bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential role of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in the development of imiquimod-induced mouse psoriasis
Authors: Chen Shaokui , Lin Zibei , Xi Long , Zheng Ying , Zhou Qiong , Chen Xin
Published: September 2021

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and anti-TNF therapeutics are used in the treatment of psoriasis in the clinic. However, considerable proportion of patients fail to respond to anti-TNF treatment. Furthermore, anti-TNF therapy induces de novo development of psoriasis in some patients with other type of autoimmune disorders. Therefore, further understanding of the role of TNF-TNFR signaling in pathogenesis of psoriasis remains a critical to devise safer and more effective treatment. In this study, it is shown that in imiquimod-induced mouse psoriasis model, TNF receptor type 1 (TNFR1) deficiency inhibited the development of skin diseases. In sharp contrast, TNF receptor type 2 (TNFR2) deficiency led to more severe psoriasis that was associated with increased Th1 and Th17 responses and reduced number of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Importantly, adoptive transfer of WT Tregs was able to attenuate inflammatory responses in imiquimod-treated TNFR2-/- mice, suggestive of a role of malfunctioned Tregs in mice deficient in TNFR2. RNA sequencing data revealed that Tregs deficient in TNFR2 exhibited down-regulation of different biological processes linked to proliferative expansion. Taken together, our study clearly indicated that TNFR1 was pathogenic in mouse psoriasis. In contrast, through boosting the proliferative expansion of Tregs, TNFR2 was protective in this model. The data thus suggest that TNFR1-specific antagonist or TNFR2-specific agonist may be useful in the treatment of patients with psoriasis.
Understanding radiographic decision‐making when imaging obese patients: A Think‐Aloud study
Authors: Seo Grace , Robinson John , Punch Amanda , Jimenez Yobelli , Lewis Sarah
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The incidence of obesity has been steadily rising over the last few decades and is having a significant impact upon the health system. In radiography, a particular challenge of imaging obese patients is implementing the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle when determining radiation dose, and technical and patient‐care adaptations. This study aimed to better understand the decision‐making strategies of experienced radiographers in determining imaging and exposure factor selection in the context of imaging obese patients.

Methods

This study employed a ‘think‐aloud,’ methodology, and eight experienced diagnostic radiographers working in clinical education were recruited to perform routine AP abdominal X‐ray projections on an anthropomorphic phantom. They were asked to simultaneously verbalise emerging thoughts as they considered positioning, exposure selection and image evaluation. This process was repeated with three different phantom sizes, each representing an increased BMI from ‘healthy,’ to, ‘morbidly obese.’ Audio recordings were transcribed and interpreted via Bowman’s (1997) theory of radiographic judgement and decision‐making.

Results

Analysis of interview transcripts identified 12 key concepts considered by experienced radiographers. Differences in radiographic concepts were considered when imaging phantoms of different sizes was demonstrated. A shift from segmental (e.g. positioning) to more environmental factors (e.g. patient comfort) and an increase in the number of verbal considerations with increasing phantom size were identified. The shift in focus of decision‐making stages identified the greater need to consider contextual factors such as patient comfort and repeatability when imaging obese patients.

Conclusion

Experienced radiographers find imaging obese patients challenging and alter their perception of image quality to accommodate for patient presentation. The findings will help inform future research, practice guidelines and learning resources to provide optimal imaging and care for obese patients, especially for student education.
A tephra‐based correlation of marine and terrestrial records of MIS 11c from Britain and the North Atlantic
Authors: Candy Ian , Tye Gareth , Coxon Peter , Hardiman Mark , Matthews Ian , Palmer Adrian
Published: September 2021

Resolving marine and terrestrial records of glacial and interglacial stages has long been a challenge for Quaternary studies. We present a tephra‐based correlation for MIS 11c of a North Atlantic marine core and a British terrestrial record (Marks Tey). A varved chronology is presented for the annually laminated lake sequence at Marks Tey and the proxy data from this site are plotted on an annual timescale for the first time. This record shows clear evidence for an abrupt cold event and corresponding ecological and landscape response. Varve counting shows that the abrupt event lasted for ca 185 a but the impact on the landscape persisted for ca 560 a. The co‐occurrence of a single tephra layer in Marks Tey and ODP 980 allows these two records to be correlated. Furthermore, this synchronisation shows that the abrupt cold event in Marks Tey was coincident with a centennial‐scale cold event in ODP 980, as evidenced by an increase in Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (s) percentage. In both ODP 980 and Marks Tey the age of this abrupt event was ca 414 500 a indicating that, at this point in MIS 11c, a widespread cold event occurred in the northeastern Atlantic and the British Isles.
Developing sustainable measures to restore fly‐ash contaminated lands: Current challenges and future prospects
Authors: Upadhyay Sudhir K. , Edrisi Sheikh Adil
Published: September 2021

Land degradation is one of the major global environmental issues that need serious attention. The land itself is a complex system regulating myriads of processes. Any perturbation in these processes would undoubtedly lead to the stimulation of land degradation. Among these, fly‐ash (FA) dumping is one of the usual practices, which has been adopted to overcome land‐use disruption and other health hazards. However, this practice has become a driving factor for FA‐induced land degradation. Therefore, in purview to tackle this issue, the present article aimed to identify and suggest sustainable practices to restore and manage FA‐contaminated sites. As a preliminarily it deals with the systematic exploration and identification of FA‐based and associated contaminated lands via geospatial technology with a brief focus on assessing its different contaminant profiles in the FA and soil systems. Further, this moreover, the article emphasizes the need to identify identifying the potential local plant species in the FA‐contaminated regions that can meet the local people's demands. Following this we suggest appropriate sustainable approaches to expedite the restoration of FA‐contaminated lands and highlight the critical bottlenecks during ground implementation. Our article aimed to unravel ways to address the aforementioned bottlenecks to develop an efficient restoration enterprise during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
Impact of Fresh Table Grape Intake on Circulating microRNAs Levels in Healthy Subjects: A Significant Modulation of Gastrointestinal Cancer‐Related Pathways
Authors: Tutino Valeria , De Nunzio Valentina , Milella Rosa Anna , Gasparro Marica , Cisternino Anna Maria , Gigante Isabella , Lanzilotta Elsa , Iacovazzi Palma Aurelia , Lippolis Antonio , Lippolis Tamara , Caruso Maria Gabriella , Notarnicola Maria
Published: September 2021

Scope

The study aims to investigate the effects of fresh table grape consumption in healthy subjects on circulating levels of the most common human microRNAs (miRNAs). The regulatory network governed by these modulated miRNAs is also investigated.

Methods and Results

Autumn Royal table grape, used in this study, is chosen for its high polyphenolic content and antioxidant properties. The study is a randomized controlled trial, in which 40 consecutive subjects are recruited on a voluntary basis and randomly assigned to two groups of the study, the control group, receiving only dietary recommendations and a grape group receiving a daily dose of 5 g of fresh table grape per kg of body weight for 21 days. All analyses are performed at baseline and after 21 days of dietary treatment. Circulating miRNAs levels are detected by Real‐Time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) followed by bioinformatic functional analysis. The study identifies 20 circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in healthy subjects after grape intake, and in particular, 18 of 20 are down‐regulated and 2 are up‐regulated.

Conclusion

The dietary intake of table grape affects circulating miRNAs levels in healthy subjects, particularly the miRNAs related to pathways involved in counteracting cancer development, including gastrointestinal cancers.
Deformable registration of lateral cephalogram and cone‐beam computed tomography image
Authors: Zhang Yungeng , Qin Haifang , Li Peixin , Pei Yuru , Guo Yuke , Xu Tianmin , Zha Hongbin
Published: September 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to design and evaluate a novel method for the registration of 2D lateral cephalograms and 3D craniofacial cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, providing patient‐specific 3D structures from a 2D lateral cephalogram without additional radiation exposure.

Methods: We developed a cross‐modal deformable registration model based on a deep convolutional neural network. Our approach took advantage of a low‐dimensional deformation field encoding and an iterative feedback scheme to infer coarse‐to‐fine volumetric deformations. In particular, we constructed a statistical subspace of deformation fields and parameterized the nonlinear mapping function from an image pair, consisting of the target 2D lateral cephalogram and the reference volumetric CBCT, to a latent encoding of the deformation field. Instead of the one‐shot registration by the learned mapping function, a feedback scheme was introduced to progressively update the reference volumetric image and to infer coarse‐to‐fine deformations fields, accounting for the shape variations of anatomical structures. A total of 220 clinically obtained CBCTs were used to train and validate the proposed model, among which 120 CBCTs were used to generate a training dataset with 24k paired synthetic lateral cephalograms and CBCTs. The proposed approach was evaluated on the deformable 2D–3D registration of clinically obtained lateral cephalograms and CBCTs from growing and adult orthodontic patients.

Results: Strong structural consistencies were observed between the deformed CBCT and the target lateral cephalogram in all criteria. The proposed method achieved state‐of‐the‐art performances with the mean contour deviation of 0.410.12 mm on the anterior cranial base, 0.480.17 mm on the mandible, and 0.350.08 mm on the maxilla, respectively. The mean surface mesh ranged from 0.78 to 0.97 mm on various craniofacial structures, and the LREs ranged from 0.83 to 1.24 mm on the growing datasets regarding 14 landmarks. The proposed iterative feedback scheme handled the structural details and improved the registration. The resultant deformed volumetric image was consistent with the target lateral cephalogram in both 2D projective planes and 3D volumetric space regarding the multicategory craniofacial structures.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the deep learning‐based 2D–3D registration model enables the deformable alignment of 2D lateral cephalograms and CBCTs and estimates patient‐specific 3D craniofacial structures.
Outcome of patients with relapsed or progressive Ewing sarcoma enrolled on cooperative group phase 2 clinical trials: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Collier Anderson B. , Krailo Mark D. , Dang Ha M. , DuBois Steven G. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Bernstein Mark L. , Bomgaars Lisa R. , Reed Damon R. , Gorlick Richard G. , Janeway Katherine A.
Published: September 2021

SevenChildren's Oncology Group phase 2 trials for patients with relapsed/progressive solid tumors were analyzed to estimate the event‐free survival (EFS) for relapsed/progressive Ewing sarcoma. One hundred twenty‐eight Ewing sarcoma patients were enrolled and 124 events occurred. The 6‐month EFS was 12.7%, demonstrating the poor outcome of these patients. Only docetaxel achieved its protocol‐specified radiographic response rate for activity; however, the EFS for docetaxel was similar to other agents, indicating that a higher radiographic response rate may not translate into superior disease control. This EFS benchmark could be utilized as an additional endpoint in trials for recurrent Ewing sarcoma.
Characterization of antiplatelet response to low‐dose cangrelor utilizing platelet function testing in neuroendovascular patients
Authors: Holden Devin N. , Entezami Pouya , Bush Maximilian C. , Field Nicholas C. , Paul Alexandra R. , Boulos Alan S. , Yamamoto Junichi , Dalfino John C.
Published: September 2021

Study Objectives

The optimal antiplatelet therapy for emergent neuroendovascular stenting is uncertain. Cangrelor is an intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor that is an attractive option due its favorable pharmacokinetic profile and ease of measurability but optimal dosing remains unclear. The primary objective of this study is to characterize the dose response of low dose cangrelor (<2 mcg/kg/min) with the utilization of platelet function testing (PFT).

Design

A retrospective review of all patients treated with cangrelor for either procedural stenting or bridging was conducted between January 1st, 2019 and October 31st, 2020. Seventy‐two patients met inclusion criteria. An in‐depth analysis of dose response to low dose cangrelor based on PFT was performed.

Patients

Neuroendovascular patients treated with cangrelor.

Setting

Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Intervention and Main Results

Patients who underwent procedural stenting were given a bolus of 5 mcg/kg and an initial infusion rate of either 0.75 mcg/kg/min or 1 mcg/kg/min. Patients who were bridged with cangrelor were administered an initial infusion rate of 0.75 mcg/kg/min or 1 mcg/kg/min. Twelve patient’s doses were titrated to achieve a platelet reactivity unit (PRU) between 50–150; three patient’s doses were titrated multiple times. Based on initial PFT results, utilizing the 1 mcg/kg/min maintenance dose resulted in more patients being in the acceptable (10–180) and desired (50–150) PRU range than the 0.75 mcg/kg/min dose (47% vs 56% and 70% vs 80%, respectively). Final recorded PRU results showed that 64% of patients had PRUs in the optimal range (50–150) and 88% of patients had PRUs in the desire range (10–180).

Conclusions

Utilizing low doses of cangrelor with platelet function testing is an option during emergent neuroendovascular stenting and bridging. Cangrelor demonstrates significant variability in response at low doses and exhibits a dose response relationship when PFT is utilized.
Registration of ‘KS4719’ winter canola
Authors: Stamm Michael , Aiken Robert , Angadi Sangu , Damicone John , Dooley Scott , Holman Johnathon , Johnson Jerry , Kimura Emi , Larson Kevin , Lofton Josh , Santra Dipak
Published: September 2021

‘KS4719’ (Reg. no. CV‐28, PI 697260) is a winter canola cultivar (Brassica napus L.) that possesses superior winterhardiness, greater lodging resistance, and improved pod shattering. KS4719 first drew attention when a devastating cold snap in November 2014 caused much of the winter canola crop to winter kill. KS4719 winter survival scores were 15 and 121% greater than the check cultivars ‘Sumner’ and ‘Wichita’, respectively, at Kansas State University's lone surviving trial site in northern Oklahoma. In the National Winter Canola Variety Trial (NWCVT) testing, the winter survival score of KS4719 was equivalent to ‘Torrington’, the most winter hardy commercially available cultivar. Across two sites of the 2015–2016 Great Plains Canola Variety Trial (GPCVT), KS4719 showed significantly improved pod shatter compared with the check cultivars. Across 14 NWCVT sites in the U.S. Great Plains, grain yield did not differ from the check cultivars; however, KS4719 did yield 5 and 19% more than ‘Surefire’ and Torrington, respectively, the two most recent cultivar releases from the Kansas State University canola breeding program. Over five site‐years, KS4719 averaged 9% lodging, while Torrington averaged 19%. It is theorized that the improved lodging resistance of KS4719 comes from a stem and root system that is less prone to rotting in saturated soils. Greater winterhardiness is in part due to protection of the lower stem (rosette) throughout the winter months.
Ionomer‐coated filtration membranes as an alternative to ion‐exchange membranes for demineralization by electrodialysis
Authors: Kadel Sabita , Deboli Francesco , Perreault Véronique , Donten Mateusz L. , Bazinet Laurent
Published: September 2021

Industrial application of ion‐exchange membranes, the key component of many electro‐membrane processes, is often hindered due to their high cost—result of complex fabrication methods and use of highly engineered precursors. As an alternative to conventional anion‐exchange membrane (AMX), this study focuses on the fabrication of cation‐coated filtration membranes (CCFM‐Type 1 and CCFM‐Type 2) by depositing a thin layer of crosslinked branched polyethyleneimine (PEI)‐based ionomer on top of the porous substrate. The use of commodity precursors (PEI) in combination with energy efficient fabrication processes ensures a low end‐cost for CCFMs. The properties and the performances of these membranes are evaluated and compared with AMX. Though ionic conductance of both CCFMs is found to be lower than AMX, similar electrochemical behavior is observed for all three membranes. In terms of performance, the highest NaCl demineralization rate is given by CCFM‐Type 2, while whey demineralization rate for all three membranes is similar. Energy consumption during both processes is increased for CCFMs probably due to noticeably higher global resistance which the ED system reaches during the process. These promising results suggest the possible application of these cost‐effective CCFMs in electrodialysis demineralization processes as an alternative to commercial AMX at an industrial level.
Effects of cellulose nanocrystals on the vulcanization of natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposite and corresponding regulating strategies
Authors: Hu Jie , Yang Fan , Liu Ke , Kong Zhengqing , Qin Jinli , Duan Yongxin , Zhang Jianming
Published: September 2021

Vulcanization is a vital process in rubber processing, it endows rubber with valuable physical and mechanical properties, making rubber a widely used engineering material. In addition to vulcanization agent, reinforcing fillers play a non‐ignorable influence on the vulcanization of rubber nanocomposites. Herein, the effects of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR)/CNCs nanocomposite was studied. It was found that even though the addition of CNCs can effectively improve the dispersion of ZnO in NR matrix, the vulcanization of NR was inhibited. This may be attributed to the CNCs' adsorption of vulcanizing agents (DM, ZnO) and the acidic chemical environment on the surface of CNCs. In order to improve the vulcanization properties of NR/CNCs nanocomposite, tetramethyldithiochloram (TMTD) and triethanolamine (TEOA) were used as a combination accelerator and curing activator, respectively, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was introduced to screen hydroxyl groups on the surface of CNCs to prohibit the CNCs' adsorption of vulcanizing agents. The results indicate that TMTD and TEOA effectively improved the vulcanization rate of NR/CNCs nanocomposite and increased the crosslink density by an order of magnitude. Subsequently, the tensile strength, tear strength, and so forth. of NR/CNCs nanocomposite were significantly improved. However, PEG hardly help to improve the vulcanization properties of NR/CNCs nanocomposite. In addition, the control samples without CNCs were prepared and characterized, the comparation between NR and NR/CNCs nanocomposite shows that the synergistic effect of crosslink density and CNCs' reinforcement more effectively improve mechanical properties of NR. This work not only elucidates the inhibiting mechanisms of CNCs on the vulcanization of NR, but also provides practical strategies for improving the vulcanization and properties of NR/CNCs nanocomposite. It may accelerate the application of CNCs as rubber reinforcing filler.
Separation and concentration of ultrafiltration permeate from landfill leachate effluent using polymeric membrane electrodialysis
Authors: Fu Rong , Yan Haiyang , Zhu Yaru , Wang Huangying , Lu Feipeng , Su Ya , Li Wei , Fu Rongqiang , Liu Zhaoming , An Jin , Wang Yaoming
Published: September 2021

As society pays more and more attention to environmental protection, the treatment of highly polluted landfill leachate has become a vital issue for various countries. The four main types of landfill leachate treatment processes available today are physical, chemical, biological, and membrane treatment. The first three have low water recovery capacity and are prone to secondary contamination. Membrane processes using pressure‐driven membranes hold great promise, but this technology is hampered by the membrane fouling caused by various components in the water. In this study, anion‐selective electrodialysis (ASED) was integrated into a pressure‐driven membrane process to treat waste leachate. Results showed that the optimal parameter for the ASED concentration process is CMV/ASA membranes with a voltage of 6 V and a volume ratio of concentrate to dilute of 1:20. ASED concentrate reached a conductivity of 133.3 mS/cm, retained 72.7% of sulfate ions and 88.4% of chemical oxygen demand. In addition, the ASED process was able to achieve a low‐energy consumption of 1.85 kWh/m3. Therefore, the ASED progress has the potential to be integrated with current membrane processes for the treatment of landfill leachate.
Psychosocial outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐ and non‐HPV‐related head and neck cancers: A longitudinal study
Authors: Henry Melissa , Arnovitz Emily , Frenkiel Saul , Hier Michael , Zeitouni Anthony , Kost Karen , Mlynarek Alex , Black Martin , MacDonald Christina , Richardson Keith , Mascarella Marco , Morand Gregoire B. , Chartier Gabrielle , Sadeghi Nader , Rosberger Zeev
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has prompted a need to further investigate how this new biomarker changes the head and neck cancer (HNC) psychosocial landscape. This study aimed to: (a) characterize the sociodemographic, psychological, and social profiles of patients with HPV‐positive versus ‐negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; and (b) identify how HPV status contributes to anxiety and depression (primary outcome), quality of life (QoL), and sexuality needs.

Methods

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 146 patients newly diagnosed with oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer. Seventy‐nine patients were HPV‐positive and 67 HPV‐negative. Patients completed self‐administered psychometric measures upon HNC and 3‐month follow‐up, and Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM Diagnoses.

Results

Patients with HPV‐negative tumors generally presented with higher anxiety and depression and lower QoL immediately post‐HNC diagnosis (<2 weeks) compared to HPV‐positive cancers. A Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) immediately post‐HNC diagnosis negatively affected patients' anxiety and depression and QoL levels upon diagnosis only when the cancer was HPV‐positive. Immediately posttreatment, HPV status was not associated with outcomes. A previous history of suicidal ideation, and upon cancer diagnosis cigarette smoking, anxiety and depression, and feeling close to one's partner were instead explanatory.

Conclusion

While patients with HPV‐positive HNC generally present with initially lower psychological distress, their vulnerability immediately posttreatment indicates an equal need for support. Head and neck clinics may need to better address MDD, anxiety and depression, a prior history of suicidal ideation, health behavior change, and quality of relationships.
Methodological challenges in the analysis of recurrent events for randomised controlled trials with application to cardiovascular events in LEADER
Authors: Furberg Julie Kjærulff , Rasmussen Søren , Andersen Per Kragh , Ravn Henrik
Published: September 2021

Analysis of recurrent events is becoming increasingly popular for understanding treatment effects in randomised controlled trials. The analysis of recurrent events can improve efficiency and capture disease burden compared to standard time‐to‐first event analyses. However, the added knowledge about the multi‐state process comes at the cost of modelling complexity. High mortality rates can complicate matters even more. A case study using data from a randomised controlled trial, LEADER, is presented to highlight interpretation of common methods as well as potential pitfalls when analysing recurrent events in the presence of a competing risk. The presented methods either target features of the underlying intensity functions or marginal traits of a multi‐state process which includes terminal events or not. In particular, approaches to handle death as a part of an event and as a competing risk are discussed. A new method targeting the marginal mean function for a composite endpoint, which includes both death as a component and as a competing risk, will be introduced. Finally, recommendations for how to capture meaningful treatment effects in randomised controlled trials when analysing recurrent and terminal events will be made.
Suboptimal control for systems with commensurate and distributed delays of neutral type
Authors: Cuvas Carlos , Santos‐Sánchez Omar‐Jacobo , Ordaz Patricio , Rodríguez‐Guerrero Liliam
Published: September 2021

This article addresses the synthesis of a suboptimal control based on complete type functional for neutral systems with commensurate and distributed delays. The obtained controller is a feedback state control and its gains depend on the time delay system's Lyapunov matrix, which denotes its relevance on the design of controllers for time delay systems. It is proved that in closed loop, the proposed controller improves system response. Despite the synthesized control being suboptimal (optimal in the local sense), it could be a good choice to regulate stable neutral time‐delay linear systems without the use of linear matrix inequalities, avoiding the inherent conservatism of such approach. In order to illustrate the result effectiveness, the experimental results are presented by using of an industrial proportional integral derivative (PID) control and LabVIEW software.
Gait optimization of step climbing for a hexapod robot
Authors: Song Xingguo , Zhang Xiaolong , Meng Xiangyin , Chen Chunjun , Huang Dashan
Published: September 2021

RHex‐style hexapod robot is a type of legged robot which can perform multiple moving gaits according to different applications, due to its simple structure and strong mobility. However, traversing high obstacles has always been a big challenge for legged robots. In this paper, gait optimization of a hexapod robot is proposed for climbing steps at different heights, which even enables the robot to climb the step 3.9 times of the leg length. First, a previous step‐climbing gait is optimized by adjusting body inclination when placing front legs on top of the step, which enables RHex with different sizes to perform the rising stage of the gait. Second, to improve the climbing heights, a novel quasi‐static climbing gait is proposed by using the reversed claw‐shape legs to reach the higher step. The nondeformable legs are used to raise the center of mass (COM) of the body by lifting the front and rear legs alternately so that the front legs can reach the top of the step, then the front and middle legs are lifted alternately to maneuver COM up onto the step. The simulations and dynamic analysis of climbing steps are utilized to verify the feasibility of the improved gait. Finally, the step‐climbing experiments at different heights are performed with the optimized gaits to compare with the existing gaits. The results of simulations and experiments show the superiority of the proposed gaits due to climbing higher steps.
Sustainable community development: Integrating social and environmental sustainability for sustainable housing and communities
Authors: Winston Nessa
Published: September 2021

The concepts of sustainable development (SD) and sustainable communities (SCs) are firmly on policy agendas. Conceptual clarity is essential for the selection of high‐quality indicators to monitor progress in these areas. However, there are very mixed views about the nature of social sustainability (SS), and SC is rarely defined. Definitions that exist are extremely limited. This paper addresses these deficiencies by presenting a new definition and conceptualisation of SC in which addressing both social and environmental needs is critical. SS is clearly defined as addressing basic human needs, so that the criterion of sufficiency is met. Ensuring ‘sufficiency’ is crucial to ensure the provision of welfare within planetary boundaries, firmly integrating the social and environmental in conceptualising and operationalising SS. Using the new SC framework, the paper illustrates how regeneration programmes targeting housing could simultaneously address many social and environmental problems contributing to more progress on many dimensions of SD and the UN SD goals (UNSDGs).
Synthesis and Functionalization of Imidazo[1,2‐b]Pyridazine by Means of Metal‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: El Akkaoui Ahmed , Koubachi Jamal , Guillaumet Gérald , El Kazzouli Saïd
Published: September 2021

This review surveys the recent developments in organometallic‐chemistry‐based methods for the preparation of imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazines by cyclization as well as their functionalization by means of cross‐coupling reactions such as Sonogashira, Heck, Negishi, Suzuki‐Miyaura, Kumada and Stille. In addition, the advances made on the C−H activation of imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazines using C‐arylation, C‐benzylation and C‐alkylation are also reviewed. Furthermore, the recent reports on the N‐arylation of this heterocyclic system are discussed and highlighted. The sequential couplings as well as the one‐pot functionalization of two different positions on the imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazine systems are also reviewed. Procedures in which metal‐based catalysis is not involved in the functionalization of imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazines are not included in this review.
Dipyrromethane‐Based Receptor for Fluorometric Sensing of Hydrogenpyrophosphate
Authors: Ghosh Sumit , Baildya Nabajyoti , Goswami Koushik , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: September 2021

A new dipyrromethane‐based tetramide 1 has been designed and synthesized. It serves as potential chemosensor for fluorometric detection of hydrogenpyrophosphate (HP2O73−; HPPi) in organic and semi‐aqueous medium. In CH3CN, the tetramide 1 shows strong excimer formation upon complexation with HPPi and results in a ratiometric change in fluorescence. Other anions did not bring such change. In aqueous CH3CN, this is observed although the change is less pronounced. Hydrogen bonding of HPPi in the cleft pulls the pendant naphthalene to form the excimer. The complexation has been established by spectroscopic and theoretical studies. The tetramide 1 selectively senses HPPi in CH3CN with binding constant and detection limit of 3.2×103 M−1 and 2.08×10−5 M, respectively.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Poly[2‐(1‐methylbut‐1‐en‐1‐yl)aniline] and Its Copolymers
Authors: Andriianova Anastasiia N. , Sadykov Timur T. , Mustafin Akhat G.
Published: September 2021

The progress in organic electronics is closely related to the development of new materials. This study reports the syntheses of hitherto unknown (co)polymers based on aniline and its ortho‐substituted derivative, 2‐(1‐methylbut‐1‐en‐1‐yl)aniline. Electric conductivity, morphology, solubility, electrochemical properties, spectral and thermal characteristics of all the specimens have been studied. A comparative analysis with polyaniline has been performed, and a possible practical usage in resistive‐type moisture sensors has been shown. It has been found that as the content of the substituted monomer units in the (co)polymers grows, the solubility, photoluminescence, and sensitivity of moisture sensors are enhanced. The employment of the (co)polymers obtained as an active material in moisture sensors has shown that the electric conductivity is highly sensitive to changes in ambient moisture. This study has shown that copolymerization of aniline with its ortho‐substituted derivatives is an efficient technique to modify PANI that allows one to enhance the process characteristics of the resulting materials.
Design, Docking Simulations, Synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo Behavioral Assessment of m‐Aminobenzoic Acid Analogues as GABA‐AT Inhibitors
Authors: Altamirano‐Espino José A. , Córdova‐Moreno Rebeca , Andrade‐Jorge Erik , Martínez‐Archundia Marlet , García‐Machorro Jazmín , Trujillo‐Ferrara José G.
Published: September 2021

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter whose deficiency is related to affections involving overexcited neurons (e. g., anxiety and epilepsy); rise of GABA levels by inhibition of GABA‐aminotransferase (GABA‐AT) is a treatment option. The aim of this contribution was to assess a series ofm‐aminobenzoic acid derivatives (analogous to GABA) as GABA‐AT inhibitors. Chosen compounds from docking simulations, were synthesized in good yields by green chemistry, testedin vitrofor inhibition of GABA‐AT and assayed for protection against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures, and ability to counter picrotoxin (PTX) induced anxiety. These compounds had a lower binding energy (higher affinity) than GABA and GABA‐AT inhibitor vigabatrin (VGB) at the model active site.DABA_2 a(3,5‐dimaleamilbenzoic acid) had excellent attributesin silico(ΔG=−9.00 kcal/mol vs −5.33 kcal/mol of VGB), good competitive inhibition of GABA‐ATin vitro(KI=3.6×10−6 M, ΔG=−7.42 kcal/mol) and a low acute toxicity (≥1,000 mg/kg) with good protection against PTZ and PTX (100 mg/kg), leading to stablish the good modulation of GABAergic transmissionin vivo.
The Multilayered Nature of Becoming Nonnative‐English‐Speaking Teacher
Authors: Hsieh Jasper Kun‐Ting , Gao Xuesong (Andy) , Bell Shaun
Published: September 2021

This paper draws on an ethnographic research that examined Taiwanese international students’ identity movements before, during, and after their overseas education in Australia. Previous studies on nonnative‐English‐speaking teachers (NNESTs) studying TESOL in the West focused on the formation of their professional identity before and after the completion of TESOL programs abroad. This study pioneers a model which examines NNESTs’ multilayered complexity of identity formation by drawing on the Douglas Fir Group’s (2016) multifaceted nature of language learning and teaching and Wenger’s (1998) identification and negotiability of identity formation to analyze one Taiwanese student’s developing NNEST identity. We found the participant’s social life experiences reshaped her professional identity as NNEST. The user experience as a nonnative English speaker prompted her critical reflection on the notion of functional English user and teaching. This notion, shaped by social aspects of learning, was later demonstrated in her teaching practice. The study suggests: 1) that future research includes NNESTs’ social aspects of experiences as nonnative English users; 2) that SLA researchers for TESOL programs continue analyzing NNESTs’ deficit discourse with transdisciplinary approach.
Researching L2 Student Engagement with Written Feedback: Insights from Sociocultural Theory
Authors: Mao Zhicheng , Lee Icy
Published: September 2021

While student engagement is central to connecting feedback provision with learning outcomes and has significant value for unlocking the learning potential of feedback, the extant research on student engagement with written feedback is not only scant but also under‐theorized. This article explores the potential of sociocultural theory (SCT) for theorizing the notion of L2 student engagement with written feedback and furthering research on the topic. Using a number of concepts in SCT, we attempt to theorize this construct and propose an integrative sociocultural framework that draws particular attention to the nature of engagement (i.e., core characteristics of engagement) and its underlying mechanisms (i.e., mediating factors in engagement). We then outline two research areas that are key to broadening current scholarship and examine methodological issues in research on L2 student engagement with written feedback. The article contributes to broadening the knowledge base of this burgeoning research area and stimulating further work on it.
Global gene expression analysis of pigeonpea with male sterility conditioned by A2 cytoplasm
Authors: Bohra Abhishek , Prasad Gandam , Rathore Abhishek , Saxena Rachit K , Naik SJ Satheesh , Pareek Shalini , Jha Rintu , Pazhamala Lekha , Datta Dibendu , Pandey Gaurav , Tiwari Abha , Maurya Alok Kumar , Soren Khela Ram , Akram Mohd , Varshney Rajeev K , Singh Narendra P
Published: September 2021

Cytoplasmic male sterility(CMS), a maternally inherited trait, provides a promising means to harness yield gains associated with hybrid vigor. In pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth], nine types of sterility‐inducing cytoplasm have been reported, of which A2 and A4 have been successfully deployed in hybrid breeding. Unfortunately, molecular mechanism of the CMS trait is poorly understood because of limited research invested. More recently, an association between a mitochondrial gene (nad7) and A4‐CMS has been demonstrated in pigeonpea; however, the mechanism underlying A2‐CMS still remains obscure. The current investigation aimed to analyze the differences in A2‐CMS line (ICPL 88039A) and its isogenic maintainer line (ICPL 88039B) at transcriptome level using next‐generation sequencing. Gene expression profiling uncovered a set of 505 genes that showed altered expression in response to CMS, of which, 412 genes were upregulated while 93 were downregulated in the fertile maintainer line vs. the CMS line. Further, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses revealed association of CMS in pigeonpea with four major pathways: glucose and lipid metabolism, ATP production, pollen development and pollen tube growth, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Patterns of digital gene expression were confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) of six candidate genes. This study elucidates candidate genes and metabolic pathways having potential associations with pollen development and male sterility in pigeonpea A2‐CMS. New insights on molecular mechanism of CMS trait in pigeonpea will be helpful to accelerate heterosis utilization for enhancing productivity gains in pigeonpea.
Luminescent mono‐and dinuclear copper(I) complexes based on bulky bisphosphino‐substituted benzimidazole derivatives
Authors: Zi Xiaorui , Liu Chunmei , Lu Wen , Huang Juan , Zhang Jiayuan , Zhang Bin , Du Chenxia
Published: September 2021

Four mono‐ and two dinuclear Cu(I) complexes were synthesized based on novel 4‐diphenylphosphino‐benzimidazole (P^N) derivatives, and their structures as well as photophysical properties were systematically investigated. X‐ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the Cu(I) centers adopt pseudo‐tetrahedral geometries. All the complexes in powder at 293 K display bright phosphorescence with the highest photoluminescent quantum yield of 37.6 %. The emission maxima could be finely tuned from 514 to 592 nm by the methoxy substituent on the N^P ligands. The combined experimental results at different temperature (293 K and 77 K) and theoretical studies suggest that the nature of the emissive states can be mainly assigned as a dominant charge‐transfer character involving major components of 3(M+X) LCT transitions.
Zur Einführung
Authors: Werkner Ines-Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

„Si vis pacem para pacem“ (wenn du den Frieden willst, bereite den Frieden vor) – unter dieser Maxime steht das Leitbild des gerechten Friedens. Es steht „für einen fundamentalen Wandel in der ethischen Praxis“ und setzt „andere Bewertungsgrundlagen und Handlungskriterien voraus“ (ÖRK 2011a, Präambel). Ausgehend von Psalm 85,11 „dass Gerechtigkeit und Friede sich küssen“ sowie Jesaja 32,17 „der Gerechtigkeit Frucht wird Friede sein, und der Ertrag der Gerechtigkeit ewige Stille und Sicherheit“ (vgl. auch Jak 3,18) werden Frieden und Gerechtigkeit wechselseitig aufeinander bezogen (vgl. ÖRK ,2011a, Ziff. 1 und 3).
Frieden durch Recht – Recht durch Krieg?
Authors: Werkner Ines-Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Das Paradigma „Frieden durch Recht“ gehört – wie zu Beginn des Beitrages bereits ausgeführt – zu den Grundpfeilern des Leitbildes des gerechten Friedens; es prägt in hohem Maße die Friedensdenkschrift der EKD. Damit wird der Tatsache Rechnung getragen, dass das Recht sowohl im innergesellschaftlichen und -staatlichen Bereich als auch in den internationalen Beziehungen das Zusammenleben der Menschen ordnen und divergierende Interessen zur Deckung bringen kann. Für internationale Zusammenhänge kommt daher dem Völkerrecht eine wichtige friedenssichernde Funktion zu.
Spontaneous CP violation and horizontal symmetry in the MSSM: toward lepton flavor naturalness
Authors: Aloni Daniel , Asadi Pouya , Nakai Yuichiro , Reece Matthew , Suzuki Motoo
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We study the contributions of supersymmetric models with a U(1) horizontal symmetry and only spontaneous CP breaking to various lepton flavor observables, such as μ → eγ and the electron electric dipole moment. We show that both a horizontal symmetry and a lack of explicit CP violation can alleviate the existing bounds from such observables. The undetermined $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1) coefficients in such mass matrix models muddle the interpretation of the bounds from various flavor observables. To overcome this, we define a new fine-tuning measure for different observables in such setups. This allows us to study how naturally the observed IR flavor observables can emerge from a given mass matrix model. We use our flavor-naturalness measure in study of our supersymmetric models and quantify the degree of fine tuning required by the bounds from various lepton flavor observables at each mass scale of sleptons, neutralinos, and charginos.
Integrable deformed T1,1 sigma models from 4D Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Fukushima Osamu , Sakamoto Jun-ichi , Yoshida Kentaroh
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Recently, a variety of deformed T1,1 manifolds, with which 2D non-linear sigma models (NLSMs) are classically integrable, have been presented by Arutyunov, Bassi and Lacroix (ABL) [46]. We refer to the NLSMs with the integrable deformed T1,1 as the ABL model for brevity. Motivated by this progress, we consider deriving the ABL model from a 4D Chern-Simons (CS) theory with a meromorphic one-form with four double poles and six simple zeros. We specify boundary conditions in the CS theory that give rise to the ABL model and derive the sigma-model background with target-space metric and anti-symmetric two-form. Finally, we present two simple examples 1) an anisotropic T1,1 model and 2) a G/H λ-model. The latter one can be seen as a one-parameter deformation of the Guadagnini-Martellini-Mintchev model.
Accelerated paths and Unruh effect. Part I. Scalars and fermions in Anti De Sitter spacetime
Authors: Ahmed Shahnewaz , Faruk Mir Mehedi
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We have investigated the Unruh effect in Anti de-Sitter (AdS) spacetime by examining the response function of an Unruh-DeWitt particle detector with uniform constant acceleration. An exact expression of the detector response function for the scalar field has been obtained with different levels of non-linearity in even dimensional AdS spacetime. We also showed how the response of the accelerated Unruh detector coupled quadratically to massless Dirac field in D dimensional (D ≥ 2) AdS spacetime is proportional to that of a detector linearly coupled to a massless scalar field in 2D dimensional AdS spacetime. Here, the fermionic and scalar matter field is coupled minimally and conformally to the background AdS metric, respectively. Finally, we discuss about the extension of the results for more general stationary motion.
Higher spin 3-point functions in 3d CFT using spinor-helicity variables
Authors: Jain Sachin , John Renjan Rajan , Mehta Abhishek , Nizami Amin A. , Suresh Adithya
Published: September 2021

Abstract

In this paper we use the spinor-helicity formalism to calculate 3-point functions involving scalar operators and spin-s conserved currents in general 3d CFTs. In spinor-helicity variables we notice that the parity-even and the parity-odd parts of a correlator are related. Upon converting spinor-helicity answers to momentum space, we show that correlators involving spin-s currents can be expressed in terms of some simple conformally invariant conserved structures. This in particular allows us to understand and separate out contact terms systematically, especially for the parity-odd case. We also reproduce some of the correlators using weight-shifting operators.
Robotic hernia repair III. English version
Authors: Dietz Ulrich A. , Kudsi O. Yusef , Garcia-Ureña Miguel , Baur Johannes , Ramser Michaela , Maksimovic Sladjana , Keller Nicola , Dörfer Jörg , Eisner Lukas , Wiegering Armin
Published: September 2021

The principle of targeted separation or weakening of individual components of the abdominal wall to relieve tension in the median line during major abdominal reconstruction has been known for over 30 years as anterior component separation (aCS) and is an established procedure. In search of alternatives with lower complication rates, posterior component separation (pCS) was developed; transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a nerve-sparing modification of pCS. With the ergonomic resources of robotics (e.g., angled instruments), TAR can be performed in a minimally invasive manner (r-TAR): hernia gaps of up to 14 cm can be closed and a large extraperitoneal mesh implanted. In this video article, the treatment of large incisional hernias using the r‑TAR technique is presented. Exemplary results of a cohort study in 13 consecutive patients are presented. The procedure is challenging, but our own results—as well as reports from the literature—are encouraging. The r‑TAR is becoming the pinnacle procedure for abdominal wall reconstruction.