bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Existent Oncology Curricula for Primary Care Providers: A Scoping Review With a Global Equity Lens
Authors: Oldfield Leslie E. , Jones Vivien , Gill Bhajan , Kodous Nardeen , Fazelzad Rouhi , Rodin Danielle , Sandhu Harminder , Umakanthan Ben , Papadakos Janet , Giuliani Meredith Elana
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

Global increases in cancer, coupled with a shortage of cancer specialists, has led to an increasing role for primary care providers (PCP) in cancer care. This review aimed to examine all extant cancer curricula for PCPs and to analyze the motivations for curriculum development.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from inception to October 13, 2021, with no language restrictions. The initial search yielded 11,162 articles and 10,902 articles underwent title and abstract review. After full-text review, 139 articles were included. Numeric and thematic analyses were conducted and education programs were evaluated using Bloom's taxonomy.

RESULTS

Most curricula were developed in high-income countries (HICs), with 58% in the United States. Cancer-specific curricula focused on HIC priority cancers, such as skin/melanoma, and did not represent the global cancer burden. Most (80%) curricula were developed for staff physicians and 73% focused on cancer screening. More than half (57%) of programs were delivered in person, with a shift toward online delivery over time. Less than half (46%) of programs were codeveloped with PCPs and 34% did not involve PCPs in the program design and development. Curricula were primarily developed to improve cancer knowledge, and 72 studies assessed multiple outcome measures. No studies included the top two levels of Bloom's taxonomy of learning (evaluating; creating).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first review to assess the current state of cancer curricula for PCPs with a global focus. This review shows that extant curricula are primarily developed in HICs, do not represent the global cancer burden, and focus on cancer screening. This review lays a foundation to advance the cocreation of curricula that are aligned to the global cancer burden.
A Gene Panel Associated With Abemaciclib Utility in ESR1-Mutated Breast Cancer After Prior Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6-Inhibitor Progression
Authors: Brett Jamie O. , Dubash Taronish D. , Johnson Gabriela N. , Niemierko Andrzej , Mariotti Veronica , Kim Leslie S.L. , Xi Jing , Pandey Apurva , Dunne Siobhan , Nasrazadani Azadeh , Lloyd Maxwell R. , Kambadakone Avinash , Spring Laura M. , Micalizzi Douglas S. , Onozato Maristela L. , Che Dante , Nayar Utthara , Brufsky Adam , Kalinsky Kevin , Ma Cynthia X. , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Han Hyo S. , Iafrate Anthony J. , Ryan Lianne Y. , Juric Dejan , Moy Beverly , Ellisen Leif W. , Maheswaran Shyamala , Wagle Nikhil , Haber Daniel A. , Bardia Aditya , Wander Seth A.
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

For patients with hormone receptor–positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2–) metastatic breast cancer (MBC), first-line treatment is endocrine therapy (ET) plus cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibition (CDK4/6i). After disease progression, which often comes with ESR1 resistance mutations (ESR1-MUT), which therapies to use next and for which patients are open questions. An active area of exploration is treatment with further CDK4/6i, particularly abemaciclib, which has distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties compared with the other approved CDK4/6 inhibitors, palbociclib and ribociclib. We investigated a gene panel to prognosticate abemaciclib susceptibility in patients with ESR1-MUT MBC after palbociclib progression.

METHODS

We examined a multicenter retrospective cohort of patients with ESR1-MUT MBC who received abemaciclib after disease progression on ET plus palbociclib. We generated a panel of CDK4/6i resistance genes and compared abemaciclib progression-free survival (PFS) in patients without versus with mutations in this panel (CDKi-R[–] v CDKi-R[+]). We studied how ESR1-MUT and CDKi-R mutations affect abemaciclib sensitivity of immortalized breast cancer cells and patient-derived circulating tumor cell lines in culture.

RESULTS

In ESR1-MUT MBC with disease progression on ET plus palbociclib, the median PFS was 7.0 months for CDKi-R(–) (n = 17) versus 3.5 months for CDKi-R(+) (n = 11), with a hazard ratio of 2.8 ( P = .03). In vitro, CDKi-R alterations but not ESR1-MUT induced abemaciclib resistance in immortalized breast cancer cells and were associated with resistance in circulating tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

For ESR1-MUT MBC with resistance to ET and palbociclib, PFS on abemaciclib is longer for patients with CDKi-R(–) than CDKi-R(+). Although a small and retrospective data set, this is the first demonstration of a genomic panel associated with abemaciclib sensitivity in the postpalbociclib setting. Future directions include testing and improving this panel in additional data sets, to guide therapy selection for patients with HR+/HER2– MBC.
The exon junction complex component EIF4A3 is essential for mouse and human cortical progenitor mitosis and neurogenesis
Authors: Lupan Bianca M. , Solecki Rachel A. , Musso Camila M. , Alsina Fernando C. , Silver Debra L.
Published: May 2023

Mutations in components of the exon junction complex (EJC) are associated with neurodevelopment and disease. In particular, reduced levels of the RNA helicase EIF4A3 cause Richieri-Costa-Pereira syndrome (RCPS) and copy number variations are linked to intellectual disability. Consistent with this, Eif4a3 haploinsufficient mice are microcephalic. Altogether, this implicates EIF4A3 in cortical development; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we use mouse and human models to demonstrate that EIF4A3 promotes cortical development by controlling progenitor mitosis, cell fate and survival. Eif4a3 haploinsufficiency in mice causes extensive cell death and impairs neurogenesis. Using Eif4a3;p53 compound mice, we show that apoptosis has the most impact on early neurogenesis, while additional p53-independent mechanisms contribute to later stages. Live imaging of mouse and human neural progenitors reveals that Eif4a3 controls mitosis length, which influences progeny fate and viability. These phenotypes are conserved, as cortical organoids derived from RCPS iPSCs exhibit aberrant neurogenesis. Finally, using rescue experiments we show that EIF4A3 controls neuron generation via the EJC. Altogether, our study demonstrates that EIF4A3 mediates neurogenesis by controlling mitosis duration and cell survival, implicating new mechanisms that underlie EJC-mediated disorders.
America’s Continuing Struggle with Mental Illnesses: Economic Considerations
Authors: Frank Richard G. , Glied Sherry A.
Published: May 2023

Mental illnesses affect roughly 20 percent of the US population. Like other health conditions, mental illnesses impose costs on individuals; they also generate costs that extend to family members and the larger society. Care for mental illnesses has evolved quite differently from the rest of health care sector. While medical care in general has seen major advances in the technology of treatment this has not been the case to the same extent for the treatment of mental illnesses. Relative to other illnesses, the cost of care for mental illnesses has grown more slowly and the social cost of illness has grown more rapidly. In this essay we offer evidence about the forces underpinning these patterns and emphasize the challenges stemming from the heterogeneity of mental illnesses. We examine institutions and rationing mechanisms that affect the ability to make appropriate matches between clinical problems and treatments. We conclude with a review of implications for policy and economic research.
Προύχοντες και επανάσταση
Authors: Καραβασίλη Χριστίνα
Published: May 2023

Η ένταξη και συμμετοχή των προυχοντικών αρχόντων στην επανάσταση ισοδυναμεί με την ενεργό παρουσία τους στους διοικητικούς, στρατιωτικούς και, κυρίως, οικονομικούς μηχανισμούς του Αγώνα της Ανεξαρτησίας. Οι προυχοντικές κεφαλές ανέλαβαν την επιμελητεία του Αγώνα πολυεπίπεδα. Η οργάνωση, η διοίκηση, η στρατολόγηση και αρχηγεσία των ένοπλων σωμάτων, η προμήθεια με στρατιωτικό υλικό αποτέλεσαν τα πεδία δράσης τους. Ταυτόχρονα, στην επαναστατική πραγματικότητα, αναδύθηκαν οι αντιθέσεις και αντιπαραθέσεις ανάμεσα στους προύχοντες και τους νέους πρωταγωνιστές του πολέμου που οδήγησαν στην εμφύλια διαμάχη.
Practice and knowledge of dietary supplement consumption among Indonesian adults post-delta wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: d'Arqom Annette , Nasution Mhd Zamal , Kadir Sharifah Zamiah Syed Abdul , Yusof Junaidah , Govindaraju Kayatri
Published: May 2023

Background: Increasing dietary supplement (DS) consumption was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including during the post-Delta wave period. This study aimed to measure the practice of DS consumption and respondents’ knowledge of DS.

Methods: An internet-based survey was distributed from October-December 2021 and obtained 541 valid and completed responses. Descriptive analysis was performed to present the practice of DS consumption, including frequency, duration, aim, preferable dosage form etc. Level of knowledge on DS principles, side effects and regulation were also measured. Inferential analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of the respondents’ DS practice and level of knowledge.

Results: Data from 541 valid responses showed that 77.63% of respondents consumed DS in the last 3 months, with only 59.52% reporting also consuming DS before the COVID-19 pandemic. One half of the respondents had good knowledge about DS; however, some knowledge regarding side effects and possible drug-supplement interaction needed improvement. Their DS consumption practice was affected by their economic status and history of contracting COVID-19. Nevertheless, the level of knowledge was not affected by the sociodemographic factors and DS supplement experience.

Conclusions: Taken together, the practice of self-consumption of DS in Indonesia is increasing; hence, knowledge of DS is necessary to avoid detrimental effects that might occur in the future. Increasing access to information on better labelling and educating consumers about DS are important actions to consider.
Physiotherapy versus pain medication for managing chronic cervical radiculopathy: protocol for a multi-arm parallel-group randomized clinical trial
Authors: Siddique Mustafa Amimul Ehsan , Rahman M. Mazibar , Islam Md. Shofiqul , Islam Md. Waliul , Islam Nasirul , Uddin Zakir , Hossain Shahadat , Akter Sapia , Ali Mohammad , Hossain K. M. Amran
Published: May 2023

Background: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is one of the prevalent causes of neck pain and disability. Physiotherapy and pain medications are the common nonoperative management, and in physiotherapy, there are many concepts of assessment and management. This study aims to determine the comparative effectiveness of three specialized physiotherapy approaches or only pain medications for managing CR cases.

Methods: A prospective, assessor, and participant-blind, four-arm randomized control trial (RCT) has been planned to conduct on 160 patients with chronic cervical radiculopathy in 4 specialized centers of Dhaka city recruited between July and December 2022. Four groups (n=40) will be treated through structural diagnosis and management concept (SDM), regional approaches (RA), McKenzie mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) concept prescribed by advanced practice physiotherapist (APP), or pain medications prescribed by the specialist physician for 4 weeks. The outcome will be evaluated in baseline, intermediate test (14 days), and post-treatment (28 days) through Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) for pain, Goniometer reading for cervical range of motion (ROM), and Neck disability index (NDI) as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome will be quality of life measured at baseline and post-treatment by the WHO quality of life questionnaire WHOQOL-BREF. 

Discussion: The study will compare the efficacy of the three physiotherapy approaches with pain medications when treating chronic cervical radiculopathy. The findings will provide evidence when demining the best conservative management approach for CR.

Clinical Trial Registry India: CTRI/2022/03/040922 (08/03/2022)
Mathematical modeling of the dependence of the risk of vitamin D deficiency on anthropometric and laboratory parameters
Authors: Shanyhin Anton , Babienko Volodymyr , Strakhov Yevhen , Korkhova Arina
Published: May 2023

Recently, data on the use of mathematical models to determine the status of vitamin D in clinical practice in patients with various diseases appear in the literature, but there is no data on the creation of a mathematical model that allows screening in the general population. The creation of a mathematical model, with the help of which it is possible to identify groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency, will contribute to the reduction of laboratory research costs and allow screening of vitamin D status on a more massive and reasonable basis.

Goal. Study of the relationship between the risk of vitamin D deficiency and anthropometric and laboratory parameters using mathematical modeling methods.

Materials and methods. 928 residents of the southern region of Ukraine between the ages of 19 and 82 (average age - 47.2 years) were surveyed. Based on the correlation analysis of the studied data, the most influential data were selected as the following indicators: age, body mass index, atherogenicity coefficient, high-density lipoproteins, and the ratio of waist volume to hip volume.

Conclusions. The study emphasizes the importance of anthropometric and laboratory parameters in predicting the risk of vitamin D deficiency. The use of mathematical modeling methods makes it possible to identify the most important risk factors and quantify their contribution. The results of the study may have important implications for public health by helping to identify high-risk groups in a timely manner.
Art-Based Perceptual Ecology, a Path to Relational Dialogue Within a Multispecies Community
Authors: Engerran Julie , Woolery Lee Ann
Published: May 2023

Bringing together the creator of art-based perceptual ecology (ABPE) and a practitioner of Appreciative Inquiry, this paper explores art-making as a mode of inquiry – a path to a multispecies and relational dialogue. Through reflections on embodied knowing and sensory experience with the land, we share how ABPE methodology might offer a richer understanding of whole systems and transformative change.
Reimagining the Corporate Entity for Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Watson Susan , Houkamau Carla , Lythberg Billie , Newth Jamie , Woods Christine
Published: May 2023

To align the company with local, global and planetary concerns and aspirations for our economy and to deliver the social outcomes we hope for and imagine, we must address our constrained thinking about the possibilities inherent in the form. What might become possible in Aotearoa New Zealand through innovating our conception of the company?
Giving Voice to Nature: Inviting Gluskabe and the Water Monster into the Room
Authors: Heath Renee
Published: May 2023

This case study explores the experience and challenges associated with giving voice to the more-than-human world in a public dialogue focused on water sustainability. Grounded in the Appreciative Inquiry Poetic and Wholeness principles, students from the University of New Hampshire collaborated with local Indigenous residents to design and facilitate a public dialogue anchored in storytelling.
Appreciative Inquiry and Bio-Leadership Three Areas of Work to Support a Necessary, Regenerative Revolution
Authors: Roberts Andres
Published: May 2023

The challenges we see in the world today are bound to a dominant narrative of growth, extraction, consumption and disconnection. An alternative narrative of nature-led progress is emerging around the world, but the work to grow it can be difficult and exhausting. This piece describes three areas of work where Appreciative Inquiry can help us grow this necessary movement: 1) creating goals and frames that inspire us to work as whole systems; 2) facilitating processes that connect, support, and inspire new stories; and 3) crafting a culture of care in the work of transformation.
Relation of Antioxidant Native Thiol Level with Inflammatory Markers and Disease Activity Index in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: DERECİ Selim , DURAN Fatih , NESELİOGLU Salim , HIDIMOGLU Burcu , İSKENDER MAZMAN Duygu , ÜNLÜSOY AKSU Aysel , DEMİR Arzu Meltem , EREL Özcan , HİZLİ Samil
Published: May 2023

Objective: Pediatric ulcerative colitis (PUC) is an inflammatory disease. PUC pathogenesis is associated with an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant activity which creates oxidative stress. Native thiol (NT) level is antioxidant capacity which is practical and repeatable marker of inflammation and antioxidan level. We aimed to analyse the relation of NT level with inflammatory markers and pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index (PUCAI).
Material and Methods: Thirty-eight PUC patients (SG) and 33 control group (CG) participants were included in the study. PUC patients grouped as in remission, mild, moderate and severe activity according to disease activity according to PUCAI. NT, hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels of all participants were measured at the time they were enrolled in the study and recorded.
Results: Mean age and gender ratio of groups were similar (p>0.050). NT level of SG statistically high compared to CG (p=0.001). Hb, PLT, MPV, CRP, ESR, IL-6 levels of SG were statistically different than CG (p=0.045, p=0.026, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001). NT level of SG was positively correlated with Hb, MPV, albumin (p=0.001, for all). NT level of SG was negatively correlated with PLT, CRP, ESR, IL-6 and PUCAI (p=0.001).
Conclusion: NT level of PUC is significantly lower than CG. NT level of SG was positively correlated with albumin which is a good prognostic factor in PUC patients. NT may be repeatable, noninvasive candidate serum biomarker for PUC management.
Feeling it
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: May 2023

How can the environment provide security at the same time as building relationships? Nicole Weinstein goes back to basics on resourcing with an eye on PSED
Up and down
Authors: Conkbayir Mine
Published: May 2023

Why do some children ‘flip their lid’? Mine Conkbayir explains in this edited extract of her book The Neuroscience of the Developing Child
Application of Uniaxial Compression Curve Fractal Dimension in the Identification of Cañihua (Chenopodium Pallidicaule Aellen) Grain Cultivars
Authors: Flores Silvia Eugenia , Leon Alicia Magaly , Leon Betsabe , Bravo Rosario Ysabel , Medina Wenceslao Teddy
Published: May 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

Grains of three cañihua cultivars were identified through the determination of fractal dimension of its force?deformation curves.

A special test cell device was developed to mechanically assess small grains during compression tests.

Cañihua cultivars form separate groups when results of fractal dimension of their force?deformation curves, force of rupture, and fracture force are analyzed with PCA.

ABSTRACT.Cañihua is an ancient crop of the Andean regions in South America. High genetic diversity of this crop can be found around Lake Titicaca. Cañihua grain is an important source of food for the people in this region because of its high protein and amino acid contents. Currently, there are three known cultivars and more than a hundred accessions of cañihua. Most of the grains from these cultivars and accessions have the same shape and color, making their identification difficult. This work sought to estimate the fractal dimension of force–deformation curves obtained during individual cañihua grain compression tests through the box-counting method (BCM) and the Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD) to show the possibility of differentiating and recognizing cañihua cultivars by taking into consideration the influence of their mechanical properties and chemical composition. Using BCM for the fractal dimension of the force-strain curves allowed us to differentiate the three cultivars from each other, and with HFD, it was possible to observe the difference between accessions and cultivars. Finally, by using the BCM and HFD results, together with mechanical properties such as the bioyield and rupture points and the energy required to reach them, the three cañihua cultivars could be differentiated from the accessions through multivariate PCA. The findings of this work could be applied to distinguish or identify cultivars of different crop grains. Keywords: Cañihua cultivars and accessions, Fractal dimension, Force–deformation curves, PCA.
CFD Simulation of Circulating-Airflow Distribution Inside Canopy From Novel Air-Assisted Sprayer in Orchard
Authors: Sun Hao , Zheng He , Yu Hongfeng , Qiu Wei , Cao Yubin , Lv Xiaolan , Zhang Zhengwei
Published: May 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

A CFD model was developed to simulate airflow movements from circulating air-assisted sprayer.

The CFD model can simulate airflow distribution inside the pear canopy with good accuracy.

Simulation identifies the preferred parameters for circulating air-assisted spraying.

An excessive adjustment of the airflow angle resulted in the formation of an eddy.

ABSTRACT. Circulating air-assisted (CAA) spraying involves a negative pressure suction (NPS) created by a fan placed over the top of a canopy to change the airflow direction twice, i.e., first from the outside of the canopy to its inside and then from the bottom up, which can increase the airflow velocity inside the canopy. However, this new pesticide application technology has not been adequately investigated. In particular, the effects of the inlet and outlet airflow parameters of CAA spraying technology on the airflow distribution inside a canopy are yet to be determined. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed and validated to simulate the interactions between the airflow ejected by a CAA sprayer and the canopy of a fruit tree. In the computational domain, the fruit tree is considered a porous medium. The model is validated based on three fruit trees of different sizes, leaf-area densities (LAD). The root mean square error and the mean relative square error are 1.44, 1.43, 2.22 m/s, and 24.9%, 24.7%, and 36.4%, respectively. This suggests that the CFD model can predict the interactions between the airflow field generated by a CAA sprayer and the canopy of a fruit tree. The validated CFD model is employed to analyze the airflow distribution patterns inside a canopy under different combinations of inlet and outlet airflow parameters. A reasonable combination of inlet and airflow parameters is obtained for CAA spraying technology. For example, the suitable outlet airflow velocity, top NPS, and bottom outlet angle for seven-year-old crown pear trees (average height: 2.0 m; average canopy diameter: 1.2 m; average trunk height: 0.62 m; average LAD: 2.96) selected in this study from a farm in southern China are 15 m/s, 200 Pa, and 10°, respectively. The results of this study can facilitate the parametric adjustment of CAA sprayers and enhance plant protection in orchards. Keywords: Circulating air-assisted spraying, Fruit-tree canopy, Inlet and outlet airflow parameters, Simulation.
Construction and Calculation Analysis of Mechanical Model of Crushed Rock Pile Treatment of Foundation Earthquake
Authors: Zhenyu Yin
Published: May 2023

In recent years, earthquakes have occurred frequently at home and abroad, causing huge losses to the local society. Therefore, it is important to study the mechanical response of foundations under earthquakes. In this paper, firstly, gravel piles are selected as soft ground improvement materials, and A single bulk material pile section and a peripile soil section within the influence of a single pile are considered as a study unit, and the pore water discharge from the consolidation process is equal to the volume reduction of the unit, considering the consolidation deformation of the pile body, the composite foundation consolidation equation is derived, and the consolidation equation is solved by the separation variable method through the isostrain assumption and initial boundary conditions, and the average superporous water pressure of the soil between the body and the pile is obtained. Then, a more realistic non-uniform ground motion input method is adopted, and the seismic fluctuations are converted into equivalent loads on artificial boundary nodes through the Matlab program, and the equivalent loads are applied to the established viscoelastic artificial boundary by OpenSees software to realize ground motion input. Finally, a mechanical analysis model is established by hypothesis, and with the help of mode orthogonal theory and Hilbert yellow transform, the calculation method of ground seismic mechanical response based on non-uniform ground motion input is obtained. The results show that the effect of gravel pile encryption can reduce the accumulation rate and peak of super-static pore pressure during vibration, and the surface settlement of the site is reduced by 40–50% and the surface lateral shift is reduced by 30–50% after encryption; the drainage effect has a significant effect on reducing the accumulation rate of super-static pore pressure and the post-earthquake dissipation time of the soil during vibration, and the surface settlement is reduced by about 10–20% and the lateral shift is reduced by about 30–40% after increasing the drainage effect.
Condition Monitoring of an Axial Piston Pump on a Mini Excavator
Authors: Keller Nathan , Sciancalepore Annalisa , Vacca Andrea
Published: May 2023

The focus of this paper is to show the process of developing a condition monitoring system for an axial piston pump mounted on a mini excavator. This work outlines some previous condition monitoring work on axial piston pumps but addresses the lack of research conducted on mobile hydraulics. The valve plate of the pump is chosen as a case study to demonstrate varying degrees of wear and damage to represent healthy and faulty pump conditions. The wear and damage of these valve plates is measured using an optical profilometer, and efficiency measurements were conducted to characterize the fault levels. Once the faults were characterized, the mini excavator was introduced and instrumented to demonstrate what parameters were being considered. Next, three duty cycles were introduced: controlled, digging, and different operator cycles. The controlled cycles are a very repeatable condition that eliminated the need of an operator. The digging cycle was more of a realistic cycle where an operator dug into a loose pile of soil. The different operator cycle is the same as the digging cycle, but a different operator was employed. The sensors that proved to be the most useful in detecting valve plate faults were the drain pressure, pump port pressures, engine speed, and pump displacement. Fault detectability accuracies of 100% were achievable under the controlled cycle utilizing the Fine KNN classification machine learning algorithm. The digging cycle could achieve a fault detection accuracy of 93.6% using the same algorithm and sensors. Finally, the cross-compatibility between a model trained under once cycle and using data from another cycle as an input was investigated. This study showed that a model trained under the controlled duty cycle does not give reliable and accurate fault detectability for data run in a digging cycle, below 60% accuracies. However, cross-compatibility may be achievable if more extreme faults are present. This work concluded by recommending a diagnostic function for mobile machines to perform a preprogrammed operation to reliably and accurately detect pump faults.
Classification and Review of Variable Displacement Fluid Power Pumps and Motors
Authors: Kärnell Samuel , Ericson Liselott
Published: May 2023

Displacement control of positive displacement machines has been a part of fluid power since the early days. Some of the early hydraulic presses already used two different displacement settings, though this was realised by using two different pumps rather than changing the displacement. Later, radial motors with variable stroke length appeared, followed by other designs of variable machines, such as swashplate machines, bent-axis machines, and variable vane machines. All these solutions control the displacement by varying the volume difference of the displacement element – but there are other ways of achieving this. Most have not passed the research state, but some are commercially available. In this paper, different ways of varying the displacement are presented and classified. The classification divides concepts into either control of displaced fluid or control of usage of displaced fluid. In turn, these concepts can be either on system level or displacement element level. This results in four main classes, which to some extent can describe the characteristics of the control.
Application of Deep Reinforcement Learning Control of an Inverted Hydraulic Pendulum
Authors: Brumand-Poor Faras , Kauderer Lovis , Matthiesen Gunnar , Schmitz Katharina
Published: May 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (RL) control is an emerging branch of machine learning focusing on data-driven solutions to complex nonlinear optimal control problems by trial-and-error learning. This study aims to apply deep reinforcement learning control to a hydromechanical system. The investigated system is an inverted pendulum on a cart with a hydraulic drive. The focus lies on implementing a comprehensive framework for the deep RL controller, which allows for training a control strategy in simulation and solving the tasks of swinging the pendulum up and balancing it. The RL controller can solve these challenges successfully; therefore, reinforcement learning presents a possibility for novel data-driven control approaches for hydromechanical systems.
A one-pot multi-component synthesis of novel 2((1H-Indole-3yl) (Phenyl) methyl) malononitrile derivative by utilizing recoverable and efficient TiO2 nanocatalyst
Authors: Roy Artish , Chanderiya Aayushi , Dangi Hemlata , Mishra Arunesh Kumar , Mishra Pratibha , Kashaw Sushil Kumar , Das Ratnesh
Published: May 2023

In this research, we have described a facile and user-friendly protocol for the formation of 2((1H-Indole-3yl)(Phenyl)methyl)malononitrile derivatives using a recoverable and efficient TiO2 nanocatalyst. This protocol is simple and incredibly efficient for the synthesis of novel 2((1H-Indole-3yl)(Phenyl)methyl)malononitrile derivatives. Nanoscale TiO2 is used as the catalyst. Since TiO2 has more surface area easily binds with the active site of a reactive molecule and initiates the reaction. At last, TiO2 also recovered as it acts as a catalyst. This multi-component reaction involves indole, malononitrile, and active aldehyde derivatives in the presence of ethanol as solvent and TiO2 as a nanocatalyst. The synthetic methodology employed for multi-component reactions produces substituted 2((1H-Indole-3yl)(Phenyl) methyl) malononitrile derivatives with an environmentally friendly protocol under modest reaction conditions. This study shows that the recoverable and environmentally friendly TiO2 nanocatalyst is an effective material for the synthesis of 2((1H-Indole-3yl) (Phenyl) methyl) malononitrile derivatives with high yields, rapid reaction at room temperature, and effortless product isolation.
New biologically active allelochemical from the leaves of Dalbergia Paniculata Roxb
Authors: Singh Alok Kumar , Yadava Raj Nath , Yadav Ritu , Shreevastava Satya Prakash
Published: May 2023

A new biologically active Allelochemical 3,5,7,3’,4’-pentahydroxyflavone-3-O-β-D xylopyranosyl -(1→4)- β-D-glucopyranosyl-4’-O-α-L-arabinoside (A1) whose m.p. is 340–345 0C, m.f. [M+] 728 (EIMS) was isolated from methanolic leaf extracts of Dalbergia paniculata Roxb. It was characterized by several color reactions, spectral analysis FTIR, 1H-NMR, GC-MS, and chemical degradations. The results of the antimicrobial activity of (A1) at high concentration (100µg/mL) was 20, 17, and 15 mm zone of inhibition against E. coli, B. cereus, and S. aureus aeruginosa, respectively. The data demonstrated that the antimicrobial activity of CH3 OH soluble fraction (A1 ) at all concentrations was highest against E. coli and lowest S. aureus. E. coli, B. cereus, and S. aureus aeruginosa, respectively 7.3, 2.1, and 0.02mm, MIC was defined as the minimum concentration of assayed samples that inhibited the visible growth of the tested microorganism. MIC in E. coli, B. cereus, and S. aureus aeruginosa was 7.3, 2.1, and 0.02mm, respectively.
One pot synthesis of some novel indole derivatives and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Dangi Hemlata , Roy Atish , Chanderiya Aayushi , Kashaw Sushil , Das Ratnesh
Published: May 2023

In this study, we describe the creation of a straightforward and incredibly effective protocol for the synthesis of new 3-Substituted indole derivatives. This multicomponent reaction involved indole, acetylacetone and active aldehyde derivatives in the presence of ethanol as solvent followed by acetonitrile as a base. We go through current developments in organic synthesis methodology for multicomponent reactions that produce substituted indole derivatives with a more environmentally friendly base catalytic condition, as well as the applications that go along with them. FT-IR, 1H-NMR and MS are used to characterise the synthesized compound of indole derivatives. Antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds has also been done.  
Microwave-assisted synthesis, spectral characterization and DFT studies of Zn(II) complexes based on N-acylhydrazone ligands: stability and antioxidant activity
Authors: Santos Daniela Corrêa , Henriques Ruan Roberto , Lopes Jr Marcos Antonio Abreu , Maia Paulo José Sousa , Silva Andreza Miranda Barata , Paschoal Diego Fernando Silva , Souza Andréa Luzia Ferreira
Published: May 2023

This article reports the synthesis of seven Zn(II) complexes containing N-acylhydrazone ligands (L1 to L7) and the assessment of their antioxidant. Microwave assisted-synthesis of ligands with ZnCl2 in MeOH yielded tetrahedral Zn(II) complexes with a 1:2 metal: ligand ratio, characterized by HRMS, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermal and electrochemical analyses, and DFT calculations. The (L3)2Zn complex exhibited the lowest thermal stability, and (L6)2Zn and (L7)2Zn were the most stable. XRD powder showed that all complexes have good crystallinity with crystalline dimensions ranging from 32 to 86 nm. Cyclic voltammetry of Zn(II) complexes indicated a reversible redox process for (L4)2Zn and an irreversible process for the remaining six complexes: (L1)2Zn to (L3)2Zn and (L5)2Zn to (L7)2Zn. Antioxidant activity of ligands and complexes was assessed by the DPPH method; the L7 ligand and corresponding (L7)2Zn complex exhibited good activity, IC50 = 65.30 μmol.l-1 and 78.70 μmol.l-1, respectively, when compared with standard ascorbic acid. 
Study of In Silico on Schiff Base Ligand Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar Kaushal , Kori Mithun , Pandey Himanshu , Anand Satyesh Raj , Mishra Neha , Shrivastava S. P.
Published: May 2023

Here, we have synthesized the hetero-atoms containing; 3, 4, 6–Triazabicyclo [6, 3, 1] dodeca–1 (12), 2, 6, 8, 10–pentene–5–thione (TBD) macrocyclic Schiff base ligand for the application in antituberculosis (anti-TB). This TBD ligand moiety has high donor ability due to the presence of three nitrogen donor atoms, which are also the reason for the interaction between the ligand and protein molecule. The TBD Schiff base ligand is characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as; Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) and Electron Spray Ionization (ESI) Mass spectroscopy, to understand the bond stretching, the electronic environment of protons, electronic transitions (p–p* and n–p*), and M/Z values, respectively. The computational study was carried out to calculate the molecular docking score using AutoDock Vina software against the glutamine protein enzyme (PDB ID-3ZXR). The molecular docking score was –6.3 kcal mol-1 for the TBD Schiff base ligand, whereas –4.6 kcal mol-1 is reported for the standard drug (Pyrazinamide). The product formation yield of TBD Schiff base ligand is found to be ~78 % during synthesis.
A study of mononuclear 3d transition metal bis-Schiff base complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of their antibacterial activity
Authors: Kori Mithun , Kumar Kaushal , Chourasia Karuna , Roy Atish , Yadav Ritu , Raj Krishna Kumar
Published: May 2023

In this study, we have outlined a conventional and user-friendly procedure for the production of (E)-1-(((5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol (HL-1) and (E)-1-((thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)-naphthalen-2-ol (HL-2) by the reaction of heterocyclic amine, aldehyde in the presence of ethanol as a solvent and acid as the catalyst. The synthesis of new HL-1 and HL-2 may be accomplished with ease using this approach, which is also very efficient. In the presence of dipositive Co, Ni, and Cu metal complexation, HL-1 and HL-2 were carried out in the presence of metal: ligand (1:2). HL-1, HL-2, and metal complexes are characterized with the assistance of UV/visible, FT-IR, Mass, and 1H NMR spectroscopy respectively. Furthermore, the ligands mentioned above (HL-1 and HL-2) and their metal complexes were tested for the antimicrobial study and showed an excellent inhibitory zone. These investigations indicated that HL1-Co (II), HL-1Cu (II), complexes and ligands HL-2Co (II), and HL-1Ni(II) had positive effects on Escherichia coli causing severe stomach cramps (Gram-negative- MTCC 1610) and positive impact on Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive MTCC-96) due to skin infections.
Pre-filter analysis for retrieval of microphysical particle parameters: a quality-assurance method applied to 3 backscatter (β) +2 extinction (α) optical data taken with HSRL/Raman lidar
Authors: Kolgotin Alexei , Müller Detlef , Veselovskii Igor , Korenskiy Mikhail , Wang Xuan
Published: May 2023

We analyze the solution space of 3β+2α optical data inferred from lidar measurements, i.e., backscatter coefficients at three wavelengths and extinction coefficients at two wavelengths. These optical data are governed by microphysical parameters that can be expressed in terms of particle size distribution, effective radius, and complex refractive index (CRI). In our analysis, we consider two scenarios of the solution space. First, it can be expressed in terms of monomodal particle size distributions represented either by fine modes or by coarse modes. Secondly, the particle size distributions contain a fine mode as well as a coarse mode. Consideration of both scenarios and different values of the effective radius and CRI allows us to find synthetic 3β+2α optical data and corresponding intensive parameters (IPs) such as lidar ratios, backscatter- and extinction-related Ångström exponents at the available measurement wavelengths. Based on interdependencies between synthetic IPs and various microphysical properties, the qualitative and quantitative criteria for the optical data quality-assurance tool are developed. We derive the conditions of smoothness, closeness, convergence, and stability of the solution space for the quantitative criteria to test the quality of the 3β+2α optical data. Our novel methodology, to the best of our knowledge, can be used not only for particles of spherical shape, but also for cases in which particles are irregularly shaped. Another strength of our methodology is that it also works for the case of a size-dependent and wavelength-dependent CRI. We show the potential of this methodology for a measurement case from the ORACLES campaign. Data were taken with NASA Langley’s airborne HSRL-2 instrument on September 24, 2016.
Intracavity Pumped Tunable Low Threshold Mid-IR Kerr Comb at 2 μm
Authors: Pathak Kanad , Pant Ravi
Published: May 2023

Compact low-threshold 2 μm (Mid-IR) optical frequency combs are important for applications
ranging from sensing of gases like CO2 and CO, optical communications, LIDAR, and gravitational
wave detection. Development of low-loss waveguides and high-Q microresonators with anomalous
dispersion, and availability of tunable narrow linewidth 1.55 μm lasers has enabled realization of
small footprint soliton combs and low-threshold Kerr combs in this wavelength region. However, such
developments are lacking in the 2 μm wavelength region, making the realization of microresonator
Kerr combs challenging. Here, we harness a novel intracavity pumping scheme to demonstrate a
low-threshold (< 100 mW) 2 μm Kerr comb. We exploit Brillouin lasing in a silica microsphere to
create an intracavity pump thereby exciting a ∼170 nm wide Kerr comb in the generated Stokes
direction. We demonstrate the tolerance of comb generation scheme to microsphere dimensions and
input pump wavelength, by achieving Kerr comb generation in microspheres of diameters ranging
from 300 to 325 μm and also, at different input pump wavelengths for a particular microsphere
diameter. Intracavity pumping opens up opportunities for the development of soliton combs and
low-threshold Kerr combs in the Mid-IR for applications such as dual-comb spectroscopy, LIDAR
and optical communications.
Impact of maternal protein restriction on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) expression in male fetal kidney development
Authors: Gomes Julia Seva , Sene Leticia Barros , Lamana Gabriela Leme , Boer Patricia Aline , Gontijo José Antonio Rocha
Published: May 2023

Background

Kidney developmental studies have demonstrated molecular pathway changes that may be related to decreased nephron numbers in the male 17 gestational days (17GD) low protein (LP) intake offspring compared to normal protein intake (NP) progeny. Here, we evaluated the HIF-1 and components of its pathway in the kidneys of 17-GD LP offspring to elucidate the molecular modulations during nephrogenesis.

Methods

Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated into two groups: NP (regular protein diet—17%) or LP (Low protein diet-6%). Taking into account miRNA transcriptome sequencing previous study (miRNA-Seq) in 17GD male offspring kidneys investigated predicted target genes and proteins related to the HIF-1 pathway by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

In the present study, in male 17-GD LP offspring, an increased elF4, HSP90, p53, p300, NFκβ, and AT2 gene encoding compared to the NP progeny. Higher labeling of HIF-1α CAP cells in 17-DG LP offspring was associated with reduced elF4 and phosphorylated elF4 immunoreactivity in LP progeny CAP cells. In 17DG LP, the NFκβ and HSP90 immunoreactivity was enhanced, particularly in the CAP area.

Discussion and conclusion

The current study supported that the programmed reduced nephron number in the 17-DG LP offspring may be related to changes in the HIF-1α signaling pathway. Factors that facilitate the transposition of HIF-1α to progenitor renal cell nuclei, such as increased NOS, Ep300, and HSP90 expression, may have a crucial role in this regulatory system. Also, HIF-1α changes could be associated with reduced transcription of elF-4 and its respective signaling path.
The microbiome of an outpatient rehabilitation clinic and predictors of contamination: A pilot study
Authors: Brigando Gabriella , Sutton Casey , Uebelhor Olivia , Pitsoulakis Nicholas , Pytynia Matthew , Dillon Thomas , Elliott-Burke Teresa , Hubert Nathaniel , Martinez-Guryn Kristina , Bolch Charlotte , Ciancio Mae J. , Evans Christian C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Understanding sources of microbial contamination in outpatient rehabilitation (REHAB) clinics is important to patients and healthcare providers.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize the microbiome of an outpatient REHAB clinic and examine relationships between clinic factors and contamination.

Methods

Forty commonly contacted surfaces in an outpatient REHAB clinic were observed for frequency of contact and swiped using environmental sample collection kits. Surfaces were categorized based on frequency of contact and cleaning and surface type. Total bacterial and fungal load was assessed using primer sets specific for the 16S rRNA and ITS genes, respectively. Bacterial samples were sequenced using the Illumina system and analyzed using Illumina-utils, Minimum Entropy Decomposition, QIIME2 (for alpha and beta diversity), LEfSe and ANCOM-BC for taxonomic differential abundance and ADONIS to test for differences in beta diversity (p<0.05).

Results

Porous surfaces had more bacterial DNA compared to non-porous surfaces (median non-porous = 0.0016ng/μL, 95%CI = 0.0077–0.00024ng/μL, N = 15; porous = 0.0084 ng/μL, 95%CI = 0.0046–0.019 ng/μL, N = 18. p = 0.0066,DNA. Samples clustered by type of surface with non-porous surfaces further differentiated by those contacted by hand versus foot. ADONIS two-way ANOVA showed that the interaction of porosity and contact frequency (but neither alone) had a significant effect on 16S communities (F = 1.7234, R2 = 0.0609, p = 0.032).

Discussion

Porosity of surfaces and the way they are contacted may play an underestimated, but important role in microbial contamination. Additional research involving a broader range of clinics is required to confirm results. Results suggest that surface and contact-specific cleaning and hygiene measures may be needed for optimal sanitization in outpatient REHAB clinics.
Comprehensive review of safety in Experimental Human Pneumococcal Challenge
Authors: Robinson Ryan E. , Myerscough Christopher , He Nengjie , Hill Helen , Shepherd Wendi A. , Gonzalez-Dias Patricia , Liatsikos Konstantinos , Latham Samuel , Fyles Fred , Doherty Klara , Hazenberg Phoebe , Shiham Fathimath , Mclenghan Daniella , Adler Hugh , Randles Vicki , Zaidi Seher , Hyder-Wright Angela , Mitsi Elena , Burhan Hassan , Morton Ben , Rylance Jamie , Lesosky Maia , Gordon Stephen B. , Collins Andrea M. , Ferreira Daniela M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Challenge (EHPC) involves the controlled exposure of adults to a specific antibiotic-sensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype, to induce nasopharyngeal colonisation for the purpose of vaccine research. The aims are to review comprehensively the safety profile of EHPC, explore the association between pneumococcal colonisation and frequency of safety review and describe the medical intervention required to undertake such studies.

Methods

A single-centre review of all EHPC studies performed 2011–2021. All recorded serious adverse events (SAE) in eligible studies are reported. An unblinded meta-analysis of collated anonymised individual patient data from eligible EHPC studies was undertaken to assess the association between experimental pneumococcal colonisation and the frequency of safety events following inoculation.

Results

In 1416 individuals (median age 21, IQR 20–25), 1663 experimental pneumococcal inoculations were performed. No pneumococcal-related SAE have occurred. 214 safety review events were identified with 182 (12.85%) participants presenting with symptoms potentially in keeping with pneumococcal infection, predominantly in pneumococcal colonised individuals (colonised = 96/658, non-colonised = 86/1005, OR 1.81 (95% CI 1.28–2.56, P = <0.001). The majority were mild (pneumococcal group = 72.7% [120/165 reported symptoms], non-pneumococcal = 86.7% [124/143 reported symptoms]). 1.6% (23/1416) required antibiotics for safety.

Discussion

No SAEs were identified directly relating to pneumococcal inoculation. Safety review for symptoms was infrequent but occurred more in experimentally colonised participants. Most symptoms were mild and resolved with conservative management. A small minority required antibiotics, notably those serotype 3 inoculated.

Conclusion

Outpatient human pneumococcal challenge can be conducted safely with appropriate levels of safety monitoring procedures in place.