bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hinter den Kulissen
Authors: Rettinger Martin , Guhathakurta Jajnabalkya , Gänz Peter , Simon Sven , Schlaich Mike
Published: April 2022

Die industrielle Computertomographie (CT) ermöglicht den Blick „hinter die Kulissen“ von erhärteten Betonbauteilen und liefert hochpräzise Messdaten aus dem Bauteilinneren. Unter der Voraussetzung der Verfügbarkeit eines für das Bauteil geeigneten Computertomographen kann so eine Vielzahl von Informationen erfasst werden, die zuvor meist nur durch eine Bauteilöffnung/‐zerstörung zugänglich war. Diese Informationen, wie z. B. die genaue Bewehrungslage oder die lokale Häufung von Lufteinschlüssen im Beton, sind relevant für die Qualität von Betonfertigteilen und können in einem Qualitätssicherungssystem im Betonfertigteilwerk gewinnbringend eingesetzt werden. Besonders im Rahmen der Automatisierung und Digitalisierung der Betonfertigteilherstellung birgt eine in den Fließfertigungsprozess integrierte CT‐Qualitätsüberwachung ein großes Potenzial. Auf diese Weise können beispielsweise Segmentfertigteilbrücken hergestellt werden, bei denen die einzeln qualitätsgeprüften Fertigteilsegmente später auf der Baustelle durch Vorspannung und mithilfe von verzahnten Kontaktfugen zu Brücken verbunden werden. Mit den durch CT erfassten Informationen ist es möglich, schwankende, bislang durch die Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte abgedeckte Parameter genau zu analysieren und somit das Sicherheitskonzept für Beton neu zu denken. Durch die Kontrolle von streuenden Parametern und die darauffolgende Reduktion von sicherheitsbedingtem Materialverbrauch kann ein wertvoller Beitrag zum Klimaschutz und zur Schonung von natürlichen Ressourcen geleistet werden.
Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty using veno‐arterial loop and neuro‐embolic protection for mitral stenosis with thrombus
Authors: Hou Shiqiang , Pan Wenzhi , Zhou Daxin , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2022

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) is not traditionally suitable for patients with mitral stenosis (MS) and left atrium (LA) thrombus. Moreover, PBMV cannot be performed in patients with LA thrombus not resolving after anti‐coagulation treatment. Here we present a case of PBMV using a novel technique employing both a veno‐arterial loop and neuro‐embolic protection, in a patient with MS and LA thrombus resistant to warfarin therapy. The patient successfully underwent PBMV without any complications.
Reactivity of Xantphos‐Type Rhodium Complexes Towards SF4: SF3 Versus SF2 Complex Generation
Authors: Wozniak Martin , Sander Stefan , Cula Beatrice , Ahrens Mike , Braun Thomas
Published: April 2022

S−F‐bond activation of sulfur tetrafluoride at [Rh(Cl)(tBuxanPOP)] (1; tBuxanPOP=9,9‐dimethyl‐4,5‐bis‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphino)‐xanthene) led to the formation of the cationic complex [Rh(F)(Cl)(SF2)(tBuxanPOP)][SF5] (2 a) together with trans‐[Rh(Cl)(F)2(tBuxanPOP)] (3) and cis‐[Rh(Cl)2(F)(tBuxanPOP)] (4) which both could also be obtained by the reaction of SF5Cl with 1. In contrast to that, the conversion of SF4 at the methyl complex [Rh(Me)(tBuxanPOP)] (5) gave the isolable and room‐temperature stable cationic λ4‐trifluorosulfanyl complex [Rh(Me)(SF3)(tBuxanPOP)][SF5] (6). Treatment of 6 with the Lewis acids BF3 or AsF5 produced the dicationic difluorosulfanyl complex [Rh(Me)(SF2)(tBuxanPOP)][BF4]2 (8 a) or [Rh(Me)(SF2)(tBuxanPOP)][AsF6]2 (8 b), respectively. Refluorination of 8 a was possible with the use of dimethylamine giving [Rh(Me)(SF3)(tBuxanPOP)][BF4] (9). A reaction of 6 with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TClCA) gave the fluorido complex [Rh(F)(Cl)(SF2)(tBuxanPOP)][Cl] (2 b) together with chloromethane and SF5Cl.
C−X Bond Activation by Palladium: Steric Shielding versus Steric Attraction
Authors: Hansen Thomas , Sun Xiaobo , Dalla Tiezza Marco , van Zeist Willem‐Jan , van Stralen Joost N. P. , Geerke Daan P. , Wolters Lando P. , Poater Jordi , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: April 2022

The C−X bond activation (X = H, C) of a series of substituted C(n°)−H and C(n°)−C(m°) bonds with C(n°) and C(m°) = H3C− (methyl, 0°), CH3H2C− (primary, 1°), (CH3)2HC− (secondary, 2°), (CH3)3C− (tertiary, 3°) by palladium were investigated using relativistic dispersion‐corrected density functional theory at ZORA‐BLYP‐D3(BJ)/TZ2P. The effect of the stepwise introduction of substituents was pinpointed at the C−X bond on the bond activation process. The C(n°)−X bonds become substantially weaker going from C(0°)−X, to C(1°)−X, to C(2°)−X, to C(3°)−X because of the increasing steric repulsion between the C(n°)‐ and X‐group. Interestingly, this often does not lead to a lower barrier for the C(n°)−X bond activation. The C−H activation barrier, for example, decreases from C(0°)−X, to C(1°)−X, to C(2°)−X and then increases again for the very crowded C(3°)−X bond. For the more congested C−C bond, in contrast, the activation barrier always increases as the degree of substitution is increased. Our activation strain and matching energy decomposition analyses reveal that these differences in C−H and C−C bond activation can be traced back to the opposing interplay between steric repulsion across the C−X bond versus that between the catalyst and substrate.
Common measures or common metrics? A plea to harmonize measurement results
Authors: de Beurs Edwin , Boehnke Jan R. , Fried Eiko I.
Published: April 2022

Objective

There is a great variety of measurement instruments to assess similar constructs in clinical research and practice. This complicates the interpretation of test results and hampers the implementation of measurement‐based care.

Method

For reporting and discussing test results with patients, we suggest converting test results into universally applicable common metrics. Two well‐established metrics are reviewed: T scores and percentile ranks. Their calculation is explained, their merits and drawbacks are discussed, and recommendations for the most convenient reference group are provided.

Results

We propose to express test results as T scores with the general population as reference group. To elucidate test results to patients, T scores may be supplemented with percentile ranks, based on data from a clinical sample. The practical benefits are demonstrated using the published data of four frequently used instruments for measuring depression: the CES‐D, PHQ‐9, BDI‐II and the PROMIS depression measure.

Discussion

Recent initiatives have proposed to mandate a limited set of outcome measures to harmonize clinical measurement. However, the selected instruments are not without flaws and, potentially, this directive may hamper future instrument development. We recommend using common metrics as an alternative approach to harmonize test results in clinical practice, as this will facilitate the integration of measures in day‐to‐day practice.
A tunable ⵣ‐shaped microstrip leaky wave antenna based on liquid crystal
Authors: Al Soad Odai Hassan Raheem , Fu Jiahui , Wu Qun
Published: April 2022

This article presents an electrically tunable dual‐beam ⵣ‐shaped microstrip leaky wave antenna (MLWA) based on liquid crystal (LC). A new ⵣ‐shaped microstrip component (Berber's alphabet: pronounced |z|) is proposed as a single unit‐cell to achieve a dual‐beam radiation pattern with adjustable dual‐beam angles controlled by the ⵣ‐shaped length‐to‐width ratio. The dual‐beam radiation pattern of ⵣ‐shaped microstrip is theoretically derived. The tunable dual‐beam scanning is achieved using a nematic liquid crystal (N‐LC). An AC voltage controls the permittivity of N‐LC applied on the inverted radiating metal. The orientation angle of the N‐LC molecules is also determined theoretically. Besides, the MLWA is rearranged due to the meandering configuration of its microstrip transmission lines, which reduces the antenna's size. As a result, this antenna has a symmetrical dual‐beam at a pointing angle of ±37° in the YZ‐plane. Furthermore, the proposed MLWA is tuned up to 25° at a fixed frequency in XZ‐plane directions by applied AC voltage from 0 to 20 V, which changes the permittivity of the N‐LC from 2.47 to 3.25, respectively. Meanwhile, the MLWA has a realized gain of up to 7.5 dB and a beam scanning range of 40° in the XZ‐plane for all operating frequencies. Finally, the proposed antenna can be suitable for satellite and radar communication systems.
Evaluation of 6‐Halogenated 2‐Pyridone Moieties as Halogen Bond Donors
Authors: Voelkel Martin H. H. , Engelage Elric , Kondratiuk Mykhailo , Huber Stefan M.
Published: April 2022

6‐Halo‐2‐pyridones and their pyridol tautomers show different grades of polarization on their halogen substituents in DFT calculations. This and the fact that the tautomeric equilibrium is affected by the surrounding medium make them interesting candidates for a new platform of halogen bond donors. We therefore probed four simple halopyridones for their halogen bonding properties both in the solid state and in solution. Concurring with hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding indeed is found to be an interaction governing the packing motif in pyridone crystals, which is more pronounced in N‐methylated congeners. Solution studies using a halide abstraction reaction, and NMR titrations against bromide salts, however, showed no clear evidence for halogen bonding in solution.
Chemical Biology of αGalCer: A Chemist's Toolbox for the Stimulation of Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) Cells
Authors: Romanò Cecilia , Clausen Mads H.
Published: April 2022

Often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of the immune system, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a subpopulation of T lymphocytes stimulated by the synthetic glycolipid α‐galactosylceramide (αGalCer) when in complex with the CD1d receptor of antigen presenting cells. Through their ability to produce TH1 and TH2 cytokines and co‐stimulate several other lymphocytes, iNKT cells have emerged as central players in directing the immune response in a range of physiological processes, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Over the years, synthetic chemistry has advanced the field of iNKT cell stimulation with the development of more efficient approaches to prepare αGalCer, and, additionally, with the chemical synthesis of αGalCer analogs in the search of better TH1/TH2 cytokine skewing compounds for therapeutic applications. Here, we review the strategies for the synthesis of αGalCer and its analogs, including synthetic probes, together with the most important advances in the understanding of the mechanism of action of these compounds, as a guide to the available tools for interrogating the iNKT cell−αGalCer−CD1d complex and inspiration for future research.
The population of Saudi Arabia's willingness to pay for improved level of access to healthcare services: A contingent valuation study
Authors: Al Mustanyir Salem , Turner Brian , Mulcahy Mark
Published: April 2022

Background and aims

The Saudi Ministry of Health budget has surged since 2006 to put a strain on government finances at a time when the economy slowed as a result of plummeting oil prices. This study investigated the population of Saudi Arabia's willingness to pay for the healthcare services that are currently provided for free by the Saudi Ministry of Health, in return for improving their level of access.

Methods

Questionnaires were used to collect data from 600 individuals in the Riyadh region. The data were elicited using payment scale format and a two‐part model was employed for data analyses.

Results

The empirical analyses showed that the majority of the sample were willing to pay and found nine factors influenced people's willingness to pay—age, gender, education, employment status, nationality, marital status, current eligibility for healthcare services, possession of private health insurance, and having a chronic disease.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that policymakers in Saudi Arabia could reduce the burden on the Ministry of Health budget, while enabling people to improve their access to healthcare services. They might be of use to policymakers to help with fund allocation and priority setting.
Risk factors and risk nomogram model of reoperation for hemorrhages after severe traumatic brain injury craniotomy
Authors: Yang Tao , Yu Jie , Shen Hao , Yang Chao‐Zhi , Zhang Ping , Li Yi , Wu Hai‐Tao
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with reoperation for postoperative hemorrhages after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) craniotomy and establish a risk nomogram model.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control study was performed. Overall, 367 patients who were diagnosed with sTBI and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled from the Department of Neurosurgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between January 2015 and December 2020. They were divided into a reoperation group and a non‐reoperation group according to whether they underwent reoperation for hemorrhages. Using univariate binary logistic regression analysis, the possible risk factors were screened. Subsequently, the independent risk factors of reoperation for postoperative hemorrhages were screened using the forward step method of multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, and a corresponding nomogram model was constructed. The receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the reliability of the model. Finally, 30% of the data were randomly selected for internal verification of the model.

Results

The reoperation rate for hemorrhage after sTBI emergency craniotomy was 14.71% (54/367); multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple hemorrhages (odds ratio [OR] = 4.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.815–10.587, p = 0.001), day or night surgery (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.119–0.547, p < 0.001), operation duration (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.119–0.547, p < 0.025), and abnormal intraoperative blood pressure fluctuation (OR = 4.15, 95% CI: 2.090–8.245, p < 0.001) were statistically significant. The sensitivity and specificity of the nomogram model were 0.815 and 0.661, respectively, and the area under ROC curve was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.705–0.833). Internal verification showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.683–0.883).

Conclusions

Taken together, the results of our study reveal that multiple preoperative intracranial hemorrhages, day and night operation, operation duration, and abnormal fluctuation of intraoperative blood pressure were independent risk factors for postoperative bleeding and reoperation for sTBI. Through the analysis of the influencing factors, a prediction model for the risk of bleeding and reoperation after craniocerebral trauma was developed. Compared with other relevant studies, this prediction model has good prediction efficiency and can be used to predict the occurrence of bleeding and reoperation after sTBI in patients.
The impact of bank opacity on bank risk‐taking behavior
Authors: Tran Dung Viet , Hassan M Kabir , Houston Reza , Rabbani Mustafa Raza
Published: April 2022

We examine the impact of opacity on bank stability using a large US bank sample from 2001 to 2021. We observe that increasing opacity erodes bank stability. Our results indicate that the spillover effects of opacity induce greater price synchronicity and consequently increase systematic risk. These stability‐destroying effects of bank opacity are transferred via reduced profitability, deteriorated asset quality, and increased earnings volatility. The negative effects of opacity on bank stability are more pronounced in financially stronger and larger banks. They are muted in dividend‐paying banks. This study supports the concerns of prior researchers over too‐big‐to‐fail institutions and should be of interest to policymakers and other bank stakeholders.
Blocking PARP activity with the inhibitor veliparib enhances radiotherapy sensitivity in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jing , Xing Weizhen , Lin Yanling , Uskenbayeva Nuray , Yan Hongchao , Xu Yang , Fang Lisha
Published: April 2022

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate the potential clinical utility of a poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, veliparib (ABT‐888), as a radiosensitizer in the medication of endometrial carcinoma (EC).

Methods

Human Ishikawa endometrial adenocarcinoma cells were treated with veliparib, radiotherapy (RT), or combination treatment. The viabilities, radiosensitivity enhancement ratio (sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER), and apoptosis of Ishikawa cells were, respectively, evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation experiment, and flow cytometry. The tumor growth was assessed by xenograft mice models. Western blot assay investigated the expression of DNA damage and apoptosis‐related proteins in vivo and in vitro.

Results

Cell Counting Kit‐8 revealed that the 10% inhibition concentration (IC10) and 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) values of veliparib‐treated Ishikawa cells were 1.7 and 133.5 µM, respectively. The SER of veliparib combined with RT was 1.229 in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis results indicated that the apoptosis rate of the veliparib + RT group was markedly higher than that of the RT group in vitro (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in vivo data revealed that veliparib + RT treatment significantly decreased tumor growth compared with single treatments of veliparib or RT and with the control group (p < 0.05). Then western blot confirmed the levels of anti‐phospho‐histone (γH2AX), caspase‐3, and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) associated protein X (Bax) were significantly higher in the veliparib + RT group, while the level of Bcl‐2 was lower compared with that of the RT group (p < 0.05), both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that veliparib in combination with RT markedly improved the therapeutic efficiency in human endometrial carcinoma.
Morphological and anatomical traits during development: Highlighting extrafloral nectaries in Passiflora organensis
Authors: Moraes Tatiana S. , Rossi Mônica Lanzoni , Martinelli Adriana P. , Dornelas Marcelo C.
Published: April 2022

Passiflora organensis is a small herbaceous vine with characteristic morphological variations throughout its development. The plant bears button‐shaped extrafloral nectaries exclusively in adult leaves. Extrafloral nectaries are structures that secrete nectar and play an important role in plant–animal interactions as a strategy for protecting plants against herbivory. In this work, we performed anatomical and ultrastructural studies to characterize P. organensis extrafloral nectaries during their secretory phase. We showed extrafloral nectaries in Passiflora organensis are composed of three distinct regions: nectary epidermis, nectariferous parenchyma, and subnectariferous parenchyma. Our data suggests that all nectary regions constitute a functional unit involved in nectar production and release. The high metabolic activity in the nectary cells is characterized by the juxtaposition of organelles such as mitochondria and plastids together plasmalemma. In addition, calcium oxalate crystals are frequently associated to the nectaries. An increasing concentration of calcium during leaf development and nectary differentiation was observed, corresponding to the calcium deposition as calcium oxalate crystals. This is the first description of extrafloral nectaries in Passiflora organensis that is a promising tropical model species for several studies.

Research Highlights

The anatomical and ultrastructural characteristics and the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the nectary tissue suggest novel strategies against herbivory in the genus Passiflora.
COVID‐19 and acute pancreatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Babajide Oyedotun Ikechukwu , Ogbon Ekwevugbe Ochuko , Adelodun Anuoluwapo , Agbalajobi Olufunso , Ogunsesan Yetunde
Published: April 2022

We aimed to systematically review the relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and acute pancreatitis (AP). The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection causes respiratory symptoms and notably also affects the gastrointestinal (GI) system. A systematic review of the available literature on the topic was performed with a search key using the terms “SARS COV 2,” “Pancreatitis,” “COVID‐19” and synonyms. The search was conducted on 27 December 2020 using PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus. A meta‐analysis was not conducted due to the low quality and poor comparability of the studies. We reviewed 66 studies that reported data on patients with polymerase chain reaction‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and AP using the Atlanta Criteria. Our evaluation revealed a wide age range and diverse clinical presentation of COVID‐19 with or without symptoms of AP, some of which preceded typical COVID‐19 symptoms. We observed a myriad of complications and one study revealed that patients with both conditions were more likely to require mechanical ventilation and had longer lengths of hospital stay compared with patients with AP without COVID‐19. Treatment for AP was mostly supportive, with varied therapies employed for COVID‐19. Most cases were considered idiopathic and presumed to be SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced as established etiological factors were not reported. AP should be considered in COVID‐19 patients, especially in those exhibiting GI symptoms. Evidence to establish a causal relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and AP is currently lacking.
Weight gain during the dolutegravir transition in the African Cohort Study
Authors: Esber Allahna L. , Chang David , Iroezindu Michael , Bahemana Emmanuel , Kibuuka Hannah , Owuoth John , Singoei Valentine , Maswai Jonah , Dear Nicole F. , Crowell Trevor A. , Polyak Christina S. , Ake Julie A. ,   the AFRICOS Study Group
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Dolutegravir (DTG) has become a preferred component of first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in many settings but may be associated with excess weight gain. We evaluated changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) after switch to single‐tablet tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD) by people living with HIV (PLWH) in four African countries.

Methods

The African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) prospectively follows adults with and without HIV in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria. Demographics, ART regimen, weight, BMI and waist‐to‐hip ratio were collected every 6 months. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with developing a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Linear mixed effects models with random effects were used to examine the average change in BMI, weight and waist‐to‐hip ratio.

Results

From 23 January 2013 to 1 December 2020, 2950 PLWH were enrolled in AFRICOS and 1474 transitioned to TLD. In adjusted models, PLWH on TLD had 1.77 times the hazard of developing a high BMI (95% CI: 1.22–2.55) compared to PLWH on non‐TLD ART. Examining change in weight among all PLWH on ART, participants on TLD gained an average of 0.68 kg (95% CI: 0.32–1.04) more than PLWH on other regimens after adjusting for duration on ART, sex, age, study site and CD4 nadir. Among participants who switched to TLD, the average change in weight prior to TLD switch was 0.35 kg/year (95% CI: 0.25–0.46) and average change in weight was 1.46 kg/year (95% CI: 1.18–1.75) in the year following transition to TLD after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

Elevated BMI and weight gain among PLWH on TLD are concerning safety signals. Implications for the development of metabolic comorbidities should be monitored, particularly if annual weight gain persists during continued follow‐up after transitioning to TLD.
Appreciative inquiry: A component of course evaluation and improvement
Authors: Sacco‐Bene Christine
Published: April 2022

This study introduces appreciative inquiry (AI), a method of inquiry that promotes change through exploration of constructive possibilities, as an approach for course evaluation. Results demonstrate how AI motivated a cohort of 10 counseling students in the Bahamas to collaborate in course evaluation and continuous improvement of courses.
Meaningfulness and selecting clinical mental health counseling as a career: A cross‐sectional pilot study of master's students and recent graduates
Authors: McLean Rebecca A. (Newgent) , McLean Donald J. , Kress Victoria E.
Published: April 2022

Master's students and graduates in two Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) clinical mental health counseling programs participated in the Role of Meaningfulness Survey. The results indicated that a sense of meaningfulness and being true to yourself may particularly be important for those who choose a high “burnout profession,” as it can contribute to their resiliency.
Ultrasound‐Guided Cervical Intervertebral Disc Injection Without Fluoroscopy
Authors: Maeda Manabu , Maeda Nana , Masuda Keisuke , Nagano Tatsuo , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: April 2022

Cervical disc degeneration commonly results in referred neck pain, which is traditionally diagnosed via fluoroscopy‐guided provocative discography. Herein, we discuss three cases of neck and shoulder pain treated with cervical intradiscal injections administered under ultrasound (US) guidance. The most painful intervertebral disc was identified using the sonopalpation technique, which involved palpation while visualizing anatomical structures using US. Injectant spread within the intervertebral disc was validated using superb microvascular imaging rather than fluoroscopy. Symptoms significantly improved following blocks at the identified sites, suggesting that US can be used to guide cervical intradiscal injections even in the examination room.
Combining in vitro and in vivo screening to identify efficient Pseudomonas biocontrol strains against the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Clough Sophie E. , Jousset Alexandre , Elphinstone John G. , Friman Ville‐Petri
Published: April 2022

Although plant pathogens are traditionally controlled using synthetic agrochemicals, the availability of commercial bactericides is still limited. One potential control strategy could be the use of plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) to suppress pathogens via resource competition or the production of antimicrobial compounds. This study aimed to conduct in vitro and in vivo screening of eight Pseudomonas strains against Ralstonia solanacearum (the causative agent of bacterial wilt) and to investigate underlying mechanisms of potential pathogen suppression. We found that inhibitory effects were Pseudomonas strain‐specific, with strain CHA0 showing the highest pathogen suppression. Genomic screening identified 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol, pyoluteorin, and orfamides A and B secondary metabolite clusters in the genomes of the most inhibitory strains, which were investigated further. Although all these compounds suppressed R. solanacearum growth, only orfamide A was produced in the growth media based on mass spectrometry. Moreover, orfamide variants extracted from Pseudomonas cultures showed high pathogen suppression. Using the “Micro‐Tom” tomato cultivar, it was found that CHA0 could reduce bacterial wilt disease incidence with one of the two tested pathogen strains. Together, these findings suggest that a better understanding of Pseudomonas–Ralstonia interactions in the rhizosphere is required to successfully translate in vitro findings into agricultural applications.
Consensus of nonlinear multiagent systems with uncertain disturbance under stochastic switching topologies
Authors: Yang Jian , Fečkan Michal , Wang JinRong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigate the mean square consensus problem of leader‐following nonlinear multiagent systems which suffer from white noise disturbance under randomly switching interaction topologies. The control protocol of each agent is designed based on its local information from its neighbors and the leader. Using matrix inequality theory and stochastic stability theory, a sufficient condition is presented to guarantee the mean square consensus. Moreover, two special cases: balanced topologies switching randomly and random connection failures are considered. Finally, two corresponding numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Blow‐up criterion for compressible Navier–Stokes equations with degenerate viscosities
Authors: Song Wenjing , Su Wenhuo
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a blow‐up criterion of classical solutions to the Cauchy problem for the compressible Navier–Stokes equations with degenerate viscosities is established, as well as the shallow water equations. Moreover, we prove that the maximum norm of the gradient of velocity controls the possible breakdown of regular solutions for compressible Navier–Stokes equations with degenerate viscosities.
The results of three times repeated filling cystometry and pressure flow studies in children with non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
Authors: Ergun Raziye , Sekerci Cagri Akin , Tanidir Yiloren , Ozturk Naime İpek , Tarcan Tufan , Yucel Selcuk
Published: April 2022

Aim

We previously reported that some urodynamic parameters change with repetitive filling in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). In this study, we aimed to search if three‐times repeated filling cystometries (FC) and pressure‐flow studies (PFS) would change the urodynamics parameters in children with non‐neurogenic LUTD.

Materials and Methods

All children with three repeated FC and PFS between June 2017 and December 2018 were included in the study. Urodynamic reports and charts were evaluated retrospectively. The first sensation of bladder filling (FSBF), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), detrusor pressure at the FSBF (Pdet.first.sens), maximum detrusor pressure during filling (Pdet.fill.max), presence of detrusor over activity, compliance, maximum urine flow (Qmax), detrusor pressure at the maximum urine flow (PdetQmax), residual urine and presence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergy (DSD) were compared among three‐times repeated urodynamic studies.

Results

Forty children were included in the study. 27 (67.5%) were girls and 13 (32.5%) were boys. Median age was 9 (3.4–17) years. Indications were LUTD with low grade vesicoureteral reflux in 19 (47.5%), LUTD refractory to conservative management in 13 (32.5%), urinary tract infection with LUTD in 6 (15%) and secondary enuresis in 2 (5%). Pdet.first.sens, presence of DO, MCC, Qmax, PdetQmax, residual urine, flow pattern, and presence of DSD were comparable in all three repeated tests. The third FC may show decreased filling detrusor pressures and increased compliance with no change on capacity.

Conclusion

In children with non‐neurogenic LUTD, three‐times repeated FC and PFS present comparable results except FSBF, Pdet.fill.max, and compliance at the third test.
Analysis of resistance risk and resistance‐related point mutations in Cyt b of QioI fungicide ametoctradin in Phytophthora litchii
Authors: Gao Xuheng , Hu Shiping , Liu Zeqi , Zhu Hongwei , Yang Jikun , Han Qingyu , Fu Yixin , Miao Jianqiang , Gu Biao , Liu Xili
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Litchi downy blight, caused by Phytophthora litchii, is one of the most important diseases of litchi. Ametoctradin, as the only QioI (quinone inside and outside inhibitor) fungicide, has been registered in China in 2019. However, the ametoctradin‐resistance risk and molecular basis in Phytophthora litchii have not been reported.

RESULTS

In this study, the sensitivity profile of 144 Phytophthora litchii strains to ametoctradin was determined, with a mean median effective concentration (EC50) value of 0.1706 ± 0.091 μg mL−1. Nine stable resistant Phytophthora litchii mutants [resistance factor (RF) > 400] were derived from sensitive isolates using fungicide adaption. The compound fitness index of three resistant‐mutants (HN10‐1‐1, HN10‐1‐2 and HN10‐2‐1) was similar or higher than that of their parental isolates in vitro. All these ametoctradin‐resistant mutants were sensitive to metalaxyl, dimethomorph, oxathiapiprolin and cyazofamid. Two point mutations, leading to the S33L and D228N changes in PlCyt b (cytochrome b) were found in ametoctradin‐resistant mutants. Eight ametoctradin‐resistant mutants containing S33L showed increased sensitivity to azoxystrobin and amisulbrom, and one mutant containing D228N exhibited increased sensitivity to cyazofamid. In vitro enzyme activity test showed that ametoctradin could not inhibit the activity of cytochrome bc1 complex with S33L and D228N point mutation. AS‐PCR primers were designed based on the S33L change to detect the ametoctradin‐resistant strains in the future.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Phytophthora litchii has a medium to high resistance risk to ametoctradin in the laboratory. Two changes, S33L and D228N, in PlCyt b are likely to be associated with the observed ametoctradin resistance. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chemical seed treatment and mycorrhizal inoculation provide better development and nutrition of common bean plants
Authors: de Souza Buzo Fernando , Garé Lucas Martins , Garcia Nayara Fernanda Siviero , de Andrade da Silva Maura Santos Reis , da Silva Pedro Henrique Giova , de Souza Morita Pamela Roberta , Correa Juliana Barboza , Martins Juliana Trindade , Rigobelo Everlon Cid , Nogales Amaia , Arf Orivaldo
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Chemical seed treatment is an established practice in agriculture to protect crops from soil‐borne pathogens and pests. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) benefit plants by extending soil exploration as well as water and nutrient uptake. The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of combinations of seed treatments with doses of inoculant containing Rhizoglomus intraradices on vegetative development, root colonization and nutrition of Phaseolus vulgaris plants and soil microbiota.

RESULTS

Seed treatment benefited the vegetative development and nutrition of beans, with the treatments metalaxyl + fludioxonil + tiabendazole and pyraclostrobin + thiophanate methyl + fipronil standing out regarding the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) of the aerial parts. Mycorrhizal inoculation linearly increased dehydrogenase activity, root biomass and total plant biomass, with increments reaching 27%. There was an interaction between seed treatment and inoculation dose for aboveground biomass and the contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), manganese (Mn) and root colonization, with expressive results for the combination of the two highest doses of inoculant with metalaxyl + fludioxonil + tiabendazole or pyraclostrobin + methylthiophanate + fipronil in the seeds.

CONCLUSION

Chemical seed treatment and mycorrhizal inoculation benefited bean plants and their nutritional status. The best combinations for the bean crop were metalaxyl + fludioxonil + tiabendazole with 41.4 mg of the inoculant per 100 seeds and pyraclostrobin + thiophanate methyl + fipronil with 62.1 mg of the inoculant per 100 seeds. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Heteroepitaxy of Scandium Delafossite on ZnO
Authors: Grenier Stéphane , Donatini Fabrice , Mossang Eric , Muret Pierre
Published: April 2022

The trigonal polytypes of the delafossites ScCuO and ScMgCuO, which are p‐type semiconductors, are elaborated by pulse laser deposition and epitaxially grown on the oxygen‐terminated (00) ZnO surface along their same basal plane with an absolute mismatch less than 0.5%. Depending on the Mg content x and excess intercalated oxygen δ, the relative mismatch can be either positive or negative, but very close to zero in any cases. Optically excited transitions between valence band and conduction band states detected from spectroscopic ellipsometry and cathodoluminescence spectrum confirm the band structure calculated theoretically by several authors. The deviation between fundamental optical absorption and exciton radiative recombination yields an exciton binding energy of 0.2 eV. From infrared optical absorption of free carriers, a hole concentration of 6 × 1021 cm−3 is deduced.
The hemodynamic characteristics of severe chronic lung disease referred for lung transplantation
Authors: Ling Wood H. I. , Wong Chi F. , Yan See W. , Fan Yue Y. K. , Wong Ka L.
Published: April 2022

Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not common even in patients with severe chronic lung disease (CLD) but data on hemodynamic characteristics among patients with severe CLD is scarce. All adult patients who had right heart catheterization for lung transplant assessment for severe CLD in the only lung transplant service and for PAH management in the only tertiary pulmonary hypertension service in Hong Kong from 2010 to 2020 were included and classified into CLD group and PAH group. Patient characteristics and hemodynamic parameters were analyzed. There were 153 patients included with 106 patients in the CLD group and 47 in the PAH group. There were only 19.8% of the patients in the CLD group had severe pulmonary hypertension. Patients in the CLD group had significantly lower systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPs), lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPm), higher cardiac index, and lower PVR when compared with the PAH group (p < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of PAPs, PAPm, and PVR were excellent, 0.973, 0.970, and 0.938, respectively for discrimination between CLD and PAH on receiver operator characteristics curve analysis. Optimal cutoff values were 55.5 mmHg, 35.5 mmHg, and 6.1 Wood Units for PAPs, PAPm, and PVR with Youden Index 0.85, 0.80, and 0.82, respectively. There were distinct hemodynamic characteristics between the CLD group and the PAH group. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance are useful to discriminate between the phenotype of severe CLD and PAH.
Predictor‐based bipartite time‐varying formation control of nonlinear multi‐agents systems via disturbance observer
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Didi , Liu Qidong , Yue Dong
Published: April 2022

Formation control is one of critical control issues in multi‐agent systems (MASs). In this article, we extend the traditional formation to a bipartite one in a structurally balanced signed graph and propose a bipartite formation control strategy for an MAS with unknown external disturbances and nonsymmetric input saturation constraints. Neural networks (NNs) are developed to approximate followers' dynamics, and their transient performance are improved by prediction errors. On this basis, an NN‐based nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is constructed to estimate generalized disturbances including external disturbances and NNs approximation errors. In order to reduce the number of learning parameters, a normalization method is introduced for NNs weights and applied to the proposed NDO. An auxiliary system is constructed to compensate for asymmetric input saturation, and it is not required to access unknown control gains. The stability analysis is presented, and it is proven that all signals in the MAS are bounded. A numerical simulation and a team of quadrotors examples corroborate the effectiveness and feasibility of the strategy.
An LMIs‐based back‐stepping sliding mode control framework for robust velocity tracking of the automatic driving vehicle on sloped roads
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Cao Haotian , Zhao Song , Li Mingjun , Yi Binlin , Guo Wenfeng , Song Xiaolin
Published: April 2022

Automatic driving has received a broad of attention from academia and industry since it is effective in greatly reducing the severity of potential traffic accidents and achieving the ultimate automobile safety and comfort. This article presents a back‐stepping sliding mode controller (BSMC) through linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for the highly automatic driving vehicle on sloped roads. It includes three key modules, namely, an extended Kalman filter (EKF)‐based road slope estimation module, a robust BSMC‐LMIs velocity‐tracking controller based on the input–output feedback linearization, as well as a longitudinal inverse vehicle dynamics module. The nonlinear combined slip tire model with the transient behavior is introduced to calculate the tire forces properly, which would be further proven to offer more accurate road slope estimations even in a fierce acceleration or deceleration situation. The proposed BSMC‐LMIs controller for velocity tracking can handle the lumped uncertainties which include the modeling error, the parameter perturbation, external disturbances, and noises, and guarantee the reachability of the sliding surface, meanwhile, alleviating the chattering phenomenon inherited from the sliding mode structure. Besides, a sufficient condition for the existence of the proposed BSMC is derived by using the LMIs, which ensures the asymptotical stability on the sliding surface. Finally, the robustness, feasibility, and effectiveness of the proposed BSMC‐LMIs controller for velocity‐tracking are verified by simulation tests in various working scenarios, which shows satisfying results when dealing with the lumped uncertainties on sloped roads. Moreover, the comparative study also shows that the proposed BSMC‐LMIs controller has the best tracking performance when compared to the model predictive control, conventional sliding mode control, and the cubic proportional‐integral controller.
High‐Efficiency Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐Co‐Hexafluoropropylene) Loaded 3D Marigold Flower‐Like Bismuth Tungstate Triboelectric Films for Mechanical Energy Harvesting and Sensing Applications
Authors: Manchi Punnarao , Graham Sontyana Adonijah , Patnam Harishkumarreddy , Paranjape Mandar Vasant , Yu Jae Su
Published: April 2022

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are one of the most trending energy harvesting devices because of their efficient and simple mechanism in harvesting mechanical energy from the environment into electricity. Herein, ferroelectric and dielectric bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6 (BWO)) with a marigold flower‐like structure is prepared via a hydrothermal method, which is embedded in poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP), forming a PVDF‐HFP/BWO composite polymer film (CPF) to fabricate TENGs. Generally, the ferroelectric materials exhibit a large piezoelectric coefficient, high electrostatic dipole moment, and high dielectric constant. The prepared PVDF‐HFP/BWO CPF reveals a high polar crystalline β‐phase which leads to enhanced piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the CPF, thus resulting in the increased electrical performance of the fabricated TENG. The electrical output performance of the proposed TENG is systematically investigated by varying the amount of BWO material embedded in the PVDF‐HFP polymer. The fabricated PVDF‐HFP/2.5 wt% BWO CPF‐based TENG device exhibits the highest electrical output performance. Additionally, the robust test of the TENG device is conducted to investigate the electrical performance for long‐term durability and mechanical stability. Finally, the proposed TENG is operated as a self‐powered sensor, harvesting mechanical energy from daily life human activities, and powering various low‐power portable electronics.
Implementing an Air Suction Effect Induction Strategy to Create Super Thermally Insulating and Superelastic SiC Aerogels
Authors: Yan Mingyuan , Zhang Heping , Fu Yangyang , Pan Yuelei , Lun Zhiyi , Zhang Zhongxin , He Pan , Cheng Xudong
Published: April 2022

Silicon carbide (SiC) aerogels are promising thermal insulators that are lightweight and possess high thermal stability. However, their application is hindered by their brittleness. Herein, an air suction effect induction (ASEI) strategy is proposed to fabricate a super thermally insulating SiC aerogel (STISA). The ASEI strategy exploits the air suction effect to subtly regulate the directional flow of the SiO gas, which can induce directional growth and assembly of SiC nanowires to form a directional lamellar structure. The sintering time is significantly reduced by >90%. Significant improvements in the compression and elasticity performance of the STISA are achieved upon the formation of a directional lamellar structure through the ASEI strategy. Moreover, the lamellar structure endows the STISA with an ultralow thermal conductivity of 0.019 W m−1 K−1. The ASEI strategy paves the way for structural design of advanced ceramic aerogels for super thermal insulation.
Recent Advances in Modified Cap Analogs: Synthesis, Biochemical Properties, and mRNA Based Vaccines
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Muthian , Senthilvelan Annamalai , Kore Anilkumar R.
Published: April 2022

The recent FDA approval of the mRNA vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) emphasizes the importance of mRNA as a powerful tool for therapeutic applications. The chemically modified mRNA cap analogs contain a unique cap structure, m7G[5′]ppp[5′]N (where N=G, A, C or U), present at the 5′‐end of many eukaryotic cellular and viral RNAs and several non‐coding RNAs. The chemical modifications on cap analog influence orientation's nature, translational efficiency, nuclear stability, and binding affinity. The recent invention of a trinucleotide cap analog provides groundbreaking research in the area of mRNA analogs. Notably, trinucleotide cap analogs outweigh dinucleotide cap analogs in terms of capping efficiency and translational properties. This review focuses on the recent development in the synthesis of various dinucleotide cap analogs such as dinucleotide containing a triazole moiety, phosphorothiolate cap, biotinylated cap, cap analog containing N1 modification, cap analog containing N2 modification, dinucleotide containing fluorescence probe and TAT, bacterial caps, and trinucleotide cap analogs. In addition, the biological applications of these novel cap analogs are delineated.
Say cheese! Winning BVA photographers announced
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: April 2022

Georgina Mills takes a look at the winning images of this year's BVA Veterinary Photographer of the Year competition
C2 translaminar screw fixation in pediatric occipitocervical fusion
Authors: Lee Young M. , Lu Alex Y. , Oh Taemin , Hwang Joan Y. , Lu Daniel C. , Sun Peter P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Rigid occipitocervical (O-C) instrumentation can reduce the anterior pathology and has a high fusion rate in children with craniovertebral instability. Typically, axis (C2) screw fixation utilizes C1–C2 transarticular screws or C2 pars screws. However, anatomic variation may preclude these screw types due to the size of fixation elements or by placing the vertebral artery at risk for injury. Pediatric C2 translaminar screw fixation has low risk of vertebral artery injury and may be used when the anatomy is otherwise unsuitable for C1–C2 transarticular screws or C2 pars screws.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a neurosurgical database at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland for patients who had undergone a cervical spinal fusion that utilized translaminar screws for occipitocervical instrumentation between 2002 and 2020. We then reviewed the operative records to determine the parameters of C2 screw fixations performed. Demographic and all other relevant clinical data were then recorded.

Results

Twenty-five patients ranging from 2 to 18 years of age underwent O-C fusion, with a total of 43 translaminar screws at C2 placed. Twenty-three patients were fused (92%) after initial surgery with a mean follow-up of 43 months. Two patients, both with Down syndrome, had a nonunion. Another 2 patients had a superficial wound dehiscence that required wound revision. One patient died of unknown cause 7 months after surgery. One patient developed an adjacent-level kyphosis.

Conclusion

When performing occipitocervical instrumentation in the pediatric population, C2 translaminar screw fixation is an effective option to other methods of C2 screw fixation dependent on anatomic feasibility.