bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiprotozoal agents: How have they changed over a decade?
Authors: Fernandes Vitória de Souza , da Rosa Rafael , Zimmermann Lara A. , Rogério Kamilla R. , Kümmerle Arthur E. , Bernardes Lilian S. C. , Graebin Cedric S.
Published: October 2021

Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of communicable diseases that are endemic in low‐ or low‐to‐middle‐income countries located in tropical and subtropical zones. The number and availability of drugs for treating these diseases are low, the administration route is inconvenient in some cases, and most of them have safety, efficacy, or adverse/toxic reaction issues. The need for developing new drugs to deal with these issues is clear, but one of the most drastic consequences of this negligence is the lack of interest in the research and development of new therapeutic options among major pharmaceutical companies. Positive changes have been achieved over the last few years, although the overall situation remains alarming. After more than one decade since the original work reviewing antiprotozoal agents came to light, now it is time to question ourselves: How has the scenario for the treatment of protozoal diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, and American trypanosomiasis changed? This review covers the last decade in terms of the drugs currently available for the treatment of these diseases as well as the clinical candidates being currently investigated.
Diffusion of theories and theoretical models in theIbero‐Americanresearch on information behavior
Authors: González‐Teruel Aurora , Araújo Carlos‐Alberto‐Ávila , Sabelli Martha
Published: October 2021

Ibero‐American research on information behavior (IB) lacks the visibility typical of other parts of the world, and little is known about it in countries outside the area. The objective of this paper has therefore been to analyze the way in which Ibero‐American research incorporates various theoretical references to empirical research on IB. The results point to the existence of different focuses of research in the past 10 years, in the sense of a reduced empirical approach and a moderate to minimal use of theories in the design of such research. Furthermore, the most cited theories and models of IB at an international level are those most widely applied in this geographical area, and the use of a wide variety of theoretical frameworks has been demonstrated, which gives the research under review a cognitive, but also sociocultural, perspective. Future research should further elaborate on this issue, including other types of documents, such as conference papers, books, and theses, while taking into account the publication landscape of the geographical area in question.
The undergraduate research experience as a vehicle for employability development—The student participants speak
Authors: Carpenter Lauren , Nguyen Bindi , Davis Laura , Rowland Susan
Published: October 2021

The employability of science graduates if of key concern. Employers report that STEM graduates lack appropriate employability skills and work experience, and science graduates take longer to find full‐time work than graduates from many other programs. Undergraduate research experience (URE) is an important pedagogy that involves student immersion in a professional research environment—as such it provides an opportunity for science students to develop their understanding of the world of work, and of their own developing employability. In this study, we examine students' reflections on their URE learnings and their resultant perceived employability. We ask whether students understand the value of the URE as an employability development vehicle and consider what can be done to improve the employability learnings from the URE. The results show that students articulate multiple learnings from their UREs, but they struggle to translate these learnings into an employability or non‐research‐work context. We conclude that UREs are important opportunities to learn about work in science, but that URE students would benefit from URE curriculum components that foreground the way UREs can help develop students' employability. The insights from this study can help inform and refine future URE programs to improve their efficacy as vehicles to benefit graduate employability.
Effects of somatic treatments on suicidal ideation and completed suicides
Authors: Hawkins Elise M , Coryell William , Leung Stephen , Parikh Sagar V. , Weston Cody , Nestadt Paul , Nurnberger John I. , Kaplin Adam , Kumar Anupama , Farooqui Ali A. , El‐Mallakh Rif S. ,   For the National Network of Depression Centers Suicide Prevention Task Group
Published: October 2021

Objective

This work was undertaken to define and characterize the role of currently available somatic treatments in psychiatry in either increasing or reducing the risk for suicide.

Methods

Members of the Suicide Prevention Task Group of the National Network of Depression Centers performed a literature review of somatic treatments known to increase or reduce the risk for suicide. The reviews ventured to include all relevant information about the risk for both suicide ideation and completed suicides.

Results

Lithium and clozapine are the only two somatic treatments that have high‐quality data documenting their antisuicide effects in mood disorders and schizophrenia, respectively. Lithium discontinuation is also associated with increased suicide risk. Ketamine and esketamine may have a small, but immediate, antisuicide effect. Despite the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of esketamine use in depressed suicidal patients, the small disproportional overrepresentation of suicide in subjects who had received esketamine versus placebo (3 vs. 0 among > 3500 subjects) requires ongoing evaluation. The purported antisuicide effect of electroconvulsive therapy is based on low‐quality data. The effect of antidepressants is not at all clear. There appears to be direct evidence for antidepressants increasing suicidal ideation and the risk for suicide over the short‐term in young people, but indirect (low quality) evidence that antidepressants reduce suicide risk over the long term.

Conclusions

Clinicians have an expanding pharmacopeia to address suicide potential in their patients. Some of the agents with documented antisuicide effects may also increase suicidality under specific circumstances.
Der Arnulfparksteg – Glas als Berührungsschutz und Gestaltungselement
Authors: Siebert Barbara , Herrmann Tobias
Published: October 2021

Die Fuß‐ und Radwegbrücke Arnulfpark quert alle 37 Bahngleise im Bereich zwischen Hacker‐ und Donnersbergerbrücke in München. Der Überbau mit veränderlichem Querschnitt aus Stahl wurde 2018 und 2019 im Taktschiebe‐Verfahren erstellt. Die Montage der Berührschutzverglasung erfolgte im Anschluss – noch vor dem Abstapeln des Überbaus in die endgültige Position. Die streifenförmig bedruckten Verglasungen füllen die rechteckigen Öffnungen zwischen Ober‐ und Untergurt. Sie sind linien‐ und punktförmig gehalten und zur Brückenachse hin geneigt, sodass neben den Anforderungen an die Stoßsicherheit nach DIN 18008‐4 auch der Nachweis der Resttragfähigkeit zu erfüllen sind. Aufgrund der Abweichungen zu den technischen Regeln wurde eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall beantragt, welche auf Basis entsprechender Bauteilversuche und einer gutachterlichen Stellungnahme erteilt wurde. Entlang der Verbindungstreppen zu zwei S‐Bahnsteigen und an einer benachbarten Lärmschutzwand wurden weitere großformatige, punktförmig gelagerte Verglasungen verbaut. Bei der statischen Berechnung war unter anderem der Lastfall Zugvorbeifahrt zu berücksichtigen.

The Arnulfpark Bridge – Glass as contact protection and design element. The foot and bicycle bridge Arnulfpark crosses all 37 railroad tracks between Hacker‐ and Donners‐berger‐Bridge in Munich. The superstructure with its varying cross section made of steel was built by means of incremental launching method in 2018 and 2019. The installation of the contact protection glazing was carried out subsequently, but before destacking the superstructure to its final position. The strip‐shaped printed glazing fills the rectangular openings between top and bottom flange. It is linear and point supported and inclined towards the bridge axis. Therefore, in addition to the requirements for impact resistance according to DIN 18008‐4, the verification of the residual load‐bearing capacity must also be fulfilled. Due to the deviations from the technical rules, a special building permit was requested, which was granted on the basis of pendelum impact tests and an expert's opinion. Along the connecting stairs to two S‐Bahn platforms and on an adjacent noise barrier, further large‐format, point supported glazing was installed. In the static calculation, the load case train pass‐by had to be considered among other things.
Glassphäre für das Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Authors: Schmitt Felix , Zimmermann Stefan
Published: October 2021

In Los Angeles soll der neue Gebäudekomplex „Academy Museum of Motion Pictures“ im Dezember 2019 eröffnet werden. Für Ausstellungsflächen wird hierzu das historische „May Company Building“ renoviert und über mehrere verglaste Fußgängerbrücken mit einem sphärischen Kinoneubau verbunden. Für die Gesamtplanung sind die renommierten Architekturbüros „Renzo Piano Building Workshop“ und M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates verantwortlich. Im Artikel wird die Planung, Fertigung und Montage der erdbebensicheren Stahl‐/Glaskonstruktionen der Brücken und der Kuppel über dem Kino beschrieben. Eine Besonderheit stellt auch das sphärische Glasdach mit einem Durchmesser von 46 m dar. Die Stahlstruktur folgt verschiedenen geometrischen Vorgaben.

Glass sphere for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. In Los Angeles, the new building complex “Academy Museum of Motion Pictures” is to be opened in December 2019. The historic “May Company Building” is redesigned as an exhibition space and connected to a new spherical theater building via several glazed pedestrian bridges. The renowned architects Renzo Piano Building Workshop and M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates are responsible for the overall planning. The article describes the design, fabrication and installation of the earthquake‐proof steel/glass structures of the bridges and the dome above the theater. Another special feature is the free‐span spherical glass roof with a diameter of 46 m. The steel structure is following different geometrical rules.
Möglichkeiten und Verantwortung durch überarbeitete Teile 1 und 2 der DIN 18008
Authors: Siebert Geralt
Published: October 2021

Nach der Veröffentlichung einer zweiten Entwurfsfassung für die überarbeiteten Teile 1 und 2 der DIN 18008 wird eine Endfassung für Januar 2020 erwartet. Die Überarbeitung der Teile 3–5 hat begonnen. Die Hintergründe der Änderungen von Teil 1 und 2 – insbesondere der zuletzt vorgenommenen und intensiv diskutierten Änderungen – sowie zwischenzeitlich erarbeitete Hilfsmittel für eine zukünftige Anwendung werden dargestellt. Bauartspezifische Anforderungen erlauben, in Übereinstimmung mit (europäischer) Bauproduktverordnung, Planenden, die nationalen Anforderungen an Baukonstruktionen umsetzen zu können. Ein Ausblick auf die parallel laufende Normung auf europäischer Ebene vervollständigt das Bild.

Opportunities and responsibility resulting in updated DIN 18008. After the publication of a second draft version for the revised parts 1 and 2 of DIN 18008, a final version is expected for January 2020, the revision of parts 3–5 has begun. The background to the amendments to Parts 1 and 2 – in particular to the most recent and intensively discussed amendments – as well as the aids developed in the meantime for future application are presented. Type‐specific requirements allow planners to implement the national requirements for building constructions in accordance with the (European) Construction Product Ordinance. An outlook on parallel ongoing standardization work at the European level completes the picture.
Semi‐probabilistische Bemessung tragender Silikonverklebungen mit Teilsicherheitsbeiwerten
Authors: Drass Michael , Kraus Michael A.
Published: October 2021

Zur Dimensionierung geklebter Silikonbauteile wird gemäß ETAG 002 ein globaler Sicherheitsbeiwert von 6 gefordert. Die Hintergründe dieses Sicherheitsfaktors sind nicht näher bekannt, allerdings gelten neben materiellen Unsicherheiten auch Modellierungsfehler infolge einfachster Berechnungsverfahren als ausreichend abgedeckt. Neueste Erkenntnisse auf dem Gebiet der experimentellen und numerischen Modellierung tragender Silikonverklebungen erlauben ein besseres mechanisches Verständnis und damit die Bestimmung realitätsnaher Versagenslasten. In diesem Beitrag werden Eurocode‐konforme Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte für tragende Silikonverklebungen semi‐probabilistisch hergeleitet und an zugehörigen experimentellen Daten für das DOWSIL 993 Silikon kalibriert.

Semi‐probabilistic design of structural silicone sealings using partial safety factors. In accordance with ETAG 002, a global safety factor of 6 is required for the dimensioning of bonded silicone components. The background to this safety factor is not known in detail, but in addition to material uncertainties, modelling errors due to the simplest calculation methods are also considered to be sufficiently covered. The latest findings in the field of experimental and numerical modelling of load‐bearing silicone bondings allow a better mechanical understanding and thus the determination of realistic failure loads. In this contribution, Eurocode‐compliant partial safety factors for load‐bearing silicone adhesives are derived semi‐probabilistically and calibrated for a DOWSIL 993 silicone using the corresponding experimental data.
Polymere Werkstoffe im konstruktiven Glasbau – Vorschläge zur nichtlinearen Berechnung
Authors: Scherer Christian , Scherer Thomas , Schwarz Thomas , Wittwer Wolfgang , Semar Ernst
Published: October 2021

Schon seit jeher besteht ein großes Interesse, das Verhalten von Bauwerken und Konstruktionen vorauszubestimmen. Zur Vorhersage des Verhaltens bedienen wir uns dabei neben experimentellen Versuchen zunehmend auch der meist zeit‐ und kostengünstigeren rechnerischen Simulationen. Die Finite‐Element‐Methode (FEM) ist ein Verfahren, welches sich dabei zunehmend durchgesetzt hat und seit Jahrzehnten im Flug‐ und Fahrzeugbau fest etabliert ist. In den letzten Jahren werden numerische Simulationen auch verstärkt zur Überprüfung von Klebeverbindungen eingesetzt. Speziell in der Fassade gewinnen polymere Werkstoffe wie bspw. Dichtstoffe oder thermoplastische Abstandhalter immer mehr an Bedeutung. Diese unterscheiden sich bzgl. ihres Dehnspannungsverhaltens stark vom klassisch linearen Verhalten etablierter Materialien wie Aluminium, Stahl oder Glas. Die vorliegende Arbeit verwendet nicht‐lineare Materialgesetze zur FEM‐Simulation und zeigt an diversen Projekten das Verhalten der Klebefuge in verschiedenen Belastungsszenarien.

Nonlinear calculation methods for polymeric materials in structural glass construction – an overview. Since ever a strong interest in foreseeing the behavior of buildings and constructions exists. In order to predict the behavior, we use experiments as well as increasingly the usually more time‐ and cost‐effective computational simulations. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a method that has become increasingly prevalent and has been firmly established in aviation and vehicle construction for decades. In recent years, numerical simulations are also increasingly used for the verification of adhesive bonds. Especially in the facade, polymeric materials such as sealants or thermoplastic spacers are becoming increasingly important. With regard to their expansion stress behavior, these differ strongly from the classic linear behavior of established materials such as aluminum, steel or glass. The present work uses non‐linear material laws for FEA and exhibits the behavior of the sealant joint in various load scenarios on several projects.
Late‐Stage Amination of Drug‐Like Benzoic Acids: Access to Anilines and Drug Conjugates through Directed Iridium‐Catalyzed C−H Activation
Authors: Weis Erik , Johansson Magnus J. , Martín‐Matute Belén
Published: October 2021

The functionalization of C−H bonds, ubiquitous in drugs and drug‐like molecules, represents an important synthetic strategy with the potential to streamline the drug‐discovery process. Late‐stage aromatic C−N bond–forming reactions are highly desirable, but despite their significance, accessing aminated analogues through direct and selective amination of C−H bonds remains a challenging goal. The method presented herein enables the amination of a wide array of benzoic acids with high selectivity. The robustness of the system is manifested by the large number of functional groups tolerated, which allowed the amination of a diverse array of marketed drugs and drug‐like molecules. Furthermore, the introduction of a synthetic handle enabled expeditious access to targeted drug‐delivery conjugates, PROTACs, and probes for chemical biology. This rapid access to valuable analogues, combined with operational simplicity and applicability to high‐throughput experimentation has the potential to aid and considerably accelerate drug discovery.
A game model for information dissemination in live streaming e‐commerce environment
Authors: Lv Junjie , Yao Wenjing , Wang Yuanzhuo , Wang Zichen , Yu Jianye
Published: October 2021

As a new form of social e‐commerce, live streaming e‐commerce is becoming increasingly popular among Chinese consumers. Live streaming brings huge opportunities, and we can take measures to further expand the dissemination of live streaming information. A live streaming information dissemination game model based on social evolutionary game theory is presented to simulate multiple complex live streaming e‐commerce networks. The introduction of incentive mechanism in the model further quantifies the internal relation between rewards and live streaming information dissemination to a certain extent and predicts the ratings of live streaming in networks with different update frequency of social relationships. The simulation results indicate that the reputation environment in social networks, adjusting frequency of relationship, pre‐broadcast rewards to post‐broadcast rewards ratio all have certain ranges of impact on information dissemination in live streaming e‐commerce environment and then affect the live streaming ratings. These findings offer insights into the dissemination of live streaming information in social networks.
Enhanced electron transfer dynamics in perylene diimide passivated efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Shihuai , Wu Tai , Qiu Junming , Wang Runtao , Zhu Zhongqi , Zhang Xiaoliang , Hua Yong
Published: October 2021

Interfacial engineering for passivating perovskite surface defects and reducing nonradiative recombination loss has been proven to be an effective strategy to fabricate highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the detailed understanding of the original role of interface materials on the charge‐carriers transfer dynamics of electron transport layer (ETL) remains lacking. Herein, a perylene diimide (PDI) was engineered onto perovskite surfaces to afford passivation of undercoordinated surface defects, which correlates this with the improvement of photovoltaic performance and stability of PSCs. Extensively experimental and theoretical studies reveal that PDI molecule can effectively modulate the surface properties of perovskite film through not only interaction of carbonyl groups in PDI with surface defects but also formation of close‐packed superstructure of PDI onto perovskite surfaces. Consequently, the PDI‐treated PSCs exhibits an increase of power conversion efficiency from 19.52% to 22.24% with an excellent stable device maintaining 95% of its initial value for 900 h in ~45% relative humidity. Importantly, transient absorption spectroscopic measurements further provide an evidence for the origin of the improved photovoltaic performance in PDI‐treated PSCs device, in which the modulation of PDI enhanced the electron transfer across ETL interface more efficiently. Our study provides new insights to understand the effect of interfacial material on the charge‐carrier transfer dynamics in PSCs device.

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Poor survival and prediction of prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia post umbilical cord blood transplantation in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhang Zhidan , Tu Meijuan , Pan Tianzhong , Ding Peng , Tang Baolin , Wan Xiang , Yao Wen , Song Kaidi , Sun Guangyu , Geng Liangquan , Qiang Ping , Liu Huilan , Zhu Xiaoyu , Sun Zimin
Published: October 2021

Prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PIT) is a common complication after umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT). However, data on PIT prediction and impacts on transplantation outcomes for UCBT patients are rare. We retrospectively analyzed 244 patients with hematological malignancies who received single‐unit UCBT at the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC between August 2018 and December 2019. Among them, PIT occurred in 49 recipients, with a crude incidence of 20.1%. In the PIT patients, the 2‐year cumulative incidence of transplant‐related mortality (TRM) was significantly higher, and the probabilities of 2‐year overall survival, leukemia‐free survival and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD)‐free relapse‐free survival were significantly poorer (57.1% vs. 88.6%; 53.1% vs. 81.9%; 22.4% vs. 59.8%; p < 0.001), without remarkable increases in the cumulative incidence of relapse or chronic GVHD. Importantly, the multivariate analysis revealed that lower high‐resolution HLA compatibility (≤6/10), lower infused CD34+ cell count (≤1.78 × 105/kg), grade II–IV acute GVHD preplatelet engraftment, a lower pretransplantation platelet count (≤100 × 109/L), and a longer neutrophil engraftment time (≥17 days) were independent risk factors for PIT after UCBT. These results demonstrate that PIT is common after UCBT, predicting inferior survival and the need for more monitoring during the early phase.
Impacts of different thermal modes of multiple obstacles on the hydrothermal analysis of Fe3O4–water nanofluid enclosed inside a nonuniformly heated cavity
Authors: Acharya Nilankush
Published: October 2021

Heat transfer enrichment is significant because its optimum values lead to the optimal usage of energy resources and further improvement of energy efficiency. The obstacles inside an enclosure can successfully control hydrothermal variations. Also, the nanofluid inside the enclosure can foster heat transport. With this aim, the current investigation addresses the hydrothermal analysis of water‐based ferrous (Fe3O4) nanofluidic motion within a square compartment. The left‐sided and lowermost boundaries of the enclosure are imagined to be nonuniformly heated, whereas the right‐sided boundary is treated as isothermally cooled and the upper surface is made insulated. Diamond‐shaped multiple obstacles are organized inside the chamber to detect the hydrothermal transition. Additionally, both magnetic effect and thermal radiation presence are presumed. A complete analysis explores how the different heated conditions of the arranged multiple obstacles affect the hydrothermal characteristics. After reducing the dimensional equations into their dimensionless form via an accurate similarity conversion, the transformed equations are solved using the Galerkin finite element procedure. The experimental validation, comparison test, and grid independence are executed to enlighten us on the precision of the model presented. The parametric investigation includes various plots of streamlines, velocity distribution, and isotherms for Rayleigh number , thermal radiation , nanoparticle volume fraction , and Hartmann number . The outcomes show the enhanced bouncy‐driven convection for the Rayleigh number, whereas such an effect declines for the magnetic field. The average Nusselt number escalates for Rayleigh number and nanoparticles concentration, but cold obstacles render the highest magnitude compared with other obstacles.
Modeling of the fired preheater of crude oil considering the effect of geometrical parameters on fuel consumption
Authors: Mostafavi Seyed Alireza , Rezaei Ali
Published: October 2021

Prominent equipment with a very high demand for fuels in refineries is the fired preheater of crude oil. There are two main reasons to investigate the energy usage of such fired heaters. First, this is essential to the economic value of the refinery process unit and second, this is located at the beginning of the process line, which causes inefficient performance or damage in downstream equipment if it is not tuned properly. This paper concentrates on the thermal modeling of a fired heater of crude oil to evaluate the effect of influential parameters on fuel consumption. As the number of variables is markedly high, and considering the complexity of thermal modeling, all equations in a code yield predefined heater efficiency. Results from the model show that the increase in heater size yields a decrease in efficiency. It was also found that with a constant dimension of the fired heater, change in the number of pipes is much less influential rather than more inexpensive ideas like increasing speed of the burning gas on reduction of the fuel consumption. In other words, it was found that a distance of 500–650 mm from the center to the center distance of the pipes is the optimal distance to reduce fuel consumption.
Cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, and peritoneum: 2021 update
Authors: Berek Jonathan S. , Renz Malte , Kehoe Sean , Kumar Lalit , Friedlander Michael
Published: October 2021

In 2014, FIGO’s Committee for Gynecologic Oncology revised the staging of ovarian cancer, incorporating ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer into the same system. Most of these malignancies are high‐grade serous carcinomas (HGSC). Stage IC is now divided into three categories: IC1 (surgical spill); IC2 (capsule ruptured before surgery or tumor on ovarian or fallopian tube surface); and IC3 (malignant cells in the ascites or peritoneal washings). The updated staging includes a revision of Stage IIIC based on spread to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes alone without intraperitoneal dissemination. This category is now subdivided into IIIA1(i) (metastasis ≤10 mm in greatest dimension), and IIIA1(ii) (metastasis >10 mm in greatest dimension). Stage IIIA2 is now “microscopic extrapelvic peritoneal involvement with or without positive retroperitoneal lymph node” metastasis. This review summarizes the genetics, surgical management, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies for epithelial cancers, and the treatment of ovarian germ cell and stromal malignancies.
Doxorubicin‐induced delayed‐onset subclinical cardiotoxicity in mice
Authors: Desai Varsha G. , Vijay Vikrant , Han Tao , Moland Carrie L. , Phanavanh Bounleut , Lee Taewon , Davis Kelly J. , Muskhelishvili Levan , Stine Kimo C. , Fuscoe James C.
Published: October 2021

Subclinical cardiotoxicity at low total cumulative doxorubicin (DOX) doses can manifest into cardiomyopathy in long‐term cancer survivors. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In male B6C3F1 mice, assessment of cardiac function by echocardiography was performed at 1, 4, 10, 17, and 24 weeks after exposure to 6, 9, 12, and 24 mg/kg total cumulative DOX doses or saline (SAL) to monitor development of delayed‐onset cardiotoxicity. The 6‐ or 9‐mg/kg total cumulative doses resulted in a significant time‐dependent decline in systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS)) during the 24‐week recovery although there was not a significant alteration in % LVEF or % FS at any specific time point during the recovery. A significant decline in systolic function was elicited by the cardiotoxic cumulative DOX dose (24 mg/kg) during the 4‐ to 24‐week period after treatment compared to SAL‐treated counterparts. At 24 weeks after DOX treatment, a significant dose‐related decrease in the expression of genes and proteins involved in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium homeostasis (Ryr2 and Serca2) was associated with a dose‐related increase in the transcript level of Casp12 (SR‐specific apoptosis) in hearts. These mice also showed enhanced apoptotic activity in hearts indicated by a significant dose‐related elevation in the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes compared to SAL‐treated counterparts. These findings collectively suggest that a steady decline in SR calcium handling and apoptosis might be involved in the development of subclinical cardiotoxicity that can evolve into irreversible cardiomyopathy later in life.
Analysis in silico of chemical reactivity employing the local hyper‐softness in some classic aromatic compounds, boron aromatic clusters and all‐metal aromatic clusters
Authors: Martínez‐Araya Jorge I. , Islas Rafael
Published: October 2021

In the current work, the authors analyzed and compared the chemical behavior of some (anti)aromatic compounds. The species selected are benzene and cyclobutadiene as the aromatic and antiaromatic classical examples, respectively. Next, the anion , which is the first all‐metal molecule catalogued as aromatic and its non‐metallic isoelectronic analog, were also analyzed. The antiaromatic clusters and were studied in form of lithium salts. And the end, the non‐planar boron cluster and its isoelectronic analogs ( and ) were considered for being analyzed under the same criterium. The analysis was realized employing the following descriptors: molecular electrostatic potential and local hyper‐softness to get insights concerning local reactivity when facing reagents leading to ionic or covalent interactions. The results show that all the molecules analyzed presented some specific variations in their respective local reactivity despite being labeled as aromatic compounds. This analysis provides a notion that the local reactivity is more based on the nature of the atoms and the molecular geometry than the aromatic character by itself.
Use of Propensity Scoring and Its Application to Real‐World Data: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Methodological Objectives Explained to Researchers Without Using Mathematical Equations
Authors: Franchetti Yoko
Published: October 2021

Real‐time data collection of patient health status and medications is sped up with modern electronic devices and technologies. As real‐world data provide enormous research opportunities, propensity score (PS) methods have been getting attention due to their theoretical grounds in a nonrandomized study setting. In contrast to randomized clinical trials, observational clinical data obtained from a real‐world database may not have balanced distributions of patient characteristics between treatment and control groups at the beginning of the respective study. These imbalanced distributions may cause a bias in an estimated treatment effect, which needs to be eliminated. Propensity scoring is one class of statistical methods to address the imbalance issue of real‐world data sets. This article provides basic concepts and assesses advantages, disadvantages, and methodological objectives of propensity scoring. Targeting clinical pharmacology researchers with limited statistical background, 5 representative methods are reviewed and visualized: matching, stratification, covariate modeling, inverse probability of treatment weighting, and doubly robust methods. Examples of applications of PS methods were selected from the literature of outcomes research and drug development, nephrology, and pediatrics. Opportunities of applications related to these examples are described. Furthermore, potential future applications of PS methods in clinical pharmacology are discussed. The 21st Century Cures Act signed in 2016 encourages scientists to find opportunities to apply propensity scoring to real‐world data. This article underscores that scientists need to justify their choice of statistical methods, whether a PS method or an alternative method, based on their clinical study design, statistical assumptions, and research objectives.
Echogenicities in the fetal gallbladder: Prevalence, sonographic findings, and postnatal outcomes
Authors: Annac Gokce , Tekin Arzu Bilge
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence of echogenicity in the fetal gallbladder (EFG) and to present prenatal sonographic findings and their postnatal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective study within 17420 pregnant women during a 66‐month period. Fetuses with an incidental finding of EFG in their 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy were followed until birth per two weeks with sonographic examinations.

Results

Out of 5977 fetuses, 44 fetuses were found to have EFG with a prevalence of 0.74%. Nine (20%) of 44 fetuses had single echogenicity, 25 (56%) had multiple echogenicities, 10 (22%) had sludge‐like echogenicities. In Doppler sonography, 28 fetuses with EFG exhibited twinkling artifacts; however, none of the echogenicities had obvious acoustic shadowing. All of the cases were resolved either in utero or after birth before 10 months of age.

Conclusion

EFG is a late third‐trimester phenomenon with a prevalence of 0.74%. Most EFGs presented as twinkling artifacts, suggesting they had a cholesterol component.
Study on the structural features and geometric parameters affecting the axial mechanical properties of the primary feather rachis
Authors: Zhou Jianfei , Zou Meng , Xu Shucai , Li Xiujuan , Song Jiafeng , Qi Yingchun
Published: October 2021

The seagull feather shaft is an important part of the feather, which provides a good mechanical support for the excellent flight performance of seagull, and has the characteristics of lightweight and high strength. In this paper, the microstructure of the seagull feather rachis was observed firstly. Then, based on the structure of feather rachis, combined with the cortex that plays the main load‐bearing role, a model with the characteristics of the cortex was proposed and its finite element model was established. Through analyzing the simulation, the effect of section shape of cortex on mechanical properties of feathers under axial impact was revealed. And the conclusion that the section shape with groove structure and non‐equal wall thickness could have different effects on mechanical properties was drawn. Then, parameterized cortical models were studied, including different impact velocities and different cortical heights, to reveal the differences in mechanical properties of cortical models.
Microscopic techniques for characterization and authentication of oil‐yielding seeds
Authors: Aziz Aqsa , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Yahya , Zafar Muhammad , Sultana Shazia , Rozina  , Ameen Maria , Anar Maryam
Published: October 2021

Investigation of alternative energy sources is need of current time due to growing power crisis and associated environmental issues. Biodiesel is considered as sustainable power source and promising alternative to fossil fuels. Therefore, our current investigation aimed to identify micromorphological characters of 10 novel nonedible oil‐yielding seeds through scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed from light microscopic study that there is variation in seed size from 3 to 15 mm in length and 2 to 11 mm in width. Likewise, a huge variation in color was observed such as light green, greenish yellow, blackish brown, and various shades of brown. Presence and absence of Hilum was observed, and compression of seeds varied from depressed, lateral, and dorsoventral. Seed's shape differs from ovate, clavate, triangular ovate, cuneiform, ovoid, and elliptical shape. Seed oil content fall in range of 18–58% (wt/wt). Free fatty acid content of the seeds varies from 0.3 to 3.1 mg KOH/g. Ultrastructure of seeds exhibited huge variation in shape, size, periclinal wall, anticlinal wall, and surface ornamentation. Nonedible seeds varied in wall structure from angular, wavy, dentate entire, irregular, puzzled, elongated, even, and polygonal. The periclinal wall arrangements show alteration from flat, looped, raised, depressed, lofty, even, pentagonal, polygonal, and undulate seed margins. Outcomes of this investigation recommended that scanning electron microscopy could act as a helpful tool in disclosing the hidden micromorphological characters among nonedible oil‐yielding seeds and subsequently helping in correct, authentic seed identification and classification as potential feedstock for biodiesel.
The emergence, trajectory, and impacts of emerging contaminants publications in the Journal of Environmental Quality
Authors: Preisendanz Heather E. , Barnes Ryan G. , Mashtare Michael L. , Lintern Anna , Mina Odette , Williams Clinton , Elliott Herschel A.
Published: October 2021

As analytical capabilities in the early 2000s began to enable the detection of chemicals in environmental media at increasingly small concentrations, chemicals with the potential to cause adverse human and ecosystem health effects began to be found nearly ubiquitously worldwide. The types of chemicals that were targeted for analysis included natural and synthetic hormones, human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, chemicals in personal care products, novel pesticides, nanoparticles, microplastics, and other chemicals of natural and synthetic origin. The impacts of these chemicals on environmental and human health in many cases remain unknown. Collectively, these chemicals became known as “emerging contaminants” or “contaminants of emerging concern.” Much progress has been made toward understanding the sources of these contaminants in the environment, the processes that control their fate and transport once they are released into the environment, and the ability of technology and/or best management practices to mitigate their occurrence. As the Journal of Environmental Quality (JEQ) celebrates its 50th anniversary, we sought to understand how publications in the journal have made impactful contributions in the research area of emerging contaminants. Here, we present the trajectory of publications in JEQ that have shaped knowledge in this field, highlight the importance of these contributions, and conclude with opportunities for JEQ to continue attracting high‐quality emerging contaminants research.
Label‐free characterization of an extracellular vesicle‐based therapeutic
Authors: Priglinger Eleni , Strasser Juergen , Buchroithner Boris , Weber Florian , Wolbank Susanne , Auer Daniela , Grasmann Eva , Arzt Claudia , Sivun Dmitry , Grillari Johannes , Jacak Jaroslaw , Preiner Johannes , Gimona Mario
Published: October 2021

Interest in mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC‐EVs) as therapeutic agents has dramatically increased over the last decade. Current approaches to the characterization and quality control of EV‐based therapeutics include particle tracking techniques, Western blotting, and advanced cytometry, but standardized methods are lacking. In this study, we established and verified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as highly sensitive label‐free immunosensing technique for characterizing clinically approved umbilical cord MSC‐EVs enriched by tangential flow filtration and ultracentrifugation. Using QCM in conjunction with common characterization methods, we were able to specifically detect EVs via EV (CD9, CD63, CD81) and MSC (CD44, CD49e, CD73) markers. Furthermore, analysis of QCM dissipation versus frequency allowed us to quantitatively determine the ratio of marker‐specific EVs versus non‐vesicular particles (NVPs) – a parameter that cannot be obtained by any other technique so far. Additionally, we characterized the topography and elasticity of these EVs by atomic force microscopy (AFM), enabling us to distinguish between EVs and NVPs in our EV preparations. This measurement modality makes it possible to identify EV sub‐fractions, discriminate between EVs and NVPs, and to characterize EV surface proteins, all with minimal sample preparation and using label‐free measurement devices with low barriers of entry for labs looking to widen their spectrum of characterization techniques. Our combination of QCM with impedance measurement (QCM‐I) and AFM measurements provides a robust multi‐marker approach to the characterization of clinically approved EV therapeutics and opens the door to improved quality control.
Recent variability of sub‐seasonal monsoon precipitation and its potential drivers in Myanmar using in‐situ observation during 1981–2020
Authors: Sein Zin Mie Mie , Zhi Xiefei , Ullah Irfan , Azam Kamran , Ngoma Hamida , Saleem Farhan , Xing Yun , Iyakaremye Vedaste , Syed Sidra , Hina Saadia , Nkunzimana Athanase
Published: October 2021

The present study assessed the spatiotemporal variation of summer monsoon precipitation and its potential drivers in Myanmar, utilizing monthly precipitation data from forty‐six (46) synoptic meteorological stations spanning 1981–2020. The nonparametric statistical Mann–Kendall (MK), Sequential Mann–Kendall (SQMK) test, Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF), and Probability Distribution Function (PDF) were used to determine the spatiotemporal monsoon precipitation trends and variability over the study period. The results show that higher precipitation occurs during June, July and August (peak monsoon period), while low precipitation was detected in May (onset month), September and October (withdrawal monsoon period), respectively. Moreover, abrupt change in precipitation is observed after 1990 with a significant (95% confidence level) increasing trend from 2000 to 2020. Decadal precipitation experienced the highest fluctuation during 2011–2020, a positive shift and increased frequency in recent decades. The spatial trends for monthly and seasonal precipitation vary from station to station and region to region due to a fluctuated shift of climatic dynamics. During dry conditions, less cloud liquid water suppressed relative humidity and high air temperature were exhibited, thus implying less precipitation in the region. However, the wet years revealed strong moisture/water vapour into the inland regions from the ocean, increased relative humidity, and suppressed air temperature. In addition, no significant relationship was found between El‐Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and monsoon onset timing with precipitation variability over Myanmar. This study provides essential information on manageable climate adaptation, mitigation and weather forecasting strategies in Myanmar.
Integrating B.F. Skinner’s Writings with Some Current Research in Human Creativity
Authors: Goddard Murray J.
Published: October 2021

Despite widespread misunderstandings, B.F. Skinner did not ignore creativity. The present article first integrates Skinner’s writings with some current research in creativity that focuses on the role of near associations in creative innovations. Next, Skinner’s writings are integrated with the role of the unconscious in creativity, including some practical advice that may be helpful in capturing unconscious insights. Finally, Skinner’s writings are integrated with techniques that may stimulate creativity, using the analogy that variation may be critical in both creativity and natural selection. Although Skinner’s work is often considered outdated, the present article shows that Skinner’s writings share similarities with some current research in human creativity.
Raman efficiency in the middle ultraviolet band for G‐series nerve agents and sulfur mustard
Authors: Kullander Fredrik , Landström Lars
Published: October 2021

Raman spectroscopy has proven useful for chemical agent detection, but the wavelength‐dependent scattering cross section and absorption, as well as induced fluorescence, usually affects the sensitivity. Ultraviolet (UV) wavelength excitation is investigated as a method to increase the efficiency and possibly enhance the applicability for detection of contamination on surfaces from a distance, potentially including an imaging capability. With this aim, we have measured UV Raman spectra and their strength as a function of laser wavelength in a range from 210 to 330 nm using a tunable pulsed laser and a response calibrated spectroscopic system. Results from small droplets of the low volatile chemical warfare agents, GA (tabun), GF (cyclosarin), sulfur mustard (HD), and the agent simulant tributyl phosphate (TBP) applied to silicon wafer surfaces are reported. Particular emphasis is put on the radiative ratio of observed Raman scattering to laser excitation, quantified as the Raman target efficiency. Measured absorption cross sections were used to estimate the effective optical depth and molecular Raman cross sections as a function of wavelength. In addition, a secondary optical probe and spectrometer were used to monitor any induced fluorescence.
A novel linearized Galerkin finite element scheme with fractional Crank–Nicolson method for the nonlinear coupled delay subdiffusion system with smooth solutions
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: October 2021

A second order accurate linearized fractional Crank–Nicolson–Galerkin finite element scheme is proposed for solving the nonlinear coupled delay subdiffusion system. The scheme presented in this paper has the advantage of making iterative processes redundant. Existence and uniqueness results for the fully discrete solution are analyzed in detail. Further, a priori bound and convergence estimate for the fully discrete solution are derived in L∞(L2) norm. Finally, we perform our numerical experiments on one‐ and two‐dimensional problems to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Evaluation of the effect of 100U of Onabotulinum toxin A on detrusor contractility in women with idiopathic OAB: A multicentre prospective study
Authors: De Rienzo Gaetano , Minafra Paolo , Iliano Ester , Agrò Enrico Finazzi , Serati Maurizio , Giammò Alessandro , Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Costantini Elisabetta , Ditonno Pasquale ,   Italian Society of Urodynamics (SIUD)
Published: October 2021

Aims

Intradetrusor injection of Onabotulinum Toxin A (BTX‐A) is a third‐line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). Voiding dysfunction and the need for intermittent catheterization are potential complications, consequent to bladder contractility (BC) decrement.

Primary aim: to evaluate BC variation after BTX‐A detrusor injection in women with idiopathic OAB.

Methods

A prospective multi‐institutional observational study was conducted. Medical history, bladder diary, 24‐h pad test, and invasive urodynamic parameters were recorded before and 4–6 weeks after BTX‐A 100U administration. BC was measured as Modified Projected Isovolumetric Pressure (PIP1), that is, maximum flow rate (Qmax) + detrusor pressure at Qmax (PdetQmax).

Continuous variables were expressed as median and interquartile range. We compared continuous variables using Wilcoxon test and proportions between two times with Fisher exact test.

Results

No changes in PIP1 were observed (p > 0.05) in 45 women enrolled between January 2018 and September 2019. Median age was 54.6 years. At baseline, 91.1% had urge urinary incontinence, with 4.9 ± 2.6 daily pads used and a 24‐h pad test of 205.4 ± 70.8 g. Baseline detrusor contractility was normal in all the patients.

Postoperatively, an improvement in the 24‐h pad test (p < 0.01), daily voids (p < 0.01), and nocturia (p < 0.01) occurred. Urodynamics pointed out a significant reduction of detrusor overactivity rate (p < 0.01) and an increase of median maximum cystometric capacity (p < 0.01). No difference was observed in median Qmax (p > 0.05), PdetQmax (p > 0.05), and PVR (p > 0.05). No patient needed postoperative catheterization.

Conclusions

The current series provides evidence that detrusor injection of botulinum toxin is an effective option for treating OAB, without causing voiding dysfunction and BC impairment.