bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De-myth-tifying the gender digital divide in Latin America: libraries as intermediaries in bridging the gap
Authors: Bull Lauren
Published: June 2021

For decades, the gender digital divide has been observed as a concept and a construct throughout countries all over the world. It persists with particular belligerence in areas like Latin America, where myths surrounding its existence have perpetuated disparities in men’s and women’s access to and use of the internet and information and communications technologies (ICTs). In this paper, the author reveals that in order for the gender digital divide to be rectified, it must first be ‘de-myth-tified’, and claims about the divide as nonexistent, unimportant, or due to women’s inherent technophobia systematically discredited. It is then argued that, by exposing the true nature of the divide, spaces are created for libraries to take on a new role in Latin America, as advocates for gender equality in technology and information. Possibilities for improving policy, education, and innovation are explored, with a call for further research in the field. Second Place DJIM Best Article Award.
Librarians and Computer Programming: Understanding the role of programming within the profession of librarianship
Authors: Rosati Domenic Anthony
Published: June 2021

Computer programming is increasingly being discussed as a practice within librarianship. However, contemporary discussions about the role of code within librarianship often suggest that librarians should or should not learn code while failing to qualify how and why librarians are employing code in a professional capacity rather than IT professionals. By investigating case studies that describe librarians writing code, this paper qualifies popular discussions of code and librarianship with how and why programming is being used in practice by librarians. While these case studies reveal that programming solutions were developed in the context of lack of IT staff, librarians are not taking over roles or projects traditionally afforded to software and web developers, instead librarians are writing code for data processing and web services as extensions of their normal responsibilities. Further discussion explores software engineering as the primary concern of librarians who code professionally.
The Language of Cataloguing: Deconstructing and Decolonizing Systems of Organization in Libraries
Authors: Vaughan Crystal
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzes the language of cataloguing because the information that librarians and other information professionals provide to others has a huge impact both on how others are viewed and how others view themselves. This ultimately comes down to the way in which words are given meaning and interpreted according to the socio-political climate of the time. As society, politics, and economies change, so too does the language of representation. Therefore, the Library of Congress subject headings (LCSH) as a system of categorization is only as effective as the language that is used to define what is and what is not. Moreover, those who control the language of categorization control access to the information categorized within that system. Consequently, librarians must always be critical of the language they are using in their information organization systems. Language is continuously evolving according to societal discourse and politics; therefore, if libraries are to maintain their social responsibility to provide information to all, including socially disadvantaged and marginalized peoples, then librarians must continuously advocate for changes to subject headings. Librarians must also recognize and reflect on their own internal biases when cataloguing and make it their job to deconstruct language and decolonize the systems that perpetuate the continued marginalization of others. To remain neutral about these systems is the very opposite of what it means to be a librarian in the twenty-first century.
The Eye of the Storm: Extreme Weather Events and Sustainable Urban Forest Management
Authors: Marshman Kendra
Published: June 2021

More people live in cities today than ever before. One indicator of a sustainable urban environment is a full canopy cover. Urban residents value trees for the benefits of improved air quality, provision of shade, and aesthetic purposes, among others. Although urban trees are greatly valued, they are up against environmental challenges. Global climate change threatens urban forests because of the accompanying increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Hurricanes, intense precipitation, windstorms, and ice storms, are included. In Halifax (2003) Hurricane Juan negatively affected the urban forest canopy and some areas have not fully recovered. Similarly, in Vancouver’s Stanley Park (2006 & 2007) an extreme windstorm hit the urban canopy. How can urban forest planners adapt the urban forest to become more resilient in the face of such events?
Reflections on the Public Library System in Canada: Inclusivity, Race and Power
Authors: Bourret Grace
Published: June 2021

Public libraries as an institution are of the upmost importance to Canadian society as individuals from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds rely upon these spaces to gain access to information, education, and recreational activities. For this reason, these institutions strive to be inclusive and welcoming spaces. However, they are not always successful in these endeavours. The following paper highlights the ways in which Canadian libraries promote a homogenous culture of whiteness. Although this subject has been discussed in the American context, this paper situates Canada within this scholarship through investigating the makeup of Canadian libraries, the treatment of library patrons, and the documented experiences of racially marginalized staff. Based on these findings, this paper highlights scholarly and practitioner recommendations while also advocating for further research on this topic within the Canadian field of Library and Information Sciences (LIS).
Pressure Distributions on Sails Investigated Using Three Methods: On-Water Measurements, Wind-Tunnel Measurements, and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Viola Ignazio Maria , Flay Richard G. J.
Published: June 2021

The main results of a two-year project aimed at comparing full-scale tests, wind tunnel tests, and numerical analysis predictions are presented. Pressure measurements were obtained from both full-scale tests and wind-tunnel tests, in upwind and downwind conditions. The upwind wind tunnel test condition was modelled using a Vortex Lattice code, while the downwind wind-tunnel test was modelled using a Navier-Stokes code. The pressures obtained from the three different methods are compared on three horizontal sections of the headsail, mainsail, and asymmetric spinnaker. In general the pressures from the three experiments showed good agreement. In particular, very good agreement was obtained between the numerical computations and the wind tunnel test results. Conversely, the results from the downwind full-scale pressure measurements showed less similarity due to a slightly tightened trim being used for the spinnaker in the on-water tests. Full-scale tests allow the action of unsteadiness due to the wind, wave and yacht movements to affect the results. This unstable environment caused the asymmetric spinnaker to move around, and a tightened trim was required to prevent the spinnaker from collapsing.
Sizing and Analysis of Folding Propellers for Auxiliary-Powered Sailboats
Authors: MacPherson Donald , Segil Benjamin , Ehrenskjold Sune
Published: June 2021

Techniques and procedures are well established for the reliable sizing and analysis of conventional monoblock propellers on powered vessels, such as motor yachts and other pleasure craft. However, the use of these propeller sizing criteria and analysis techniques have proven ineffective for auxiliary-powered sailboats with folding propellers. This paper is intended to be a “design guide” for the sizing and analysis of folding propellers on auxiliary powered sailboats, utilizing both anecdotal evidence and analytical investigation in the development of new criteria and recommended procedures. Topics considered in this paper include speed prediction, calculation models for folding propellers, and cavitation criteria.
A Measurement System for Performance Monitoring on Small Sailing Dinghies
Authors: Boehm Christoph , Brehm Robert , Meyer Janek , Duggen Lars , Graf Kai
Published: June 2021

This paper describes a new performance monitoring system for dinghies and small sailing boats, developed in a collaborative project of the Yacht Research Unit Kiel (YRUK) and the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) of the University of Southern Denmark. The system under development features a complete set of nautical instruments (wind, boat speed and heading, position) as well as dynamic sensors measuring the motion of the dinghy with additional audio and video streams for crew observations. Most sensors are integrated in a small lightweight housing also containing a main processing unit to be mounted on a dinghy. Some external miniaturized sensors (wind and water anemometers) are connected wirelessly. Data and media streams are recorded. Further a telemetry system allows online data transmission to a remote client operated on a coach boat. Analysis software allows the coach to visualize and analyze the performance of the dinghy. Both, the hardware system and the analysis software are presented here including first results from a field trial.
Generalized Lucas numbers of the form 3 × 2^m
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Abdelhafid Boussouf University, Rihane Salah Eddine , Adegbindin Chefiath Awero ,   Institut de Mathematiques et de Sciences Physiques, Togbé Alain ,   Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Purdue University Northwest
Published: June 2021

For an integer $k\geq 2$, let $(L_n^{(k)})_n$ be the k-generalized Lucas sequence which starts with $0,\ldots,0,2,1$ (k terms) and each term afterwards is the sum of the k preceding terms. In this paper, we look the k-generalized Lucas numbers of the form $3\times 2^m$ i.e. we study the Diophantine equation $L^{(k)}_n = 3\times 2^m$ in positive integers n, k, m with $k \geq 2$.
Unsupervised changes in core object recognition behavior are predicted by neural plasticity in inferior temporal cortex
Authors: Jia Xiaoxuan , Hong Ha , DiCarlo James J
Published: June 2021

Temporal continuity of object identity is a feature of natural visual input and is potentially exploited – in an unsupervised manner – by the ventral visual stream to build the neural representation in inferior temporal (IT) cortex. Here, we investigated whether plasticity of individual IT neurons underlies human core object recognition behavioral changes induced with unsupervised visual experience. We built a single-neuron plasticity model combined with a previously established IT population-to-recognition-behavior-linking model to predict human learning effects. We found that our model, after constrained by neurophysiological data, largely predicted the mean direction, magnitude, and time course of human performance changes. We also found a previously unreported dependency of the observed human performance change on the initial task difficulty. This result adds support to the hypothesis that tolerant core object recognition in human and non-human primates is instructed – at least in part – by naturally occurring unsupervised temporal contiguity experience.
Shape-invariant encoding of dynamic primate facial expressions in human perception
Authors: Taubert Nick , Stettler Michael , Siebert Ramona , Spadacenta Silvia , Sting Louisa , Dicke Peter , Thier Peter , Giese Martin A
Published: June 2021

Dynamic facial expressions are crucial for communication in primates. Due to the difficulty to control shape and dynamics of facial expressions across species, it is unknown how species-specific facial expressions are perceptually encoded and interact with the representation of facial shape. While popular neural network models predict a joint encoding of facial shape and dynamics, the neuromuscular control of faces evolved more slowly than facial shape, suggesting a separate encoding. To investigate these alternative hypotheses, we developed photo-realistic human and monkey heads that were animated with motion capture data from monkeys and humans. Exact control of expression dynamics was accomplished by a Bayesian machine-learning technique. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that human observers learned cross-species expressions very quickly, where face dynamics was represented largely independently of facial shape. This result supports the co-evolution of the visual processing and motor control of facial expressions, while it challenges appearance-based neural network theories of dynamic expression recognition.
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists to prevent hyperinflammation and death from lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: Koenecke Allison , Powell Michael , Xiong Ruoxuan , Shen Zhu , Fischer Nicole , Huq Sakibul , Khalafallah Adham M , Trevisan Marco , Sparen Pär , Carrero Juan J , Nishimura Akihiko , Caffo Brian , Stuart Elizabeth A , Bai Renyuan , Staedtke Verena , Thomas David L , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Kinzler Ken W , Vogelstein Bert , Zhou Shibin , Bettegowda Chetan , Konig Maximilian F , Mensh Brett D , Vogelstein Joshua T , Athey Susan
Published: June 2021

In severe viral pneumonia, including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the viral replication phase is often followed by hyperinflammation, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death. We previously demonstrated that alpha-1 adrenergic receptor (⍺1-AR) antagonists can prevent hyperinflammation and death in mice. Here, we conducted retrospective analyses in two cohorts of patients with acute respiratory distress (ARD, n = 18,547) and three cohorts with pneumonia (n = 400,907). Federated across two ARD cohorts, we find that patients exposed to ⍺1-AR antagonists, as compared to unexposed patients, had a 34% relative risk reduction for mechanical ventilation and death (OR = 0.70, p = 0.021). We replicated these methods on three pneumonia cohorts, all with similar effects on both outcomes. All results were robust to sensitivity analyses. These results highlight the urgent need for prospective trials testing whether prophylactic use of ⍺1-AR antagonists ameliorates lower respiratory tract infection-associated hyperinflammation and death, as observed in COVID-19.
CDK control pathways integrate cell size and ploidy information to control cell division
Authors: Patterson James Oliver , Basu Souradeep , Rees Paul , Nurse Paul
Published: June 2021

Maintenance of cell size homeostasis is a property that is conserved throughout eukaryotes. Cell size homeostasis is brought about by the co-ordination of cell division with cell growth and requires restriction of smaller cells from undergoing mitosis and cell division, whilst allowing larger cells to do so. Cyclin-CDK is the fundamental driver of mitosis and therefore ultimately ensures size homeostasis. Here we dissect determinants of CDK activity in vivo to investigate how cell size information is processed by the cell cycle network in fission yeast. We develop a high-throughput single-cell assay system of CDK activity in vivo and show that inhibitory tyrosine phosphorylation of CDK encodes cell size information, with the phosphatase PP2A aiding to set a size threshold for division. CDK inhibitory phosphorylation works synergistically with PP2A to prevent mitosis in smaller cells. Finally, we find that diploid cells of equivalent size to haploid cells exhibit lower CDK activity in response to equal cyclin-CDK enzyme concentrations, suggesting that CDK activity is reduced by increased DNA levels. Therefore, scaling of cyclin-CDK levels with cell size, CDK inhibitory phosphorylation, PP2A, and DNA-dependent inhibition of CDK activity, all inform the cell cycle network of cell size, thus contributing to cell size homeostasis.
Locating macromolecular assemblies in cells by 2D template matching with cisTEM
Authors: Lucas Bronwyn A , Himes Benjamin A , Xue Liang , Grant Timothy , Mahamid Julia , Grigorieff Nikolaus
Published: June 2021

For a more complete understanding of molecular mechanisms, it is important to study macromolecules and their assemblies in the broader context of the cell. This context can be visualized at nanometer resolution in three dimensions (3D) using electron cryo-tomography, which requires tilt series to be recorded and computationally aligned, currently limiting throughput. Additionally, the high-resolution signal preserved in the raw tomograms is currently limited by a number of technical difficulties, leading to an increased false-positive detection rate when using 3D template matching to find molecular complexes in tomograms. We have recently described a 2D template matching approach that addresses these issues by including high-resolution signal preserved in single-tilt images. A current limitation of this approach is the high computational cost that limits throughput. We describe here a GPU-accelerated implementation of 2D template matching in the image processing software cisTEM that allows for easy scaling and improves the accessibility of this approach. We apply 2D template matching to identify ribosomes in images of frozen-hydrated Mycoplasma pneumoniae cells with high precision and sensitivity, demonstrating that this is a versatile tool for in situ visual proteomics and in situ structure determination. We benchmark the results with 3D template matching of tomograms acquired on identical sample locations and identify strengths and weaknesses of both techniques, which offer complementary information about target localization and identity.
A Dialectic of Effective Judicial Protection and Mutual Trust in the European Administrative Space: Towards the Transnational Judicial Review of Manifest Error?
Authors: Warin Catherine
Published: June 2021

The courts of the EU's Member States have a duty to ensure the effective protection of individuals who are confronted with administrative decisions potentially infringing their rights. However, the principle of mutual trust is often understood as a limit to this protection. This is
in so far as it requires domestic courts to abstain from reviewing decisions made by administrations of other Member States, even though such decisions may have effects beyond national boundaries. As transnational administrative procedures become increasingly frequent, this article analyses
the implications of the principles of effective judicial protection and of mutual trust on the review of such procedures by domestic courts. It shows how, by gradually allowing domestic courts to review certain types of manifest errors committed beyond their national jurisdiction, the CJEU
is moving past the apparent opposition of these principles. It finally argues that developing the transnational judicial review of manifest error may help improve the effective judicial protection of individuals.
Effect of Physiotherapy in the Prevention and Relief of Secondary Lymphoedema in Subjects with Postoperative Breast Cancer- A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Naik Mitali , Nayak Priyanka , Kumar KU Dhanesh
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the 2nd leading cause of death. The treatment of breast cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or combination of these treatments. One of the most important complications which occurs in one out of four women is lymphoedema. Physiotherapy plays an important role in creating awareness, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of secondary lymphoedema. The systematic reviews which were already done focused on only one intervention or combination of two or more interventions for lymphoedema with or without other complication related to breast cancer. Aim: To systematically review the randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effect of various physiotherapy interventions that are used in the prevention and relief of secondary lymphoedema in postoperative breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Relevant studies were retrieved through PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases ranging from the year 2004 (January) to 2020 (March). The language of search was English. The keywords used for the search were breast cancer, interventions, physiotherapy, postoperative, secondary lymphoedema, treatment, prevention. Total 14 randomised controlled trials were included in this study according to the inclusion criteria. The trials included interventions like Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), compression therapy, Range of Motion (ROM) exercises and massage. Results: A total of 244 relevant articles were found out of which 14 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included in this study. MLD showed positive effects on lymphoedema prevention and treatment as an individual intervention or in combination with other interventions. Compression sleeves/corsets also showed positive effect on lymphoedema. Resistance exercises showed no risk of precipitating or increasing lymphoedema. Shoulder programs showed that delayed mobilisation of shoulder after one week is beneficial for reduction of lymphoedema. Physiotherapeutic stimulation showed positive effects on lymphoedema by increasing the lymphatic flow and velocity. Conclusion: Physiotherapy interventions like MLD, compression garments, stretching and strengthening, resistance exercises and ROM exercises have a potential effect in the treatment and prevention of secondary lymphoedema.
Anaesthetic Efficacy of Nalbuphine as an Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blockade: ARandomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Arish BT , Hariharasudhan B , Ranjan RV , Sivakumar S , george Sagiev koshy , Ravichandran K
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Ultrasonography (USG) guided supraclavicular block is an excellent choice for upper limb surgeries. It not only allows smaller volumes of local anaesthetic usage but also provides optimal tourniquet coverage. Ropivacaine is structurally related to bupivacaine with reduced potential for toxicity and improved sensory and motor blocking profiles. Nalbuphine acquired a significant place in pain control but its efficacy as a local anaesthetic adjuvant is yet to be proved in peripheral nerve blockades. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of adding nalbuphine to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade and to assess the quality of block for patients undergoing ambulatory forearm and hand surgeries. Materials and Methods: Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1 and 2 patients were randomised into two groups of 35 each. Group A (n=35): received 24 mL of 0.5% of ropivacaine + 1 mL of nalbuphine (10 mg) and Group B (n=35): received 24 mL of 0.5% of ropivacaine + 1 mL of normal saline. The parameters observed were duration of analgesia, onset of sensory and motor blockade, duration of motor blockade and haemodynamic changes during the procedure. Categorical variables were analysed using the Pearson’s Chi‑square test. Continuous variables were analysed using the independent sample t‑test and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The onset of sensory and motor blockades were faster in the nalbuphine group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The duration of sensory and motor blockades was similarly longer in nalbuphine group (p<0.001). Also, the mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer with nalbuphine group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Nalbuphine significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia and duration of block while accelerating the onset of blockade thereby improving the overall quality of blockade.
Effect of Migraine on Functional Performance and Self Reported Symptoms in Children with Concussion: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alkathiry Abdulaziz Abdullah
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Several factors have been identified to influence concussion. Migraine has been identified as a common symptom reported after concussion which has been related to a worse prognosis. Concussion is a common brain injury that affects physical and cognitive performance. While several studies indicated that adolescents are more likely to develop concussion, in the last decade concussion has been mainly explored in adults. Aim: To investigate the effect of migraine on functional performance and self-reported symptoms in children with concussion. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 35 symptomatic children with concussion aged 9-17 years recruited within one year from their concussion injury at a tertiary care center in Pittsburgh, PA, Unites States of America. Participants’ symptoms and functional performance were assessed using the Postconcussion Symptoms Scale (PCSS) and the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) respectively. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows (version 22; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) was used for all statistical analysis. Results: Mann-Whitney U Test showed that concussed children with migraine had significantly worse symptoms of fatigue and visual problems (p <0.05). The mean age of participants were mean age of 14.03±2.47 years and 66% were females. Conclusion: Although concussed children with and without migraine didn’t show any differences on functional performance, worse fatigue and visual symptoms were found in concussed children with migraine.
The Influence of H2O2 on The Photocatalytic Pretreatment of Cellulose for 5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural (5-HMF) Production
Authors: Syafi’i Muhammad Imam , Nueangnoraj Khanin , Boonyarattanakalin Siwarutt
Published: June 2021

Photocatalysis has been widely known as a simple green technology to be applied in the synthesis and degradation process of organic molecules. An application of photocatalysis in a biomass pretreatment for a 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) production was investigated in this study. The results have revealed that photocatalysis, applied during pretreatment, facilitates the breakdown of cellulose. The presence of oxidizing agent (H2O2) in the ratios to cellulose of 11:1, 18:1, and 37:1 mol.mol-1 has been investigated for its effect on the production of 5-HMF. The optimum conditions obtained for the pretreatment process was the presence of H2O2 at 37:1 mol.mol-1, which was followed by the process of evaporation of the remaining H2O2 after pretreatment. The 5-HMF yield from the hydrolysis process involving pretreatment was 13.07%, while the yield from the process without pretreatment was 9.79%. The application of the pretreatment has succeeded in increasing the 5-HMF yield by 25.09%. The progress in the pretreatment was also marked by the presence of the carboxyl groups in the pretreated samples which were observed by the Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Establishment and characterization of a primary cell culture derived from external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sekino Yuki , Imaizumi Akira , Komune Noritaka , Ono Mayumi , Sato Kuniaki , Masuda Shogo , Fujimura Akiko , Koike Kensuke , Hongo Takahiro , Uchi Ryutaro , Onishi Hideya , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: June 2021

There are no human cancer cell lines of external auditory canal origin available for research use. This report describes the establishment of a culture condition for external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma, derived from human tumor tissue. Successive squamous cell carcinoma colonies were dissociated by trypsin, subcultured, and maintained on a feeder layer (MMC‐TIG‐1‐20), yielding a clonally proliferating cell culture. Two morphological types of colony were observed: (a) densely packed colonies and (b) colonies with indistinct boundaries characterized by cell–cell complexes with fibroblast feeder cells. The SCC‐like characteristics of these cells were evidenced by positivity for p53, SCCA1/2, cytokeratin, and vimentin, and cancer stem cell properties were indicated by positivity for CD44, CD133, Oct3/4, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). One of the unique properties of cell cultures is their tendency to form steric colonies in vitro on feeder layer cells. In addition, in the presence of fresh macrophages, the cells very slowly transform to break away from colonies as free cells, a process that resembles the epidermal–mesenchymal transition, whereby cell–cell interactions are weakened and migration activity is enhanced. These factors are purported to play a key role in cancer cell metastasis.
CSNK2A1‐mediated phosphorylation of HMGA2 modulates cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer
Authors: Shi Zhan , Wu Ding , Xu Hao , Yang Ju , Sun Xiaoqing
Published: June 2021

The development of chemoresistance reduces the efficacy of anti‐cancer drugs. Cervical cancer is still one of the most common cancer types in developing countries. The oncogenic protein high mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2) is involved in the development and progression of tumors, although its role in chemoresistance of cervical cancer remains unclear. Here, we report that HMGA2 is highly expressed in cervical cancer and negatively correlated with cisplatin‐induced cell death. We performed liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry to demonstrate that HMGA2 has high potential to interact with casein kinase II A1 (CSNK2A1). Moreover, we observed that HMGA2 co‐localizes with CSNK2A1 in the nucleus by immunofluorescence. Binding of HMGA2‐CSNK2A1 was detected by immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, we identified that cisplatin induces an interaction between CSNK2A1 and HMGA2, thereby promoting the phosphorylation of HMGA2. CX‐4945, a CSNK2A1 inhibitor, could inhibit the phosphorylation of HMGA2 and sensitize tumor cells to cisplatin. Our results reveal that CSNK2A1‐dependent HMGA2 phosphorylation may partially underlie cisplatin‐resistance in cervical cancer, suggesting that HMGA2 phosphorylation may have potential as a predicative biomarker and therapeutic target to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy.
Synthesis and Manufacturing ofN‐VinylPyrrolidone andN‐VinylCaprolactam
Authors: Hood David K.
Published: June 2021

Vinyl pyrrolidone, and to a somewhat lesser extent vinyl caprolactam, is a key component of an incredibly diverse group of chemistries and commercial applications. The production of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl caprolactam was largely dependent upon acetylene production. This chapter discusses the key technical concepts, parameters, and processes, from acetylene, or butane, through to vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl caprolactam. The production of acetylene from calcium carbide can be accomplished via two general processes: the “wet process” and the “dry process.” Understanding the inherent thermodynamic behavior of acetylene is critical to appreciating the general production parameters. Acetylene thermodynamic data demonstrates that the free energy of acetylene decreases with increasing temperature. Once the acetylene gas is produced, it often requires purification for further optimal synthetic transformations. Acetylene is a very dangerous gas. Proper storage and handling are essential for the safety of plant personnel.
Comparison of Two Rituximab Induction Regimens for Antineutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody–Associated Vasculitis: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bénard Valérie , Farhat Cynthia , Zarandi‐Nowroozi Melissa , Durand Madeleine , Charles Pierre , Puéchal Xavier , Guillevin Loic , Pagnoux Christian , Makhzoum Jean‐Paul
Published: June 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two rituximab (RTX) regimens for the induction of remission in severe antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV): the four‐dose (375 mg/m2 intravenously weekly) versus the two‐dose (1000 mg intravenously biweekly) regimen.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to identify studies using the four‐ and/or two‐dose RTX regimens for induction of remission in severe AAV. Disease status 6 months after RTX infusion was required for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they received concomitant cyclophosphamide or plasma exchange. The primary end point was the proportion of patients in complete remission at 6 months. The pooled estimate was obtained by using meta‐analysis methods for proportions with random effects. Secondary end points included antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody status, number of patients with B‐cell depletion, mean prednisone dose, infections, and death.

Results

A total of 27 studies and 506 patients were included for analysis: 361 patients received the four‐dose regimen, and 145 patients received the two‐dose regimen. Most patients had relapsing disease at inclusion (83% and 92% of patients, respectively). There was no significant difference between the four‐ and two‐dose regimens, with a complete remission achieved in 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70‐96) and 91% (95% CI: 79‐99) of patients, respectively. At 6 months, both regimens were associated with a similar mean daily prednisone dose (8.1 mg), infections (12% in both), and death (1% vs 0%, respectively).

Conclusion

No difference was found in terms of efficacy or safety between the four‐ and two‐dose RTX regimens for induction of remission in severe AAV.
Sulfite‐Inserted MgAl Layered Double Hydroxides Loaded with Glucose Oxidase to Enable SO2‐Mediated Synergistic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Chu Qiang , Liao Linhua , Liu Bin , Han Gaorong , Li Xiang
Published: June 2021

As a type of unique gaseous molecules, SO2 presents capabilities in the feasible cellular influx and the induction of apoptosis by generating intracellular toxic radicals. Developing therapeutic platforms to enable effective SO2 gas release at the tumor site is highly demanded in the exploration of more “green” and effective treatment protocols for cancer therapy but remains challenging. Here for the first time, fine nanosheets composing of Mg‐Al layered double hydroxides (MgAl LDH) are synthesized and inserted with sulfite in its layered structures (MgAl‐SO3 LDH). After the loading of glucose oxidase (GOx/MgAl‐SO3 LDH), the composite nanosheets present the controllable SO2 gas release in an acidic responsive manner. Owing to the glycolysis effect of GOx, the gluconic acid generated agitates the intracellular SO2 release from nanosheets, and excessive H2O2 reacts with SO2 effectively and facilitates the production of toxic radicals, inducing remarkable oxidative damages to tumor cells. Meanwhile, the consumption of intracellular glucose by GOx/MgAl‐SO3 LDH depletes the energy supply of tumor cells, favoring the tumor inhibition both in vitro and in vivo in a synergistic fashion. Therefore, this study has provided distinctive perspectives in the exploration of therapeutic platforms with green functionalities and biodegradability for effective tumor treatment.
Trifunctional Graphene Quantum Dot@LDH Integrated Nanoprobes for Visualization Therapy of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Bin , Li Kun , Sun Feiyue , Niu Jintong , Zhu Rongrong , Qian Yechang , Wang Shilong
Published: June 2021

Visualization technology has become a trend in tumor therapy in recent years. The superior optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) make them suitable candidates for tumor diagnosis, but their tumor targeting and drug‐carrying capacities are still not ideal for treatment. Sulfur‐doped graphene quantum dots (SGQDs) with stable fluorescence are prepared in a previous study. A reliable strategy by associating layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and etoposide (VP16) is designed for precise visualization therapy. Trifunctional LDH@SGQD‐VP16 integrated nanoprobes can simultaneously achieve targeted aggregation, fluorescence visualization, and chemotherapy. LDH@SGQD‐VP16 can accumulate in the tumor microenvironment, owing to pH‐sensitive properties and long‐term photostability in vivo, which can provide a basis for cancer targeting, real‐time imaging, and effect tracking. The enhanced therapeutic and attenuated side effects of VP16 are demonstrated, and the apoptosis caused by LDH@SGQD‐VP16 is ≈2.7 times higher than that of VP16 alone, in HGC‐27 cells. This work provides a theoretical and experimental basis for LDH@SGQD‐VP16 as a potential multifunctional agent for visualization therapy of gastric cancer.
Conduction Band Energy‐Level Engineering for Improving Open‐Circuit Voltage in Antimony Selenide Nanorod Array Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Tao , Liang Xiaoyang , Liu Yufan , Li Xiaoli , Wang Shufang , Mai Yaohua , Li Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) nanorod arrays along the [001] orientation are known to transfer photogenerated carriers rapidly due to the strongly anisotropic one‐dimensional crystal structure. With advanced light‐trapping structures, the Sb2Se3 nanorod array‐based solar cells have excellent broad spectral response properties, and higher short‐circuit current density than the conventional planar structured thin film solar cells. However, the interface engineering for the Sb2Se3 nanorod array‐based solar cell is more crucial to increase the performance, because it is challenging to coat a compact buffer layer with perfect coverage to form a uniform heterojunction interface due to its large surface area and length–diameter ratio. In this work, an intermeshing In2S3 nanosheet‐CdS composite as the buffer layer, compactly coating on the Sb2Se3 nanorod surface is constructed. The application of In2S3‐CdS composite buffers build a gradient conduction band energy configuration in the Sb2Se3/buffer heterojunction interface, which reduces the interface recombination and enhances the transfer and collection of photogenerated electrons. The energy‐level regulation minimizes the open‐circuit voltage deficit at the interfaces of buffer/Sb2Se3 and buffer/ZnO layers in the Sb2Se3 solar cells. Consequently, the Sb2Se3 nanorod array solar cell based on In2S3‐CdS composite buffers achieves an efficiency of as high as 9.19% with a VOC of 461 mV.
Capillary‐bridge forces between solid particles: Insights from lattice Boltzmann simulations
Authors: Yang Lei , Sega Marcello , Harting Jens
Published: June 2021

Liquid capillary‐bridge formation between solid particles has a critical influence on the rheological properties of granular materials and, in particular, on the efficiency of fluidized bed reactors. The available analytical and semi‐analytical methods have inherent limitations, and often do not cover important aspects, like the presence of non‐axisymmetric bridges. Here, we conduct numerical simulations of the capillary bridge formation between equally and unequally sized solid particles using the lattice Boltzmann method, and provide an assessment of the accuracy of different families of analytical models. We find that some of the models taken into account are shown to perform better than others. However, all of them fail to predict the capillary force for contact angles larger than π/2, where a repulsive capillary force attempts to push the solid particle outward to minimize the surface energy, especially at a small separation distance. We then apply the most suitable model to study the impact of capillary interactions on particle clustering using a coupled lattice Boltzmann and Discrete Element method.
Proca Metamaterials, Massive Electromagnetism, and Spatial Dispersion
Authors: Mikki Said
Published: June 2021

A class of electromagnetic metamaterials (MTMs) is investigated, which the author dubs Proca MTMs, constituting a medium behaving like a “relativistic material” for potential use in electromagnetic applications. This work is motivated by numerous previous results on particular structures such as plasma, waveguides, photonic crystals, magnetic materials, where it has been observed that photons may acquire mass in some dispersive domains. In this approach, it is rigorously proved using a field‐theoretic approach that Maxwell theory inside certain classes of nonlocal (spatially‐dispersive) metamaterials is equivalent to Proca theory in vacuum, where in the latter photons acquire a nonzero mass (massive electromagnetism.) An explicit closed‐form general expression for the Proca MTM dielectric function is given. It turns out that the key to the operation of Proca MTM is spatial dispersion, and hence Proca MTMs represent an important example of the more general family of nonlocal MTMs. The author's analysis involves multiphysics aspects, utilizing concepts and methods taken from classical electromagnetism, special relativity, quantum theory, electromagnetic materials, and antenna theory. Extensive discussion of the physics, computational methods, and design parameters of Proca MTMs is provided to further understand the nature of massive electromagnetism in nonlocal (spatially‐dispersive) MTMs. As a concrete application, the main ingredients of Proca antennas are developed as an example of the emerging technology of nonlocal antennas, where the author establishes that a single Proca dipole possesses a perfect isotropic radiation pattern, a noteworthy departure from conventional local antennas (radiators in vacuum and temporally dispersive media) where such radiation characteristics is impossible.
Effects of nanometer magnesium hydroxide on soil cadmium form under different cadmium levels
Authors: You Lelin , Li Wenyi , Xu Weihong , Zhang Chunlai , Hu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2021

Cd is one of the most serious and harmful heavy metals in the world. Nanomaterials as a new passivating agent for heavy metals in soil have become a hot issue. But nanometer magnesium hydroxide application to heavy metal pollution in soils has not been reported. The laboratory culture experiments were conducted to study the effect of nanometer magnesium hydroxide and ordinary magnesium hydroxide (100, 200, and 300 mg kg−1) as cadmium passivators on soil cadmium form under different cadmium levels (1, 5, 10, and 15 mg kg−1). The results showed that the soil Cd distribution ratio of exchangeable Cd (EX‐Cd FDC) was 66.7% to 81.8% at cadmium levels of 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg kg−1, identifying it as the main form of soil cadmium. Soil EX‐Cd FDC reached the lowest level on the 14th day of culture. Addition of both nanometer magnesium hydroxide and ordinary magnesium hydroxide decreased the EX‐Cd FDC of the soil at each cadmium level. With increasing amount, the soil EX‐Cd FDC followed a decreasing trend. During the 0–28 days of culture, at the levels of 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg kg−1 cadmium, the EX‐Cd FDC of soil treated with nanometer magnesium hydroxide and ordinary magnesium hydroxide decreased by 11.4% to 67.7%, 7.8% to 37.2%, 7.7% to 36.4%, and 5.0% to 28.8% (nanometer magnesium hydroxide) and .5% to 49.5%, .6% to 15.0%, 1.0% to 18.1%, and .7% to 14.6% (common magnesium hydroxide), respectively, compared with control. Under the same application amount, nanometer magnesium hydroxide achieved a better effect than ordinary magnesium hydroxide in reducing soil EX‐Cd FDC. The antagonism between Cd and Mg competes for exchange sites during soil adsorption or Mg2+ forms hydroxy‐magnesium through OH− coordination in the soil via hydrolysis equilibrium. This facilitates the formation of precipitates, such as carbonates in Cd2+, and reduces active‐state cadmium in soil. The effect of nanometer magnesium hydroxide in passivating active cadmium on cadmium‐contaminated soil exceeds that of common magnesium hydroxide.
Analysis of heat and mass transfer phenomena in peristaltic transportation of hyperbolic tangent fluid in tapered channel
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Rafiq Muhammad Y.
Published: June 2021

The mathematical and theoretical impacts of heat and mass transportation on the peristaltic process of electrically conducting hyperbolic tangent liquid in an asymmetric tapered channel are considered. Flow in porous space is categorized through modified Darcy's law. The mechanism of heat transfer is also examined in conjunction with viscous dissipation. Both Soret and Dufour impacts are also included to study mass flux generated by a temperature gradient and energy flux affected by concentration differences. Lubrication approximation theory is implemented to simplify the two‐dimensional flow equations of hyperbolic tangent liquid using a Cartesian coordinate system. The significant role of numerous implicated parameters on the flow phenomenon is summarized numerically via graphs. The present outcome reveals that liquid velocity declines with an enhancement of Darcy's number, whereas its diminutions with an increase of Weissenberg's number. Moreover, the temperature of fluid enhances with a boost in Dufour number.
Closing the osteon: Do osteocytes sense strain rate rather than fluid flow?
Authors: Smit Theodoor H.
Published: June 2021

Osteons are cylindrical structures of bone created by matrix resorbing osteoclasts, followed by osteoblasts that deposit new bone. Osteons align with the principal loading direction and it is thought that the osteoclasts are directed by osteocytes, the mechanosensitive cells that reside inside the bone matrix. These osteocytes are presumably controlled by interstitial fluid flow, induced by the physiological loading of bones. Here I consider the stimulation of osteocytes while the osteon is closed by osteoblasts. In a conceptual finite element model, bone is considered a poro‐elastic material and subjected to locomotion‐induced loading conditions. It appears that the magnitude of flow is constant along the closing cone, while shear strain rate in the bone matrix diminishes linearly with the deposition of bone. This suggests that shear strain rate, rather than fluid flow, is the physical cue that controls osteocytes and bone deposition in newly formed osteons.
Advances in chitooligosaccharides chemical modifications
Authors: Chapelle Camille , David Ghislain , Caillol Sylvain , Negrell Claire , Desroches Le Foll Myriam
Published: June 2021

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) differ from chitosan by their molar mass: those of COS are defined to be lower than 20 kg mol−1. Their functionalization is widely described in the literature and leads to the introduction of new properties that broaden their application fields. Like chitosan, COS modification sites are mainly primary amine and hydroxyl groups. Among their chemical modification, one can find amidation or esterification, epoxy‐amine/hydroxyl coupling, Schiff base formation, and Michael addition. When depolymerized through nitrous deamination, COS bear an aldehyde at the chain end that can open the way to other chemical reactions and lead to the synthesis of new interesting amphiphilic structures. This article details the recent developments in COS functionalization, primarily focusing on amine and hydroxyl groups and aldehyde‐chain end reactions, as well as paying considerable attention to other types of modification. We also describe and compare the different functionalization protocols found in the literature while highlighting potential mistakes made in the chemical structures accompanied with suggestions. Such chemical modification can lead to new materials that are generally nontoxic, biobased, biodegradable, and usable in various applications.