bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2,2′‐Bipyridine containing chelating polymers for sequestration of heavy metal ions from organic solvents
Authors: Goyal Shivani , Jacob Josemon
Published: January 2022

In this study, a new chelating polymer, poly‐N‐([2,2′‐bipyridine]‐4‐yl)methacrylamide (PBpyMA), was designed and synthesized for the sequestration of heavy metal ions from organic solvents. Free radical polymerization of N‐([2,2′‐bipyridine]‐4‐yl) methacrylamide (BpyMA) generated a linear polymer with an Mw of ~43.9 kg/mol, which is found to be soluble in organic solvents such as DMF, THF, and DMSO. Thermogravimetric analysis for the polymer showed high thermal stability up to 285°C. The ability of the polymer PBpyMA to sequestrate different heavy metal ions was studied by using UV–vis spectroscopy and ICP‐MS. The polymer is found to efficiently complex Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ with absorption capacity in the range of 1.7–2.5 mmol/g. Kinetic studies revealed that the maximum removal of metal ions could be achieved within an hour at room temperature. FESEM‐EDX micrographs confirmed the formation of an interconnected crosslinked macroporous structure upon polymer‐metal complexation. Our studies suggest that PBpyMA bearing chelating bipyridine repeat units is a highly effective chelating material with significant potential for removing metal ions from organic solvents.
Toward an evolutionary framework for language variation and change
Authors: Ladoukakis Emmanuel D. , Michelioudakis Dimitris , Anagnostopoulou Elena
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we identify the parallels and the differences between language and life as evolvable systems in pursuit of a framework that will investigate language change from the perspective of a general theory of evolution. Despite the consensus that languages change similarly to species, as reflected in the construction of language trees, the field has mainly applied biological techniques to specific problems of historical linguistics and has not systematically engaged in disentangling the basic concepts (population, reproductive unit, inheritance, etc.) and the core processes underlying evolutionary theory, namely mutation, selection, drift, and migration, as applied to language. We develop such a proposal. Treating language as an evolvable system places previous studies in a novel perspective, as it offers an elegant unifying framework that can accommodate current knowledge, utilize the rich theoretical framework of evolutionary biology, and synthesize many independent strands of inquiry, initiating a whole new research program.
The sorption/chromatography hypothesis of olfactory discrimination: The rise, fall, and rebirth of a Phoenix
Authors: Coppola David M.
Published: January 2022

Herein, I discuss the enduring mystery of the receptor layout in the vertebrate olfactory system. Since the awarding of the 2004 Nobel Prize to Axel and Buck for their discovery of the gene family that encodes olfactory receptors, our field has enjoyed a golden era. Despite this Renaissance, an answer to one of the most fundamental questions for any sensory system—what is the anatomical logic of its receptor array?—eludes us, still, for olfaction! Indeed, the only widely debated hypothesis, finding its origins in the musing of another Nobel laureate Sir Edgar Adrian, has it that the vertebrate nose organizes its receptors according to the “sorptive” properties of their ligands. This idea, known as the “sorption” or “chromatography” hypothesis, enjoys considerable support despite being controversial. Here, I review the history of the hypothesis—its rises and falls—and discuss the latest data and future prospects for this perennial idea whose history I liken to the mythical Phoenix.
The validity of progression‐free survival 2 as a surrogate trial end point for overall survival
Authors: Woodford Rachel G. , Zhou Deborah D.‐X. , Kok Peey‐Sei , Lord Sally J. , Friedlander Michael , Marschner Ian C. , Simes R. John , Lee Chee Khoon
Published: January 2022

Background

Overall survival (OS) is the gold‐standard end point for oncology trials. However, the availability of multiple therapeutic options after progression and crossover to receive investigational agents confound and delay OS data maturation. Progression‐free survival 2 (PFS‐2), defined as the time from randomization to progression on first subsequent therapy, has been proposed as a surrogate for OS. Using a meta‐analytic approach, the authors aimed to assess the association between OS and PFS‐2 and compare this with progression‐free survival 1 (PFS‐1) and the objective response rate (ORR).

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed to identify randomized trials of systemic therapies in advanced solid tumors that reported PFS‐2 as a prespecified end point. Correlations between OS and PFS‐2, OS and PFS‐1, and OS and ORR as hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) were assessed via linear regression weighted by trial size.

Results

Thirty‐eight trials were included, and they comprised 19,031 patients across 8 tumor types. PFS‐2 displayed a moderate correlation with OS (r = 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08‐0.69). Conversely, correlations of ORR (r = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.00‐0.13) and PFS‐1 (r = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.00‐0.33) were poor. The findings for PFS‐2 were consistent for subgroup analyses by treatment type (immunotherapy vs nonimmunotherapy: r = 0.67 vs 0.67), survival post progression (<12 vs ≥12 months: r = 0.86 vs 0.79), and percentage not receiving subsequent treatment (<50% vs ≥50%: r = 0.70 vs 0.63).

Conclusions

Across diverse tumors and therapies, the treatment effect on PFS‐2 correlated moderately with the treatment effect on OS. PFS‐2 performed consistently better than PFS‐1 and ORR, regardless of postprogression treatment and postprogression survival. PFS‐2 should be included as a key trial end point in future randomized trials of solid tumors.
Synthesis of Photocorrosion‐Resistant VS4‐MoS2‐rGO Based Nanocomposite with Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water‐Splitting Activity
Authors: Tiwari Shalini , Jhamb Neha , Kumar Sandeep , Ganguli Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2022

For increasing demands of clean and sustainable energy, two‐dimensional transition‐metal dichalcogenides (2D‐TMDs) have attracted great attention. Electrocatalysis, photoelectrochemical water splitting and photovoltaic activities are considered a suitable route for fulfilling this demand. Here, we have used hydrothermally synthesized vanadium sulfide (VS4) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) composite heterostructures for photocatalytic based renewable energy production. The catalytic activity of VS4 observed for the water splitting process makes it a potential candidate for the applications. At the same time, it suffers from photogenerated charge recombination and photocorrosion which limits its catalytic performances. The key motivation of this work was to diminish the charge recombination via appropriate composite formation with MoS2 as well as to minimize the photocorrosion of resulting materials with the support of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Eventually, separation of photogenerated charge carriers and anti‐photocorrosion property of the VS4‐MoS2‐rGO based composite leads to its efficient catalyst for photocatalytic water splitting applications. The resulting composite shows 4.5 times higher catalytic activity and stability than bare constituent materials.
Poly(arylisocyanides) as Versatile, Enantiodiscriminating Alignment Media for Small Molecules
Authors: Wesp Svenja , Wolf Kai , Immel Stefan , Reggelin Michael
Published: January 2022

Lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases of amino acid derived polyarylisocyanides were employed as chiral alignment media for the measurement of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) of small chiral organic molecules. Anisotropic samples in CDCl3 displayed quadrupolar splittings of the deuterium signal in the range of several hundreds of Hertz. The LLC phases showed excellent orienting properties for a broad range of analytes bearing various functional groups. The precise extraction of RDCs in the range of up to ±40 Hertz from F2‐coupled HSQC spectra was possible. Additionally, the chiral environment offers the opportunity for diastereomorphous interactions with the enantiomers of chiral analytes leading to two different sets of RDCs. This differential order effect was particularly pronounced with ketones and alcohols.
Positive beliefs about worry: An evaluation of the Why Worry‐II questionnaire in patients with anxiety and mood disorders: Implications for theory and treatment
Authors: Warren Ricks , Yu Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

Positive beliefs about worry are an important factor that has been shown to be associated with the reduction of worry severity with cognitive behavioural therapy. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of a measure of positive beliefs about worry, the Why Worry Questionnaire II (WW‐II; Hebert et al., 2014, 0.1016/j.paid.2013.08.009) with a clinical sample. The present study also compared mean scores on the WW‐II in the present clinical sample with scores found in non‐clinical samples. Finally, the study compared mean scores on the WW‐II between groups with primary diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS). The confirmatory factor analysis found the five‐factor model an adequate to good fit to the data, and the WW‐II demonstrated excellent internal consistency within this clinical sample. Additionally, scores on the WW‐II in the present sample were significantly higher than scores found by in their non‐clinical sample. Finally, no significant mean differences were found between primary diagnoses of GAD, anxiety disorder NOS or MDD. Important theoretical and clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Metabolomics‐driven determination of targets for salicylic acid and ibuprofen in positive electrospray ionization using LC‐HRMS
Authors: Pasin Daniel , Pan Meiru , Rasmussen Brian Schou , Linnet Kristian , Dalsgaard Petur Weihe , Mollerup Christian Brinch
Published: January 2022

Due to the large number of basic therapeutic and illicit drugs, systematic toxicological analysis has widely been performed with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry using positive electrospray ionization. However, there exist a smaller number of drugs, typically acidic drugs, which require the use of negative electrospray ionization either via a separate analysis or polarity switching. Here, targets relating to salicylic acid and ibuprofen in positive electrospray ionization were determined through a metabolomics‐driven retrospective investigation of forensic casework. Samples were previously screened using liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry with quantification of target analytes performed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Of the 1,717 whole‐blood samples submitted between 2014 and 2019, 48 were positive for salicylic acid (1.1–1,400 mg/kg) and 78 for ibuprofen (1–46 mg/kg). Based on the retrospective analysis, 19 and 90 targets were identified for salicylic acid and ibuprofen, respectively. For targets of salicylic acid, the protonated adduct of salicyluric acid ([M + H]+, m/z 196.0605) was present in 89.6% (n = 32) of the salicylic acid positive cases, while the [M + HCOOH + CH3CN + Ca ‐ H]+ adduct (m/z 264.0179) of salicylic acid was present in all positive samples with concentrations above 66 mg/kg salicylic acid. Similarly, the [M + 2Na ‐ H]+ adduct (m/z 251.1018) of ibuprofen was present in 98.7% (n = 77) of positive cases and was present in all samples with concentrations above 3 mg/kg ibuprofen.
Organobimetallic Nickel‐Iron Complexes, Valence Tautomer or Charge Localized Ferrocene Ligands Upon Oxidation
Authors: Ringenberg Mark R. , Schnierle Marc , Sondermann Christina
Published: January 2022

[[CpNi(dRpf)]+ (dRpf=1,1’‐bis(di‐R‐phosphino)ferrocene, R=phenyl (dppf) [1]+, iso‐propyl (dippf) [2]+, and cyclohexyl (dcpf) [3]+), CpNi(dRpf)]+(dRpf=1,1’‐bis(di‐R‐phosphino)ferrocene, R=phenyl (dppf) [1]+, iso‐propyl (dippf) [2]+, and cyclohexyl (dcpf) [3]+), showed two reversible electrochemical processes, one cathodic and one anodic in the cyclic voltammogram. CpNiI was generated in the cathodic processes for all three complexes, while spectroscopic data and dft analysis for the anodic process suggested contributions from the ferrocene, there was some degree of delocalization onto the Ni ion.
Forecast evaluation of DSGE models: Linear and nonlinear likelihood
Authors: Chin Kuo‐Hsuan
Published: January 2022

We apply a Bayesian approach to estimate a small‐scale New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model, solved by linear and nonlinear solution techniques. In particular, the likelihood function for the linearized and nonlinearized models is approximated via the linear and two types of nonlinear filters, respectively. We evaluate the performance of the linearized/nonlinearized model in terms of the log marginal data density and out‐of‐sample forecasting exercise over the transition periods of “Great Inflation” to “Great Moderation” (GI‐GM) and “Great Moderation” to “Great Recession” (GM‐GR). Several results are found as follows. First, it is not clear whether the nonlinearized DSGE model has a better fit than a linearized one to the full sample, and the result is also applied over the transition period of GI‐GM when we compute the time‐varying marginal data density. Second, under the point forecast evaluation, we do not find any statistical evidence that the forecasting performance of DSGE models, either the linearized or nonlinearized one, is better than the VAR models on predicting GDP growth rate, inflation, and interest rates over two transition periods. Moreover, the forecast errors for three data series calculated from either the individual model or the case of “Aggregation across models” in “ Normal” period are significantly lower than those in “ Crisis” period. Third, under the density forecast evaluation across DSGE models, we do not find any significant difference on the sum of log predictive likelihood across models at all forecast horizons for three individual data series. In particular, the above results are also applied to two transition periods and real‐time data sets.
LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb age, whole‐rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Pb isotope, and zircon Hf isotope constraints on the origin and dynamic setting of Mesozoic mafic dykes, Henan Province, southeastern North China Craton
Authors: Liu Shen , Feng Caixia , Coulson Ian M. , Fan Yan , Zhao Huibo , Xu Jingyan , Tai Kairui
Published: January 2022

Mafic dykes from the Henan Province within the southeastern North China Craton (NCC) were sampled. Herein, we present new zircon laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry U–Pb age, whole‐rock geochemical, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic, and zircon Hf isotopic data for the five areas where these mafic dykes outcrop. The mafic dykes are all dolerite and were emplaced between 121.6 ± 1.1 Ma and 131.7 ± 1.2 Ma. These are characterized by enrichment in some of the large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, U, K, and Sr), light rare earth elements, and depletion in high‐field‐strength elements (Nb, Ta, Hf, and Ti) and Eu (Eu/Eu* is between 0.62 and 0.96) relative to chondrite‐ and primitive mantle‐values. The dykes have high initial Sr isotopic ratios ([87Sr/86Sr]i = 0.7056–0.7058), negative εNd (t) ratios (−12.3 to −12.1), relatively constant Pb isotopic ratios ([206Pb/204Pb]i = 16.771–16.778; [207Pb/204Pb]i = 15.461–15.467; [208Pb/204Pb]i = 36.850–36.857), negative εHf (t) (−14.9 to −3.5), as well as old Nd (TDM2; 2.22–2.54 Ga) and Hf (TDM2; 2.99–4.34 Ga) model ages. These geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data indicate that the investigated Henan Province dykes were likely derived from magmas generated by low to moderate degree partial melting (1.0–10%) of an EM1‐like garnet lherzolite mantle source. Moreover, the mafic melts fractionated olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, Ti‐bearing oxides (e.g., ilmenite, titanite, apatite, etc.) prior to emplacement, and assimilated only minimal amounts of crustal material. Several possible models have previously been proposed to explain the origin of Mesozoic magma activities in Henan Province. However, here we propose a foundering model for the mafic dykes studied, involving the foundering of eclogite from thickened lower crust due to the collision between the Yangtze Block, Qinling ocean crust, and southeastern NCC.
Financial decision‐making and self‐awareness for financial decision‐making is associated with white matter integrity in older adults
Authors: Sunderaraman Preeti , Gazes Yunglin , Ortiz Gema , Langfield Christopher , Mensing Ashley , Chapman Silvia , Joyce Jillian L. , Brickman Adam M. , Stern Yaakov , Cosentino Stephanie
Published: January 2022

Financial decision‐making (FDM) and awareness of the integrity of one's FDM abilities (or financial awareness) are both critical for preventing financial mistakes. We examined the white matter correlates of these constructs and hypothesized that the tracts connecting the temporal–frontal regions would be most strongly correlated with both FDM and financial awareness. Overall, 49 healthy older adults were included in the FDM analysis and 44 in the financial awareness analyses. The Objective Financial Competency Assessment Inventory was used to measure FDM. Financial awareness was measured by integrating metacognitive ratings into this inventory and was calculated as the degree of overconfidence or underconfidence. Diffusion tensor imaging data were processed with Tracts Constrained by Underlying Anatomy distributed as part of the FreeSurfer analytic suite, which produced average measures of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity in 18 white matter tracts along with the overall tract average. As expected, FDM showed the strongest negative associations with average mean diffusivity measure of the superior longitudinal fasciculus ‐temporal (SLFT; r = −.360, p = .011) and ‐parietal (r = −.351, p = .014) tracts. After adjusting for FDM, only the association between financial awareness and average mean diffusivity measure of the right SLFT (r = .310, p = .046) was significant. Overlapping white matter tracts were involved in both FDM and financial awareness. More importantly, these preliminary findings reinforce emerging literature on a unique role of right hemisphere temporal connections in supporting financial awareness.
Maxwell nanofluid heat and mass transfer analysis over a stretching sheet
Authors: Santhi M. , Suryanarayana Rao K. V. , Sreedevi P. , Sudarsana Reddy P.
Published: January 2022

The Buongiorno model Maxwell nanofluid flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics over a stretching sheet with a magnetic field, thermal radiation, and chemical reaction is numerically investigated in this analysis. This model incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equation by using the similarity transformation technique. The resultant nonlinear differential equations are solved by using the Finite element method. The sketches of velocity, temperature and concentration with diverse values of magnetic field parameter (0.1 ≤ M ≤ 1.5), Deborah number (0.0 ≤ β ≤ 0.19), radiation parameter (0.1 ≤ R ≤ 0.7), Prandtl number (0.5 ≤ Pr ≤ 0.8), Brownian motion parameter (0.1 ≤ Nb ≤ 0.7), thermophoretic parameter (0.2 ≤ Nt ≤ 0.8), Chemical reaction parameter (1.0 ≤ Cr ≤ 2.5) and Lewis number (1.5 ≤ Le ≤ 3.0) have investigated and are depicted through plots. Moreover, the values of the Skin‐friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood numbers are also computed and are shown in tables. The sequels of this analysis reviewed that the values of Skin‐friction coefficient and Sherwood number intensified with hiked values of Deborah number (β), whereas, the values of Nusselt number decelerate as values of (β) improves.
Thermal radiation and diffusion effects in MHD Williamson and Casson fluid flows past a slendering stretching surface
Authors: Saravana R. , Hemadri Reddy R. , Narasimha Murthy K. V. , Makinde O. D.
Published: January 2022

The article is presented to analyze the magnetohydrodynamic Casson and Williamson fluids flow over a stretched surface of variable thickness by including the conditions of thermal radiation, velocity slip, temperature, and concentration slip. The equations governing the flow characteristics are transformed to ordinary differential equations by applying similarity transformations. The solution of the simplified equations is obtained by the numerical bvp5c Matlab package. The behavior for Williamson and Casson fluid cases is explored and discussed with the impact of sundry parameters on the flowing fluid, thermal, and diffusion fields. The profiles under the impact of parameters are depicted through graphs. Also, we evaluated the performance of local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers along with the friction of the wall and are displayed through tables. We found that the temperature and mass transfer distribution is low in Williamson fluid when compared to Casson fluid flow. The computed results indicate that the flow, thermal and concentration boundary layer characteristics of Williamson and Casson fluids are not unique.
Oil price volatility and stock returns: Evidence from three oil‐price wars
Authors: Khan Mushtaq Hussain , Ahmed Junaid , Mughal Mazhar , Khan Imtiaz Hussain
Published: January 2022

This study examines how crude oil price volatility affected the stock returns of major global oil and gas corporations during three major oil‐price wars that took place between October 1991 and June 2020. Episodes considered include the 1998 Saudi Arabia – Venezuela war, the 2014–2016 conflict and the 2020 Saudi Arabia – Russia war in a time of unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic. The persistence of volatility in oil prices during times of specific oil‐price wars is captured through generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model while the leverage effect is tested using the threshold generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (T‐GARCH) model. Moreover, a vector autoregressive (VAR) model is employed to consider the relationship between oil price shocks and stock returns of oil and gas corporations. Our findings reveal a significant evidence for volatility persistence and leverage effects in oil price during the three oil‐price wars. These findings are consistent for WTI as well as Brent crude oil specifications. Though the persistence of volatility is similar to that of the previous two oil‐price wars, the 2020 Saudi Arabia – Russia oil‐price war has higher volatility spikes than the previous two wars. Besides, oil price shocks have a significant and positive effect on the returns of oil and gas companies. These findings provide investors information on how volatility in global oil prices is also sensitive to irregular events such as price wars between oil producers. This information can be important for economic agents contemplating shorter hedges by managing risks during times of high volatility.
Open‐Label Pilot Study of Interferon Gamma–1b in Patients With Non‐Infantile Osteopetrosis
Authors: Nguyen Andrew , Miller Weston P. , Gupta Ashish , Lund Troy C. , Schiferl Daniel , Lam Lok Sze Kelvin , Arzumanyan Zorayr , Orchard Paul J. , Polgreen Lynda E.
Published: January 2022

The only treatment currently available for patients with severe infantile osteopetrosis is hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). HCT‐related toxicity and mortality risks typically preclude its use in non‐infantile patients, and other therapies are needed for these patients who have significant disease‐related morbidity. Interferon gamma‐1b is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of severe infantile osteopetrosis (autosomal recessive osteopetrosis [ARO]). However, little is known about the effects of interferon gamma‐1b in non‐infantile osteopetrosis. Thus, this pilot study aimed at testing the safety and tolerability of interferon gamma‐1b in patients with non‐infantile osteopetrosis and assessing the clinical effects. We performed a 12‐month, open‐label, multi‐center pilot study involving patients >1 year‐old diagnosed radiographically with osteopetrosis. Patients were initiated on interferon gamma‐1b subcutaneously 15 μg/m2 three times weekly, to be titrated over 3 weeks to a goal of 100 μg/m2 three times weekly. The primary aim was safety and tolerability. The secondary aims were to assess changes in peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) Z‐scores, bone biomarkers, and quality‐of‐life (QOL) measures. Four of the five participants enrolled withdrew from the study between 3 and 9 months due to intolerability of interferon gamma‐1b–related flu‐like symptoms. The last participant completed the study with the addition of prednisone on days of interferon gamma‐1b administration. DXA and pQCT outcomes were stable over 6–12 months, and there were no clear trends in bone biomarkers or QOL measures. No serious drug‐related adverse events were reported during this study. Interferon gamma‐1b was only tolerable in one of five participants with the addition of prednisone. The stabilization of BMD and other measures of bone health during this study suggest possible positive effects of interferon gamma‐1b on osteopetrosis; however, additional data are needed before conclusions on treatment efficacy can be made. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A new approach to increased land reclamation rate in a coal mining subsidence area: A case‐study of Guqiao Coal Mine, China
Authors: Li Gensheng , Hu Zhenqi , Yuan Dongzhu , Li Pengyu , Feng Zhanjie , He Yibo , Wang Wenjuan
Published: January 2022

Underground coal mining inevitably causes land subsidence which floods in a region with high watertables, which will affect sustainable land development. However, the traditional reclamation (TR) method has a low land reclamation rate. Thus, finding a suitable reclamation approach is crucial to alleviate the conflicts between coal exploitation and land protection. In this article, the Guqiao Coal Mine of China, used as a representative case‐study, has been seriously affected by mining‐induced ponding. First, the dynamic distributions of surface subsidence and land damage from 2007 to 2017 were revealed, based on concurrent mining and reclamation (CMR). Second, the land‐water layout of five reclamation schemes (e.g., no reclamation, TR, CMR I, CMR II, and CMR III) were simulated. Then, a dynamic filling elevation model and filling thickness model were constructed. Finally, the earthwork allocation sequence was optimized. Results revealed: 1) reclaimed land area: CMR III > CMR II > CMR I > TR > no reclamation. 2) Digging depths are directly proportional to the earthwork volumes and land area and are inversely proportional to the water areas, but with an increase in digging depths, the reclaimed land area is relatively lower. 3) CMR schemes had reclaimed 426.31–637.82 ha and 259.62–471.13 ha more land than no reclamation and the TR scheme, respectively. Compared with no reclamation and the TR scheme, CMR schemes can increase the proportion of reclaimed land by 33.77–50.52% and 20.57–37.32%, respectively. Research results provide a reference for increasing the mine reclamation rates in areas with high phreatic watertables.
Spectral order isomorphisms and AW$AW$*‐factors
Authors: Bohata Martin
Published: January 2022

The paper deals with spectral order isomorphisms in the framework of *‐algebras. We establish that every spectral order isomorphism between sets of all self‐adjoint elements (or between sets of all effects, or between sets of all positive elements) in *‐factors of  Type I has a canonical form induced by a continuous function calculus and an isomorphism between projection lattices. In particular, this solves an open question about spectral order automorphisms of the set of all (bounded) self‐adjoint operators on an infinite‐dimensional Hilbert space. We also discuss spectral order isomorphisms preserving, in addition, orthogonality in both directions.
Disaster preparedness and core competencies among emergency nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chegini Zahra , Arab‐Zozani Morteza , Kakemam Edris , Lotfi Mojgan , Nobakht Afsaneh , Aziz Karkan Hanieh
Published: January 2022

Aim

With the rise in frequency and severity of disasters in recent decades, it is essentially important that nurses must be adequately prepared to handle them. This study was aimed to evaluate the levels of disaster core competencies and preparedness of nurses in the emergency department.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design was used.

Methods

This cross‐sectional research was conducted from August 2020 to December 2020 among 271 nurses in the emergency departments of six hospitals in Qazvin, Iran. The participants completed the “Nurses Perceptions of Disaster Core Competencies Scale” (NPDCC) (45 items) and the disaster preparedness (a single‐item visual scale). Data were analysed by one‐way analysis of variance, independent t‐tests and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean scores of disaster preparedness and core competencies of nurses were 6.75 out of 10 (SD = 1.63) and 2.88 out of 5 (SD = 0.80), respectively. "Technical skills" (mean = 3.24, SD = 0.91) were the highest and "communication skills" (mean = 2.57, SD = 0.95) were the lowest across the subscales of the scale. A significant association was found between disaster core competencies and preparedness of nurses (p < .001). Regression analysis results indicated that nursing disaster core competencies were perceived betted by older nurses (B = −0.405) who had experience in the disaster stage (B = 0.228) and nurses with disaster response experience (B = 0.223) and lower professional experience (B = 0.309). Nurses with a postdiploma degree (B = −0.480) and bachelor's degree (B = −0.416) were perceived to have lower disaster core competency than nurses with a master's or PhD degree.

Conclusion

There are still gaps in disaster preparedness and core competencies for emergency nurses that need to be addressed. Nursing managers must support an improvement in nursing disaster core competencies. This may be done by conducting sessions for routine disaster scenarios and providing formal disaster preparedness training.
Development and psychometric evaluation of nurses’ perception towards the gap between knowledge and practice
Authors: Gassas Roaa Sabri , Ahmed Mohamed Eldigire
Published: January 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to develop a survey instrument and psychometrically evaluate nurses’ perceptions of the gap between knowledge and practice. Although the nursing literature has widely documented a gap between knowledge and practice, no instrument has been developed to measure this gap.

Design

Psychometric analysis was done on 513 nurses working in different positions at two large hospitals in Jeddah City.

Methods

Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the internal consistency and reliability of the research instrument, and a panel of experts evaluated the validity of the tool's content.

Result

The content validity index computed from expert rankings was 0.89. Factor analysis yielded four major components: knowledge, practice, environment and learning. Cronbach's alpha indicated a high level of internal consistency and reliability for the component items. The newly developed scale will facilitate measuring nurses’ perceptions of the knowledge–practice gap in clinical settings.
A differentially diagnosed simple bone cyst from a medieval Polish osteological collection
Authors: Siek Thomas J. , Spinek Anna E.
Published: January 2022

This case study describes and provides a differential diagnosis for a femoral lesion. Individual M81 was a young adult male from Milicz, a 12th–13th century cemetery, and a subsection of the osteological collection curated by the Polish Academy of Sciences in Wrocław, Poland. The skeleton underwent standard anthropological analysis to estimate age‐at‐death and sex. The lesion was then evaluated through macroscopic and radiographic analyses, using clinical and paleopathological criteria. The right femur presented with abnormal bone contouring at the proximal metaphysis. A radiograph revealed a round, osteolytic lesion with a thin sclerotic border, located parallel to the long axis of the bone. The radiographic appearance of the lesion, along with the individual's estimated age‐at‐death and sex, lend to a differential diagnosis of a simple bone cyst. In paleopathology, there have been scant reports of cystic lesions and fewer reports of simple bone cysts. This case adds further data to a clinically common, yet underreported, pathology and may be the first case of a simple bone cyst reported from a Polish context.
Reconciling the prospect of disease progression with goals and expectations: Development and validation of a measurement model in advanced cancer
Authors: George Login S. , Polacek Laura C. , Lynch Kathleen , Prigerson Holly G. , Abou‐Alfa Ghassan K. , Atkinson Thomas M. , Epstein Andrew S. , Breitbart William
Published: January 2022

Objective

Among patients living with advanced, life‐limiting illness, reconciling the prospect of disease progression with future goals and expectations is a key psychological task, integral to treatment decision‐making and emotional well‐being. To date, this psychological process remains poorly understood with no available measurement tools. The present paper develops and validates a measurement model for operationalizing this psychological process.

Methods

In Phase 1, concept elicitation interviews were conducted among Stage IV lung, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic cancer patients, their caregivers, and experts (N = 19), to further develop our conceptual framework centered on assimilation and accommodation coping. In Phase 2, draft self‐report items of common assimilation and accommodation coping strategies were evaluated via patient cognitive interviews (N = 11).

Results

Phase 1 interviews identified several coping strategies, some of which aimed to reduce the perceived likelihood of disease progression (assimilation), and others aimed to integrate the likelihood into new goals and expectations (accommodation). The coping strategies appeared to manifest in patients' daily lives, and integrally related to their emotional well‐being and how they think about treatments. Phase 2 cognitive interviews identified items to remove and modify, resulting in a 31‐item measure assessing 10 assimilation and accommodation coping strategies.

Conclusions

The present work derived a content‐valid measure of the psychological process by which patients reconcile the prospect of disease progression with their goals and expectations. Further psychometric validation and use of the scale could identify intervention targets for enhancing patient decision‐making and well‐being.
Effects of tank‐mix adjuvants on physicochemical properties and dosage delivery at low dilution ratios for unmanned aerial vehicle application in paddy fields
Authors: Zhao Rui , Sun Zhe , Bird Neal , Gu Yu‐cheng , Xu Yong , Zhang Zhen‐hua , Wu Xue‐min
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been developed to improve the efficiency of pesticide applications, and they are now widely utilized in Asia. The deposition and retention periods of pesticides on plant surfaces present serious challenges for modern precision agriculture, as these factors directly affect pesticide bioavailability, efficacy, and loss. Tank‐mix adjuvants have been utilized to improve pesticide performance, but their effects on physicochemical properties and dosage delivery at low dilutions are not well understood.

RESULTS

We found that different tank‐mix adjuvants affected droplet impact behavior, the wetting and spreading of spray dilutions, and pesticide deposition on rice leaves by changing the physicochemical properties of spray dilutions. The adjuvant methyl oxirane polymer with oxirane, mono (3,5,5‐trimethylhexyl) ether (adjuvant c) significantly reduced the dynamic surface tension of the spray dilution and inhibited the rebound of large droplets (D0 = 2 ± 0.2 mm) and spray droplets (0.2 MPa with a LU‐01 nozzle) on rice leaves, and improved the wetting and spreading performance of the spray dilution on rice leaves. Field tests showed that adjuvant c could significantly increase the deposition of chlorantraniliprole on rice leaves.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the use of appropriate tank‐mix adjuvants at low dilution ratios for UAV application in paddy fields can improve the performance of spray dilutions, increase the effective deposition and wetting spread of pesticides on rice leaves, further reduce the dosage of pesticide products and improve pesticide utilization. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry
Return‐to‐baseline multiple imputation for missing values in clinical trials
Authors: Qu Yongming , Dai Biyue
Published: January 2022

Return‐to‐baseline is an important method to impute missing values or unobserved potential outcomes when certain hypothetical strategies are used to handle intercurrent events in clinical trials. Current return‐to‐baseline approaches seen in literature and in practice inflate the variability of the “complete” dataset after imputation and lead to biased mean estimators when the probability of missingness depends on the observed baseline and/or postbaseline intermediate outcomes. In this article, we first provide a set of criteria a return‐to‐baseline imputation method should satisfy. Under this framework, we propose a novel return‐to‐baseline imputation method. Simulations show the completed data after the new imputation approach have the proper distribution, and the estimators based on the new imputation method outperform the traditional method in terms of both bias and variance, when missingness depends on the observed values. The new method can be implemented easily with the existing multiple imputation procedures in commonly used statistical packages.
Synthesis of a Heavy‐Oil Viscosity Reducer Containing a Benzene Ring and Its Viscosity Reduction Mechanism
Authors: Yu Jie , Quan Hongping , Huang Zhiyu , Li Pengfei , Chang Shihao
Published: January 2022

In this study, a small molecular viscosity reducer containing benzene ring was synthesized and evaluated its ability of dispersing asphaltenes and resins. It is helpful for introduction of polar groups to dispersing asphaltene. Benzene ring structure can make viscosity reducer molecules penetrate into the stacking structure of asphaltene and resin better. The long carbon chain in the molecule can interact with paraffin to change the crystalline state of paraffin and reduce the viscosity of heavy oil. Therefore, viscosity reducer has the function of reducing viscosity of heavy oil. And the smaller molecular weight can effectively avoid the phenomenon of viscosity increase in the process of viscosity reduction due to the excessive molecular weight of viscosity reducer. The experimental results show that VR‐1 has good viscosity reduction ability. And VR‐1 has excellent effect on the dispersion of asphaltene and the reduction of particle size. The mechanism of viscosity reduction is studied, and the results are consistent with the experimental results.
Small Molecule Fluorescent Probes for Sensing and Bioimaging of Nitroreductase
Authors: Das Samarpita , Indurthi Harish K. , Asati Pulkit , Sharma Deepak K.
Published: January 2022

Hypoxia is a condition caused by a decrease in oxygen and is often seen in cases of cardiac ischemia, solid tumors, inflammation, and other diseases. Tumor hypoxia can result in cancer invasion, metastasis, decreased apoptosis, and resistance to various therapies (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy), ultimately reducing overall survival rates. These effects of hypoxia underline the need to monitor hypoxia‐associated specific markers for more effective therapeutic intervention. Nitroreductase (NTR) is a common biomarker of hypoxia, via its reduction activity with nitroaromatic compounds to corresponding amino derivatives using NADH and NADPH as cofactor. The NTR expression level can be correlated to cellular hypoxia. Therefore, developing a diagnostic tool for measuring NTR activity is of immense importance for improving treatment efficacies. To leverage NTR activity as a proxy of hypoxia, small molecule based fluorescent probes have been developed as quantifiable probes. To date, several NTR‐sensitive fluorescent probes have been reported. This review is focuses on the advances in these fluorescent NTR probes over the last five years.
Synthesis of Cu‐ZnO/Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogel as Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalyst for Organic Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Javed Mohsin , Qamar Muhammad Azam , Bahadur Ali , Fayyaz Muhammad , Akbar Ali , Alsaab Hashem O. , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A.
Published: January 2022

The present study illustrates the production of Cu‐doped ZnO nanocomposite with polyacrylic acid (PAA) microgel for the degradation of a coloured pollutant under sunlight. From 1 to 20 % Cu was doped into ZnO nanostructure (1–20 % Cu doped‐ZnO NPs) by the co‐precipitation method and applied for photocatalytic dye degradation. The 15CuZnO NPs exhibited the best dye degradation under sunlight. The 15CuZnO NPs were incorporated with PAA microgel through inverse phase polymerization under N2 gas atmosphere to yield the objective nanocomposite (PAA/CuZnO NC). The yielded composite showed an extreme rise in photocatalytic efficiency and completely mineralized MB in 60 minutes. The prepared composite showed better degradation of methylene blue than Cu‐doped ZnO nanoparticles under UV‐vis light radiation. The stability of PAA/CuZnO NC for photodegradation of dye was verified by a recycling experiment of the composite.
Catalytic Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Light Alkanes over Oxygen Functionalized Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Kumar Sonu , Lyalin Andrey , Huang Zhenguo , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: January 2022

The catalytic activity of oxygen functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) with >B−O−O−B< and >B−O−B< active sites at the zigzag edges for oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of light alkanes, specifically ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and isobutane (HC(CH3)3) is explored. It has been found that the reaction pathway involves two H atom transfer steps with small activation energies. We demonstrate that the synergy of two active sites, >B−O−O−B< and >B−O−B<, is crucial for the first and second H‐transfer, respectively. With the increase in molecular mass of the considered light alkanes, the ODH reaction temperature decreases. In the case of butane and isobutane, the ODH reaction occurs almost at the same temperature indicating that the reaction is independent of the shape of the isomer. The rate‐limiting nature of the first H‐transfer step is predicted. The charge redistribution during H‐transfers and localized oxygen atomic states in the conduction band are explored to suggest possible descriptors for the rational design of new catalysts. The universal action of the >B−O−O−B< and >B−O−B< active sites for ODH of the light alkanes paves the way for metal‐free BN‐based materials for future catalytic applications.
A Computational Study on Cycloaddition Reactions between Isatin Azomethine Imine and in situ Generated Azaoxyallyl Cation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Ying , Zhou Yongzhu
Published: January 2022

The cycloaddition reactions between isatin azomethine imine and in situ generated azaoxyallyl cation were explored by density functional theory calculations to elucidate the competition among different pathways. The [3+2] cycloaddition between azaoxyallyl cation and carbonyl group could proceed via either the N‐alkylated pathway or O‐alkylated pathway, which finally afforded the 4‐oxazolidinone or imidate skeleton, respectively. The exclusive formation of the 4‐oxazolidinone product should result from the higher stability and feasible conversion. The possibly competing [3+3] reaction between azaoxyallyl cation and azomethine imine was predicted to be less favorable kinetically than the [3+2] one. Lastly, charge and orbital analyses were performed on isatin azomethine imine to explain the observed reactivities.
ImprovedJscby Increasing the Absorber Layer Thickness of Monoclinic‐Dominated Cu2SnS3Thin Film Solar Cells Fabricated on Flexible Mo Foil
Authors: Jo Eunae , Kim Su Gil , Gour Kuldeep Singh , Jang Suyoung , Jang Jun Sung , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: January 2022

Cu2SnS3(CTS) has various crystal structures and a wide bandgap energy range of 0.93–1.77 eV, depending on the crystal structure. The optical properties of CTS are very similar to those of Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS)‐based materials, as reported extensively in the past and is therefore in the spotlight as an absorber material. However, CTS thin film solar cells (TFSCs) are mainly studied on non‐flexible substrates, and little research has been focused on flexible substrates. When a flexible substrate is applied to CTS TFSCs, Zn is omitted from CZTS‐based materials, reducing raw material costs and enabling a roll‐to‐roll fabrication process; hence, the economic benefit is doubled. When CTS TFSCs are fabricated on a Mo foil substrate, voids exist at the back interface and the device characteristics markedly deteriorate. To solve this problem, the thickness of the CTS absorber layer is increased in this study by doubling the thickness of the precursor. As a result, Cu, Sn, and S display a more uniform distribution in the absorber layer, which further improves the light‐absorbing characteristics of CTS TFSCs. Finally, a device with a power conversion efficiency of 1.31% is obtained.
Dual‐Functional Quantum Dot Seeding Growth of High‐Quality Air‐Processed CsPbI2Br Film for Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Shuaihang , Kang Cuiting , Huang Zhaoshuai , Zhang Zhengyan , Rao Huashang , Pan Zhenxiao , Zhong Xinhua
Published: January 2022

The high‐quality perovskite film is a prerequisite for high‐performance optoelectronic devices. Herein, CdSe colloidal quantum dots (QDs) serve as crystallization seeds for the first time to modulate the nucleation and crystal growth processes simultaneously of the CsPbI2Br film in the ambient environment. As additives, CdSe QDs help promote the nucleation process in the initial stage of perovskite formation. In addition, it is revealed that the surface ligands of QDs also have an essential influence on the subsequent crystal growth of the perovskite film. The bifunctional ligands on the surface of QDs are beneficial in delaying the growth process of perovskite due to the free functional groups at the ends. The CsPbI2Br film prepared with bifunctional organic ligand‐capped CdSe QD additives shows better crystallinity than that of the inorganic ligand‐based one due to the dual function of these kinds of QDs in not only promoting nucleation but also retarding crystal growth of CsPbI2Br crystals. As a result, the high‐quality CsPbI2Br film with a low defect state density is prepared in the ambient environment. The optimized efficiency of the assembled hole‐conductor‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) is increased from 12.73% to 14.49%, which is one of the best results for all‐inorganic C‐PSCs.