaktionsmodells zur Bestimmung der Torsionstragfähigkeit unter Querkraft‐ und Biegebeanspruchungen an Kreisringsegmenten. Das Modell berücksichtigt nicht nur die Interaktion mit allen Beanspruchungszuständen, sondern auch die Wechselwirkung in den klaffenden Fugen durch die Biegebeanspruchung. Bisherige Modelle beschreiben die Tragfähigkeit der Kreisringsegmentfugen ungenügend oder lediglich ohne die Interaktion mit der Querkraft oder dem Biegemoment. Abschließend erfolgt ein Vergleich der Ergebnisse der entwickelten Modellberechnungen mit numerischen Simulationen, der eine gute Übereinstimmung zeigte.
Impact of freeze–thaw processes on monoclonal antibody platform process development
Authors: Weber Dennis , Sittig Christian , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: June 2021

Freezing of cell culture supernatant (CCS) is a standard procedure in process development of monoclonal antibody (mAb) platform processes as up‐ and downstream development are usually separated. In the manufacturing process of mAb, however, freezing is avoided, which poses the question of comparability and transferability from process development to manufacturing. In this case study, mAb CCS from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells is frozen and thawed in a novel active freezing device and subsequently captured by protein A chromatography. Critical quality attributes such as host cell protein (HCP) concentration and soluble mAb dimer shares have been monitored throughout the case study. Furthermore, cryo‐concentration of individual proteins was investigated. The main factors that drive cryo‐concentration are diffusion and natural convection. Natural convection in freezing processes was found to increase at warmer freezing temperatures and thus slower freezing, leading to higher concentration gradients from top to bottom of a freezing chamber. The freeze concentration was dependent on protein size and correlated to diffusivity, where smaller proteins are exposed to higher cryo‐concentration. Our results suggest that as a result of freezing processes, large particles based on mAb and specific host cell proteins (HCPs) expressing a certain affinity to mAbs are formed that have to be removed before purification. This leads to a significant improvement in HCP reduction by the protein A step, when compared with reference samples, where twice as much HCP remained in the eluate. Furthermore, HCP and mAb dimer concentrations in protein A eluate were dependent on the freezing temperature. As a conclusion, CCS should be frozen as rapidly as possible during process development to minimize issues of transferability from process development to manufacturing.
Responses of tobacco thrips and peanut to imidacloprid and fluopyram
Authors: Brandenburg Rick , Royals Brian , Taylor Sally , Malone Sean , Jordan David , Hare Andrew
Published: June 2021

Tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) can reduce peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield if not controlled in many instances in North Carolina and Virginia. Systemic insecticides are often applied in the seed furrow at planting to suppress tobacco thrips and protect peanut yield. Foliar sprays of acephate [N‐(methoxy[methylsulfanyl]phosphoryl)acetamide] are often made regardless of the insecticide applied at planting. Imidacloprid [(NE)‐N‐[1‐([6‐chloropyridin‐3‐yl]methyl)imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)nitramide] plus fluopyram [N‐(2‐[3‐chloro‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]ethyl)‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzamide])] is registered for use in peanut but information in the peer‐reviewed literature is limited regarding its effectiveness in suppressing tobacco thrips and whether or not a foliar application of acephate is needed when this product is used. Peanut injury caused by tobacco thrips was lower when phorate [diethoxy‐(ethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)‐sulfanylidene‐λ5‐phosphane] or imidacloprid were applied alone compared with imidacloprid plus fluopyram in 16 trials conducted in North Carolina and Virginia from 2014 to 2020. However, all insecticides applied at planting protected peanut from injury caused by tobacco thrips well enough to prevent yield loss compared with nontreated peanut. Although acephate decreased visible injury caused by tobacco thrips, yield was not affected by acephate regardless of the systemic insecticide applied at planting. The results from these trials indicate that imidacloprid plus fluopyram offers adequate suppression of tobacco thrips to protect yield. Although acephate suppressed tobacco thrips, yield was not affected by acephate.
Optimization of operation conditions for improved cytochrome P450BM3 enzymatic reaction yield
Authors: Vincent Thierry , Gaillet Bruno , Garnier Alain
Published: June 2021

The P450 cytochrome monooxygenase CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium, better known as P450BM3, is a heme‐thiolate enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of numerous substrates. Many of the resulting products are of commercial interest to the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Unlike most other P450 cytochromes, P450BM3 is both soluble and fused to its natural redox partner, which supplies the necessary electrons from NADPH to drive its reaction forward. However, the industrial use of this enzyme is limited by its poor stability and its expensive cofactor. In this work, we explore the effects of buffer formulation and temperature on the stability of wildtype and P450BM3 mutant R966D/W1046S as well as on the stability of nicotinamide cofactors NADPH, NADH, and the biomimetic cofactor N‐benzyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinamide. We demonstrate that cofactor stability is more important to increase product yield than that of the enzyme. We also demonstrate that low temperatures enhance oxido‐reduction reactions coupling, thus resulting in an increase in the molar ratio of p‐nitrophenolate produced from 10‐pNCA per oxidized cofactor. Overall, the optimized reaction conditions lead to a 2 to 2.6‐fold increase in total product output when wildtype P450BM3 or R966D/W1046S mutant is used with either of these three aforementioned cofactors.