bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Blended Learning in Teaching Petroleum Production Engineering Course in the University of Port Harcourt
Authors: Olabisi Odutola Toyin
Published: July 2022

Learning is effective when the learner can comprehend the principles taught and apply the knowledge to solve real-world problems. The terms online learning and blended learning became famous in 2020 due to the pandemic, which brought much innovation to the educational industry. Some of these innovative teaching techniques have tremendous benefits and should be sustained. This study discusses some innovative teaching techniques used in actively engaging engineering students at the University of Port Harcourt, particularly students of petroleum production engineering after the university was reopened from lockdown caused by the pandemic. The various feedback mechanisms employed to obtain students' feedback and ensure effective learning were also discussed. Some educational technologies applied include: google suite for education, zoom, google meet, Kahoot, poll EV and other applications that enhance learning in online teaching. The concerns of poor internet access were alleviated by sharing recorded live classes to ensure class inclusivity. This paper suggests viable options for implementing blended learning in teaching technical courses in developing countries with limited access to the internet and electricity.
Panorama do Registro Marcário por Academias de Ginástica em Campina Grande – PB
Authors: Silva Davi de Sousa , Silva Emmanuella Ferreira da
Published: July 2022

A utilização de marcas é um importante fator para o reconhecimento de empresas dos mais diversos segmentos econômicos. Esta pesquisa tem o objetivo de identificar o panorama da proteção de marcas utilizadas por academias de ginástica. Consiste em uma pesquisa exploratória com abordagem quantitativa e corte transversal. Para tanto, foi utilizado o método prospectivo de monitoramento pontual. A maior parte das academias pesquisadas utiliza Marca (85,71%). O número dessas academias que possui registro de marca é bastante reduzido (7,14%). O perfil das academias locais que possuem proteção para suas marcas é o de academias que fazem parte de redes nacionais, franquias ou academias de grande porte. Os dados mais preocupantes encontrados na presente pesquisa é o relevante número de academias de ginástica utilizando marcas anteriormente registradas por terceiros na mesma categoria, ou que possuem pedidos de registro em andamento ou indeferidos.
Tratamento do Segredo Industrial na Transferência de Tecnologia dos Produtos Estratégicos de Defesa: questionamentos a partir da Lei de Acesso à Informação
Authors: Lamas Flávia Cruz , Mello Lennine Rodrigues de , Ghesti Grace Ferreira
Published: July 2022

Este artigo aborda a transferência de tecnologia dos produtos estratégicos de defesa que requer a proteção do segredo industrial. O processo de aquisição desses produtos rege-se por contratos administrativos em que se questiona a confidencialidade das informações em face da regra geral da publicidade disposta na Lei de Acesso à Informação (LAI), assim como na aplicação do Decreto n. 7845/2012, em decorrência do término dos prazos máximos de restrição de acesso. A violação do segredo suscita a proteção contra a concorrência desleal. A metodologia empregada foi a pesquisa descritiva e explicativa, por meio de método indutivo, com abordagem qualitativa e procedimentos metodológicos por pesquisas bibliográficas. Conclui-se que, com a longevidade dos prazos de vigência dos contratos, as informações permanecem sigilosas, uma vez que são imprescindíveis para a segurança nacional. Apesar da consideração desse Decreto quanto a contrato sigiloso, este pôs a salvo os documentos controlados considerados em legislação como sigilosos.
Uso Cosmético de Probióticos: um estudo prospectivo
Authors: Korpasch Kerstin , Hilachuk Daniele , Paula Daniel de
Published: July 2022

Cosméticos estão entre os produtos mais inovadores do mercado da beleza, sendo os cuidados com a microbiota cutânea uma tendência. Neste trabalho, realizou-se uma prospecção na base patentária Questel Orbit® e nas bases científicas PubMed e ScienceDirect, a fim de identificar os mercados e as tecnologias envolvendo o uso cosmético de probióticos. Foram encontrados 115 depósitos de patentes entre 2010-2020, enquanto o número de artigos científicos foi de 48. A China é o país com mais patentes, mas a multinacional europeia L’oréal, do ramo cosmético, é a principal detentora dessas tecnologias, inclusive com parcerias com a centenária do setor alimentício, Nestlé. O Brasil destaca-se como segundo maior mercado de cosméticos e ocupa a terceira posição no ranking de produtos com probióticos. Diante do panorama de crescimento em inovações de cosméticos probióticos, compreender a dinâmica do setor para garantir a segurança e a qualidade dos produtos é de fundamental importância.
Registro de Marcas Contendo Bandeiras e Monumentos: uma Análise Temporal das Decisões Administrativas Praticadas pelo INPI
Authors: Villela Livia Vieira , Antunes Adelaide Maria de Souza , Peralta Patricia Pereira
Published: July 2022

O registro de marcas cresce a cada ano no Brasil. O inciso I do artigo 124 da Lei da Propriedade Industrial estabelece que não pode ser registrado como marca nem bandeiras nem monumentos, entretanto, esses símbolos são muito usados em setores da economia como cosméticos, cursos de idioma e alimentação. Este trabalho realizou uma análise, ao longo dos anos, dos indeferimentos de pedidos de marcas pelo inciso I do artigo 124 da LPI. A metodologia utilizada foi de caráter exploratório, sendo empregadas a pesquisa bibliográfica e a análise quantitativa. Essas análises versaram sobre a apresentação da marca indeferida, a natureza da marca, a classe do pedido de marca, qual o motivo do indeferimento (bandeira ou monumento), o tipo de requerente, se o requerente possuía procurador, o perfil do requerente, se houve recurso por parte do requerente. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa gerou resultados e discussões sobre esse assunto que podem ser utilizados para futuras pesquisas.
Quality assurance and long‐term stability of a novel 3‐in‐1 X‐ray system for brachytherapy
Authors: Karius Andre , Szkitsak Juliane , Boronikolas Vasilios , Fietkau Rainer , Bert Christoph
Published: July 2022

Purpose

A novel, mobile 3‐in‐1 X‐ray system featuring radiography, fluoroscopy, and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been launched for brachytherapy recently. Currently, there is no quality assurance (QA) procedure explicitly applicable to this system equipped with innovative technologies such as dynamic jaws and motorized lasers. We developed a dedicated QA procedure and, based on its performance for a duration of 6 months, provide an assessment of the device's stability over time.

Methods

With the developed QA procedure, we assessed the system's planar and CBCT‐imaging performance by investigating geometric accuracy, CT‐number stability, contrast‐noise‐ratio, uniformity, spatial resolution, low‐contrast detectability, dynamic range, and X‐ray exposure using dedicated phantoms. Furthermore, we evaluated geometric stability by using the flexmap‐approach and investigated the device's laser‐ and jaw‐positioning accuracy with an in‐house test phantom. CBCT‐ and planar‐imaging protocols for pelvis, breast, and abdomen imaging were examined.

Results

Planar‐ and CBCT‐imaging performances were widely stable with a geometric accuracy ≤1 mm, CT‐number stability of up to 46 HU, and uniformity variations of up to 48 HU over time. For planar imaging, low‐contrast detectability and dynamic range exceeded current recommendations. Although geometric stability was considered tolerable, partly substantial positioning inaccuracies of up to more than 120 mm and −13 mm were obtained for lasers and jaws, respectively. X‐ray exposure showed small variations of ≤0.56 μGy and ≤0.76 mGy for planar‐ and CBCT‐imaging, respectively. The conductance of the QA procedure allowed a smooth evaluation of the system's overall performance.

Conclusion

We developed a QA workflow for a novel 3‐in‐1 X‐ray system allowing to assess the device's imaging and hardware performance. The system showed in general a reasonable imaging performance and stability over time, whereas improvements regarding laser and jaw accuracy are strictly required.
Adaptive fixed‐time fuzzy control for output constrained nonlinear systems with unknown virtual control coefficients based on event‐triggered mechanism
Authors: Liu Mengru , Zhang Weihai
Published: July 2022

The paper discusses a fixed‐time fuzzy adaptive event‐triggered control for the nonlinear systems with output constraint and unknown virtual control coefficients. Fuzzy logic systems are utilized to approximate the uncertain nonlinearities. The barrier Lyapunov function is employed to analyze the stability and avoid violating the given output constraint. The combination of the designed adaptive laws and fixed‐time control signal is used to reduce restriction on unknown virtual control coefficients and increase the robustness for control. An event‐triggered mechanism is proposed to update controllers to save communication resources. The control strategy makes sure that the tracking error can converge into a small neighborhood of the origin in a fixed time. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed control approach is verified by two simulation examples.
Excited State Properties of Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence Molecules: A Microscopic Insight
Authors: Lu Xueying , Hu Yongxu , Liu Huapeng , Qi Jiannan , Chen Xiaosong , Sun Yajing , Hu Wenping
Published: July 2022

Purely organic fluorescence emitters with ultrahigh exciton utilization, such as thermally‐activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials, are pursued as the cornerstone of the new‐generation organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, most TADF emitters suffer from the dilemma of the aggregation‐caused fluorescence quenching effects, severely limiting their applications. Excitingly, the recently proposed aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) strategy holds the potential to tackle this problem thoroughly. Here, the recently reported AIDF emitters CP‐BP‐PXZ and its halogenated counterparts, 3‐CCP‐BP‐PXZ and 3‐BCP‐BP‐PXZ, are investigated with a united theoretical and experimental insight. Based on first‐principles calculations combined with the polarizable continuum model (PCM) and the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) model, the photophysical mechanisms of these novel materials are proposed. It is found that both reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) and the subsequent radiative transition of CP‐BP‐PXZ are promoted via aggregation, owing to the increased effective RISC channels and boosted oscillator strength. Meanwhile, the unfavorable internal conversion rate is greatly slumped, ascribed to the suppressed Duschinsky rotation effect (DRE). The unique heavy‐atom effect is disclosed in 3‐CCP‐BP‐PXZ and 3‐BCP‐BP‐PXZ that the halogens act as steric blockers in crystal, rather than spin–orbit coupling enhancers. It is hoped that this work can shed new light on the designation of high‐efficient solid‐state fluorescence emitters.
A Uterus‐Inspired Niche Drives Blastocyst Development to the Early Organogenesis
Authors: Gu Zhen , Guo Jia , Zhai Jinglei , Feng Guihai , Wang Xianning , Gao Zili , Li Kai , Ji Shen , Wang Leyun , Xu Yanhong , Chen Xi , Wang Yiming , Guo Shanshan , Yang Man , Li Linlin , Han Hua , Jiang Liyuan , Wen Yongqiang , Wang Liu , Hao Jie , Li Wei , Wang Shutao , Wang Hongmei , Gu Qi
Published: July 2022

The fundamental physical features such as the mechanical properties and microstructures of the uterus need to be considered when building in vitro culture platforms to mimic the uterus for embryo implantation and further development but have long been neglected. Here, a uterus‐inspired niche (UN) constructed by grafting collagen gels onto polydimethylsiloxane based on a systematic investigation of a series of parameters (varying concentrations and thicknesses of collagen gel) is established to intrinsically specify and simulate the mechanics and microstructures of the mouse uterus. This brand‐new and unique system is robust in supporting embryo invasion, as evidenced by the special interaction between the embryos and the UN system and successfully promoting E3.5 embryo development into the early organogenesis stage. This platform serves as a powerful tool for developmental biology and tissue engineering.
Mercury accumulation in honey bees trends upward with urbanization in the USA
Authors: Waiker Prashant , Ulus Yener , Tsui Martin Tsz‐Ki , Rueppell Olav
Published: July 2022

Urbanization has profound implications for associated ecosystems and organisms. Monitoring pollutants inform risk assessments for human and wildlife health. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) forage widely and collect food from many sources. Thus, they may be a robust integrator of environmental pollutants. Here, we collected honey bees from 10 different locations across the United States to quantify their content of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg). Although our limited sample size prevented a meaningful statistical evaluation, we found that bees from urbanized areas had higher THg than those from rural areas, with suburban samples intermediate. The MeHg concentrations in all samples were below the detection limit. Despite its limited scope, this first preliminary dataset on Hg levels in honey bees across the United States suggests that urbanization may play a role in increasing Hg exposure to these pollinators, and that honey bees may be a useful biomonitor of the environmental presence of chemical pollutants.
Polarization Rotation Control Domain Dynamic Response Modulates Piezoelectric Properties of Lead‐Free Thin Films
Authors: Zhu Kun , Ge Guanglong , Lin Jinfeng , Bai Hairui , Shi Cheng , Li Guohui , Yan Fei , Xu Liuxue , Yang Weiwei , Zeng Huarong , Zhao Kunyu , Man Zhenyong , Wang Feifei , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , Chou Xiujian
Published: July 2022

Domain orientation engineering regulates the polarization direction of thin film and facilitates the enhancement of piezoelectric properties. A change in polarization direction implies a structural change in the piezoelectric thin film. In this work, some unexpected results are obtained by preparing three orientations of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐based lead‐free piezoelectric thin films to amplify this structural change. In distinction to the conventional perception, the piezoelectric properties decrease with increasing polarization direction. This anomaly is influenced by the concentration of structural defects, and rotation of the polarization direction may induce a change in the electronic structure of the material and hence in the concentration of structural defects. Ultimately, the suppression of the domain dynamics response by increasing structural defects leads to the worst piezoelectric properties for thin films with the traditionally perceived optimal (100) orientation. The revelation of this anomaly has implications for the design of the next generation of high‐performance piezoelectric thin films.
Discrete‐time contraction constrained nonlinear model predictive control using graph‐based geodesic computation
Authors: Wei Lai , McCloy Ryan , Bao Jie , Cranney Jesse
Published: July 2022

Modern chemical processes need to operate around time‐varying operating conditions to optimize plant economy, in response to dynamic supply chains (e.g., time‐varying specifications of product and energy costs). As such, the process control system needs to handle a wide range of operating conditions whilst optimizing system performance and ensuring stability during transitions. This article presents a reference‐flexible nonlinear model predictive control approach using contraction based constraints. Firstly, a contraction condition that ensures convergence to any feasible state trajectories or setpoints is constructed. This condition is then imposed as a constraint on the optimization problem for model predictive control with a general (typically economic) cost function, utilizing Riemannian weighted graphs and shortest path techniques. The result is a reference flexible and fast optimal controller that can trade‐off between the rate of target trajectory convergence and economic benefit (away from the desired process objective). The proposed approach is illustrated by a simulation study on a CSTR control problem.
Pollen competition in hybridizingCakilespecies: How does a latecomer win the race?
Authors: Jalali Tara , Rosinger Hanna S. , Hodgins Kathryn A. , Fournier‐Level Alexandre J.
Published: July 2022

Premise

Hybridization between cross‐compatible species depends on the extent of competition between alternative mates. Even if stigmatic compatibility allows for hybridization, hybridization requires the heterospecific pollen to be competitive. Here, we determined whether conspecific pollen has an advantage in the race to fertilize ovules and the potential handicap to be overcome by heterospecific pollen in invasiveCakilespecies.

Methods

We used fluorescence microscopy to measure pollen tube growth after conspecific and heterospecific hand‐pollination treatments. We then determined siring success in the progeny relative to the timing of heterospecific pollen arrival on the stigma using CAPS markers.

Results

In the absence of pollen competition, pollination time and pollen recipient species had a significant effect on the ratio of pollen tube growth. In long‐styledC. maritima(outcrosser), pollen tubes grew similarly in both directions. In short‐styledC. edentula(selfer), conspecific and heterospecific pollen tubes grew differently.Cakile edentulapollen produced more pollen tubes, revealing the potential for a mating asymmetry wherebyC. edentulapollen had an advantage relative toC. maritima. In the presence of pollen competition, siring success was equivalent when pollen deposition was synchronous. However, a moderate 1‐h advantage in the timing of conspecific pollination resulted in almost complete assortative mating, while an equivalent delay in conspecific pollination resulted in substantial hybrid formation.

Conclusions

Hybridization can aid the establishment of invasive species through the transfer of adaptive alleles from cross‐compatible species, but also lead to extinction through demographic or genetic swamping. Time of pollen arrival on the stigma substantially affected hybridization rate, pointing to the importance of pollination timing in driving introgression and genetic swamping.
Journey to wellness: A socioecological analysis of veterans in recovery from substance use disorders
Authors: Grisamore Simone P. , Nguyen Rebecca L. , Wiedbusch Elzbieta K. , Guerrero Mayra , Cope Carlie E. A. , Abo Mary G. , Jason Leonard A.
Published: July 2022

Substance use disorders are increasingly prevalent among veterans in the United States. Veterans in recovery face unique challenges, such as high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, difficulties adjusting to civilian life, and inadequate housing and mental health services. While prior research has explored veterans' experiences in recovery, studies have not implemented a multilevel perspective in their analyses. The current qualitative study examined how individual veteran experiences intersect with interpersonal and systemic factors. Semistructured focus groups were conducted with veterans who were former or current residents of recovery homes (N = 20). Thematic analysis was utilized to explore veterans' personal experiences through the CHIME‐D framework (connectedness, hope & optimism, identity, meaning in life, empowerment, and difficulties). The data were further analyzed within a socioecological model (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community). Each component of the CHIME‐D framework was salient across all focus groups, with connectedness, empowerment, and difficulties being the most prominent themes that occurred across all socioecological levels. Results suggest that recovery initiatives can effectively assist veterans by promoting empowerment, facilitating social connections, and addressing cooccurring difficulties across multiple socioecological contexts. Additionally, treatment programs should encourage veterans to take on meaningful roles in their communities. Future research should continue to explore veterans' recovery experiences using a socioecological model.
Ni(II) complexes with 1,3,2,4‐dithiadiphosphetane 2,4‐disulfide‐based ligands: Structural insights, theoretical studies, and anticancer activities
Authors: Bulat Elif , Sağlam Ertuğrul Gazi , Zeyrek Celal Tuğrul , Akkoç Senem , Zorlu Yunus , Dal Hakan
Published: July 2022

The first synthesis of 2,4‐bis(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1,3‐dithia‐2,4‐diphosphetane 2,4‐disulfide (SAV‐A1 reagent) was achieved. Seven oxo‐alkyl esters (HLn) were synthesized thereof. Ni(II) complexes ([Ni(Ln)2]) of these ligands were prepared in ethanol. The structures were identified by spectral studies. Ni(II) complexes were unambiguously determined by X‐ray crystallography. In addition, the ligands and their Ni(II) complexes were tested on two different human cancer cell lines, including liver and colon. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the Ni(II) complexes were performed, and the molecular docking studies of these compounds with liver cancer protein, PDB ID: 3WZE and colon cancer antigen proteins, ID 2HQ6 were presented to investigate and predict potential interactions.
Evaluation of polyurethane/nylon 6(3) blend membranes for enhancedCO2separation
Authors: Kiani Sahar , Raisi Ahmadreza
Published: July 2022

In this study, the polyurethane (PU)/nylon 6(3) blend membranes were developed for gas separation applications, and influence of blending Nylon 6(3) in PU on the microstructure, and separation performance of the blend membranes was investigated. The PU was synthesized via a two‐step polymerization technique. The blend membranes were characterized by SEM, DSC, XRD, and FTIR analysis. The SEM results showed that the blend membranes containing 20 wt% or less nylon 6(3) had less interaction than those containing higher nylon 6(3) contents. At 50 wt% of nylon 6(3), the compatibility between two polymers and reducing CO2permeability was observed. The blending of nylon 6(3) into the PU matrix decreased the chain mobility of the membrane, increased the membrane crystallinity, and led to a rough microstructure. The neat PU and nylon 6(3) membranes had the CO2/N2selectivity of 43.1 and 14.2, respectively, while the PU60/PA40 blend membrane had the CO2/N2 selectivity of 61.9. The PU50/PA50 blend showed the highest selectivity (22.4) for CO2/CH4 separation. The CO2, CH4, and N2permeabilities in all membranes were enhanced by increasing upstream pressure.
An improved method for isolation and flow cytometric characterization of intrahepatic leukocytes from fatty and fibrotic liver tissues
Authors: Kandhi Rajani , Variya Bhavesh , Ramanathan Sheela , Ilangumaran Subburaj
Published: July 2022

Flow cytometry is an imperative tool to characterize alterations in a wide range of immune cell populations during inflammatory conditions and disease states that affect the liver such as the obesity‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. Identification and quantification of immune cell subsets from the liver is critically dependent on efficient isolation of intrahepatic leukocytes. The isolation of leukocytes from fatty and fibrotic livers and processing the cells for flow cytometry can be challenging with respect to cell yields, purity and most importantly, the level of autofluorescence resulting from fat deposition. Here, we describe an efficient method for isolating intrahepatic leukocytes from mice fed with high fat diet and propose a strategy to alleviate autofluorescence during phenotyping by multicolor flowcytometry. We also describe a gating strategy for robust identification of granulocytes, pro‐inflammatory, anti‐inflammatory and transitional state monocyte subsets, dendritic cells, B cell, T lymphocyte subpopulations and NK cell subsets. Overall, the procedures described here will allow simultaneous processing of several samples while ensuring reproducible cell isolation and efficient noise reduction required for reliable characterization of intrahepatic leukocytes from the fatty liver tissues.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and parental stress management during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mohammadi Fatemeh , ShoaaKazemi Mehrangiz
Published: July 2022

This study planned and conducted to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and parental stress management during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Taking into account the role of emotional intelligence parameters in stress management, this study aimed to show how a family can stand on its own feet and overcome the crisis safely. We used a descriptive correlational method. The statistical population of the study included all parents living in Tehran who underwent the stress of the Coronavirus in 2021. The statistical sample included 420 randomly selected parents. Goleman Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire and Stress Management and Coping Skills Questionnaire were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient Test and stepwise regression method. The results showed that the stress response factor plays an important role in the increase of the emotional intelligence score (scale), and a positive and significant relationship was observed between them with 99% confidence. We found a positive and significant relationship between empathy and parental stress management parameters during the Covid‐19 pandemic with 99% confidence. There is a significant negative relationship between self‐motivation and parental stress management during the Covid‐19 pandemic with 95% confidence. Relaying on the findings of our study, we concluded that we can help families to manage the parental stress during the Covid‐19 pandemic by strengthening the empathy parameter of emotional intelligence and reducing premature and unmanaged sensitiveness.
Clinical impact of tumour burden on the efficacy of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Miyawaki Taichi , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Doshita Kosei , Kodama Hiroaki , Nishioka Naoya , Iida Yuko , Miyawaki Eriko , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Ko Ryo , Wakuda Kazushige , Ono Akira , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Mori Keita , Harada Hideyuki , Endo Masahiro , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: July 2022

Background

Programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand (PD‐L1) inhibitors plus chemotherapy (ICI + Chemo) is the standard treatment for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the impact of tumour burden on the efficacy of ICI + Chemo remains unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 92 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICI + Chemo. Tumour burden was assessed as the sum of the longest diameter of the target lesion (BSLD) and number of metastatic lesions (BNMLs). We categorised the patients into three groups based on the combined BSLD and BNML values.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients (74%) had progressive disease or died. Forty‐four patients (48%) in the low‐BSLD group had a median progression‐free survival (PFS) of 9.5 months, whereas patients in the high‐BSLD group had a median PFS of 4.6 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.54, p = 0012). Twenty‐five patients (27%) in the low‐BNML group had a median PFS of 9.6 months, whereas patients in the high‐BNML group had a median PFS of 6.5 months (HR = 0.51, p = 0.029). Low‐BSLD and low‐BNML were associated independently with improved PFS in multivariate analysis. Analysis of the tumour burden combined with BSLD and BNML revealed a trend towards improved PFS as the tumour burden decreased, with median PFS of 22.3, 8.7, and 3.9 months in the low‐ (N = 13), medium‐ (N = 42) and high‐burden (N = 37) groups respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that a high tumour burden negatively impacts the efficacy of ICI + Chemo in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Extra‐gonadal mature teratoma: A case report of retroperitoneal location with a literature review
Authors: Mahjoubi Mohamed Farès , Hamdi Kbir Ghassen , Maatouk Mohamed , Messaoudi Sohaib , Rezgui Bochra , Ben Moussa Mounir
Published: July 2022

Extra‐gonadal mature teratoma is a benign tumor occurring rarely in adults. The retroperitoneal localization constitutes less than 4%. Treatment consists of surgical resection. Histological examination is essential for definitive diagnosis. We reported an unusual case of mature retroperitoneal teratoma discovered in a young man with abdominal pain.
Unusual facial lesions in H syndrome
Authors: Rekik Mariem , Bahloul Emna , Ben Rejeb Mohamed , Sellami Khadija , Charfi Slim , Chouk Hamza , Boudaouara Tahya , Turki Hamida
Published: July 2022

H Syndrome is a rare genodermatosis. It may include facial involvement such as: facial telangiectasia, both hypo‐ and hyperpigmented lesions, hirsutism, swollen cheeks due to subcutaneous infiltration and eczematous lesions. We describe a new facial phenotype with dermoscopic and histological features in the spectrum of non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Dynamic Multi‐Objective Optimization of Autocatalytic Esterification in a Semi‐Batch Reactor
Authors: Rohman Fakhrony Sholahudin , Zahan Khairul Azly , Aziz Norashid
Published: July 2022

The catalytic esterification of ‐butyl propionate in a semi‐batch reactor is examined using dynamic, nonlinear programming‐based optimization. To solve the conflicting bi‐objective of minimizing the final time tf and maximizing the conversion Xc, the ε‐constraint, weighted sum, and NSGA‐II (non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II) techniques were implemented. By computing performance measurements like hypervolume, pure diversity, and spacing, these multi‐objective optimization techniques were compared to the characteristics of the Pareto solution. Each Pareto solution point comprises a unique combination of optimal feed flow rate and temperature trajectories. These solutions provide various options for evaluating trade‐offs while establishing the best operating strategy.
Rearranged Dichapetalin‐Type Triterpenoids with Cytotoxic Activity from Dichapetalum gelonioides
Authors: Gao Xin‐Hua , Wang Xi‐Yuan , Zhou Jun‐Su , Zhang Yan , Liu Hong‐Chun , Zhou Bin , Yue Jian‐Min
Published: July 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Dichagelinoids A—C (1—3), three unusual dichapetalin‐type triterpenoids, together with two biogenetically related derivatives dichagelinoids D and E (4 and 5) were isolated and characterized by solid data from Dichapetalum gelonioides. Compounds 1—3 possess a common rearranged C ring and different C6—C2 modified motifs at the A rings. Biological evaluation revealed that compounds 1—3 showed distinct cytotoxic activity against the tested human cancer cell lines.
Identification and therapeutic evaluation of ALK rearrangements in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Ruiying , Guo Lianying , Zhang Bo , Zhao Jikai , Xiang Chan , Chen Shengnan , Shao Jinchen , Zhu Lei , Ye Min , Han Yuchen
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to present a comprehensive assessment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements evaluated by DNA/RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and Ventana immunohistochemistry (IHC) in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. We investigated ALK gene fusions in 14,894 patients with NSCLC using Ventana IHC and NGS, including 12,533 cases detected via DNA‐based NGS and 2,361 cases using RNA‐based NGS. The overall percentage agreement (OPA), positive percentage agreement (PPA), and negative percentage agreement (NPA) were calculated when comparing the results between NGS and IHC. The therapeutic responses to ALK‐TKIs were also evaluated. In total, 3.50% (439/12,533) of specimens were NGS ALK‐positive (NGS‐p) in the DNA‐based NGS cohort and 3.63% (455/12,533) were IHC ALK‐positive (IHC‐p). The OPA of NGS was 99.60%, whereas its PPA and NPA were 92.75 and 99.86%, respectively. In the adenocarcinoma (ADC) subcohort, the PPA was 95.69%. In the RNA‐based NGS cohort, 2.20% (52/2,361) of specimens were NGS‐p and 2.63% (62/2,361) were IHC‐p. The OPA of NGS was 99.49%; its PPA and NPA were 82.26 and 99.96%, respectively. Thirteen patients with discordant results received ALK‐TKI treatment. In the seven NGS‐p/IHC‐negative (IHC‐n) patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 85.4% (6/7) and the disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. In the six NGS‐negative/IHC‐p patients, the ORR was 66.7% (4/6) and the DCR was 100%. In summary, a high concordance of ALK gene fusion detected via NGS and IHC was observed in this study. DNA‐based NGS had a higher OPA, PPA, and PPA in the ADC subcohort, whereas RNA‐based NGS had a higher NPA. Overall, the results suggest that the combination of NGS and IHC can improve the accuracy of ALK fusion detection; hence, a result determination algorithm for clinical detection of ALK gene fusion was also proposed.
An In Vitro Microneutralization Assay for Influenza Virus Serology
Authors: Cuevas Frans , Kawabata Hisaaki , Krammer Florian , Carreño Juan Manuel
Published: July 2022

Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease with significant morbidity and mortality rates among people of all ages. Influenza viruses spread and evolve rapidly in the human population. Different immune histories, given by previous exposures to influenza virus infections and/or vaccinations, result in a great diversity of humoral and cellular immune responses. Understanding protective immune responses induced against circulating virus strains and potential pandemic strains is vital for infection prevention and disease mitigation. Vaccine formulations for seasonal influenza must be reformulated annually to stay abreast of occurring virus mutations. Assays to measure the capacity of antibodies to neutralize influenza viruses provide a good estimate of protection against future infections with strains similar or identical to those used in the assay. Here, we describe a detailed protocol of our standard in vitro microneutralization assay to assess the neutralization activity of polyclonal sera or purified monoclonal antibodies. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 27 August 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Microneutralization assay to assess virus inhibition by serum or monoclonal antibodies

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of cDMEM

Support Protocol 2: Preparation and aliquoting of TPCK‐treated trypsin

Support Protocol 3: Inactivation of serum samples by RDE treatment
Towards Solving the PFAS Problem: The Potential Role of Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: FitzGerald Laura I. , Olorunyomi Joseph F. , Singh Ruhani , Doherty Cara M.
Published: July 2022

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of recalcitrant molecules that have been used since the 1940s in a variety of applications. They are now linked to a host of negative health outcomes and are extremely resistant to degradation under environmental conditions. Currently, membrane technologies or adsorbents are used to remediate contaminated water. These techniques are either inefficient at capturing smaller PFAS molecules, have high energy demands, or result in concentrated waste that must be incinerated at high temperatures. This Review focuses on what role metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) may play in addressing the PFAS problem. Specifically, how the unique properties of MOFs such as their well‐defined pore sizes, ultra‐high internal surface area, and tunable surface chemistry may be a sustainable solution for PFAS contamination.
Differential comorbidity profiles in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and anorexia nervosa: Does age play a role?
Authors: Kambanis P. Evelyna , Harshman Stephanie G. , Kuhnle Megan C. , Kahn Danielle L. , Dreier Melissa J. , Hauser Kristine , Slattery Meghan , Becker Kendra R. , Breithaupt Lauren , Misra Madhusmita , Micali Nadia , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Research comparing psychiatric comorbidities between individuals with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and anorexia nervosa (AN) is limited. ARFID often develops in childhood, whereas AN typically develops in adolescence or young adulthood. Understanding how age may impact differential psychological comorbidity profiles is important to inform etiological conceptualization, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. We aimed to compare the lifetime frequency of psychiatric comorbidities and suicidality between females with ARFID (n = 51) and AN (n = 40), investigating the role of age as a covariate.

Method

We used structured interviews to assess the comparative frequency of psychiatric comorbidities/suicidality.

Results

When age was omitted from analyses, females with ARFID had a lower frequency of depressive disorders and suicidality compared to AN. Adjusting for age, only suicidality differed between groups.

Discussion

This is the first study to compare comorbidities in a similar number of individuals with ARFID and AN, and a structured clinical interview to confer ARFID and comorbidities, covarying for age, and the first to compare suicidality. Although suicidality is at least three times less common in ARFID than AN, observed differences in other psychiatric comorbidities may reflect ARFID's relatively younger age of presentation compared to AN.

Public Significance

Our results highlight that, with the exception of suicidality, which was three times less common in ARFID than AN irrespective of age, observed differences in psychiatric comorbidities in clinical practice may reflect ARFID's younger age at clinical presentation compared to AN.
Methodological confounds of measuring urinary oxidative stress in wild animals
Authors: Melvin Zoe E. , Dhirani Hussein , Mitchell Christopher , Davenport Tim R. B. , Blount Jonathan D. , Georgiev Alexander V.
Published: July 2022

Biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS) are useful in addressing a wide range of research questions, but thus far, they have had limited application to wild mammal populations due to a reliance on blood or tissue sampling. A shift toward non‐invasive measurement of OS would allow field ecologists and conservationists to apply this method more readily. However, the impact of methodological confounds on urinary OS measurement under field conditions has never been explicitly investigated. We combined a cross‐sectional analysis with a field experiment to assess the impact of four potential methodological confounds on OS measurements: (1) time of sampling, (2) environmental contamination from foliage; (3) delay between sample collection and flash‐freezing in liquid nitrogen; and (4) sample storage of up to 15 months below −80°C. We measured DNA oxidative damage (8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, 8‐OHdG), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and uric acid (UA) in 167 urine samples collected from wild Zanzibar red colobus (Piliocolobus kirkii). We found that MDA was higher in samples collected in the morning than in the afternoon but there were no diurnal patterns in any of the other markers. Contamination of samples from foliage and length of time frozen at −80°C for up to 15 months did not affect OS marker concentrations. Freezing delay did not affect OS levels cross‐sectionally, but OS values from individual samples showed only moderate‐to‐good consistency and substantial rank‐order reversals when exposed to different freezing delays. We recommend that diurnal patterns of OS markers and the impact of storage time before and after freezing on OS marker concentrations be considered when designing sampling protocols. However, given the high stability we observed for four OS markers subject to a variety of putative methodological confounds, we suggest that urinary OS markers provide a valuable addition to the toolkit of field ecologists and conservationists within reasonable methodological constraints.
Integrating terrestrial scavenging ecology into contemporary wildlife conservation and management
Authors: Patterson Jessica R. , DeVault Travis L. , Beasley James C.
Published: July 2022

Scavenging plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health and contributing to ecological functions; however, research in this sub‐discipline of ecology is underutilized in developing and implementing wildlife conservation and management strategies. We provide an examination of the literature and recommend priorities for research where improved understanding of scavenging dynamics can facilitate the development and refinement of applied wildlife conservation and management strategies. Due to the application of scavenging research broadly within ecology, scavenging studies should be implemented for informing management decisions. In particular, a more direct link should be established between scavenging dynamics and applied management programs related to informing pharmaceutical delivery and population control through bait uptake for scavenging species, prevention of unintentional poisoning of nontarget scavenging species, the epidemiological role that scavenging species play in disease dynamics, estimating wildlife mortalities, nutrient transfer facilitated by scavenging activity, and conservation of imperiled facultative scavenging species. This commentary is intended to provide information on the paucity of data in scavenging research and present recommendations for further studies that can inform decisions in wildlife conservation and management. Additionally, we provide a framework for decision‐making when determining how to apply scavenging ecology research for management practices and policies. Due to the implications that scavenging species have on ecosystem health, and their overall global decline as a result of anthropic activities, it is imperative to advance studies in the field of scavenging ecology that can inform applied conservation and management programs.
Accumulation and diversity of airborne, eukaryotic environmental DNA
Authors: Klepke Martin Johannesen , Sigsgaard Eva Egelyng , Jensen Mads Reinholdt , Olsen Kent , Thomsen Philip Francis
Published: July 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is increasingly being implemented as a non‐invasive and efficient approach for biodiversity research and monitoring across ecosystems. However, accurate detection of species with eDNA requires robust experimental designs as eDNA analysis carries a risk of contamination at every step of the fieldwork and laboratory processes. Several studies focus on rigorous laboratory procedures and processing of sequencing data, but surprisingly, little research investigates the process of background input of DNA in the field. For example, airborne DNA from localities outside the study area could potentially contaminate eDNA samples. Here, we use an experimental setup and eDNA metabarcoding to study the diversity and accumulation of airborne eukaryotic eDNA on exposed surfaces in the field. At two different natural locations, a coastal marine site and a terrestrial grassland site, we placed open containers each filled with 0.5 liters of water, which was then sampled at eight successive time points after exposure to the surroundings. We found an accumulation of detected species richness in the samples, which reached its maximum at the end of the experiment, 24 h after exposure. This result was consistent across both sites and across two markers (COI for eukaryotes and 12S for vertebrates). While many of the detected species were contaminants commonly found in eDNA studies, we also detected several other eukaryotic taxa. Most notable were metazoan species such as birds, fish, and insects, likely originating from airborne transport of eDNA. We also found that increasing the number of PCR cycles tended to have a positive impact on richness for the unfiltered reads but a negative impact on the richness after bioinformatic filtering. Our results add to the sparse evidence that metazoan eDNA can be transported by air, which have wide implications for eDNA research and calls for increased implementation of field control samples.
Facet‐dependent Thermal and Electrochemical Degradation of Lithium‐rich Layered Oxides
Authors: Li Guohua , Ren Zhimin , Zhuo Haoxiang , Wang Changhong , Xiao Biwei , Liang Jianwen , Yu Ruizhi , Lin Ting , Li Alin , Yu Tianwei , Huang Wei , Zhang Anbang , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Jiantao , Sun Xueliang
Published: July 2022

Lithium‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) are promising candidate cathode materials for safe and inexpensive high‐energy‐density Li‐ion batteries. However, oxygen dimers are formed from the cathode material through oxygen redox activity, which can result in morphological changes and structural transitions that cause performance deterioration and safety concerns. Herein, a flake‐like LLO is prepared and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (HT‐XRD), and soft X‐ray absorption spectrum (sXAS) are used to explore its crystal facet degradation behavior in terms of both thermal and electrochemical processes. Void‐induced degradation behavior of LLO in different facet reveals significant anisotropy at high voltage. Particle degradation originates from side facets, such as the (010) facet, while the close (003) facet is stable. These results are further understood through ab initio molecular dynamics calculations, which show that oxygen atoms are lost from the {010} facets. Therefore, the facet degradation process is that oxygen molecular formed in the interlayer and accumulated in the ab plane during heating, which result in crevice‐voids in the ab plane facets. The study reveals important aspects of the mechanism responsible for oxygen ‐anionic activity‐based degradation of LLO cathode materials used in lithium‐ion batteries. In particular, this study provides insight that enables precise and efficient measures to be taken to improve the thermal and electrochemical stability of an LLO.
“Going out to get in”—Roles of forest conflicts in bottom‐linked environmental governance progressing toward socio‐political innovations
Authors: Sarkki Simo , Jokinen Mikko , Heikkinen Hannu I. , Nijnik Maria , Melnykovych Mariana , Kluvánková Tatiana
Published: July 2022

Social innovation literature focuses commonly on roles of cooperation in addressing co‐evolution of civil society initiatives and state‐based governance toward sustainable solutions. However, roles of conflicts in driving social change are scarcely addressed in social innovation literature. We elaborated a concept of bottom‐linked environmental governance, which can take place either via collaboration, or by conflict, and which can progress toward socio‐political innovations. We show this progression by examining two longitudinal cases on forest controversies in Northern Finland. These are the cases of Inari and Muonio. They are characterized by dynamic processes of conflicts and collaboration between state‐based organizations (e.g., Finnish forestry enterprise of Metsähallitus), civil society actors (e.g., reindeer herders, nature‐based tourism entrepreneurs and environmental nongovernmental organizations). We conducted a qualitative deductive‐inductive content analysis on the study cases and uncovered a set of “going out to get in” strategies by civil society actors, emerging from frustration on state‐based participatory processes, and consisting of open disputes and pressure strategies outside the participatory processes to gain a seat and power at negotiation tables. Metsähallitus often responded by seeking to maintain its control over forest decisions. The interplay between these strategies led to continuous open disputes and finally to socio‐political innovations (e.g., comanagement arrangement). The findings lead us to discuss reasons for prolonged disputes, the question of whether sociopolitical innovations can benefit all, considerations on power relations, strategies, and counter responses, all being relevant more broadly, for both, social innovation research and decision‐making enabling socio‐political innovations.