bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational study of planar extrudate swell flows with a viscous liquid–gas interface
Authors: Mendes Junior Paulo Roberto C. , Siqueira Ivan R. , Thompson Roney L. , Carvalho Marcio S.
Published: October 2021

We present a computational study of planar extrudate swell flows of Newtonian liquids with a viscous liquid–gas interface. The model consists of the equations of motion coupled with the Boussinesq–Scriven constitutive equation for the interfacial stress tensor. The resulting set of equations is solved with the finite element method coupled with an elliptic mesh generation strategy to capture the free surface. The results show a detailed parametric study in terms of the capillary number and the Boussinesq number, a dimensionless parameter used to measure the ratio of viscous forces at the interface to viscous forces in the bulk liquid. The predictions reveal that the extrudate swells dramatically as the interfacial viscosity grows. The interfacial viscosity slows down the flow both in the bulk liquid and at the interface, and thus the extrudate size increases to conserve mass in the slow plug flow that develops under the free surface.
Long‐term outcomes in patients with advanced and/or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer who completed 2 years of immune checkpoint inhibitors or achieved a durable response after discontinuation without disease progression: Multicenter, real‐world data (KCSG LU20‐11)
Authors: Kim Hongsik , Kim Dong‐Wan , Kim Miso , Lee Youngjoo , Ahn Hee Kyung , Cho Jang Ho , Kim Il Hwan , Lee Yun‐Gyoo , Shin Seong‐Hoon , Park Song Ee , Jung Jiyoon , Kang Eun Joo , Ahn Myung‐Ju
Published: October 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown significant improvements in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One of the major issues with ICIs is determining the optimal treatment duration.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective study analyzed clinical outcomes in patients with NSCLC who completed 2 years of ICI therapy or were treated for more than 6 months and then discontinued ICIs without disease progression at 11 medical centers in Korea between August 2017 and December 2020.

Results

Ninety‐six patients who completed 2 years of ICIs were reviewed. The median durations of treatment and follow‐up were 24.0 and 33.9 months, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) was 85.4%. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) periods were not reached. After completion, the PFS and OS rates were 81.1% and 96.4%, respectively, at 12 months. Forty‐three patients were identified who discontinued ICIs without disease progression: 26 (60.5%) for adverse events and 17 (39.5%) for other causes. The median durations of treatment and follow‐up were 10.5 and 21.2 months, respectively. The ORR was 90.7%. The median PFS and OS periods were not reached. After discontinuation, the PFS and OS rates were 71.0% and 90.0%, respectively, at 12 months.

Conclusions

A significantly high proportion of patients who completed 2 years of ICI therapy continued to experience long‐term PFS. Even if ICIs are discontinued after 6 months in patients without disease progression, they may achieve a durable response and facilitate long‐term survival.

Lay Summary

The optimal treatment duration for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains to be determined.

This study reports the long‐term outcomes of patients with non–small cell lung cancer who completed 2 years of ICI therapy or achieved a durable response after the discontinuation of ICIs without disease progression in real‐world practice.

A significantly high proportion of patients who completed 2 years of ICIs continued to experience long‐term progression‐free survival.

In addition, even if ICIs are discontinued after 6 months in patients without disease progression, they may achieve a durable response and facilitate long‐term survival.
Deep learning‐driven distributed communication systems for cluster online educational platform considering human–computer interaction
Authors: Zhou Jinrong
Published: October 2021

The wireless network environment has become increasingly complex, diverse, and dynamic. In recent years, the introduction of new concepts such as green networks and smart networks has diversified the optimization objectives of the spectrum resource management. Under this background, this paper proposes the novel deep learning‐driven distributed communication systems for cluster online educational platform considering human–computer interaction. Before the modeling, the literature review and the state‐of‐the‐art methodologies are introduced. For the framework design, first, the novel distributed communication system is designed considering the integration of the Q‐learning under the deep neural network structure. Then, the cluster computing model is integrated for the system to enhance the robustness. Later, the human–computer interaction together with the movement tracking models is proposed to finalize the interactive online platform. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can extract the information accurately, and transmission efficiency is guaranteed. Compared with the latest platforms, the proposed outperforms from the aspects of accuracy and efficiency.
Competing characters of Li+‐Glyme complex in a solvate ionic liquid: High stability in the bulk and rapid desolvation on an electrode surface
Authors: Motobayashi Kenta , Matsumoto Kosuke , Tsuzuki Seiji , Ikeda Katsuyoshi
Published: October 2021

Solvate ionic liquids (SILs) composed of glymes and Li salts are potential electrolyte materials for Li ion batteries. Safety and durability of SIL‐based batteries can be realized by competing characters of solvate cations. Solvate structure of Li+ should be stable in the bulk to be nonvolatile, and its desolvation should occur rapidly on electrode surfaces which is considered as a rate‐limiting step in charging or discharging. To investigate such characters, potential‐dependent interfacial structure of [Li(G4)][TFSA], equimolar mixture of tetraglyme and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide, on an Au electrode has been investigated at the molecular scale by using surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy. Despite discrete solvate ion [Li(G4)]+ is stable in the bulk, partial desolvation of Li+ on the electrode was observed at around the potential of zero charge, much more positive than Li+ reduction reactions. The driving force of the partial desolvation can be ascribed to the breaking of isotropic dielectric environment in the vicinity of the electrode, where image charge induced on the electrode surface stabilizes the partially desolvated structure enabling shorter Li+‐electrode distance.
Optimization of continuous variable crown work roll shifting strategy using k‐nearest neighbors algorithm for hot strip rolling mill
Authors: Gong Dian‐yao , Li Feng‐hua
Published: October 2021

Appropriate work roll shifting strategy in the finishing hot strip mill can make roll wear uniform and contour smooth. To eliminate the problem of roll shifting position duplication due to available roll shifting strategy, the optimized work roll shifting strategy is proposed in the hot strip rolling mill with continuous variable crown work rolls, using the k‐nearest neighbors algorithm. The self‐perpetuating parameter is used to describe the concentrated wear of the work roll. The position repeated parameter is put forward to evaluate the roll shifting position history. The relationship between concentrated shifting positions and uneven roll wear is analyzed based on in‐site data collected in a hot strip rolling mill. The program of optimization strategy is coded using language C. Off‐line simulation is made to obtain optimized shifting positions using the program. The comparison between in‐site engineering data and optimized shifting positions has been assessed using the scatter diagram and kernel density estimation. Comparison results show that the new strategy can solve the problem of shifting position duplication well. A simplified method is established to make it easy to apply the strategy to online applications, and the in‐site application shows that the optimization strategy has an excellent practical effect.
Geochemistry of Late Palaeoproterozoic (1.69 Ga) A‐type Mayong granitoids in Shillong Plateau, north‐east India: Implication for anorogenic magmatism during Columbia Supercontinent cycle
Authors: Doley Dimple , Bhagabaty Balen , Sarma Gautam , Singh Athokapm Krishnakanta , Zou Xinyu
Published: October 2021

The Late Palaeoproterozoic Mayong granitoids of Assam constitute an important component of the continental crust and the Basement Gneissic Complex in the northern extension of the Shillong Plateau, north‐east India. The basement rocks of Shillong Plateau are considered as a continuation of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone. In this study, emphasis is given on the new zircon U–Pb age, Hf isotopic composition, and the tectonic implication of Late Palaeoproterozoic Mayong granitoids. The Mayong granitoids are essentially composed of quartz—K‐feldspar—plagioclase—biotite—hornblende as major minerals and titanite—zircon—allanite—bastnaesite—apatite—ilmenite as the accessory mineral phase. They show typical geochemical characteristics of A‐type granites, such as high silica (average 71.86 wt%), alkalies (average 8.01 wt%), Rb, Zr, Nb, Ga, and rare earth elements (except Eu); high FeOt/MgO and Ga/Al ratios, and low CaO, MgO, Ba, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti concentrations. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating indicates that they were emplaced at ~1,687 ± 35 Ma during the large‐scale magmatism of Late Palaeoproterozoic to Early Mesoproterozoic periods. Their zircon Hf model (TDM2) ages (1,833–2,257 Ma) in conjunction with trace elemental characteristics suggest that they were generated by the reworking/recycling of Early Palaeoproterozoic crust in an intraplate extensional tectonic environment. Thus, we conclude that these A‐type Late Palaeoproterozoic Mayong granitoids of the Shillong Plateau probably have a close genetic linkage with the magmatic event of the Columbia Supercontinent cycle during 1,687 ± 35 Ma.
High‐Complexity cellular barcoding and clonal tracing reveals stochastic and deterministic parameters of radiation resistance
Authors: Wursthorn Anne , Schwager Christian , Kurth Ina , Peitzsch Claudia , Herold‐Mende Christel , Debus Jürgen , Abdollahi Amir , Nowrouzi Ali
Published: October 2021

It is elusive whether clonal selection of tumor cells in response to ionizing radiation (IR) is a deterministic or stochastic process. With high resolution clonal barcoding and tracking of over 400 000 HNSCC patient‐derived tumor cells the clonal dynamics of tumor cells in response to IR was analyzed. Fractionated IR induced a strong selective pressure for clonal reduction which significantly exceeded uniform clonal survival probabilities indicative for a strong clone‐to‐clone difference within tumor cell lines. IR induced clonal reduction affected the majority of tumor cells ranging between 96% and 75% and correlated to the degree of radiation sensitivity. Survival to IR is driven by a deterministic clonal selection of a smaller population which commonly survives radiation, while increased clonogenic capacity is a result of clonal competition of cells which have been selected stochastically. A 2‐fold increase in radiation resistance results in a 4‐fold (P < .05) higher deterministic clonal selection showing that the ratio of these parameters is amenable to radiation sensitivity which correlates to prognostic biomarkers of HNSCC. Evidence for the existence of a rare subpopulation with an intrinsically radiation resistant phenotype commonly surviving IR was found at a frequency of 0.6% to 3.3% (P < .001, FDR 3%). With cellular barcoding we introduce a novel functional heterogeneity associated qualitative readout for tracking dynamics of clonogenic survival in response to radiation. This enables the quantification of intrinsically radiation resistant tumor cells from patient samples and reveals the contribution of stochastic and deterministic clonal selection processes in response to IR.
Exploring the factors in aligning information systems and organizational strategies in tall organizational structures in an uncertain environment
Authors: Ganji Bidmeshk Olfat , Mehraeen Mohammad , Pooya Alireza , Maharati Yaghoob
Published: October 2021

Factors affecting the alignment of information systems (ISs) and organizational strategies (i.e., strategic alignment) vary depending on the organizational contexts, comprising both the structural and environmental contexts. Previous studies of strategic alignment were largely focused on organizations with flatter organizational structures and low environmental uncertainty. Therefore, findings from previous studies might not be applicable to organizations with tall organizational structures and in uncertain environments, like Iranian organizations. To this end, we aimed to discover less‐explored factors in achieving strategic alignment based on the contexts of Iranian organizations, using grounded theory. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 29 experts in different organizations to illustrate and substantiate the development of an eightfold framework that specifies the factors for achieving strategic alignment. Specifically, the developed eightfold framework resulted in identification of 8 factors and 51 elements in achieving strategic alignment. Here, we identified five factors in achieving strategic alignment in addition to the factors reported by previous research (i.e., senior management, communication, and partnership), namely IS leadership, IS capabilities, organizational development, human resources, and IT infrastructure. The results indicate that these factors play a prominent role in determining the challenges and discerning the momentous requirements for achieving strategic alignment in organizations with tall structures in uncertain environments.
Frequency analysis of extreme precipitation in different regions of the Huaihe River Basin
Authors: Jin Haoyu , Chen Xiaohong , Zhong Ruida , Duan Kai
Published: October 2021

Affected by climate change and human activities, the frequency and uncertainty of extreme precipitation have shown an increasing trend, which has brought great challenges to the prevention of flood disasters. The Huaihe River Basin (HRB) is located at the junction of northern and southern China and is more susceptible to climate change. In order to obtain the spatio‐temporal distribution characteristics of extreme precipitation in the HRB, in this study, the L‐moments method was used to analyse the regional frequency distribution of the annual precipitation (YP), the maximum one‐day rainfall (RM1day), the maximum five‐day rainfall (RM5day) and the maximum 15‐day rainfall (RM15day) in the HRB. The results show that the HRB can be divided into five sub‐zones on the basis of the division of natural sub‐basins to ensure regional consistency. The accuracy of quantile estimation will decrease as the return periods increase. When the return period is less than 100 years, the relative root mean square error (RMSE) can be guaranteed to be relatively small, and the cumulative RMSE is less than 0.3. However, after the return period is greater than 100 years, the 90% confidence interval of the quantile estimate increases rapidly, indicating that the estimated quantile error increased. The northwestern part of the HRB may experience extreme annual precipitation, which is different from the normal precipitation distribution. The extreme precipitation in Zone 1, Zone 2–2 and Zone 4 is not only strong but also has a large increase speed, making these areas the key focus zones for flood control and anti‐logging. This study can provide important reference for the prediction and prevention of extreme precipitation in the HRB.
Vestibular Schwannoma Cerebellopontine Angle Position Impacts Facial Outcome
Authors: Hobson Candace E. , Saliba Joe , Vorasubin Nopawan , Lyles Robert H. , Mastrodimos Bill , Cueva Roberto A.
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the impact of vestibular schwannoma (VS) position relative to the internal auditory canal (IAC) on postoperative facial nerve function and extent of surgical resection.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients undergoing resection of large (≥25 mm) VSs. Outcome measures included early (≤1 month) facial function, long‐term (≥1 year) facial function and extent of resection. Tumor measurements included the greatest dimension, dimension anterior to the IAC axis, dimension posterior to the IAC axis, and a ratio of posterior‐to‐anterior dimension (PA ratio).

Results

A total of 127 patients met inclusion criteria. In early follow‐up, 60% patients had good (House‐Brackmann I–II), and 40% patients had poor (House‐Brackmann III–VI) facial function. In long‐term follow‐up, 71% patients had good, and 29% patients had poor facial function. A total of 72% of patients underwent gross total resection (GTR) of their tumors. Patients with good facial function had significantly larger PA ratios than patients with poor function both early and long term; however, greatest dimension was the more clearly significant independent predictor of facial outcomes. A larger PA ratio was observed in patients in whom GTR was achieved, but this association was potentially confounded by surgeon preferences and was not statistically significant after controlling for surgical site.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that VS position relative to the IAC axis can be used along with tumor size to predict postoperative facial outcomes. A greater proportion of tumor posterior to the IAC axis was associated with significantly better facial outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1093–1098, 2022
Comparison of celecoxib and acetaminophen for pain relief in pediatric day case tonsillectomy: A randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Roosta Sareh , Eghbal Mohammad Hossein , Nouri Rahmatabadi Bahar , Faramarzi Ali , Mohammadi‐Samani Soliman , Shishegar Mahmood , Sahmeddini Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2021

Objective

Post‐tonsillectomy pain is a common morbidity in children. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of celecoxib with acetaminophen on pain relief in pediatric day‐case tonsillectomy.

Methods

We compared the analgesic effect of celecoxib (99 patients) with acetaminophen (100 patients) for the management of post‐tonsillectomy pain. Post‐tonsillectomy pain score was evaluated three times a day for 7 days. In addition, the incidence of post‐tonsillectomy bleeding and the rate of patients who returned to regular diet were evaluated.

Results

In the first day, we observed lower mean pain score in the celecoxib group, than the acetaminophen group (P =  0.013). The overall pain score in other days was not significantly different between the two groups. In the celecoxib group, more patients resumed regular amount of oral intake within the first 3 days. Also, the rate of post‐tonsillectomy bleeding in the two groups was not statistically different.

Conclusion

We recommend celecoxib as a more suitable choice than acetaminophen for post‐tonsillectomy pain management in the first day and resuming regular diet within 3 days.

Level of Evidence: 1b.
The practice of foreign body removal from the ear, nose, and upper esophageal in children in Ethiopia: A retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Zewdu Dereje , Wondwosen Mekete , Chufamo Mulatu , Eanga Shamill , Aga Abdisa , Ewnte Biniam , Hunie Metages , Teshome Diriba
Published: October 2021

Background

Ear, nose, and upper esophageal foreign body (FB) impaction in children is a common emergency in‐hospital service. There are no clear guidelines regarding the management of ingested FBs. This study aimed to determine the FB in terms of type, anatomic site, management outcome, and associated complications.

Methods

Retrospective study of children with ear, nose, and upper esophageal FB managed under general anesthesia (GA) at operating room of Wolkite Hospital in the southern part of Ethiopia between January 2019 and February 2021. Data were collected from the medical chart of the patients using a prepared checklist. The parameters included were age, sex, FB anatomic site, type, management outcome, and associated complications related to FB or procedure modalities.

Results

A total of 169 (31.4%) study subjects were required GA for the removal of FBs. The mean age was 4.45 ± 3.20 years. Under 5 years old children comprises 61.5% of total cases. The most common anatomic site of FB impaction was in the ear 97 (57.4%). The most commonly found type of FB was cereals or seeds, which constituted 102 (60.35%). The complication rate was 18.35%. Epistaxis was the commonest complication (6.51%) from the nose while canal abrasion (5.92%) was common from the ear.

Conclusion

Ear, nose, and upper esophageal FBs were found more frequently in younger children. The ear was the most common anatomic site of FB impaction followed by the nose and upper esophageal. The most common type of FB was cereals or seeds.

Level of Evidence

4.
Recurrent large‐scale sea urchin mass mortality and the establishment of a long‐lasting alternative macroalgae‐dominated community state
Authors: Sangil Carlos , Hernández José Carlos
Published: October 2021

Relationships between sea urchins and noncrustose macroalgae are typically nonlinear, and an abrupt phase shift from a barren to a macroalgae‐dominated state and vice versa happens when the sea urchin abundance exceeds a critical threshold. Here, we have used two mass mortality events as a natural experiment to study progressive changes and dynamics between these stable states. In 2009–2010 and 2018, two mass mortalities decimated the populations of the sea urchin Diadema africanum in the Canary Islands (Eastern Subtropical Atlantic). In these islands, this sea urchin is a key‐herbivore controlling the growth of macroalgae, and sea urchin barrens have persisted for more 60 yr. Mass mortality events differed in intensity both in space and time, and two phase shifts from sea urchin barrens to macroalgal beds were detected in both when sea urchin density declined below a critical threshold of 4 indv. · m−2. The first mass mortality was greater in La Palma Island, consequently in this island a long‐lasting alternative state dominated by noncrustose macroalgae has been established. Subsequently, a recurrent mass mortality also favored the transition from the sea urchin barrens to noncrustose macroalgal beds in Tenerife Island. After mass mortalities, D. africanum populations were reduced by 94–98% in both islands. No signs of recovery of these populations have been identified after phase shifts; ecosystem feedbacks may be the cause of the low population density of D. africanum.
Recent Advances in Mechanoluminescence of Doped Zinc Sulfides
Authors: Qasem Abdulkareem , Xiong Puxian , Ma Zhijun , Peng Mingying , Yang Zhongmin
Published: October 2021

Mechanoluminescence (ML) is the light generation of a material under mechanical stimuli. For more than 400 years, many compounds including inorganic and organic materials present this phenomenon. The general mechanism for the ML emission is the stress‐induced electrification effect combined with the piezoelectric field that lead to trapping and detrapping of the charge carriers. However, an in‐depth investigation and research are required to understand and hypothesize the ML mechanisms and optimum design and synthesis methods for better ML properties. Among the most common materials possessing this phenomenon is the zinc sulfide (ZnS) compounds that show high luminescence intensity and reproducibility. Such properties make them best candidates to be used in potential applications such as light and display devices, stress sensors, and human health monitoring devices. Therefore, this minireview focuses on the recent development and progress in doped ZnS ML compounds, including mechanism, design and synthesis, and the practical applications of such materials.
Two shock models for single‐component systems subject to mutually dependent failure processes
Authors: Bian Lina , Wang Guanjun , Liu Peng , Duan Fengjun
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the extreme and shock models are studied, in which systems are subject to dependent hard failure and soft failure processes. Under the extreme shock model, a hard failure occurs if the magnitude of a single shock surpasses a critical level, while under the shock model, a hard failure occurs if the interval time between two successive shocks is smaller than a threshold. Under both shock models, soft failure of a system happens if the total volume of degradation surpasses a given soft failure threshold. The hard and soft failure processes are interdependent owing to the fact that external shock will bring abrupt increment in the degradation path of the system, and on the other hand, the amount of total degradation will affect the hard failure threshold of the system. The failure of the system occurs if a hard failure or a soft failure occurs, whichever happens first. The reliability expressions of the systems under two shock models are derived explicitly. Some reliability indices of the system are calculated by utilizing the probability analysis method. A case study of the sliding spool is provided to illustrate the proposed model.
Policy implications of willingness to pay for sustainable development of a world agricultural heritage site: The role of stakeholders' sustainable intelligence, support, and behavioral intention
Authors: Park Yae‐Na , Lee Choong‐Ki , Mjelde James W. , Kwon Yu‐Jin
Published: October 2021

The willingness to pay (WTP) for preservation of a Globally Important Agricultural System, Jeju Batdom, South Korea is estimated. To help control for hypothetical bias, two scenarios are used, hypothetical and real settings. Further, this study investigates how the concepts of sustainable intelligence, residents' support, and behavioral intention affect WTP in addition to demographic variables. Finally, three types of preservation values (bequest, option, and existence) are examined to identify how each value influences WTP. As expected, the results reveal that WTP of the hypothetical setting is larger than the real setting. The explanatory variables of sustainable intelligence, residents' support, and behavioral intention significantly increase the WTP for preservation of Batdam. Implications are clear for the preservation of agricultural heritage sites, developing programs to increase residents' sustainable intelligence, support, and behavioral intention will increase WTP for preservation. Furthermore, the Jeju residents place the highest weight on bequest value, followed by option and existence values. The findings provide researchers and practitioners with important implications when they implement sustainable development of agricultural heritage resources.
Binding Study of Vanadium and Uranium Complexes with Amidoxime Ligands at different pH
Authors: Joshi Ruma
Published: October 2021

Different NMR spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the uranyl (UO2+2) and vanadium(V) complexes of glutarimidedioxime and glutardiamidoxime formed in solution. Stability of vanadium(V)‐glutarimidedioxime in the presence of UO2+2 at different PH were investigated.
Self‐Healing Hydrogels as Flexible Sensor for Human Motion Monitoring
Authors: Tang Huicheng , Kang Beibei , Li Yueyun , Zhao Zengdian , Song Shasha
Published: October 2021

Self‐healing hydrogels were prepared by mixing the difunctionalized polyethylene glycol (DF‐PEG) and chitosan (CS) in water. Due to the formation of Schiff base bond between DF‐PEG and CS, the gelation could be realized in several seconds. Determined by the SEM showed that the hydrogel was composed of porous network structure. The dynamic formation and dissociation of Schiff base bond (−C=N−) between the aldehyde group of DF‐PEG and amino group of CS initiated the excellent self‐healing property and reversible pH responsivity of hydrogels. Additionally, the hydrogels had excellent ductility and toughness with the fracture strain and stress of 88.2 % and 12.1 kPa. The hydrogels exhibited excellent strain sensing performance, which can be fabricated as the flexible sensor for real‐time monitoring the large and delicate human motions. As a result, it is expected that the obtained self‐healing hydrogels will broaden the application of gels in wearable electronics.
Chemical F/J‐Interconversion in the Prostaglandin Family: From Cloprostenol to Its Δ12‐J2 and 15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐J2 Derivatives
Authors: Vostrikov Nikolay S. , Zagitov Vadim V. , Lobov Alexander N. , Ishmetova Diana V. , Vakhitova Yulia V. , Miftakhov Mansur S.
Published: October 2021

Racemic cloprostenol methyl ester was converted via cyclic 9,11‐phenylboronate esters to 9α,11α‐dihydroxy‐15α‐siloxy (OTBDPS, OTBDMS) derivatives. TES‐Morf selectively reacts with last compounds to exclusively give 11‐TES derivative. In the course of further transformations, the J‐type PG was obtained. The optimal conditions for the 13,14‐double bond shift in the latter were determined and ▵12 derivatives were obtained. 15‐TBDMS derivative PGJ2 was converted to the target ω‐aryloxy derivatives ▵12‐PGJ2, its 13Z isomer, and ▵12,14‐PGJ2 by hydrolysis of the TBDMS protective group. The anticancer activity of some of the synthesized compounds was studied.
Thymic carcinoma and branchial cyst in a cat
Authors: Tindale Catherine , Jasensky Anne‐Katherine , O'Brien Kevin M. , Martineau Henny M. , Lee Karla
Published: October 2021

A 10‐year‐old female spayed Maine Coon presented with lethargy, weight loss and severe dyspnoea. Radiographs showed mediastinal enlargement and marked pleural effusion. Thoracocentesis yielded a highly protein‐rich transudate with macrophages predominating. Computed tomography identified a large cystic mediastinal structure with a typical peripheral contrast‐enhancing rim, but fluid contents with a high attenuation of 35HU and internal contrast‐enhancing projections raising concern for neoplasia. However, mediastinal cytology failed to demonstrate neoplastic cells, but instead ciliated columnar epithelium most consistent with a thymic branchial cyst. The cat underwent median thoracotomy and mediastinal mass resection and is well 6 months postoperatively, with no evidence of recurrence. Histopathology with immunohistochemistry diagnosed thymic carcinoma, with branchial duct remnants. This report highlights the diagnostic challenge of mediastinal cystic lesions and the possible concurrent presence of a non‐neoplastic and a malignant neoplastic process.
Cutaneous inflammatory lobular capillary haemangioma in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Coppola* Giovanni , Helm Jenny Rose , Marchesi Francesco , Morris Joanna Siriol
Published: October 2021

A 3‐year‐old entire male guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was presented with a mass on the neck, which was excised surgically. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the mass to be a tumour of endothelial origin consistent with an inflammatory lobular capillary haemangioma, despite some microscopic features triggering an initial suspicion of histological malignancy. Following surgical treatment, the patient was still alive with no evidence of local tumour recurrence 34 months after diagnosis. This case report illustrates an excellent outcome of a guinea pig with a tumour of endothelial origin arising from the skin. Surgical treatment alone appears an effective treatment for these lesions.
Impact of COVID‐19 on agricultural production and distribution in South Asia
Authors: Ahmed Jasim Uddin , Akter Saifun , Majumder Kausar Ahmed
Published: October 2021

COVID‐19 conveyed threats to the development of social life and the economy. Social distancing has changed the way of living, with a profound impact on food and agriculture. With this concern, the study was conducted to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on agricultural production and distribution in South Asia. Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan were selected as the study countries since larger agricultural production countries with higher virus invasion numbers posed higher vulnerability than others. It is necessary to unfold the impacts and policy on the agricultural sector so that losses can reduce. The secondary data were taken from different sources. The study proved that limited transportation, shortages of agricultural labor, export, and import restriction hampered agricultural production and distribution in South Asia. Livestock, vegetable, fruit, and fishing sector were more affected than the crop sector. Small poultry farms were closed, milk was discarded, and rotted fruits and vegetables were a source of concern. Different policies were implemented by the governments to recover from production losses. Proper storage management and farm mechanization may reduce the loss of production. Decentralization efforts of government through local (political and co‐operative association) leaders may place the agricultural product to the market at least health hazards.
Untargeted metabolomics approaches to improve casework in clinical and forensic toxicology—“Where are we standing and where are we heading?”
Authors: Steuer Andrea Eva , Brockbals Lana , Kraemer Thomas
Published: October 2021

Clinical toxicology (CT) and forensic toxicology (FT) represent two disciplines of toxicology dedicated to the qualitative and quantitative analysis and respective interpretation of alcohol, drugs of abuse (DOA), over the counter (OTC), and prescription drugs or poisons, mainly in humans. Analytical challenges, such as the transient occurrence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the (il)legal drug market, insufficiently long detection windows of some DOAs, or the lack of objective measures to unambiguously proof sample manipulation as well as interpretative issues, for instance, the difficulty to discriminate occasional users from chronic/addictive ones still require further evaluation and research, though. Metabolomics is a rather new research field, aiming for qualitative, and quantitative analysis of endogenous compounds (small molecules with a molecular weight < 1000 Da) in an organism to identify changes related to a certain stimulus, for example, a drug intake. Over the last years, metabolomics has been established as a valuable tool in different disciplines, including very recently CT and FT. Analytical techniques usually applied include nuclear magnetic resonance and majorly hyphenated high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS), similar to the instrumentation used in CT and FT. We will summarize practical considerations for each step of a typical untargeted metabolome workflow (experimental set‐up, sample collection and storage, analysis, data processing, statistics, and identification) in CT and FT, provide an update on the current applications of untargeted metabolome profiling and will critically discuss its benefits or lack thereof within the particular field.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Analytical

Toxicology > Metabolomics

Toxicology > New Psychoactive Substances
The massive supermembrane on a knot
Authors: Garcia del Moral M. P. , Leon P. , Restuccia A.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We obtain the Hamiltonian formulation of the 11D Supermembrane theory non-trivially compactified on a twice punctured torus times a 9D Minkowski space-time. It corresponds to a M2-brane formulated in 11D space with ten non-compact dimensions. The critical points like the poles and the zeros of the fields describing the embedding of the Supermembrane in the target space are treated rigorously. The non-trivial compactification generates non-trivial mass terms appearing in the bosonic potential, which dominate the full supersymmetric potential and should render the spectrum of the (regularized) Supermembrane discrete with finite multiplicity. The behaviour of the fields around the punctures generates a cosmological term in the Hamiltonian of the theory.

The massive supermembrane can also be seen as a nontrivial uplift of a supermembrane torus bundle with parabolic monodromy in M9 × T2. The moduli of the theory is the one associated with the punctured torus, hence it keeps all the nontriviality of the torus moduli even after the decompactification process to ten noncompact dimensions. The formulation of the theory on a punctured torus bundle is characterized by the (1, 1) − knots associated with the monodromies.
Motor sequences; separating the sequence from the motor. A longitudinal rsfMRI study
Authors: Jäger Anna-Thekla P. , Huntenburg Julia M. , Tremblay Stefanie A. , Schneider Uta , Grahl Sophia , Huck Julia , Tardif Christine L. , Villringer Arno , Gauthier Claudine J. , Bazin Pierre-Louis , Steele Christopher J.
Published: October 2021

In motor learning, sequence specificity, i.e. the learning of specific sequential associations, has predominantly been studied using task-based fMRI paradigms. However, offline changes in resting state functional connectivity after sequence-specific motor learning are less well understood. Previous research has established that plastic changes following motor learning can be divided into stages including fast learning, slow learning and retention. A description of how resting state functional connectivity after sequence-specific motor sequence learning (MSL) develops across these stages is missing. This study aimed to identify plastic alterations in whole-brain functional connectivity after learning a complex motor sequence by contrasting an active group who learned a complex sequence with a control group who performed a control task matched for motor execution. Resting state fMRI and behavioural performance were collected in both groups over the course of 5 consecutive training days and at follow-up after 12 days to encompass fast learning, slow learning, overall learning and retention. Between-group interaction analyses showed sequence-specific decreases in functional connectivity during overall learning in the right supplementary motor area (SMA). We found that connectivity changes in a key region of the motor network, the superior parietal cortex (SPC) were not a result of sequence-specific learning but were instead linked to motor execution. Our study confirms the sequence-specific role of SMA that has previously been identified in online task-based learning studies, and extends it to resting state network changes after sequence-specific MSL.
Classification of two-phase flow patterns using multifractal analysis of pressure oscillations
Authors: Mosdorf R. , Litak G. , Górski G. , Augustyniak J. , Zaborowska I.
Published: October 2021

The two-phase flow patterns (air–water) in horizontal square minichannel (3 × 3 mm) has been analysed. The multifractal analysis of pressure drop fluctuations was used for qualitative assessment of two-phase flow patterns. The results of the complexity analysis using the multifractal spectral width (Δh) are presented. The proposed method allows us to identify the following two-phase flow patterns: micro-bubbles flow, micro- and minibubbles flow, micro- and mini-bubbles with confined bubbles flow, slug flow, stratified flow. The obtained results confirm that this type of analysis can be considered as an alternative way of identification of two-phase flow patterns in the minichannel. The work also focuses on the discussion of the occurrence and identification of bubbles churns in slugs and churns.
Evaluation of the effects of food intake on task engagement based on psychophysiological states
Authors: Kurogi Nanako , Sakiyama Kanako , Tominaga Shigeru , Toyama Yoshio , Nagumo Kent , Oiwa Kosuke , Nozawa Akio
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of food intake on performance and task engagement based on psychophysiological states. The experiment was conducted under two conditions: taking a break with his eyes opened between the repeated tracking tasks (Control), and taking a break with food intake (Intake). We found the rate of deterioration of the distance between target pointer and the mouse cursor, a performance index, showed significant differences between the two conditions. Significant differences were also found between the two conditions in all assessment items of subjective feelings. Considering the hemodynamic parameters and nasal skin temperature responses, it was found that the approach to the second task was different in the two conditions. Therefore, due to food intake between repeated tasks, psychological responses such as “Awareness” and “Refreshment” were maintained. Hence, it was confirmed that food intake stimulated positive task engagement in the task and maintained performance.
3D sound spatialization with game engines: the virtual acoustics performance of a game engine and a middleware for interactive audio design
Authors: Fırat Hasan Baran , Maffei Luigi , Masullo Massimiliano
Published: October 2021

This study analyses one of the most popular game engines and an audio middleware to reproduce sound according to sound propagation physics. The analysis focuses on the transmission path between the sound source and the receiver. Even if there are several ready-to-use real-time auralization platforms and software, game engines' use with this aim is a recent study area for acousticians. However, audio design needs with game engines and the limits of their basic releases require additional tools (plugins and middleware) to improve both the quality and realism of sound in virtual environments. The paper discusses the use of Unreal Engine 4 and Wwise's 3D audio production methods in a set of different test environments. It assesses their performance in regard to a commercial geometrical acoustics software. The results show that the investigated version of the game engine and its sound assets are insufficient to simulate real-world cases and that significant improvements can be achieved with use of the middleware.
The new WEB-accessible online database of the Mössbauer effect data center
Authors: Klencsár Zoltán , Wang Junhu , Ge Rile , Zhou Wenhui , Liu Duorong , Rykov Alexandre I. , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2021

The web-accessible online database (WAD) of the Mössbauer Effect Data Center (MEDC) is one of the worldwide available information services provided by MEDC to the scientific community. It is based on the uniquely wide scope Mössbauer spectroscopy database that has been compiled and maintained by MEDC since the 1960’s. Following enhancements applied to the capabilities of the MEDC core database in connection with the development of a new database management software named “MEDC DBM”, the development of a new web-accessible online database (MEDC WAD) was started in 2019. Here we introduce the current state and the main features of the newly developed MEDC WAD system with emphasis put on its novel and rather unique attributes that can effectively aid the scientific research process in the field of Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Zur transgenerationalen Traumatisierung
Authors: Dunkel Florian
Published: October 2021

Im vorliegenden Artikel derZeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometriewird das Phänomen der transgenerationalen Traumatisierung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung möglicher kollektiver Faktoren behandelt. Es werden Ansätze beschrieben, wie sich das Phänomen ätiologisch erklären lässt und wie es in der Psychotherapie erkannt und bearbeitet werden kann.
Fluid Flow Stimulation Modulates Expression of S100 Genes in Normal Breast Epithelium and Breast Cancer
Authors: Fuh Kenneth F. , Withell Jessica , Shepherd Robert D. , Rinker Kristina D.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

S100 proteins are intracellular calcium ion sensors that participate in cellular processes, some of which are involved in normal breast functioning and breast cancer development. Despite several S100 genes being overexpressed in breast cancer, their roles during disease development remain elusive. Human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) can be exposed to fluid shear stresses and implications of such interactions have not been previously studied. The goal of this study was to analyze expression profiles of S100 genes upon exposing HMECs to fluid flow.

Methods

HMECs and breast cancer cell lines were exposed to fluid flow in a parallel-plate bioreactor system. Changes in gene expression were quantified using microarrays and qPCR, gene-gene interactions were elucidated using network analysis, and key modified genes were examined in three independent clinical datasets.

Results

S100 genes were among the most upregulated genes upon flow stimulation. Network analysis revealed interactions between upregulated transcripts, including interactions between S100P, S100PBP, S100A4, S100A7, S100A8 and S100A9. Overexpression of S100s was also observed in patients with early stage breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue, and in most breast cancer patients. Finally, survival analysis revealed reduced survival times for patients with elevated expression of S100A7 and S100P.

Conclusion

This study shows that exposing HMECs to fluid flow upregulates genes identified clinically to be overexpressed during breast cancer development, including S100A7 and S100P. These findings are the first to show that S100 genes are flow-responsive and might be participating in a fundamental adaptation pathway in normal tissue that is also active in breast cancer.
ASCO 2021 highlights head and neck cancer: nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Fuereder Thorsten
Published: October 2021

During the ASCO 2021 virtual meeting, multiple clinically relevant studies were presented addressing open questions regarding the therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC): Is immunotherapy plus chemotherapy the new first line standard of care for patients in the recurrent/metastatic setting? Is adjuvant therapy with capecitabine in high risk NPC patients post chemoradiation (CRT) beneficial? Is there a role for treatment intensification by adjuvant metronomic capecitabine in NPC patients post induction chemotherapy and CRT? This article summarizes the most significant NPC studies presented at the ASCO 2021 virtual meeting and discusses the data in the context of the current literature.
Prise en charge de la diverticulite aiguë
Authors: Martin David , Hahnloser Dieter , Faes Seraina
Published: October 2021

La prévalence de la maladie diverticulaire colique est en augmentation au niveau mondial, ce qui est probablement en lien avec des changements de mode de vie. Bien qu’elle reste plus fréquente chez les patients âgés, une augmentation spectaculaire de son incidence a été observée dans les groupes d’âge plus jeunes ces dernières années. La diverticulite aiguë est une des conditions cliniques les plus fréquemment rencontrées par les médecins généralistes, les gastroentérologues ainsi que les chirurgiens. Comment diagnostiquer, classifier, et prendre en charge cette pathologie? Le but de cette revue est de présenter un aperçu des preuves existantes et de décrire son management.
Teaching Secondary Mathematics
Authors: Hine Gregory , Anderson Judy , Reaburn Robyn , Cavanagh Michael , Galligan Linda , Ngu Bing H. , White Bruce
Published: October 2021

Secondary mathematics teachers working in the Australian education sector are required to plan lessons that engage with students of different genders, cultures and levels of literacy and numeracy. Teaching Secondary Mathematics engages directly with the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to help preservice teachers develop lesson plans that resonate with students. This edition has been thoroughly revised and features a new chapter on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and ways of knowing into lessons. Chapter content is supported by new features including short-answer questions, opportunities for reflection and in-class activities. Further resources, additional activities, and audio and visual recordings of mathematical problems are also available for students on the book's companion website. Teaching Secondary Mathematics is the essential guide for preservice mathematics teachers who want to understand the complex and ever-changing Australian education landscape.