bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of Phenol from Water in the Presence of NaCl in Undivided Cells Equipped with Carbon Felt or Ni Cathodes: Effect of Air Pressure
Authors: Hao Yongyong , Ma Hongrui , Proietto Federica , Prestigiacomo Claudia , Ma Pengfei , Galia Alessandro , Scialdone Onofrio
Published: April 2022

Recently, the electrochemical treatment of wastewater polluted by recalcitrant organics and containing chlorides was shown to be significantly improved adopting proper operative conditions such as suitable anodes and cathodes and low current density. In particular, the use of suitable cathodes such as carbon felt or silver could increase the removal of TOC and reduce the formation of chlorinated by‐products. In this study, attention was focused on the utilization of carbon felt cathodes with the main aim to evaluate the effect of air pressure on the process using phenol as model organic pollutant. It was shown that, in the presence of carbon felt cathode, the use of pressurized air allows both to increase the removal of TOC and to reduce the formation of chlorate. Moreover, the effect of the nature of the anode and of the presence of FeSO4, in order to study the involvement of electro‐Fenton process, was evaluated.
Resolution of left atrial appendage thrombi: No difference between phenprocoumon and non‐vitamin K‐dependent oral antagonists
Authors: Biller Katharina , Biller Benedikt , Findeisen Hannes , Eckardt Lars , Wedekind Horst
Published: April 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation is the most important risk factor for left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi, a potentially life‐threatening condition. Thrombus resolution may prevent embolic events and allow rhythm‐control strategies, which have been shown to reduce cardiovascular complications.

Hypothesis

There is no significant difference between phenprocoumon and non‐Vitamin K‐dependent oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the resolution of LAA‐thrombi in a real‐world setting.

Methods

Consecutive patients with LAA‐thrombi from June 2013 to June 2017 were included in an observational single‐center analysis. The primary endpoint was defined as the resolution of the thrombus. The observational period was 1 year. Resolutions rates in patients on phenprocoumon or NOACs were compared and the time to resolution was analyzed.

Results

We identified 114 patients with LAA‐thrombi. There was no significant difference in the efficacy of resolution between phenprocoumon and NOACs (p = .499) at the time of first control which took place after a mean of 58 ± 42.2 (median 48) days. At first control most thrombi were dissolved (74.6%). The analysis after set‐time intervals revealed a resolution rate of 2/3 of LAA‐thrombi after 8–10 weeks in the phenprocoumon and NOAC groups. After 12 weeks a higher number of thrombi had resolved in the presence of NOAC (89.3%) whereas in the presence of phenprocoumon 68.3% had resolved (p = .046).

Conclusion

In this large observational study NOACs were found to be potent drugs for the resolution of LAA‐thrombi. In addition, the resolution of LAA‐thrombi was found to be faster in the presence of NOAC as compared to phenprocoumon.
Cu−NPs@C Nanosheets Derived from a PVP‐assisted 2D Cu‐MOF with Renewable Ligand for High‐Efficient Selective Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Bao Liwei , Yang Shan‐Qing , Hu Tong‐Liang
Published: April 2022

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) containing C=O, C−O, and furan ring functional groups is an important platform chemical derived from C6 sugars. The selective hydrogenation of C=O in HMF produces 2,5‐dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF), which is a potential sustainable substitute for petroleum‐based building blocks. Here, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (H2FDC), a promising sustainable alternative to terephthalic acid, was employed as a renewable ligand to synthesize a novel Cu metal‐organic framework (Cu‐FDC). With a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)‐assisted approach, 2D Cu‐FDC nano‐lamellae of micrometer lateral dimensions and nanometer thickness could be obtained, which could be used as a precursor to fabricate 2D oxygen‐rich carbon nanosheets embedded with Cu nanoparticles (denoted CFP‐300) after a thermal treatment at 300 °C under N2 atmosphere. The synthesized CFP‐300 exhibited excellent catalytic performance and stability for the selective hydrogenation of HMF to DHMF. These results demonstrated a sustainable route to synthesize efficient catalysts by employing metal–organic frameworks based on renewable ligands.
Climate change does not decouple interactions between a central‐place‐foraging predator and its migratory prey
Authors: Gicquel Morgane , East Marion L. , Hofer Heribert , Cubaynes Sarah , Benhaiem Sarah
Published: April 2022

Little is known about potential cascading effects of climate change on the ability of predators to exploit mobile aggregations of prey with a spatiotemporal distribution largely determined by climatic conditions. If predators employ central‐place foraging when rearing offspring, the ability of parents to locate sufficient prey could be reduced by climate change. In the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, migratory species dominate mammalian herbivore biomass. These migratory herds exploit nutrient‐rich vegetation on the southern plains in the rainy season and surface water in the northwest in the dry season. Female spotted hyenas Crocuta crocuta breed throughout the year and use long‐distance central‐place‐foraging “commuting trips” to migratory herds to fuel lactation for ≥12 months. Changes in rainfall patterns that alter prey movements may decrease the ability of mothers to locate profitable foraging areas and thus increase their overall commuting effort, particularly for high‐ranking females that have priority of access to food resources within their clan territory and thus less commuting experience. In hyena clan territories, this may be reflected by a decrease in migratory herd presence and a decrease in the presence of lactating females, as maternal den presence represents the opposite of commuting effort. We investigated the strength of the relationship between rainfall volume, migratory herd presence in three hyena clan territories, and the responses of lactating females to this climate/prey relationship in terms of maternal den presence, using an observation‐based dataset spanning three decades. The probability of migratory herd presence in hyena clan territories increased with the amount of rainfall 2 months earlier, and maternal den presence increased with migratory herd presence. Rainfall volume substantially increased over 30 years, whereas the presence of migratory herds in hyena clans and the strength of the relationship between rainfall and migratory herd presence decreased. Hyenas thus adjusted well to the climate change‐induced decreased the presence of migratory herds in their territories, since maternal den presence did not decrease over 30 years and still matched periods of high prey abundance, irrespective of female social status. These results suggest a high plasticity in the response of this keystone predator to environmental variability.
Evaluating temporal and spatial transferability of a tidal inundation model for foraging waterbirds
Authors: Martinez Marisa T. , Calle Leonardo , Romañach Stephanie S. , Gawlik Dale E.
Published: April 2022

For ecosystem models to be applicable outside their context of development, temporal and spatial transferability must be demonstrated. This presents a challenge for modeling intertidal ecosystems where spatiotemporal variation arises at multiple scales. Models specializing in tidal dynamics are generally inhibited from having wider ecological applications by coarse spatiotemporal resolution or high user competency. The Tidal Inundation Model of Shallow‐water Availability (TiMSA) uniquely simulates tides to empirically derive a time‐integrated measure of availability for a shallow‐water depth range defined by the user. To evaluate temporal and spatiotemporal transferability, we employed TiMSA at the development site in the Florida Keys and at novel subsites in the Florida Bay (application site) under a different time period (application period). We used foraging little blue herons (Egretta caerulea) as the ecological unit with which to constrain the model's “water depth window,” that is, range of water depths to estimate shallow‐water availability. At the development site, temporally consistent water depth windows contrasted with interannual variation in shallow‐water availability, which revealed short‐term changes in Little Blue Heron foraging habitat. At the application site, water depth accuracy varied by subsite and was correlated with spatial error in bathymetric elevation. Although TiMSA parameters were sensitive to environmental temporal variation and uncertainty in spatial data, a spatially explicit water depth window generated reliable estimates of shallow‐water conditions over space and time at the development and application sites. By exploring the contributing factors to model error, we provide solutions to reduce uncertainty of TiMSA parameters at potential application sites and recommendations for addressing bathymetric inaccuracy in digital elevation models. Accurately quantifying spatiotemporal changes of shallow water has implications for monitoring habitat conditions for tidally influenced species and projecting future changes to coastal ecosystems in response to anthropogenic stressors and natural disturbances such as sea level rise.
From genes to landscapes: Pattern formation and self‐regulation in raised bogs with an example from Tierra del Fuego
Authors: Couwenberg John , Baumann Martin , Lamkowski Paul , Joosten Hans
Published: April 2022

We studied a pristine, prominently patterned raised bog in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, to disentangle the complex interactions among plants and water and peat. The studied bog lacks complicating features often posed by other bogs. It is completely dominated by Sphagnum magellanicum, which covers all niches and growth forms, and is joined by only a dozen higher plant species; it is entirely ombrotrophic with very sharp borders to the surrounding fen; it has only one type of peat that shows an only limited range in degree of decomposition; and it is situated in a very even climate with minimal differences in rainfall and temperature over the year. We present detailed measurements along a 498‐m‐long transect crossing the bog, including water table measurements (n = 498), contiguous vegetation relevés (n = 248), hydraulic conductivity just below the water table (n = 246), and hydraulic conductivity in 11 depth profiles (n = 291); degree of humification of the corresponding peat was assessed in conjunction with the hydraulic conductivity measurements (n = 537). Sphagnum magellanicum moss samples were collected every 2 m along this transect as well and genotyped (n = 242). In addition, along short, 26‐m‐long transects crossing strings and flarks water table and hydraulic conductivity just below the water table were measured every meter. Sphagnum growth forms were assessed, and the vegetation of the entire bog was mapped in 10 × 10‐m relevés (n = 3322). A simulation model was applied to a generalized shape of the bog and produced surface patterns that well matched those seen in the field. The results were integrated with information from the literature and discussed in the framework of a self‐regulating and self‐organizing raised bog. We identified 19 hydrological feedback mechanisms. We found that the various mechanisms overlap in both space and time, which means there is redundancy in the self‐regulation of the system. Raised bogs, when in a natural state, are among the most resilient ecosystems known; resilience that is provided by feedbacks and backup systems to these feedbacks.
On the clinical acceptance of black‐box systems for EEG seizure prediction
Authors: Pinto Mauro. F. , Leal Adriana , Lopes Fábio , Pais José , Dourado António , Sales Francisco , Martins Pedro , Teixeira César A.
Published: April 2022

Seizure prediction may be the solution for epileptic patients whose drugs and surgery do not control seizures. Despite 46 years of research, few devices/systems underwent clinical trials and/or are commercialized, where the most recent state‐of‐the‐art approaches, as neural networks models, are not used to their full potential. The latter demonstrates the existence of social barriers to new methodologies due to data bias, patient safety, and legislation compliance. In the form of literature review, we performed a qualitative study to analyze the seizure prediction ecosystem to find these social barriers. With the Grounded Theory, we draw hypotheses from data, while with the Actor‐Network Theory we considered that technology shapes social configurations and interests, being fundamental in healthcare. We obtained a social network that describes the ecosystem and propose research guidelines aiming at clinical acceptance. Our most relevant conclusion is the need for model explainability, but not necessarily intrinsically interpretable models, for the case of seizure prediction. Accordingly, we argue that it is possible to develop robust prediction models, including black‐box systems to some extent, while avoiding data bias, ensuring patient safety, and still complying with legislation, if they can deliver human‐ comprehensible explanations. Due to skepticism and patient safety reasons, many authors advocate the use of transparent models which may limit their performance and potential. Our study highlights a possible path, by using model explainability, on how to overcome these barriers while allowing the use of more computationally robust models.
The effect of cationic surfactants on bitumen's viscosity and asphaltene nanostructure under thermal partial upgrading
Authors: Abdrabou Moataz K. , Han Xue , Zheng Ying , Zeng Yimin , Rohani Sohrab
Published: April 2022

Bitumen extracted from oil sands is a highly viscous fluid; thus, its transportation via pipelines in its original form resembles a major challenge. Partial upgrading is a recently proposed approach that aims to reduce bitumen's viscosity to meet the pipeline specifications. To optimize the process and make it more cost‐effective, a novel approach is proposed and researched in this study. Ionic surfactants were for the first time employed to promote thermal cracking reactions and dispersion of asphaltenes in bitumen at elevated upgrading temperatures. Three surfactants representing the cationic, nonionic, and anionic charges were studied at the thermal upgrading conditions (360–400◦C) at their optimal addition ratios to mimic the bitumen partial upgrading conditions. The results demonstrated that the cationic surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, DTAB) surpassed the other two surfactants and that with the addition of only 0.25 wt% of it, it can effectively reduce the viscosity of bitumen by up to 60% more than the upgraded bitumen with no additives under the same upgrading temperature. The Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, and Asphaltene analysis revealed that the contents of saturates and aromatics within the upgraded bitumen were also enhanced when DTAB was added. Moreover, the detailed asphaltene nanostructural analysis using X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the addition of the cationic surfactant (DTAB) resulted in an increased asphaltene nanostructural disorder, smaller polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons size, and increased fringe curvature, as compared with the upgraded bitumen's asphaltene with no surfactants. Hence, the results have suggested that DTAB, a cheap and readily available ionic surfactant, can serve as a potential upgrading additive for designing partial upgrading procedures to produce upgraded bitumen with much less viscosity at lower upgrading temperatures. This upgrading technique will result in an upgraded bitumen that requires significantly reduced volumes of diluent for transportation.
Determination of coal pillar width for gob‐side entry driving in isolated coal face and its control in deep soft‐broken coal seam: A case study
Authors: Wang En , Xie Shengrong
Published: April 2022

Large deformation control of surrounding rock in deep soft‐broken coal roadway has always been a key scientific and technological problem restricting the deep coal resources exploitation. Taking the gob‐side entry driving (GED) in isolated coal face under deep soft‐broken coal as research object, the prominent difficulties of surrounding rock control were clarified. Through numerical simulation, the evolution laws of deviatoric stress and plastic zone of GED under different coal pillar widths were studied. Combined with rational calculation, reasonable coal pillar width was determined to be 7.0 m. The study shows that severe disturbance distance in the front section of the coal face is 22 m, and makes it clear that coal pillar and roof are the key control areas. A subregional asymmetric combined support technology named anchor cable truss in roof and coal pillar + anchor cable in solid coal + single prop reinforced support in 25 m ahead of the coal face was proposed. The field application and ground pressure observation results show that good control effect has been achieved after adopting subregional asymmetric support technology under 7 m coal pillar width. The research results have important reference significance for safe mining in deep coal resources.
Exceptional point protected robust on‐chip optical logic gates
Authors: Yang Song‐Rui , Zhang Xu‐Lin , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: April 2022

Optical logic gates are crucial components for information processing and communication using photons. Current optical logic gates typically rely on the light interference principle which requires an accurate manipulation of the dynamical phase of light, making the device quite sensitive to system disturbances such as fabrication errors. Here we introduce non‐Hermitian principles into the design of optical logic gates that work in the signal transmission process. We propose an exclusive‐or gate for silicon‐on‐insulator platform by employing the physics in the exceptional point (EP) encirclement process. The EP induced mode switching behavior is applied to manipulate the phase of light which is topologically protected by the energy surface around the EP. As a result, the performance of the device is found to be extremely robust to structural parameter disturbances. The proposed non‐Hermitian principle is expected to find applications for other on‐chip photonic devices toward high robust performance.
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of novel heteropolysaccharide isolated from Lobularia maritima on CCl4‐induced liver injury in rats
Authors: Ben Hsouna Anis , Hfaiedh Mbarka , Ben Slima Sirine , Romdhane Walid Ben , Akacha Boutheina Ben , Bouterra Mohamed Taieb , Dhifi Wissal , Mnif Wissem , Brini Faical , Ben Saad Rania , Ben Salah Riadh
Published: April 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the extraction and the characterization of a novel heteropolysaccharide from Tunisian halophyte Lobularia maritima (LmPS). We were also interested in its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury in rats. LmPS physicochemical properties were evaluated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV absorption. According to TLC and HPLC results, LmPS was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, and xylose. Its molecular weight was 130.62 kDa. This heteropolysaccharide was characterized by a significant antioxidant potential and was efficient against oxidative stress and CCL4‐induced hepatotoxicity in rat Wistar models (n = 8) treated with a single dose of LmPS 250 mg/kg of body weight. This was evidenced by a significant increase in serum marker enzymes specially aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The cytokines released after stimulation of rats with LmPS showed high anti‐inflammatory profiles with an increased rate of interleukine‐10 (IL‐10) with 0.03 pg/mL compared to animals treated only with CCl4. On the contrary, we noticed a decrease of the other cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α: TNF‐α, interleukine‐6: IL‐6, transforming growth factor beta 1: TGF‐β1) with average concentration values of <0.2, 0.1, and 0.04 pg/mL, respectively. Besides, histopathological examinations revealed that CCl4 causes acute liver damage, characterized by extensive hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolization, and inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as DNA fragmentation. LmPS administration at a dose of 250 mg/kg resulted in a significant hepatoprotection, evidenced by a reduction of CCl4‐induced oxidative damage for all tested markers. These findings eagerly confirmed that LmPS was effective in the protection against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity. It, therefore, suggested a potential therapeutic use of this polysaccharide as an alternative medicine for patients with acute liver diseases.
Multicenter study of the evolution of different types of avulsion over the 12 months after delivery
Authors: García‐Mejido José Antonio , González‐Diaz Enrique , Ortega Ismael , Martín‐Martinez Alicia , Fernández‐Palacín Ana , Sainz‐Bueno José Antonio
Published: April 2022

Objective

To perform a multicenter study of muscle recovery in levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion during the first 12 months postpartum according to the type of LAM avulsion suffered.

Methods

This was a multicenter prospective observational study including 242 primiparas. Transperineal ultrasound was performed at 6 months and 12 months after delivery. Type I LAM avulsion was present when most of the lateral fibers of the pubovisceral muscle were observed at the muscle's insertion at the pubic level. Type II LAM avulsion was defined as complete detachment of the pubovisceral muscle from its insertion at the pubic level.

Results

Among the 56 patients who completed the study (with ultrasound at 6 and 12 months after delivery), 76 avulsions (10 cases of bilateral avulsion) were identified at 6 months after delivery, and the total number of avulsions had decreased to 58 at 12 months after delivery (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.9%–33.5%). This decrease was due to the disappearance of 69.2% of the cases of Type I LAM avulsions (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 50.2%–88.2%). However, the number of Type II LAM avulsions remained constant at 6 months and 12 months after delivery.

Conclusion

The spontaneous resolution of LAM avulsion during the first 12 months postpartum occurs in cases of Type I LAM avulsion but is not observed in Type II LAM avulsion.
Effects of environmental distractions on teachers' procedural integrity with three function‐based treatments
Authors: Berdeaux Kally L. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Williams Sarah D.
Published: April 2022

Past research has demonstrated the effectiveness of teacher‐implemented, function‐based treatments for problem behavior, but no studies have evaluated the impact of distractions on teachers' procedural integrity. In this proof‐of‐concept study, the experimenters employed a laboratory analog to examine the impact of distractions on levels of integrity when 5 teachers implemented 3 different treatments. Although integrity was similar across treatments when the setting was free of distractions, integrity declined for all teachers in the presence of student‐driven distractions. In general, distractions had a greater impact on the integrity of differential negative reinforcement of alternative behavior (DNRA) compared to differential negative reinforcement of other behavior (DNRO) and noncontingent escape (NCE), particularly for the delivery of reinforcement. However, teachers tended to have lower levels of integrity when responding to problem behavior during DNRO. These findings support the potential viability of this approach for studying factors that impede procedural integrity in the classroom.
Front Cover
Authors: Feng Ximeng , Yu Yue , Zou Da , Jin Zi , Zhou Chuanqing , Liu Gangjun , Fujimoto James G. , Li Changhui , Lu Yanye , Ren Qiushi
Published: April 2022

A novel integration of retinal multispectral imaging (MSI), retinal oximetry, and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is presented for functional imaging of retinal blood vessels that could potentially allow early detection or monitoring of functional changes. This technology can rapidly acquire structural MSI images, retinal oximetry, and LSCI blood flow information in a simplified clinical workflow. Results from multiple modalities can be combined to provide structural‐functional information.

Further details can be found in the article by Ximeng Feng, Yue Yu, Da Zou, Zi Jin, Chuanqing Zhou, Gangjun Liu, James G. Fujimoto, Changhui Li, Yanye Lu, Qiushi Ren (e202100285)

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Renal Clearance of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) and its Fragments in Humans
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Katz Ronit , Ginsberg Charles , Bullen Alexander , Vallon Volker , Thomson Scott , Moe Orson W. , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , de Leeuw Peter W. , Kroon Abraham A. , Houben Alfons J.H.M. , Ix Joachim H.
Published: April 2022

Relative abundance of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) measured by the C-terminal (cFGF23, which measures both intact FGF23 and C-terminal fragments) versus intact (iFGF23, measures only intact hormone) assays varies by kidney function in humans. Differential kidney clearance may explain this finding. We measured cFGF23 and iFGF23 in the aorta and bilateral renal veins of 162 patients with essential hypertension undergoing renal angiography. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined factors associated with aorta to renal vein reduction of FGF23 using both assays. Similar parameters and with addition of urine concentrations of cFGF23 and iFGF23 were measured in six Wistar rats. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 54 ± 12 years, 54% were women, and mean creatinine clearance was 72 ± 48 mL/min/100 g. The human kidney reduced the concentrations of both cFGF23 (16% ± 12%) and iFGF23 (21% ± 16%), but reduction was higher for iFGF23. Greater kidney creatinine and PTH reductions were each independently associated with greater reductions of both cFGF23 and iFGF23. The greater kidney reduction of iFGF23 compared to cFGF23 appeared stable and consistent across the range of creatinine clearance evaluated. Kidney clearance was similar, and urine concentrations of both assays were low in the rat models, suggesting kidney metabolism of both cFGF23 and iFGF23. Renal reduction of iFGF23 is higher than that of creatinine and cFGF23. Our data suggest that FGF23 is metabolized by the kidney. However, the major cell types involved in metabolization of FGF23 requires future study. Kidney clearance of FGF23 does not explain differences in C-terminal and intact moieties across the range of kidney function. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Synthesis and molecular modeling of new 2‐benzylidenethiobarbituric acid derivatives as potent tyrosinase inhibitors agents
Authors: Najafi Zahra , Kamari‐aliabadi Adel , Sabourian Reyhaneh , Hajimahmoodi Mannan , Chehardoli Gholamabbas
Published: April 2022

New 2‐benzylidenethiobarbituric acid‐(benzyloxyphenyl) derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as tyrosinase inhibitors. The products can be divided into two groups: 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives and vanillin derivatives. Some of the 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives showed significant inhibitory activity while all vanillin derivatives have no inhibitory activities. It seems that the presence of the methoxy group on the internal aromatic ring prevents the ligand–enzyme interaction. According to the tyrosinase inhibitory assay, 5‐(4‐([4‐Methylbenzyl]oxy)benzylidene)‐2‐thioxodihydropyrimidine‐4,6(1H,5H)‐dione (4g) is the most potent antityrosinase agents with an IC50 value of 23.90 ± 0.08 μM. It showed even better inhibitory activity than kojic acid. The results of kinetic and molecular docking studies demonstrated that compound 4g acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor and can bind to some amino acids such as His263 and Val283 of the active site through Pi–alkyl and Pi–Pi interactions and areas around the active site via the hydrogen bond. In‐silico adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies predicted that these products have good drug‐likeness. All findings indicate the 2‐benzylidenethiobarbituric acids with the benzyloxyphenyl tail have good potential for the treatment of melanogenesis compared to kojic acid.
Authentication of documents using polypropylene immobilized with rare‐earth doped aluminate nanoparticles
Authors: Al‐Qahtani Salhah D. , Snari Razan M. , Alkhamis Kholood , Alhasani Mona , Ibarhiam Saham F. , Habeebullah Turki M. , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M.
Published: April 2022

Anticounterfeiting of commercial products has been improved using photochromism as an intriguing approach. In order to develop a mechanically reliable nanocomposite, the engineering procedure of the anticounterfeiting nanocomposite must be improved. Rare‐earth doped aluminate/polypropylene (REA/PP) hybrid nanofibers were successfully made by electrospinning, and they were shown to be mechanically stable and highly photoluminescent, making them ideal for anticounterfeiting applications. UV‐induced photochromic anticounterfeiting properties were monitored in the synthesized nanocomposite films. In order to ensure that the REA‐PP film is completely transparent, REA must be embedded into the polypropylene nanofibers in nano‐sized particle shape to facilitate a better dispersion without agglomeration of REA particles in polypropylene matrix. The morphology and structure of REA were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The morphologies and chemical contents of the polypropylene nanofibrous films were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The REA‐PP nanofibrous film showed absorbance and emission maxima at 365 and 517 nm, respectively. When exposed to UV light, the photochromic activity of the transparent nanofibrous substrates to greenish‐yellow was rapid and reversible without fatigue. Hydrophobicity of REA‐PP films increased without affecting their original look or mechanical properties, while increasing the REA content. It was possible to produce ultraviolet‐induced photochromic nanofibrous films that were transparent, flexible, and cost‐effective. As a result of this method, numerous anticounterfeiting materials could be developed toward a better marketplace with both economy and community values.

Highlights

Rare‐earth aluminate/polypropylene (REA/PP) electrospun nanofibers were prepared.

The photochromic transparent nanofibers displayed green emission under UV light.

The nanofibrous films were flexible, mechanically stable and highly luminescent.

Films showed absorbance and emission maxima at 365 and 517 nm, respectively.

Hydrophobicity was improved without affecting the films original properties.
Data switching method among heterogeneous power information system databases based on knowledge graph
Authors: Bao Fu , Tian Yuan , Gao Yudou
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the problems of long data switching time, low information utilization rate, and low switching accuracy in traditional data switching methods, a data switching method between heterogeneous power information system databases based on knowledge graphs is proposed. Based on the knowledge graph technology and its ternary structure, the data of the heterogeneous power information system is processed, and the N‐Gram model is used to realize the knowledge extraction, and the data error correction is established through the model. Through ODBC technology to complete the link between heterogeneous power information system databases, and then select the data access interface and determine the data extraction task, and finally realize the data exchange between the heterogeneous power information system databases. Experimental results show that the average communication channel bandwidth during the data switching process is 1.8 Gb/s, the highest value of data switching accuracy reaches 82%, and the information utilization rate after data switching is relatively high, indicating that the method has certain effectiveness.
Equivalent‐circuit extraction for gallium nitride electron devices: Direct versus optimization‐empowered approaches
Authors: Jarndal Anwar , Crupi Giovanni , Alim Mohammad Abdul , Vadalà Valeria , Raffo Antonio , Vannini Giorgio
Published: April 2022

This work focuses on the equivalent‐circuit modeling of microwave field‐effect transistors. Although the purely direct approach allows obtaining a good prediction accuracy in a straightforward way without the need of any optimization, optimization algorithms are often used to achieve an improved accuracy at the cost of a higher modeling complexity. The pros and cons of empowering the direct approach with optimization algorithms are discussed by focusing the analysis on a 1000‐μm periphery gallium nitride high‐electron‐mobility transistor on silicon carbide substrate. The comparison between the two different approaches is performed through an extensive analysis of the frequency‐dependent behavior of the small‐signal characteristics.
How do snow cover fraction change and respond to climate in Altai Mountains of China?
Authors: Qin Shen , Xiao Pengfeng , Zhang Xueliang
Published: April 2022

Investigating the spatial and temporal changes in snow cover over mountain areas is significant for understanding the impact of regional climate variability. In this study, using cloud‐removed snow cover data, which are generated based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily snow cover products, the spatiotemporal changes of snow cover fraction (SCF) and its relationship with temperature and precipitation changes from 2002 to 2020 were examined over Altai Mountains, China. The results demonstrate that the distribution and changes of SCF are highly spatiotemporally heterogeneous. Within a year, the maximum SCF occurs in January at 98.6%, and the minimum appears in July at 8.7%. The annual‐mean SCF shows an increasing trend at 0.09%·annum−1, owing to the significantly increasing SCF in the snow accumulation period at 0.5%·annum−1 and the decreasing SCF in the snow melting period at −0.2%·annum−1. The SCF distribution, as well as its interannual change, is greatly influenced by elevation. During the snow cover period, a positive linear correlation between SCF and elevation is found at 0.02%·m−1 (p < .01). The annual‐mean SCF decreases in the area below 1,200 m, whereas it increases in the area above 1,200 m. Accordingly, the elevation‐dependent SCF results in various SCF distributions on different slopes and watersheds. The SCF shows an apparent pattern in different aspects, with similar SCFs between the north and east aspects and between the west and south aspects but a difference between the northeast aspects and the westsouth aspects. The SCF is negatively correlated with air temperature (r = −0.74, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with precipitation (r = 0.74, p < 0.01). In addition, temperature shows a significant and larger correlation with SCF in both the snow accumulation and melting periods, indicating the major factor of temperature for the changes in SCF.
A unique approach to achieving organizational excellence: The Cube One Framework
Authors: Kopelman Richard E.
Published: April 2022

In this article, I present the rationale and evidence pertinent to the utility of the Cube One Framework for achieving organizational excellence. Three factors contribute to the uniqueness of the Cube One framework: (1) the reliance on measuring the frequency of enacted practices (as contrasted to the traditional emphasis on stated policies, leadership philosophies, and mission statements); (2) the empirical examination of practices directed toward satisfying the needs of three separate stakeholders—funders, customers, and employees–customers consistently being neglected from lists of High‐Performance Work Practices which focus solely on productivity and employee satisfaction; and (3) the capability of performing an empirically‐based diagnosis of organizational strengths and opportunities for improvement. I offer three types of evidence: survey data collected in four studies conducted in three countries–where results are (surprisingly) slightly stronger for organizations in the nonprofit/government sectors as compared to for‐profit companies; longitudinal stock market valuations using a sample of America's Most Admired Companies per Fortune Magazine; and seven case studies of prominent organizations such as Google, Four Seasons Hotels, and Mayo Clinic.
Towards a solid‐state light detection and ranging system using holographic illumination and time‐of‐flight image sensing
Authors: Bantounos Konstantinos , Smeeton Tim M. , Underwood Ian
Published: April 2022

Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems are finding their way into an increasing number of applications including autonomous vehicles. Image sensors based on single‐photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays have demonstrated great promise for LIDAR, typically using flood illumination or raster‐scanning of a small spot. Holographic illumination, based on phase‐only liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) spatial light modulators, has been successfully applied to display systems such as automotive head up displays (HUDs). It holds great promise as the method of illumination for a LIDAR system. We present a novel solid‐state LIDAR architecture using holographic projection and single‐photon detection. We report a simple experiment that demonstrates proof of concept. The results of the experiment show that the novel architecture can improve the depth accuracy of 3D imaging compared to conventional LIDAR systems. We also indicate several key performance advantages of the novel architecture that will increase as the system scales to higher performance.
Seasonal dynamics of anaerobic oxidation of ammonium and denitrification in a dimictic lake during the stratified spring–summer period
Authors: Alejandra Peña Sanchez , Clara Duffner , Anja Wunderlich , Bernhard Mayer , Stefanie Schulz , Schloter Michael , Florian Einsiedl
Published: April 2022

In aquatic ecosystems, nitrogen (N) loading is mitigated in redox transition zones principally through the processes of denitrification and anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (anammox). Here, we investigate the N cycling processes in the water column of a seasonal stratified lake influenced by benthic processes in Southern Germany (Fohnsee) during the development of the vertical redox stratification between April and September. Concentration profiles and stable isotope compositions of NO3− and NH4+ together with numerical modeling and quantification of the hydrazine synthase gene (hzsB) and nitrite reductase (nirK and nirS) genes were used to identify the predominant nitrogen‐transformation processes at lake Fohnsee throughout the spring and summer periods. Water chemistry data, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and increases of δ15N and δ18O values of nitrate from 7.0‰ to 41.0‰ and 2.0‰ to 28.0‰, respectively, showed that nitrate reduction to nitrite and NO occurs in an upward moving zone of the water column from June to September following the displacement of the oxycline caused by thermal stratification. We also observed an increase in δ15N of ammonium from 15‰ to 28‰ in the anoxic water column. Modeling results suggest that this shift in δ15N‐NH4+ is predominantly controlled by mixing between ammonium stemming from the oxic water column with δ15N values of 25‰ and ammonium that is likely formed in the lake sediments by oxidation of organic matter with δ15N values of 11‰. Observed gene abundances (hzsB, nirK, and nirS) in lake water samples collected in June and July indicated the co‐occurrence of nitrate reduction and low rates of anammox, while the presence of sulfide in August and September may have inhibited the activity of anammox bacteria near the sulfate‐reduction zone at the lake bottom. This study revealed temporal and spatial (e.g., depth dependent) variations in the dominant N‐transformation processes in the investigated lake.
The theory of hereditarily bounded sets
Authors: Jeřábek Emil
Published: April 2022

We show that for any , the structure of sets that are hereditarily of size at most k is decidable. We provide a transparent complete axiomatization of its theory, a quantifier elimination result, and tight bounds on its computational complexity. This stands in stark contrast to the structure of hereditarily finite sets, which is well known to be bi‐interpretable with the standard model of arithmetic .
Corticosteroids after loss of ambulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A dilemma for the ages
Authors: Paul Dustin , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: April 2022

See article on pages 15‐23 in this issue.
The Schwarz alternating method for transient solid dynamics
Authors: Mota Alejandro , Tezaur Irina , Phlipot Gregory
Published: April 2022

In our earlier work, we formulated the Schwarz alternating method as a means for concurrent multiscale coupling in finite deformation solid mechanics for quasi‐static problems. Herein, we advance this method for the study of transient dynamic multiscale solid mechanics problems where information is exchanged back and forth between small and large scales. The extension to dynamics relies on the notion of a global time stepper. Within each global time step, the subdomains are coupled by the standard Schwarz iterative process. Remarkably, each subdomain can use its own time step or even its own time integrator to advance its solution in time, provided that they synchronize at each global time step. We study the performance of the Schwarz method on several examples designed for this purpose. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that the method is capable of coupling regions with different mesh resolutions, different element types, and different time integration schemes (e.g., implicit and explicit), all without introducing any artifacts that afflict other coupling methods for transient dynamics. Finally, we apply the dynamic Schwarz alternating method to the simulation of a bolted joint subjected to dynamic loading, as a demonstration of the performance of the method in a realistic scenario.
COVID‐19 vaccine (mRNA BNT162b2) and COVID‐19 infection‐induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in adolescents
Authors: Vorster Luna , Kirk Susan E. , Muscal Eyal , Despotovic Jenny M. , Cohen Clay T. , Sartain Sarah E.
Published: April 2022

The mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine and COVID‐19 infection caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus may be immunologic triggers for the development of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). There is not yet literature that discusses TTP induced by COVID‐19 vaccination or infection in pediatric or adolescent patients. We describe three adolescents presenting with TTP (both de novo and relapsed disease) following administration of the Pfizer COVID‐19 vaccine or after COVID‐19 infection. Our observations demonstrate that the Pfizer‐BioNTech mRNA vaccine and COVID‐19 infection can act as triggers for the development/relapse of both congenital and acquired TTP.
Low‐dose ketamine infusions reduce opioid use in pediatric and young adult oncology patients
Authors: Anghelescu Doralina L , Ryan Stephanie , Wu Diana , Morgan Kyle J. , Patni Tushar , Li Yimei
Published: April 2022

Background

Ketamine is an NMDA‐receptor antagonist with analgesic and opioid‐sparing properties. Although well studied in adults, more robust evidence supporting ketamine's use for pediatric pain management is needed. This retrospective study evaluates ketamine's opioid‐sparing effectiveness in pediatric and young adult oncology and hematology patients.

Procedure

Continuous ketamine infusions administered for pain management between 2010–2020 were reviewed. Data including demographic characteristics, oncology/hematology and pain diagnoses, concurrent pain medications, and ketamine infusions’ dose and duration were collected. Opioid consumption data based on delivery via patient‐controlled analgesia were collected 1 day before (D1), all days during (cumulatively named D2), and 1 day after (D3) ketamine infusions and calculated as morphine‐equivalent doses (mg/kg/day). Data were reported for the entire study group as well as for distinct oncology and end‐of‐life categories, and short‐term acute pain circumstances which included vaso‐occlusive crises in hematology patients. Side effects were reviewed.

Results

Significantly lower daily opioid consumption was noted in the oncology group, while decreases were not significant in the end‐of‐life group and in the overall study population. The acute pain group did not show an opioid reduction associated with the ketamine infusions. A largely tolerable side‐effect profile was observed, with no differences among each group's incidence.

Conclusions

Ketamine infusions were associated with significantly reduced opioid consumption for oncology patients. The opioid‐sparing effects of ketamine may vary according to clinical diagnoses and circumstances of use. Overall, low‐dose ketamine infusions present an acceptable safety profile in pediatric and young adult patients; nevertheless, individual risks and benefits should be considered.
The first genome for the Cape Primrose Streptocarpus rexii (Gesneriaceae), a model plant for studying meristem‐driven shoot diversity
Authors: Nishii Kanae , Hart Michelle , Kelso Nathan , Barber Sadie , Chen Yun‐Yu , Thomson Marian , Trivedi Urmi , Twyford Alex D. , Möller Michael
Published: April 2022

Cape Primroses (Streptocarpus, Gesneriaceae) are an ideal study system for investigating the genetics underlying species diversity in angiosperms. Streptocarpus rexii has served as a model species for plant developmental research for over five decades due to its unusual extended meristem activity present in the leaves. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the complete nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes of S. rexii using Oxford Nanopore Technologies long read sequencing. Two flow cells of PromethION sequencing resulted in 32 billion reads and were sufficient to generate a draft assembly including the chloroplast, mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, spanning 776 Mbp. The final nuclear genome assembly contained 5,855 contigs, spanning 766 Mbp of the 929‐Mbp haploid genome with an N50 of 3.7 Mbp and an L50 of 57 contigs. Over 70% of the draft genome was identified as repeats. A genome repeat library of Gesneriaceae was generated and used for genome annotation, with a total of 45,045 genes annotated in the S. rexii genome. Ks plots of the paranomes suggested a recent whole genome duplication event, shared between S. rexii and Primulina huaijiensis. A new chloroplast and mitochondrial genome assembly method, based on contig coverage and identification, was developed, and successfully used to assemble both organellar genomes of S. rexii. This method was developed into a pipeline and proved widely applicable. The nuclear genome of S. rexii and other datasets generated and reported here will be invaluable resources for further research to aid in the identification of genes involved in morphological variation underpinning plant diversification.