bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the characteristics of wind turbine wake field considering yaw conditions
Authors: Zhao Xiuyong , Hu Tianyu , Zhang Lidong , Liu Zhitan , Wang Sheng , Tian Wenxin , Yang Zhile , Guo Yuanjun
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the wake of a wind turbine yaw and its influence on the output power of the downstream wind turbine. A wind turbine model (hub height and diameter of 1.2 m and 1.0 m, respectively) was used in the experiments, and the yaw angle of the upstream wind turbine was successively varied through values of 0°, 15°, and 30°. The wind speed and the intensity of turbulence in the wake region were measured using a hot‐wire anemometer. The measuring positions were changed to 3, 5, and 7 rotor diameters behind the upstream wind turbine. In addition, the output power of the downstream wind turbine model was measured using the rotational speed torque meter. The results show that, in the case of large‐angle yaw of the upstream wind turbine, the recovery of the wind speed in the wake area was greatly improved, and up to 30% recovery was achieved. The power output of the downstream wind turbine was also significantly increased. Under the yaw conditions of 15° and 30° for the upstream wind turbine, the average output power of the downstream wind turbine increased by 17.6% and 21.6%, respectively.
Super‐stable mineralization effect of layered double hydroxides for heavy metals: Application in soil remediation and perspective
Authors: Kong Xianggui , Hao Peipei , Duan Haohong
Published: October 2021

Agriculture soil plays a crucial role in sustainable development of human society. Unfortunately, soil quality is continuing degradation due to industrial and agricultural activities. Among them, agriculture soil contamination by heavy metals has become a serious threat to global food safety and human health. Because of low‐cost, easy to implement, and fast effects, in situ chemical stabilization strategy has drawn great attention in soil remediation fields. However, since heavy metals are not removed from soil, it is still a great challenge to develop the cost‐effective stabilizers with strong and long‐term immobilization ability. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been extensively applied in environmental fields owing to their unique structure. Very recently, LDHs have been used as amendment in in situ soil remediation for immobilization of heavy metals, exhibiting excellent long‐term stability in practice application through trapping heavy metal ions into the lattice of LDHs layer. Given that the super‐stable mineralization effect of LDHs for heavy metals, we summarize the structure of LDHs, key points of super‐stable mineralization, practical challenges, and potential applications in other heavy metals pollution scenarios in this article, wishing that could provide new strategies and insights into rational designing of amendments for soil remediation.
A survey‐based study concerning public comprehension of two‐component EXIT/NO‐EXIT signage concepts
Authors: Xie Hui , Galea Edwin R.
Published: October 2021

Emergency signage conveys exit route information enabling occupants to identify and utilise emergency exits during evacuation. However, it has been frequently demonstrated that static signs are insufficient to attract people's attention. Previous incidents also demonstrate that if exit routes and exits become compromised by the incident, static signs are unable to adapt as required. A goal of the signage industry is to address these limitations while maintaining the clear and unambiguous information conveyed. A signage concept addressing these limitations incorporating a pair of linked adjacent signs, a standard EXIT sign and a text‐based ‘NO‐EXIT’ sign, is proposed. At any one time, only one sign is activated, displaying either EXIT or NO‐EXIT. The active sign can also flash to improve detectability. To assess whether this concept was acceptable, an online international survey, based on the ANSI Z535.3 comprehension test methodology was conducted. The results demonstrate that this novel concept fails to meet the acceptance criteria for safety signs, and as a result, the concept was abandoned by the manufacturer. This study also highlights the importance of conducting comprehension tests for any new safety signage design and the need for composing guidelines for design and application of dynamic signs.
Analysis and mathematical modeling of the survival kinetics of Staphylococcus aureus in raw pork under dynamic and static temperature conditions
Authors: Bai Xue , Xu Ying , Shen Yong , Guo Na
Published: October 2021

The incidence of frequent foodborne disease outbreaks due to Staphylococcus aureus contamination necessitates the urgent searching for effective methods to monitor S. aureus. This research aims to construct model with a dynamic survival curve and some static growth curves to predict the behavior of S. aureus in raw pork. Lack of research about S. aureus kinetics in pork under fluctuating temperature conditions across freezing and thawing necessitates this study. One‐step analysis was used to determine the model parameters, which was more efficient than conventional model analysis with two steps. The results of kinetic analysis showed that Tmin (minimum growth temperature) was 6.85°C, which is close to the estimated values in previous reports. Subsequently, validation results indicated the integrated model can accurately predict the behavior of S. aureus regardless of isothermal or nonisothermal conditions with the root‐mean‐square errors (RMSE < 0.44 log CFU/g, 73.9% of the errors of prediction falls within ±0.5 log CFU/g), accuracy factors Af and bias factors Bf were both close to 1. This work may offer an effective method for the assessment of microbial security related to S. aureus in pork.
Polysaccharides isolated from Bangia fuscopurpurea induce apoptosis and autophagy in human ovarian cancer A2780 cells
Authors: Wu Jingna , Lin Changhong , Chen Xiaoting , Pan Nan , Liu Zhiyu
Published: October 2021

Although ovarian cancer is common, its prognosis remains poor because of drug resistance and early metastasis. Polysaccharides extracted from Bangia fuscopurpurea (BFP) are potential anti‐cancer agents, but the mechanisms underlying their effects in human ovarian cancer remain unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of action of BFP polysaccharides in A2780 ovarian cancer cells using cell migration, invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy assays. Transwell assays indicated that BFP inhibited cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry analysis showed that BFP treatment induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production, while significantly reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses revealed changes in the expression of apoptosis‐ and autophagy‐related cellular mRNAs and proteins, respectively, following BFP treatment for 24 h. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that BFP induced autophagy in A2780 cells. These findings demonstrate that BFP may be useful for developing functional foods for cancer therapy.
Palaeoecological and palaeobiogeographic implications of Middle‐Late Eocene ostracods from the Qattamiya area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Korin Asmaa E. , Hassan Hatem F.
Published: October 2021

In an attempt to define the palaeoecology and palaeobiogeography of the Middle‐Late Eocene rock units in the North Eastern Desert of Egypt, 121 rock samples of three representative localities, namely, Wadi Degla, Gebel Abu‐Shama, and Gebel Qattamiya sections were collected and investigated. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of ostracods associations and sedimentological data were used to identify three ostracod biozones; two acme zones (Cytherella tarabulusensis and Loxoconcha vetustopunctatella) of the Middle Eocene age and one assemblage zone (Xestoleberis subglobosa–Uromuellerina saidi) of Middle‐Late Eocene age, reflecting palaeoenvironments in the study area. The Cytherella tarabulusensis Zone, located at the bottom of all sections, is characterized by restricted shallow water, low dissolved oxygen, high salinity, and water depth below 100 m. The Loxoconcha vetustopunctatella Zone, located in Wadi Degla and Gebel Qattamiya sections, is characterized by shallow normal warm waters in the range of 20–50 m, whereas Xestoleberis subglobosa–Uromuellerina saidi Assemblage Zone, located in all studied sections, reflects restricted shallow water with a reduced dissolved oxygen condition palaeoenvironment. Palaeobiogeographically, the recorded ostracod assemblage exhibits similarities with those recorded in the Middle East and North and East Africa bioprovinces.
The effect of nurse practitioner scope of practice laws on primary care delivery
Authors: Smith Laura Barrie
Published: October 2021

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are an increasingly integral part of the primary care workforce. NPs' authority to practice without physician oversight is regulated by state‐level scope of practice (SOP) restrictions. To the extent that SOP restrictions prevent NPs from practicing to their full abilities and capacity, they could create inefficiencies and restrict access to health care. In this paper, I study what happens at primary care practices when states relax their SOP laws. Using a novel dataset of claims and electronic health records paired with a difference‐in‐differences research design, I quantify the effects of relaxing SOP laws on: (1) NPs' autonomy in their day‐to‐day jobs; (2) total workload and patient allocation between NPs and physicians; and (3) the provision of low‐value services at primary care practices. I find some evidence that NPs practice more autonomously following SOP changes, but I find no evidence that relaxing SOP laws changes the volume nor allocation of patients to NPs, nor the provision of low‐value services. Given the lower reimbursement that NPs typically receive, these findings suggest that allowing NPs to practice without physician oversight could reduce health care spending, without harming patients.
Phase 1/2a, open‐label, multicenter study of RM‐1929 photoimmunotherapy in patients with locoregional, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cognetti David M. , Johnson Jennifer M. , Curry Joseph M. , Kochuparambil Samith T. , McDonald Darren , Mott Frank , Fidler Mary J. , Stenson Kerstin , Vasan Nilesh R. , Razaq Mohammad A. , Campana John , Ha Patrick , Mann Grace , Ishida Kosuke , Garcia‐Guzman Miguel , Biel Merrill , Gillenwater Ann M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (rHNSCC) represents a significant global health burden with an unmet medical need. In this study we determined the safety and efficacy of RM‐1929 photoimmunotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated rHNSCC.

Methods

RM‐1929 (anti‐EGFR–IR700 dye conjugate) was infused, followed by tumor illumination. We evaluated safety, tumor response, and pharmacokinetics.

Results

Nine patients were enrolled in Part 1 (dose‐finding) and 30 patients in Part 2 (safety and efficacy). No dose‐limiting toxicities were experienced in Part 1; 640 mg/m2 with fixed light dose (50 J/cm2 or 100 J/cm) was recommended for Part 2. Adverse events (AEs) in Part 2 were mostly mild to moderate but 19 (63.3%) patients had AE ≥Grade 3, including 3 (10.0%) with serious AEs leading to death (not treatment related). Efficacy in Part 2: unconfirmed objective response rate (ORR) 43.3% (95% CI 25.46%–62.57%); confirmed ORR 26.7% (95% CI 12.28%–45.89%); median overall survival 9.30 months (95% CI 5.16–16.92 months).

Conclusions

Treatment was well tolerated. Responses and survival following RM‐1929 photoimmunotherapy in heavily pretreated patients with rHNSCC were clinically meaningful and warrant further investigation.

Clinical Trial Information

NCT02422979.
Macrophage nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 deficiency promotes innate immune activation by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3–mediated RhoA/ROCK pathway in the ischemic liver
Authors: Rao Jianhua , Qiu Jiannan , Ni Ming , Wang Hao , Wang Peng , Zhang Lei , Wang Zeng , Liu Mu , Cheng Feng , Wang Xuehao , Lu Ling
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation and has been implicated in both human and murine inflammatory disease models. We aimed to characterize the roles of macrophage‐specific Nrf2 in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI).

Approach and Results

First, macrophage Nrf2 expression and liver injury in patients undergoing OLT or ischemia‐related hepatectomy were analyzed. Subsequently, we created a myeloid‐specific Nrf2‐knockout (Nrf2M‐KO) strain to study the function and mechanism of macrophage Nrf2 in a murine liver IRI model. In human specimens, macrophage Nrf2 expression was significantly increased in liver tissues after transplantation or hepatectomy. Interestingly, lower Nrf2 expressions correlated with more severe liver injury postoperatively. In a mouse model, we found Nrf2M‐KO mice showed worse hepatocellular damage than Nrf2‐proficient controls based on serum biochemistry, pathology, ROS, and inflammation. In vitro, Nrf2 deficiency promoted innate immune activation and migration in macrophages on toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 stimulation. Microarray profiling showed Nrf2 deletion caused markedly lower transcriptional levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (Timp3). ChIP‐seq, PCR, and luciferase reporter assay further demonstrated Nrf2 bound to the promoter region of Timp3. Moreover, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 10/ROCK1 was specifically increased in Nrf2‐deficient macrophages. Increasing Timp3 expression effectively inhibited ADAM10/ROCK1 expression and rescued the Nrf2M‐KO‐mediated inflammatory response on TLR4 stimulation in vitro. Importantly, Timp3 overexpression, recombinant Timp3 protein, or ROCK1 knockdown rescued Nrf2M‐KO‐related liver IRI by inhibiting macrophage activation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, macrophage Nrf2 mediates innate proinflammatory responses, attenuates liver IRI by binding to Timp3, and inhibits the RhoA/ROCK pathway, which provides a therapeutic target for clinical organ IRI.
Setting up a patient complaint system in the national primary healthcare network in Lebanon (2016–2020): Lessons for Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Hammoud Rawan , Laham Sandy , Kdouh Ola , Hamadeh Randa
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade there has been a renewed global commitment towards building people‐centred healthcare systems and enhancing the capture of patient complaints. Literature from Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries (LMICs) on patient complaints is sparse. In 2016, the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Department at the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon, developed a full grievance (complaint or inquiry) redress system. This paper aims to describe the development of the national grievance handling system and analyse 5 years' worth of grievance data (2016–2020). The study entailed a retrospective analysis of grievances relating to the care of patients treated in 237 Primary Health Centres in the national PHC network in Lebanon, lodged through the central grievance uptakes channels between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020. Between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020, the PHC Department at the ministry of health received 562 grievances from a total of 389 unique beneficiaries Management issues made up an overwhelming 70% of all grievances, followed by relationships (20%) and clinical issues (6%). Findings indicate the need to enhance the healthcare administration, monitoring and workflow at the PHC centres and to promote the utilisation of grievance systems. The study outlines lessons learned for building grievance systems in LMICs.
Recruitment brand equity for unknown employers: Examining the effects of recruitment message claim verifiability and credibility on job pursuit intentions
Authors: Collins Christopher J. , Martinez‐Moreno Julian E.
Published: October 2021

Prior research on recruitment and employer brand equity has primarily drawn on the cognitive psychology perspective from the marketing brand equity literature to examine how recruitment practices and job seekers' perceptions of employer brand image impact recruitment outcomes. This perspective, however, provides little guidance for how unknown organizations can use recruitment messages to influence job seekers. Our study draws from research on the search‐experience framework, which uses an information economics approach to brand equity, to identify how recruitment claims from companies with no employer brand image shape job seekers' job pursuit intentions. Results based on a within‐subjects study with 197 participants showed that job seekers perceive differences in claim verifiability depending on the job or company attribute in the message. Further, we found that job seekers' perceptions of recruitment claim verifiability are indirectly related to intentions to pursue the recruiting organization through perceived claim credibility. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
A dynamic two‐level artificial neural network for estimation of parameters in combined mode conduction‐radiation heat transfer in porous medium: An application to handle huge dataset with noise
Authors: Mishra Vijay K. , Dasgupta Udrek , Patra Sushmit , Pal Rohan , Anand Kshitij
Published: October 2021

A dynamic two‐level artificial neural network (DTLANN) approach is used for the estimation of parameters in combined mode conduction–radiation heat transfer in a porous medium. Four commonly used neural networks: feed forward, cascade forward, fitnet, and radial basis are used in mapping artificial neural network (ANN), and their performance is compared under noisy big data (10,302 × 1300 matrix size). Governing equations for heat transfer in the porous medium through conduction and radiation modes are solved by finite volume method and discrete transfer method. This numerical model is called a direct model. A large amount of data is generated by using the direct model for different values of extinction coefficient β and convective coupling P2. These data were divided into different groups (class) based on the temperature difference between the gas and solid phase. In the inverse analysis, a new pair of temperature profiles for the solid and gas phase is taken as input and classified with the help of a pattern net artificial neural network model. On the basis of classification, data from that particular class and its neighbor class are used for training the mapping ANN model. After the training of the mapping ANN model, corresponding values of β and P2 are obtained as output for any new input. This DTLANN model has a high regression coefficient (R) of .99131 and can predict highly accurate values of parameters under a huge dataset with noise, within much less CPU time.
Age‐specific burden of cervical cancer associated with HIV: A global analysis with a focus on sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ibrahim Khalil Ahmadaye , Mpunga Tharcisse , Wei Feixue , Baussano Iacopo , de Martel Catherine , Bray Freddie , Stelzle Dominik , Dryden‐Peterson Scott , Jaquet Antoine , Horner Marie‐Josèphe , Awolude Olutosin A. , Trejo Mario Jesus , Mudini Washington , Soliman Amr S. , Sengayi‐Muchengeti Mazvita , Coghill Anna E. , van Aardt Matthys C. , De Vuyst Hugo , Hawes Stephen E. , Broutet Nathalie , Dalal Shona , Clifford Gary M.
Published: October 2021

HIV substantially worsens human papillomavirus (HPV) carcinogenicity and contributes to an important population excess of cervical cancer, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We estimated HIV‐ and age‐stratified cervical cancer burden at a country, regional and global level in 2020. Proportions of cervical cancer (a) diagnosed in women living with HIV (WLHIV), and (b) attributable to HIV, were calculated using age‐specific estimates of HIV prevalence (UNAIDS) and relative risk. These proportions were validated against empirical data and applied to age‐specific cervical cancer incidence (GLOBOCAN 2020). HIV was most important in SSA, where 24.9% of cervical cancers were diagnosed in WLHIV, and 20.4% were attributable to HIV (vs 1.3% and 1.1%, respectively, in the rest of the world). In all world regions, contribution of HIV to cervical cancer was far higher in younger women (as seen also in empirical series). For example, in Southern Africa, where more than half of cervical cancers were diagnosed in WLHIV, the HIV‐attributable fraction decreased from 86% in women ≤34 years to only 12% in women ≥55 years. The absolute burden of HIV‐attributable cervical cancer (approximately 28 000 cases globally) also shifted toward younger women: in Southern Africa, 63% of 5341 HIV‐attributable cervical cancer occurred in women <45 years old, compared to only 17% of 6901 non‐HIV‐attributable cervical cancer. Improved quantification of cervical cancer burden by age and HIV status can inform cervical cancer prevention efforts in SSA, including prediction of the impact of WLHIV‐targeted vs general population approaches to cervical screening, and impact of HIV prevention.
Conscientious objection and the duty to refer
Authors: Dickens Bernard M.
Published: October 2021

Medical associations and leading courts reinforce the duty of physicians who conscientiously object to participating in treatment indicated for their patients to refer them to non‐objecting practitioners. Ethical and legal duties require continuity of care when physicians withdraw from patients’ treatment on grounds of conscience. The duty to refer might affect gynecologists when their patients request for example, contraceptive means, sterilization, abortion, medically assisted reproductive procedures, or gender reassignment. Legislation and leading law courts, notably the UK Supreme Court and Constitutional Court of Colombia, and professional associations such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, have clarified the duty to refer. Physicians are expected to cater their individual conscience to their professional ethical and legal duties, favoring their patients’ choices over their personal objections. Physicians can object to “hands‐on” conduct of procedures they find objectionable, but cannot deny referral on grounds of complicity in what other care providers do.
Accelerated brain tumor dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI using Adaptive Pharmaco‐Kinetic Model Constrained method
Authors: Liu Fan , Li Dongxiao , Jin Xinyu , Qiu Wenyuan
Published: October 2021

In brain tumor, dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) spatiotemporally resolved high‐quality reconstruction which is required for quantitative analysis of some physiological characteristics of brain tissue. By exploiting some kind of sparsity priori, compressed sensing methods can achieve high spatiotemporal DCE‐MRI image reconstruction from undersampled k‐space data. Recently, as a kind of priori information about the contrast agent (CA) concentration dynamics, Pharmacokinetic (PK) models have been explored for undersampled DCE‐MRI reconstruction. This paper presents a novel dictionary learning‐based reconstruction method with Adaptive Pharmaco‐Kinetic Model Constraints (APKMC). In APKMC, the priori knowledge about CA dynamics is incorporated into a novel dictionary, which consists of PK model‐based atoms and adaptive atoms. The PK atoms are constructed based on Patlak model and K‐SVD dimension reduction algorithm, and the adaptive ones are used to resolve PK model inconsistencies. To solve APKMC, an optimization algorithm based on variable splitting and alternating iterative optimization is presented. The proposed method has been validated on three brain tumor DCE‐MRI data sets by comparing with two state‐of‐the‐art methods. As demonstrated by the quantitative and qualitative analysis of results, APKMC achieved substantially better quality in the reconstruction of brain DCE‐MRI images, as well as in the reconstruction of PK model parameter maps.
The role of cropping system adjustment in balancing grain yield and groundwater use across a rainfall gradient in the North China Plain under future climate scenarios*
Authors: Xiao Dengpan , Bai Huizi , Tang Jianzhao , Liu De Li , Yang Yanmin
Published: October 2021

The long‐term extraction of groundwater for crop irrigation under the high‐yielding double‐cropping system of winter wheat and summer maize over the last decades has led to rapid depletion of groundwater in the North China Plain (NCP). In this study, we used the well‐validated APSIM model to evaluate the yield and water use of the current cropping system and three alternative cropping systems under future climate scenarios. We used a statistical downscaling method to downscale the monthly climate data from the 33 global climate models to the daily data for driving the APSIM model. The results show that future climate change would mainly have a negative impact on the maize yield, but it has a positive impact on the wheat yield under most future climate scenarios. The combined effects of the reduction of crop water consumption and the relative increase in rainfall under the future climate scenarios will alleviate the situation of groundwater overexploitation. Moreover, the amount of groundwater overdraft under the future climate scenarios mainly depends on the selected alternative cropping system and the amount of local rainfall. The results provide useful information that helps adjust cropping systems to stop groundwater depletion and maintain acceptable food production levels in the NCP.
XEDA, a fast and multipurpose energy decomposition analysis program
Authors: Tang Zhen , Song Yanlin , Zhang Shu , Wang Wei , Xu Yuan , Wu Di , Wu Wei , Su Peifeng
Published: October 2021

A fast and multipurpose energy decomposition analysis (EDA) program, called XEDA, is introduced for quantitative analysis of intermolecular interactions. This program contains a series of variational EDA methods, including LMO‐EDA, GKS‐EDA and their extensions, to analyze non‐covalent interactions and strong chemical bonds in various environments. XEDA is highly efficient with a similar computational scaling of single point energy calculations. Its efficiency and universality are validated by a series of test examples including van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonds, radical–radical interactions and strong covalent bonds.
Encouraging pro‐environmental behavior in university employees: An approach toward environmental sustainability as moderated by green organizational culture
Authors: Khan Muhammad S. , Terason Sid
Published: October 2021

Global warming is occurring at an alarming rate, with climate change creating severe water‐related hazards that are at the top of the natural disasters list. The highest human losses have been recorded in the past 50 years based on world meteorological organization calculations. Thus, everyone needs to play their part in environmental sustainability (ES). This will require a change in behavior; therefore, the current study considered pro‐environmental behavior (PEB) crucial to ES among university employees. The moderating effect of green organizational culture (GOC) on the relationship between PEB and ES was also investigated. As it is typical of a Thai public university to expend a considerable amount of natural resources in the process of conducting its routine academic and operational activities, it is a setting worthy of investigation. The higher education sector is rarely explored in the areas of resource use and conservation; for this reason, this study was specifically targeted at the human factor in this specialized setting. A survey was performed on the faculty members of Thai public universities to verify the model. It was found that PEB influenced ES, and GOC moderated the relationship between PEB and ES. The results encompassed six dimensions of PEB and the moderating effect of GOC in the context of higher educational institutions. The findings have provided new insights into PEB intervention and modification in the context of higher education institutions whose management may use the results to strengthen employees' PEB by offering information, knowledge, and training.
Operationalizing and monitoring student support in undergraduate engineering education
Authors: Lee Walter C. , Hall Janice L. , Godwin Allison , Knight David B. , Verdín Dina
Published: October 2021

Background

Supporting undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been a persistent need. However, assessing the impact of support efforts can prove challenging as it is difficult to operationalize student support and subsequently monitor the combined impacts of the various supports to which students have access simultaneously.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This paper describes the development of the STEM student perspectives of support instrument (STEM‐SPSI) and explores how perceptions of student support constructs vary across engineering students.

Design/Method

Following best practices for instrument development, forming the STEM‐SPSI consisted of an iterative cycle of feedback from various STEM stakeholders and two rounds of pilot testing with students at multiple institutions. We employed factor analysis to identify student‐support constructs and conduct validation procedures on the instrument.

Results

Results suggest that student support can be conceptualized as a combination of 12 constructs. The STEM‐SPSI can help engineering educators evaluate their student‐support mechanisms at an academic‐unit level.

Conclusions

The practical contribution of the STEM‐SPSI is to assist colleges in monitoring the extent to which their portfolio of support mechanisms is perceived as helpful by undergraduate students. This work makes a theoretical contribution to the model of cocurricular support that undergirds the instrument by producing empirical evidence for its constructs.
Gross morphological and surface ultrastructural investigation on the gills of the European barracuda Sphyraena sphyraena
Authors: Hanafy Basma G.
Published: October 2021

The present work examined 10 gill systems of European barracuda grossly and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Grossly, there were four pairs of the gill arches. The convex border of the gill arch carried the gills filaments, but there were abundance of spines near to its concave border and the gill rakers were absent. Laterally near to the convex border of the gill arch, SEM observations revealed that the first gill arch carried small elliptical, oval, cuboidal, and triangular groups of two shapes of spines; spearhead‐like spines and canine‐like spines, but the other three gill arches carried larger groups of the same shaped spines with the appearance of waterfalls. Medially near to the convex border of the first gill arch, the canine‐like spines were observed only in the form of vertical rectangular groups that adhered in some areas. Laterally near to the concave border, the two shapes of spines were present in the form of longitudinal groups separated by spaces at the first gill arch, but these spaces were absent in the other three gill arches. Medially near to the concave border of the first gill arch, the two shapes of spines were presented in oval groups, while the other three gill arches were covered entirely by cuboidal groups of the two shapes of spines. The absence of the gill rakers in conjunction with an abundance of spines helps the European barracuda to control the food particles from escaping to the gill filaments to prevent its suffocation.
The diameter of AT‐free graphs
Authors: Ducoffe Guillaume
Published: October 2021

A graph algorithm is truly subquadratic if it runs in time on connected ‐edge graphs, for some positive . Roditty and Vassilevska Williams (STOC'13) proved that under plausible complexity assumptions, there is no truly subquadratic algorithm for computing the diameter of general graphs. In this study, we present positive and negative results on the existence of such algorithms for computing the diameter on some special graph classes. Specifically, three vertices in a graph form an asteroidal triple (AT) if between any two of them there exists a path that avoids the closed neighbourhood of the third one. We call a graph AT‐free if it does not contain an AT. We first prove that for all ‐edge AT‐free graphs, one can compute all the eccentricities in truly subquadratic time. For the AT‐free bipartite graphs, it can be improved to linear time. Then, we extend our study to several subclasses of chordal graphs—all of them generalizing interval graphs in various ways—as an attempt to understand which of the properties of AT‐free graphs, or natural generalizations of the latter, can help in the design of fast algorithms for the diameter problem on broader graph classes. For instance, for all chordal graphs with a dominating shortest‐path, there is a linear‐time algorithm for computing a diametral pair if the diameter is at least four. However, already for split graphs with a dominating edge, under plausible complexity assumptions, there is no truly subquadratic algorithm for deciding whether the diameter is either 2 or 3.
CTCF: A novel fusion partner of ETO2 in a multiple relapsed acute myeloid leukemia patient
Authors: Li Jiao , Shen Zhen , Wang Zheng , Chao Hongying , Xu Yi , Zeng Zhao , Bian Xiaosen , Zhang Jun , Pan Jinlan , Miao Weiwei , Wu Wenzhong , Yao Li , Chen Suning , Wen Lijun
Published: October 2021

ETO2 is a nuclear co-repressor, which plays a critical role in the regulation of the cell cycle, self-renewal capacity, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. We identified novel fusion transcripts involving ETO2 and CTCF by RNA-seq in a multiple relapsed AML case. The CTCF-ETO2 and ETO2-CTCF chimeric genes were validated by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. In addition, both transcripts apparently promoted cell proliferation via JAK/STAT3 pathway that is sensitive to STAT3 inhibitors. The novel fusions may have prognostic value and pathogenic mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia.
Transcription factor c-Rel mediates communication between commensal bacteria and mucosal lymphocytes
Authors: Luu Maik , Binder Kai , Hartmann Sabrina , Kespohl Meike , Bazant Jasmin , Romero Rossana , Schütz Burkhard , Steinhoff Ulrich , Visekruna Alexander
Published: October 2021

The NF-κB transcription factor c-Rel plays a crucial role in promoting and regulating immune responses and inflammation. However, the function of c-Rel in modulating the mucosal immune system is poorly understood. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and IgA production in gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) such as Peyer's patches (PPs) are important for maintaining the intestinal homeostasis. Here, c-Rel was identified as an essential factor regulating intestinal IgA generation and function of Tfh cells. Genetic deletion of c-Rel resulted in the aberrant formation of germinal centers (GCs) in PPs, significantly reduced IgA generation and defective Tfh cell differentiation. Supporting these findings, the Ag-specific IgA response to Citrobacter rodentium was strongly impaired in c-Rel-deficient mice. Interestingly, an excessive expansion of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) was observed in the small intestine of animals lacking c-Rel. Yet, the production of IL-17A, IgA, and IL-21, which are induced by SFB, was impaired due to the lack of transcriptional control by c-Rel. Collectively, the transcriptional activity of c-Rel regulates Tfh cell function and IgA production in the gut, thus preserving the intestinal homeostasis.
Narrow‐bandpass Crank–Nicolson algorithm with enhanced absorbing performance for metamaterials
Authors: Wu Peiyu , Yue Zhiyong , Xie Yongjun , Jiang Haolin , Natsuki Toshiaki
Published: October 2021

In this paper, an alternative algorithm for simulating metamaterials under a narrow bandpass condition is proposed. To calculate metamaterial regions with unique double negative property, the Drude model is used to solve the constitutive relationship. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm over existing methods is demonstrated in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and simulation of absorption. For the numerical example, a metamaterial slab with a dipole antenna model is introduced. Compared with previous works, the numerical results indicate that the proposed algorithm is considerably efficient and simulates absorption. Most importantly, the algorithm can maintain stability and reduce simulation duration.
Effects of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet on winter persistent heavy pollution in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region
Authors: Mei Mei , Ding Yihui , Wang Zunya , Liu Yanju , Zhang Yingxian
Published: October 2021

Based on the daily average concentration of PM2.5, 15 typical persistent heavy pollution episodes (PHPEs) in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region during the winters of 2013–2019 are identified. And then the impact of the intra‐seasonal variations of the 200‐hPa subtropical westerly jet (SWJ) on the PHPEs is investigated. The results show that the SWJ affects the lifecycle of the PHPEs in the BTH region mainly through the meridional shift and intensity variation. In particular, the intensity variation has a closer relationship with the vertical velocity and low‐level meridional wind to affect the PHPEs. In the developing stage of the PHPEs, the SWJ shifts northward and strengthens. The BTH region is on the left side of the entrance of the SWJ and the vertical secondary circulation intensifies the descending motion in situ. As a result, the atmospheric boundary layer is compressed to sink rapidly, a temperature inversion in the lower levels appears and the atmospheric stability is enhanced. Finally, the atmospheric environment is favourable for the rapid accumulation of pollutants and the occurrence of the PHPEs. In the peak stage, the southward withdrawal and weakening of the SWJ favour the anomalous ascending motion and low‐level southerly anomalies over the BTH region. The dominant role of the dynamic descending motion is replaced by the low‐level southerly anomalies to enhance the PHPEs, by transporting more warm‐humid air to the BTH region. In the weakening stage, the SWJ moves northward and intensifies again. The low‐level southerly anomalies weaken to contribute to the dissipation of the pollutants.
Bibliometric study of ‘overviews of systematic reviews’ of health interventions: Evaluation of prevalence, citation and journal impact factor
Authors: Lunny Carole , Neelakant Trish , Chen Alyssa , Shinger Gavindeep , Stevens Adrienne , Tasnim Sara , Sadeghipouya Shadi , Adams Stephen , Zheng Yi Wen , Lin Lester , Yang Pei Hsuan , Dosanjh Manpreet , Ngsee Peter , Ellis Ursula , Shea Beverley J. , Reid Emma K. , Wright James M.
Published: October 2021

Overviews synthesising the results of multiple systematic reviews help inform evidence‐based clinical practice. In this first of two companion papers, we evaluate the bibliometrics of overviews, including their prevalence and factors affecting citation rates and journal impact factor (JIF). We searched MEDLINE, Epistemonikos and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). We included overviews that: (a) synthesised reviews, (b) conducted a systematic search, (c) had a methods section and (d) examined a healthcare intervention. Multivariable regression was conducted to determine the association between citation density, JIF and six predictor variables. We found 1218 overviews published from 2000 to 2020; the majority (73%) were published in the most recent 5‐year period. We extracted a selection of these overviews (n = 541; 44%) dated from 2000 to 2018. The 541 overviews were published in 307 journals; CDSR (8%), PLOS ONE (3%) and Sao Paulo Medical Journal (2%) were the most prevalent. The majority (70%) were published in journals with impact factors between 0.05 and 3.97. We found a mean citation count of 10 overviews per year, published in journals with a mean JIF of 4.4. In multivariable analysis, overviews with a high number of citations and JIFs had more authors, larger sample sizes, were open access and reported the funding source. An eightfold increase in the number of overviews was found between 2009 and 2020. We identified 332 overviews published in 2020, which is equivalent to one overview published per day. Overviews perform above average for the journals in which they publish.
Surfactants in sediment of Itanhaém Estuary, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Cesar‐Ribeiro Caio , Prado Tabata Sarti , Rosa Helena Costi
Published: October 2021

This study investigated surfactant levels in the sediment of Itanhaém Estuary through colorimetric methods with methylene blue active substances (MBAS). Samples were collected with a Van Veen bottom sampler at eight sampling points during autumn, winter, and spring of 2015. The results demonstrate growing detergent deposition in the sediment of the estuary. Surfactant concentration was higher (16.18 μg MBAS g−1) around the sewage treatment plant (STP) than in the estuary in autumn, after the vacation/summer season when the population of the city had increased due to tourism. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in detergent concentration (to 14.94 μg MBAS g−1) in winter, after school vacation, while in spring the surfactants concentration for the STP was high only for the sampling points nearer the ocean. Surfactant concentrations differed significantly among sampling points (p < 0.05), with them being higher at those closer to the STP. Enrichment with high loads from anthropogenic sources associated with urbanization and tourism was responsible for the greater surfactant concentrations in areas near the STP. In conclusion, more efficient treatment of domestic effluent of the city of Itanhaém is needed, as is the control of clandestine discharge into the river since the accumulation of detergents in sediment can have harmful effects on aquatic life.
Staging of human papilloma virus related cancers of the oropharynx
Authors: Valero Cristina , Shah Jatin P.
Published: October 2021

For the past two decades an increasing number of oropharyngeal cancers have been found to be associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV). These tumors are a biologically distinct entity with better prognosis and excellent response to therapy. Therefore, a separate staging system has been introduced for HPV‐related oropharyngeal tumors in the latest edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC eighth Ed).
Dynamic variability of soil diazotrophs in bulk‐rhizosphere and phenological stages under long‐term mulching in an eroded area in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Hao Jiaqi , Zhang Fu , Liu Zhenyuan , Yu Qi , Yang Gaihe , Ren Guangxin , Han Xinhui , Wang Xiaojiao , Ren Chengjie , Feng Yongzhong
Published: October 2021

Free‐living diazotrophs play a significant role in the process of soil biological nitrogen fixation. Long‐term field management has a cumulative effect on soil microbial communities. However, after long‐term mulching measures in erosion areas, the stability difference in diazotrophs in bulk‐rhizosphere soil and the temporal dynamic changes remain unclear. In this study, we analysed the dynamic variability of soil diazotrophic community structures using high‐throughput sequencing. The result of Chao1 diversity index showed that mulching effectively increased the richness of soil diazotrophs. Combining the community composition, it was found that the diversity level of the soil diazotrophic community under mulching decreased more drastically along the development stages compared with no‐tillage, and Bradyrhizobium played a major role in nitrogen fixation. In rhizosphere soil, mulching promoted the relative abundances of Azohydromonas, Bradyrhizobium, and Skermanella. Co‐occurrence network analysis indicated that mulching measures strengthened the connection between the dominant components to improve the aggregation of the network. The partial least squares‐path model showed that the richness of diazotrophs in rhizosphere soil had an indirect effect on mulching through the available carbon and nitrogen nutrients of bulk soil, thereby improving the response rate to environmental variables. Overall, our findings showed that under long‐term mulching, the richness and aggregation of dominant components of the soil diazotrophic community increased with the phenological period and distance from roots, revealing the importance of mulching in eroded areas to improve farmland soil nitrogen fixation capacity. This study provides a theoretical reference for microecology to effectively improve soil fertility in similar areas.
Dissecting the Phenotype and Genotype of PLA2G6‐Related Parkinsonism
Authors: Magrinelli Francesca , Mehta Sahil , Di Lazzaro Giulia , Latorre Anna , Edwards Mark J. , Balint Bettina , Basu Purba , Kobylecki Christopher , Groppa Sergiu , Hegde Anaita , Mulroy Eoin , Estevez‐Fraga Carlos , Arora Anshita , Kumar Hrishikesh , Schneider Susanne A. , Lewis Patrick A. , Jaunmuktane Zane , Revesz Tamas , Gandhi Sonia , Wood Nicholas W. , Hardy John A. , Tinazzi Michele , Lal Vivek , Houlden Henry , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Complex parkinsonism is the commonest phenotype in late‐onset PLA2G6‐associated neurodegeneration.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to deeply characterize phenogenotypically PLA2G6‐related parkinsonism in the largest cohort ever reported.

Methods

We report 14 new cases of PLA2G6‐related parkinsonism and perform a systematic literature review.

Results

PLA2G6‐related parkinsonism shows a fairly distinct phenotype based on 86 cases from 68 pedigrees. Young onset (median age, 23.0 years) with parkinsonism/dystonia, gait/balance, and/or psychiatric/cognitive symptoms were common presenting features. Dystonia occurred in 69.4%, pyramidal signs in 77.2%, myoclonus in 65.2%, and cerebellar signs in 44.6% of cases. Early bladder overactivity was present in 71.9% of cases. Cognitive impairment affected 76.1% of cases and psychiatric features 87.1%, the latter being an isolated presenting feature in 20.1%. Parkinsonism was levodopa responsive but complicated by early, often severe dyskinesias. Five patients benefited from deep brain stimulation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings included cerebral (49.3%) and/or cerebellar (43.2%) atrophy, but mineralization was evident in only 28.1%. Presynaptic dopaminergic terminal imaging was abnormal in all where performed. Fifty‐four PLA2G6 mutations have hitherto been associated with parkinsonism, including four new variants reported in this article. These are mainly nontruncating, which may explain the phenotypic heterogeneity of childhood‐ and late‐onset PLA2G6‐associated neurodegeneration. In five deceased patients, median disease duration was 13.0 years. Brain pathology in three cases showed mixed Lewy and tau pathology.

Conclusions

Biallelic PLA2G6 mutations cause early‐onset parkinsonism associated with dystonia, pyramidal and cerebellar signs, myoclonus, and cognitive impairment. Early psychiatric manifestations and bladder overactivity are common. Cerebro/cerebellar atrophy are frequent magnetic resonance imaging features, whereas brain iron deposition is not. Early, severe dyskinesias are a tell‐tale sign. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society