bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifluid model simulations of gravitational instabilities in fluidized binary granular materials
Authors: Guo Qiang , Zhang Yuxuan , Vazquez Carolina , Xi Kenan , Boyce Christopher M.
Published: April 2022

Predicting granular flow using continuum approaches is fundamental to advance granular physics and industrial applications. Previous studies have demonstrated that continuum modeling can capture some hydrodynamic instability analogs in monodisperse granular materials. Recently, a family of gravitational instabilities was found between two types of grains, including a Rayleigh–Taylor analog, a granular bubble rising, a granular droplet splitting and particle segregation. The high packing fraction and bi‐disperse nature of these flows allow for new challenges to continuum models. Herein, we applied multifluid modeling (MFM) that treats the gas phase and two separate granular phases as fully interpenetrating continua to simulate these instabilities and compared them with newly conducted experiments. Simulation results reproduced all of the four instabilities and demonstrated that frictional particle stress and solids–solids drag are needed to capture critical qualitative flow features. This study can serve as a basis for challenging future particle stress and solids–solids drag models.
Identification of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in captive primates from a zoo in Brazil
Authors: Guiraldi Lívia M. , dos Santos Wesley J. , Manzini Suzane , Taha Nur el H. A. , Aires Isabella N. , Ribeiro Emilly , Tokuda Marcos , de Medeiros Maria Izabel M. , Richini‐Pereira Virgínia B. , Lucheis Simone B.
Published: April 2022

Wild nonhuman primates (NHP) are considered natural hosts of a protozoan parasite from the genus Leishmania, the etiological agent of leishmaniasis. It is important to study the population of this infectious agent in zoo animals to establish surveillance and control mechanisms in Sorocaba through the application of a One Health approach, this is where human–animal–environment health and disease interface and can aid in the protection of endangered species. This study aimed to identify Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in NHP living in a city where leishmaniasis is endemic. DNA was extracted from 48 NHP and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction primers that are specific for the species L. infantum and L. braziliensis. The results of our research revealed the first report of L. infantum and L. braziliensis naturally infecting primates at Sorocaba zoo. One primate from the species Plecturocebus vieirai was positive for L. infantum and five primates (four Alouatta caraya and one Ateles chamek) were positive for L. braziliensis. This indicates a possible role of these animals on the maintenance of these parasites.
Dynamisch kovalente Selbstassemblierung von Chlorid‐ und Ionenpaar‐templierten Kryptaten
Authors: Hollstein Selina , Shyshov Oleksandr , Hanževački Marko , Zhao Jie , Rudolf Tamara , Jäger Christof M. , von Delius Max
Published: April 2022

Während supramolekulare Wirte mit der Fähigkeit zum Binden und Transportieren von Anionen und Ionenpaaren heutzutage weit verbreitet sind, sind selbstassemblierte Architekturen immer noch selten, obwohl sie einen inhärenten Mechanismus für die Freisetzung der Gastionen bieten. In dieser Arbeit beschreiben wir die dynamisch kovalente Selbstassemblierung von dreizähnigen, Harnstoff‐basierten Kryptaten, die durch zwei Orthoester‐Brückenköpfe verbunden sind. Diese Wirte zeigen Affinitäten für Anionen wie Cl−, Br−und I−in moderater Höhe, die typischerweise vorteilhaft für Anwendungen im Membrantransport sind. In bislang beispiellosen Experimenten konnten wir das Ionenpaar Cs⋅Cl dissoziieren, indem wir simultan zwei passende Orthoester‐Wirte für das Cs+and das Cl−Ion selbstassemblierten.
Models for predicting organic micropollutant breakthrough in carbon adsorbers based on water quality, adsorbate properties, and rapid small‐scale column tests
Authors: Kearns Joshua P. , Kennedy Anthony M. , Shimabuku Kyle K.
Published: April 2022

Rapid small‐scale column tests (RSSCTs) have been developed for simulating the removal of organic micro‐pollutants (OMPs) in full‐scale fixed‐bed carbon adsorbers to reduce time, materials, and labor costs. However, when dissolved organic matter (DOM) is present, OMP breakthrough profiles obtained from RSSCTs often do not match those at full‐scale because DOM fouling scales differently than OMP adsorption for different‐sized adsorbent particles. To overcome this limitation, single and multiple linear regression analyses were used to develop relationships between DOM concentration, OMP physical–chemical properties (log D, Abraham solvation parameters), and early (10%) OMP breakthrough at full‐scale with and without RSSCT data. It was found that statistically significant regressions could be developed using the largest database assembled to date consisting of 175 RSSCT and full‐/pilot‐scale data pairs, including activated carbons generated from bituminous coal, lignite, coconut shells, and wood‐based biochar, 58 OMPs with a range of adsorbabilities, and waters containing DOM from diverse origins.
Utility Best Management Practices: Strong Adopted Financial Management Policies
Authors: Mantz Bryan A. , Flores Angie
Published: April 2022

Key Takeaways

A financial management policy document that has been adopted by the governing body is a valuable planning tool for guiding a utility's financial decisions and how a utility deals with the unexpected.

A financial management policy document should contain its purpose, financial targets, goals and objectives, and clear definitions of terms. Utility managers can decide which additional elements are appropriate.

Any personnel who play a role in managing a utility should be involved in developing its financial policies.
Committee Report: Using Transient Hydraulic Models to Design Surge Control Devices
Authors: Laptos Kevin T. , Wang Z. Michael , Broadbent Crystal
Published: April 2022

Key Takeaways

Water distribution systems should have a surge mitigation strategy in place to address the common occurrences of high‐ and low‐pressure surges, which can sometimes be harmful to system infrastructure.

Transient models are useful in analyzing the complexities of transient hydraulics, such as determining best surge mitigation devices and methods, and assessing operating procedures.

Two surge tank projects—one in Nevada and one in North Carolina—are examples of the beneficial roles transient models play in analyzing flow conditions and recommending solutions.
Atlantic First Nations Water Authority: A Utility Created by and to Serve First Nations
Authors: Gould Adam
Published: April 2022

Key Takeaways

When confronted with the need for a utility or dedicated provider of water and wastewater services, the Indigenous peoples of Atlantic Canada viewed the issue from a perspective shaped by historical legacies.

The Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqiyik (Wabanaki) nations founded the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA), one of Canada's first Indigenous‐owned water and wastewater services utilities.

AFNWA adopted a full‐service, decentralized, hub‐and‐spoke model structure as being most consistent with First Nations concepts of ownership and values.
Prognose der Schalldämmung von Außenwänden mit Wärmedämm‐Verbundsystem – Entwicklung des Prognoseverfahrens als Beitrag zur Überarbeitung der ÖNORM B 8115‐4
Authors: Neusser Maximilian , Dolezal Franz
Published: April 2022

Wärmedämm‐Verbundsysteme (WDVS) stellen nicht nur eine kostengünstige Möglichkeit der Reduktion des Wärmeverlustes durch Außenwände dar, sondern haben, je nach Material, auch Auswirkungen auf das Schalldämm‐Maß dieser Bauteile. Das vorliegende Prognosemodell für das bewertete Schalldämm‐Maß von Außenwänden mit WDVS wurde in dieser Form in die derzeit in Überarbeitung befindlichen österreichischen bauakustischen Prognosenorm ÖNORM B 8115‐4 aufgenommen und stellt deren derzeitigen Bearbeitungsstand dar. Das erwähnte Modell bedeutet nicht nur einen signifikanten Sprung in der Prognosegenauigkeit, sondern führt erstmals auch alle wesentlichen, in Österreich gebräuchlichen, Massivwände in ein Modell zusammen. Es ist damit möglich, das bewertete Schalldämm‐Maß von Außenwänden aus Ziegel, Beton und Massivholz mit WDVS in einfacher und transparenter Weise zu berechnen. Darüber hinaus ermöglicht das Modell auch die Ermittlung des Spektrum‐Anpassungswertes Ctr des Schalldämm‐Maßes, wodurch die Eignung des Außenbauteils zum Schutz vor Verkehrslärm durch den Planer charakterisierbar wird. Das vorliegende, materialübergreifende Prognosemodell resultiert aus der Zusammenführung früherer, materialspezifischer Forschungsarbeiten der beiden Autoren zu diesem Thema.
Teilflächenbelastung von epoxidharzbasiertem Polymerfeinbeton
Authors: Immenga Leon , Schmeck Michel , Schmid Volker , Gengnagel Christoph
Published: April 2022

Polymerbeton gleicht in seiner Zusammensetzung herkömmlichem Zementbeton. Jedoch wird der üblicherweise als Bindemittel verwendete Zementleim durch ein polymeres Reaktionsharz substituiert. Verglichen mit Zementbeton zeichnet sich Polymerbeton durch seine hohen Festigkeiten, eine gute chemische Beständigkeit sowie durch seine kurze Erhärtungszeit aus. Aufgrund seiner hervorragenden Adhäsionseigenschaften lässt sich Polymerbeton mit unterschiedlichsten Materialien verbinden, weshalb er vorrangig Anwendung in der Reparatur von Holz‐ und Betonbauteilen findet. In einem aktuellen Forschungsprojekt wird zudem der Einsatz von Polymerbeton in lösbaren Verzahnungsverbindungen erforscht. Seine hohen Festigkeiten machen Polymerbeton zu einem optimalen Baustoff für Lasteinleitungsbereiche, in denen hohe Druckkräfte teilflächig in ein Betonbauteil eingeleitet werden. Insbesondere die hohe Zugfestigkeit, welche die des herkömmlichen Zementbetons um das Fünffache überschreiten kann, könnte den Einsatz von zusätzlicher Bewehrung obsolet machen. Weil für das Tragverhalten von Polymerbeton unter Teilflächenbelastung bislang kaum Forschungsergebnisse vorliegen, werden in diesem Beitrag neue Druckversuche an Polymerbetonprismen vorgestellt, bei denen die Last über unterschiedlich große Stahlstempel teilflächig in den Querschnitt eingeleitet wurde. Darauf aufbauend wird ein Berechnungsansatz vorgeschlagen, der eine zuverlässige Berechnung der maximal aufnehmbaren Teilflächenspannung von Polymerbeton ermöglicht.
Circumferential wall enhancement with contrast ratio measurement in unruptured intracranial aneurysm for aneurysm instability
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Bing , Zhong Jing‐Lian , Wang Sheng‐Wen , Su Yun , Chen Pei‐Sheng , Li Zhong‐Jun , Xiang Chun , Cai Wang‐Qing , Shi Zhong‐Song
Published: April 2022

Background

Aneurysm wall enhancement on high‐resolution vessel wall imaging (HR‐VWI) may represent vessel wall inflammation for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Further evidence for the role of circumferential aneurysm wall enhancement (CAWE) in evaluating the instability of UIAs is required, especially in small aneurysms (<7 mm).

Methods

We analyzed patients with saccular UIAs who prospectively underwent HR‐VWI on a 3.0 T MRI scanner in our center from September 2017 to August 2021. The presence of AWE was identified and quantitatively measured using the aneurysm‐to‐pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CRstalk) with maximal signal intensity value. The PHASES and ELAPSS scores were used to assess the risk of aneurysm rupture and growth. We evaluated the association of CAWE and CRstalk value with intracranial aneurysm instability.

Results

One hundred patients with 109 saccular UIAs were included in this study. Eighty‐three UIAs (76.1%) had a size smaller than 7 mm. PHASES and ELAPSS scores were significantly higher in UIAs with CAWE than in UIAs without CAWE (p < .01). The association of CAWE with PHASES and ELAPSS scores remained in small UIAs (<7 mm). The optimal cutoff value of CRstalk for CAWE was 0.5. PHASES and ELAPSS scores were significantly higher in UIAs with CRstalk ≥0.5 than in UIAs with CRstalk <0.5 (p < .01).

Conclusions

CAWE on HR‐VWI is a valuable imaging marker for aneurysm instability in UIAs. CRstalk value ≥0.5 may be associated with a higher risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture and growth.
Effect of filtrate flux and process disruptions on virus retention by a relatively homogeneous virus removal membrane
Authors: Afzal Mohammad A. , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: April 2022

Recent studies have shown that virus retention by specific virus filters can be reduced at low flow rates and after process disruptions; however, the magnitude of these changes in virus retention and the underlying mechanisms controlling this behavior are still not well understood. The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative understanding of the factors controlling the virus retention behavior of a relatively homogeneous polyvinylidene fluoride virus removal filter. Data were obtained with the bacteriophage ϕX174 as a model virus. Virus retention decreased as the filtrate flux was reduced and also declined slightly over the course of the virus filtration. Virus retention immediately after a process disruption decreased by as much as a factor of 1000 (3‐logs) depending on the duration and timing of the disruption. The experimental results were well‐described using an internal polarization model that accounts for accumulation and release of virus during the filtration / disruption, with the key model parameters dependent on the filtrate flux. These results provide important insights into the factors controlling the virus retention behavior as well as guidelines for the effective use of virus removal filters in bioprocessing.
Intradermal nevus of the external auditory canal
Authors: Jeong Junhui , Kim Eun Kyung
Published: April 2022

Melanocytic nevus is a benign melanocytic neoplasm and the most common type of skin tumor. Melanocytic nevus in the external auditory canal (EAC) is rare. Surgical excision and pathologic confirmation should be considered in large lesions, which could occlude the EAC, or atypical lesions that are suspicious for malignancy.
Pediatric case of Crohn’s disease with preceding vulvitis granulomatosa
Authors: Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Yoshiura Masato , Tanaka Kayo , Nagata‐Hashimoto Mao
Published: April 2022

Crohn’s disease (CD) of the vulva is a rare and under‐recognized condition. Since vulvar lesions may precede the diagnosis of digestive CD in approximately 25% of all cases, the coexistence or future onset of CD should be considered regardless of the gastrointestinal symptoms, even for pediatric patients.
Need of preventive photocoagulation for retinal arterial macroaneurysm with retinal hemorrhage
Authors: Nagasato Daisuke , Iwawaki Takuji , Tabuchi Hitoshi
Published: April 2022

Retinal arterial macroaneurysm shows rapid vision loss when rupture occurs; therefore, preventive photocoagulation should be considered, if necessary.
Pneumatocele in a Ugandan female with SARS‐CoV2 infection: A case report
Authors: Srikant Sanjanaa , Dave Darshit , Dave Dhara
Published: April 2022

Pneumatocele may complicate the course of SARS‐CoV2 infection. Our article exhibits the value of early radiological imaging for the timely diagnosis and management of COVID‐19 and its complications. Conservative management is the mainstay of the treatment of pneumatoceles; however, prompt surgical intervention is imperative for complicated pneumatoceles.
Correspondence on “Cyanine Dyes Containing Quinoline Moieties: History, Synthesis, Optical Properties and Applications”
Authors: Mustroph Heinz
Published: April 2022

In the review on “Cyanine Dyes Containing Quinoline Moieties: History, Synthesis, Optical Properties and Applications” (K. Ilina, M. Henary, Chem Eur. J. 2021, 27, 2430; https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202003697), some essential aspects were incorrectly described and discussed. To avoid further confusion, this correspondence tries to clarify both the structures and the history of some cyanine and apocyanine dyes that were not presented sufficiently.
Reliable Functionalization of 5,6‐Fused Bicyclic N‐Heterocycles Pyrazolopyrimidines and Imidazopyridazines via Zinc and Magnesium Organometallics
Authors: Kumar Rout Saroj , Kastrati Agonist , Jangra Harish , Schwärzer Kuno , Sunagatullina Alisa S. , Garny Maximilien , Lima Fabio , Brocklehurst Cara E. , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Zipse Hendrik , Knochel Paul
Published: April 2022

DFT‐calculations allow prediction of the reactivity of uncommon N‐heterocyclic scaffolds of pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines and imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazines and considerably facilitate their functionalization. The derivatization of these N‐heterocycles was realized using Grignard reagents for nucleophilic additions to 5‐chloropyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines and TMP2Zn ⋅ 2 MgCl2 ⋅ 2 LiCl allowed regioselective zincations. In the case of 6‐chloroimidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazine, bases such as TMP2Zn ⋅ MgCl2 ⋅ 2 LiCl, in the presence or absence of BF3 ⋅ OEt2, led to regioselective metalations at positions 3 or 8. Subsequent functionalizations were achieved with TMPMgCl ⋅ LiCl, producing various polysubstituted derivatives (up to penta‐substitution). X‐ray analysis confirmed the regioselectivity for key functional heterocycles.
Enhanced properties of polylactide/polyamide 11 blends by reactive compatibilization
Authors: Mousavi Zeinab , Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Randall Jed , Carreau Pierre J.
Published: April 2022

Polylactide (PLA)/polyamide 11 (PA11) blends with 75/25 wt.% composition were prepared using an internal mixer. An epoxy‐based chain extender, Joncryl® ADR 4468, was used for reactive compatibilization of the blends. The effect of the mixing strategy of the chain extender with the blend components on its compatibilization effect and on the morphological, rheological, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties of the blends was determined. Due to more reactivity of the chain extender towards PLA compared to PA11, preparing the blends using the epoxy‐modified PA11 resulted in enhanced compatibilization and a reduction of the number‐average diameter of the dispersed droplets from 1.89 to 0.64 μm in the compatibilized blends. Larger complex viscosity and storage modulus were observed for blends prepared using the modified PA11 compared to blends from the modified PLA, consistent with the observed refinement of the morphology. Strain at break of the compatibilized blends increased to 150% compared to 6% for the neat PLA while maintaining the tensile strength and modulus at 62 MPa and 2 GPa (70 MPa and 2.4 GPa for PLA), respectively. The impact toughness increased from 24 J/m for neat PLA to around 40 J/m in compatibilized blends.
Small Molecule Alkoxy Oriented Selectiveness on Human Carbonic Anhydrase II and IX Inhibition
Authors: Bozdag Murat , Cravey Lochlin , Combs Jacob , Kota Anusha , McKenna Robert , Angeli Andrea , Selleri Silvia , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: April 2022

We report aryl sulfonamide inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase (hCA; EC 4.2.1.1) enzymes containing short ureido alkoxy tails. The inhibition potency of such compounds was investigated in vitro on the major hCA isoforms (i.e. I, II, IX, and XII). A selection of the most potent inhibitory derivatives against the hCA IX isoform (i.e. 5a, 5c, and 6c) was studied, and their binding modes on either hCA II and IX‐mimic isoform were assessed by X‐ray crystallography on the corresponding ligand/protein adducts. This study adds to the field of developing hCA inhibitors at molecular level the critical interactions governing ligand selectivity.
Setting a new standard for long‐term survival in metastatic kidney cancer
Authors: Labriola Matthew K. , George Daniel J.
Published: April 2022

Five‐year follow‐up data from the pivotal CheckMate‐214 trial demonstrated a persistent survival benefit with nivolumab and ipilimumab versus sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The analysis by Motzer et al in this issue exposed the limits of pretreatment risk stratification in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, particularly those who experienced a durable response to treatment, and highlighted the practice‐informing nature of conditional outcomes.
Three‐unit fixed dental prostheses supported by either two abutment implants or two abutment teeth: A comparative retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pol Christiaan W. P. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Cune Marco S. , Meijer Henny J. A.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

In general, similar restorative constructions are made on natural teeth and on dental implants. The assumption is made that implants and their restoration perform the same as natural roots and their prosthetic restoration. Evaluating cohorts of three‐unit bridges on teeth and on implants, this retrospective clinical study aimed to compare implants and teeth as supporting units, including the reconstructions, in terms of survival, success, clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes.

Material and Methods

From an 8‐year period, all patients treated with a posterior three‐unit fixed reconstruction on either implants or teeth, with a follow‐up of at least 2 years, were identified. For each implant‐supported reconstruction, a comparable tooth‐supported reconstruction was selected, based on the length of follow‐up, the material of the reconstruction, and the location in either the maxilla or mandible.

Results

For the Implant‐group, 24 patients could be matched with 24 best matching patients with tooth‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FPDs). Supporting implants and implant‐supported reconstructions were all in function with a mean follow‐up of 52 ± 23 months. Two tooth‐supported reconstructions had been replaced (91.7% survival) (mean follow‐up: 52 ± 19 months). Radiographic bone levels and soft tissue conditions were favorable in both groups with minor differences. There was no significant difference in overall patient satisfaction. The modified USPHS‐score revealed an 87.5% overall success in the Implant‐group and 91.7% in the Tooth‐group.

Conclusions

Implant‐supported three‐unit FDPs are a reliable treatment option with survival and success rates not significantly different from the results of tooth‐supported three‐unit FDPs.
Will Vanadium‐Based Electrode Materials Become the Future Choice for Metal‐Ion Batteries?
Authors: Zhao Dong , Wang Chunlei , Ding Yan , Ding Mingyue , Cao Yuliang , Chen Zhongxue
Published: April 2022

Metal‐ion batteries have emerged as promising candidates for energy storage system due to their unlimited resources and competitive price/performance ratio. Vanadium‐based compounds have diverse oxidation states rendering various open‐frameworks for ions storage. To date, some vanadium‐based polyanionic compounds have shown great potential as high‐performance electrode materials. However, there has been a growing concern regarding the cost and environmental risk of vanadium. In this Review, all links in the industry chain of vanadium‐based electrodes were comprehensively summarized, starting with an analysis of the resources, applications, and price fluctuation of vanadium. The manufacturing processes of the vanadium extraction and recovery technologies were discussed. Moreover, the commercial potentials of some typical electrode materials were critically appraised. Finally, the environmental impact and sustainability of the industry chain were evaluated. This critical Review will provide a clear vision of the prospects and challenges of developing vanadium‐based electrode materials.
Enhancing the security of routing in vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Ganesh A. , Ayyasamy S. , Saravanaa Kumar N.M.
Published: April 2022

Vehicular ad‐hoc networks (VANETs) depends on organizing the vehicles as versatile hubs in order to obtain a correspondence arrangement. The arrangement of vehicular specially appointed systems does not just encourage novel telematics applications. The selection of dynamic well‐being application raises new dangers to street well‐being if security issues are not appropriately taken care of. An extraordinary dynamic security application is observed as an empowerment to anticipate the passing trade in threat alerts which depends on singular perceptions. VANET is considered by many specialist co‐ops in urban situations. Where the communicate tempest will corrupt the guiding performance. The issue is addressed and examined by various protocols such as AODV, DSR, DYMO, TORA, and TIHOO. The proposed AESP‐VANET (Advanced and enhanced security protocol for VANET) is an upgraded security version which is developed using improved fluffy and cukoo search algorithm. The steady state between the source and destination hub is considered to deal the location issues in the network. The disclosure of the courses is restricted by AESP‐VANET using fuzzy framework and it constrains the messages which requires the course request. The improved cuckoo calculation in hybrid methodology, which is one of the best meta calculations particularly in the huge inquiry space, brilliantly chooses the most steady and ideal course among realized courses by computing an upgraded wellness work. AESP‐VANET gives out the result using Network Simulator 2. This shows a tremendous improvement in the throughput, overhead, and many more parameters.
Evaluation of DNA/RNA quality from cell block of malignant mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tatsumi Shigenobu , Takeuchi Mao , Fujii Tomomi , Sugimoto Aya , Sekita‐Hatakeyama Yoko , Nishikawa Takeshi , Uchiyama Tomoko , Morita Kohei , Itami Hiroe , Takeda Maiko , Yamazaki Masaharu , Ohbayashi Chiho
Published: April 2022

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and highly lethal tumor that arises from mesothelial tissue on the surface of the chest and abdominal cavity. Cytological examination of body fluids, including pleural fluid and ascites, is essential for the differentiation of malignant mesothelioma from other carcinomas, such as lung and gastrointestinal carcinomas and metastatic tumors. To evaluate the effectiveness of cell block preparation procedures, which are used for immunocytochemical staining and genetic panel analysis of tumor‐specific gene mutations, we used various fixatives. We also evaluated the effects of immunostaining, and the quality of nucleic acids for genetic analysis.

Methods

Cell blocks were prepared using the malignant mesothelioma cell lines MESO4 and H226 and non‐small cell lung carcinoma cell line HCC78. The cells were fixed using 10% neutral buffered formalin and four different fixatives for liquid cytology. Fixed cells were formed into cell clusters using sodium alginate or centrifugation, and paraffin‐embedded cell blocks were prepared.

Results

Cell blocks were morphologically evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and immunocytological staining, and the nucleic acid quality was evaluated by DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, and next‐generation sequence analysis. D2‐40 and WT1 staining differed depending on the fixation solution and the cell cluster formation method; however, the degree of nucleic acid degradation was not impaired by any method.

Conclusion

Although the morphological evaluation of cytology specimens is affected by the method of cell block preparation, it is still useful for nucleic acid extraction and gene panel analysis, as long as there are sufficient amounts of tumor cells.
Integrating presence‐only and occupancy data to model habitat use for the northernmost population of jaguars
Authors: Landau Vincent A. , Noon Barry R. , Theobald David M. , Hobbs N. Thompson , Nielsen Clayton K.
Published: April 2022

Species distribution models (SDMs) have become an essential tool for the management and conservation of imperiled species. However, many at‐risk species are rare and characterized by limited data on their spatial distribution and habitat relationships. This has led to the development of SDMs that integrate multiple types and sources of data to leverage more information and provide improved predictions of habitat associations. We developed a novel integrated species distribution model to predict habitat suitability for jaguars (Panthera onca) in the border region between northern Mexico and the southwestern USA. Our model combined presence‐only and occupancy data to identify key environmental correlates, and we used model results to develop a probability of use map. We adopted a logistic regression modeling framework, which we found to be more straightforward and less computationally intensive to fit than Poisson point process‐based models. Model results suggested that high terrain ruggedness and the presence of riparian vegetation were most strongly related to habitat use by jaguars in our study region. Our best model, on average, predicted that there is currently 25,463 km2 of usable habitat in our study region. The United States portion of the study region, which makes up 38.6% of the total area, contained 40.6% of the total usable habitat. Even though there have been few detections of jaguars in the southwestern USA in recent decades, our results suggest that protection of currently suitable habitats, along with increased conservation efforts, could significantly contribute to the recovery of jaguars in the USA.
Contrasting resistance and resilience to light variation of the coupled oxic and anoxic components of an experimental microbial ecosystem
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Pennekamp Frank , Choffat Yves , Petchey Owen L.
Published: April 2022

Understanding how microbial communities of aquatic ecosystems respond to environmental change remains a critical challenge in microbial ecology. In this study, we used light‐dependent oxic–anoxic micro‐ecosystems to understand how the functioning and diversity of aerobic and anaerobic lake analog communities are affected by a pulse light deprivation. Continuous measurements of oxygen concentration were made and a time series of full‐length 16S rRNA sequencing was used to quantify changes in alpha‐ and beta diversity. In the upper oxic layer, oxygen concentration decreased significantly under light reduction, but showed resilience in daily mean, minimum, and maximum after light conditions were restored to control level. Only the amplitude of diurnal fluctuations in oxygen concentrations did not recover fully, and instead tended to remain lower in treated ecosystems. Alpha diversity of the upper oxic layer communities showed a delayed increase after light conditions were restored, and was not resilient in the longer term. In contrast, alpha diversity of the anoxic lower layer communities increased during the light reduction, but was resilient in the longer term. Community composition changed significantly during light reduction, and showed resilience in the oxic layer and lack of resilience in the anoxic layer. Alpha diversity and the amplitude of daily oxygen fluctuations within and among treatments were strongly correlated, suggesting that higher diversity could lead to less variable oxygen concentrations, or vice versa. Our experiment showed that light deprivation induces multifaceted responses of community function (oxygen respiration) and structure, hence focusing on a single stability component could potentially be misleading.
Silylium‐Catalyzed Alkynylation and Etherification Reactions of Benzylic Acetates
Authors: Rubial Belén , Ballesteros Alfredo , González José M.
Published: April 2022

Addition of catalytic amounts of bistriflimide triggers useful coupling reactions of benzyl acetates with trimethyl(alkynyl)silanes and trimethyl(alkoxy)silanes to afford propargyl arenes and benzyl alkyl ethers, respectively. The added acid assists the release of reactive trimethylsilylium ion into the reaction media, which were found to act as the ultimate catalytic species responsible for the C−C and the C−O forming steps. The cationic nature of these coupling processes is documented.
Synthetic shelf sediment maps for the Greenland Sea and Barents Sea
Authors: Laverick Jack H. , Speirs Douglas C. , Heath Michael R.
Published: April 2022

Seabed sediment maps underpin a variety of marine research endeavours. Seabed mapping data are available for many regions, but these usually provide discrete classifications which obscure underlying continuous properties of the sediments. Other areas are poorly surveyed, e.g., polar regions which are inaccessible due to ice cover. Here, we focus on the inaccessible North East Greenland shelf for which there are almost no seabed sediment data. We trained a random forest model to predict sediment classes from an existing map of the well‐surveyed neighbouring Barents Sea, using data on bathymetry, currents and waves. We then used our model to predict the unknown sediment distributions off East Greenland. In the process, we generated some new spatial data on previously un‐mapped properties of the Barents Sea, such as mean grain size, organic carbon and nitrogen content, porosity and permeability. The maps of both regions are available to support future research activities in the Arctic, e.g., the parameterization of benthic biogeochemistry in ecosystem models, or mapping species distributions.
Hippocampal‐amygdalo‐ventricular atrophy score: Alzheimer disease detection using normative and pathological lifespan models
Authors: Coupé Pierrick , Manjón José V. , Mansencal Boris , Tourdias Thomas , Catheline Gwenaëlle , Planche Vincent
Published: April 2022

In this article, we present an innovative MRI‐based method for Alzheimer disease (AD) detection and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prognostic, using lifespan trajectories of brain structures. After a full screening of the most discriminant structures between AD and normal aging based on MRI volumetric analysis of 3,032 subjects, we propose a novel Hippocampal‐Amygdalo‐Ventricular Atrophy score (HAVAs) based on normative lifespan models and AD lifespan models. During a validation on three external datasets on 1,039 subjects, our approach showed very accurate detection (AUC ≥ 94%) of patients with AD compared to control subjects and accurate discrimination (AUC = 78%) between progressive MCI and stable MCI (during a 3‐year follow‐up). Compared to normative modeling, classical machine learning methods and recent state‐of‐the‐art deep learning methods, our method demonstrated better classification performance. Moreover, HAVAs simplicity makes it fully understandable and thus well‐suited for clinical practice or future pharmaceutical trials.
Provider supply and access to primary care
Authors: Yee Christine A. , Barr Kyle , Minegishi Taeko , Frakt Austin , Pizer Steven D.
Published: April 2022

Resource‐constrained delivery systems often have access issues, causing patients to wait a long time to see a provider. We develop theoretical and empirical models of wait times and apply them to primary care delivery by the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Using instrumental variables to handle simultaneity issues, we estimate the effect of clinician supply on new patient wait times. We find that it has a sizable impact. A 10% increase in capacity reduces wait times by 2.1%. Wait times are also associated with clinician productivity, scheduling protocols, and patient access to alternative sources of care. The VHA has adopted our models to identify underserved areas as specified by the MISSION Act of 2018.
A novel technique for management of stenosis of the postlaryngectomy stoma with preservation of a functional tracheoesophageal puncture following tracheal resection
Authors: Seo Gabriella T. , Wein Lauren E. , Dowling Eric M. , Khorsandi Azita S. , Urken Mark L.
Published: April 2022

Tracheostomal stenosis following total laryngectomy presents a serious concern for surgeons and patients. Although various techniques correct tracheostomal stenosis, none address an existing tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). We present an approach to repair tracheostomal stenosis, requiring tracheal resection, and preserve the TEP in a functional position needed for speech rehabilitation. A 62‐year‐old male with squamous carcinoma of the right true vocal fold underwent a salvage total laryngectomy with placement of a tracheoesophageal prosthesis. Seven years later, he developed tracheal narrowing. A tracheal resection and tracheoplasty were performed to manage the stenosis while maintaining the tracheoesophageal puncture. Six months postoperatively, the patient was well, with no stomal narrowing or trend toward collapse and uneventful healing. He achieved fluent voice easily with stomal occlusion. We present a novel surgical technique to correct for tracheostomal stenosis following total laryngectomy. Our technique allows for TEP preservation to facilitate speech rehabilitation postoperatively.
Induced effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on human acute myeloid leukemia cell apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial division
Authors: Yin Xuewei , Li Zonghong , Lyu Chunyi , Wang Yan , Ding Shumin , Ma Chenchen , Wang Jingyi , Cui Siyuan , Wang Jinxin , Guo Dadong , Xu Ruirong
Published: April 2022

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have exhibited excellent anti‐tumor properties; the present study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of ZnO NPs induced apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells by regulating mitochondrial division. THP‐1 cells, an AML cell line, were first incubated with different concentrations of ZnO NPs for 24 hr. Next, the expression of Drp‐1, Bcl‐2, Bax mRNA, and protein was detected, and the effects of ZnO NPs on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), apoptosis, and ATP generation in THP‐1 cells were measured. Moreover, the effect of Drp‐1 inhibitor Mdivi‐1 and ZnO NPs on THP‐1 cells was also detected. The results showed that the THP‐1 cells survival rate decreased with the increment of ZnO NPs concentration and incubation time in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. ZnO NPs can reduce the cell Δψm and ATP levels, induce ROS production, and increase the levels of mitochondrial division and apoptosis. In contrast, the apoptotic level was significantly reduced after intervention of Drp‐1 inhibitor, suggesting that ZnO NPs can induce the apoptosis of THP‐1 cells by regulating mitochondrial division. Overall, ZnO NPs may provide a new basis and idea for treating human acute myeloid leukemia in clinical practice.
Risk of food and housing insecurity among college students during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Glantsman Olya , McGarity‐Palmer Rebecca , Swanson Helena L. , Carroll Jackson T. , Zinter Kayleigh E. , Lancaster Kelly M. , Berardi Luciano
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to assess college students’ food and housing insecurity risk amidst the pandemic. Data were collected through an online survey in the summer of 2020 from 1956 graduate and undergraduate students attending a large, private, urban university in the Midwest, U.S. Food insecurity among students increased (25% before; 29% during COVID) with housing insecurity staying roughly the same (34% before; 36% during COVID). Results indicate certain student groups were at greater risk of basic needs insecurity during the pandemic compared to their counterparts. Results also suggest changes in food and housing insecurity trends. College students are burdened with basic needs insecurity, exacerbated during the pandemic. Institutions need to work toward solutions to address the needs of vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by basic needs insecurity. Recommendations on addressing the basic needs of college students are also provided.
Encapsulating Cas9 into extracellular vesicles by protein myristoylation
Authors: Whitley Joseph Andrew , Kim Sungjin , Lou Lei , Ye Chenming , Alsaidan Omar Awad , Sulejmani Essilvo , Cai Jingwen , Desrochers Ellison Gerona , Beharry Zanna , Rickman Catherine Bowes , Klingeborn Mikael , Liu Yutao , Xie Zhong‐Ru , Cai Houjian
Published: April 2022

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is a very promising avenue for the treatment of a variety of genetic diseases. However, it is still very challenging to encapsulate CRISPR/Cas9 machinery for delivery. Protein N‐myristoylation is an irreversible co/post‐translational modification that results in the covalent attachment of the myristoyl‐group to the N‐terminus of a target protein. It serves as an anchor for a protein to associate with the cell membrane and determines its intracellular trafficking and activity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted vesicles that mediate cell‐cell communication. In this study, we demonstrate that myristoylated proteins were preferentially encapsulated into EVs. The octapeptide derived from the leading sequence of the N‐terminus of Src kinase was a favourable substrate for N‐myristoyltransferase 1, the enzyme that catalyzes myristoylation. The fusion of the octapeptide onto the N‐terminus of Cas9 promoted the myristoylation and encapsulation of Cas9 into EVs. Encapsulation of Cas9 and sgRNA‐eGFP inside EVs was confirmed using protease digestion assays. Additionally, to increase the transfection potential, VSV‐G was introduced into the EVs. The encapsulated Cas9 in EVs accounted for 0.7% of total EV protein. Importantly, the EVs coated with VSV‐G encapsulating Cas9/sgRNA‐eGFP showed up to 42% eGFP knock out efficiency with limited off‐target effects in recipient cells. Our study provides a novel approach to encapsulate CRISPR/Cas9 protein and sgRNA into EVs. This strategy may open an effective avenue to utilize EVs as vehicles to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 for genome‐editing‐based gene therapy.
Art for Reconstruction: A creative and art‐based intervention for peacebuilding and reconciliation to reduce intergroup hostility and stigma after a protracted armed conflict
Authors: Pinto‐Garcia María Elisa , Serna‐Hosie Renata , Casas Andrés , Méndez Nathalie
Published: April 2022

This work explores the results of a creative and art‐based intervention to foster reconciliation in Colombia. The paper presents a novel methodology defined as ‘Art for Reconstruction’, piloted with victims of violence, veterans from armed forces and former members of illegal groups between 2018 and 2019 in Medellín, Colombia. The initiative encouraged trauma healing, reduced intergroup hostility, fostered cooperation and willingness to reconcile among previous enemies. Results show that creative and art‐based approaches, like Kintsugi, are promising to transform citizens' interactions at the micro level. This project presents how art and social engagement facilitate transitions from war to peace and reconciliation.
Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry methods for the selective and sensitive determination of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol, its sulfate, and/or glucuronide conjugates in plasma
Authors: Brousseau Valérie , Caron Patrick , Trottier Jocelyn , Di Paolo Thérèse , Milkiewicz Piotr , Barbier Olivier
Published: April 2022

24S‐hydroxycholesterol (i.e., cerebrosterol, 24S‐OH‐Chol) is the main form of cholesterol elimination from the brain. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods were developed for the quantification of the total and unesterified/unbound fractions of 24S‐OH‐Chol, its monosulfate, monoglucuronide, and diconjugate derivatives (24S‐OH‐Chol‐3sulfate [3S], 24S‐OH‐Chol‐24glucuronide [24G] and 24S‐OH‐Chol‐3S, 24G, respectively) in human plasma. Linearity, precision, accuracy, and extraction recovery were validated within the typical physiological and pathological ranges of concentrations for each compound. The lower limit of quantifications was 2.00, 0.33, 0.26, and 0.74 ng/ml for 24S‐OH‐Chol, 24S‐OH‐Chol‐24G, 24S‐OH‐Chol‐3S, and 24‐OH‐Chol‐3S, 24G, respectively. Extraction recovery values in total and unbound plasma fractions were also analyzed in murine and monkey plasma and varied from 73% in mouse to 113% in cynomolgus monkey. The methods could rapidly (less than 7 min) quantify individual compounds with high sensitivity, accuracy (bias ≤15%), and reproducibility (coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 17%). Their clinical applications were validated by measuring levels of the 4 compounds in samples from 20 noncholestatic donors, 5 cholestatic patients suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis, and 10 patients suffering from biliary stenosis. Results highlight the abundance of 24S‐OH‐Chol in the total fraction and the abundance of 24S‐OH‐Chol‐3S and 24G in the unbound ones. While the latter strongly accumulate in plasma fractions of cholestatic patients, levels of 24S‐OH‐Chol remained similar to those of healthy donors. Our results indicate that this approach is suitable for monitoring cerebrosterol and its conjugates in large‐scale clinical studies.
Impact of the left common ostium following pulmonary vein isolation in AF: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ronsoni Rafael de March , Silvestrini Tiago Luiz , Saffi Marco Aurélio Lumertz , Leiria Tiago Luiz Luz
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) through catheter ablation is the basis for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The left common ostium (LCO) is a high prevalence anatomical variation and has conflicting results in the effects on the prognosis following ablation. We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies that compared the arrhythmia recurrence rate after radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation balloon between patients with normal pattern pulmonary vein and patients with LCO.

Methods and Results

Results were pooled using a fixed or random effect, at the discretion of heterogeneity (>25%), in addition, we associated subgroup analysis in these cases and when clinically indicated. Fourteen non‐randomized studies totaling 3278 patients were included. In analyses using the two energies all patients: OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.84–1.23; P = .90, I2 = 67%) and excluding patients with any type of persistent AF (PeAF) and those submitted to linear atrial lesion (LAL) OR 0.80 (95% CI 0.52–1.22; P = .30, I2 = 71%). Using CRYO: all patients OR 1.34 (95% CI 1.03–1.74; P = .03, I2 = 0%). Using RF: all patients—OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.32–0.95; P = .03, I2 = 49%); excluding studies with long duration PeAF and the performance of LAL concomitant—OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.23–0.91; P = .03, I2 = 44%).

Conclusion

The results suggest a better prognosis in patients with LCO, submitted to PVI without additional LAL under RF energy in paroxysmal AF and short‐duration PeAF. In patients undergoing CRYO, the presence of LCO suggests a worse prognosis.
An emerging strategy for tracing the anti‐erectile dysfunction components of raw and salt‐processed semens of Astragali Complanati by combinatory liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based quantitative analysis, efficacy assessment on impotent rats, and partial least squares regression
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhu Fei , Pan Meiling , Liu Qing , Chen Lin , Tao Yi
Published: April 2022

Semens of Astragali Complanati own anti‐erectile dysfunction effect; however, the components which contribute to the anti‐erectile dysfunction effect remain unclear. This work raised a strategy that integrates liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry‐based quantitative analysis, anti‐erectile dysfunction assessment on impotent rats, and their relationship analysis for pinpointing anti‐erectile dysfunction components from semens of Astragali Complanati. For simultaneous quantification of seven major components in raw and salt‐processed semens of Astragali Complanati, an accurate and reliable liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method was developed under multiple reaction monitoring mode. Of note, chloramphenicol was employed as the internal standard. The method showed good linearity and repeatability, where the recovery rates of each component ranged from 98.1 to 104.7%, and the precisions of intra‐ and interday were all within 3.4%. The method has been used for quantification of the seven major components in 10 batches of raw and salt‐processed semens of Astragali Complanati. Then, the anti‐erectile dysfunction effects of raw and salt‐processed semens of Astragali Complanati were evaluated on impotent rats. Gray relationship analysis and partial least squares regression were combined for elucidating the relationship. As a result, complanatuside, astragalin, complanatoside B, and kaempferol were found to be responsible for anti‐erectile dysfunction effect of Astragali Complanati.