bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six‐months immunogenicity of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in heart transplanted and ventricle assist device‐supported patients
Authors: Itzhaki Ben Zadok Osnat , Shaul Aviv A. , Ben‐Avraham Binyamin , Yaari Vicky , Ben Zvi Haim , Eliakim‐Raz Noa , Yahav Dafna , Abed Galia , Abuhazira Miriam , Barac Yaron D. , Mats Israel , Shochat Tzippy , Aravot Dan , Kornowski Ran , Ben‐Gal Tuvia
Published: January 2022

Aims

To assess the 6 months immunogenicity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) mRNA vaccine in a population of heart transplanted (HTx) recipients and left ventricular assist device (LVAD)‐supported patients.

Methods and results

A prospective single‐centre cohort study of HTx recipients and LVAD‐supported patients who received a two‐dose SARSCoV‐2 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2, Pfizer‐BioNTech). Whole blood for anti‐spike IgG (S‐IgG) antibodies were drawn at 6 months after the first vaccine dose. S‐IgG data at 6 weeks were available for a subgroup of HTx recipients. S‐IgG ≥ 50 AU/mL were interpreted positive. The cohort included 53 HTx recipients and 18 LVAD‐supported patients. The median time from HTx or LVAD implantation to the 1st vaccine dose was 90 (IQR 30, 172) months and 22 (IQR 6, 78) months, respectively. The seropositivity rates of S‐IgG antibodies and their titre levels in HTx recipients and LVAD‐supported patients were 45% and 83% respectively, (P = 0.006), and 35 (IQR 7, 306) AU/mL and 311 (IQR 86, 774) AU/mL, respectively, (P = 0.006). Reduced SARSCoV‐2 vaccine immunogenicity in HTx recipients was associated with older age [odds ratio (OR) 0.917 confidence interval (CI 0.871, 0.966), P = 0.011] and with the use of anti‐metabolites‐based immunosuppressive regimens [OR 0.224 (CI 0.065, 0.777), P = 0.018]. mTOR inhibitors were associated with higher immunogenicity [OR 3.1 (CI 1.01, 9.65), P = 0.048]. Out of 13 HTx recipients who were S‐IgG seropositive at 6 weeks after the first vaccine dose, 85% remained S‐IgG seropositive at 6 month follow‐up.

Conclusions

At 6 months post‐vaccination, S‐IgG immunogenicity in HTx recipients is low, particularly in older HTx recipients and in those treated with anti‐metabolites drugs.
Chiral Ferrocenyl−Iodotriazoles and −Iodotriazoliums as Halogen Bond Donors. Synthesis, Solid State Analysis and Catalytic Properties.
Authors: Aubert Emmanuel , Doudouh Abdelatif , Wenger Emmanuel , Sechi Barbara , Peluso Paola , Pale Patrick , Mamane Victor
Published: January 2022

Despite the increasing number of applications based on halogen bond (XB), asymmetric catalysis purely based on such supramolecular interactions still remains a huge challenge. The first step toward its development is the design of appropriate XB chiral donor molecules with good catalytic properties. In this context, we report the synthesis of a series of iodinated compounds based on the triazole or triazolium ring and possessing the planar chirality of ferrocene. Their XB donor property was attested by X‐ray diffraction analysis, showing short I⋅⋅⋅N and I⋅⋅⋅F interactions in the triazole‐based derivatives and in the tetrafluoroborate salt of a idodotriazolium, respectively. The potential of these compounds to act as XB‐based catalysts was demonstrated in the aza‐Diels‐Alder reaction involving an imine and a diene. Whereas triazole‐based derivatives were inactive in this reaction, the triflate salts of iodotriazoliums delivered the expected cycloadduct with high yield.
Manifestations of Antiaromaticity in Organic Materials: Case Studies of Cyclobutadiene, Borole, and Pentalene
Authors: Hong Calvin , Baltazar Juan , Tovar John D.
Published: January 2022

This Review surveys the experimental and synthetic history of three classic antiaromatic cores: cyclobutadiene, borole, and pentalene. The coverage extends from the bare molecular cores to fused or substituted variants that impart thermodynamic or kinetic stability to the antiaromatic systems. Recent studies to utilize the unusual properties of these antiaromatic cores in the context of advanced electronic materials are discussed.
Redox‐Active Dendrimer‐Like Oligoguanidines and Their Use in a Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer Reaction
Authors: Steuer Lena , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: January 2022

Redox‐active organic dendrimers are of interest for a variety of applications, e. g. as components in optoelectronic devices and energy‐storage (battery) materials, and were also used to model enzymatic reactivity. Here, we report the first synthesis of redox‐active dendrimer‐like oligoguanidines, assembling six or twelve guanidino groups attached to aromatic cores in one molecule. The novel oligoguanidines, being strong electron donors, are characterized in their stable (neutral and dicationic) redox states. Redox processes occur preferrentially at the core, while the periphery provides highly Brønsted basic sites. The combined electron and proton acceptor properties of the molecules in their stable oxidized dicationic redox state motivate applications in proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes. In this work, we test their application in a representative intramolecular oxidative aryl‐aryl coupling reaction.
Synthesis of Pyranocyclopentaindolines Representing the Western Sections of Janthitrem B, JBIR‐137, and Shearinine G
Authors: Fresia Marvin , Lindel Thomas
Published: January 2022

The synthesis of the ABCD tetracyclic partial structures of the fungal indole diterpenes janthitrem B, JBIR‐137, and shearinine G is reported. The route starts from 5‐formylated indoline that is coupled to a dihydropyran moiety, followed by Prins cyclization. A diene was obtained that was oxygenated in a divergent manner. The hydroxylated tetracyclic western half of janthitrem B was obtained in eight steps and 10 % overall yield. We also share our experience with alternative approaches passing via alkynylated precursors. This includes the gold‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of a 6‐ethynyl‐5‐prenylindoline.
Dynamic Covalent Reactions Controlled by Ring‐Chain Tautomerism of 2‐Formylbenzoic Acid
Authors: Li Ziyi , Zhang Ling , Zhou Yuntao , Zha Daijun , Hai Yu , You Lei
Published: January 2022

Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) is an intensive area of research as it has found utility in the creation of molecular assemblies, complex systems, and ordered frameworks. Herein we demonstrate the development of dynamic covalent reactions (DCRs) of common N‐, O‐, and S‐mononucleophiles by controlling ring‐chain tautomerism of 2‐formylbenzoic acid. The regulation of distinct dual reactivity of interconverting open aldehyde and cyclic hemiacetal forms, the thermodynamic stabilization through chelation and delocalization, as well as the kinetic effect resulting from neighboring group participation, enabled the realization of DCRs of a broad range of alcohols, thiols, primary amines, and secondary amines exhibiting high efficiency and fast equilibrium. The dynamic nature of the system was verified through component exchange, and the switch of DCRs was achieved through the manipulation of substrate selectivity. The investigation of mechanism shed insights on the dependence of reaction pathways on nucleophiles, laying the foundation for future design and application.
A model sufficiency test using permutation entropy
Authors: Huang Xin , Shang Han Lin , Pitt David
Published: January 2022

Using the ordinal‐pattern concept in permutation entropy, we propose a model sufficiency test to study a given model's point prediction accuracy. Compared with some classical model sufficiency tests, such as Broock et al.'s (1996) test, our proposal does not require a sufficient model to eliminate all structures exhibited in the estimated residuals. When the innovations in the investigated data's underlying dynamics show a certain structure, such as higher moment serial dependence, Broock et al.'s (1996) test can lead to erroneous conclusions about the sufficiency of point predictors. Due to the structured innovations, inconsistency between the model sufficiency tests and prediction accuracy criteria can occur. Our proposal fills in this incoherence between model and prediction evaluation approaches and remains valid when the underlying process has nonwhite additive innovation.
Geomorphic evaluation of landslides along the Teesta river valley, Sikkim Himalaya, India
Authors: Gupta Vikram , Chauhan Neha , Penna Ivanna , Hermanns Reginald , Dehls John , Sengupta Aniruddha , Bhasin Rajinder K.
Published: January 2022

Landslides are a common and widespread phenomena in tectonically active mountains, impacting on landscape development, and lanslides pose a serious threat to the lives and properties when these interfere with humans and their associated infrastructure. However, the spatial distribution of these landslides is controlled by various geological and geomorphological parameters, including the neotectonic activity and the climatic pattern of the area. In the present study, various geomorphic parameters such as longitudinal and topographic swath profile, valley floor width to valley height ratio, channel steepness index, and stream length gradient index, along with the rainfall pattern of the Teesta river valley, Sikkim Himalaya, were correlated with the spatial distribution of landslides in the area. It has been concluded that landslides in the Higher Himalaya, north of the Main Central Thrust behind the orographic barrier, owe their origin mainly to the higher tectonic activity, and adjacent to the Main Central Thrust in the front of the orographic barrier to both tectonic activity and the higher rainfall. The distribution of landslides in the Lesser Himalaya is dominantly controlled by lithology and is mainly triggered by the rainfall.
Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of late Permian and Triassic granitoids on Hainan Island, South China
Authors: Yin Zhengxin , Lu Xingxin , Huang Qiangtai , Zheng Hao , Cai Zhourong , Hua Yuanjun , Zhang Chenglei , Deng Fei , Xie Anyuan
Published: January 2022

Hainan Island is a key part of the eastern Tethyan region and contains detailed geological information that can enhance our understanding of the tectonic evolution of this region since the late Palaeozoic. In this paper, we report geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic data for granitoids from Baomei and Chahe in the northern part of Hainan Island. Three new zircon U–Pb ages of 243.3 ± 1.7 Ma, 237.1 ± 5.1 Ma, and 257.0 ± 4.0 Ma were obtained for these granitoids. The late Permian Chahe granite (257 Ma) is weakly peraluminous to peraluminous, and has rare earth element patterns and Ga/Al and FeOT/MgO ratios typical of A‐type granites formed in an extensional tectonic setting. The Middle Triassic Baomei granitoids (243–237 Ma) are weakly peraluminous, and exhibit a negative correlation between P2O5 and SiO2, which is typical of I‐type granites. All the granitoids have EM II‐type‐enriched mantle Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, which indicate that they were derived from a mantle source that had experienced enrichment and metasomatism. Hainan Island was in an extensional tectonic setting from the late Permian to Middle Triassic when widespread A‐ and I‐type granites were generated. We speculate that Hainan Island was mainly affected by the Tethyan tectonic domain during the Permian–Triassic, which involved closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean, collision of the Indochina and South China blocks, and subsequent post‐collisional extension.
PET‐CT versus MRI in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of cervical cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: He Tao , Sun Jiangming , Wu Jie , Wang Hui , Liang Changping , Wang Huan , Li Shujun , Su Shunbing
Published: January 2022

To compare the clinical application value of positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‐CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of cervical cancer lymph node metastasis. We searched PubMed and other databases for the studies comparing the use of PET‐CT and MRI for the diagnosis of cervical cancer lymph node metastasis up to January 20, 2021. We strictly followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria to screen the literature and extract the data. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)‐2 tool was used for quality evaluation of included studies, and Revman 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used for evaluating heterogeneity, synthesize sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC) and comparing the pretest and posttest probabilities. Finally, 11 studies were included for meta‐analysis. The synthesized results indicated that the SEN value of PET‐CT was 0.65 (0.60 ~ 0.69) and SPE was 0.93 (0.91 ~ 0.94), and the SEN value of MRI was 0.58 (0.54 ~ 0.63) and SPE was 0.91 (0.90 ~ 0.92). AUC of PET‐CT was 0.824, which was significantly higher than that of MRI (AUC = 0.702; p < .05). The subgroup analysis showed that the AUC value of the study based on study design and use of blinding methods was not statistically significant (all p > .05). There was no obvious publication bias in the synthesized analysis of the diagnostic value of PET‐CT and MRI (all p > .05).

Highlights

To compare positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‐CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis of cervical cancer lymph node metastasis.

Synthesize sensitivity value of PET‐CT was comparable with that of MRI.

Area under the curve of PET‐CT was significantly higher than that of MRI.

There was no obvious publication bias in synthesized analysis.
Remineralization potential of P11‐4 and fluoride on secondary carious primary enamel: A quantitative evaluation using microcomputed tomography
Authors: Özdemir Şerife , Taran Pınar Kınay , Mammadlı Narmin , Altınova İlay Sena , Gazioğlu Işıl
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of self‐assembling peptide (P11‐4) diffusion, assembly, and remineralization to effect artificial secondary caries‐like lesions in human primary teeth in vitro. Enamel‐dentin blocks obtained from extracted human primary molars were embedded into epoxy resin blocks. Cavities (approximately 1 × 1 × 2 mm) were prepared on the surface using a high‐speed diamond bur under constant water cooling and filled with composite restorative material (Filtek Z250; 3 M ESPE). The samples were immersed in demineralizing solution (20 ml) for 96 h to produce secondary caries lesions and divided into two groups according to the testing materials: fluoride varnish (Duraphat; Colgate, UK) and P11‐4 (Curodont Repair; Credentis, Switzerland). Except for the control areas, all samples were remineralized for 3–5 min using the remineralizing agents, and then all the sections were placed in a pH‐cycling system for 5 days at 35°C. The pH cycling procedure was followed by micro‐CT analysis for the qualitative evaluation of surface changes. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare two independent groups. In the comparison of more than two dependent groups, Bonferroni smoothed pairwise analyses were used to determine the source of the Kruskal–Wallis H test difference. The results of the study revealed that the remineralization depths of the peptide group were higher than those of the fluoride group (p < .01). There was a statistically significant difference in remineralization effects between the fluoride and peptide groups. P11‐4 can be considered as an effective remineralizing agent for secondary caries lesions.
Metal‐free ring opening of 5‐amino‐1,4‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazoles: A facile access to 2‐aryl‐3‐arylazoacrylonitriles
Authors: Chatterjee Arpita , Radhakrishnan Divya , Bandyopadhyay Debashruti , Kanchithalaivan Selvaraj , Peruncheralathan Saravanan
Published: January 2022

Various 2‐aryl‐3‐arylazoacrylonitriles are synthesized while attempting the intramolecular N‐arylation of 5‐aminopyrazoles, using the hypervalent iodine reagent. The synthesis involves phenyl iodine diacetate‐assisted ring opening of 5‐aminopyrazoles at room temperature. A plausible mechanism for the formation of azoalkenes is proposed.
Fang shape varies with ontogeny and sex in the venomous elapid snake Pseudonaja affinis
Authors: Cleuren Silke G. C. , Patterson Matthew B. , Hocking David P. , Warburton Natalie M. , Evans Alistair R.
Published: January 2022

A predator's preferred prey often changes over the course of its life as it grows from an inexperienced juvenile through to a sexually mature adult. For species with highly specialised feeding strategies, this may require its anatomy to change over the course of its life. The dugite (Pseudonaja affinis, Günther 1872) is a venomous snake from Australia that displays such a diet shift, with juveniles feeding on small reptiles, while adults mainly target mammals. We examined the morphology of fangs across both sexes and throughout ontogeny using geometric morphometrics and cross‐sectional sharpness measurements of key functional regions on these teeth. This highlighted key differences in shape that likely relate to the varied properties of their adult and juvenile diet. We found that juveniles display a more robust and blunter fang, which likely relates to feeding on scaly lizard prey, whereas adults have slender fangs with sharper tips, which reflects their diet of softer mammalian prey. There were also differences between males and females, with male snakes having significantly more slender fangs than females, which might be an indication of niche partitioning between the sexes. Using snout‐vent length as a proxy for age, we found that the ontogenetic shift in fang shape occurs when P. affinis is around 60 cm long, corresponding with previous studies that found this size to be the moment where these snakes switch from their juvenile to adult diet.
Job attitudes: A meta‐analytic review and an agenda for future research
Authors: Woznyj Haley M. , Banks George C. , Whelpley Christopher E. , Batchelor John H. , Bosco Frank A.
Published: January 2022

Given the importance and popularity of employee job attitudes in academics and practice (e.g., annual engagement surveys), it is crucial to explore and summarize previous developments in the literature to identify ways to advance the field. The current review takes a systematic approach to exploring the nomological network, including investigating redundancy, of seven common job attitudes. We present a portfolio of evidence relying on three primary studies and one meta‐analytic study (total k = 6631; total n = 3 309 205). Our results raise concerns about the measurement of select job attitudes. Further, job attitudes are moderately to strongly correlated with each other (most relations landing between ρ = .50 and .69) and have similar patterns of relationships with antecedents, correlates, and outcomes. Yet, relative weights analyses illustrate that some attitudes have more validity in predicting key employee outcomes than others, which points to theoretically relevant utility concerns among specific job attitudes. This review offers a contribution by synthesizing the literature and developing a future research agenda based on the current findings that will advance the field further. Finally, this work offers a primer on job attitudes, with definitions, applicable theoretical frameworks, scales and items, and empirical relationships between key constructs.
Solid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography/triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry for determination of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments
Authors: Kong Jijie , Gao Zhaoqi , Hu Guanjiu , Huang Wen , Zhou Shaoda , He Huan , Xian Qiming , Sun Cheng
Published: January 2022

Nitro‐polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been detected in various environmental media. However, determination in sediment matrix is challenging due to the lack of a suitable method. In this study, a reliable method for determining 15 nitro‐polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments was developed based on accelerated solvent extraction and solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The accelerated solvent extraction and solid‐phase microextraction are sample pre‐treatment techniques that have advantages, such as rapid operation and minimal sample volume. Initially, the solid‐phase microextraction was optimized using five commercial fibers and from that 65 μm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene fiber was selected as the best fiber. Further, the accelerated solvent extraction conditions were optimized by Taguchi experimental design, such as extraction temperature (120℃), extraction solvent (dichloromethane), number of cycles (two), static extraction period (4 min), and rinse volume (90%). The method parameters, such as limits of quantitation, and intraday and interday accuracy and precision, were in the range of 0.067–1.57 ng/g, 75.2–115.2%, 69.9–115.4%, and 1.0–16.5%, respectively. Upon meeting all the quality criteria, the method was applied successfully to analyze real sediment samples. Therefore, our study creates a new prospect for the future application of direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction in sediment analysis.
Development and validation of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of regadenoson in human plasma and its pharmacokinetic application
Authors: Wang Dun‐Jian , Wang Da‐Wei , Fang Qiu‐Chen , Shen Ye , Zeng Nv‐Jin , Yang Yan‐Ling , Zhang Hong‐Wen , Wang Yong‐Qing , Sun Lu‐Ning
Published: January 2022

Regadenoson, the first selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist, is used to perform exercise stress test during radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging. To detect the concentration of regadenoson in human plasma, a simple, fast, and sensitive tandem mass spectrometry method was established herein. Acetonitrile was used as a protein precipitation agent. Chromatographic separation was completed in 6.5 min using a BEH HILIC column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm). The mobile phase consisted of 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate/acetonitrile (gradient elution). To quantify regadenoson and regadenoson‐d3, an API 4000 mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode with transitions of 391.3→259.2 and 394.3→262.2, respectively, was utilized. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.100–50.0 μg/L, and the intrabatch and interbatch precisions were <9.7% and <13.0%, respectively, and the accuracy was 2.0–6.9%. There was no apparent matrix effect for regadenoson or regadenoson‐d3. The developed method was used to study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of regadenoson in healthy Chinese subjects.
Biochar‐based land development
Authors: Dwibedi Sanat Kumar , Pandey Vimal Chandra , Divyasree Donakonda , Bajpai Omesh
Published: January 2022

Biochar or pyrogenic carbon, obtained from the thermo‐chemical conversion of biomass in an anaerobic or oxygen‐limited environment, has been in use in agriculture perhaps as far back as the Neolithic. Its unique soil‐ameliorating properties render it suitable for environmental remediation as well as sustainable crop production. It improves soil physicochemical properties and plant nutrient availability, reduces toxic chemical load, facilitates biodiversity, and reduces the emission of greenhouse gases thereby subsiding global warming. The application of biochar can reduce soil erosion, improve soil hydrological properties, and help soil microbial dynamics. It has synergistic effects on plant growth, disease‐pest resistance, and crop yield per unit area and time. Due to its soil‐ameliorative effects and soil and water‐conserving ability, it can be used beneficially in organic farming, permaculture, dryland farming, conservation agriculture, and land remediation. Cheaper production cost, simple, and easy pyrolytic technologies, easy availability of feedstock and bio‐wastes in many developing countries, and its long‐term effects on soil not only build up the soil carbon pool but also help support small and marginal farmers in resource‐rich but economically deprived countries for sustainable agriculture and land development. In this review, efforts have been made to elucidate various uses of biochar, its characteristics and applications effects on soil systems, land development, and sustainable agricultural production toward achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs).
The multivisit drone routing problem with edge launches: An iterative approach with discrete and continuous improvements
Authors: Masone Adriano , Poikonen Stefan , Golden Bruce L.
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the usage of drones in last‐mile logistics has stirred great interest in the operations research community. Many papers have considered schemes of hybrid truck‐and‐drone delivery. In this paper, we focus on the Multivisit Drone Routing Problem with Edge Launches (MVDRP‐EL) which assumes: a heterogenous set of packages, a drone capable of carrying multiple packages at a time and that can be launched and retrieved along an edge, a flexible launch/retrieval site set, and a user‐defined energy depletion function. We believe this paper is the first to exploit edge launch ability through a global continuous approach. In this context, we propose an original formulation based on the Covering Salesman Problem to compute a valid lower bound for the problem and an iterative solution method to determine a MVDRP‐EL solution with quality launch/retrieval sites along the road network edges. Each iteration of the solution method consists of two phases. In the first phase, the road network edges are discretized to obtain launch/retrieval sites, and a first solution is determined. In the second phase, the truck route is set and we reduce the completion time by carefully synchronizing truck and drone routes by solving an original Mixed Integer Second Order Cone Program. The lower bound formulation and the proposed method have been tested on several instances and results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method and the potential value of launching along an edge, respectively.
Flame retardant and mechanical properties of core‐shell‐like polybutylene terephthalate/intumescent flame retardant through controlling injection time
Authors: Li Zhengqiu , Li Jianbin , Chen Yueling , Ye Jingbiao , Song Xiangqian , Jin Ying , Wu Ting , Chen Baoshu
Published: January 2022

This study prepared layered intumescent flame retardant (IFR)‐graphene oxide (GO) via the esterification of GO and IFR. Then the distribution of IFR‐GO in polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) was regulated via an injection molding process, while the tensile strength and combustion were explored. The results showed that the flame retardant distribution in PBT presented high external concentrations and low internal concentrations when the injection time was reduced. The lowest flame retardant content of 20 wt% was evident at an injection time of 2 s while displaying a high limiting oxygen index of 27.1. Although this resulted in a V‐0 flame‐retardant level, the mechanical properties were not affected. Therefore, the flame retardant was proportionately reduced by a shorter injection time to form a concentration gradient core‐shell‐like macrostructure, significantly increasing the flame‐resistant efficiency while retaining the mechanical properties.
Age‐stratified distress thermometers with Worry and Learning problem domains for the paediatric oncology population: Development and validation
Authors: Cuffe Ray , Norman Catherine , Haeems Gabriella , Spicer Lucy , Mohammed Kabir , Rodger Melanie , Edwards Lesley
Published: January 2022

Background

The long‐term psychological/neuro‐psychological sequalae for a minority of survivors of childhood cancer are considerable. This project aims to develop and validate a psychosocial and memory/learning distress thermometer (DT) for paediatric/young adult cancer patients.

Methods

Pilot/Development Age‐appropriate versions of the DT were developed. A pilot study tested acceptability, usability, and design.

Validation

Seven collaborating paediatric‐oncology centres with 549 participants validated the DT against Strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and Hospital Anxiety and depression scale (HADS) for psychological issues, Utilities Index Mark 2 (HUI2) for memory/learning issues, PedsQL and SF‐8 measured quality of life.

Results

Using a cut‐off of four, sensitivity against SDQ for under 18 was 75.8%, 18plus against HADS was 94.1%. The specificity was 53.3% against the SDQ for the 18plus specificity against the HADS was 47.1%. The sensitivity against the HUI2 for all age groups was 89.0% specificity was 70.3%.

Conclusion

The DT is a valid and reliable measure screening instrument. It can be used to identify early on those experiencing psychological distress and memory problems.
A feasibility trial of genomics‐based diagnosis detecting insecticide resistance of the diamondback moth
Authors: Yamanaka Takehiko , Kitabayashi Satoshi , Jouraku Akiya , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Kuwazaki Seigo , Sudo Masaaki
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Insecticide resistance management has been key for crop protection for over 70 years and is increasingly important because the development of new active ingredients has decreased in recent years. By monitoring the development of resistance in a timely manner, we can effectively prolong insecticide efficacy. Genomic‐based diagnosis can reliably predict resistance development if information on resistant mutations against major pesticides is available. Here, we developed a feasibility trial of genomics‐based diagnosis of insecticide resistance in diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) populations in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Amplicon sequencing analyses using a next‐generation sequencer (Illumina MiSeq) for major insecticides, including diamides, pyrethroids, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin (Cry1Ac), organophosphates, and spinosyns, were conducted.

RESULTS

Mutations related to the resistance of pyrethroids, organophosphates, and diamides (flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole) prevailed, while those of a diamide (cyantraniliprole), Bt (Cry1Ac), and spinosyns were scanty, suggesting that they are still effective. The results of the genomics‐based diagnosis were generally concordant with the results of bioassays. Resistance development tendencies were generally uniform across Nagano.

CONCLUSION

An insecticide‐resistance management campaign can be conducted in Nagano Prefecture with a quick genomic‐based diagnosis in early spring while bioassay is the only option for monitoring resistances whose mutations are unavailable. Our study is the first step in the future management of insecticide resistance in all significant pests. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Process‐oriented stochastic perturbations applied to the parametrization of turbulence and shallow convection for ensemble prediction
Authors: Fleury Axelle , Bouttier François , Couvreux Fleur
Published: January 2022

Weather forecasting nowadays often requires some estimation of uncertainties associated with the output of meteorological models, in order to better inform decision making, especially in the context of intense weather events. Ensemble prediction systems provide such information through sets of possible scenarios which are designed to represent various uncertainty sources, including model uncertainties. A wide variety of methods have been proposed to estimate model uncertainties, among which perturbation methods targeting uncertain processes are a promising research field. In this study, we focus on the representation of small‐scale variability by process‐oriented perturbation schemes applied to two key physical processes, namely turbulence and shallow convection. The perturbations are applied to a single‐column version of the convection‐permitting AROME model, in three idealized boundary‐layer cases. Large‐eddy simulations (LESs) of the same cases serve as a reference for the subgrid variability that has to be represented, and the results are also compared to those given by the Stochastically Perturbed Parametrization Tendencies (SPPT) method, which is a method commonly used by weather forecast centres to represent model uncertainty. The spread produced by our process‐oriented perturbations of turbulence and shallow convection does not represent all the small‐scale variability implied by the LESs for temperature and humidity. However, it is of a similar order of magnitude for the wind, thanks to perturbations generated by the stochastic turbulence scheme. The dispersion is structurally different from what is obtained with SPPT. It is non‐negligible in the lower levels, where SPPT perturbations are usually suppressed because of numerical instabilities, indicating a possible complementarity between the schemes.
Observer‐based adaptive control of cooperative multiple manipulators using the Mastroianni operators as uncertainty approximator
Authors: Deylami Ali , Izadbakhsh Alireza
Published: January 2022

This article addresses the multi‐objective problem of pose and force control in a cooperative system comprised of multiplen‐degree‐of‐freedom (n‐DOF) robotic arms that move a payload. The proposed controller should be capable of maintaining the position and orientation of the payload in the desired path. In addition, the force exerted by robot end‐effectors on the object must remain limited. The system has unmodeled dynamics, and measuring the robot joint velocities is impossible. In other words, joint positions are the only measured states. Therefore, a Mastroianni operator‐based observer is first designed to estimate the uncertainty and velocities based on its universal approximation property. Then, using these estimations, a feedback controller is proposed to establish a robust and precise tracking performance. The stability of this system is confirmed based on Lyapunov's stability theorem. This article is the first study on utilizing the adaptive form of Mastroianni operators in robust adaptive controller design. Moreover, the introduced structure is regressor‐free and does not depend on velocity measurements. Finally, the proposed adaptive observer‐controller is applied on two 3‐DOF cooperative robotic arms carrying a payload, and the results are precisely analyzed. The results of the proposed approach are also compared with a state‐of‐art powerful approximation method.
A multi‐perspective composite assessment framework for prioritizing targets of sustainable development goals
Authors: Huan Yizhong , Wang Lingqing , Burgman Mark , Li Haitao , Yu Yurong , Zhang Jianpeng , Liang Tao
Published: January 2022

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets proposed in 2015 are wide ranging and achieving them before 2030 may require extraordinarily high costs. Prioritizing a more manageable and logical sequence of SDGs targets based on national conditions is critical to reduce the complexity of SDGs, lower costs, ensure transitions are efficient, and accelerate implementation. Researchers have proposed a range of methods to rank the prioritizations of SDGs from different perspectives. Unfortunately, prioritizations of SDGs arising from different methods are not entirely consistent due to the limitations of each method. Therefore, an integrated methodological framework is required to reconcile these inconsistencies. To fill this research gap, we synthesized several methods to create a new composite assessment framework to prioritize SDGs targets. The framework consists of assessment models from three perspectives, including the impact of targets in a network composed of the interactions between targets, the gap between the targets' current and ideal performances, and the urgency of improving participation by government and society in achieving the targets. We then tested the effectiveness of this assessment framework empirically by ranking prioritizations for six targets of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) in Southeast Asia. Empirical results show that target 6.5 has the highest priority, followed by targets 6.4 and 6.6, while the lowest ranking target is 6.1. Finally, we outlined the advantages and limitations of each assessment method to assist stakeholders in using and broadening this composite assessment framework in the future.
Numerical Investigation on Solidification Shrinkage Behavior of P900 Hollow Ingot during Electroslag Remelting Process
Authors: Liu Fubin , Suo Haoyang , Li Huabing , Jiang Zhouhua , Ni Zhuowen , Geng Xin , Zhu Hongchun
Published: January 2022

A numerical model coupled with a multiphysical field based on a simple density‐based shrinkage model is established. After validation by comparing the experimental and simulation results, it is utilized to clarify solidification shrinkage behavior of electroslag remelting hollow ingot (ESR‐HI) process and investigate the effect of the inner mould taper angle and ingot withdrawing rate on air gap width and interfacial heat transfer coefficient (HTC). The interface between the hollow ingot and the inner mold can be divided into three regions, according to the change in heat transfer mechanisms. In region I, the inner wall and the inner mould are in complete contact, and effective HTC is maximum. In region II and region III, effective HTC decreases with increment in the air gap width. With increasing the inner mould taper angle and ingot withdrawing rate, solidification shrinkage at a given height of hollow ingot decreases. Moreover, it is reasonable that the inner mould taper angle is set to 1.5°, the distance from the slag‐metal interface to the bottom of the cylindrical section (Hcyl) is set to 20 mm, and the withdrawing rate is set to 5 mm min−1 for P900 during ESR‐HI process with a cross‐sectional size of Φ300 mm/Φ100 mm.
Effect of Cooling Rate on Phase Transformation Behavior during Isothermal Annealing of SCr420 Steel
Authors: Park Jae-Young , Ko Won-Seok , Park Ki Beom , Kang Gyu Byeong , Im Hyeon-Tae , Kwon Hong Gi , Hwang Nong-Moon , Park Hyung-Ki
Published: January 2022

Herein, the effect of cooling rate on microstructure formation and phase transformation behaviors during isothermal annealing of the SCr420 steel is investigated. During isothermal annealing, tempering is performed after normalizing, and the effect of cooling conditions from normalizing to tempering is analyzed. As the cooling rate increases, the nonuniform microstructure with the band structure formed after hot forging tends to be homogenized. When the temperature reached during cooling is lowered, the phase transformation is rapidly completed during the cooling process, and the microstructure becomes more homogeneous. Phase transformation behavior during cooling from the normalizing temperature is analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry. Two exothermic reaction peaks are detected, and those peaks are related with the γ → γ + α → α + θ phase transformation. The higher the cooling rate, the lower the phase transformation starting temperature and the higher the phase transformation rate. In addition, from the thermal analysis data, the phase transformation kinetics and activation energy during cooling are analyzed by the Friedman method and the additivity rule. Through this analysis, the Avrami exponent and the activation energy for the phase transformation are derived.
Evaluating the Narrative Authenticity of Informational Nonfiction for Children
Authors: Dávila Denise , Elovich Sarah
Published: January 2022

In informational texts, when the identities of the narrators are inconsistent with the identities of the writers, can such text be classified as nonfiction? In this article, we examine the relationship between the writer and the narrator of informational nonfiction books in alignment with the ELA Common Core State Standards for reading in grades K – 5. We discuss a trade book series that is widely distributed and accepted as nonfiction even when the narrator’s age, ethnicity, and identities significantly differ from the writer. Specifically, we describe our approach to evaluating the “Holidays Around the World” series published by National Geographic, one of the most widely recognized and trusted brands in children’s nonfiction.
The business model and strategies of digital labour platforms
Authors:   ILO
Published: January 2022

This chapter explores some of the key features of the digital labour platform business model, including algorithmic management of work, the revenue model and business strategies. It also reviews the rules of governance, which are unilaterally set by the platforms. The analysis draws on the terms of service agreements of 31 major platforms and semi‐structured interviews with representatives of 16 online web‐based and location‐based platforms.
Discovering functional motifs in long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Ross Caroline Jane , Ulitsky Igor
Published: January 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are products of pervasive transcription that closely resemble messenger RNAs on the molecular level, yet function through largely unknown modes of action. The current model is that the function of lncRNAs often relies on specific, typically short, conserved elements, connected by linkers in which specific sequences and/or structures are less important. This notion has fueled the development of both computational and experimental methods focused on the discovery of functional elements within lncRNA genes, based on diverse signals such as evolutionary conservation, predicted structural elements, or the ability to rescue loss‐of‐function phenotypes. In this review, we outline the main challenges that the different methods need to overcome, describe the recently developed approaches, and discuss their respective limitations.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Inverse Opal‐Structured Sn and Sn/Ge Films from Soluble Zintl Clusters as Precursors
Authors: Geier S. , Kratky T. , Günther S. , Fässler T. F.
Published: January 2022

Tin and mixed tin/germanium thin films hold great potential for a variety of different applications such as anodes for lithium ion batteries or optical components in new LED developments. While the physical and chemical properties of these materials are promising, the fabrication of nanostructures with tunable composition and electronic properties is eminently important to overcome several problems in application. In this work we report on the preparation and characterization of inverse opal‐structured Sn and Sn/Ge thin films with a pore size of 200 nm on a wide variety of substrates obtained by a simple, up‐scalable wet‐chemical synthetic route involving soluble [Sn9]4−, [Ge9]4− and mixed Sn/Ge Zintl clusters. The resulting honeycomb structures are characterized by SEM, EDX, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy. Their porous structure and tuneable composition makes them attractive candidates for electrochemical applications such as anode materials.
Heptagon functions and seven-gluon amplitudes in multi-Regge kinematics
Authors: Dixon Lance J. , Liu Yu-Ting , Miczajka Julian
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We compute all 2 → 5 gluon scattering amplitudes in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory in the multi-Regge limit that is sensitive to the non-trivial (“long”) Regge cut. We provide the amplitudes through four loops and to all logarithmic accuracy at leading power, in terms of single-valued multiple polylogarithms of two variables. To obtain these results, we leverage the function-level results for the amplitudes in the Steinmann cluster bootstrap. To high powers in the series expansion in the two variables, our results agree with the recently conjectured all-order central emission vertex used in the Fourier-Mellin representation of amplitudes in multi-Regge kinematics. Our results therefore provide a resummation of the Fourier-Mellin residues into single-valued polylogarithms, and constitute an important cross-check between the bootstrap approach and the all-orders multi-Regge proposal.
Transient nuclear lamin A/C accretion aids in recovery from vapor nanobubble-induced permeabilisation of the plasma membrane
Authors: Houthaeve Gaëlle , García-Díaz Barriga Gerardo , Stremersch Stephan , De Keersmaecker Herlinde , Fraire Juan , Vandesompele Jo , Mestdagh Pieter , De Smedt Stefaan , Braeckmans Kevin , De Vos Winnok H.
Published: January 2022

Vapor nanobubble (VNB) photoporation is a physical method for intracellular delivery that has gained significant interest in the past decade. It has successfully been used to introduce molecular cargo of diverse nature into different cell types with high throughput and minimal cytotoxicity. For translational purposes, it is important to understand whether and how photoporation affects cell homeostasis. To obtain a comprehensive view on the transcriptional rewiring that takes place after VNB photoporation, we performed a longitudinal shotgun RNA-sequencing experiment. Six hours after photoporation, we found a marked upregulation ofLMNAtranscripts as well as their protein products, the A-type lamins. At the same time point, we observed a significant increase in several heterochromatin marks, suggesting a global stiffening of the nucleus. These molecular features vanished 24 h after photoporation. Since VNB-induced chromatin condensation was prolonged inLMNAknockout cells, A-type lamins may be required for restoring the nucleus to its original state. Selective depletion of A-type lamins reduced cell viability after VNB photoporation, while pharmacological stimulation ofLMNAtranscription increased the percentage of successfully transfected cells that survived after photoporation. Therefore, our results suggest that cells respond to VNB photoporation by temporary upregulation of A-type lamins to facilitate their recovery.
A novel diabetes typology: towards precision diabetology from pathogenesis to treatment
Authors: Herder Christian , Roden Michael
Published: January 2022

The current classification of diabetes, based on hyperglycaemia, islet-directed antibodies and some insufficiently defined clinical features, does not reflect differences in aetiological mechanisms and in the clinical course of people with diabetes. This review discusses evidence from recent studies addressing the complexity of diabetes by proposing novel subgroups (subtypes) of diabetes. The most widely replicated and validated approach identified, in addition to severe autoimmune diabetes, four subgroups designated severe insulin-deficient diabetes, severe insulin-resistant diabetes, mild obesity-related diabetes and mild age-related diabetes subgroups. These subgroups display distinct patterns of clinical features, disease progression and onset of comorbidities and complications, with severe insulin-resistant diabetes showing the highest risk for cardiovascular, kidney and fatty liver diseases. While it has been suggested that people in these subgroups would benefit from stratified treatments, RCTs are required to assess the clinical utility of any reclassification effort. Several methodological and practical issues also need further study: the statistical approach used to define subgroups and derive recommendations for diabetes care; the stability of subgroups over time; the optimal dataset (e.g. phenotypic vs genotypic) for reclassification; the transethnic generalisability of findings; and the applicability in clinical routine care. Despite these open questions, the concept of a new classification of diabetes has already allowed researchers to gain more insight into the colourful picture of diabetes and has stimulated progress in this field so that precision diabetology may become reality in the future.

Graphical abstract