bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of polarizability effect of alkyl group and homoring competition effect of substituents on the NMR spectra of salen‐type Schiff base
Authors: Wei Bai‐ying , Cao Chen‐zhong , Cao Chao‐tun
Published: January 2021

Salen‐type Schiff bases are a kind of important compounds and are widely used. In order to explore the effect of alkyl groups and substituents attached to aromatic ring on the chemical shifts, 63 title compounds were synthesized. Their 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra were obtained; and the effects of the alkyl chain length and substituents on the chemical shifts (δH(CHN), δC(CHN), δH(OH), and δC(COH)) were studied. The results show that (1) the alkyl polarizability effect index (PEI) has an important influence on the chemical shifts of the above four atoms, with the increase of PEI, the values of δH(CHN) and δc(CHN) decrease, and the values of δH(OH) and δC(COH) increase. (2) The influence of substituent X attached to aromatic ring on the chemical shift is related to its position by taking OH or CHN as reference. As for the effect of substituent on the chemical shifts, the effect of Hammett constant σ(X)OH and excited‐state substituent parameter
with OH as reference are different from that ofσ(X)CHN and
with CHN as reference, and there is a “homoring competition effect” of the substituent. (3) The effect of the cross‐interaction between X and OH on the chemical shift is also significantly different due to the different position of X. Quantitative correlation equations against chemical shifts were built for the four atoms, and the stability and prediction ability of the obtained equations were confirmed by leave‐one‐out cross validation.
STRA8 induces transcriptional changes in germ cells during spermatogonial development
Authors: Gewiss Rachel L. , Shelden Eric A. , Griswold Michael D.
Published: January 2021

Spermatogonial development is a key process during spermatogenesis to prepare germ cells to enter meiosis. While the initial point of spermatogonial differentiation is well‐characterized, the development of spermatogonia from the onset of differentiation to the point of meiotic entry has not been well defined. Further, STRA8 is highly induced at the onset of spermatogonial development but its function in spermatogonia has not been defined. To better understand how STRA8 impacts spermatogonia, we performed RNA‐sequencing in both wild‐type and STRA8 knockout mice at multiple timepoints during retinoic acid (RA)‐stimulated spermatogonial development. As expected, in spermatogonia from wild‐type mice we found that steady‐state levels of many transcripts that define undifferentiated progenitor cells were decreased while transcripts that define the differentiating spermatogonia were increased as a result of the actions of RA. However, the spermatogonia from STRA8 knockout mice displayed a muted RA response such that there were more transcripts typical of undifferentiated cells and fewer transcripts typical of differentiating cells following RA action. While spermatogonia from STRA8 knockout mice can ultimately form spermatocytes that fail to complete meiosis, it appears that the defect likely begins as a result of altered messenger RNA levels during spermatogonial differentiation.
Quotidian lives on isolated bodies: Entheseal changes and cross‐sectional geometry among the aboriginal population of La Gomera (ca. 200–1500 AD, Canary Islands)
Authors: Carballo‐Pérez Jared , Sánchez‐Cañadillas Elías , Arnay‐de‐la‐Rosa Matilde , Hernández‐Marrero Juan Carlos , González‐Reimers Emilio
Published: January 2021

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity changes and the daily life patterns in the island of La Gomera (Canary Islands, Spain) during the aboriginal period (ca. 3rd–15th centuries AD). The commingled skeletal material used in this study comprised a minimum of 88 individuals from burial caves used by these agropastoral communities. The methodological corpus combines the study of entheseal changes in upper and lower limbs with a cross‐sectional geometry analysis. The results revealed a prevalence of muscle chains linked to bilateral movements and a high mobility, probably more intense in the eastern areas of the island. At the same time, we observed diachronic changes in mobility possibly due to processes of adaptation to an isolated environment. Finally, entheseal changes and cross‐sectional geometry also indicated some differences between sexes as women seem to have had lower mobility than men.
Graphene‐Oriented Construction of 2D SnS for Methanol Gas‐Sensor Application
Authors: Qin Yuxiang , Wang Jiewei , Bai Yinan
Published: January 2021

Group‐IV monochalcogenides with unique 2D puckered honeycomb structure (MX, M = Ge, Sn/X = S, Se) have a great prospect in the gas‐sensor field. Herein, an exploratory study on 2D SnS is synthesized through a solvothermal method, is performed for promising methanol sensor. To break through the inhibition of the general agglomeration and poor conductivity of solvothermal synthesized SnS on gas‐sensing performance, a hybrid of SnS@rGO is designed and constructed based on poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA)‐assisted electrostatic self‐assembly. With directed growth of SnS on the PDDA‐modulated graphene oxide (GO), an expected architecture characterized by well‐dispersed loosely arranged SnS nanosheets attaching on the highly conductive rGO is achieved. The unique hybrid architecture and the conductivity modulation of rGO promotes sensing responses and dynamic characteristic of SnS‐based sensor toward methanol detection. The achieved SnS@rGO hybrid with less stacking architecture of SnS displays a ≈3.3‐fold enhancement in gas response to 15 ppm methanol in comparison to the flower‐like stacked SnS. The formation mechanism of SnS@rGO hybrid based on the oriented growth of SnS by PDDA‐modulated GO is clarified schematically and the response enhancement of the hybrid is demonstrated in terms of the unique architecture and the conductivity modulation.
Outcomes and complications of radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion: A comparison between open, semi‐robotic and totally robotic surgery
Authors: Asil Erem , Canda Abdullah Erdem , Atmaca Ali Fuat , Gok Bahri , Ozcan Muhammet Fuat , Ardicoglu Arslan , Balbay Mevlana Derya , Yıldızhan Mehmet
Published: January 2021

Background

It was aimed to compare open versus robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC), versus RARC with extracorporeal ileal conduit (ECIC) formation for bladder cancer.

Materials and Methods

Open, RARC‐ECIC and RARC‐ICIC groups were compared in terms of patient demographics, operative and postoperative parameters, pathological parameters, complications and functional outcomes.

Results

Mean operative times were lower in the RARC‐ECIC group (p = 0.004). Mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the robotic groups. The blood transfusion was lower in RARC‐ICIC groups (p < 0.001). Rates of stage pT3–4 disease were the highest in the RARC‐ICIC group (p = 0.004). LOS was significantly shorter in the RARC‐ICIC group (p = 0.01). Numbers of Clavien 3–5 complications were lower in the robotic groups (p = 0.012).

Conclusions

RARC and ICIC is a complex procedure involving an increased operation time but with the advantages of lower estimated blood loss, transfusion rates, complications and hospital stays compared with open surgery.
Correlates of achievement motivation among women undergraduates of arts and science in West Bengal (India)
Authors: Ghosh Paromita
Published: January 2021

Achievement motivation of Indian women requires research because widespread gender discrimination obstructs their progress. Studies show that facets of locus of control and professional and family values correlated with the achievement motivation of women in college education in India. But identifying the most important correlates would help formulate better policies for women’s empowerment. So the present study intended to ascertain which among career values, family values and locus of control (Individual Control, Powerful Others and Chance Control)―was principally associated with achievement motivation of female arts and science undergraduates. Area and stratified random sampling techniques were combined to select a sample of 1,825 women undergraduates from 38 colleges in six districts of West Bengal (a state in India). Of them, 933 belonged to arts and 892 belonged to science faculties. The Career and Family Values Scale, Levenson’s Scale for Locus of Control, Indian Adaptation, and Achievement Motivation Scale were all administered to participants in groups of up to 30 per session. Data collection took place in colleges. Bivariate correlations were calculated separately for participants from arts and science faculties. Irrespective of the faculty, it emerged that Individual Control and Career Values were linked with higher achievement motivation of participants. This suggests a rise in women’s empowerment in India.
Alcohol Use Among Today's College Students
Authors: Hanke Eran
Published: January 2021

This chapter presents research on student alcohol use for both undergraduate and graduate/professional students.
A Presumption of Choice: The Problem With Prevention
Authors: Elkins Becki , Hawkins Beck
Published: January 2021

This chapter highlights campus efforts to respond to alcohol use among students, distinguishes heavy drinkers from students with substance use disorders, and details why prevention efforts are insufficient for students in recovery.
A Way of Life: Recovery as a Means of Addressing Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Elkins Becki , Hawkins Beck , Workman Christine
Published: January 2021

This chapter explains recovery as an individual process and as an organizing framework for addressing substance use disorders.
Combination of Starch and Nano‐Chitin Whiskers for Surface Treatment of Cellulosic Paper
Authors: Ni Yeyan , Jing Yi , Jiang Qiwen , Gao Ruoshi
Published: January 2021

Nano‐chitin whiskers (NWs) are a group of renewable materials that have attracted wide interest. As surface sizing agents, the relevant research has been mainly concentrated on barrier properties since they are considered to be potential plastic alternatives. Nevertheless, it is likewise important to explore their potential to improve print quality. Herein, different dosages of NWs are added into cassava starch (CS) to explore their influence on the surface sizing and printing process. With the addition of NWs, the rheological behavior and film‐forming ability of composite pastes are improved. CS‐6 wt% NWs film with a sizing weight of 2.5 g m−2 can fully cover the pores of the base paper. Compared with CS sized paper with a similar loading weight, contact angle and printing surface strength are increased by 60.0% and 78.6%, respectively. Besides, CS‐6 wt% NWs sized paper show less print mottle on the surface than CS sized paper.
Retained artery forceps causing acute intestinal strangulation two years following abdominal surgery in a dog
Authors: Miloro Renato , Higgins Joe , Phipps William Bertram
Published: January 2021

A 10‐year old male entire Labradoodle presented with a history of acute onset vomiting, lethargy and collapse, two years following an emergency splenectomy and gastropexy procedure performed at a separate veterinary practice. Survey abdominal radiographs revealed metal opacity intra‐abdominal foreign bodies, suspected to be a pair of artery forceps. An exploratory laparotomy was performed when the patient was stable for general anaesthesia. The majority of the small intestines had herniated through the thumb handle of the retained forceps, resulting in strangulation of duodenum and jejunum and severe diffuse ischaemic damage. Given the large section of the non‐viable small intestine and the poor prognosis for a full recovery, the owners opted to euthanise the dog whilst under general anaesthesia. This report describes an unusual case of intestinal strangulation through a retained surgical instrument in a dog and discusses the benefits of incorporating readily available surgical safety checklists for all surgical procedures.
Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science breaking into drug design and neglected diseases
Authors: Peña‐Guerrero José , Nguewa Paul A. , García‐Sosa Alfonso T.
Published: January 2021

Machine learning (ML) is becoming capable of transforming biomolecular interaction description and calculation, promising an impact on molecular and drug design, chemical biology, toxicology, among others. The first improvements can be seen from biomolecule structure prediction to chemical synthesis, molecular generation, mechanism of action elucidation, inverse design, polypharmacology, organ or issue targeting of compounds, property and multiobjective optimization. Chemical design proposals from an algorithm may be inventive and feasible. Challenges remain, with the availability, diversity, and quality of data being critical for developing useful ML models; marginal improvement seen in some cases, as well as in the interpretability, validation, and reuse of models. The ultimate aim of ML should be to facilitate options for the scientist to propose and undertake ideas and for these to proceed faster. Applications are ripe for transformative results in understudied, neglected, and rare diseases, where new data and therapies are strongly required. Progress and outlook on these themes are provided in this study.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Intensification of agriculture in southwestern Germany between the Bronze Age and Medieval period, based on archaeobotanical data from Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Tserendorj Gegeensuvd , Marinova Elena , Lechterbeck Jutta , Behling Hermann , Wick Lucia , Fischer Elske , Sillmann Marion , Märkle Tanja , Rösch Manfred
Published: January 2021

A system of farming with an alternation of land use between being cultivated or left fallow as grassland (Feldgraswirtschaft) developed in southwestern Germany since the Bronze Age. It involved fallow periods, where the arable land is left without crops in order to let it recover its fertility for several years while becoming grassland. This led to regeneration of the topsoil humus, which could later be mobilized by cultivation. With later farming systems, the supply of nutrients needed for crops could also be provided by manuring, which allowed shorter fallow periods but required the production of manure. Such cultivation systems with short or even without fallow phases and with intensive manuring are known from the medieval period as one, two or three field systems of agriculture and their development was an important step towards the intensification of farming. The current study considers on-site plant macrofossil data from archaeological sites as well as the off-site pollen data from cores in Baden-Württemberg in order to recognize the main changes towards agricultural intensification through time from the Bronze Age up to medieval times. The various landscape types included in the study area also reveal their different agricultural histories of intensification. In lowlands with good soils, the intensification can be recognized earlier and more strongly than in uplands or other marginal areas. The main shift towards intensification took place in the Roman period, which is also confirmed by written sources of the time that mention manuring as well as a kind of two field system and alternation between grassland and arable land.
Use of Geophysical and Radar Interferometric Techniques to Monitor Land Deformation Associated with the Jazan Salt Diapir, Jazan city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Pankratz Hannah G. , Sultan Mohamed , Abdelmohsen Karem , Sauck William A. , Alsefry Saleh , Alharbi Hassan , Emil Mustafa K. , Gebremichael Esayas , Asaeidi Ali , Alshehri Fahad , Hashim Hisham I. , Al-Shamrani Haitham A. , El-Sahly Mubark
Published: January 2021

Using integrated Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) datasets (Envisat: 2003–2009; Sentinel-1: 2014–2018), local gravity surveys, and passive seismic data, we investigated the environmental hazards associated with the rise of the Miocene Jazan salt diapir (JZD; ~ 2 km2) within Jazan city, Saudi Arabia, and identified areas at risk in its immediate surroundings. Our findings include (1) the JZD outcrop and its northern, southern and western bordering areas have been undergoing substantial uplift (up to 4.7 mm/yr), whereas the sabkhas to the east are witnessing subsidence (up to − 7.5 mm/yr); (2) a low Bouguer anomaly (7.5 mGal) was observed over the JZD relative to its surroundings (8.5–12 mGal) with the steepest gradient along its eastern side; (3) strong and clear horizontal/vertical (H/V) spectral ratio peak and high frequency (5–10 Hz) over the JZD outcrop and areas proximal to its western margin, but areas to the east have a weak H/V peak and low frequency (1.5-3 Hz); (4) drilling confirmed presence of a shallow (4 m) salt bedrock layer west of the JZD and the absence of this layer to its east (up to depths of 60 m); (5) uplift patterns along the diapir margins are indicative of near-vertical contact along the JZD eastern margin and less steep contacts along the remaining margins; and (6) additional near-surface diapirs could potentially be identified in the vicinity of the JZD using our integrated approach.
Safety and Tolerability of Subcutaneous IgPro20 at High Infusion Parameters in Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency: Findings from the Pump-Assisted Administration Cohorts of the HILO Study
Authors: Anderson John T. , Bonagura Vincent R. , Cowan Juthaporn , Hsu Connie , Mustafa S. Shahzad , Patel Niraj C. , Routes John M. , Sriaroon Panida , Vinh Donald C. , Hofmann Jutta H. , Praus Michaela , Rojavin Mikhail A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of subcutaneous IgPro20 (Hizentra®, CSL Behring, King of Prussia, PA, USA) administered at high infusion parameters (> 25 mL and > 25 mL/h per injection site) in patients with primary immunodeficiency.

Methods

The Hizentra® Label Optimization (HILO) study was an open-label, parallel-arm, non-randomized study (NCT03033745) of IgPro20 using a forced upward titration design for infusion parameters. Patients experienced with pump-assisted IgPro20 infusions received weekly IgPro20 infusions at a stable dose in the Pump-Assisted Volume Cohort (N = 15; 25–50 mL per injection site) and in the Pump-Assisted Flow Rate Cohort (N = 18; 25–100 mL/h per injection site). Responder rates (percentage of patients who successfully completed ≥ 75% of planned infusions), safety outcomes, and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) trough levels were evaluated.

Results

Responder rates were 86.7% (13/15, 25 mL) and 73.3% (11/15, 40 and 50 mL) in the Volume Cohort, and 77.8% (14/18, 25 and 50 mL/h), 66.7% (12/18, 75 mL/h), and 61.1% (11/18, 100 mL/h) in the Flow Rate Cohort. Infusion compliance was ≥ 90% in all patients in the Volume Cohort and in 83.3% of patients in the Flow Rate Cohort. The number of injection sites (Volume Cohort) and the infusion duration (Flow Rate Cohort) decreased with increasing infusion parameters. The rate of treatment-emergent adverse events per infusion was low (0.138 [Volume Cohort] and 0.216 [Flow Rate Cohort]). Serum IgG levels remained stable during the study.

Conclusion

Pump-assisted IgPro20 infusions are feasible at 50 mL and 100 mL/h per injection site in treatment-experienced patients, which may result in fewer injection sites and shorter infusion times.

Trial Registration

NCT03033745; registered January 27, 2017
Neck complaints before and after uncomplicated thyroidectomy: prevalence, postoperative outcome and relationships with thyroid weight and reflux like symptoms
Authors: Marchese Maria Raffaella , Galli Jacopo , D’Alatri Lucia , D’Amore Annamaria , Sionne Francesco , Trozzi Lucrezia , Paludetti Gaetano , Bellantone Rocco , Lombardi Celestino Pio
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The surgical thyroid disease includes upper aerodigestive complaints with not homogenous prevalence and specific features. The purpose was to analyze before and after total thyroidectomy (TT) the prevalence and severity of voice, swallowing, respiratory, and reflux airway symptoms in relation with thyroid weight.

Methods

A total of 98 consenting patients undergoing TT were enrolled. Preoperatively, 1 and 3 months after TT, patients underwent videolaryngoscopy, subjective evaluation of voice (VIS), swallowing (SIS and EAT-10), respiratory (mMRC), and reflux symptoms (RSI, Gerd-Q). The scores were analyzed based on thyroid weight (<25 gr, 26–50 gr, 51–75 gr, >75 gr) and post-operative score gain was calculated from the score before TT and the follow-up examination.

Results

In total, 40/98 selected cases of uncomplicated TT completed the postoperative evaluation. Endoscopic signs suggestive of reflux disease were observed in 1/40 (2.5%) and 0/19 cases before and after TT respectively. The prevalence of cases with abnormal reflux symptom index decreased significantly after surgery (8/40 vs 1/40) (p < 0.05), similarly occurred for the Gerd-Q (4/40 vs 1/40) (p < 0.05). Three months after TT the voice, swallowing and respiratory scores were significantly lower than the preoperative ones (p < 0.05). The SIS correlated positively with EAT-10 and RSI. After 3 months the postoperative score gain of voice, swallowing, respiratory, and reflux symptoms (Gerd-Q) was statistically higher (p < 0.05) in the cases with heaviest gland.

Conclusions

The surgical thyroid disease is associated to mild aerodigestive preoperative compressive symptoms, that include respiratory abnormalities and reflux like symptoms, regardless of the gland weight. In absence of endoscopic signs of airway reflux the presence of reflux symptoms suggests an overlapping with thyroid neck complaints. The patients undergoing uncomplicated TT had improvement in compressive symptoms and the greatest improvement is seen in larger goiters.
Bi/BiOCl Nanosheets Enriched with Oxygen Vacancies to Enhance Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Wu Shuqi , Wang Junbu , Li Qingchuan , Huang Zeai , Rao Zhiqiang , Zhou Ying
Published: January 2021

BiOCl has been used in the photoreduction of CO2, but exhibits limited photocatalytic activity. In this study, Bi was in situ reduced and deposited on the surface of (001)-dominated BiOCl nanosheets by NaBH4 to form Bi/BiOCl nanosheets enriched with oxygen vacancies. The as-prepared Bi/BiOCl nanosheets having low thickness (ca. 10 nm) showed much higher concentration of oxygen vacancies compared to Bi/BiOCl nanoplates having high thickness (ca. 100 nm). Subsequently, the photocatalytic activity of the Bi/BiOCl nanosheets enriched with oxygen vacancies for CO2 reduction was dramatically enhanced and much higher than that of BiOCl nanoplates, nanosheets, and Bi/BiOCl nanoplates. It showed that the improved photocatalytic activity in the reduction of CO2 can be attributed to the enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs of the oxygen vacancies on BiOCl nanosheets and Bi metals. This work demonstrated that the in situ reduction of non-noble metals on the surface of BiOCl nanosheets that are enriched with oxygen vacancies is favorable for increasing photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Pre-clinical atherosclerosis is found at post-mortem, in the brains of men with HIV
Authors: Daramola Olusola , Ali Hebah , Mckenzie Chris-Anne , Smith Colin , Benjamin Laura A. , Solomon Tom
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to ascertain the burden of pre-clinical atherosclerotic changes in the brains of young adult males with HIV and explore the impact of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). The study design is case-control, cross-sectional. Histological sections from HIV-positive post-mortem brain samples, with no associated opportunistic infection, from the MRC Edinburgh brain bank were evaluated. These were age and sex matched with HIV-negative controls. Immunohistochemical stains were performed to evaluate characteristics of atherosclerosis. The pathological changes were graded blinded to the HIV status and a second histopathologist reassessed 15%. Univariable models were used for statistical analyses; p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Nineteen HIV-positive post-mortem cases fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Nineteen HIV-negative controls were selected. We assessed mostly small-medium-sized vessels. For inflammation (CD45), 7 (36%) of the HIV+ had moderate/severe changes compared with none for the HIV− group (p < 0.001). Moderate/severe increase in smooth muscle remodeling (SMA) was found in 8 (42%) HIV+ and 0 HIV− brains (p < 0.001). Moderate/severe lipoprotein deposition (LOX-1) was found in 3 (15%) and 0 HIV−brains (p < 0.001). ART was associated with less inflammation [5 (63%) no ART versus 2 (18%) on ART (p = 0.028)] but was not associated with reduced lipid deposition or smooth muscle damage. In HIV infection, there are pre-clinical small- to medium-sized vessel atherosclerotic changes and ART may have limited impact on these changes. This could have implications on the increasing burden of cerebrovascular disease in HIV populations and warrants further investigation.
Brain tissue transcriptomic analysis of SIV-infected macaques identifies several altered metabolic pathways linked to neuropathogenesis and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) as potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Mavian Carla , Ramirez-Mata Andrea S. , Dollar James Jarad , Nolan David J. , Cash Melanie , White Kevin , Rich Shannan N. , Magalis Brittany Rife , Marini Simone , Prosperi Mattia C. F. , Amador David Moraga , Riva Alberto , Williams Kenneth C. , Salemi Marco
Published: January 2021

Despite improvements in antiretroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain prevalent in subjects undergoing therapy. HAND significantly affects individuals’ quality of life, as well as adherence to therapy, and, despite the increasing understanding of neuropathogenesis, no definitive diagnostic or prognostic marker has been identified. We investigated transcriptomic profiles in frontal cortex tissues of Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected Rhesus macaques sacrificed at different stages of infection. Gene expression was compared among SIV-infected animals (n = 11), with or without CD8+ lymphocyte depletion, based on detectable (n = 6) or non-detectable (n = 5) presence of the virus in frontal cortex tissues. Significant enrichment in activation of monocyte and macrophage cellular pathways was found in animals with detectable brain infection, independently from CD8+ lymphocyte depletion. In addition, transcripts of four poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) were up-regulated in the frontal cortex, which was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results shed light on involvement of PARPs in SIV infection of the brain and their role in SIV-associated neurodegenerative processes. Inhibition of PARPs may provide an effective novel therapeutic target for HIV-related neuropathology.
Pulsed Shortwave Therapy in Cervical Osteoarthritis: an NSAID- Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: El Mohammad A. Rachid , Koneru Sree , Staelin Richard , McLeod Kenneth , Tabbouche Omar , Rawe Ian M.
Published: January 2021

Assess treatment superiority of pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) against COX-2 NSAID therapy, in reducing disability and pain due to cervical osteoarthritis. Two hundred chronic pain suffers (average pain duration about 2 years) diagnosed with cervical osteoarthritis by radiological imaging were randomized into one of two treatment arms: COX-2 NSAID treatment; etoricoxib 60 mg/day for 4 weeks; or PSWT treatment worn 24 h/day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the 4-week score on the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-question assessment on a 50-point scale. Secondary outcome measures included pain (at rest and during activity) measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0–100 mm, dose count of rescue pain medication (paracetamol) use, and a treatment satisfaction rating. These 4-week scores were compared across the two arms to assess superiority. After 4 weeks of treatment, subjects in both study arms reported statistically significant (p < 0.0001) reductions in NDI, with final scores of 11.24-NSAID and 9.34-PSWT, VASrest, with final scores of 30.08-NSAID; 22.76-PSWT, and VASactivity, with final scores of 36.40-NSAID; 27.42-PSWT. The absolute reduction from baseline in NDI was significantly greater in the PSWT arm than NSAID arm (3.66 points; 95% CI 2.3 to 5.02; p < 0.0001). Similarly, the reductions from baseline in VASrest and VASactivity were significantly greater in the PSWT arm than NSAID arm (10.89 mm; 95% CI 6.90 to 14.87; p < 0.0001; and 12.05 mm; 95% CI 7.76 to 16.33; p < 0.0001, respectively). The PSWT arm used 50% less rescue pain medication. Eleven adverse effects were reported in the NSAID arm and zero in the PSWT arm. Both NSAID and PSWT treatments resulted in statistically significant improvements in quality of life (NDI) and reduction in pain (VAS) resulting from cervical osteoarthritis. However, the PSWT intervention showed superior improvements in all outcome measures when compared to the NSAID arm with no adverse effects. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03542955).
Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) interactively working with humans as a junior cyber analyst
Authors: Holder Eric , Wang Ning
Published: January 2021

There are many applications where artificial intelligence (AI) can add a benefit, but this benefit may not be fully realized, if the human cannot understand and interact with the output as required by their context. Allowing AI to explain its decisions can potentially mitigate this issue. To develop effective explainable AI methods to support this need, we need to understand both what the human needs for decision-making, as well as what information the AI has and can make available. This paper presents an example case of capturing those requirements. We explore how an operational planner (senior human analyst) for a cyber protection team could use a junior analyst virtual agent to scour, analyze, and present the data available on vulnerabilities and incidents on both the target systems as well as similar systems. We explore the interactions required to understand these outputs and to integrate additional knowledge held by the human. This is an exemplar case for integrating XAI into the real-world bi-directional workflow: the senior analyst needs to be able to understand the junior analysts results, particularly the assumptions and implications, in order to create a plan and brief it up the command chain. He or she may have further questions, or analysis needs to achieve this understanding. The application is the junior analyst agent and senior human analysts working together to create this understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, incidents, likely future attacks, and counteractions on the mission relevant cyber terrain that their unit has been assigned a mission on.
From archive to analysis: accessing web archives at scale through a cloud-based interface
Authors: Ruest Nick , Fritz Samantha , Deschamps Ryan , Lin Jimmy , Milligan Ian
Published: January 2021

This paper introduces the Archives Unleashed Cloud, a web-based interface for working with web archives at scale. Current access paradigms, largely driven by the scope and scale of web archives, generally involve using the command line and writing code. This access gap means that subject-matter experts, as opposed to developers and programmers, have few options to directly work with web archives beyond the page-by-page paradigm of the Wayback Machine. Drawing on first-hand research and analysis of how scholars use web archives, we present the interface design and underpinning architecture of the Archives Unleashed Cloud. We also discuss the sustainability implications of providing a cloud-based service for researchers to analyze their collections at scale.
An overview of the airport pavement management systems (APMS)
Authors: Miah Md. Tofail , Oh Erwin , Chai Gary , Bell Phil
Published: January 2021

Airport Pavement Management System (APMS) is a useful tool, including a set of procedures for collecting, analyzing, maintaining, and reporting pavement data, thus assisting airports in finding optimum cost-effective treatments to preserve their pavement assets. The paper provides an in-depth overview of the APMS from an extensive literature review with the aim to identify numerous issues within APMS, such as the components, Pavement Condition Indices, software utilization, and the comprehensive implementation process. The methodology adopted for this research is a descriptive-based study approach on the various airport pavement manuals, guidelines and advisory circulars, journal articles, and book publications for the APMS applications. The airport pavement management systems and the case studies in various airports internationally will be included in the review. The study includes various subjects such as major components, benefit and cost approach, management in different levels, software utilization, maintenance, and rehabilitation (M&R) policies in the implementation of the APMS. Additionally, the research examines the pavement performance indicators that are the key elements for evaluating pavement conditions. Besides, the APMS software programs can store historical information, analyze data, develop models, and generate reports for M&R in association with the budget, including estimating future pavement life. The study summarizes the condition data required for the implementation and operation of an APMS, as well as the information generated by the APMS. The review highlights the benefits of an APMS in providing the airport operators and engineers far more informed position for decision-making to forecast future pavement maintenance requirements for an adequate and timely M&R.
Evaluating milling and baking quality associated with a Fusarium head blight resistance-enhancing genome deletion in wheat
Authors: Garvin David F. , Dykes Linda
Published: January 2021

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding involves improvement of a wide range of traits. However, selection for these traits is only acceptable if the end use quality of the wheat is not compromised. In hard red spring wheat, the predominant end use of flour is bread. In this study, milling and baking quality characteristics were compared in the hard red spring wheat ‘Apogee’ and a near-isogenic line of Apogee (‘A30’) that contains a spontaneous segmental deletion of the long arm of chromosome arm 3DL that is associated with enhanced resistance to Fusarium head blight caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe). Apogee and A30 were grown together in replicated greenhouse experiments, and the resultant grain was used to compare a diverse spectrum of grain characteristics and milling and baking properties of the grain in the two wheat genotypes. The major difference detected was a significant increase in protein content in A30, which had nearly 21% more flour protein than Apogee. This difference did not affect any of the flour properties or baking characteristics evaluated, suggesting that the increased protein concentrations in A30 are not associated with the principal seed storage properties associated with baking quality. These results indicate that despite the size of the deletion in A30, no key genes associated with end use quality are located on that chromosome segment. The deletion may therefore find use in efforts to enhance Fusarium head blight in hard red spring wheat.
Runaway Technology
Authors: Fairfield Joshua A. T.
Published: January 2021

In an era of corporate surveillance, artificial intelligence, deep fakes, genetic modification, automation, and more, law often seems to take a back seat to rampant technological change. To listen to Silicon Valley barons, there's nothing any of us can do about it. In this riveting work, Joshua A. T. Fairfield calls their bluff. He provides a fresh look at law, at what it actually is, how it works, and how we can create the kind of laws that help humans thrive in the face of technological change. He shows that law can keep up with technology because law is a kind of technology - a social technology built by humans out of cooperative fictions like firms, nations, and money. However, to secure the benefits of changing technology for all of us, we need a new kind of law, one that reflects our evolving understanding of how humans use language to cooperate.
Rapid tranquillisation in a psychiatric emergency hospital in Lebanon: TREC-Lebanon – a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of intramuscular haloperidol and promethazine v. intramuscular haloperidol, promethazine and chlorpromazine
Authors: Dib Joseph E. , Yaacoub Hiba Edward , Ikdais Werner Henry , Atallah Elie , Merheb Tony Jean , Ajaltouni Jean , Akkari Myriam , Mourad Marc , Nasr Maria Elias , Hachem Dory , Kazour Francois , Tahan Fouad , Haddad Georges , Azar Jocelyn , Zoghbi Marouan , Haddad Chadia , Hallit Souheil , Adams Clive E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Agitated patients constitute 10% of all emergency psychiatric treatment. Management guidelines, the preferred treatment of clinicians differ in opinion and practice. In Lebanon, the use of the triple therapy haloperidol plus promethazine plus chlorpromazine (HPC) is frequently used but no studies involving this combination exists.

Method

A pragmatic randomised open trial (September 2018–July 2019) in the Lebanese Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross in Beirut Lebanon involving 100 people requiring urgent intramuscular sedation due to aggressive behaviour were given intramuscular chlorpromazine 100 mg plus haloperidol 5 mg plus promethazine 25 mg (HPC) or intramuscular haloperidol 5 mg plus promethazine 25 mg

Results

Primary outcome data were available for 94 (94%) people. People allocated to the haloperidol plus promethazine (HP) group showed no clear difference at 20 min compared with patients allocated to the HPC group [relative risk (RR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–1.50].

Conclusions

Neither intervention consistently impacted the outcome of ‘calm’, or ‘asleep’ and had no discernible effect on the use of restraints, use of additional drugs or recurrence. If clinicians are faced with uncertainty on which of the two intervention combinations to use, the simpler HP is much more widely tested and the addition of chlorpromazine adds no clear benefit with a risk of additional adverse effects.
Procreative Liberty in the Era of Genomics
Authors: Robertson John A.
Published: January 2021

Twentieth century biology began with the rediscovery of Gregor Mendel's work on peas and ended with the sequencing of the human genome. In between came Thomas Morgan's studies of fruit flies, the grand synthesis between genetics and evolutionary biology in the 1930s, and Watson and Crick's publication in 1953 of the double helix structure of deoxyribose nucleic acid (“DNA”), the substance in the nucleus of cells, which carries the genetic code of all eukaryotic life.

The genetics of the second half of the century focused on learning how DNA coded for proteins, how to splice, clone, and recombine pieces of DNA, and how genetic mutations caused disease. In the late 1980s, a project to identify the actual sequence of all 3.2 billion base pairs of the human genome began. In June 1999, President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair announced that a working draft of the human genome was complete, with the final completed draft to 99.9% accuracy expected in May 2003, fifty years after the publication of Watson and Crick's landmark paper.
Dying Children and Medical Research: Access to Clinical Trials as Benefit and Burden
Authors: Oberman Michelle , Frader Joel
Published: January 2021

There is perhaps no greater tragedy in a parent's life than learning that one's child is terminally ill. Today, more than at any time in the past, when conventional treatment fails, dying children are given access to experimental treatment. To a surprising extent, society takes for granted the participation of dying children in medical experiments. In part, this is because we have come to view participation in clinical trials as a potential benefit. This view contrasts sharply with the dominant perception of the mid to late 20th century, which viewed medical research as a potential threat to vulnerable populations. Upon closer scrutiny, both of these perspectives carry with them some important truths. This Article seeks to build upon those truths by undertaking a critical analysis of contemporary ethical and legal policies governing the inclusion of terminally ill children in clinical research.
Gender and judging at the International Criminal Court: Lessons from ‘feminist judgment projects’
Authors: Grey Rosemary , McLoughlin Kcasey , Chappell Louise
Published: January 2021

To date, analyses of gender justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have focused primarily on critiques of, and shifts within, the Office of the Prosecutor. This article takes a different approach by focusing on the ICC’s judiciary. We being by arguing that state parties can and should do more than electing a balance of male and female judges – they can also ensure gender-sensitivity on the Bench by supporting candidates with expertise in gender analysis, and by backing judges who bring a feminist approach to their work once elected. Next, we explain the concept of the ‘feminist judgment-writing’ and suggest that this method offers a useful framework for embedding gender-sensitive judging at the ICC. To illustrate this argument, we highlight opportunities for ICC judges to engage in gender-sensitive judging in relation to interpreting the law, making findings of fact, and deciding procedural questions. The final section of the article discusses how best to institutionalize the practice of gender-sensitive judging at the ICC.
First Aid Practices for Injured Children in Rural Ghana: A Cluster-Random Population-Based Survey
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Stewart Barclay , Otupiri Easmon , Donkor Peter , Mock Charles
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

The majority of injury deaths occur outside health facilities. However, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to lack efficient Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Understanding current first aid practices and perceptions among members of the community is vital to strengthening non-EMS, community-based prehospital care.

Study Objective:

This study sought to determine caregiver first aid practices and care-seeking behavior for common household child injuries in rural communities in Ghana to inform context-specific interventions to improve prehospital care in LMICs.

Methods:

A cluster-randomized, population-based household survey of caregivers of children under five years in a rural sub-district (Amakom) in Ghana was conducted. Caregivers were asked about their practices and care-seeking behaviors should children sustain injuries at home. Common injuries of interest were burns, laceration, choking, and fractures. Multiple responses were permitted and reported practices were categorized as: recommended, low-risk, or potentially harmful to the child. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between caregiver characteristics and first aid practices.

Results:

Three hundred and fifty-seven individuals were sampled, representing 5,634 caregivers in Amakom. Mean age was 33 years. Most (79%) were mothers to the children; 68% had only completed basic education. Most caregivers (64%-99%) would employ recommended first aid practices to manage common injuries, such as running cool water over a burn injury or tying a bleeding laceration with a piece of cloth. Nonetheless, seven percent to 56% would also employ practices which were potentially harmful to the child, such as attempting manual removal of a choking object or treating fractures at home without taking the child to a health facility. Reporting only recommended practices ranged from zero percent (burns) to 93% (choking). Reporting only potentially harmful practices ranged from zero percent (burns) to 20% (fractures). Univariate regression analysis did not reveal consistent associations between various caregiver characteristics and the employment of recommended only or potentially harmful only first aid practices.

Conclusions:

Caregivers in rural Ghanaian communities reported using some recommended first aid practices for common household injuries in children. However, they also employed many potentially harmful practices. This study highlights the need to increase context-appropriate, community-targeted first aid training programs for rural community populations of LMICs. This is important as the home-based care provided for injured children in these communities might be the only care they receive.
Histidine adsorption onto modified montmorillonite under prebiotic chemistry conditions: a thermodynamic and kinetic study
Authors: Samulewski Rafael Block , Guimarães Regiane Tamires Damasceno , Zaia Dimas Augusto Morozin
Published: January 2021

The origin of life from inanimate matter is still an open question, and our knowledge is still very limited. In this sense, prebiotic chemistry seeks to study and understand how chemical reactions may have contributed to the origin of life. Minerals are of great relevance to prebiotic chemistry, as they may have preconcentrated precursors of biomolecules or biomolecules from diluted solutions, provided protection for biomolecules against UV radiation and hydrolysis, catalysing their reactions and played the role of a primitive genetic code. Montmorillonite, a prebiotic mineral, was shown to be able to adsorb adenine and later also histidine. In addition, histidine adsorption did not displace adenine from the montmorillonite. Kinetic experiments showed that using a whole period of time (7 days) it was not possible to adjust the data to any mathematical kinetic model. Thus, the data were separated into four different adsorption ranges: range 1 (0–60 min), range 2 (60–4320 min), range 3 (4320–7200 min) and range 4 (7200–10 080 min). Range 1 showed adsorption that was too fast, meaning no variations in the adsorption data, and the data of range 3 did not fit in any model used in this work. Thus, range 2 (60–4320 min) and range 4 (7200–10 080 min) were analysed. The adsorption kinetics of histidine adsorption indicated two reaction steps, a quick step (60–4320 min), following the pseudo-first-order model, followed by a slower step (7200–10 080 min) of the pseudo-second order. With these results, isotherms were constructed with times of 1 h and 7 days. The results of the quick step (1 h) showed a reaction that was not thermodynamically favoured. For this time range, Gibbs energy values obtained ranged between 5 and 10 kJ mol−1 at temperatures of 20, 35 and 50°C, and the adsorption occurred due to the balance shift of increase in histidine concentrations. The isotherms of the slow step (7 days) presented negative values, showing a more favourable reaction with Gibbs energy values ranging between −5 and −11 kJ mol−1. The mathematical modelling of the data indicates that seawater ions are crucial in the adsorption process. Thus, the study provided essential information for prebiotic chemistry, showing that time and the reaction medium should always be taken into account.