bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging of the pial arterial vasculature of the human brain in vivo using high-resolution 7T time-of-flight angiography
Authors: Bollmann Saskia , Mattern Hendrik , Bernier Michaël , Robinson Simon D , Park Daniel , Speck Oliver , Polimeni Jonathan R
Published: April 2022

The pial arterial vasculature of the human brain is the only blood supply to the neocortex, but quantitative data on the morphology and topology of these mesoscopic arteries (diameter 50–300 µm) remains scarce. Because it is commonly assumed that blood flow velocities in these vessels are prohibitively slow, non-invasive time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA)—which is well suited to high 3D imaging resolutions—has not been applied to imaging the pial arteries. Here, we provide a theoretical framework that outlines how TOF-MRA can visualize small pial arteries in vivo, by employing extremely small voxels at the size of individual vessels. We then provide evidence for this theory by imaging the pial arteries at 140 µm isotropic resolution using a 7 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and prospective motion correction, and show that pial arteries one voxel width in diameter can be detected. We conclude that imaging pial arteries is not limited by slow blood flow, but instead by achievable image resolution. This study represents the first targeted, comprehensive account of imaging pial arteries in vivo in the human brain. This ultra-high-resolution angiography will enable the characterization of pial vascular anatomy across the brain to investigate patterns of blood supply and relationships between vascular and functional architecture.
VE-cadherin enables trophoblast endovascular invasion and spiral artery remodeling during placental development
Authors: Sung Derek C , Chen Xiaowen , Chen Mei , Yang Jisheng , Schultz Susan , Babu Apoorva , Xu Yitian , Gao Siqi , Keller TC Stevenson , Mericko-Ishizuka Patricia , Lee Michelle , Yang Ying , Scallan Joshua P , Kahn Mark L
Published: April 2022

During formation of the mammalian placenta, trophoblasts invade the maternal decidua and remodel spiral arteries to bring maternal blood into the placenta. This process, known as endovascular invasion, is thought to involve the adoption of functional characteristics of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by trophoblasts. The genetic and molecular basis of endovascular invasion remains poorly defined, however, and whether trophoblasts utilize specialized endothelial proteins in an analogous manner to create vascular channels remains untested. Vascular endothelial (VE-)cadherin is a homotypic adhesion protein that is expressed selectively by ECs in which it enables formation of tight vessels and regulation of EC junctions. VE-cadherin is also expressed in invasive trophoblasts and is a prime candidate for a molecular mechanism of endovascular invasion by those cells. Here, we show that VE-cadherin is required for trophoblast migration and endovascular invasion into the maternal decidua in the mouse. VE-cadherin deficiency results in loss of spiral artery remodeling that leads to decreased flow of maternal blood into the placenta, fetal growth restriction, and death. These studies identify a non-endothelial role for VE-cadherin in trophoblasts during placental development and suggest that endothelial proteins may play functionally unique roles in trophoblasts that do not simply mimic those in ECs.
Novel hybrid firefly algorithm: an application to enhance XGBoost tuning for intrusion detection classification
Authors: Zivkovic Miodrag , Tair Milan , K Venkatachalam , Bacanin Nebojsa , Hubálovský Štěpán , Trojovský Pavel
Published: April 2022

The research proposed in this article presents a novel improved version of the widely adopted firefly algorithm and its application for tuning and optimising XGBoost classifier hyper-parameters for network intrusion detection. One of the greatest issues in the domain of network intrusion detection systems are relatively high false positives and false negatives rates. In the proposed study, by using XGBoost classifier optimised with improved firefly algorithm, this challenge is addressed. Based on the established practice from the modern literature, the proposed improved firefly algorithm was first validated on 28 well-known CEC2013 benchmark instances a comparative analysis with the original firefly algorithm and other state-of-the-art metaheuristics was conducted. Afterwards, the devised method was adopted and tested for XGBoost hyper-parameters optimisation and the tuned classifier was tested on the widely used benchmarking NSL-KDD dataset and more recent USNW-NB15 dataset for network intrusion detection. Obtained experimental results prove that the proposed metaheuristics has significant potential in tackling machine learning hyper-parameters optimisation challenge and that it can be used for improving classification accuracy and average precision of network intrusion detection systems.
Chronic psychological stress alters gene expression in rat colon epithelial cells promoting chromatin remodeling, barrier dysfunction and inflammation
Authors: Wiley John W. , Higgins Gerald A. , Hong Shuangsong
Published: April 2022

Chronic stress is commonly associated with enhanced abdominal pain (visceral hypersensitivity), but the cellular mechanisms underlying how chronic stress induces visceral hypersensitivity are poorly understood. In this study, we examined changes in gene expression in colon epithelial cells from a rat model using RNA-sequencing to examine stress-induced changes to the transcriptome. Following chronic stress, the most significantly up-regulated genes included Atg16l1, Coq10b, Dcaf13, Nat2, Ptbp2, Rras2, Spink4 and down-regulated genes including Abat, Cited2, Cnnm2, Dab2ip, Plekhm1, Scd2, and Tab2. The primary altered biological processes revealed by network enrichment analysis were inflammation/immune response, tissue morphogenesis and development, and nucleosome/chromatin assembly. The most significantly down-regulated process was the digestive system development/function, whereas the most significantly up-regulated processes were inflammatory response, organismal injury, and chromatin remodeling mediated by H3K9 methylation. Furthermore, a subpopulation of stressed rats demonstrated very significantly altered gene expression and transcript isoforms, enriched for the differential expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response, including upregulation of cytokine and chemokine receptor gene expression coupled with downregulation of epithelial adherens and tight junction mRNAs. In summary, these findings support that chronic stress is associated with increased levels of cytokines and chemokines, their downstream signaling pathways coupled to dysregulation of intestinal cell development and function. Epigenetic regulation of chromatin remodeling likely plays a prominent role in this process. Results also suggest that super enhancers play a primary role in chronic stress-associated intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Cardioprotective Effects of Chronic Release Formulations of Subcutaneous Implants of Carvedilol in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Allo Miguel Angel , Santander Plantamura Yanina , Bernabeu Ezequiel , Bin Eliana , Moretton Marcela , Carranza Andrea , Chiapetta Diego , Höcht Christian
Published: April 2022

Background: In our laboratory, we have developed subcutaneous implants of carvedilol capable of maintaining stable concentrations of the β-blocker during 3 weeks. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo release and the cardioprotective efficacy of subcutaneous implants of carvedilol developed with poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) and Soluplus (SP) polymers in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Twelve spontaneously hypertensive male rats (250-300 g) underwent placement of subcutaneous implant of PCL:SP 100:50 mg (control group, n = 6) or carvedilol:PCL:SP (100mg:100mg:50mg) (carvedilol group, n = 6), every 3 weeks. The plasma profile of each implant and its effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) was evaluated for 62 days. At the end of treatment, echocardiographic parameters were determined, and direct SBP and direct mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. Results: The group that received the implant containing 100 mg of carvedilol presented plasma concentrations of the drug in the range of 100- 500 ng/mL throughout 62 days of treatment, after which the SBP was 20 mmHg lower than in the control group (217±3 mm Hg vs. 237 ± 6 mm Hg; p <0.05). Direct SBP and MAP were significantly lower in the treated group than in the control group. The implant loaded with carvedilol 100 mg reduced short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) in SHR compared with the control group. Echocardiographic parameters as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), shortening fraction and E/A ratio were significantly greater in treated rats. Left ventricular weight was lower in the rats with carvedilol implant. Conclusion: Implants containing CAR/PCL/SP (100:100:50) mg provide therapeutic and stable plasma levels of carvedilol during treatment, which correlate with a significant and sustained decrease in indirect BP values. Treatment with carvedilol implants attenuated direct BP values and blood pressure variability in SHR. Treatment with implant produced cardioprotective effects evidenced in the echocardiogram by a reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy.
Assessment of the Impact of Rainfall Variability and Vegetable Production in Bamenda III Sub-Division, Cameroon
Authors: Niba Mary Lum Fonteh , Mbuh Bailack Kevin
Published: April 2022

Climate variability has a direct bearing on agricultural production. The relationship between temperature and rainfall provides ideal conditions for the development of crops in rain-fed agricultural systems. This is patent in predominantly rain-fed vegetable production exposed to rainfall variability. This study assesses the impact of rainfall variability on vegetable production in Bamenda III Sub-Division. The data on rainfall was collected for 54 consecutive years (1963–2017) and analysed using Rainfall Anomaly Index to determine the Inter-Annual Rainfall Anomalies. This was to determine the extent of rainfall variability impacts on vegetable production. Results revealed a reliable but fluctuating periodical rainfall rates with highest positive and negative anomalies of +60mm and -55mm respectively. With a Standardized Precipitation Index of 0.41, there was evidence of an increasing trend in decadal rainfall and positive trend on conditions for vegetable cultivation. The high variability of rainfall is associated with a reduction in vegetable production output. Such rainfall variability plays a major role in vegetable production which is generally rain fed. The study posits that stakeholders’ responsive adaptation options in cropland management for vegetable production in the phase of rainfall variability are credible in reversing the increasing negative impact of rainfall variability in the context of climate change.
A Study on the Consumer Perception towards Organic Food Products in Punjab
Authors: Beniwal Anubhav , Patil Chidanand
Published: April 2022

As the population is increasing all around the world, and to have good quality food is now becoming a challenge for everyone. On another side food that is grown with unhealthy practices is also paving the way towards an unhealthy body prone to diseases. There is a huge gap between customers’ expectations and market supply, especially in terms of quality and their price. This study aims to investigate the influence on buying decisions and challenges towards healthy food accessibility. We have used cross-sectional survey data and analytical methods used in the study were Pareto analysis and Garret ranking method. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for the study, and to segment the organic consumers, we have used factor analysis. The study found that Demand and supply have a massive gap and this gap is an opportunity for other farmers that is why new producers can serve and cash benefits.
Investigation of Pharmaceutical Care Practice in Two Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Central Monrovia, Liberia
Authors: Sampson K. P. CHEA, , Eric Woode,
Published: April 2022

Aims:  to identify elements of pharmaceutical care and to what extend it is practiced in these hospitals and to identify any drug-related therapeutic problems and determine the perceived importance of pharmaceutical care.

Study Design:  A prospective, cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out among hospital pharmacists and some selected physicians and physician assistants working at two major tertiary healthcare facilities in Liberia.

Place and Duration of Study: John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, and Eternal Love Winning Africa Hospital, between August, 2021 and October, 2021.

Methodology: Pretested structured questionnaires covering demographics and the key elements of pharmaceutical care documentation was administered randomly to 43 health professionals in these hospitals and collected for compilations and analysis.

Results: Twenty percent (20.9%) confirmed the documentation of pharmaceutical care elements in both facilities, and 18.6% confirmed the documentations of interventions. Methods used in documentation are paper (13.9%), manual (72.1%) and computers (6.9%) respectively. Unnecessary drug therapy/unwanted indication, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, need for additional drugs, dosage too high, dosage too low, wrong drugs, and inappropriate compliance are the drug therapy problems that exist at both facilities.  The overall percentage of all the drug therapy problems is twenty-five percent (25.6%), of which most are highlighted at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, though these problems exist at both hospitals. There is an increase in drug therapy problems and a decrease in standard documentation format and method used to document pharmaceutical care at both hospitals. Thirty-nine percent (39.5 %) of the respondents recognized the importance of the documentation of pharmaceutical care (PC). 

Conclusion: The study findings revealed that there is semblance of elements of pharmaceutical care activities at the both hospitals, but it is limited. Inadequate documentations of PC interventions coupled with primitive methods of recording PC data are highlighted by respondents. The practice of pharmaceutical care in the Liberia’s healthcare system can greatly improve the quality of pharmaceutical services and enhance the quality of life and therapeutic outcomes to patients/clients.
Long Term Benefits of Legume Based Cropping Systems on Soil Health and Productivity. An Overview
Authors: Ananda M. R. , Vaiahnav Sheri , Naide Prathap Reddy , Aruna N. V. , Vishwanath .
Published: April 2022

Increasing land-use pressure and monoculture coupled with inadequate restorative practices  pose threat to sustainability, nutrient uptake of crops often exceeds replenishment causing   fertility deterioration. Imbalanced and indiscriminate use of fertilizers deteriorates soil health and factor productivity. Long-term impacts on soil nutrient stocks influence the sustainability of crop production are major gains of regular inclusions of legume in a cropping system. Inclusion of green gram in potato cultivation increased organic carbon and nutrients than non-legume based potato cropping systems. Legume-based cropping systems increased soil C and N stock than only cereal based cropping system. Maize intercropped with velvet-bean recorded higher productivity compared with pure maize and pure maize with mineral fertilizers. Bulk density of soil in glyricidia + maize system was lower compared to sole maize and maize grass fallow. Intercropping with glyricidia, glyricidia pruning incorporated into the soil optimized the cation exchange capacity in soil than sole maize system. Higher grain yield of finger millet and sustainable yield index were observed in green leaf manuring. Due to socioeconomic and environmental benefits, legumes could be introduced in cropping systems to reduce external inputs and increase crop diversity. They also found to perform well in conservation systems, intercropping systems, which are very important in developing nations. Legumes fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and aid in the cycle of soil nutrients and water retention. Because of their many uses, legumes have a lot of potential for conservation agriculture, as they can be used as a growing crop or as crop residue.
Diagnostic Dilemma: A Case Report of Isolated Foot Drop
Authors: Yadav Anuraj , Pugazhendhi .
Published: April 2022

The Foot drop in which the patient is unable to or has difficulty performing dorsiflexion of the ankle joint. The causes of this condition are Lower motor neuron disease or Upper motor neuron disease with the former being much more common than the latter.  We hereby present a case of a 41- year- old male who presented to the Outpatient Department with complaints of difficulty in walking and weakness of the left foot since the past 4 months. Neurological examination found 1/5 power of the left ankle dorsiflexors along with the presence of ankle clonus.”Radiological investigations of the spine did not show any abnormality. Nerve conduction study of the lower limbs was also found to be normal. A plain CT scan of the brain showed the presence of a hyperdense lobulated mass on the right parietal lobe. Patient was referred to Neurosurgery after diagnosis was made where he underwent surgery for removal of the lesion. Patient’s ankle dorsiflexion power improved to 4/5 three weeks post surgery.
Knowledge and Awareness about the Importance of Stem Cells in Dentistry: A Survey
Authors: Pradeep Rajasri , Krishnan Reshma Poothakulath
Published: April 2022

Background: Stem cells, the hero of regenerative medicine, are self renewable and has the potential to regenerate. Dental stem cells have proven to be an excellent source for mesenchymal cells. Dental mesenchymal cells can be applied for the replacement of dental and oral tissues against various tissue-damaging conditions including dental caries and periodontitis as well as for systemic regulation of excessive inflammation in immune disorders, such as autoimmune diseases and hypersensitivity.  In this study, a survey was conducted among the dental students of a private dental hospital regarding their awareness about stem cell therapy used in dentistry.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with the help of a questionnaire which was circulated with the help of social media and the internet. The target population were the dental practitioners and students of Saveetha Dental College. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions that tested their knowledge and awareness regarding stem cell therapy in dentistry.

Results: A majority of the undergraduate dental students were aware of basics in stem cell therapy in dentistry. The majority were willing to practice regenerative therapy in future or invest for the same in one way or the other. The overall response of and the percent analysis were calculated for each question.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the dental students of Saveetha dental college have sufficient knowledge and awareness regarding dental stem cells. Practice of dental stem cell therapy may be a big step now but is definitely going to be an advantage in the future.
Bangkok Street Food Vendors (SME) Business Continuity during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gruenwald Hermann
Published: April 2022

Aims: This study aimed at capturing the perceptions of Bangkok street food vendors related to the business continuity of SMEs during the covid-19 pandemic.

Study Design:  The study design followed the 7 Ps of the service marketing model: product, price, place, promotion, process, physical evidence, and people related to street food. 

Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Bangkok, Thailand from Summer 2021 until Fall of 2021.

Methodology: We included 200 participants (66 men, 124 women; age range 18-80 years) who were SME street food vendors, 40% of them were under 40 years old with 59% having no university education and 35% with a bachelor degree. Two-thirds of the vendors (86%) earned less than 500 USD a month.

Results: In terms of product the vendors stuck to the favorites (mean 4.34 and SD 0.97) trying to maintain quality and quantity while keeping prices constant as much as possible (mean 4.35 and SD 0.89). The most effective promotion was the 50/50 government food substitute co-payment (mean 4.69 and SD 0.99). Place changed from sit-down restaurants to take-away (mean of 4.77 and SD 0.96) and home delivery via food delivery apps (FDA). Process changes due to social distancing included screens and fewer tables (mean of 4.51 and SD 0.65)  The number one physical evidence was wearing face masks and sanitization (mean 4.03 and SD 0.82). People changed in terms of customer mix with fewer foreigners and local tourists (mean of 4.77 and SD 0.75) as well as fewer migrant workers and more government agents taking a closer look at street food hawkers.

Conclusion: Street food hawkers adjusted all 7Ps of the marketing mix to assure business continuity during the covid-19 pandemic as discussed above. Moving to food delivery along with face masks and social distancing were the biggest changes. These predictors, however, would benefit from further work to validate reliability in Thailand, ASEAN, and worldwide.
PENGARUH PENERAPAN MANAJEMEN K3 TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN DENGAN PERAN MODERASI GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSAKSIONAL PADA PROYEK KONSTRUKSI DI SURABAYA
Authors: Wijaya Kevin , Widyadana I Gede Agus , Chandra Herry Pintardi
Published: April 2022

Perkembangan pembangunan di Indonesia pada bidang industri konstruksi semakin maju dan pesat, hal ini berbanding lurus pula dengan jumlah kecelakaan kerja yang naik setiap tahunnya. Keselamatan kerja merupakan hal yang sangat penting pada proyek konstruksi, salah satu cara untuk agar keselamatan kerja dapat terwujud adalah melaksanakan manajemen K3 dengan baik, sehingga membuat para pekerja konstruksi dapat mematuhi standard dan peraturan K3 yang telah ditentukan oleh perusahaan dengan bantuan dari sosok pemimpin yang bisa menjadi contoh. Manajemen adalah ilmu dan seni mengatur proses pemanfaatan sumber daya manusia dan sumber-sumber lainnya secara efektif dan efisien untuk mencapai suatu tujuan tertentu. Metode pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner yang disebarkan kepada pekerja yang bekerja dibidang kontraktor dan manajemen konstruksi. Analisa pengaruh manajemen K3 terhadap kinerja karyawan menghasilkan nilai t-statistik 3.208, sedangkan analisa pengaruh manajemen K3 terhadap kinerja karyawan dengan peran moderasi gaya kepemimpinan transaksional menghasilkan variabel moderat dengan nilai signifikansi 0.007 lebih kecil dari 0.05. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa adalah manajemen K3 berpengaruh signifikan positif secara langsung terhadap kinerja karyawan dan gaya kepemimpinan transaksional merupakan variabel moderasi.
IBLF‐based event‐triggered adaptive learning control of nonlinear systems with full state constraints
Authors: Jiang Xiao‐Yue , Li Yuan‐Xin
Published: April 2022

This article focuses on the adaptive asymptotic learning tracking control problem of nonlinear systems with full state constraints. First, an adaptive neural network tracking algorithm is proposed which combines a time‐varying feedback element and robust compensation feedback element in the form of smooth function to guarantee that output signal tracks the reference signal asymptotically. Apart from this, a time‐varying integral barrier Lyapunov function is utilized to ensure that the system states are always kept in the constraint region. Furthermore, the event‐triggered mechanism is designed to efficiently reduce unnecessary transmissions. Compared with the other literatures, the original state constraint problem is directly solved by the proposed adaptive control algorithm. Finally, simulation is included to validate the built theoretical results.
NIAAA redefines ‘recovery’ from AUD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2022

In “Defining Recovery From Alcohol Use Disorder: Development of an NIAAA Research Definition,” Brett T. Hagman, Ph.D., and colleagues write in the current issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry about the new “operational definition of recovery” from alcohol use disorder (AUD). It's not surprising that the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) would not include abstinence as a requirement for recovery, since years ago the Food and Drug Administration said the agency could use reduced drinking as an endpoint for trials of medications (see “FDA says alcoholism meds need only eliminate heavy drinking,” ADAW Feb. 23, 2015; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.30085). As the funder of research on AUD, NIAAA is developing a new definition of recovery from DSM‐5 AUD based on feedback from researchers, clinicians, recovery specialists and others. The new definition “views recovery as both a process of behavioral change and an outcome and incorporates two key components of recovery, namely, remission from DSM‐5 AUD and cessation from heavy drinking, a nonabstinent recovery outcome.”
Scalable Reflective Plasmonic Structural Colors from Nanoparticles and Cavity Resonances – the Cyan‐Magenta‐Yellow Approach
Authors: Blake Jolie C. , Rossi Stefano , Jonsson Magnus P. , Dahlin Andreas
Published: April 2022

Plasmonic metasurfaces for color generation are emerging as important components for next generation display devices. Fabricating bright plasmonic colors economically and via easily scalable methods, however, remains difficult. Here, the authors demonstrate an efficient and scalable strategy based on colloidal lithography to fabricate silver‐based reflective metal–insulator–nanodisk plasmonic cavities that provide a cyan‐magenta‐yellow (CMY) color palette with high relative luminance. With the same basic structure, they exploit different mechanisms to efficiently produce a complete subtractive color palette. Finite‐difference time‐domain simulations reveal that these mechanisms include gap surface plasmon modes for thin insulators and hybridized modes between disk plasmons and Fabry–Pérot modes for thicker systems. To produce yellow hues, they take advantage of higher‐energy gap surface plasmon modes to allow resonance dips in the blue spectral region for comparably large nanodisks, thereby circumventing difficult fabrication of nanodisks less than 80 nm. It is anticipated that incorporation of these strategies can reduce fabrication constraints, produce bright saturated colors, and expedite large‐scale production.
Efficient Lithium Storage of Si‐Based Anode Enabled by a Dual‐Component Protection Strategy
Authors: Sun Xuan , Wang Yuyan , Zhang Yamin , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: April 2022

Si, as a highly competitive anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), has gained enormous commercial interests due to its high theoretical capacity, low delithiation potential, and natural abundance. However, its poor cycling stability/electron conductivity seriously restrains its practical applications. To address this problem well, herein, a scalable spray‐drying method is explored to construct an ultrahigh stable 3D Si‐based composite (designed as Si@C‐MX) anode, where the Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets (NSs) crump the nano‐Si coated uniformly with an ultrathin carbon layer. Synergistically, the coating carbon layer and Ti3C2Tx NSs as the conductive elastomer constrain/buffer the volume expansion of nano‐Si, avoid direct contact with the electrolyte, build a continuous electronic network for rapid electron transport, and meanwhile improve mechanical properties of the electrodes. Thanks to the dual protection (i.e., carbon coating and Ti3C2Tx NSs) strategy, the resultant Si@C‐MX anode exhibits large reversible capacities, superior rate capability, and long‐duration cycle stability. Additionally, the Si@C‐MX‐based full batteries delivered an energy density of 371.8 Wh kg−1 based on the whole device at 123.9 W kg−1 and a desirable capacity retention with cycling, which convincingly highlights its promising application in advanced LIBs.
NAD+ deficiency in human congenital malformations and miscarriage: A new model of pleiotropy
Authors: Mark Paul R.
Published: April 2022

Pleiotropy is defined as the phenomenon of a single gene locus influencing two or more distinct phenotypic traits. However, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) deficiency through diet alone can cause multiple or single malformations in mice. Additionally, humans with decreased NAD+ production due to changes in pathway genes display similar malformations. Here, I hypothesize NAD+ deficiency as a pleiotropic mechanism for multiple malformation conditions, including limb‐body wall complex (LBWC), pentalogy of Cantrell (POC), omphalocele‐exstrophy‐imperforate anus‐spinal defects (OEIS) complex, vertebral‐anal‐cardiac‐tracheoesophageal fistula‐renal‐limb (VACTERL) association (hereafter VACTERL), oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS), Mullerian duct aplasia‐renal anomalies‐cervicothoracic somite dysplasia (MURCS), sirenomelia, and urorectal septum malformation (URSM) sequence, along with miscarriages and other forms of congenital malformation. The term Congenital NAD Deficiency Disorder (CNDD) could be considered for patients with these malformations; however, it is important to emphasize there have been no confirmatory experimental studies in humans to prove this hypothesis. In addition, these multiple malformation conditions should not be considered individual entities for the following reasons: First, there is no uniform consensus of clinical diagnostic criteria and all of them fail to capture cases with partial expression of the phenotype. Second, reports of individuals consistently show overlapping features with other reported conditions in this group. Finally, what is currently defined as VACTERL is what I would refer to as a default label when more striking features such as body wall defects, caudal dysgenesis, or cloacal exstrophy are not present.
High thermal resistance amorphous copolyesters synthesized from bio‐based 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid
Authors: Shen Ang , Wang Jinggang , Zhang Xiaoqin , Fei Xuan , Fan Lin , Zhu Yanliu , Dong Yunxiao , Zhu Jin
Published: April 2022

The polyesters with high Tg (≥100°C) and good clarity are desired in fabricating heat‐resistance containers such as baby bottles, cups, medical apparatus, and kitchen appliances. In this work, a series of poly(butylene bis[4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy) phenyl] sulfone 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PBSCFs) that show superior thermal and mechanical properties against current bio‐based polyesters were synthesized via a melt polycondensation method. The accurate chemical structures of PBSCFs were confirmed by 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. The SEC results show that PBSCFs have number averaged molar mass (Mn) in the range of 9700–28,500 g/mol. The Tg of PBSCFs increase from 94°C for PBSF to 108°C for PBSCF‐50 as the increasing of CHDM unit. Meanwhile, the ductility of PBSCFs also improved with the elongation at break of PBSCF‐40 increased to 223%. In addition, the PBSCF‐40 sample reported in this paper shows thermal decomposition temperature of 427°C, transmittance of 84.6%, haze of only 0.17%, tensile strength of 74.1 MPa, and tensile modulus of 2287 MPa.
A network approach to the topological organization of the Brodmann map
Authors: Bruner Emiliano
Published: April 2022

Brain morphology is the result of functional factors associated with cortical areas, but it is also influenced by structural aspects due to physical and spatial constraints. Despite the noticeable advances in brain mapping, Brodmann's map is still used in many research fields that rely on macroscopic cortical features for practical or theoretical issues. Here, the topological relationships among the Brodmann areas were modeled according to the principles of network analysis, in order to provide a synthetic view of their spatial properties following a criterion of contiguity. The model evidences the importance of the parieto‐temporal region in terms of biological burden and topological complexity. The retrosplenial region is particularly influenced by spatial constraints, and the cingulate cortex occupies a position that bridges the anterior and posterior topological blocks. Such spatial framework should be taken into account when dealing with brain morphology in both ontogeny and phylogeny.
Intensifying Upconverted Ultraviolet Emission towards Efficient Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Liu Yachong , Jin Rong , Han Sanyang , Su Qianqian
Published: April 2022

Multiphoton upconversion that can convert near‐infrared irradiation into ultraviolet emission offers many unique opportunities for photocatalysis and phototherapy. However, the high‐lying excited states of lanthanide emitters are often quenched by the interior lattice defects and deleterious interactions among different lanthanides, resulting in weak ultraviolet emission. Here, we describe a novel excitation energy lock‐in approach to boost ultraviolet upconversion emission in a new class of multilayer core‐shell nanoparticles with a gadolinium‐rich core domain. Remarkably, we observe more than 70‐fold enhancements in Gd3+ emission from the designed nanoparticles compared with the conventional nanoparticles. Our mechanistic investigation reveals that the combination of energy migration over the core domain and optically inert NaYF4 interlayer can effectively confine the excitation energy and thus lead to intense multiphoton ultraviolet emission in upconversion nanostructures. We further achieve a 35.6% increase in photocatalytic reactivity and 26.5% in reactive oxygen species production yield in ZnO‐coated upconversion nanocomposites under 808‐nm excitation. This study provides a new insight to energy transfer mechanism in lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles and offers an exciting avenue for exploring novel near‐infrared photocatalysts.
Conversion of Glycals to 2,3‐Di‐Substituted‐3‐Deoxy‐Glycals by N‐(Glycosyloxy) Acetamides‐assisted C‐2‐Alkenylation and C‐3‐Nucleophilic Substitution
Authors: Zargar Irshad Ahmad , Hussain Nazar , Mukherjee Debaraj
Published: April 2022

Transformation of glycals to 2,3‐di‐substituted‐3‐dexoy‐glycals were achieved by sequential C2 alkenylation of pseudoglycals followed by capture of nucleophiles at C3 position. Anomeric linked N‐(glycosyloxy) acetamides group assisted innate C2‐H activation of pseudoglycals under palladium catalysis is achieved. The synthesized C2 alkenylated products were further attacked by thio/amino nucleophiles at C3 position under basic conditions in stereo‐selective fashion to generate 2,3‐branched glycals with the elimination of directing groups and translocation of double bond. Different control experiments were conducted to establish the role of directing groups in C−H functionalization of pseudoglycals and reason for selectivity.
Das Vertäuprogramm für den Hamburger Hafen
Authors: Heitmann Christian , Weber Daniel , Dlugosch Jan , Feindt Frank , Pollmann Jörg , Roller Dieter
Published: April 2022

In den vergangenen Jahren ist ein erhebliches Größenwachstum im Bereich der Großcontainerschiffe (ULCVs) zu beobachten. Durch das Liegen dieser Schiffe mit Windangriffsflächen von bis zu 18.000 m2 an den bestehenden Kaianlagen kann es bei Starkwindsituationen zu Überlastungen der Poller‐ und Fendersysteme als auch der schiffsseitigen Vertäueinrichtungen kommen. Mit dem Wissen, dass statische Vertäuberechnungen zukünftig zur Beurteilung der Anforderungen an Kaimauern sowie der Vertäueinrichtungen der ULCVs nicht mehr ausreichen, hat die HPA (Hamburg Port Authority) mit externen Partnern die Entwicklung eines cloudbasierten IT‐System für dynamische Vertäuanalysen vorangetrieben. Neben der Softwareentwicklung wurde von der HPA das Pollerzugversuchsprogramm entwickelt. Ziel war es, durch unterschiedliche Probebelastungen Grundlagenforschung an existierenden Pollern zu betreiben. Beteiligungen an Ausschüssen der EAU und Arbeitsgruppen der PIANC gehören ebenso dazu wie das internationale JIP‐Projekt WINDLASS, in dem die HPA gemeinsam mit Rotterdam und Antwerpen involviert ist. In dem JIP sollen Grundlagen zu lokalen Windfeldern im Hafen ermittelt werden und bei der Beurteilung von Starkwindsituationen unterstützen. Durch die kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung und den Einsatz des Vertäuprogramms sowohl im Bereich der Großcontainerschiffe als auch zukünftig bei Kreuzfahrtschiffen, RoRo‐Schiffen, Bulkern, aber auch Hafenplanungen kann das Sicherheitsniveau im Hamburger Hafen weiter erhöht werden.
Degrees of freedom for energy storage material
Authors: Gong Yue , Gu Lin
Published: April 2022

Building a bridge between properties and structures has always been the key focus of any materials research. Nowadays, energy storage materials, especially lithium‐ion batteries, are crucial both in daily life and for the research community. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover the functionality origin of battery performances to improve and design better material systems. Functionality originates from local symmetry and field. Local symmetry can be described by four fundamental degrees of freedom: lattice, charge, orbital, and spin. On the basis of this, detailed descriptions of the battery's properties in terms of lattice, charge, orbital, and spin are presented from the perspective of frontier transmission electron microscopy in this review. Besides, frontier in situ methods are introduced to record the dynamic structural evolution process during the battery cycle. Future discussion from the perspectives of both materials and characterizations is provided at the end of this review.
Can Banding Reduce Phosphorus Rates and Environmental Losses?
Authors: Winsor Susan
Published: April 2022

Can we reduce phosphorus (P) rates and loss to the environment by banding? The thinking goes that any system that places P fertilizer below the surface without significantly increasing soil erosion will reduce P losses to the environment. Can application rates be reduced? The short answer is “it depends.” Decades of related research have conflicting conclusions. It’s of particular interest due to fertilizer prices and because agriculture is in the hot seat to cut P and nitrogen (N) losses to water bodies. Efficiencies from banding phosphorus (P) do exist in corn at very low soil‐test P levels, where cool or wet conditions limit root growth and nutrient uptake, and in soils that make applied P less available. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Partition detection and recovery by UAVs in damaged WSANs using N‐angle clustering
Authors: Zear Aditi , Ranga Virender , Bhushan Kriti
Published: April 2022

Connectivity is essential in wireless sensor and actor networks (WSANs) deployed for data collection and monitoring applications. WSANs serving in inhospitable environments are prone to damage, and sometimes, the concurrent multiple node failures in the same area may cause network partitioning. The autonomous network recovery in harsh environments is challenging because the nodes in different partitions cannot determine the scope of the damage. This paper proposes an approach called partition detection and recovery by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in damaged WSANs using N‐angle clustering (N‐anglePDRU), which consists of all the phases required to accumulate information about the network partitions and reconnect them successfully. The algorithm is evaluated for different randomly generated network topologies according to various state‐of‐the‐art parameters such as detection and recovery time, messages transmitted, relay node count, and distance traveled by UAVs. The proposed approach is also compared with the existing algorithms, and the obtained results demonstrate that N‐anglePDRU recovers the partitioned network in less recovery time with minimum relay nodes and distance traveled.
Boosting the Performance Gain of Ru/C for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Via Surface Engineering
Authors: Bao Xiaobing , Chen Yuzhuo , Mao Shanjun , Wang Yong , Yang Yong , Gong Yutong
Published: April 2022

The surface properties of catalysts determine the intrinsic activity and adaptability. Ruthenium is regarded as a potential candidate to substitute platinum for water electrolysis due to the low cost and analogous electronic structures while it suffers from severe dissolution and stability problems. Herein, the modification of Ru/C with atomically dispersed cobalt atoms is achieved via a simple thermal doping method. The newly formed amorphous shell with Ru‐Co sites on the Ru/C catalyst improved the hydrogen evolution reaction activity and stability significantly. Impressively, the obtained Co1Ru@Ru/CNx catalyst exhibited an overpotential as low as 30 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline medium, which is among the best HER catalysts reported so far. The oxygen oxophile Co prevents the fast oxidation and dissolution of Ru species, ensuring outstanding long‐term durability up to 70 h. Theoretical calculations reveal that the Ru‐Co coordination acts as a more active site for water dissociation than the Ru‐Ru. Meanwhile, the “Ru‐Co shell/Ru core” structures show high adaptability for the reaction conditions. This simple doping strategy offers prospects for scalable preparation of highly active electrocatalysts.
Oxygen Vacancies‐rich Manganese Oxide with Flower‐like Nanosheets for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Yunhao , Lu Gang , Yue Jiasheng , Luo Dan , Shi Meng , Cheng Zhiming , Kang Xiaohong
Published: April 2022

Here, flower‐like manganese oxide with enriched oxygen vacancies were reported for high performance supercapacitors. The moderate oxygen‐vacancy were achieved by controlling annealing atmosphere. Benefiting from improving the conductivity and the density of active sites, MnOx−Ar sample as an electrode material has remarkable specific capacity (339 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), extraordinary rate capability (90 % capacity retention at 1 A g−1), and good cycling property (90 % capacity retention at 1 A g−1 after 5000 cycles). Additionally, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled which used the MnOx−Ar sample as cathode and Kochen Black (KB) as anode, which displayed a remarkable energy density (16 Wh kg−1) at a large power density (7593 W kg−1). These results, on the one hand, further expand the application of MnO2‐based materials, and on the other hand, offer a new perspective for the oxygen non‐stoichiometry in material electrochemistry.
Validating the preeminence of biochemical properties of camel over cow and goat milk during the Covid‐19
Authors: AL‐Saffar Amal M.
Published: April 2022

In the light of the Covid‐19 pandemic outbreak, and the need‐of‐the‐hour to boost immunity to residents, especially those residing in an arid environment, a comparative study was made on the physical and biochemical properties of dairy milk. This novel study in Kuwait revealed the lesser consumed pseudoruminant camel milk as a better potential source of dietary inclusion and an immune booster over true ruminants—cow's and goat's milk. Analysis using a wide array of instruments determining the physical characteristics in camel's milk (pH, conductivity, specific gravity, moisture, and total solids), biochemical constituents (crude protein (CP), nonprotein (NP), and fat), and inorganic constituents (K‐919; Ca‐907; Zn‐4.2 mg/100 mg) revealed conducive properties that validate immunity to consumers when compared to the regularly used cow's milk (K‐841; Ca‐776; Zn‐2.43 mg/100 mg) and goat's milk (K‐914; Ca‐849; Zn‐2.45 mg/100 mg). Log‐transformed results revealed high vitamin C in camel's milk (0.42 mg/100 g), indicating high antioxidant properties compared to those of goat's milk (0.12 mg/100 g) and cow's milk (0.04 mg/100 g). Statistical tests by analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences and the correlation coefficient between the three milk samples validating the multiple reasons to use camel's milk over the cow's and goat's milk. Furthermore, this study recommends the consumption of camel's milk due to its low concentrations of contaminants as well, their status below permissible limits in Kuwait, set by global standards over the other sampled milks.
Association of comorbidity score with perioperative outcomes following transoral robotic surgery: National analysis
Authors: Wadhavkar Neha , Jorgensen Jeffrey B. , Bollig Craig A.
Published: April 2022

Background

The association of comorbidities with perioperative outcomes after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is not well‐defined in the literature.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Database, 4004 patients with T1‐T2 oropharyngeal cancer between 2010 and 2017 were stratified based on their Charlson–Deyo Comorbidity Class (CDCC). Thirty‐day unplanned readmissions, 30‐day mortality, and 90‐day mortality were compared using chi‐square test and logistic regression. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

LOS was greater for patients with CDCC 2 or 3 compared to CDCC 0 or 1 (p < 0.001). Increasing age and CDCC ≥3 were associated with 30‐day mortality (CDCC ≥3: odds ratio [OR] 5.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59–19.45). CDCC ≥3 (OR 2.61, 95%CI 1.09–6.27) was significantly associated with 30‐day readmissions.

Conclusion

This national analysis demonstrates greater rates of unplanned 30‐day readmissions, longer hospitalizations, and increased 30‐ and 90‐day mortality after TORS in patients with CDCC ≥3.
Speaking up or remaining silent about patient safety concerns in rehabilitation: A cross‐sectional survey to assess staff experiences and perceptions
Authors: Niederhauser Andrea , Schwappach David L. B.
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Patient safety incidents may be prevented if healthcare workers speak up to voice their concerns when they observe hazardous clinical situations. This study aims to investigate the frequency of speaking up and healthcare workers' perception of organizational climate in rehabilitation clinics.

Methods

An online survey was conducted in five rehabilitation clinics. An existing survey instrument (Speaking Up About Patient Safety Questionnaire [SUPS‐Q]) was adapted for this purpose. The instrument includes items on self‐reported speak‐up‐related behavior (perceived safety concerns, withholding voice, and speaking up), anticipated speak‐up behavior, barriers to speaking up, and speak‐up‐related climate measures (psychological safety, encouraging environment, and resignation). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, one‐way analysis of variance for differences between groups, multiple regression, and measures for validity and reliability of the scales.

Results

Four hundred seventy‐one individuals participated in the survey (response rate of 32%). In the 4 weeks preceding the survey, 81% of respondents had specific concerns about patient safety, 83% performed speak up and 41% remained silent in one or more instances. Expected differences between professional groups were confirmed, but surprisingly, we found no effect of hierarchical level on speaking up behavior and perception of the speak‐up climate. Factors that most frequently prevented healthcare workers from speaking up were ineffectiveness (38%), presence of patients (26%), and unpredictability of the actor's reaction (25%). The psychometric evaluation of the adapted SUPS‐Q showed acceptable results for validity and reliability.

Conclusions

Healthcare workers in rehabilitation clinics frequently perceive safety concerns. The study underlines the importance of promoting a culture of safety and speaking up. The short survey instrument SUPS‐Q can be used by rehabilitation clinics to initiate discussions related to facilitators and barriers to speaking up and to identify areas for improvement within the organization.