bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mettray
Authors: Toth Stephen A.
Published: June 2021

The Mettray Penal Colony was a private reformatory without walls, established in France in 1840 for the rehabilitation of young male delinquents. Foucault linked its opening to the most significant change in the modern status of prisons and now this book takes us behind the gates to show how the institution legitimized France's repression of criminal youth and added a unique layer to the nation's carceral system. The book dissects Mettray's social anatomy, exploring inmates' experiences. More than 17,000 young men passed through the reformatory before its closure, and the book situates their struggles within changing conceptions of childhood and adolescence in modern France. It demonstrates that the colony was an ill-conceived project marked by internal contradictions. Its social order was one of subjection and subversion, as officials struggled for order and inmates struggled for autonomy. The book exposes the nature of the relationships between, and among, prisoners and administrators. It explores the daily grind of existence: living conditions, discipline, labor, sex, and violence. Thus, the book gives voice to the incarcerated, not simply to the incarcerators, whose ideas and agendas tend to dominate the historical record. The book is, above all else, a deeply personal illumination of life inside France's most venerated carceral institution.
Special Duty
Authors: Samuels Richard J.
Published: June 2021

The prewar history of the Japanese intelligence community demonstrates how having power over much, but insight into little can have devastating consequences. Its postwar history—one of limited Japanese power despite growing insight—has also been problematic for national security. This book dissects the fascinating history of the intelligence community in Japan. Looking at the impact of shifts in the strategic environment, technological change, and past failures, it probes the reasons why Japan has endured such a roller-coaster ride when it comes to intelligence gathering and analysis, and concludes that the ups and downs of the past century—combined with growing uncertainties in the regional security environment—have convinced Japanese leaders of the critical importance of striking balance between power and insight. Using examples of excessive hubris and debilitating bureaucratic competition before the Asia-Pacific War, the unavoidable dependence on U.S. assets and popular sensitivity to security issues after World War II, and the tardy adoption of image-processing and cyber technologies, the book highlights the century-long history of Japan's struggles to develop a fully functioning and effective intelligence capability, and makes clear that Japanese leaders have begun to reinvent their nation's intelligence community.
Disrupting Deportability
Authors: Vosko Leah F
Published: June 2021

This book highlights obstacles confronting temporary migrant workers in Canada seeking to exercise their labor rights. It explores the effects of deportability on Mexican nationals participating in Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). The book follows the decade-long legal and political struggle of a group of Mexican SAWP migrants in British Columbia to establish and maintain meaningful collective representation. The case study reveals how modalities of deportability—such as termination without cause, blacklisting, and attrition—destabilize legally authorized temporary migrant agricultural workers. Through this detailed exposé, the book concludes that despite the formal commitments to human, social, and civil rights to which migration management ostensibly aspires, the design and administration of this “model” temporary migrant work program produces conditions of deportability, making the threat possibility of removal ever-present.
Hematologies
Authors: Copeman Jacob , Banerjee Dwaipayan
Published: June 2021

This book is an account of the political economy and cultural meaning of blood in contemporary India. It examines how the giving and receiving of blood has shaped social and political life. The book traces how the substance congeals political ideologies, biomedical rationalities, and activist practices. Using examples from anti-colonial appeals to blood sacrifice as a political philosophy to contemporary portraits of political leaders drawn with blood, from the use of the substance by Bhopali children as a material of activism to biomedical anxieties and aporias about the excess and lack of donation, the book broaches how political life in India has been shaped through the use of blood and through contestations about blood. As such, the book offers new entryways into thinking about politics and economy through a “bloodscape of difference:” different sovereignties, different proportionalities, and different temporalities. These entryways allow exploration of the relation between blood's utopic flows and political clottings as it moves through time and space, conjuring new kinds of social collectivities while reanimating older forms, and always in a reflexive relation to norms that guide its proper flow.
Warlord Survival
Authors: Malejacq Romain
Published: June 2021

How do warlords survive and even thrive in contexts that are explicitly set up to undermine them? How do they rise after each fall? This book answers these questions. Drawing on hundreds of in-depth interviews in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2018, with ministers, governors, a former vice-president, warlords and their entourages, opposition leaders, diplomats, NGO workers, and local journalists and researchers, the book provides a full investigation of how warlords adapt and explains why weak states like Afghanistan allow it to happen. The book follows the careers of four warlords in Herat, Sheberghan, and Panjshir—Ismail Khan, Abdul Rashid Dostum, Ahmad Shah Massoud, and Mohammad Qasim Fahim. It shows how they have successfully negotiated complicated political environments to survive ever since the beginning of the Soviet–Afghan war. The picture painted here is one of astute political entrepreneurs with a proven ability to organize violence. Warlords exert authority through a process in which they combine, instrumentalize, and convert different forms of power to prevent the emergence of a strong, centralized state. But, as the book shows, the personal relationships and networks fundamental to the authority of Ismail Khan, Dostum, Massoud, and Fahim are not necessarily contrary to bureaucratic state authority. In fact, these four warlords, and others like them, offer durable and flexible forms of power in unstable, violent countries.
Fifty Years in the Karen Revolution in Burma
Authors: Ralph Saw , Naw Sheera , Smith Martin
Published: June 2021

This book is about commitment to an ideal, individual survival, and the universality of the human experience. A memoir of two tenacious souls, it sheds light on why Burma/Myanmar's decades-long pursuit for a peaceful and democratic future has been elusive. Simply put, the aspirations of Burma's ethnic nationalities for self-determination within a genuine federal union runs counter to the idea of unitary state orchestrated and run by the dominant majority Burmans, or Bamar. This seemingly intractable dilemma of opposing visions for Burma is personified in the story of Saw Ralph and Naw Sheera, two prominent ethnic Karen leaders who lived—and eventually left—“the Longest War,” leaving the reader with insights on the cultural, social, and political challenges facing other non-Burman ethnic nationalities. The book is also about the ordinariness and universality of the challenges increasingly faced by diaspora communities around the world today. Saw Ralph and Naw Sheera's day-to-day lives—how they fell in love, married, had children—while trying to survive in a precarious war zone—and how they had to adapt to their new lives as refugees and immigrants in Australia will resound with many.
Physiological, nutritional, and molecular responses of Brazilian sugarcane cultivars under stress by aluminum
Authors: Oliveira Mariane de Souza , Rocha Sâmara Vieira , Schneider Vanessa Karine , Henrique-Silva Flavio , Soares Marcio Roberto , Soares-Costa Andrea
Published: June 2021

Background

Sugarcane is a crop of global importance and has been expanding to areas with soils containing high levels of exchangeable aluminum (Al), which is a limiting factor for crop development in acidic soils. The study of the sugarcane physiological and nutritional behavior together with patterns of gene expression in response to Al stress may provide a basis for effective strategies to increase crop productivity in acidic soils.

Methods

Sugarcane cultivars were evaluated for physiological parameters (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration), nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and Al contents in leaves and roots and gene expression, of the genes MDH, SDH by qPCR, both related to the production of organic acids, and SOD, related to oxidative stress.

Results

Brazilian sugarcane RB867515, RB928064, and RB935744 cultivars exhibited very different responses to induced stress by Al. Exposure to Al caused up-regulation (SOD and MDH) or down-regulation (SDH, MDH, and SOD), depending on the cultivar, Al level, and plant tissue. The RB867515 cultivar was the most Al-tolerant, showing no decline of nutrient content in plant tissue, photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance after exposure to Al; it exhibited the highest Al content in the roots, and showed important MDH and SOD gene expression in the roots. RB928064 only showed low expression of SOD in roots and leaves, while RB935744 showed important expression of the SOD gene only in the leaves. Sugarcane cultivars were classified in the following descending Al-tolerance order: RB867515 > RB928064 = RB935744. These results may contribute to the obtention of Al-tolerant cultivars that can play their genetic potential in soils of low fertility and with low demand for agricultural inputs; the selection of potential plants for breeding programs; the elucidation of Al detoxification mechanisms employed by sugarcane cultivars.
Effects of biotransport and hydro-meteorological conditions on transport of trace elements in the Scott River (Bellsund, Spitsbergen)
Authors: Lehmann-Konera Sara , Kociuba Waldemar , Chmiel Stanisław , Franczak Łukasz , Polkowska Żaneta
Published: June 2021

The shaping of surface water chemistry in the Svalbard Archipelago is strongly dependent on the geology of the catchment and the process of long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants (LRATP). It was found that the dissolved trace elements in the Scott River, which catchment is characterized by a decreasing degree of glaciation, were of the natural origin (i.a. weathering and dissolution of local geological substratum). The exception was Zn originated from LRATP. The paper describe the influence changes in hydro-meteorological conditions and the presence of a seabird colony on the variability in the transport of trace elements within the Scott River catchment. The work assesses long-time fluctuations in the concentration of twenty five trace elements (i.a. Al, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sr, and Zn) from eighty-four surface water samples and their relation to changes in water discharge (Q), precipitation (P), pH, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) at two river sites (with one being under the influence of the biotransport factor). Based on the results of matrix correlation and cluster analysis it was found that the additional load of DOC from the nesting site of Larus Argentatus in the mouth section of the river drastically changed the hydro-geochemical cycle of Co, Ni, Zn, Ga, Sr, Rb, Ba and U (0.30 < r < 0.51). Furthermore, the results of cluster analysis confirmed that the bird colony’s nesting site was strongly responsible for the presence of U, Rb, Zn, Ni and marine-derived nutrients (e.g. Se and Li). The discharge of glacier meltwater and the alkaline character of water have a negative effect on the dissolution of Li and Mn (−0.31 < r < −0.51), but positively affect the level of Rb and U (r = 0.31 and 0.35, respectively) due to it being washing out a seabird nesting colony in the mouth section of the Scott River. It was observed that the event of rises in air temperature and rain, which results in increased water discharge, caused an intense transport of the trace elements load. Moreover, results of the precipitation sensitivity coefficient factor (CF) proved that precipitation effect the occurrence of Li, Sr and U in the Scott River.
Helicobacter pylori prevalence in healthy Mexican children: comparison between two non-invasive methods
Authors: Martínez-Santos Verónica I. , Hernández Catalán Manuel , Ojeda Salazar Luis Octavio , Orozco Gómez Octavio Andrei , Lorenzo Sandra Ines , Santos Gómez Rayver , Romero-Castro Norma S. , Reyes Ríos Roxana , Martinez Carrillo Dinorah Nashely , Fernández-Tilapa Gloria
Published: June 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori detection in asymptomatic children with suspected infection or with symptoms that suggest gastric pathology is problematic, since most of the methods depend on the endoscopic study, an invasive and expensive method. Non-invasive methods can be a feasible alternative but must be validated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concordance between H. pylori DNA detection in saliva and dental plaque by PCR, with antigen detection in stool by immunochromatography, among asymptomatic children in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.

Methods

Dental plaque, saliva, and stool samples were obtained from 171 children between 6 and 12 years old. H. pylori detection in saliva and dental plaque was performed by PCR using specific primers for the 16S rRNA gene, while the detection in stool samples was performed by immunochromatography using the CerTest kit.

Results

We found an overall H. pylori prevalence of 59.6% (102/171). Of the H. pylori positive children 18% (20/111) were positive in saliva samples, 28.1% (34/121) in dental plaque samples, and 50.4% (71/141) in stool samples. A higher prevalence was found in girls (64.7%, p = 0.002). Although some of the children declared some dyspeptic symptoms, these were no related to H. pylori. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of H. pylori in asymptomatic children and the highest proportion was detected by stool antigen test, which was the most feasible method to detect H. pylori infection.
Iron deficiency anemia among children aged 2–5 years in southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Orsango Alemselam Zebdewos , Habtu Wossene , Lejisa Tadesse , Loha Eskindir , Lindtjørn Bernt , Engebretsen Ingunn Marie S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common type of nutritional anemia in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. However, there is limited data on iron deficiency anemia prevalence and associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly for children aged 2 to 5 years.

Objectives

To establish the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and associated risk factors, focusing on iron-rich food consumption among children aged 2 to 5 years in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Ethiopia in 2017, involving 331 randomly selected children aged 2 to 5 years old. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information about the children and the households. Venous blood was collected from each child in a test tube to measure hemoglobin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Hemoglobin levels were determined using Hemocue®301 and adjusted for altitude. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels <11 g/dl. Ferritin was adjusted for inflammation based on CRP concentration and low ferritin concentration defined as adjusted ferritin concentration <12 µg/L. IDA was considered when a child had both hemoglobin level <11g/dl and low ferritin concentration. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with IDA and iron-rich food consumption.

Results

The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 25%, and the total anemia prevalence was 32%. Only 15% of children consumed iron-rich foods in the preceding 24 h, and 30% of children consumed iron-rich foods at least once in the preceding week. IDA decreased as the height for age z-score increased (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.7; 95% CI [0.5–0.9]). Mothers with increased educational level (AOR 1.1; 1.0–1.2) and households with increased dietary diversity (AOR 1.4; 1.2–1.6) consumed more iron-rich foods.

Conclusions

Iron deficiency anaemia was a moderate public health problem in southern Ethiopia, and the iron-rich food consumption was low. Interventions should focus on food supplementation and fortification, food diversification and nutritional education, and promoting women’s education.
Combination of ferulic acid, ligustrazine and tetrahydropalmatine inhibits invasion and metastasis through MMP/TIMP signaling in endometriosis
Authors: Tan Yi , Zhang Chengling , Zhang Ying , Dai Xueshan , Wei Qinghua , Wei Jiahui , Xu Pingli , Chen Yi
Published: June 2021

Background

The design of the combination of ferulic acid, ligustrazine and tetrahydropalmatine (FLT) is inspired by the Chinese herbal prescription Foshou San. Previous work has shown that FLT inhibited endometriosis growth in rat autograft models. However, the mechanism behind this is unclear. MMP/TIMP signaling is considered as the vital pathway of metastasis and invasion in endometriosis. In this study, we aim to disclose effects of FLT on MMP/TIMP signaling in invasion and metastasis during endometrial cells and xenograft endometriosis.

Methods

In vivo, effect of FLT on endometriosis was evaluated in a xenogeneic mice model. In vitro, cell viability assay was performed with an IC50 measurement of FLT in hEM15A and HEC1-B cells. The effect of FLT on invasion and metastasis was analyzed in scratch wound and transwell assay. Gene and protein expression of MMP/TIMP signaling were detected by qPCR and Western blotting.

Results

In xenograft endometriosis, FLT reduced ectopic volume without effect on weight. FLT inhibitory effects on cell growth exhibited a dose-dependent manner in hEM15A and HEC1-B cells. IC50s of FLT in hEM15A cells were 839.30 ± 121.11 or 483.53 ±156.91 μg·ml−1 after the treatment for 24 or 48 h, respectively. In HEC1-B cells, IC50 values of 24 or 48 h were 625.20 ± 59.52 or 250.30 ± 68.12 μg·ml−1. In addition, FLT significantly inhibited invasion and metastasis in scratch wound and transwell assay. Furthermore, FLT inactivated MMP/TIMP signaling with decreasing expression of MMP-2/9, and an enhancing expression of TIMP-1.

Conclusions

MMP/TIMP inactivation is a reasonable explanation for the inhibition of FLT on invasion and metastasis in endometriosis. This result reveals a potential mechanism on the role of FLT in endometriosis and may benefit for its further application.
Determinants of Coffee Marketing among Smallholder Coffee Farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Akinpelu Ayodele Oladipo , Oluyole Kayode Akanni , Ugwu Chinweike Abednego , Alli Modinat Adewunmi
Published: June 2021

The study assessed the determinants of coffee production and marketing on farmers’ farms in Kogi State. Two Local Government Areas (Ijumu and Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas) were purposively sampled. These areas are known for the production and marketing of coffee. A total sample of eighty-four respondents was randomly selected from the two Local Government Areas. Structured interview schedules were used for data collection from respondents. The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics analysis. Cobb-Douglas functional form regression model was chosen based on the value of the R2 and the number of significant variables. The result indicated that marital status, household size, educational level, variety of coffee planted, farm size and farming experience constituted the major factors that significantly determined coffee production and marketing in the study area. The study recommended that policies should be targeted at encouraging literacy among coffee farmers to have access to market information and as such will be able to sell the crop for more profits. Also, households with higher number of persons should be encouraged to use family labour effectively in coffee marketing than other economic ventures so as to improve the economy of the households in the study area.
Amino Acids Composition of Some Wild Edible Mushrooms from Southern Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: On Juliet Oluwatominiyi , Bassey Glory Akpan , Agba Mary-Ibenreh Ogaboh , Markson Aniedi-Abasi Akpan
Published: June 2021

Aims: To document the amino acid content of six wild edible mushrooms - Lentinus squarrosulus Mont., Auricularia auricular-judae (Bull.) Wettst., Mycetinis copelandii (Desjardin) A.W. Wilson & Desjardin, Baeospora myosura (Fr.) Singer, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex. fr) Kummer and Volvariella volvacea (Bull. ex. Fr.) Singer - found in southern Cross River State, Nigeria.

Place and duration of study: Department of Plant and Ecological Studies, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, between May 2018 and August 2018.

Methodology: The amino acids content of these mushrooms were quantitatively estimated. The samples were obtained and analyzed for amino acids on dry weight basis using standard methods.

Results: The amino acid analysis quantitatively estimated the alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, Isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, norleucine, phenylalanine, proline, serine; threonine; tryptophan; tyrosine and valine component of the mushroom samples. All the mushrooms studied contained nine essential, five conditionally essential and four non-essential amino acids with glutamic acid as the most predominant (values ranging from 6.66 to 17.26g/100g protein). Cysteine (0.30-0.48g/100g protein) and methionine (0.64-1-1.7g/100g protein) were the lowest in concentration. The concentrations of five of these essential amino acids phenylalanine (3.55 mg/100g protein), valine (3.62 mg/100g protein), threonine (3.39 mg/100g protein), tryptophan (1.58 mg/100g protein), and lysine (3.23 mg/100g protein) in P. ostreatus were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than found in the other mushrooms. For the nonessential and conditionally essential amino acids, the concentrations of arginine (6.02 mg/100g protein), aspartic acid (6.88 mg/100g protein), cysteine (0.48 mg/100g protein), glutamine (17.26 mg/100g protein) and glycine (2.61 mg/100g protein) in P. ostreatus were significantly higher (P≤0.05) than found in the other mushrooms.

Conclusion: This information reveals that mushrooms are potential sources of quality protein with substantial proportion of essential amino acids indicating they can play a significant role in the fight against malnutrition.
Modification of Portable Power Tiller for Small Scale Weeding Operation
Authors: Zakariyah A. , El–Okene A. M. , Mohammed U. S. , Oji N. , Abubakar I. , Agunsoye J. K. , Ahmad K.
Published: June 2021

Weeds are unwanted and undesirable plant that interfere with the utilization of land and water resources and adversely affect crop production. After preliminary study, it was found out that power tiller could be adopted for weeding. Therefore, the study aimed at improving its performance through modification of some major component such as: weeding blades and depth gauge.  Three sets of pairs of blade gang of four, six and eight were made from 3 mm mild steel sheet metal. The fabrication was carried out at the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The modified machine was evaluated based on weeding efficiency, field capacity, Plant Damage and Fuel consumption in the maize field during 2017/2018 irrigation season at Institute for Agricultural Research, IAR, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria research farm. Four levels of blade types ‘B’ and three levels of weeding depth ‘D’ were considered. The field was laid in a 4×3 Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at two (2) Weeks After Sowing (2WAS). DMRT was used for mean separation ran in SAS package. The results showed effects of blade types and weeding depth were significant on the weeding performance of the machine.
Comparison of Temperatures and Spatial Resolutions between Urban Sensors and National Weather Observations (ASOS, AWS) for Urban Heat Island Intensity Analysis
Authors: Park Haekyung
Published: June 2021

Urban temperatures have become more important because the frequency and intensity of heatwaves will increase with the worsening urban heat island effects due to climate change. Recently, urban sensors are emerging as a new means of heat island analysis, and urban sensor data including temperatures were opened to the public in Seoul in 2020. However, there are insufficient cases of analysis and the differences from national weather observation are unknown. Accordingly, this study introduces the S⋅DoT (Smart Seoul Data of Things), an urban sensor in Seoul, and compared S⋅DoT temperatures with national weather observation (such as ASOS and AWS) temperature in order to facilitate heat island analysis using urban sensors. The result shows the S⋅DoT temperature is about 1-1.15 ℃ higher than ASOS⋅AWS during May to August 2020, which is due to differences in the height and installation environment, not in the performance of the equipment. S⋅DoT is installed in the urban environments at the height of approximately 3 m and measures the actual living temperature, whereas ASOS measures temperature in the controlled environment and AWS measures temperature from the higher position due to being installed on the top of a building. Therefore, we suggest that when using S⋅DoT together with rural AWS temperature to analyze the intensity of heat islands, calibration should be considered taking into account the difference between the two observations, and a better method is to calculate the heat island intensity only using S⋅DoT temperature in urbanized and non-urbanized areas without using rural temperature.
A Study on the Real-time Fire Classification Algorithm Based on Stacked LSTM
Authors: Heo Yoseob , Seo Seongho , Shim We , Kang Jongseok
Published: June 2021

Several researchers have been drawn to the development of fire detector in recent years, to protect people and property from the catastrophic disaster of fire. However, studies related to fire monitoring are affected by some unique characteristics of fire sensor signals, such as time dependence and the complexity of the signal pattern based on the variety of fire types,. In this study, a new deep learning-based approach that accurately classifies various types of fire situations in real-time using data obtained from multidimensional channel fire sensor signals was proposed. The contribution of this study is to develop a stacked-LSTM model that considers the time-series characteristics of sensor data and the complexity of multidimensional channel sensing data to develop a new fire monitoring framework for fire identification based on improving existing fire detectors.
Digital Television/Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DTMB)
Authors: Song Jian , Zhang Chao , Pan Changyong
Published: June 2021

This article introduces the Digital Television Terrestrial Broadcasting (DTTB) system and its evolution. The DTTB is a very important part of the Chinese TV broadcasting system. It works together with a digital satellite TV broadcasting system, a digital cable TV broadcasting system, and other related systems to provide TV services to consumers. Digital Television/Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DTMB and its evolution system, DTMB‐A) is the key part of the Chinese TV broadcasting network. In China, two‐thirds of TV subscribers rely on terrestrial broadcasting. In emergencies, such as natural disasters, compared with cable and satellite, the terrestrial TV broadcasting network is the first component to be recovered.

The main common technical feature of DTMB and DTMB‐A is the use of specially designed PN sequences on the guard intervals for channel synchronization and estimation. The PN sequences provide robust system synchronization and fast channel estimation in DTMB and DTMB‐A. At the same time, when the PN sequences are used as the training sequence of timing domain equalizer, they can provide the full performance of decision feedback equalizers. The absence of pilots (unlike other OFDM systems) provides a better spectral efficiency.

In the following sections, we introduce DTMB and DTMB‐A, respectively.
Ultrasensitive Terahertz Nano‐Probing for Semiconductors Using Nanogap Structures
Authors: Bahk Young‐Mi , Seo Minah
Published: June 2021

There has been a growing interest in exploring novel opto‐electrical behaviors and response of carriers under nonequilibrium conditions in semiconductor nanoscale materials for applications of photocurrent and operation of photodetectors. Terahertz waves have shown substantial promise for these applications, with the merit of direct observation of transient carrier dynamics and conductivity changes in semiconductor materials. Especially, to investigate surface carrier dynamics of such nanoscale semiconductor materials under photoexcitation, one can use nanosized materials such as nanofilms, nanowires, and nanoparticles, which have a very large surface‐to‐volume ratio. In this article, we introduce ultrafast phenomena in semiconductors investigated by terahertz probes. In particular, recent studies on how to observe carrier dynamics in a semiconductor with a spatial resolution of nanoscale levels below the diffraction limit of terahertz wave, using well‐tailored metallic nanogap structures are mainly introduced. Metallic nanostructures having the ability to confine electromagnetic waves in a volume much smaller than wavelength play an important role in many application areas such as subwavelength waveguides, metamaterials, biochemical sensing, and photovoltaic technology. Strong local electromagnetic field confinement and enhancement accompanied by metallic nanostructures including nanogaps and nanotips have been widely used to manipulate interaction between electromagnetic waves and target materials. In addition to their diverse applications, their fundamental importance has received a great deal of attention in nano‐optics and nano‐photonics. The tunability of resonances by the geometrical effect of metal nanostructures can be exploited to increase the interaction efficiency between the nanostructures and electromagnetic waves at specific wavelength regions of interest.
Two‐Dimensional Materials for Renewable Energy Devices
Authors: Gnanasekar Paulraj , Kulandaivel Jeganathan
Published: June 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials have attained widespread research interest in renewable energy generation and storage applications. The 2D materials hold the potential to overcome limitations in the classic renewable energy harvesting technology and are expected to revolutionize the standard materials with magnificent performance and low production cost in the future era of renewable energy. In this article, we review certain novel 2D materials for renewable energy devices with a special focus on electrochemical‐based hydrogen generation approaches as green, clean, and zero‐carbon fuels. Besides, the article covers the atmospheric CO
2
reduction approach for the synthesis of hydrocarbon fuels and conversion of H
2
into ammonia through N
2
reduction using 2D material–based photo/electrocatalytic pathways.
Reintroduction of oxcarbazepine after allergic reaction in two pediatric patients with epilepsy
Authors: Yu Lingyan , Wang Zhiliang , Yu Zhenwei , Feng Jianhua , Dai Haibin
Published: June 2021

Allergic reactions are common reasons for withdrawal of oxcarbazepine treatment in patients with epilepsy. However, some patients are not responsive to other antiseizure medications. Herein, two pediatric patients with epilepsy and allergic to oxcarbazepine to whom oxcarbazepine therapy was successfully reintroduced are described. The reintroduction strategy used in this study was simple, feasible, and suitable for the reintroduction of oxcarbazepine in pediatric patients with epilepsy.
RBFOX2/GOLIM4 Splicing Axis Activates Vesicular Transport Pathway to Promote Nasopharyngeal Carcinogenesis
Authors: Luo Chun‐Ling , Xu Xiao‐Chen , Liu Chu‐Jun , He Shuai , Chen Jie‐Rong , Feng Yan‐Chun , Liu Shu‐Qiang , Peng Wan , Zhou Ya‐Qing , Liu Yu‐Xiang , Wei Pan‐Pan , Li Bo , Mai Hai‐Qiang , Xia Xiao‐Jun , Bei Jin‐Xin
Published: June 2021

20–30% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) develop distant metastasis or recurrence leading to poor survival, of which the underlying key molecular events have yet to be addressed. Here alternative splicing events in 85 NPC samples are profiled using transcriptome analysis and it is revealed that the long isoform of GOLIM4 (‐L) with exon‐7 is highly expressed in NPC and associated with poor prognosis. Lines of evidence demonstrate the pro‐tumorigenic function of GOLIM4‐L in NPC cells. It is further revealed that RBFOX2 binds to a GGAA motif in exon‐7 and promotes its inclusion forming GOLIM4‐L. RBFOX2 knockdown suppresses the tumorigenesis of NPC cells, phenocopying GOLIM4‐L knockdown, which is significantly rescued by GOLIM4‐L overexpression. High expression of RBFOX2 is correlated with the exon‐7 inclusion of GOLIM4 in NPC biopsies and associated with worse prognosis. It is observed that RBFOX2 and GOLIM4 can influence vesicle‐mediated transport through maintaining the organization of Golgi apparatus. Finally, it is revealed that RAB26 interacts with GOLIM4 and mediates its tumorigenic potentials in NPC cells. Taken together, the findings provide insights into how alternative splicing contributes to NPC development, by highlighting a functional link between GOLIM4‐L and its splicing regulator RBFOX2 activating vesicle‐mediated transport involving RAB26.
Combined Metabolic Activators Accelerates Recovery in Mild‐to‐Moderate COVID‐19
Authors: Altay Ozlem , Arif Muhammad , Li Xiangyu , Yang Hong , Aydın Mehtap , Alkurt Gizem , Kim Woonghee , Akyol Dogukan , Zhang Cheng , Dinler‐Doganay Gizem , Turkez Hasan , Shoaie Saeed , Nielsen Jens , Borén Jan , Olmuscelik Oktay , Doganay Levent , Uhlén Mathias , Mardinoglu Adil
Published: June 2021

COVID‐19 is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities, including the deficiencies in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and glutathione metabolism. Here it is investigated if administration of a mixture of combined metabolic activators (CMAs) consisting of glutathione and NAD+ precursors can restore metabolic function and thus aid the recovery of COVID‐19 patients. CMAs include l‐serine, N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine, nicotinamide riboside, and l‐carnitine tartrate, salt form of l‐carnitine. Placebo‐controlled, open‐label phase 2 study and double‐blinded phase 3 clinical trials are conducted to investigate the time of symptom‐free recovery on ambulatory patients using CMAs. The results of both studies show that the time to complete recovery is significantly shorter in the CMA group (6.6 vs 9.3 d) in phase 2 and (5.7 vs 9.2 d) in phase 3 trials compared to placebo group. A comprehensive analysis of the plasma metabolome and proteome reveals major metabolic changes. Plasma levels of proteins and metabolites associated with inflammation and antioxidant metabolism are significantly improved in patients treated with CMAs as compared to placebo. The results show that treating patients infected with COVID‐19 with CMAs lead to a more rapid symptom‐free recovery, suggesting a role for such a therapeutic regime in the treatment of infections leading to respiratory problems.
PWWP2B Fine‐Tunes Adipose Thermogenesis by Stabilizing HDACs in a NuRD Subcomplex
Authors: Yan Linyu , Jin Weiwei , Zhao Qingwen , Cui Xuan , Shi Ting , Xu Yingjiang , Li Feiyan , Jin Wenfang , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Zhao , Tang Qi‐Qun , Pan Dongning
Published: June 2021

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are widely involved in many biological processes, as well as in control of brown and beige adipose physiology, but the precise molecular mechanisms by which HDACs are assembled into transcriptional machinery to fine‐tune thermogenic program remain ill‐defined. PWWP domain containing 2b (PWWP2B), which is identified as a component of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylation complex (NuRD), interacts and stabilizes HDAC1/2 at the thermogenic gene promoters to suppress their expression. Ablation of Pwwp2b promotes adipocyte thermogenesis and ameliorates diet‐induced obesity in vivo. Intriguingly, Pwwp2b is not only a brown fat‐enriched gene but also dramatically induced by cold and sympathetic stimulation, which may serve as a physiological brake to avoid over‐activation of thermogenesis in brown and beige fat cells.
Genetic Susceptibility Loci in Genomewide Association Study of Cluster Headache
Authors: Harder Aster V.E. , Winsvold Bendik S. , Noordam Raymond , Vijfhuizen Lisanne S. , Børte Sigrid , Kogelman Lisette J.A. , de Boer Irene , Tronvik Erling , Rosendaal Frits R. , Willems van Dijk Ko , O'Connor Emer , Fourier Carmen , Thomas Laurent F. , Kristoffersen Espen S. ,   Cluster Headache Genetics Working Group, Fronczek Rolf , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia , Jensen Rigmor H. , Ferrari Michel D. , Hansen Thomas F. , Zwart John‐Anker , Terwindt Gisela M. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M.J.M
Published: June 2021

Objective

Identifying common genetic variants that confer genetic risk for cluster headache.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study in the Dutch Leiden University Cluster headache neuro‐Analysis program (LUCA) study population (n = 840) and unselected controls from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity Study (NEO; n = 1,457). Replication was performed in a Norwegian sample of 144 cases from the Trondheim Cluster headache sample and 1,800 controls from the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT). Gene set and tissue enrichment analyses, blood cell‐derived RNA‐sequencing of genes around the risk loci and linkage disequilibrium score regression were part of the downstream analyses.

Results

An association was found with cluster headache for 4 independent loci (r2 < 0.1) with genomewide significance (p < 5 × 10−8), rs11579212 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33–1.72 near RP11‐815 M8.1), rs6541998 (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.37–1.74 near MERTK), rs10184573 (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.26–1.61 near AC093590.1), and rs2499799 (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.54–0.73 near UFL1/FHL5), collectively explaining 7.2% of the variance of cluster headache. SNPs rs11579212, rs10184573, and rs976357, as proxy SNP for rs2499799 (r2 = 1.0), replicated in the Norwegian sample (p < 0.05). Gene‐based mapping yielded ASZ1 as possible fifth locus. RNA‐sequencing indicated differential expression of POLR1B and TMEM87B in cluster headache patients.

Interpretation

This genomewide association study (GWAS) identified and replicated genetic risk loci for cluster headache with effect sizes larger than those typically seen in complex genetic disorders. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:203–216
Reversible phase transition, switchable dielectric response in In(III)‐based organic–inorganic hybrid compound: [C3H8N]3InBr6
Authors: Zhang Yin‐Qiang , Li Min , Xu Guan‐Cheng
Published: June 2021

Cyclic organic ammoniums have been regarded as the suitable organic components for constructing the organic–inorganic hybrid phase transition materials because they have flexible cyclic structure. Here, an In‐based organic–inorganic hybrid compound, [C3H8N]3InBr6 (1; C3H8N+ is cyclopropylammonium), has been successfully synthesized. It is noteworthy that 1 experiences an invertible phase transition at 298 K (Tc), as certified by DSC measurement. Moreover, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction determines that 1 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/m at 330 K and in the monoclinic space group C2/c at 240 K. Further analyses indicate that the structural phase transition is ascribed to the disorder–order changes of the cyclopropylammonium cations. And an obvious step‐like dielectric anomaly in the vicinity of the Tc is detected. This work will pave the way to the exploration and design of In‐based organic–inorganic hybrid phase transition materials.
Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: Indications and Perioperative Care
Authors: Karasin Beth , Grzelak Monica , Rizzo Gina , Hardinge Tara , Eskuchen Lauren , Boyce Marissa , Watkinson Johanna
Published: June 2021

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a procedure performed in the setting of malignant cerebral edema after a large middle cerebral artery stroke. The decision to proceed with surgical decompression is one that must be made judiciously and rapidly. Although this can be a life‐saving surgery, it does not necessarily improve the patient’s quality of life. The neurosurgical team must thoroughly discuss the patient’s comorbidities, age, dominant versus nondominant hemispheric injury, and neurological expectations, and the procedure itself (ie, risks, benefits, expected postoperative course, goals of care) with the patient and his or her family before DHC. This article briefly reviews the anatomy of the brain and stroke presentation and provides an overview of DHC and the perioperative course. The article concludes with a case study of a patient with a medical history of hypertension and prediabetes who presents to the emergency department after a fall and undergoes an emergent DHC.
UV curable micro‐structured shape memory epoxy with tunable performance
Authors: Ren Hua , Xie Lulin , Xu Yang , Zhao Qian , Zheng Ning
Published: June 2021

Micro‐structured shape memory polymer (SMP) surfaces are indispensable in various applications. Epoxy polymer emerged as an ideal candidate for SMP surfaces due to its low curing shrinkage and superior thermo‐mechanical properties. In this study, we develop a UV curable epoxy system with tunable glass transition temperature and superior shape memory performance. The glass transition temperatures can widely range from 49 to 164°C by simply tuning the ratio of two comonomers. All samples possess excellent shape fixity, shape recovery ratios, and cycling stability. The synergy of the moldable liquid epoxy precursors and the spatiotemporal UV light allows shape memory epoxy with both surface microstructures and complex macro‐geometries. We anticipate this UV curable epoxy will expand the scopes of surface shape memory applications.
Outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed TP53‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia with or without venetoclax‐based therapy
Authors: Venugopal Sangeetha , Shoukier Mahran , Konopleva Marina , Dinardo Courtney D. , Ravandi Farhad , Short Nicholas J. , Andreeff Michael , Borthakur Gautam , Daver Naval , Pemmaraju Naveen , Sasaki Koji , Montalban‐Bravo Guillermo , Marx Kayleigh R. , Pierce Sherry , Popat Uday R. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Kadia Tapan M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Venetoclax (VEN) in combination with a hypomethylating agent (HMA) has become the standard of care for patients aged >75 years and for those not eligible for intensive chemotherapy who have newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The benefit of VEN‐based therapy in patients who have newly diagnosed AML with mutations in the TP53 gene (TP53mut) over standard therapy is undefined.

Methods

In this single‐institutional, retrospective analysis, the authors assessed the clinical outcomes of 238 patients with newly diagnosed TP53mut AML and compared the clinical characteristics, response to different therapies, and outcomes of those who received VEN‐based (n = 58) and non–VEN‐based (n = 180) regimens.

Results

Patients who received VEN‐based regimens were older (aged >65 years: 81% vs 65%; P = .02) and had higher response rates (complete remission, 43% vs 32%; P = .06) than those who received non–VEN‐based regimens. Compared with patients who received non–VEN‐based regimens, no difference in overall survival (median, 6.6 vs 5.7 months; P = .4) or relapse‐free survival (median, 4.7 vs 3.5 months; P = .43) was observed in those who received VEN‐based regimens, regardless of age or intensity of treatment.

Conclusions

The addition of VEN to standard treatment regimens did not improve outcomes in younger or older patients who had TP53mut AML. These data highlight the need for novel therapies beyond VEN to improve the outcome of patients with TP53mut AML.
Shared care for children with cancer in India through social and healthcare partnerships during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mahajan Amita , Arora Ramandeep Singh , Sahi Puneet Kaur , Gomber Sunil , Radhakrishnan Nita , Bagchi Basab , Jain Prachi , Kumar Arvind , Singh Avinash , Gupta Haresh , Sharma Sonal , Ahamad Nasim , Bagai Poonam , Kumar Arvind
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID pandemic posed a challenge for the tertiary centers to continue treatment. Some tertiary centers were designated as COVID‐only hospitals, making it difficult for existing childhood cancer patients to continue their treatment at those centres. The need for shared care in childhood cancer was perceived by Cankids and its partnering childhood cancer‐treating centers in North and East India.

Aim

We aim to show how Cankids upscaled its shared care model to ensure that COVID designated hospitals connected with other hospitals who have to continue to provide care to childhood cancer patients in the pandemic and thus ensured the continuation of treatment for these patients.

Methods and result

The need assessment of the beneficiaries was done in discussion with the hospital of origin and destination hospital. The need for shared care was also discussed with the families and consent was taken before shifting their children. Cankids with the help of advisors identified cases of high risk that need immediate attention, proactive regular monitoring, and help in care planning with the perspective and recommendation of the multiple providers. The shared care unit came forward with reasonable and discounted packages for treatment.

There was a total of five hospitals requiring shared care, and 55 children were supported from April to November 2020. The median age was 8 years and their hospital of origin are in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Delhi. The expenditure on the treatment of the 55 patients was INR 61 61 636 ($ 84 843), with a median of INR 41765 (IQR 19491–174 129) on each patient. Total 291 trips for the transport were arranged and all the patients combined stayed 174 days at Cankids accommodation facility.

Conclusion

The shared care helped the patients access standard treatment and reduce the financial burden.
Exploring color attractiveness and its relevance to fashion
Authors: Kodžoman Duje , Hladnik Aleš , Pavko Čuden Alenka , Čok Vanja
Published: June 2021

Many studies have been conducted on the phenomenon of color preference, with the aim of identifying the key color preferences. Most of the previous studies have been placing blue in the most preferred position and green‐yellow in the least preferred position. This study was conducted online and aims to showcase new color preference trends in the digital age. The colors selected for this study were based on the colors most frequently mentioned in previous color studies. Here, we show an evaluation using 14 Pantone colors as stimuli on the sample of (N = 146) participants based on pairwise adjectives (attractive‐unattractive). Principal component analysis and other multivariate statistics were used to examine participants' color attractiveness. In addition, gender and age were examined to determine if they had an impact on color attractiveness ratings. Results show that participants tend to prefer distinctive colors (black, pink, yellow), but there are slight differences in preferences that could be related to the influence of gender and age.