bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Admixture at the Population Scale: Taking Imperfect Detectability and Uncertainty in Hybrid Classification Seriously
Authors: Santostasi Nina L. , Gimenez Olivier , Caniglia Romolo , Fabbri Elena , Molinari Luigi , Reggioni Willy , Ciucci Paolo
Published: April 2021

Introgressive hybridization between domestic dogs and wolves (Canis lupus) represents an emblematic case of anthropogenic hybridization and is increasingly threatening the genomic integrity of wolf populations expanding into human‐modified landscapes. But studies formally estimating prevalence and accounting for imperfect detectability and uncertainty in hybrid classification are lacking. Our goal was to present an approach to formally estimate the proportion of admixture by using a capture‐recapture (CR) framework applied to individual multilocus genotypes detected from non‐invasive samples collected from a protected wolf population in Italy. We scored individual multilocus genotypes using a panel of 12 microsatellites and assigned genotypes to reference wolf and dog populations through Bayesian clustering procedures. Based on 152 samples, our dataset comprised the capture histories of 39 individuals sampled in 7 wolf packs and was organized in bi‐monthly sampling occasions (Aug 2015−May 2016). We fitted CR models using a multievent formulation to explicitly handle uncertainty in individual classification, and accordingly examined 2 model scenarios: one reflecting a traditional approach to classifying individuals (i.e., minimizing the misclassification of wolves as hybrids; Type 1 error), and the other using a more stringent criterion aimed to balance Type 1 and Type 2 error rates (i.e., the misclassification of hybrids as wolves). Compared to the sample proportion of admixed individuals in the dataset (43.6%), formally estimated prevalence was 50% under the first and 70% under the second scenario, with 71.4% and 85.7% of admixed packs, respectively. At the individual level, the proportion of dog ancestry in the wolf population averaged 7.8% (95% CI = 4.4−11%). Balancing between Type 1 and 2 error rates in assignment tests, our second scenario produced an estimate of prevalence 40% higher compared to the alternative scenario, corresponding to a 65% decrease in Type 2 and no increase in Type 1 error rates. Providing a formal and innovative estimation approach to assess prevalence in admixed wild populations, our study confirms previous population modeling indicating that reproductive barriers between wolves and dogs, or dilution of dog genes through backcrossing, should not be expectedper seto prevent the spread of introgression. As anthropogenic hybridization is increasingly affecting animal species globally, our approach is of interest to a broader audience of wildlife conservationists and practitioners. © 2021 The Authors.The Journal of Wildlife Managementpublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Improvement of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) yield quality through a coupled intercropping system and vermicompost application along with maintenance of soil microbial activity
Authors: Rezaei‐Chiyaneh Esmaeil , Amirnia Reza , Fotohi Chiyaneh Satar , Maggi Filippo , Barin Mohsen , S. Razavi Bahar
Published: April 2021

The effects of an intercropping system combined with organic fertilizer application on the yield quality of medicinal plants and the involved mechanisms have not been well elucidated. To evaluate the effects of different fertilizers (vermicompost and chemical fertilizers) on the dragonhead essential oil (DEO) productivity (dragonhead = Dracocephalum moldavica L.) (D) in sole cropping and intercropping with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (CB), a 3‐year field experiment was carried out using a factorial based on randomized complete block design. We found that the highest common bean seed yield and dry matter productivity of dragonhead were obtained from sole cropping fertilized with vermicompost. Regarding the major DEO constituents, the highest content of geranyl acetate (42.2%), geranial (23.4%), and geraniol (17.81%) were recorded using the cropping ratio of 2D:1CB following the use of vermicompost. Soil micro‐biochemical parameters (basic microbial respiration, substrate‐induced respiration, microbial biomass carbon, alkaline and acid phosphatase, and urease) in the intercropping systems were found to be higher than those of the corresponding sole croppings. The highest soil microbial activity was observed in the intercropping ratios of 2D:1CB and 1D:2CB following the use of vermicompost. Furthermore, the highest land equivalent ratios (LER = 1.28) were achieved in the intercropping ratio 2D:1CB after vermicompost application. Thus, this combination of stimulated soil microbial activity and functionality, which in turn accelerated nutrient mobilization and availability, enhanced plant performance. Therefore, we can conclude that intercropping dragonhead with common bean at the ratio of 2D:1CB coupled with vermicompost application can be introduced as an alternative and sustainable strategy to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
Real‐variable characterizations of local Hardy spaces on spaces of homogeneous type
Authors: He Ziyi , Yang Dachun , Yuan Wen
Published: April 2021

Let be a space of homogeneous type, with upper dimension μ, in the sense of R. R. Coifman and G. Weiss. Let η be the Hölder regularity index of wavelets constructed by P. Auscher and T. Hytönen. In this article, the authors introduce the local Hardy space via local grand maximal functions and also characterize via local radial maximal functions, local non‐tangential maximal functions, local atoms and local Littlewood–Paley functions. Furthermore, the authors establish the relationship between the global and the local Hardy spaces. Finally, the authors also obtain the finite atomic characterizations of . As an application, the authors give the dual spaces of when , which further completes the result of G. Dafni and H. Yue on the dual space of . This article also answers the question of R. R. Coifman and G. Weiss on the nonnecessity of any additional geometric assumptions except the doubling condition for the radial maximal function characterization of when .
Determining the Validity of Conducting Rating Scales in Friedreich Ataxia through Video
Authors: Tai Geneieve , Corben Louise A. , Woodcock Ian R. , Yiu Eppie M. , Delatycki Martin B.
Published: April 2021

Background

The Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) are commonly used neurological rating scales in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). The modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) has been accepted as an appropriate outcome measure for clinical trials in FRDA.

Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in limited face‐to‐face interactions with individuals involved in natural history studies and clinical trials. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of conducting the mFARS and SARA through video.

Methods

Individuals who had the mFARS administered face‐to‐face in the previous 6 months were invited to participate. Participants were sent instructions and asked to have a carer present to assist. The mFARS and SARA were then administered by video. Differences between face‐to‐face and video scores and the reliability between scores obtained face‐to‐face and by video were examined.

Results

The mFARS and SARA were conducted by video with 19 individuals. Excellent test–retest reliability was seen in the mFARS lower limb coordination (ICC = 0.96, 95% CI 0.90–0.98) and upright stability sections (ICC = 0.97, 95% CI 0.93–0.99), total mFARS (ICC = 0.97, 95% CI 0.92–0.99) and SARA scores (ICC = 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–0.99).

Conclusions

Excellent test–retest reliability was demonstrated in the majority of the mFARS sections, and in the total mFARS and SARA scores, suggesting that video is a valid method of conducting these scales. This method enables inclusion of participants who are unable to travel to study sites. A larger cohort will be required to further validate the use of video mFARS and SARA for future studies.
Another Twist in the Tale: Intrafamilial Phenotypic Heterogeneity in ANO3‐Related Dystonia
Authors: Carvalho Vanessa , Martins Joana , Correia Filipe , Costa Manuela , Massano João , Temudo Teresa
Published: April 2021

Background

Mutations in the anoctamin 3 (ANO3) gene cause autosomal dominant craniocervical dystonia (DYT24), presenting from childhood to mid‐life. However, in the past years, the clinical spectrum of this disorder has widened. We present a family with heterogeneous presentation, exemplifying phenotypic diversity in DYT24.

Cases

The index case presented with myoclonic dystonia at age 10. His family history was remarkable for cervical dystonia with myoclonus in his grandfather, cervical and upper limb dystonia along with dopa‐responsive parkinsonism in his father and lower‐limb dystonia in his teenage sister. Magnetic resonance imaging and blood work‐ups of all the affected family members were normal. The genetic panel for inherited forms of dystonia disclosed a point mutation c.1787C > A (p.Ser596Tyr) segregated in all affected family members.

Conclusions

ANO3 mutations usually present with craniocervical dystonia and rarely generalized or leg dystonia. This family exemplifies the heterogeneous presentation of this disorder as well as a wide phenotypic variability within the same family.
Sustainability actions, employee loyalty, and the awareness: The mediating effect of organization legitimacy
Authors: Cachón‐Rodríguez Gabriel , Blanco‐González Alicia , Prado‐Román Camilo , Diez‐Martin Francisco
Published: April 2021

Researchers highlighted the need to increase our understanding about the effect of sustainability practices on employees. In this work, we argue that organizational legitimacy has a mediating effect between sustainability practices and employee loyalty. This structural relationship is analyzed on employees of Spanish public universities. Our results confirm the existence of the mediating effect proposed. The lack of organizational legitimacy makes sustainability actions irrelevant for employees. Results expand our understanding about the effect of sustainability among employees. In addition, they provide new evidence for practitioners in order to focus on organizational legitimacy for a better sustainability implementation.
Severe brain calcification and migraine headache caused by SLC20A2 and PDGFRB heterozygous mutations in a five‐year‐old Chinese girl
Authors: Sun Hao , Cao Zhijian , Gao Ruixi , Li Yulei , Chen Rui , Du Shiyue , Ma Tingbin , Wang Junhan , Xu Xuan , Liu Jing Yu
Published: April 2021

Background

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a rare inheritable neurodegenerative disease characterized by bilateral calcification in different brain regions and by a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Six causative genes of PFBC (SLC20A2, PDGFRB, PDGFB, XPR1, MYORG, and JAM2) have been identified.

Methods

Sanger sequencing was used to identify the causative genes associated with PFBC in this study.

Results

We describe the first PFBC case with both SLC20A2 and PDGFRB heterozygous mutations. Notably, this patient with the digenic mutation (who was only 5 years old) showed severe brain calcification and migraine, whereas the patient's parents, who each carried a heterozygous mutation in SLC20A2 or PDGFRB, exhibited varying degrees of brain calcification but were clinically asymptomatic.

Conclusion

This case highlights the digenic influences on the characteristics of PFBC patients.
On the direct scattering problem for the Wadati–Konno–Ichikawa equation with box‐like initial value
Authors: Tu Youzhi , Xu Jian
Published: April 2021

We consider the direct scattering problem for a highly nonlinear complete integrable equation introduced by Wadati–Konno–Ichikawa (WKI), which describes nonlinear transverse oscillations of elastic beams under tension, with box‐like initial value. We show that in some cases of the initial value, the scattering data may have no zeros in upper half plane of the spectral variable. And furthermore in other cases, the scattering data may have infinitely many simple zeros, which seems not to be found before in the literature of the WKI equation.
Wettbewerb: Wer am besten stoppt
Authors: Tratter Anna
Published: April 2021

Chemcar – der Wettbewerb des Vereins Deutscher Ingenieure – fordert Studierende dazu auf, ein mit (bio)chemischen Reaktionen betriebenes Minifahrzeug zu entwickeln. Dieses selbstgebaute Gefährt muss eine kurz vor dem Start ausgeloste Distanz möglichst genau zurücklegen.
Lecker Luft
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: April 2021

Kohlenstoffdioxid aus Ethen; es dahin pumpen, wo es gebraucht wird, oder es gleich trinken: Im Jahr 2020 gab es einige Ideen, wozu sich CO2verwenden ließe – alle ausgezeichnet, manche sogar prämiert.
Angebote zu Stellensuche und Berufsorientierung
Authors: Schmitz Karin J.
Published: April 2021

Der Übergang von Studium, Ausbildung oder Promotion in den ersten „richtigen“ Job ist ebenso wie ein späterer Stellenwechsel eine wichtige Phase im Berufsleben. Die GDCh unterstützt Mitglieder und Nichtmitglieder mit einer Reihe von Angeboten für diejenigen, die sich beruflich orientieren wollen oder müssen.
On fair designs of cross‐chain exchange for cryptocurrencies via Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Wang Zini , Jiang Guangxin , Ye Qiang
Published: April 2021

Cryptocurrency is one of the earliest and the most successful applications of blockchain, and it utilizes the distributed ledger, which is a commonly used technique in blockchain, to make a decentralized transaction within the blockchain of a cryptocurrency. However, how to make a decentralized transaction of cryptocurrencies between parties on different blockchains, that is, the cross‐chain exchange, is not well‐studied. In this paper, we develop a new method to make cross‐chain exchanges based on the classical atomic swap. We first study the optionality embedded into the atomic swap and propose to add a premium into the atomic swap, and then design a new procedure with the premium to guarantee the fairness of the cross‐chain exchange. We also provide an algorithm based on the least‐squares Monte Carlo method to estimate the premium and analyze the convergence of the algorithm. Moreover, we study the cross‐chain exchange with margin trading. We propose an adapted exchange procedure to make a fair cross‐chain exchange and an algorithm to estimate the fair premium under the margin trading. Numerical experiments are provided to show the effectiveness of the algorithms.
Shape optimization for the strong directional scattering of dielectric nanorods
Authors: Araújo Juan C. , Wadbro Eddie
Published: April 2021

In this project, we consider the shape optimization of a dielectric scatterer aiming at efficient directional routing of light. In the studied setting, light interacts with a penetrable scatterer with dimension comparable to the wavelength of an incoming planar wave. The design objective is to maximize the scattering efficiency inside a target angle window. For this, a Helmholtz problem with a piecewise constant refractive index medium models the wave propagation, and an accurate Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann map models an exterior domain. The strategy consists of using a high‐order finite element (FE) discretization combined with gradient‐based numerical optimization. The latter consists of a quasi‐Newton (BFGS) with backtracking line search. A discrete adjoint method is used to compute the sensitivities with respect to the design variables. Particularly, for the FE representation of the curved shape, we use a bilinear transfinite interpolation formula, which admits explicit differentiation with respect to the design variables. We exploit this fact and show in detail how sensitivities are obtained in the discrete setting. We test our strategy for a variety of target angles, different wave frequencies, and refractive indexes. In all cases, we efficiently reach designs featuring high scattering efficiencies that satisfy the required criteria.
The impact of organo‐montmorillonite on rheology and crystalline structure of uncured and cured acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) nanocomposites
Authors: Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Sabet Alireza , Mohebbi Maryam
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT) content on rheology, crystalline structure, and also hardness and tensile properties of uncured and lightly cured acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR)/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/OMMT nanocomposites. The nanocomposites containing 0 to 7 wt% OMMT was prepared and then cured with 0.3 wt% dicumyl peroxide. The low‐angle X‐ray diffraction results revealed that curing clearly improved the degree of exfoliation in the materials having high OMMT content. It was found from the hardness and tensile tests that the values of hardness, tensile strength, modulus, and energy at break were higher for the cured nanocomposites than those of the uncured materials in the range of OMMT examined. The results obtained from the Casson plot revealed that the nanofiller played a more effective role in increasing the yield stress of the uncured materials than that of the cured counterparts at a constant OMMT content. The characteristic relaxation time was also progressively increased with OMMT content for the uncured materials; however, the value was higher for the cured materials and it was much less sensitive to the nanofiller content. The I110/I200 peak intensity ratio of EVA calculated from the wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns decreased with increasing in OMMT content for the uncured and cured materials; however, the value was always higher for the cured counterparts.
Fetoscopic urethral meatotomy in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction by congenital megalourethra
Authors: Cruz‐Martínez Rogelio , Martínez‐Rodríguez Miguel , Gámez‐Varela Alma , Luna‐García Jonahtan , López‐Briones Hugo , Chávez‐González Erendira , Villalobos‐Gómez Rosa , Juárez‐Martínez Israel
Published: April 2021

Background

To describe the perinatal outcomes of fetoscopic urethral meatotomy (FUM) in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) by congenital megalourethra.

Study design

Between 2012 and 2020, 226 cases with LUTO were referred to our fetal surgery center in Queretaro, Mexico. We report the perinatal outcome of cases with LUTO by congenital megalourethra that were selected for FUM in an attempt to release the penile urethral obstruction.

Results

Congenital megalourethra was diagnosed in 10 cases (4.4%) but only 3 cases (30%) with obstructive megalourethra and megacystis were selected for fetal surgery. Fetoscopic urethral metatotomy was successfully performed in all three cases at a median gestational age (GA) of 21.4 (18.0–26.7) weeks and with a median surgical time of 27 (12–43) min. A resolution of urethral dilatation and subsequent reduction of the penile length and normalization of both the bladder size and amniotic fluid were observed in all cases. The median GA at delivery was 35.2 (range: 30.6–38.0) weeks. There were no fetal deaths but one neonatal death (33%) secondary to renal failure and preterm delivery.

Conclusion

In fetuses with LUTO by congenital obstructive megalourethra, FUM is feasible and is associated with good perinatal outcomes.
Hodgkin's lymphoma‐associated vanishing bile duct syndrome successfully treated with radiation as a bridge to chemotherapy
Authors: Ebadi Maryam , Olson Jeffrey , Bateman Justin , Mathew Damien , Yuan Jianling , Rashidi Armin
Published: April 2021

Vanishing bile duct syndrome is a paraneoplastic manifestation of Hodgkin's lymphoma that often proves fatal. Treatment of the underlying lymphoma with chemotherapy is a priority, and liver dysfunction is frequently prohibitive. A 27‐year‐old woman presented with severe cholestatic hepatitis that was diagnosed as vanishing bile duct syndrome on liver biopsy. Chest imaging showed mediastinal and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy that was diagnosed as Hodgkin's lymphoma. She was administered involved‐site radiation (3960 cGy), yielding partial lymphoma remission and marked improvement in liver function. Subsequently, standard chemotherapy achieved complete remission. A total of 19 months thereafter, the patient was in complete remission with normal liver function. We conclude that tumor‐directed radiotherapy can be used as a bridge to curative chemotherapy in Hodgkin's lymphoma‐associated vanishing bile duct syndrome.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare and fatal paraneoplastic presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

In a patient with HL above the diaphragm and paraneoplastic VBDS, involved‐site radiation to the tumor resulted in cytoreduction and improved liver function

Curative‐intent chemotherapy was subsequently initiated and led to a complete remission of HL and resolution of liver injury

In HL‐associated paraneoplastic VBDS, RT to the tumor can be used as a bridge to curative chemotherapy
Network of Entamoeba histolytica HSP18.5 dimers formed by two overlapping [IV]‐X‐[IV] motifs
Authors: Kurre Devanshu , Suguna Kaza
Published: April 2021

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ATP‐independent molecular chaperones with low molecular weight that prevent the aggregation of proteins during stress conditions and maintain protein homeostasis in the cell. sHSPs exist in dynamic equilibrium as a mixture of oligomers of various sizes with a constant exchange of subunits between them. Many sHSPs form cage‐like assemblies that may dissociate into smaller oligomers during stress conditions. We carried out the functional and structural characterization of a small heat shock protein, HSP18.5, from Entamoeba histolytica (EhHSP18.5). It showed a pH‐dependent change in its oligomeric state, which varied from a tetramer to larger than 48‐mer. EhHSP18.5 protected Nde I and lysozyme substrates from temperature and chemical stresses, respectively. The crystal structure of EhHSP18.5 was determined at a resolution of 3.28 Å in C2221 cell with four subunits in the asymmetric unit forming two non‐metazoan sHSP‐type dimers. Unlike the reported cage‐like structures, EhHSP18.5 formed a network of linear chains of molecules in the crystal. Instead of a single [IV]‐X‐[IV] motif, EhHSP18.5 has two overlapping I/V‐X‐I/V sequences at the C‐terminus giving rise to novel interactions between the dimers. Negative staining Electron Microscopy images of EhHSP18.5 showed the presence of multiple oligomers: closed structures of various sizes and long tube‐like structures.
Conditional distribution modeling as an alternative method for covariates simulation: Comparison with joint multivariate normal and bootstrap techniques
Authors: Smania Giovanni , Jonsson E. Niclas
Published: April 2021

Clinical trial simulation (CTS) is a valuable tool in drug development. To obtain realistic scenarios, the subjects included in the CTS must be representative of the target population. Common ways of generating virtual subjects are based upon bootstrap (BS) procedures or multivariate normal distributions (MVNDs). Here, we investigated the performance of an alternative method based on conditional distributions (CDs). Covariate data from a hypertension drug development program were used. The methods were evaluated based on the original data set (internal evaluation) and on their ability to reproduce an older, unobserved population (extrapolation). Similar results were obtained in the internal evaluation for summary statistics, yet BS was able to preserve the correlation structure of the empirical distribution, which was not adequately reproduced by MVND; CD was in between BS and MVND. BS does not allow to extrapolate to an unobserved population. When the data set used to inform the extrapolation was well approximated by an MVND, the results from CD and MVND were comparable. However, improved extrapolation performance was observed for CD when deviations from normality assumptions occurred. If CTS is used to simulate within the observed distribution, BS is the preferred method. When extrapolating to new populations, a parametric method like CD/MVND is needed. In case the empirical multivariate distribution is characterized by linearly related covariates and unimodal marginal distributions, MVND can be used because of the simpler statistical framework and well‐established use; however, if uncertainty about the MVND assumptions exists, CD will increase the confidence in the simulations compared to MVND.
Pharm‐AutoML: An open‐source, end‐to‐end automated machine learning package for clinical outcome prediction
Authors: Liu Gengbo , Lu Dan , Lu James
Published: April 2021

Although there is increased interest in utilizing machine learning (ML) to support drug development, technical hurdles associated with complex algorithms have limited widespread adoption. In response, we have developed Pharm‐AutoML, an open‐source Python package that enables users to automate the construction of ML models and predict clinical outcomes, especially in the context of pharmacological interventions. In particular, our approach streamlines tedious steps within the ML workflow, including data preprocessing, model tuning, model selection, results analysis, and model interpretation. Moreover, our open‐source package helps to identify the most predictive ML pipeline among defined search spaces by selecting the best data preprocessing strategy and tuning the ML model hyperparameters. The package currently supports multiclass classification tasks, and additional functions are being developed. Using a set of five publicly available biomedical datasets, we show that our Pharm‐AutoML outperforms other ML frameworks, including H2O with default settings, by demonstrating improved predictive accuracy of classification. We further illustrate how model interpretation methods can be utilized to help explain the fine‐tuned ML pipeline to end users. Pharm‐AutoML provides both novice and expert users improved clinical predictions and scientific insights.
Apigenin enhances viability of random skin flaps by activating autophagy
Authors: Zhu Dingchao , Chen Boda , Xiang Zhiyang , Lin Jiahao , Miao Zhimin , Wang Yihan , Wu Yaosen , Zhou Yifei
Published: April 2021

Random skin flap is widely used in plastic surgery. However, flap necrosis caused by ischemia–reperfusion injury limits its clinical applications. Apigenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid mainly derived from plants, facilitates flap survival. In this study, we explored the effects of apigenin on flap survival and the underlying mechanisms. A total of 54 mice having a dorsal random flap model were randomly divided into control, apigenin, and apigenin +3‐methyladenine groups. These groups were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide solution, apigenin, and apigenin +3‐methyladenine, respectively. The animals were then euthanized to assess angiogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy levels through histological and protein analyses. Apigenin promotes survival of the skin flap area and reduces tissue edema. In addition, apigenin enhanced angiogenesis, attenuated apoptosis, alleviated oxidative stress, and activated autophagy. Interestingly, 3‐methyladenine reversed the effects of apigenin on flap survival, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress through inhibition of autophagy. The findings of this study show that apigenin promotes angiogenesis, inhibits cell apoptosis, and lowers oxidative stress by mediating autophagy, thus the improving survival rate of random skin flaps.
Global prevalence and genotype distribution of norovirus infection in children with gastroenteritis: A meta‐analysis on 6 years of research from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Farahmand Mohammad , Moghoofei Mohsen , Dorost Abolfazl , Shoja Zabihollah , Ghorbani Saied , Kiani Seyed Jalal , Khales Pegah , Esteghamati Abdoulreza , Sayyahfar Shirin , Jafarzadeh Mehrzad , Minaeian Sara , Khanaliha Khadijeh , Naghdalipour Mehri , Tavakoli Ahmad
Published: April 2021

In the post rotavirus vaccine era, norovirus (NoV) plays an increasingly important role in epidemic and sporadic gastroenteritis among children. This study was designed to provide an updated meta‐analytic review of the prevalence of NoV among paediatric patients with gastroenteritis and to clarify the relationship between NoV infection and gastroenteritis. Systematic searches of the literature for potentially relevant studies were carried out from 1 January 2015 to 29 May 2020. The inverse variance method was chosen for weighting of the studies, and the random‐effects model was used to analyse data. To determine the association between NoV infection and gastroenteritis in children, pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed for case–control studies. The pooled prevalence of NoV infection among 12,0531 children with gastroenteritis from 45 countries across the world was 17.7% (95% CI: 16.3%–19.2%). There were 28 studies with a case–control design, and the pooled prevalence of NoV infection among 11,954 control subjects was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.1%–8.8%). The pooled OR of the association of NoV infection and gastroenteritis was 2.7 (95% CI: 2.2–3.4). The most common NoV genotypes were GII.4 (59.3%) and GII.3 (14.9%). The highest frequency of NoV was found in the age group below 1 year. Our findings indicated a substantial burden of gastroenteritis caused by NoV globally, with GII.4 and GII.3 the major genotypes responsible for the majority of NoV‐associated gastroenteritis cases among children. Younger age and male sex can be considered risk factors for NoV‐associated gastroenteritis among children.
Examining Teacher Preparation for Code‐Related Reading Instruction: An Integrated Literature Review
Authors: Tortorelli Laura S. , Lupo Sarah M. , Wheatley Barbara C.
Published: April 2021

Advocates of the science of reading have argued that (a) teacher preparation programs do not provide adequate preparation to teach code‐related reading skills; (b) as a result, teachers lack knowledge of this area of literacy development; and (c) without that knowledge, teachers are unable to effectively teach students to read. In this integrative literature review, we assessed the research evidence for the first claim. We identified 27 studies examining preservice general elementary preparation in code‐related instruction, including phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics/decoding, spelling/orthography, and morphology, published between 2001 and 2020. We analyzed the studies to determine (a) how preservice knowledge of code‐related instruction has been studied, (b) how preservice teachers’ literacy knowledge was defined and assessed in these studies, and (c) primary findings across studies and implications for teacher preparation and future research. We found that the research base largely relied on quantitative multiple‐choice assessments that privileged linguistic content knowledge over pedagogical and situated knowledge. The body of research was constrained by narrow definitions of science and knowledge, repetition across studies in methods and data sources, limited samples that overlooked diversity in preservice teachers and elementary contexts, and methodological problems. Thus, we caution against considering the issue of teacher preparation settled, and we offer recommendations for teacher preparation programs and directions for future research.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Flexible Micro‐Supercapacitor from MWCNTs‐Ag Nanohybrid‐Sulfonated PANI Nanocomposite Embedded PVA‐TEOS Membrane
Authors: Naik Satishkumar R. , Torvi Anand I. , Munavalli Balappa B. , Achari Divya D. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: April 2021

The flexible nanocomposite membranes were developed by incorporating the multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐silver nanoparticle‐sulfonated polyaniline (MWCNTs−Ag‐SPANI) nanocomposite in TEOS crosslinked PVA matrix. The physicochemical properties of the resulting ternary nanocomposite membranes were investigated systematically by different techniques. The electrochemical performance of all the nanocomposites was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge‐discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The nanocomposite containing 1 : 1 weight ratios exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 572.8 F g−1 with energy density of 79.5 Wh kg−1 and power density of 9.9 kW kg−1. A remarkable electrochemical performance of ternary nanocomposite was associated due to the synergistic effect of MWCNTs, SPANI and Ag nanoparticles. Around 83.5 % capacitance retention was found even after 2500 cycles, revealing that nanocomposite exhibited an excellent stability. Considering these superior performances, a micro‐supercapacitor device was fabricated from the developed nanocomposite membrane and evaluated its electrochemical performance. The fabricated micro‐supercapacitor device showed specific capacitance of 60.95 F g−1, energy density of 7.46 Wh kg−1 and power density of 67.81 W kg−1 at a current density of 5.0 mA g−1. Furthermore, the fabrication method adopted here could be easily applied to large‐scale fabrication of flexible light‐weight micro‐supercapacitor devices.
Green Chemistry: Evolution in Architecting Schemes for Perfecting the Synthesis Methodology of the Functionalized Nanomaterials
Authors: Najeeb Jawayria , Naeem Sumaira , Nazar Muhammad F. , Naseem Khalida , Shehzad Usman
Published: April 2021

Recently, significant attention and effort have been given to the synthesis of nanomaterials (NMs) by utilizing numerous conventional and advanced methodologies owing to its various applications in different fields of life. The green methodology is preferred over other approaches because of the advantages of cost‐effectiveness, environment friendliness, and non‐toxic nature of the utilized biogenic materials. This review summarizes and organizes the documented case studies presented in the last five years i. e. 2017–2021 that use the green chemistry approach for the production of NMs into the two broad categories of plant based NMs and microorganisms based NMs. Furthermore, the fundamentals involved in this production process such as optimization of the synthetic process, mechanism involved in the production of NMs owing to the selected biogenic system, and the extraction techniques utilized for the synthesis of the plant/biogenic extracts are also discussed in detail in this review. We believe that this review will highlight some critical practices and advancements which must be taken into consideration beforehand by the new/working scholars exploring the field of green chemistry for the production of NMs.
A Ternary Photocatalyst with Double Heterojunctionsfor Efficient Diesel Oil Degradation
Authors: Bao Er‐Peng , Long Songtao , Zhang Shuoqing , Li Huan , Zhang Weiguo , Zou Jijun , Xu Qiang
Published: April 2021

The photodegradation is a potential technology to solve environmental issues such as the diesel oil pollution. The titanium dioxide/graphitic carbon nitride (TiO2/g‐C3N4) photocatalyst is widely used for the photodegradation of pollutants. However, the performances of this binary photocatalyst such as the degradation efficiency and cyclic stability are still unsatisfactory for real applications. In our work, we introduce a p‐type NiO semiconductor into the binary TiO2/g‐C3N4 (98: 2) photocatalyst by a simple dipping method. The NiO semiconductor can form double heterojunctions with the TiO2 and g‐C3N4 (dual Z‐scheme and Z‐scheme+p‐n), which can accelerate the separation of photo‐generated electron‐hole pairs effectively. Thus, the as‐obtained ternary TiO2/NiO/g‐C3N4 (TCN) sample delivers a good photocatalytic performance for diesel oil degradation under a simulated sunlight. Specifically, the TCN (7 : 3) photocatalyst exhibits a 98.94 % degradation efficiency after 2 h of visible‐light, largely outperforming the single‐component photocatalysts (TiO2, g‐C3N4, NiO,) and the binary TiO2/g‐C3N4 (98 : 2) photocatalyst. The free radical capture test manifests that
is the major factor on the degradation. This work presents a typical example to boost the photodegradation performance via a ternary catalyst design, which will provide valuable insight for the future high‐performance diesel oil degradation.
A Reliable Fluorescence‐enhanced Chemical Sensor (Eu@mil‐61) for the Directed Detection of 2‐Naphthol
Authors: Wang Da , Ge Kai‐Ming , Chu Rui‐Qing , Xu Zhi‐Jun , Yang Jian‐Hua , Zhu Cui‐Xue
Published: April 2021

The parent coordination polymer Ga(OH)(btec) ⋅ 0.5H2O(MIL‐61) was synthesized by the method of hydrothermal synthesis, and Eu3+ was incorporated by the post‐synthesis modification method to obtain the coordination polymer Eu@MIL‐61 with excellent luminescence properties. Eu@MIL‐61 was developed as an excellent nano‐fluorescent probe for the detection of 2‐naphthol in urine. The study showed that Eu@MIL‐61 could selectively respond to 2‐naphthol, a biomarker of naphthol, with fluorescence quenching effect. More importantly, the probe has fast response time and low detection limit. In addition, the framework is not affected by the acid‐base properties of the solution and has good water stability and can be used to monitor the concentration of 2‐naphthol in urine.
Adsorption Behavior of Polyhydroxy‐Iron‐Modified Coal‐Bearing Kaolin for Fluoride Removal
Authors: Muschin Tegshi , Zulchin Hairihan , Jia Meilin
Published: April 2021

According to previous research on polyhydroxy‐iron‐modified coal‐bearing kaolin for the removal of anionic dyes, we first performed a ball milling treatment and then modified the kaolin samples with polyhydroxy‐iron to prepare a high‐surface‐area adsorbent. This process not only increased the surface area up to 100 m2 g−1 while successfully avoiding high‐temperature calcination and acid treatment but also significantly increased the fluoride adsorption performance in terms of the removal rate, which reached 90 %. Compared with the removal rate of raw kaolin (11 %), that of polyhydroxy‐iron‐modified coal‐bearing kaolin (without ball milling) was ∼44 %. Various adsorption conditions that affect the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent were investigated, including the adsorption time, initial solution pH and initial fluoride concentration. The effect of the initial pH showed a wide (pH=6–8) application range. The adsorption kinetics of fluoride fit well with the pseudosecond‐order kinetic model, and the equilibrium data can be well described by the Freundlich adsorption model.
Lead‐Free KNbO3 Nanoblocks Improved Triboelectric Nanogenerator with High Output Performance and Self‐Powered Anticorrosion System
Authors: Zhang Haojun , Guo Yongliang , Cui Jinfeng , Guo Junhong , Zhao Gengrui , Yang Baoping
Published: April 2021

Metal corrosion causes huge economic losses every year and metal anticorrosion is of great significance in economic development. It will be meaningful to convert the mechanical energy in ambient world into electricity energy for the metal anticorrosion. Here, an eco‐friendly self‐powered anticorrosion system is constructed to prevent metal from corrosion and a facile effective approach is demonstrated to enhance the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The lead‐free KNbO3 nanoblocks are doped into the PVC triboelectric layer to greatly boost the output performance of TENG. The output voltage and short circuit current of TENG are increased by 2.5 times and 4.3 times using this doping process. The optimal output voltage and short circuit current reach 208 V and 24 μA. Due to this high output performance, the TENG can be a power supply for impressing current cathodic protection, forming an effective self‐powered anticorrosion system.
Reaction of Dialkylaminosulfur Trifluorides with β‐Keto Sulfonamides and β‐Keto Sulfones
Authors: Popov Ioann O. , Popova Maria V. , Omelian Taras V. , Dobrydnev Alexey V. , Konovalova Irina S. , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. , Volovenko Yulian M.
Published: April 2021

The reaction of β‐keto sulfones and β‐keto sulfonamides bearing an unsubstituted α‐methylene unit with (diethylamino)sulfur trifluoride (DAST) and morpholinosulfur trifluoride (morphDAST) led to α‐fluoro‐α‐(dialkylamino)thio‐β‐keto sulfones (sulfonamides). For the β‐keto sulfonamides bearing an α‐methyl substituent, the Cα−Cβ bond cleavage was observed upon reaction with DAST reagents, resulting in formation of (α‐fluoro‐α‐(dialkylamino)thio)ethyl sulfonamides. The structure of the products was confirmed by an X‐ray diffraction study, and mechanistic insights of the process have been presented.
Tuning the Reactivity and Bonding Properties of the Pt(II) Complexes by the Substitution(s) on the Trans‐Coordinated Non‐Aromatic Amine Ligand
Authors: Dvořáčková Olga , Chval Zdeněk
Published: April 2021

Kinetics of the hydration reaction and the bonding properties of the trans‐[Pt(NH3)2(NH2X)Cl]+ complexes (X=H, CH3, F, Cl, Br, NH2, NO2, OH, dimethylamine (DMA), cyclopropyl (CyP), cyclohexyl (CyH)) were studied theoretically by DFT methodology in the gas phase and the water solution. The electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing X substituents lower and increase, respectively, the activation free energy (ΔG≠) and Pt‐trans ligand binding energies (BEs) to a similar extent as meta and para substituents of the pyridine ligand studied previously (ACS Omega, 2020, 5, 11768). For the saturated hydrocarbon X substituents (X=H, CH3, CyP, CyH), the ΔG≠ values and Pt‐trans ligand BEs decrease with the logarithm of the X substituent size being best quantified by the number of electrons. The additivity of the substituent effects was studied on the NF3 ligand and worked well for ligand charges and Pt−trans ligand BEs. The influence of chelation was evaluated by the comparison of the CyH system and the complexes with the cyclohexanediamine (DACH) ligand. Finally, the effect of isomerization was studied on the complexes with the 1,2‐bis(aminomethyl)cyclobutane (BAMCB) ligand. Thus, this study also evaluates the influence of the non‐leaving ligands present in cisplatin, oxaliplatin, lobaplatin, JM118, and JM11 drugs on the reactivity of the Pt(II) complexes in the same ligand environment.
Fibrous Phase Red Phosphorene as a New Photocatalyst for Carbon Dioxide Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hu Zhuofeng , Guo Weiqing
Published: April 2021

2D photocatalysts are one of the hottest issues in energy and material science. In the field of photocatalysis, a 2D material with an appropriate bandgap of 1.3 to 2.0 eV is desirable. Herein, a new kind of fibrous phase red phosphorene with a bandgap between 1.43 to 1.54 eV is obtained. This is much better than black phosphorus because the bandgap of black P depends of its layer number. The black P needs to be as thin as 1‐2 layers for suitable band diagram, which is difficult to control. The fibrous red phosphorene is first used for photocatalytic CO2 reduction, and its activity is superior to the majority of mainstream photocatalysts and reaches a record‐high value among phosphorus. Besides, its activity in hydrogen evolution is higher than most of the phosphorus photocatalysts. The intralayer charge transfer is much easier than interlayer transfer. The mobility of electron and hole along the phosphorene plane is about 20 times higher than that perpendicular to different layers. The activity sites is at region between the two P[21] chains. These regions are easy to be exposed for fibrous phase phosphorene, making it to exhibit high activity.
In Situ Electrochemical Intercalation‐Induced Phase Transition to Enhance Catalytic Performance for Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Liu Kangli , Zhang Xiangdan , Miao Fujun , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Shijie , Zhang Yongshang , Zhang Peng , Shao Guosheng
Published: April 2021

Accelerating the conversion of polysulfide to inhibit shutting effect is a promising approach to improve the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, the hollow titanium nitride (TiN)/1T–MoS2 heterostructure nanospheres are designed with efficient electrocatalysis properties serving as a sulfur host, which is formed by in situ electrochemical intercalation from TiN/2H‐MoS2. Metallic, few‐layered 1T‐MoS2 nanosheets with abundant active sites decorated on TiN nanospheres enable fast electron transfer, high adsorption ability toward polysulfides, and favorable catalytic activity contributing to the conversion kinetics of polysulfides. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of these favorable features, the as‐developed hollow TiN/1T‐MoS2 nanospheres with advanced architecture design can achieve a high discharge capacity of 1273 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, good rate performance with a capacity retention of 689 mAh g−1 at 2 C, and long cycling stability with a low‐capacity fading rate of 0.051% per cycle at 1 C for 800 cycles. Notably, the TiN/1T‐MoS2/S cathode with a high sulfur loading of up to 7 mg cm−2 can also deliver a high capacity of 875 mAh g−1 for 50 cycles at 0.1 C. This work promotes the prospect application for TiN/1T‐MoS2 in lithium–sulfur batteries.
A goal‐driven approach for the joint deployment of safety and security standards for operators of essential services
Authors: Ponsard Christophe , Grandclaudon Jeremy , Massonet Philippe
Published: April 2021

Designing safety‐critical software in domains ensuring essential services like transportation, energy, or health requires high assurance techniques and compliance with domain specific standards. As a result of the global interconnectivity and the evolution toward cyber‐physical systems, the increasing exposure to cyber threats calls for the adoption of cyber security standards and frameworks. Although safety and security have different cultures, both fields share similar concepts and tools and are worth being investigated together. This paper provides the background to understand emerging co‐engineering approaches. It advocates for the use of a model‐based approach to provide a sound risk‐oriented process and to capture rationales interconnecting top‐level standards/directives to concrete safety/security measures. We show the benefits of adopting goal‐oriented analysis that can be transposed later to domain‐specific frameworks. Both qualitative and quantitative reasoning aspects are analyzed and discussed, especially to support trade‐off analysis. Our work is driven by a representative case study in drinking water utility in the scope of the NIS regulation for operator of essential services.
Design Strategies for High‐Voltage Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Dong Chongrui , Xu Fei , Chen Long , Chen Zhongxue , Cao Yuliang
Published: April 2021

Due to the intrinsically safety issues derived from the use of flammable organic liquid electrolytes, the prospect of nonaqueous metal‐ion batteries for large‐scale energy storage applications is suspended. Instead, the highly safe and environmentally friendly aqueous metal‐ion batteries have attracted considerable attention as promising candidates during the past decade. Despite significant advances in cycle life, challenges including narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) and scalability still hinder the practical application of aqueous battery. Herein, the recent progress toward the broadening of potential window for aqueous battery, with emphasis on the design and modification of electrolyte, electrode, and current collectors are comprehensively summarized. Moreover, the commercial prospects of various alternative electrolytes are critically appraised in terms of the potential window, material sustainability, ionic conductivity, safety, and manufacturability. It is anticipated that the insights presented here can offer a guidance for future research on high‐voltage aqueous batteries.