bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The information ecosystem concept in information literacy: A theoretical approach and definition
Authors: Kuehn Evan F.
Published: December 2022

Despite the prominence of the concept of the information ecosystem (hereafter IE) in information literacy documents and literature, it is under‐theorized. This article proposes a general definition of IE for information literacy. After reviewing the current use of the IE concept in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy and other information literacy sources, existing definitions of IE and similar concepts (e.g., “evidence ecosystems”) will be examined from other fields. These will form the basis of the definition of IE proposed in the article for the field of information literacy: “all structures, entities, and agents related to the flow of semantic information relevant to a research domain, as well as the information itself.”
Evaluating Khaya senegalensis for Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐IV Inhibition Using in Vitro Analysis and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Identified Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Idoko Victoria Ojonogecha , Sulaiman Mohammed Aliyu , Adamu Rahma Muhammad , Abdullahi Aliyu Dantani , Tajuddeen Nasir , Mohammed Aminu , Inuwa Hajiya Mairo , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal
Published: December 2022

The dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitory activity of Khaya senegalensis extracts was evaluated. The DPP‐IV from a rat kidney was purified to a purification fold of 2.3. Among extracts from K. senegalensis, the hexane extract had the best DPP‐IV inhibitory activity, with IC50 value of 1.56±0.61 μg/mL and was fractionated to eleven fractions (A–K). Fraction I had the best DPP‐IV inhibition via uncompetitive pattern. GC‐MS analysis of fraction I showed that the major bioactive compounds were 3‐amino‐3‐hydroxyimino‐N‐phenylpropanamide (1) and 11‐(2‐cyclopenten‐1‐yl)undecanoic acid (2), with good binding affinities toward DPP‐IV, based on molecular docking,. They were then subjected to molecular dynamic simulation using WEBGRO and utilizing a GROMACS system for 100 ns. The 3‐amino‐3‐hydroxyimino‐N‐phenylpropanamide‐DPP‐IV complex was more stable and compact than the other complex. K. senegalensis contains compounds like 1 that might be used for the design of new DPP‐IV inhibitors.
Dilemmas in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in a patient with alkaptonuria: Successful treatment with teriparatide
Authors: Ebrahim Ismail C. , Hoang Thanh D. , Vietor Nicole O. , Schacht John P. , Shakir Mohamed K. M.
Published: December 2022

Management of osteoporosis in patients with alkaptonuria can be challenging. This is the first case report confirming the effectiveness of teriparatide following zoledronic acid therapy in treating osteoporosis and preventing fragility fractures in a patient with alkaptonuria.
Iron‐Catalyzed Magnesium‐Mediated Formal Hydroformylation of Alkynes and Alkenes
Authors: Tewari Tanuja , Kumar Rohit , Chikkali Samir H.
Published: December 2022

Alkynes and alkenes are routinely converted to corresponding synthetically versatile aldehydes using rhodium‐catalyzed hydroformylation. However, rhodium is rare, precious, costly, and depleting at a considerably high rate. Reported here is iron‐catalyzed, magnesium‐mediated, formal hydroformylation of alkynes and alkenes in the absence of syngas. Readily available FeCl2 in the presence of alkyl magnesium halide, and dimethyl formamide, catalyzes hydroformylation of various alkynes and selectively produces α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes in good to excellent conversion. Mechanistic investigations revealed the presence of vinyl magnesium intermediate, the kinetic study disclosed the first‐order dependence of the reaction on iron loading, and the control experiment authenticated the iron catalyst‘s homogeneous nature. The scope of this methodology was amplified, and 20 alkenes were examined. [Fe(acac)3] in the presence of ligand, alkyl magnesium halide, and dimethyl formamide catalyzed the hydroformylation of alkenes and displayed good to excellent conversion. An earth‐abundant iron catalyst offering a syngas cylinder‐free safe alternative to high‐pressure hydroformylation has been reported.
Pd/Co Catalyst with High Pd Atom Utilization Efficiency for Nitrobenzene Hydrogenation at Room Temperature: Experimental and DFT Studies
Authors: Luo Jingwen , Huang Anqi , Yang Yao‐Yue , Ma Xing‐Yu , Chen Quan‐Liang , Chen Junxian , Wu Yajuan
Published: December 2022

Enhancing catalytic performance as well as reducing catalyst cost are the eternal pursuit for the catalysis community. Herein, a simple and effective palladium‐doped cobalt (Pd/Co) catalyst with high Pd atom utilization efficiency was synthesized via galvanic replacement reaction for the selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene with H2 at room temperature, delivering >99 % yield of aniline with up to 158 times higher catalytic activity than commercial palladium powder. Detailed characterizations and DFT calculations revealed that Co−Pd interaction leads to a decrease in electron density of Pd and the distance between Pd atoms that results in the enhanced catalytic performance. Further experiments indicated that the Pd/Co catalyst serves as a highly efficient, selective, and recyclable catalyst for a range of nitroarene substrates. This work might provide a green and sustainable methodology to design and synthesize highly active catalysts with high utilization efficiency of the noble metals in fundamental and applied research.
Measurement of low‐loss aqueous solutions permittivity with high detection accuracy by a contact and free‐label resonance microwave sensor
Authors: Navaei Moein , Rezaei Pejman , Kiani Sina
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a microwave sensor is designed and built to measure the permittivity of aqueous solutions. The samples used in this experiment are different purities of ethanol mixed with water. Ethanol solution with different purities is a widely used material in industry. Structures of meander, ladder, and T‐structure were used to design the sensor. Then the designed sensor is simulated in CST software in range of relative dielectric from 10 to 80. After obtaining the desired answer in the simulation, the proposed sensor is built on the Rogers 4003 substrate, the built‐in sensor measured ethanol solution with a purity of 5% to 35% (equivalent to permittivity of 76 to 58), and is showed a sensitivity of 4% and a Q‐factor of 3500. The results of simulation and measurement are consistent with each other, and they indicated that the proposed sensor beyond the fluids can be supported and determine their relative dielectrics.
Dapagliflozin improves pancreatic islet function by attenuating microvascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Le Yunyi , Yang Jin , Li Fei , Jiang Yafei , Wei Tianjiao , Wang Dandan , Wang Kangli , Cui Xiaona , Lin Xiafang , Yang Kun , Hong Tianpei , Wei Rui
Published: December 2022

Aims

Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, improve ß cell function in type 2 diabetic individuals. Whether dapagliflozin can protect islet microvascular endothelial cells (IMECs) and thus contribute to the improvement of ß cell function remains unknown.

Materials and Methods

The db/db mice were treated with dapagliflozin or vehicle for 6 weeks. ß cell function, islet capillaries and the levels of inflammatory chemokines in IMECs were detected. The mouse IMEC cell line MS‐1 cells were incubated with palmitate and/or dapagliflozin for 24 h. Angiogenesis and inflammatory chemokine levels were evaluated, and the involved signalling pathways were analysed. The mouse ß cell line MIN6 cells, in the presence or absence of co‐culture with MS‐1 cells, were treated with palmitate and/or dapagliflozin for 24 h. The expression of ß cell specific markers and insulin secretion in MIN6 cells were determined.

Results

Dapagliflozin significantly improved ß cell function, increased islet capillaries and decreased the levels of inflammatory chemokines of IMECs in db/db mice. In the palmitate‐treated MS‐1 cells, angiogenesis was enhanced and the levels of inflammatory chemokines were downregulated by dapagliflozin. Either a PI3K inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor eliminated the dapagliflozin‐mediated effects. Importantly, dapagliflozin attenuated the palmitate‐induced downregulation of ß cell function‐related gene expression and insulin secretion in MIN6 cells co‐cultured with MS‐1 cells but not in those on mono‐culture.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin restores islet vascularisation and attenuates the inflammation of IMECs in type 2 diabetic mice. The dapagliflozin‐induced improvement of ß cell function is at least partially accounted for by its beneficial effects on IMECs in a PI3K/Akt‐mTOR‐dependent manner.
Red‐backed shrike (Lanius collurio) versus common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus): An example of ineffective cuckoo–hawk mimicry
Authors: Krausová Ladislava , Veselý Petr , Syrová Michaela , Antonová Kateřina , Fišer Ondřej , Chlumská Vanda , Pátková Markéta , Pužej Šimon , Fuchs Roman
Published: December 2022

The red‐backed shrike (Lanius collurio) used to be one of the most common hosts of the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). Nevertheless, during the last 30 years, there is increasing evidence from Central Europe that the occurrence of cuckoo chicks in shrike nests has become scarcer, and that in some locations they have disappeared completely. Multiple hypotheses have been suggested to explain this abandonment. Here, we test the hypothesis that shrikes vigorously attack adult cuckoos, potentially resulting in ineffective parasitism. Adult common cuckoos resemble in appearance the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), a common predator of small passerines. One hypothesis presumes that the cuckoo has evolved this mimicry to avoid attack by small passerines when searching for their nests. Our results show that shrikes defending their nests attacked cuckoos very vigorously, more often, and more intensively than they did sparrowhawks. In the presence of a sparrowhawk dummy, parent shrikes only produced alarm calls and flew over the dummy. This suggests that cuckoo–hawk mimicry is ineffective in the case of shrikes and that they attack them much more often than they do any other presented intruder. Therefore, this activity could possibly result in the abandonment of shrikes as potential hosts for cuckoos.
Recent Advances on Challenges and Strategies of Manganese Dioxide Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Yuhui , Zhang Gaini , Liu Jingqian , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Xiaoxue , Pu Xiaohua , Wang Jingjing , Yan Cheng , Cao Yanyan , Yang Huijuan , Li Wenbin , Li Xifei
Published: December 2022

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as promising electrochemical energy storage devices owing to its low cost, intrinsic safety, abundant zinc reserves, and ideal specific capacity. Compared with other cathode materials, manganese dioxide with high voltage, environmental protection, and high theoretical specific capacity receives considerable attention. However, the problems of structural instability, manganese dissolution, and poor electrical conductivity make the exploration of high‐performance manganese dioxide still a great challenge and impede its practical applications. Besides, zinc storage mechanisms involved are complex and somewhat controversial. To address these issues, tremendous efforts, such as surface engineering, heteroatoms doping, defect engineering, electrolyte modification, and some advanced characterization technologies, have been devoted to improving its electrochemical performance and illustrating zinc storage mechanism. In this review, we particularly focus on the classification of manganese dioxide based on crystal structures, zinc ions storage mechanisms, the existing challenges, and corresponding optimization strategies as well as structure–performance relationship. In the final section, the application perspectives of manganese oxide cathode materials in AZIBs are prospected.
Achieving Synergistic Improvement in Dielectric and Energy Storage Properties of All‐Organic Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)‐Based Copolymers Via Establishing Charge Traps
Authors: He Guanghu , Luo Huang , Yan Chuanfang , Wan Yuting , Wu Dang , Luo Hang , Liu Yuan , Chen Sheng
Published: December 2022

How to achieve synergistic improvement of permittivity (εr) and breakdown strength (Eb) is a huge challenge for polymer dielectrics. Here, for the first time, the π‐conjugated comonomer (MHT) can simultaneously promote the εr and Eb of linear poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) copolymers. The PMMA‐based random copolymer films (P(MMA‐co‐MHT)), block copolymer films (PMMA‐b‐PMHT), and PMMA‐based blend films were prepared to investigate the effects of sequential structure, phase separation structure, and modification method on dielectric and energy storage properties of PMMA‐based dielectric films. As a result, the random copolymer P(MMA‐co‐MHT) can achieve a maximum εr of 5.8 at 1 kHz owing to the enhanced orientation polarization and electron polarization. Because electron injection and charge transfer are limited by the strong electrostatic attraction of π‐conjugated benzophenanthrene group analyzed by the density functional theory (DFT), the discharge energy density value of P(MMA‐co‐PMHT) containing 1 mol% MHT units with the efficiency of 80% reaches 15.00 J cm−3 at 872 MV m−1, which is 165% higher than that of pure PMMA. This study provides a simple and effective way to fabricate the high performance of polymer dielectrics via copolymerization with the monomer of P‐type semi‐conductive polymer.
Eutectic Solution Enables Powerful Click Reaction for In‐Situ Construction of Advanced Gel Electrolytes
Authors: Ye Weixin , Wang Jirong , Zhang Chi , Xue Zhigang
Published: December 2022

Thiol‐ene click reaction is an intriguing strategy for preparing polymer electrolytes due to its high activity, atom economy and less side reaction. However, the explosive reaction rate and the use of non‐electrolytic amine catalyst hamper its application in in‐situ batteries. Herein, a nitrogen‐containing eutectic solution is designed as both the catalyst of the thiol‐ene reaction and the plasticizer to in‐situ synthesize the gel polymer electrolytes, realizing a mild in‐situ gelation process and the preparation of high‐performance gel electrolytes. The obtained gel polymer electrolytes exhibit a high ionic conductivity of 4 × 10−4 S cm−1 and lithium‐ion transference number () of 0.51 at 60 °C. The as‐assembled Li/LiFePO4 (LFP) cell delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 155.9 mAh g−1, and a favorable cycling stability with the capacity retention of 82% after 800 cycles at 1 C is also obtained. In addition, this eutectic solution significantly improves the rate performance of the LFP cell with high specific capacity of 141.5 and 126.8 mAh g−1 at 5 C and 10 C, respectively, and the cell can steadily work at various charge–discharge rate for 200 cycles. This powerful and efficient strategy may provide a novel way for in‐situ preparing gel polymer electrolytes with desirable comprehensive performances.
A statistical study of inelastic displacement ratio spectrum for existing structures
Authors: Banerjee Abhishek , Gupta Vinay K.
Published: December 2022

Displacement‐based design has gained importance due to the emergence of the performance‐based engineering, and it has now become desirable to estimate maximum (inelastic) displacements of structures for different levels of seismic hazard. Being closely related to damage, displacement (or drift) has become an important parameter necessary to meet various performance goals. It is considered convenient to estimate the inelastic displacement demand in a structure by multiplying the elastic displacement demand of the structure with a ratio called the inelastic displacement ratio. A comprehensive study is conducted for the parametric dependence of the inelastic displacement ratio in single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems with known relative lateral strengths, on strong motion duration, earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance, and geological site conditions. This study is different from the earlier studies of similar types in that other governing parameters are kept fixed while the effects of variations in any particular parameter are studied. This study is based on the generation of ensembles of synthetic accelerograms from a database of 1274 accelerograms recorded in western USA for the pseudospectral acceleration (PSA) spectra of given source and site parameters. It is found that strong motion duration may influence the inelastic displacement ratios, depending on the hysteretic properties of the oscillator, in the case of durations not much longer than 10 s. Earthquake magnitude has a significant influence on these ratios for the SDOF systems of most periods, while site geology appears to be important for the stiff oscillators. A scaling model is also proposed in this study for estimating the inelastic displacement ratio spectrum from a normalized relative velocity spectrum of the ground motion. The proposed model indirectly includes the effects of various governing parameters and is shown to preserve the trends available from the direct study.
Citrulline enteral administration markedly reduces immunosuppressive extrafollicular plasma cell differentiation in a preclinical model of sepsis
Authors: Gauthier Juliette , Grégoire Murielle , Reizine Florian , Lesouhaitier Mathieu , Desvois Yoni , Ghukasyan Gevorg , Moreau Caroline , Amé Patricia , Tarte Karin , Tadié Jean‐Marc , Delaloy Céline
Published: December 2022

The sustained immunosuppression associated with severe sepsis favors an increased susceptibility to secondary infections and remains incompletely understood. Plasmablast and plasma cell subsets, whose primary function is to secrete antibodies, have emerged as important suppressive populations that expand during sepsis. In particular, sepsis supports CD39hi plasmablast metabolic reprogramming associated with adenosine‐mediated suppressive activity. Arginine deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of secondary infections in sepsis. Overcoming arginine shortage by citrulline administration efficiently improves sepsis‐induced immunosuppression and secondary infections in the cecal ligation and puncture murine model. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of citrulline administration on B cell suppressive responses in sepsis. We demonstrate that restoring arginine bioavailability through citrulline administration markedly reduces the dominant extrafollicular B cell response, decreasing the immunosuppressive LAG3+ and CD39+ plasma cell populations, and restoring splenic follicles. At the molecular level, the IRF4/MYC‐mediated B cell reprogramming required for extrafollicular plasma cell differentiation is shunted in the splenic B cells of mice fed with citrulline. Our study reveals a prominent impact of nutrition on B cell responses and plasma cell differentiation and further supports the development of citrulline‐based clinical studies to prevent sepsis‐associated immune dysfunction.
Heterodinuclear M1M2 Complexes (M1=Ni, Pd, Pt; M2=Rh, Ir) Supported by a Tetradentate Phosphine Ligand and Their Application for Hydrosilylation
Authors: Nakajima Takayuki , Takubo Mizuki , Komura Yurika , Maeda Yuki , Sato Miwa , Zouda Maki , Tanase Tomoaki
Published: December 2022

A new series of cationic heterodinuclear complexes, [M1M2Cl2(meso‐dpmppp)(RNC)2]PF6 (M1=Ni, M2=Rh, R=tBu (1 a); M1=Pd, M2=Rh, R=tBu (2 a), Xyl (2 b); M1=Pt, M2=Rh, R=tBu (3 a), Xyl (3 b); M1=Pd, M2=Ir, R=tBu (4 a)), supported by a tetradentate phosphine ligand, meso‐Ph2PCH2P(Ph)(CH2)3P(Ph)CH2PPh2 (meso‐dpmppp), were synthesized by stepwise reactions of meso‐dpmppp with NiCl2 ⋅ 6H2O or MCl2(cod) (M=Pd, Pt), forming mononuclear metalloligands of [M1Cl2(meso‐dpmppp)], and with [M2Cl(cod)]2 (M2=Rh, Ir) and RNC (R=tBu, Xyl) in the presence of [NH4][PF6]. The related neutral PdRh complex, [PdRhCl3(meso‐dpmppp)(XylNC)] (5), was also prepared. The structures of 1–5 were determined by X‐ray analyses to contain two square planar d8 metal centers with face‐to‐face arrangement, where meso‐dpmppp supports M1 and M2 metal ions in cis/trans‐P,P coordination mode, combining cis‐{M1P2Cl2} and trans‐{M2P2(CNR)2} units. Complexes 1–4 showed an intence characteristic absorption around 422–464 nm derived from RhI→RNC MLCT transition (HOMO→LUMO+1), which are influenced by changing M1 (NiII, PdII, PtII) metal ions since HOMO composed of dσ* orbitals appreciably destabilized by changing M1 from Ni to Pd, and Pt. The electronic structures of 1 a–4 a were investigated on the basis of DFT calculations and NBO analyses to show weak but noticeable d8–d8 metallophilic interaction as empirical dispersion energy of 0.9–1.5 kcal/mol without M1–M2 covalent bonding interaction. In addition, 1–5 were utilized as catalysts for hydrosilylation of styrene, and the NiRh complex 1 a was found to show higher activity and chemo‐ and regioselectivity compared with 2–5.
Synthesis of 4‐Alkenylated Pyrazolinones by 2,3‐Dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ)‐Mediated Oxidative Coupling Reaction
Authors: Tao Yuhui , Gu Huafang , Xia Hongshuang , Yang Hongjiao , Li Jinghua , Xu Xiaoliang , Cheng Dongping
Published: December 2022

1,3‐Diarylpropenes firstly serve as efficient alkenylated reagents for the functionalization of pyrazolinones. In the presence of 2,3‐Dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ), it undergoes oxidative coupling and final dehydrogenation to give the highly substituted E,E‐α,β,γ,δ‐dienpyrazolinones in moderate to excellent yields.
Electrocatalytic Determination of the antibiotic Levofloxacin using modified carbon paste electrode with a poly‐murexide thin film voltammetrically
Authors: Khodari M. , Hassan Nahla Z. , Mohamed Adila E. , Rashed M. N.
Published: December 2022

In this work, a simple, cheap, sensitive, and selective modified carbon paste electrode is proposed for the electroanalytical determination of Levofloxacin (LEVO), the drug used to treat pneumonia caused by coronavirus. The electrochemical polymerization method was applied to create a thin poly‐murexide film (POMUR) on the bare carbon paste electrode (BCPE) surface to enhance its electrocatalytic activity. The peak current response of LEVO obtained by POMUR/CPE was increased by 14.2 μA compared to BCPE. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques were employed to characterize BCPE and POMUR/CPE. Under the optimal experimental circumstances, the prepared sensor was capable of determining LEVO with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 7.18 nM (S/N = 3) for a linear dynamic range of 25 – 1 × 103 nM utilizing differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Moreover, the practical applicability of POMUR/CPE for determining LEVO in pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples (human serum) demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity with a recovery of 95.08 – 100.5 %.
Performance of Continuous Hydrogen Production from Perhydro Benzyltoluene by Catalytic Distillation and Heat Integration Concepts with a Fuel Cell
Authors: Rüde Timo , Lu Yulin , Anschütz Leon , Blasius Marco , Wolf Moritz , Preuster Patrick , Wasserscheid Peter , Geißelbrecht Michael
Published: December 2022

The benzyltoluene‐based liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system enables the safe transport and loss‐free storage of hydrogen. At least 26% of the lower heating value of the released hydrogen, however, has to be invested in form of heat to release the stored hydrogen. The low operation temperatures of catalytic distillation (CD) can facilitate waste heat integration to reduce external heat demand. Herein, the continuous hydrogen release from perhydro benzyltoluene via CD is demonstrated. It is revealed in the experimental results that this mode of operation leads to a high hydrogen release rate and very efficient noble metal catalyst usage at exceptionally mild conditions. The hydrogen‐based productivity of platinum of 0.35 gH2 gPt−1 min−1 (0.7 kWLHV_H2 gPt−1) at a dehydrogenation temperature of only 267 °C is found to be nearly four times higher than for the conventional continuous liquid‐phase dehydrogenation at the same temperature. Furthermore, simulation results of the CD process are described. The feasibility of a fully heat‐integrated process for electricity generation from the released hydrogen via CD using waste heat from the fuel cell for the CD reboiler is demonstrated. The technical potential of coupling the H12–BT dehydrogenation by CD with high‐temperature fuel cell operation is highlighted by the simulation.
The contribution of grain sorting to the dynamics of the bedload active layer
Authors: Recking Alain , Vázquez Tarrío Daniel , Piton Guillaume
Published: December 2022

During the last 20 years, flume and field experiments have shown that grain sorting contributes to bed‐level fluctuations and bedload pulses. In this work, we propose a new analysis of these experimental data. From the flume data, we derive a model for gravel‐bed rivers where both local (bedform‐scale) slope and bedload are known to fluctuate through space and time, in the so‐called ‘bedload active layer’. The model uses standard concepts and empirical tools with reach‐averaged data for the hydraulics and sediment transport. It considers a maximum slope for local armouring equal to the mean bed slope (reach scale) affected by a coefficient which expresses the difference in mobility of the coarse fraction considered alone or in a mixture. The minimum local slope for bed erosion is the mean bed slope corrected by a coefficient that depends on the armour ratio Ar (ratio of the surface to the subsurface grain diameter) and the reach‐averaged transport rate. The model is compared with a compilation of scour–fill depths measured in the field. Results suggests that the slope fluctuations in 1D flume experiments are consistent with in‐channel bed‐level fluctuations associated with scour–fill processes in the active layer. The model also suggests that although the length scale of the maximum scour depth δ is on the order of the bed surface D90, it is well explained by the product between the mean bed slope S and the active channel width W, with δ ≈ 1.4SW. For the pulse intensity, we provide a justification for the simplified squared slope equation for solid concentration C = Qs/Q ∝ S2 (with Qs the solid discharge, Q the water discharge and S the slope), which has often been used in place of standard bedload equations for modelling highly concentrated bedload transport events in mountain streams.
Enhanced Elman spike neural network for cluster head based energy aware routing in WSN
Authors: Meenakshi B. , Karunkuzhali D.
Published: December 2022

An enhanced Elman spike neural network (EESNN) optimized with hybrid wild horse optimization and chameleon swarm algorithm is proposed in this manuscript for multi‐objective cluster head selection and energy aware routing in wireless sensor network (CH‐EESNN‐Hyb‐WH‐CSOA‐WSN). Initially, EESNN is used to intelligent selection of cluster head. Then, the optimal cluster head utilized the selected data transferring process with the consideration of multi‐objective fitness function based EESNN. Here, some of the multi‐objective fitness function factors are considered, like energy, delay, throughput, distance between the nodes, traffic rate and cluster density. The hybrid wild horse optimization and chameleon swarm algorithm (Hyb‐WH‐CSOA) is taken into account for the optimal route path selection with minimal delay. The proposed CH‐EESNN‐Hyb‐WH‐CSOA‐WSN method is activated in network simulator 3 (NS‐3) tool. The performance of the proposed method is examined under certain performance metrics, like count of alive nodes, drop, network lifetime, delay, throughput, energy consumption, and packet delivery ratio. Finally, the proposed method attains 98.78%, 97.21%, 99.61% lower delay, 98.78%, 99.21%, 96.78% higher delivery ratio, and 99.57%, 98.67%, 98.88% lower packet drop compared with the existing methods, like optimal secure cluster head placement through source coding techniques in wireless sensor networks (CHP‐HMC‐WSN), optimal placement of single cluster head in wireless sensor networks via clustering (CHP‐K‐Means C‐PSO‐WSN) and hybrid firefly approach along particle swarm optimization for energy efficient optimum cluster head selection in wireless sensor networks (CHP‐HFAPSO‐WSN) respectively.
Segmentation of continental Indian plate by the Narmada‐Son diffuse plate boundary
Authors: Sen Raja , Panda Dibyashakti , Kundu Bhaskar , Santosh M.
Published: December 2022

The Narmada‐Son lineament is a major tectonic feature in Central India. Here we employ data from geodetic measurements of crustal deformation and upper mantle P‐wave travel time tomography and propose that the Narmada‐Son palaeo‐rift is a present‐day diffuse plate boundary that segments the continental part of the Indian “composite” plate into two component plates, the North and South‐Indian plate. Tomographic images reveal that the collision of an indenter, associated with the relatively faster moving South‐Indian plate, with the Narmada‐Son diffuse plate boundary acted as a pivot point exerting a torque on one of the component plates along with mechanical rotation. This new proposal along with a new identity of the Narmada‐Son diffuse plate boundary is in better agreement with the estimated location of the relative Euler pole across two respective component plates. Our model is also able to better explain the Indian “composite” plate hypothesis, diversity in the topographic architecture along the rift, and contrasting deformation styles on either side of the diffuse plate boundary.
Temporary induction of hypoxic adaptations by preconditioning fails to enhance Schwann cell transplant survival after spinal cord injury
Authors: David Brian T. , Curtin Jessica J. , Brown Jennifer L. , Scorpio Kerri , Kandaswamy Veena , Coutts David J. C. , Vivinetto Ana , Bianchimano Paola , Karuppagounder Saravanan S. , Metcalfe Mariajose , Cave John W. , Hill Caitlin E.
Published: December 2022

Hypoxic preconditioning is protective in multiple models of injury and disease, but whether it is beneficial for cells transplanted into sites of spinal cord injury (SCI) is largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed whether hypoxia‐related preconditioning protected Schwann cells (SCs) transplanted into the contused thoracic rat spinal cord. Hypoxic preconditioning was induced in SCs prior to transplantation by exposure to either low oxygen (1% O2) or pharmacological agents (deferoxamine or adaptaquin). All preconditioning approaches induced hypoxic adaptations, including increased expression of HIF‐1α and its target genes. These adaptations, however, were transient and resolved within 24 h of transplantation. Pharmacological preconditioning attenuated spinal cord oxidative stress and enhanced transplant vascularization, but it did not improve either transplanted cell survival or recovery of sensory or motor function. Together, these experiments show that hypoxia‐related preconditioning is ineffective at augmenting either cell survival or the functional outcomes of SC‐SCI transplants. They also reveal that the benefits of hypoxia‐related adaptations induced by preconditioning for cell transplant therapies are not universal.
Value of routine follow‐up in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer patients treated with curative intent
Authors: Brands Maria T. , Swinkels Iris J. , Aarts Anne M. W. M. , Verbeek André L. M. , Merkx Matthias A. W. , Marres Henri A. M. , Kaanders Johannes H. A. M. , Melchers Willem J. G. , van Engen‐van Grunsven Ilse , Takes Robert P. , Geurts Sandra M. E.
Published: December 2022

Background

The major goal of routine follow‐up in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients is the asymptomatic detection of new disease in order to improve survival. This study evaluated the effect of routine follow‐up on overall survival (OS).

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 307 consecutive OPSCC patients treated with curative intent between 2006 and 2012 was analyzed. The effectiveness of routine follow‐up was studied by comparing treatment‐intent and OS in patients with asymptomatically versus symptomatically detected new disease.

Results

Three‐ and five‐year risks of new disease were 29% (95% CI: 24–34) and 33% (95% CI: 27–39). Of the 81 patients with locoregional recurrence or second primary head and neck cancer, 8 (10%) were detected asymptomatically with no difference in OS with those detected with symptoms.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic detection of new disease during routine visits was not associated with improved OS. The focus of follow‐up should be on providing psychosocial care and rehabilitation.
COVID‐19 vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy among Australians with disability and long‐term health conditions
Authors: Aitken Zoe , Emerson Eric , Kavanagh Anne Marie
Published: December 2022

Issue Addressed

COVID‐19 vaccination is the cornerstone of managing Australia's COVID‐19 pandemic and the success of the vaccination program depends on high vaccination coverage. This paper examined differences in COVID‐19 vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy for people with disability, long‐term health conditions, and carers – subgroups that were prioritised in Australia's vaccination program.

Methods

Using data from 2400 Australians who participated in two waves of the Taking the Pulse of the Nation survey in April and May 2021, we described vaccination coverage and hesitancy among people with disability, severe mental health conditions, severe long‐term health conditions, frequent need for assistance with everyday activities, and carers.

Results

Vaccination coverage was estimated to be 8.2% in the population overall and was similar for people with disability, those with frequent need for assistance, and carers. It was higher for people with severe long‐term health conditions (13.4%) and lower for people with severe mental health conditions (4.3%). Vaccine hesitancy was high overall (35.6%) and was similarly high across the priority groups, with only small differences for people with disability, severe long‐term health conditions and frequent need for assistance.

Conclusions

This study highlights a lack of difference in vaccination coverage for people with disability, long‐term health conditions, and carers compared to the general population.

So what?

Sub‐optimal vaccination coverage for people in the priority groups leaves many people at significant risk of serious disease or death if exposed to COVID‐19, particularly in light of easing of disease‐control restrictions across Australia and the emergence of new variants.
High performance work systems and employee mental health: The roles of psychological empowerment, work role overload, and organizational identification
Authors: Kim Kyoung Yong , Messersmith Jake G. , Pieper Jenna R. , Baik Kibok , Fu Sherry (Qiang)
Published: December 2022

Employee mental health is a central issue in today's global workplace. This paper analyzes the effect of high performance work systems (HPWSs) on employee mental health. We integrate HPWS concepts with job demands‐resources (JD‐R) theory to examine competing theoretical perspectives—a positive HPWS influence and a negative HPWS influence on employee mental health. We examine employees' perceptions of psychological empowerment as an indicator of the motivational pathway of the JD‐R and work‐role overload as an indicator of the strain pathway to explain the differential effect of HPWSs on mental health. We also incorporate organizational identification theory to demonstrate how one's identification with the organization can either accentuate or attenuate feelings of both psychological empowerment and work‐role overload. Findings from a study of 999 employees in 174 South Korean organizations indicate that HPWSs are positively associated with employee mental health via employee perceptions of empowerment and that HPWSs are negatively associated with employee mental health through perceptions of work‐role overload. Furthermore, the study finds that organizational identification attenuates the relationship between HPWS and both empowerment and overload. Practice‐level post hoc analyses also reveal that the job design characteristics, pay level, and participative decision‐making are linked to empowerment. In addition, participative decision‐making is most strongly associated with work overload.
Associative factors for atopic dermatitis and other atopic diseases in middle‐aged adults: A population‐based birth cohort study among 5373 subjects
Authors: Haarala Anna K. , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki , Jokelainen Jari , Pekkanen Juha , Huilaja Laura
Published: December 2022

Background and aims

The study aimed to examine parental, longitudinal and current associative factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) and to compare those to other atopic diseases in 46‐year‐old adults.

Methods

Questionnaire data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study were used. To analyze allergic sensitization, skin prick tests (n = 5373) were performed for birch, timothy, cat, and house dust mite at age 46.

Results

Maternal (odds ratio [OR] 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–2.59) and paternal allergy (OR 2.54; CI 1.76–3.64), sensitization to any of the four tested aeroallergens (OR 1.56; CI 1.04–2.30) as well as polysensitization (OR 3.04; CI 2.10–4.37) were associated with current AD. Living on a farm in infancy was negatively associated with allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic multimorbidity. Current AD (OR 2.65; CI 1.44–4.60) and all atopic diseases associated with indoor air related symptoms. Current AD associated with other atopic diseases, most strongly with allergic rhinitis (OR 4.92; CI 3.92–6.22).

Conclusion

Current AD in a 46‐year‐old general population occurred frequently with allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort study 1966. Parental allergy and sensitization to common aeroallergens were found as shared associative factors for AD, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma. AD and other atopic diseases associated with symptoms related to poor indoor air quality. In daily practice, it is important to take these comorbidities into consideration when treating patients with AD.
The myth of normative development
Authors: Forbes Samuel H. , Aneja Prerna , Guest Olivia
Published: December 2022

Over the past decade, the field of psychology has come under increasing fire for the replicability of purported findings, for the transparency of the methods used, and for the generalisability of the claims. In general, these criticisms have focused on the methodological and statistical aspects of published work. Herein, we highlight the importance of diversity of both our participant samples in empirical studies and of our researchers within developmental psychology as a barrier to generalisability. Far beyond being a purely methodological question, for example, of heterogenous sampling, ignoring the importance of context and environment in development implies risking failing to comprehend pivotal facets of development. Importantly, we discuss the harms done to our science's theoretical contributions as a direct result of defining and maintaining misplaced “norms” or “normative” developmental scenarios. Finally, we outline how even small steps by individuals can be impactful, such as ceasing to request unsubstantiated comparisons to the Western “norm” in peer review.

Highlights

Developmental Psychology seeks to understand how humans develop.

To do this, we also need to understand the dynamic cultural context of participants and of the field.

A failure to do this sets up implied norms, which is harmful to the field and to our understanding of human development.

We examine these norms and make recommendations to avoid this phenomenon.
The impact of the “Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch‐Up” program on attachment related parent behavior—A systematic review
Authors: O'Byrne Emma , McCusker Chris , McSweeney Shane
Published: December 2022

“Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch‐Up” (ABC) is a 10 session home visiting program, grounded in attachment theory. It aims to improve child emotion regulation, attachment and behavioral outcomes through changing caregivers’ attachment related behaviors. There is increasing evidence with respect to the effectiveness of ABC in producing positive child outcomes, but the intervention's direct effect on parent outcomes remains unclear. This review examined the association of ABC with attachment related parent outcomes. The PubMed, EMBASE, PyschINFO and SCOPUS databases were searched for relevant studies in August 2021, and again in April 2022. The eligibility criteria for included studies were (1) infants aged 0–27 months at time of the ABC intervention, (2) “at risk” parents, (3) controlled trials published in peer‐reviewed journals and (4) utilized a measure of attachment related parent outcomes. Eleven eligible studies were included. The findings showed ABC had a significant small to medium effect on a variety of attachment related parent outcomes among parents presenting with multiple psychosocial risk factors. “Sensitivity” was measured most frequently, with small to medium main effect sizes recorded at follow‐up, compared to controls. Implications for the clinical effectiveness of the ABC program in community settings are discussed. Future research should clarify who ABC is most effective for and how it compares to similar interventions.
Grain yield prediction model based on the analysis of climate and irrigated area conditions in the wheat grain‐filling period
Authors: Gong Qizhou , Huang Hongliang , Zhang Bingjiang
Published: December 2022

The food problem is a major issue of common concern around the world, and the forecasting of wheat output can help to promote the solution of this problem. This paper analyses the relationship between wheat yield and weather, precipitation and irrigated area; proposes a Bayesian optimized machine model of the XGBoost regression algorithm; and applies it to forecast wheat yield in Uttar Pradesh, India. Second, the stability and robustness of the XGBoost model using the top five parameter combinations of the optimization score were evaluated by cross‐validation, and the best model was used to predict wheat yield in Uttar Pradesh, India. Finally, the model is compared with other prediction models, and the tenfold cross‐validation experimental results show the effectiveness of the model. Ultimately, by learning from the available data and using the 2022 wheat irrigation data to forecast wheat yield per acre, we obtain a wheat production estimate of 17 930 817 t in Uttar Pradesh in 2022, which is a decreasing trend from previous years' wheat output. The impact of extreme heat on total production is somewhat contained by the year‐on‐year increase in the irrigated area in Uttar Pradesh.
Thiourea derivatives inhibit key diabetes‐associated enzymes and advanced glycation end‐product formation as a treatment for diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ullah Imran , Hassan Mukhtiar , Khan Khalid M. , Sajid Muhammad , Umar Muhammad , Hassan Said , Ullah Amin , El‐Serehy Hamed A. , Charifi Wafa , Yasmin Humaira
Published: December 2022

This study was designed to screen novel thiourea derivatives against different enzymes, such as α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B, and advanced glycated end product (AGEs). A cytotoxicity analysis was performed using rat L6 myotubes and molecular docking analysis was performed to map the binding interactions between the active compounds and α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. The data revealed the potency of five compounds, including E (1‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐3‐(3,4‐dimethyl phenyl) thiourea), AG (1‐(2‐methoxy‐5‐(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)‐3‐(3‐methoxy phenyl) thiourea), AF (1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐ethylphenyl) thiourea), AD (1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐ethylphenyl) thiourea), and AH (1‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐3‐(2‐iodophenyl) thiourea), showed activity against α‐amylase. The corresponding percentage inhibitions were found to be 85 ± 1.9, 82 ± 0.7, 75 ± 1.2, 72 ± 0.4, and 65 ± 1.1%, respectively. These compounds were then screened using in vitro assays. Among them, AH showed the highest activity against α‐glucosidase, AGEs, and PTP1B, with percentage inhibitions of 86 ± 0.4% (IC50 = 47.9 μM), 85 ± 0.7% (IC50 = 49.51 μM), and 85 ± 0.5% (IC50 = 79.74 μM), respectively. Compound AH showed an increased glucose uptake at a concentration of 100 μM. Finally, an in vivo study was conducted using a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mouse model and PTP1B expression was assessed using real‐time PCR. Additionally, we examined the hypoglycemic effect of compound AH in diabetic rats compared to the standard drug glibenclamide.
Circular RNA expression profile identifies circMGEA5 as a novel metastasis‐promoting factor and potential biomarker in osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Wei , Long Qiuping , Zhang Wei , Zeng Dehui , Hu Bingbing , Liu Shengyao , Li Chen
Published: December 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is associated with a high incidence of lung metastasis, which leads to a high risk of cancer death. Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel class of noncoding RNA, is emerging as a key player in human cancer. Herein, we explored the role of circMGEA5 in OS metastasis by conducting circRNA expression microarray. CircMGEA5 was significantly upregulated in metastatic OS tissues compared to primary tissues. High circMGEA5 was positively related with shorter overall and disease‐free survival time. Knockdown of circMGEA5 suppressed OS cell migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, circMGEA5 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to directly sponge miR‐153‐3p and miR‐8084, resulting in increasing ZEB1 and Snail expression, respectively, thereby inducing EMT and metastasis. In turn, ZEB1 and Snail were capable to bind to circMGEA5 promoter, activating circMGEA5 transcription, thus forming a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, we established the tail vein injection model and found that circMGEA5 depletion remarkably reduced lung metastasis nodules generated by OS cells. In sum, our findings, for the first time, reveal the metastasis‐promoting role of circMGEA5 in OS. Targeting of this newly identified ceRNA axis may be crucial in the development of novel therapies for metastatic OS patients.
Effects of the pathological E200K mutation on human prion protein: A computational screening and molecular dynamics approach
Authors: Gharemirshamloo Fatemeh Rahimi , Majumder Ranabir , Kumar S. Udhaya , Doss C. George Priya , Bamdad Kourosh , Frootan Fateme , Un Cemal
Published: December 2022

The human prion protein gene (PRNP) is mapped to the short arm of chromosome 20 (20pter‐12). Prion disease is associated with mutations in the prion protein‐encoding gene sequence. Earlier studies found that the mutation G127V in the PRNP increases protein stability. In contrast, the mutation E200K, which has the highest mutation rate in the prion protein, causes Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in humans and induces protein aggregation. We aimed to identify the structural mechanisms of E200k and G127V mutations causing CJD. We used a variety of bioinformatic algorithms, including SIFT, PolyPhen, I‐Mutant, PhD‐SNP, and SNP& GO, to predict the association of the E200K mutation with prion disease. MD simulation is performed, and graphs for root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration, DSSP, principal component analysis, porcupine, and free energy landscape are generated to confirm and prove the stability of the wild‐type and mutant protein structures. The protein is analyzed for aggregation, and the results indicate more fluctuations in the protein structure during the simulation owing to the E200K mutation; however, the G127V mutation makes the protein structure stable against aggregation during the simulation.