bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winning the Right Game
Authors: Adner Ron
Published: October 2021

How to succeed in an era of ecosystem-based disruption: strategies and tools for offense, defense, timing, and leadership in a changing competitive landscape.

The basis of competition is changing. Are you prepared? Rivalry is shifting from well-defined industries to broader ecosystems: automobiles to mobility platforms; banking to fintech; television broadcasting to video streaming. Your competitors are coming from new directions and pursuing different goals from those of your familiar rivals. In this world, succeeding with the old rules can mean losing the new game. Winning the Right Game introduces the concepts, tools, and frameworks necessary to confront the threat of ecosystem disruption and to develop the strategies that will let your organization play ecosystem offense.

To succeed in this world, you need to change your perspective on competition, growth, and leadership. In this book, strategy expert Ron Adneroffers a new way of thinking, illustrating breakthrough ideas with compelling cases. How did a strategy of ecosystem defense save Wayfair and Spotify from being crushed by giants Amazon and Apple? How did Oprah Winfrey redraw industry boundaries to transition from television host to multimedia mogul? How did a shift to an alignment mindset enable Microsoft's cloud-based revival? Each was rooted in a new approach to competitors, partners, and timing that you can apply to your own organization. For today's leaders the difference between success and failure is no longer simply winning, but rather being sure that you are winning the right game.
What’s the use?
Authors: Fletcher Jason M , Wu Yuchang , Lu Qiongshi
Published: October 2021

A theoretical framework predicts that using polygenic screening to select embryos against traits that depend on many genes has few benefits.
Integrative growth physiology and transcriptome profiling of probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5
Authors: Jatuponwiphat Theeraphol , Namrak Thanawat , Nitisinprasert Sunee , Nakphaichit Massalin , Vongsangnak Wanwipa
Published: October 2021

Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 has been widely used as probiotic in chicken for Salmonella reduction. However, a preferable carbon source and growth phase is poorly characterized underlying metabolic responses on growth and inhibition effects of L. reuteri KUB-AC5. This study therefore aimed to investigate transcriptome profiling of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 revealing global metabolic responses when alteration of carbon sources and growth phases. Interestingly, L. reuteri KUB-AC5 grown under sucrose culture showed to be the best for fast growth and inhibition effects against Salmonella Enteritidis S003 growth. Towards the transcriptome profiling and reporter proteins/metabolites analysis, the results showed that amino acid transport via ABC systems as well as sucrose metabolism and transport are key metabolic responses at Logarithmic (L)-phase of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 growth. Considering the Stationary (S)-phase, we found the potential reporter proteins/metabolites involved in carbohydrate metabolism e.g., levansucrase and levan. Promisingly, levansucrase and levan were revealed to be candidates in relation to inhibition effects of L. reuteri KUB-AC5. Throughout this study, L. reuteri KUB-AC5 had a metabolic control in acclimatization to sucrose and energy pools through transcriptional co-regulation, which supported the cell growth and inhibition potentials. This study offers a perspective in optimizing fermentation condition through either genetic or physiological approaches for enhancing probiotic L. reuteri KUB-AC5 properties.
On Sequential Probability Sampling Plan for a Truncated Life Tests Using Rayleigh Distribution
Authors: Zoramawa A. B. , Gulumbe S. U.
Published: October 2021

This paper proposed a sequential probability sampling plan for a truncated life test using a Rayleigh distribution from  a designed double sampling plans where the interest was to obtain the minimum sample size necessary to assure that the average life time of a product is longer than the default life time at the specified consumer’s and producer’s confidence level. Estimations of minimum sample, acceptance and rejection numbers obtained are analyzed and presented to explain the usefulness of sequential plans in relation to single and double sampling plan. Probability of acceptance (Pa), Average sample number (ASN) and Average outgoing quality (AOQ) for the plans are computed. The three regions; acceptance, continue sampling and rejection were determined. The five points necessary to plot ASN curve were also computed and presented.
Mean Sac Diameter Minus Crown Rump Length as a Predector of Early Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Mosbah Hasnaa M. , Omar Mona K. , Hemisa Manal F. , Rakha Elsayed F.
Published: October 2021

Background: Mean sac diameter (MSD) is a sonographic measurement of the gestational sac which is usually first seen at around 5 weeks, when it measures about 2-3 mm, It's the average of measurements taken in three dimensions.Crown rump length (CRL) defined as the length of the embryo or fetus from the top of it's head to bottom of torso, it's the most accurate estimation of gestational age in early pregnancy, it's determined by the average of three measurements of the longest fetal length. Aim of the study Determine efficacy of mean sac diameter minus crown rump length  (MSD-CRL) in prediction of early pregnancy outcome.

Methods: The study included 80 cases at (6:9) gestational weeks with singletone pregnancy. We examined the case at the initial visit, Mean sac diameter and Crown rump length were calculated for each case. The difference between the MSD and CRL in mm was calculated. Then follow up visit after two weeks later. Pregnancy outcome was then recorded between (11:14w). During transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) we observed location, size, number and regularity of gestational sac. Cardiac pulsation & Presence or absence of sub-chorionic hematoma.

Results: 73 cases (91, 3%) continued normal pregnancy and 7 cases (8, 8%) had pregnancy failure. It was found that the age, body mass index, gravidity and history of abortion show insignificant relation with outcome (p >0.05).  Area under a curve was 0.984, p Value was <0.001, 95% CI was (0.961 – 1.000), at the cut off value (MSD-CRL) less than or equal 4, the sensitivity was 71.4%, the specificity was 97.2%, PPV was 71.4% and NPV was 97.3%, while at cut off value less than or equal 5, the sensitivity was 100.0%, specificity was 95.89, PPV was 70.0% and NPV was 100.0%.

Conclusions: (MSD- CRL) is good prediction for early pregnancy outcome but, the optimum threshold for predicting pregnancy outcome needed to be established by further studies, also bigger sample size will provide more advantage.
Anti-leukemogenic Efficacy of Aloe vera Gel on Benzene-induced Leukemia in Wistar Rats
Authors: Ola Olaniyi Solomon
Published: October 2021

Backgroud: The toxicity of benzene leading to leukemia induction has been well documented in animal model. Aloe vera is a succulent perennial evergreen flowering plant used traditionally in the treatment of jaundice and was found to have potent cytotoxic effect against HL60 human acute myeloid leukemia. The present study investigated the in vivo chemoprotective effects of Aloe vera gel on benzene-induced leukemia in rats.

Methodology: Leukemia was induced in male Wistar rats of 80-90g weight by intravenously administered 0.2ml benzene solution alternate days for four weeks. Following induction, leukemic rats and normal baseline control rats were randomly assigned into four experimental groups of 6 animals each as follows: Group CTRL (control), normal baseline control rats; Group AVG (Aloe vera gel), normal baseline rats treated with Aloe vera gel (150 mg/kg) for 7 days, Group LKR (leukemic rats), untreated leukemic rats serving as leukemia control and Group LKR + AVG, leukemic rats treated with Aloe vera gel (150 mg/kg) for 7 days.

Results: Leukemic rats showed altered hematology and morphological deformations such as anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and blast cells occurrence in peripheral blood. Also hypercellularity, severe dysplasia and significantly elevated micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte were observed in marrow of leukemic rats. Moreover, benzene caused a significant elevation in plasma level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) with concomitant reduction in total sulfhydryl and arylesterase activity. However, treatment with Aloe vera gel restored blood hematology to near normal and mitigated the deformities in blood cell morphology induced by benzene. Aloe vera supplementation also effected a disappearance of dysplasia and diminution in the frequency of micronucleus in the bone marrow of treated leukemic rats. It also enhanced plasma antioxidant capability by restoring sulfhydryl content and arylesterase activity of the blood and abrogated the increase in plasma content of AOPPs.

Conclusion: Overall, Aloe vera gel offered chemoprotective effect on Benzene-induced leukemia in rats.
Assessment of Sandcrete Blocks Quality in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Anosike Nwabueze Michael
Published: October 2021

This study assessed the production management practice being adopted in the manufacture of quality sandcrete blocks in selected sampled parts of Owerri municipal, Imo State, Nigeria. Myriads of literature identify sandcrete blocks as a significant material being used in the building & civil engineering practice and assert that its application as a walling material cannot be over emphasized. Sandcrete block manufacturers in Owerri, Imo State were used for the assessment of the quality of their products in line with the Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS) specifications. The study adopted field sampling, experimentations and work study methods to determine the compressive strength and water absorption rate properties of the selected sampled sandcrete blocks. The results of the study reveals among others that the mean compressive strength values obtained were as low as 1.92N/mm2, and about 17% water absorption rate from sampled commercial blocks. The results obtained did not compare favorably with the NIS specified acceptable minimum standard values. The study therefore underpinned poor production quality control practice as well as lack of impact of regulatory bodies in Imo State as among factors that contributed to the negative results obtained.
Multielemental Screening and Analytical Method Validation for Determination of Elemental Impurity in Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide by Using (ICP-MS)
Authors: Singh Vikas Kumar , Verma Santosh Kumar , Swain Sudhanshu Ranjan
Published: October 2021

A highly selective, specific, precise sensitive and reliable ICPMS method has been developed and validated by using ICP-MS for the determination of multielement in Sucroferric oxyhydroxide. The described ICP-MS method provides specific detection and quantification of minor and trace elements from 0.3J(30%) to 2J(200%) of its individual specification of each element i.e Ag, As, Au, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ir, Li, Mo, Ni, Os, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl,  and V.The analytical method found to be Linear for each individual element with working concentration range from 30%, 50%, 100%, 150% and 200% i.e 0.3J, 0.5J, 1J, 1.5J and 2J with correlation coefficient not less than 0.990.The % recoveries of elemental impurities of each individual elements at three different concentrations with spiking in samples were found to be an acceptable range as 70% to 150%.The method was found to be precise and robust and its relative standard deviation was below 20%.The actual observed relative standard deviation in Precision was found to be in an acceptable range. Therefore developed method can be use for routine quantitative analysis of elemental impurities like Ag, As, Au, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ir, Li, Mo, Ni, Os, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, and V to ensure the quality of drug product.
“Robust and Rapid” UV Spectroscopic Method for Estimation of Luliconazoleand Clobetasol Propionate Drug Combination
Authors: Solanki Binal , Joshi Hirak
Published: October 2021

Objective: The new combination for Luliconazole and Clobetasol Propionate was approved for the treatment of variety of skin disease. The main objective of this research is development and validation of novel, simple, fast and responsive derivative spectroscopic process for simultaneous estimation of newly approved combination Luliconazole (LLZ) and Clobetasol Propionate (CLP).

Methodology: Here in this first derivative spectroscopic method, the absorbance of LLZ and CLP was taken at 312nm (ZCP of CLP) and 249nm (ZCP of LLZ) respectively. Establishment of linearity was in a concentration varies from 10-50 µg/ml for Luliconazole and 5-25µg/ml for Clobetasole Propionate.

Results: From the method developed above the R2 value observed for LLZ and CLP is 0.9988 and 0.9961. Statistical validation of accuracy and reproducibility was done for planned procedure with the help of recovery studies. The mean % recovery of Luliconazole and Clobetasol Propionate was found to be 99.45 % and 99.43% respectively. For LLZ the Limit of detection is 0.0054 µg/ml and limit of quantification is 0.0164 µg/ml and for CLP the Limit of detection is 0.0009µg/ml and limit of quantification 0.0027µg/ml.

Conclusion: From research work the method development was done and shows fast, precise, exact and easily accessible laboratory procedure for routine evaluation of combination drugs.
Dyes Removal Using Novel Sorbents – A Review
Authors: Amalraj R. , Ramsenthil R. , Durai G. , Jayakumar R. , Palaniraj R.
Published: October 2021

Efficient and economical treatment for color removal in the effluent of dyeing units and the dyestuff production units have always need an emerging technologies. In general physical methods such as adsorption, ion exchange and filtration/coagulation methods, chemical methods like ionization, Fenton reagent, photo catalytic & biological processes namely aerobic/anaerobic degradation, biosorption are used for dye removal. Adsorption using solid materials (i.e.) adsorbents, considered as an effective process for color removal, because of its higher efficiency over other processes. Researchers made an attempt to use various non-conventional, low-cost, naturally-occurring biomasses as adsorbent, which may be mineral, organic or biological materials. These include fruit peels, seeds, leaves, bark, sawdust, straw, ash sludge and other materials that are available in abundant quantity. The various methods showed the color removal capability of adsorbents; mainly based on the processing methods and the variety of dye. In this review, various dye adsorbents and their capacity for removing the dyes from various effluents is highlighted.
Experimental Investigation on the Failure Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Strengthened Reinforced Concrete T-beams
Authors: Utomo Junaedi , Khusyeni Muhammad Nur , Partono Windu , Han Ay Lie , Gan Buntara S.
Published: October 2021

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) are widely used as external concrete reinforcement. The behavior of T-beams strengthened in shear and flexure using CFRP sheets and plates was studied to analyze the load carrying capacity and failure mode as compared to conventional concrete members. The bonding response of the plate-to-concrete was investigated by comparing a specimen with a plate anchored at the far ends, one without anchoring. The sheets were in situ wet lay-up, the plate was pre-impregnated and pultruded during manufacturing. The test result suggested that this integrated strengthening method notably improved the load-carrying capacity, it was also demonstrated that anchoring had a positive but insignificant effect on the moment capacity and deformation. The influence of anchoring was noteworthy from the point of view that it shifted the failure mode from debonding to CFRP plate rupture. The most important factors influencing the behavior of CFRP strengthened beams are outlined.
Innovative Materials Science via Machine Learning
Authors: Gao Chaochao , Min Xin , Fang Minghao , Tao Tianyi , Zheng Xiaohong , Liu Yangai , Wu Xiaowen , Huang Zhaohui
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, the research on materials science is rapidly entering a phase of data‐driven age. Machine learning, one of the most powerful data‐driven methods, have been being applied to materials discovery and performances prediction with undoubtedly tremendous application foreground. Herein, the challenges and current progress of machine learning are summarized in materials science, the design strategies are classified and highlighted, and possible perspectives are proposed for the future development. It is hoped this review can provide important scientific guidance for innovating materials science and technology via machine learning in the future.
Lead‐Dominated Hyperfine Interaction Impacting the Carrier Spin Dynamics in Halide Perovskites
Authors: Kirstein Erik , Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Glazov Mikhail M. , Evers Eiko , Zhukov Evgeny A. , Belykh Vasilii V. , Kopteva Nataliia E. , Kudlacik Dennis , Nazarenko Olga , Dirin Dmitry N. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Bayer Manfred
Published: October 2021

The outstanding optical quality of lead halide perovskites inspires studies of their potential for the optical control of carrier spins as pursued in other materials. Entering largely uncharted territory, time‐resolved pump–probe Kerr rotation is used to explore the coherent spin dynamics of electrons and holes in bulk formamidinium caesium lead iodine bromide (FA0.9Cs0.1PbI2.8Br0.2) and to determine key parameters characterizing interactions of their spins, such as the g‐factors and relaxation times. The demonstrated long spin dynamics and narrow g‐factor distribution prove the perovskites as promising competitors for conventional semiconductors in spintronics. The dynamic nuclear polarization via spin‐oriented holes is realized and the identification of the lead (207Pb) isotope in optically detected nuclear magnetic resonance proves that the hole–nuclei interaction is dominated by the lead ions. A detailed theoretical analysis accounting for the specifics of the lead halide perovskite materials allows the evaluation of the underlying hyperfine interaction constants, both for electrons and holes. Recombination and spin dynamics evidence that at low temperatures, photogenerated electrons and holes are localized at different regions of the perovskite crystal, resulting in their long lifetimes up to 44 μs. The findings form the base for the tailored development of spin‐optoelectronic applications for the large family of lead halide perovskites and their nanostructures.
A Systematic Review of Metal Halide Perovskite Crystallization and Film Formation Mechanism Unveiled by In Situ GIWAXS
Authors: Qin Minchao , Chan Pok Fung , Lu Xinhui
Published: October 2021

Metal halide perovskites are of fundamental interest in the research of modern thin‐film optoelectronic devices, owing to their widely tunable optoelectronic properties and solution processability. To obtain high‐quality perovskite films and ultimately high‐performance perovskite devices, it is crucial to understand the film formation mechanisms, which, however, remains a great challenge, due to the complexity of perovskite composition, dimensionality, and processing conditions. Nevertheless, the state‐of‐the‐art in situ grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) technique enables one to bridge the complex information with device performance by revealing the crystallization pathways during the perovskite film formation process. In this review, the authors illustrate how to obtain and understand in situ GIWAXS data, summarize and assess recent results of in situ GIWAXS studies on versatile perovskite photovoltaic systems, aiming at elucidating the distinct features and common ground of film formation mechanisms, and shedding light on future opportunities of employing in situ GIWAXS to study the fundamental working mechanisms of highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells toward mass production.
A Wearable Patch Based on Flexible Porous Reduced Graphene Oxide Paper Sensor for Real‐Time and Continuous Ultraviolet Radiation Monitoring
Authors: Lee Hyun Joo , Hong Won G. , Yang Hee Yeon , Ha Dong Han , Jun Yongseok , Yun Yong Ju
Published: October 2021

Real‐time and continuous monitoring of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in daily activity is critical in diverse fields ranging from personal fitness, cosmetics, to medical aspects. Here, a wearable UV monitoring patch that can be easily fixed/removed at desired locations and provide real‐time and continuous UVA levels in daily life is developed. The wearable patch consists of a highly sensitive, flexible graphene sensor for UVA measurement and a multifunctional fabric patch integrated with commercial electronic components for signal processing, wireless transmission. To achieve a high sensitive UVA sensor with high flexibility and long‐term stability, porous reduced graphene oxide (pRGO) papers are fabricated by simple solvent evaporation followed by thermochemical reduction. The flexible UVA sensors based on pRGO papers feature a high UVA photoresponsivity of 125 mA W−1, which is comparable to that of a commercial silicon‐based UV sensor. Furthermore, the polydimethylsiloxane‐encapsulated pRGO (PDMS‐pRGO) sensors exhibit stable UVA photoresponse characteristics that is maintained under severe conditions, such as a large number of bending cycles, thermal heating, and high humidity. The use of wearable patches that enable real‐time, wireless monitoring of personal UVA levels in various practical applications are demonstrated.
Implicit Approximate Crank–Nicolson Theory for Anisotropic Ferrite Structure Simulation with Enhanced Absorption
Authors: Wu Peiyu , Xie Yongjun , Jiang Haolin , Di Hanyi , Natsuki Toshiaki
Published: October 2021

To simulate ferrite structures with anisotropic characteristics efficiently, an unconditionally stable implementation is proposed by incorporating the approximate Crank–Nicolson (CN) theory and a complex‐frequency‐shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS‐PML) formulation in the finite‐difference time‐domain lattice. More specifically, the proposed implementation combines the CN approximate factorization splitting procedure with bilinear transformation in the z‐domain within the CFS‐PML regions. To simulate the unique anisotropic characteristic of the ferrite structure, the auxiliary differential equation (ADE) method, which is modified at the integer time step, is introduced during the formulation. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency theoretically and experimentally. According to the results, it can be concluded that the proposed scheme takes full advantage of the approximate CN theory, CFS‐PML formulation, and modified ADE method in terms of the considerable computational accuracy, outstanding absorbing performance, and remarkable efficiency. Moreover, it can be demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can maintain its stability with the dissatisfaction of the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy condition.
Exact Mobility Edges in 1D Mosaic Lattices Inlaid with Slowly Varying Potentials
Authors: Gong Long‐Yan , Lu Hui , Cheng Wei‐Wen
Published: October 2021

A family of 1D mosaic models inlaid with a slowly varying potential is proposed. Combining the asymptotic heuristic argument with the theory of trace map of transfer matrix, mobility edges (MEs), and pseudo‐MEs (PMEs) in their energy spectra are solved semi‐analytically, where ME separates extended states from weakly localized ones and PME separates weakly localized states from strongly localized ones. The nature of eigenstates in extended, critical, weakly localized, pseudo‐critical, and strongly localized is diagnosed by the local density of states, the Lyapunov exponent, the localization tensor, and fractal dimension. Numerical calculation results are in excellent quantitative agreement with theoretical predictions.
PyCCE: A Python Package for Cluster Correlation Expansion Simulations of Spin Qubit Dynamics
Authors: Onizhuk Mykyta , Galli Giulia
Published: October 2021

PyCCE, an open‐source Python library for simulating the dynamics of spin qubits in a spin bath, is presented using the cluster‐correlation expansion (CCE) method. PyCCE includes modules to generate realistic spin baths, employing coupling parameters computed from first principles with electronic structure codes, and enables the user to run simulations with either the conventional or generalized CCE method. Three use cases of the Python library are illustrated: the calculation of the Hahn‐echo coherence time of the nitrogen‐vacancy in diamond; the calculation of the coherence time of the basal divacancy in silicon carbide at avoided crossings; and the calculation for magnetic field orientation‐dependent dynamics of a shallow donor in silicon. The complete documentation, downloadable tutorials, and installation instructions are available athttps://pycce.readthedocs.io/en/latest/.
Enabling High Efficiency of Hydrocarbon‐Solvent Processed Organic Solar Cells through Balanced Charge Generation and Non‐Radiative Loss
Authors: Fan Baobing , Lin Francis , Oh Jiyeon , Fu Huiting , Gao Wei , Fan Qunping , Zhu Zonglong , Li Wen Jung , Li Ning , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Yang Changduk , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: October 2021

Using non‐halogenated solvents to process organic solar cells is preferable because they are less harmful to human health. However, it is challenging to mitigate the delicate trade‐offs between solubility and pre‐aggregation of organic semiconductors to maintain similar high device efficiencies as those processed by chlorinated solvents. The need for rigorous control of the kinetics between processing temperature and delay time inevitably complicates device processing for achieving reproducible performance. Herein, the authors develop a facile method to achieve proper solubility and pre‐aggregation in non‐halogenated solvents by selecting suitable donor/acceptor materials and subtle tuning of solvent compositions. This results in films with a high degree of ordering and suitably sized phase separation. Solar cells derived from this process can achieve a high power conversion efficiency up to 18%, which is the highest value reported for non‐halogenated solvent processed devices. This impressive result is achieved through synergistically reduced non‐radiative loss and enhanced charge generation.
Response of astrocytes to blood exposure due to shunt insertion in vitro
Authors: Zaranek Mira , Arshad Rooshan , Zheng Kevin , Harris Carolyn A.
Published: October 2021

The breakdown of the ventricular zone with the presence of blood in cerebrospinal fluid has been shown to increase shunt catheter obstruction in the treatment of hydrocephalus, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are generally unknown. Using a custom‐built incubation chamber, we immunofluorescently assayed cell attachment and morphology on shunt catheters with and without blood after 14 days. Samples exposed to blood showed significantly increased cell attachment (average total cell count 392.0 ± 317.1 vs. control of 94.7 ± 44.5, p < 0.0001). Analysis of the glial fibrillary acidic protein expression showed similar trends (854.4 ± 450.7 vs. control of 174.3 ± 116.5, p < 0.0001). An in vitro model was developed to represent the exposure of astrocytes to blood following an increase in blood–brain barrier permeability. Exposure of astrocytes to blood increases the number of cells and their spread on the shunt.
Intelligent In‐Vehicle Interaction Technologies
Authors: Murali Prajval Kumar , Kaboli Mohsen , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: October 2021

With rapid advances in the field of autonomous vehicles (AVs), the ways in which human–vehicle interaction (HVI) will take place inside the vehicle have attracted major interest and, as a result, intelligent interiors are being explored to improve the user experience, acceptance, and trust. This is also fueled by parallel research in areas such as perception and control of robots, safe human–robot interaction, wearable systems, and the underpinning flexible/printed electronics technologies. Some of these are being routed to AVs. Growing number of network of sensors are being integrated into the vehicles for multimodal interaction to draw correct inferences of the communicative cues from the user and to vary the interaction dynamics depending on the cognitive state of the user and contextual driving scenario. In response to this growing trend, this timely article presents a comprehensive review of the technologies that are being used or developed to perceive user's intentions for natural and intuitive in‐vehicle interaction. The challenges that are needed to be overcome to attain truly interactive AVs and their potential solutions are discussed along with various new avenues for future research.
Antibody Responses to Epstein‐Barr Virus in the Preclinical Period of Rheumatoid Arthritis Suggest the Presence of Increased Viral Reactivation Cycles
Authors: Fechtner Sabrina , Berens Heather , Bemis Elizabeth , Johnson Rachel L. , Guthridge Carla J. , Carlson Nichole E. , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Harley John B. , Edison Jess D. , Norris Jill A. , Robinson William H. , Deane Kevin D. , James Judith A. , Holers V. Michael
Published: October 2021

Objective

Patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) demonstrate altered immune responses to Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), but the presence and roles of EBV have not been fully explored during the pre–clinical disease period. This study was undertaken to determine if EBV infection, as evidenced by an altered anti‐EBV antibody response, either plays an important role in driving the development of RA or is a result of expanded RA‐related autoimmunity.

Methods

A total of 83 subjects with RA according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and 83 age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched control subjects without RA were included in our study. We collected sera from RA subjects and matched controls during the pre–RA and post–RA diagnosis periods and tested the sera for the presence of 5 anti‐EBV antibodies (anti–EBV nuclear antigen 1 IgG isotype, anti–viral capsid antigen [anti‐VCA] isotypes IgG and IgA, and anti–early antigen [EA] isotypes IgG and IgA), 7 RA‐related autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor measured by nephelometry [RF‐Neph] as well as isotype‐specific IgA‐RF, IgM‐RF, and IgG‐RF, and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti‐CCP] antibodies, including anti‐CCP2, anti‐CCP3, and anti‐CCP3.1), 22 cytokines/chemokines, 36 individual anti–citrullinated protein antibodies, and IgG–cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies. Random forest classification, mixed modeling, and joint mixed modeling were used to determine differences in anti‐EBV antibody levels between RA subjects and controls.

Results

Random forest analysis identified the presence of preclinical EBV antibodies in the serum that differentiated RA subjects from controls without RA. Specifically, IgG‐EA antibody levels were higher in RA subjects (mean ± SD 0.82 ± 0.72 international standardized ratio [ISR]) compared to controls (mean ± SD 0.49 ± 0.28 ISR). In subjects with RA, elevated serum IgG‐EA levels in the preclinical period before seroconversion were significantly correlated with increased serum IgM‐RF levels (P = 0.007), whereas this correlation was not seen in control subjects without RA (P = 0.15). IgG‐CMV antibody levels did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Subjects whose serum IgG‐EA antibody levels are elevated in the preclinical period will eventually develop RA, which suggests that EBV reactivation cycles are increased during the preclinical period of RA. A combination of RF and EBV reactivation may play an important role in the development of RA.
Sum‐of‐squares‐based policy iteration for suboptimal control of polynomial time‐varying systems
Authors: Pakkhesal Sajjad , Shamaghdari Saeed
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the suboptimal control design for polynomial time‐varying systems. It is known that the solution to this problem relies on the solution of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation, which is a nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE). A policy iteration (PI) algorithm is developed to solve the HJB equation. The policy evaluation step of this algorithm consists of a sum‐of‐squares (SOS) program, which is computationally tractable. This algorithm distinguishes from previously known SOS‐based adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) algorithms in that it is developed for time‐varying systems. The convergence of the iterative algorithm and the global stability of the closed‐loop system are proved. At the end, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is illustrated through two simulation examples.
Waters of the United States: Experts’ Essays
Authors: Carpenter Adam T. , McIntosh Carolyn , DiMascio Nicholas A. , Hill Andrew , Meltzer Hilary
Published: October 2021

Key Takeaways

At the core of the Clean Water Act is the term “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS for short. Any attempt to define and regulate such an immense, essential resource is open to endless debate.

On the federal and state levels, all aspects of water—infrastructure, source water, stormwater, wastewater—are subject to the interpretations and actions of those who govern.

Members of the water community can play a role in water's future with a clear view into the constantly shifting current of WOTUS.
Advanced Treatment Solutions for 1,4‐Dioxane
Authors: Flis Kevin
Published: October 2021

Key Takeaways

Improved testing techniques are revealing new contaminants or greater amounts of currently known chemicals in water, which means increased challenges for the water industry to address.

One emerging contaminant recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a probable carcinogen is 1,4‐dioxane, a prevalent industrial chemical that does not readily break down in the environment.

While conventional treatment methods aren't necessarily effective, advanced oxidation processes are proving to be reliable in removing 1,4‐dioxane from water. Certain conditions and factors should be considered in choosing an optimal oxidant combination.
2020: Looking Back on the Year of COVID
Authors:   AWWA Management and Leadership Division
Published: October 2021

Key Takeaways

In a recent roundtable gathering, AWWA water industry leaders provided insights on how the COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the water industry, now and going forward.

Members of AWWA's Management and Leadership Division Board of Trustees shared how organizations adapted, found silver linings, and thrived despite challenges.

Lessons learned for resilient utility management include new approaches to public communications, virtual meeting adoption, changed workforce expectations, and more.
Chemical and Genetic Diversity of Ligularia kanaitzensis in the Hengduan Mountains Area. Chemical Relationship with L. subspicata
Authors: Hanai Ryo , Okamoto Yasuko , Hashida Takuya , Shiojiri Kosuzu , Ohsaki Ayumi , Saito Yoshinori , Tori Motoo , Gong Xun , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: October 2021

Root chemicals and the sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) were analyzed for 9 Ligularia kanaitzensis and 3 L. subspicata samples collected in northwestern Yunnan and southwestern Sichuan, China. Subspicatins A and C were isolated from two L. kanaitzensis samples. Introgression of genes responsible for these compounds from L. subspicata was suggested by their strong connection with L. subspicata/L. lamarum and the geographical proximity of the samples to L. subspicata. DNA analysis of a set of 27 L. kanaitzensis samples including those analyzed previously showed that they belong to two clades, designated A and B. Together with the presence/absence of furanoeremophilane, the 27 samples were sorted into three groups: clade A/furan, clade B/furan, and clade B/non‐furan. The ancestral plant presumably belonged to clade B/non‐furan, because furanoeremophilanes are biosynthesized from eremophilan‐8‐ones. 1β‐Angeloyloxyfukinone, a likely intermediate between fukinone and subspicatin C, was isolated for the first time. This finding allowed us to propose plausible biosynthetic pathways of subspicatins A and C.
Colo‐appendico‐duodenal fistula: Rare presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Gan David Eng Yeow , Sibin Rohamini , Payus Alvin Oliver , Hayati Firdaus
Published: October 2021

A colo‐appendico‐duodenal fistula is a rare occurrence that results from extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) complications, especially in the endemic region.
Lung adenocarcinoma with mixed solid and crazy‐paving appearances
Authors: Abdul Kadir Roqiah Fatmawati , Hanafiah Mohammad , Johari Bushra , Zainudin Lily Diana
Published: October 2021

“Crazy paving” on CT images refers to the superimposition of ground‐glass opacity and linear pattern resembling irregularly shaped paving stones. Initially, “crazy paving” was described as a pathognomonic sign of alveolar proteinosis. Subsequently, this pattern has been reported in a variety of disorders of the lung. We demonstrated CT images of lung adenocarcinoma demonstrating both solid and crazy‐paving appearances.
Subclinical wandering spleen in a cat with gastrointestinal lymphoma
Authors: Yuki Masashi , Narita Momoko
Published: October 2021

We accidentally detected a subclinical wandering spleen on preoperative ultrasonography in a cat with gastrointestinal lymphoma. If the spleen is not in the normal position, the wandering spleen should be considered.
Economic burden in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: The French Lymphoma Study Association SIMONAL cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nerich Virginie , Guyeux Christophe , Henry‐Amar Michel , Couturier Raphaël , Thieblemont Catherine , Ribrag Vincent , Tilly Hervé , Haioun Corinne , Casasnovas René‐Olivier , Morschhauser Franck , Feugier Pierre , Sibon David , Ysebaert Loic , Nicolas‐Virelizier Emmanuelle , Broussais‐Guillaumot Florence , Damaj Gandhi L. , Jais Jean‐Philippe , Salles Gilles , Woronoff‐Lemsi Macha , Mounier Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Background

No study has focused on the economic burden in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors, even though this knowledge is essential. This study reports on health care resource use and associated health care costs as well as related factors in a series of 1671 French long‐term NHL survivors.

Methods

Health care costs were measured from the payer perspective. Only direct medical costs (medical consultations, outpatient treatments, hospitalizations, and medical transport) in the past 12 months were included (reference year 2015). Multiple linear regression was used to search for explanatory factors of health care costs.

Results

In total, 1100 survivors (66%) reported having used at least 1 health care resource, and 867 (52%) reported having used at least 1 outpatient treatment. After the authors accounted for missing data, the mean health care cost was estimated at €702 ± €2221. Hospitalizations and outpatient treatments were the main cost drivers. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. For the 1100 survivors who reported using at least 1 health care resource, the mean health care cost was €1067 ± €2268. Several factors demonstrated statistically significant relationships with health care costs. For instance, cardiovascular disorders increased costs by 66% ± 16%. In contrast, rituximab or autologous stem cell transplantation as initial therapy had no effect on health care costs.

Conclusions

The consideration of economic constraints in health care is now a reality. This retrospective study reports on a better understanding of health care resource use and associated health care costs as well as related factors. It may help health care professionals in their ongoing efforts to design person‐centered health care pathways.
Simulation‐based reasoning of residual tissue deformations in a two‐chamber test of a lymphedematous leg
Authors: Kaczmarek Mariusz , Nowak Joanna , Olszewski Waldemar L. , Zaleska Marzanna
Published: October 2021

A two‐chamber inflation‐deflation test was recently proposed as a diagnostic method to determine parameters of the intermittent pneumatic compression used as an effective therapeutic modality for lymphedematous limbs. It is crucial that the recorded trends for residual tissue deformations are understood in terms of specific properties of subcutaneous tissue and skin to support diagnostic process. This paper presents a mechanical model of lymphedematous legs in two‐chamber tests. The cylindrical geometry composed of layers of skin, modeled as hyperelastic medium, and subcutaneous tissue, modeled as fluid saturated hyperporoelastic medium, is assumed. The results of finite element simulations show the possibility of such combinations of the properties of skin (rigidity) and subcutaneous tissue (rigidity and permeability), which ensures that the model predictions resemble the evolution of tissue residual deformations observed in the two‐chamber test. The stiffness and permeability appeared to be the most crucial tissue property determining trend lines of residual deformations. The analysis of the components of displacement of solid matrix and pore fluid pressure explains the mechanisms that are responsible for particular tissue behavior. The moderate role of skin and limitations related to the mechanical and geometrical model assumptions are indicated. Recommendations for treating lymphedema using intermittent compression therapy in relation to the results of the two‐chamber test and properties of tissues are discussed.
Structurally Disordered Pd−P Nanoparticles as Effective Catalysts for the Production of Hydrogen Peroxide by the Anthraquinone Method
Authors: Belykh Lyudmila B. , Skripov Nikita I. , Sterenchuk Tatyana P. , Akimov Vladlen V. , Tauson Vladimir L. , Milenkaya Elena A. , Schmidt Fedor K.
Published: October 2021

The properties of the catalyst based on structurally disordered Pd−P nanoparticles supported on a carbon support (Pd−P/C) in the preparation of hydrogen peroxide by the anthraquinone method have been studied. It is shown that a high yield of H2O2 is observed upon sequential hydrogenation of 2000 mol of eAQ (mol Pd)−1. The H2O2 yield reaches 96 %–97 %. Pd−P nanoparticles are more active in the hydrogenation of 2‐ethyl‐9,10‐anthraquinone than Pd6P crystalline phosphide. In terms of H2O2 yield, Pd−P/C catalysts are superior to known catalysts: Pd/C, Pd/Al2O3. Based on the data of X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma and thermogravimetry, the main reasons for the deactivation of Pd−P/C catalysts have been established. Crystallization of the structurally disordered Pd−P nanoparticles, poisoning by eAQ conversion products and leaching of the active component are considered to be possible reasons of the Pd−P/C catalyst deactivation.
Plasma tumor DNA is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism in metastatic castration‐resistant cancer patients
Authors: Conteduca Vincenza , Scarpi Emanuela , Wetterskog Daniel , Brighi Nicole , Ferroni Fabio , Rossi Alice , Romanel Alessandro , Gurioli Giorgia , Bleve Sara , Gianni Caterina , Schepisi Giuseppe , Lolli Cristian , Cortesi Pietro , Matteucci Federica , Barone Domenico , Paganelli Giovanni , Demichelis Francesca , Beltran Himisha , Attard Gerhardt , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: October 2021

Cancer is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Plasma tumor DNA (ptDNA) is an independent predictor of outcome in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We aimed to investigate the association between ptDNA and VTE in mCRPC. This prospective biomarker study included 180 mCRPC patients treated with abiraterone and enzalutamide from April 2013 to December 2018. We excluded patients with a previous VTE history and/or ongoing anticoagulation therapy. Targeted next‐generation sequencing was performed to determine ptDNA fraction from pretreatment plasma samples. VTE risk based on survival analysis was performed using cumulative incidence function and estimating sub‐distributional hazard ratio (SHR). At a median follow‐up of 58 months (range 0.5‐111.0), we observed 21 patients who experienced VTE with a cumulative incidence at 12 months of 17.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.3‐23.9). Elevated ptDNA, visceral metastasis, prior chemotherapy and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly associated with higher VTE incidence compared to patients with no thrombosis (12‐month estimate, 18.6% vs 3.5%, P = .0003; 44.4% vs 14.8%, P = .015; 24.7% vs 4.5%, P = .006; and 30.0% vs 13.5%, P = .05, respectively). In the multivariate analysis including ptDNA level, visceral metastases, number of lesions and serum LDH, high ptDNA fraction was the only independent factor associated with the risk of thrombosis (HR 5.78, 95% CI 1.63‐20.44, P = .006). These results first suggest that baseline ptDNA fraction in mCRPC patients treated with abiraterone or enzalutamide may be associated with increased VTE risk. These patients may be followed‐up more closely for the VTE risk, and the need for a primary thromboprophylaxis should be taken into account in mCRPC with elevated ptDNA.
Remodelin, a N‐acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) inhibitor, alters mitochondrial lipid metabolism in cancer cells
Authors: Dalhat Mahmood Hassan , Mohammed Mohammed Razeeth Shait , Ahmad Abrar , Khan Mohammad Imran , Choudhry Hani
Published: October 2021

Remodelin is a small molecule inhibitor of N‐acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10), reported to reverse the effect of cancer conditions such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, and drug resistance. We analysed RNA seq data of siNAT10 and found many metabolic pathways were altered, this made us perform unbiased metabolic analysis. Here we performed untargeted metabolomics in Remodelin treated cancer cells using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis revealed a total number of 138 of which 52 metabolites were significantly modified in Remodelin treated cells. Among the most significantly altered metabolites, we identified metabolites related with mitochondrial fatty acid elongation (MFAE) and mitochondrial beta‐oxidation such as lauroyl‐CoA, cholesterol, triglycerides, (S)−3‐hydroxyhexadecanoyl‐CoA, and NAD+. Furthermore, assessment showed alteration in expression of Enoyl‐CoA hydratase, short chain 1, mitochondrial (ECHS1), and Mitochondrial trans‐2‐enoyl‐CoA reductase (MECR) genes, associated with MFAE pathway. We also found statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglycerides in Remodelin treated cancer cells. Overall, our results showed that Remodelin alters mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism and lipid accumulation in cancer cells. Finally, we validated these results in NAT10 knockdown cancer cells and found that NAT10 reduction results in alteration in gene expression associated with mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism, clearly suggesting the possible role of NAT10 in maintaining mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism.