bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic control of a smart structure with semiactive tuned mass damper and adaptive stiffness property
Authors: Wang Liangkun , Zhou Ying , Shi Weixing
Published: March 2023

To reduce structural responses under earthquake excitations effectively and improve their resilience, a smart structure with a semiactive tuned mass damper (STMD) on the top story and a semiactive adjustable stiffness device (SASD) on the first story which contributes to the structural adaptive stiffness property is developed in this study. The SASD consists of a diamond spring device composed of four linear springs and an electromagnetic actuator, which can change the angle of the diamond device and therefore retune the stiffness. Two typical STMDs developed previously are reviewed first, which are diamond device‐based STMD with variable stiffness and damping and pendulum‐type STMD with variable frequency and eddy current damping, respectively. Numerical results show that the proposed STMD has a better control performance than passive‐tuned mass damper and STMD with variable stiffness or damping acting independently. To enhance the seismic protection of the structure with an STMD on the top story further, based on the principle of base isolation, a diamond device‐based SASD is applied to the first story. The linear quadratic Gaussian‐based variable stiffness algorithm for SASD is proposed. A 10‐story building is presented as a case study. The variable stiffness range of SASD is discussed in detail, while it is found that a ±50% variable stiffness range achieves the best earthquake mitigation. Control effects of different numbers of SASD implemented along the height of the building are compared as well. Numerical results show that with the increase in the number of SASDs, the earthquake mitigation effect is better; however, the magnitude of the increase is decreasing. The smart structure with the combined SASD and STMD has an excellent seismic protection performance and is better than with SASD or STMD acting independently. Meanwhile, it is found that the proposed combination has a similar control effect to four SASDs installed from the first story to the fourth story, respectively, while it can reduce the number of additional electromechanical systems and the influence on the use function of the building.
Design and Synthesis of Exocyclic Cyclitol Aziridines as Potential Mechanism‐Based Glycosidase Inactivators
Authors: Ofman Tim P. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Overkleeft Hermen S.
Published: March 2023

Cyclophellitol aziridines have found wide application as mechanism‐based, covalent, and irreversible inhibitors of retaining glycosidases. These compounds, like their parent compound, cyclophellitol (a natural product retaining β‐glucosidase inactivator), make use of the mechanism of action of retaining glycosidases, which process their substrate through the formation of a transient covalent intermediate. In contrast, inverting glycosidases, the other main family of glycosyl hydrolases, do not employ such a covalent intermediate, and, as a consequence, useful scaffolds for mechanism‐based inhibitor design have yet to be discovered. In this work, we explore chemistries that allow for the construction of cyclitol aziridines with the aziridine electrophile attached in an exocyclic fashion, more distal from the anomeric carbon – thus putatively closer to an inverting glycosidase active site nucleophile. The developed chemistries have allowed for the synthesis of a focused library of differently N‐substituted, α‐and β‐glucopyranose configured cyclitol aziridines for future evaluation as inhibitors or inactivators of α‐and β‐glucosidases alike.
Metal‐ and Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of 2‐Substituted‐Phthalimides Using 2‐(Arenesulfonyl)Phthalimide as Key Reagents
Authors: Khalifa Abdalrahman , Giles Marco , Ali Hamed I. , Mohamady Samy
Published: March 2023

Phthalimide derivatives are important in medicinal chemistry, several phthalimidation methodologies have been developed. Here, we report a facile, metal‐free, and catalyst‐free method for the preparation of N‐phthalimides in good to excellent yield by reacting 2‐(arenesulfonyl)phthalimides with various amine substrates.
Simple‐mix: Thermodynamics modeling in a Gama‐type Stirling engine with a working fluid mixture
Authors: Vaziri Bahram , Azadi Mohammad , Biglari Mojtaba , Madani Seyed Navid
Published: March 2023

The Stirling engine is an external combustion engine that can be utilized in electricity generation. Existing literature indicates that air is less expensive than helium as the working fluid but has the low power and efficiency. Hence, the present updated MATLAB code attempts to use a mixture of air and helium as working fluids or other mixtures of other gases. To this end, this software proposes an experimentally validated nonideal thermodynamic model for a Gama‐type Stirling engine. After validation, a mixing gas of air and helium was used instead of an operating fluid in the thermodynamic model. Finally, three examples were run to demonstrate the software outputs for a hybrid engine.
Material‐tangent‐stiffness‐proportional viscous damping for nonlinear geometric inelastic frame analysis
Authors: Baena‐Urrea Jose F. , Almeida João P.
Published: March 2023

This work presents a stiffness‐proportional viscous damping model based on the material component of the total tangent stiffness matrix. It is developed for nonlinear geometric inelastic frame analysis and implemented with distributed plasticity formulations. The use of a corotational approach allows isolating the nonlinear effects arising from material and geometric sources, hence allowing to preclude the contribution of the latter to simulate non‐modelled sources of energy dissipation. Following the presentation of the theoretical framework and a discussion on the physical meaningfulness of the proposed approach, several illustrative case studies are presented. The first is based on the damped free vibration response of a slender cantilever with elastic response, whereas the second addresses the seismic behavior of an inelastic reinforced concrete cantilever column. Comparisons with the total‐tangent‐stiffness‐proportional approach showcase the advantages of the current proposal.
Towards an automated acquisition and parametrization of debris‐flow prone torrent channel properties based on photogrammetric‐derived uncrewed aerial vehicle data
Authors: Schmucki Gregor , Bartelt Perry , Bühler Yves , Caviezel Andrin , Graf Christoph , Marty Mauro , Stoffel Andreas , Huggel Christian
Published: March 2023

Debris flows are a hazard in mountainous regions. Cost‐effective, long‐term studies of debris‐flow torrents, however, are rare, leading to uncertainties in hazard assessment and hazard prevention. Here, we address the question of whether cost‐effective remote sensing techniques can be applied for assessment of mountain torrents and possibly further gather accurate, long‐term information on the evolution of the catchment. Torrents prone to debris flows are often devoid of vegetation in the near channel area and hence can be well captured with photogrammetrically derived methods using uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys. The possibility of automatically extracting specific torrent parameters from high‐resolution terrain models, such as cross‐section area or gradient, is investigated. The presented methodology yields continuous and automatically derived geometrical parameters such as torrent bed width, inclination and cross‐section area, which is a major advantage compared with point‐based, often dangerous field surveys. Their cross‐validation with field measurements shows strong agreement. Those parameters are accurate along sharply incised sections with strong limitations along sections with steep adjacent slopes and/or dense vegetation. The information along the torrent allows fast identification of key sections and weak spots which can be precisely evaluated in the field. The study highlights that proper classification of real ground points poses the key challenge. We show that photogrammetric routines to derive a high‐resolution digital terrain model (DTM) are limited in the case of dense vegetation coverage. In such cases, LiDAR surveys have clear advantages even though they are also limited by very dense vegetation. We find that UAV data can be used for an objective method of estimating debris‐flow torrent geometric properties. And the introduced approaches therefore build a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive, reproducible and objective assessment of torrent processes and predispositions. However, ground‐referencing fieldwork remains essential, and further research on remote sensing supported hazard assessment of debris‐flow‐prone torrents is indispensable.
“It's going to help me in life”: Forms, sources, and functions of social support for youth in natural mentoring relationships
Authors: Varga Shannon M. , Yu Mark Vincent B. , Johnson Haley E. , Futch Ehrlich Valerie , Deutsch Nancy L.
Published: March 2023

Social support is associated with positive physical and psychological health outcomes for youth. We took a qualitative approach to examine the sources, forms, and functions of social support youth receive from natural mentoring relationships in their lives. Based on in‐depth interviews with 40 adolescents participating in a study of youth–adult relationships and natural mentoring processes, we found that (1) different types of adults had the capacity to provide different types of support and were likely to provide overlapping supports; (2) emotional, informational, and instrumental support qualitatively differed depending on the adult's role (e.g., teacher), while companionship and validation were consistent across adults; and (3) youth were able to identify benefits attached to the social support received from adults. Our findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of aspects and characteristics of effective youth–adult mentoring processes and call for fuller assessments of social support in youths' lives so we may better meet their developmental needs.
The relationship between posttraumatic growth and forgiveness following the drug‐related death of a loved one
Authors: Sperandio Katharine R. , Gutierrez Daniel , Tuazon Victor E. , Kirk Meghan , Lopez Jessica
Published: March 2023

This study explored the relationship between forgiveness and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of individuals who experienced a drug‐related death of a loved one (n = 292). Findings indicated that self‐forgiveness is strongly correlated with PTG. Study implications and limitations are also reviewed and discussed.
Robotic versus open Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy: A more accurate lymph node dissection without burdening the leak rate
Authors: Weindelmayer Jacopo , De Pasqual Carlo Alberto , Turolo Cecilia , Gervasi Maria Clelia , Sacco Michele , Bencivenga Maria , Giacopuzzi Simone
Published: March 2023

Background

Robotic‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) combines the beneficial effects of minimally invasive surgery on postoperative complications, especially on pulmonary ones, with the safety of the anastomosis performed in open surgery. Moreover, RAMIE could allow a more accurate lymphadenectomy.

Methods

We reviewed our database to identify all patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus treated by Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy in the period January 2014 to June 2022. Patients were divided according to the thoracic approach into RAMIE and open esophagectomy (OE) groups. We compared the groups for early surgical outcomes, 90‐day mortality as well as R0 rate, and the number of lymph nodes harvested.

Results

We identified 47 patients in RAMIE and 159 patients in the OE group. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Operative time was significantly longer for RAMIE procedures (p < 0.01); however, we did not observe the difference in overall (RAMIE 55.5% vs. OE 61%, p = 0.76) and severe complications rate (RAMIE 17% vs. OE 22.6%, p = 0.4). The anastomotic leak rate was 2.1% after RAMIE and 6.9% after OE (p = 0.56). We did not report the difference in 90‐day mortality (RAMIE 2.1% vs. OE 1.9%, p = 0.65). In the RAMIE group, we observed a significantly higher number of thoracic lymph nodes harvested, with a median of 10 lymph nodes in the RAMIE group versus 8 in the OE group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In our experience, RAMIE has morbimortality rates comparable to OE. Moreover, it allows a more accurate thoracic lymphadenectomy which results in a higher thoracic lymph nodes retrieval rate.
Determining the optimal radiation‐surgery interval (RSI) for oncologic proctectomy following radiotherapy for rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bobel Matthew C. , McGee Michael F.
Published: March 2023

Preoperative radiotherapy has improved outcomes in rectal cancer patients, however, the optimal interval between radiation and proctectomy is unknown. A review of contemporary literature suggests an 8–12 week interval between radiation and surgery likely improves tumor response rates for rectal cancer patients undergoing proctectomy, which may convey modest improvements in long‐term oncologic outcomes. Prolonged radiation‐surgery intervals may expose surgeons to pelvic fibrosis, however, which may impact later‐term proctectomies and compromise perioperative and oncologic outcomes.
miR‐29a‐3p promotes the regulatory role of eicosapentaenoic acid in the NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy in microglial cells
Authors: Pan Jian‐Ping , Xie Jia‐Li , Huang Li‐Yun , Wu Qi‐Zhen , Tang Dan‐Feng , Jin Qi , Wang Wei , Yang Ming‐Fu
Published: March 2023

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been reported to play an anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative stress role in a series of human diseases, including major depressive disorder. However, its exact mechanism is still largely unknown. Mouse BV‐2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an in vitro inflammatory cell model of depression. Cytotoxic effects were assessed with MTT and lactate dehydrigebase release assays. Cytokine mediators were elevated by western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Autophagy‐relators were determined by immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Interaction relationships among molecules were evaluated utilizing chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assays. Methylated miR‐29a‐3p was detected via methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. EPA treatment at 60 μM had no cytotoxic effects on BV2 cells and significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced inflammatory response and NLRP3 inflammasome but activated autophagy, while all these effects were reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA. Importantly, miR‐29a‐3p exhibited a role similar to that of EPA in LPS‐treated BV2 cells. Mechanistically, EPA treatment elevated miR‐29a‐3p by repressing its promoter methylation. MAPK8 was a direct target of miR‐29a‐3p. Inhibition of miR‐29a‐3p greatly diminished the regulatory roles mediated by EPA in LPS‐treated BV2 cells, while these roles were further impeded after MAPK8 silencing. To conclude, our data demonstrated that EPA treatment alleviated LPS‐induced NLRP3 inflammasomes by activating autophagy via regulation of miR‐29a‐3p/MAPK8 signaling, which further elucidates the potential antidepressant mechanism of EPA.
Hypothyroidism as an Independent Predictor of 30‐day Readmission in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Nyirjesy Sarah C. , Zhao Songzhu , Judd Ryan , McCrary Hilary , Kuhar Hannah N. , Farlow Janice L. , Seim Nolan B. , Rocco James W. , Kang Stephen Y. , Haring Catherine T.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To define the role of hypothyroidism and other risk factors for unplanned readmissions after surgery for head and neck cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was used to identify patients who underwent surgery for mucosal head and neck cancer (oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx) between 2010 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine patient, tumor, and hospital related risk factors for 30‐day readmission. Readmitted patients were stratified by preoperative diagnosis of hypothyroidism to compare readmission characteristics.

Results

For the 131,013 patients who met inclusion criteria, the readmission rate was 15.9%. Overall, 11.91% of patients had a preoperative diagnosis of hypothyroidism. After controlling for other variables, patients with a preoperative diagnosis of hypothyroidism had 12.2% higher odds of readmission compared to those without hypothyroidism (OR: 1.12, 1.03–1.22, p = 0.008). Patients with hypothyroidism had different reasons for readmission, including higher rates of wound dehiscence, fistula, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Among readmitted patients, the length of stay for index admission (mean 10.5 days vs. 9.2 days, p < 0.001), readmission (mean 7.0 vs. 6.6 days, p = 0.05), and total hospital charge were higher for hypothyroid patients ($137,742 vs. $119,831, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is an independent risk factor for 30‐day readmission following head and neck cancer resection. Furthermore, hypothyroid patients are more likely to be readmitted for wound complications, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Targeted interventions should be considered for hypothyroid patients to decrease readmission rates and associated patient morbidity, potentially leading to earlier initiation of adjuvant treatment.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2988–2998, 2023
Lakes protect downstream riverine habitats from chloride toxicity
Authors: Rock Linnea A. , Dugan Hilary A.
Published: March 2023

Freshwater salinization from anthropogenic activities threatens water quality and habitat suitability for many lakes and rivers in North America. Recognizing that salinization is a stress on freshwater environments globally, research on watershed salt transport is necessary for informed management strategies. Prior to this research, there were few studies that examined salt export regimes along a river–lake continuum to investigate the drivers, temporal dynamics, and modulators of freshwater salinization. Here, we use high‐frequency in situ monitoring to assess specific conductance–discharge (cQ) relationships, chloride concentrations and fluxes, and the role of lakes in downstream salt transport. The Upper Yahara River Watershed in southern Wisconsin, USA, is a mixed urban and agricultural watershed where the lakes' chloride concentrations have risen from < 5 mg L−1 in the 1940s to > 50–80 mg L−1 in 2021. Our results suggest cQ behavior depends on land use, with urban areas exhibiting more frequent mobilization events during stormflow and agricultural areas exhibiting predominantly dilution dynamics. In addition, chloride loading is driven by hydrology and watershed size whereas concentrations and yields are a function of anthropogenic drivers like urbanization. We demonstrate how an in‐network lake attenuates downstream salinity, dampening the hydrologic, anthropogenic, and seasonal patterns observed in rivers upstream of the lake. Importantly, biogeochemical processes in lakes overlay a seasonal signal on salinity that must be considered when investigating temporal dynamics of anthropogenic salinization. This research contributes to understanding of temporal dynamics of salt export through watersheds and can be used to inform management strategies for habitat protection.
Recent progress and structural analyses of domain‐selective BET inhibitors
Authors: Divakaran Anand , Harki Daniel A. , Pomerantz William C. K.
Published: March 2023

Epigenetic mechanisms for controlling gene expression through heritable modifications to DNA, RNA, and proteins, are essential processes in maintaining cellular homeostasis. As a result of their central role in human diseases, the proteins responsible for adding, removing, or recognizing epigenetic modifications have emerged as viable drug targets. In the case of lysine‐ε‐N‐acetylation (Kac), bromodomains serve as recognition modules (“readers”) of this activating epigenetic mark and competition of the bromodomain‐Kac interaction with small‐molecule inhibitors is an attractive strategy to control aberrant bromodomain‐mediated gene expression. The bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) family proteins contain eight similar bromodomains. These BET bromodomains are among the more commonly studied bromodomain classes with numerous pan‐BET inhibitors showing promising anticancer and anti‐inflammatory efficacy. However, these results have yet to translate into Food and Drug Administration‐approved drugs, in part due to a high degree of on‐target toxicities associated with pan‐BET inhibition. Improved selectivity within the BET‐family has been proposed to alleviate these concerns. In this review, we analyze the reported BET‐domain selective inhibitors from a structural perspective. We highlight three essential characteristics of the reported molecules in generating domain selectivity, binding affinity, and mimicking Kac molecular recognition. In several cases, we provide insight into the design of molecules with improved specificity for individual BET‐bromodomains. This review provides a perspective on the current state of the field as this exciting class of inhibitors continue to be evaluated in the clinic.
Influence of input motion and surface layer properties on seismic site response: A stochastic simulation method–based MLR model
Authors: Yıldız Özgür
Published: March 2023

Seismic site response analyses are simulations in which the effects of geological conditions on seismic waves are examined. The uncertainties that make these analyses crucial are defined as the source of motion, the travel path of seismic waves, and geological conditions. In this study, a series of non‐linear seismic response analyses were performed using data from site investigation studies. The results of non‐linear analyses performed under earthquakes with different characteristics based on real soil data were investigated in terms of acceleration time histories and response spectra. The relationship between site response with the surface layer properties and input motion properties used in the simulations was examined in a parametrical manner. Based on the results obtained, Monte Carlo simulation, which is a stochastic data simulation method, was performed. Additionally, multiple regression and variance analysis (ANOVA) was performed on the dataset created by both site response analysis and stochastic simulations. The MLR model displayed highly accurate results with a coefficient of determination,R2of 0.9763, and a standard error of 0.109. The efficiency level of the independent variables used as input parameters in the simulations on the dependent variable, AF was examined. It was revealed that the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest (Ko), earthquake motion (i.e., PGA of input motion) and surface layer thickness (dsurface) from the soil properties had the highest effect on the amplification factor.
Near‐optimal control of a class of output‐constrained systems using recurrent neural network: A control‐barrier function approach
Authors: Rad‐Moghadam Surena , Farrokhi Mohammad
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a near‐optimal controller design for the constrained nonlinear affine systems based on a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Extended State Observers (ESOs). For this purpose, after defining a finite‐horizon integral‐type performance index, the prediction over the horizon is performed using the Taylor expansion that converts the primary problem into a finite‐dimensional optimization. In comparison with other controllers of the similar structure, the proposed method is capable of dealing with output constraints by employing the Control Barrier Function (CBF). The class of the output and input constraints are of the box‐type. Moreover, whereas several safe control approaches are proposed regardless of the performance of the closed‐loop system, this paper aims at achieving a near‐optimal performance as far as the constraints permit. As a result, a constrained optimization problem is achieved, where the online solution is obtained using a rapidly convergent RNN. Stability and the ease of implementation are some of the advantages of this network making the algorithm more reliable. Moreover, integrated stability analysis of the closed‐loop system that includes the dynamic RNN reveals that the closed‐loop system is stable in the sense of the Lyapunov stability theory. The effectiveness of the proposed control method in terms of the tracking performance and constraint satisfaction is illustrated through a simulating example of two‐inverted pendulums system. The results indicated advantages of the proposed method as compared with the recently published methods in well‐known literature.
Free Flap Fat Volume is Not Associated With Recurrence or Wound Complications in Oral Cancer
Authors: Burnham Andre J. , Wicks Jaime , Baugnon Kristen L. , El‐Deiry Mark W. , Schmitt Nicole C.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) have been shown in many preclinical studies to be potent suppressors of the immune system. Prior studies suggest that ASCs may promote cancer progression and wound healing. However, clinical studies investigating the effects of native, or fat‐grafted adipose tissue on cancer recurrence have generated mixed results. We investigated whether adipose content in reconstructive free flaps for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with disease recurrence and/or reduction in wound complications.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Methods

We performed a review of 55 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for OSCC over a 14‐month period. Using texture analysis software, we measured the relative free flap fat volume (FFFV) in postoperative computed tomography scans and compared fat volume with patient survival, recurrence, and wound healing complications.

Results

We report no difference in mean FFFV between patients with or without recurrence: 13.47 cm3 in cancer‐free survivors and 17.99 cm3 in cases that recurred (p = .56). Two‐year recurrence‐free survival in patients with high and low FFFV was 61.0% and 59.1%, respectively (p = .917). Although only 9 patients had wound healing complications, we found no trend in the incidence of wound healing complications between patients with high versus low FFFV.

Conclusion

FFFV is not associated with recurrence or wound healing in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for OSCC, suggesting adipose content should not be of concern to the reconstructive surgeon.
The effects of LactoCare synbiotic administration on chemotherapy‐induced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation in children with ALL: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Eghbali Aziz , Ghaffari Kazem , Khalilpour Atefeh , Afzal Roghayeh Rahimi , Eghbali Aygin , Ghasemi Ali
Published: March 2023

Background

Synbiotics are supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics and potentially have a stronger effect in modulating the gut microbiota than probiotics or prebiotics alone. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of LactoCare synbiotic administration on chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea (CID), nausea, vomiting, and constipation in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who receiving maintenance chemotherapy.

Methods

This double‐blind clinical trial was performed on 113 children with ALL. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either 5 × 109 CFU LactoCare synbiotic administration or placebo (58 patients in the LactoCare‐treatment group and 55 patients in the placebo group), twice a day for 7 days. The number of times CID, vomiting, nausea, and constipation were recorded in the first week after the beginning of receiving LactoCare and the placebo.

Results

In the LactoCare‐treatment group, CID was present in 3.7% and 1.8% of patients on the first and second days, respectively, and no CID was observed on the third to seventh days (p < .05). While in the placebo group, the rate of patients with CID on the second, third, and fourth days was 11.5%, 13.5%, and 11.5%, respectively, and less than 10% on the first, fifth, sixth, and seventh days. It was observed that the rate of constipation in the LactoCare‐treatment group was significantly lower than in the placebo group. The difference between the groups was about 14% on the third day, which increased to about 20% on the sixth day (p < .05).

Conclusion

The use of synbiotic supplements in this study reduced CID in patients. This study supports the concept that the use of synbiotic supplements will be an easy and effective way to reduce CID in ALL patients.
Virological failure and its predictors among human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals on second line antiretroviral treatment in North‐East Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Masresha Seteamlak Adane , Kidie Atitegeb Abera , Alen Gedefaw Diress , Mulaw Getahun Fentaw , Feleke Fentaw Wassie , Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Dejene Tadesse Mamo
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) becomes a manageable chronic disease due to the presence of effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care accesses. Viral load cascade analyses are important to identify gaps in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS treatment and care for quality improvements.

Objective

Time to Virological Failure and its Predictors among HIV Infected Individuals on Second Line Antiretroviral Treatment (SLART) in North‐East Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

Institution‐based retrospective follow‐up study was conducted on 474 HIV‐infected individuals who were on SLART between September 2016 and April 2020. A universal sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Data were entered by EpiData‐3.3.1 and analyzed by STATA‐14. Cox proportional hazard assumptions were checked to determine the effect of predictor variables on virological failure (VF). The study was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2021.

Results

The rate of VF in this study was 15.4% with an incidence rate of 4.93 per 100 person‐years. As participants' age and duration of ART use increased by 1 year the hazards of VF was reduced by 2.9% (AHR: 0.971, 95% CI: 0.945, 0.995) and 10.6% (AHR: 0.894, 95% CI: 0.828, 0.963), respectively. The hazards of VF were twice higher among those who were on a non‐protease inhibitor‐based regimen. Individuals who had a history of making enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) sessions during SLART had three times more risk to develop VF (AHR: 3.374, 95% CI: 1.790, 6.361).

Conclusion and Recommendations

The rate of VF among SLART users was high. Keeping SLART users on PI‐based regimens may improve virological outcomes in HIV care and treatment. Making EAC sessions effective in promoting better ART adherence might reduce VF.
Release kinetics and binding interactions of curcumin‐encapsulated nanoparticles released from chitosan‐graft‐(methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐polycaprolactone) injectable hydrogels
Authors: Madech Pawitchaya , Sitthichai Napasri , Phetdee Chanita , Prangkio Panchika , Punyodom Winita , Manokruang Kiattikhun
Published: March 2023

Injectable hydrogels are alternative materials for drug delivery in biomedical applications. Most injectable hydrogels are derived from stimuli‐responsive polymers that can respond to the changes of physical and/or chemical properties of the environment, such as temperature and pH variation. In this study, chitosan‐graft‐(methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)‐block‐polycaprolactone) injectable hydrogels were loaded with curcumin in different concentrations. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of curcumin in such hydrogels were increased and decreased respectively with increasing curcumin concentrations. The encapsulation efficiency, however, was more than 90% for all formulations. Such hydrogels demonstrated curcumin release that proceeded in a sustained manner. The release profiles followed Korsmeyer‐Peppas and zero‐order kinetic release models which suggested that the release was facilitated by drug diffusion and the erosion of the self‐assembled polymeric networks. The curcumin released from the hydrogels was found as encapsulated core‐shell nanoparticles, the size of which depended on the loading concentration. A combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and thermodynamics analysis showed that van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds were major binding forces between curcumin and the copolymers. In addition, the curcumin‐encapsulated nanoparticles showed a progressive reduction in survival of the cervical cancer HeLa cell line, as shown in in vitro cytotoxicity experiments. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Identification of potato Lipid transfer protein gene family and expression verification of drought genes StLTP1 and StLTP7
Authors: Wang Dan , Song Jian , Lin Tuanrong , Yin Yuhe , Mu Junxiang , Liu Shuancheng , Wang Yaqin , Kong Dejuan , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: March 2023

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are widely distributed in plants and play an important role in the response to stress. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is sensitive to a lack of water, and drought stress is one of the limiting factors for its yield. Therefore, mining candidate functional genes for drought stress and creating new types of potato germplasm for drought resistance is an effective way to solve this problem. There are few reports on the LTP family in potato. In this study, 39 members of the potato LTP family were identified. They were located on seven chromosomes, and the amino acid sequences encoded ranged from 101 to 345 aa. All 39 family members contained introns and had exons that ranged from one to four. Conserved motif analysis of potato LTP transcription factors showed that 34 transcription factors contained Motif 2 and Motif 4, suggesting that they were conserved motifs of potato LTP. Compared with the LTP genes of homologous crops, the potato and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) LTPs were the mostly closely related. The StLTP1 and StLTP7 genes were screened by quantitative reverse transcription PCR combined with potato transcriptome data to study their expression in tissues and the characteristics of their responses to drought stress. The results showed that StLTP1 and StLTP7 were upregulated in the roots, stems, and leaves after PEG 6000 stress. Taken together, our study provides comprehensive information on the potato LTP family that will help to develop a framework for further functional studies.
Sensitivity of simulated frozen ground temperatures to different solar radiation and air temperature products—a case study in the Qilian Mountains in West China
Authors: Zhang Yanlin , Li Xin , Chang Xiaoli , Jin Huijun , Huang Anning , Liang Ji , Cheng Guodong , Wang Xin
Published: March 2023

Downward solar radiation (DSR) and air temperature (Ta) have significant influences on the thermal state of frozen ground. These parameters are also important forcing terms for physically based land surface models (LSMs). However, the quantitative influences of inaccuracies in DSR and Ta products on simulated frozen ground temperatures remain unclear. In this study, three DSR products (CMFD‐SR, Tang‐SR, and GLDAS‐SR) and two Ta products (CMFD‐Ta and GLDAS‐Ta) were used to force an LSM model in an alpine watershed in Northwest China, to investigate the sensitivity of simulated ground temperatures to different DSR and Ta products. Compared to a control model (CTRL) forced by in situ observed DSR, ground temperatures simulated by the experimental model forced by GLDAS‐SR are obviously decreased because GLDAS‐SR is much lower than in situ observations. Instead, simulation results in models forced by CMFD‐SR and Tang‐SR are much closer to those of CTRL. Ta products led to significant errors in simulated ground temperatures. In conclusion, both CMFD‐SR and Tang‐SR could be used as good alternatives to in situ observed DSR for forcing a model, with acceptable errors in simulation results. However, more care need to be paid for models forced by Ta products instead of Ta observations, and conclusions should be carefully drawn.
On the Enthalpy of Formation and Enthalpy of Sublimation of Dihydroxylammonium 5,5′‐bitetrazole‐1,1′‐dioxide (TKX‐50)
Authors: Silva Ana L. R. , Almeida Ana R. R. P. , Ribeiro da Silva Maria D. M. C. , Reinhardt Jelena , Klapötke Thomas M.
Published: March 2023

The thermodynamic characterization of dihydroxylammonium 5,5′‐bitetrazole‐1,1′‐dioxide (TKX‐50) was reinvestigated. Although TKX‐50 is one of the most promising new‐generation energetic materials, contradictory reports are found in the literature with regard to its solid enthalpy of formation. The standard (po=105 Pa) molar enthalpy of formation of crystalline TKX‐50, (175.3±1.9) kJ ⋅ mol−1, was determined experimentally based on the measured standard massic energy of combustion, determined through static‐bomb combustion calorimetry. Additionally, the standard molar enthalpy of sublimation of TKX‐50, at T=298.15 K, (165.0±2.4) kJ ⋅ mol−1, was derived from vapor pressure measurements determined by a Knudsen mass‐loss effusion technique. Finally, different approaches were used in attempts to calculate the standard enthalpy of formation of TKX‐50 in the solid state. A critical overview and assessment of the data on the enthalpy of formation of TKX‐50 is also presented.
First‐Principles Study of the Structural, Phase‐Stability, Electronic, Magnetic, and Elastic Properties of Heusler Alloys VXRh2 (X=Si, Ge, and Sn)
Authors: Forozani Ghasem , Rasouli Marzieh Sadat
Published: March 2023

Heusler compounds have generated significant interest in spintronics due to their unique features. The structural stability, electronic structure, magnetic, and elastic properties of Heusler alloys VXRh2 (X = Sn, Ge, and Si) are investigated using first‐principles calculations of density functional theory in the Quantum Espresso code. The alloys exhibit three magnetic states (nonmagnetic, ferromagnetic, and ferrimagnetic) and several structural phases (face centered cubic (FCC) and tetragonal). It is found that pressures below 0 GPa produce the FCC phase, while greater pressures produce two tetragonal phases. VSnRh2 is a ferromagnetic metal, while VSiRh2 and VGeRh2 exhibit excellent half‐metallic ferromagnetism. The equilibrium lattice constants of VSiRh2 and VGeRh2 are stable against changes, making these Heusler alloys ideal for spintronic devices. Elastic constant computations show that compounds are mechanically stable.
Climate‐influenced hydrobiogeochemistry and groundwater remedy design: A review
Authors: Warner Scott D. , Bekele Dawit , Nathanail C. Paul , Chadalavada Sreeni , Naidu Ravi
Published: March 2023

The process of designing a remedy for contaminated groundwater historically has not commonly included climate‐future, hydrologic, and biogeochemical aquifer characteristics. From experience, the remedy design process also has not consistently nor directly integrated or projected future hydrologic and biogeochemical effects of the human‐induced or developed environment—aka the anthropogenic influence—on potential remedy performance. The apparent practice of (1) not regularly assessing anthro‐influenced hydrological (termed here as anthrohydrology) or biogeochemical characteristics (collectively hydrobiogeochemistry) of a site and (2) rarely accounting for future climatic shifts as design factors in remedy design may be due, in part, to the general practice‐level view that groundwater remediation systems (whether in situ or ex situ) have seldom been anticipated to last more than a few years (or one or two decades at the most). Second, methods to reliably and quantitatively estimate site‐specific, climate‐future shifts in groundwater conditions using global and/or regional climate models and the resultant impacts on contaminant plume characteristics have not been readily available. The authors here suggest that while the concept of remedy design resilience and durability, within an envelope of climate change and anthropogenic influence, has been discussed in some technical circles as a component of “sustainable remediation,” we have found that direct application of these technical concepts in quantifiable terms remains rare. By incorporating the potential influence of future hydrobiogeochemical scenarios into remedy design, however, the design process could account for reasonable climate‐induced influence on the groundwater system for a given site. These scenarios could then be applied within the remedy selection process to assess performance durability under potentially changing hydrologic, biological, and chemical conditions.
Design and analysis of a wall‐climbing robot for water wall inspection of thermal power plants
Authors: Jiang Ze , Chen Bo , Ju Zhongjin , Li Yichao , Xu Yundou , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: March 2023

Boiler water wall in thermal power plants is characterized by high‐altitude detection requirements. Moreover, the existing water wall‐climbing robots are characterized by low obstacle‐crossing performance, deviations, and a lack of autonomous crossing pipeline function. In view of this feature, a wall‐climbing robot with permanent magnet and electromagnetic hybrid adsorption wheels is proposed. The robot has the function of independent traverse according to its own structural characteristics. Furthermore, transverse movement is proposed by comparing different adsorption modes, moving and driving modes. Robot statics in upward, downward, and transverse crawling are carried out, and nonsliding mechanical and nonoverturning mechanical models are obtained. Robot's dynamics are analyzed by considering the wall movement. The finite element simulation analysis of its main stressed parts is carried out by employing ANSYS, and an optimal structural model is obtained. The gap adsorption permanent magnet model is constructed, and its parametric simulation analysis is carried out using the Ansoft Maxwell module. The influence curve of the gap on the magnetic force is then obtained. Finally, the prototype is developed according to the design model and calculation analysis, and the experimental test is carried out. The experimental results show that the robot meets the expected functions and indexes, providing a basis for the intelligent development of thermal power plants.
Ultrathin Graphdiyne Nanowires with Diameters below 3 nm: Synthesis, Photoelectric Effect, and Enhanced Raman Sensing
Authors: Yang Linchangqing , Li Junfang , Yin Meng , Kong Qingkong , Xi Guangcheng
Published: March 2023

Due to the intrinsic layered structure, graphdiyne (GDY) strongly tends to form 2D materials, therefore, most of the current research are based on GDY 2D structures. Up to now, the synthesis of its ultrathin nanowires with a high aspect ratio has not been reported. Here, the ultrathin GDY nanowires with diameters below 3 nm are reported for the first time by a two‐phase interface synthesis method, which has excellent crystallinity and an aspect ratio of more than 2500. Evidence shows that the GDY ultrathin nanowires are formed by the oriented‐attachment mechanism of nanoparticles. The GDY ultrathin nanowires exhibit a significant quantum confinement effect, enhanced photoelectric effect, and promising applications in surface‐enhanced Raman sensing.
Evaluating implicit gender bias at Canadian otolaryngology meetings through use of professional title
Authors: Van Osch Kylen , Dzioba Agnieszka , Ahmed Khadija , MacDonald Andrew , Skinner Jamila , Williams Harley , Strychowsky Julie E. , Graham M. Elise
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Increasing numbers of women enter medical school annually. The number of female physicians in leadership positions has been much slower to equalize. There are also well‐documented differences in the treatment of women as compared to men in professional settings. Female presenters are less likely to be introduced by their professional title (“Doctor”) for grand rounds and conferences, especially with a man performing the introduction. This study reviewed the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (CSOHNS) meetings from 2017 to 2020 to determine the proportion of presenters introduced by their professional title and whether this varied by gender.

Methods

Recordings from CSOHNS meetings were reviewed and coded for introducer and presenter demographics, including leadership positions and gender. Chi‐squared tests of proportion and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare genders and identify factors associated with professional versus unprofessional forms of address.

Results

No significant association was found between professional title use and introducer or presenter gender. Female presenters were introduced with professional title 69.6% of the time, while male presenters were introduced with professional title 67.6% of the time (P = 0.69). Residents were introduced with a professional title with the most frequency (75.8%), while attending staff were introduced with a professional title with the least frequency (63.0%) (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The lack of gender bias in speaker introductions at recent CSOHNS meetings demonstrates progress in achieving gender equity in medicine. Research efforts should continue to define additional forms of unconscious bias that may be contributing to gender inequity in leadership positions.
SLISEMAP: Combining Supervised Dimensionality Reduction with Local Explanations
Authors: Björklund Anton , Mäkelä Jarmo , Puolamäki Kai
Published: March 2023

We introduce a Python library, called slisemap, that contains a supervised dimensionality reduction method that can be used for global explanation of black box regression or classification models. slisemap takes a data matrix and predictions from a black box model as input, and outputs a (typically) two-dimensional embedding, such that the black box model can be approximated, to a good fidelity, by the same interpretable white box model for points with similar embeddings. The library includes basic visualisation tools and extensive documentation, making it easy to get started and obtain useful insights. The slisemap library is published on GitHub and PyPI under an open source license.
Things Fall Apart—Independent Research, Asbestos Litigation and the Gold Miners’ Class Action: 1983–2019
Authors: McCulloch Jock , Miller Pavla
Published: March 2023

Until the early 1990s, those who were critical of the South African gold mines found little support. By 1920, the Chamber had fashioned a medical orthodoxy which held that tuberculosis was brought to the mines by recruits, a position from which the industry never wavered. The election of the ANC government in 1994 saw a dramatic shift in the legal possibilities for the victims of occupational injury. The Leon Commission, the first inquiry into occupational health held under majority rule, rejected the Chamber’s orthodoxy. Its final report found that silica dust levels on the gold mines were hazardous, and that they had probably been so for more than fifty years. The dismantling of apartheid also saw the emergence of a loose collective of researchers who worked on occupational disease but had no affiliation with the mining industry. By 2000, their research showed that there was a high incidence of uncompensated silicosis and tuberculosis among former miners, and that even a negligible degree of silicosis was associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis infection. Employing legal precedents forged in successful occupational health litigation by asbestos miners, several legal firms embarked on an unprecedented class action against the gold mining companies. The chapter concludes by outlining the innovations brought about by its recent settlement.