bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sometimes a punch is needed to get started: A case of complete aortic occlusion with complete heart block rescued with percussion pacing
Authors: Abd Ur Rehman Muhammad , Kassem Ahmed , Akram Hina , Almughalles Salah A. , Ahmad Shabbir
Published: February 2022

Complete heart block (CHB) is defined as the complete absence of atrioventricular conduction. Electrical pacing is the treatment of choice. We present a case of CHB which is interesting not only due to being a diagnostic dilemma in the emergency department but also for its management and the final diagnosis.
Two‐Dimensional MXene Supported Bismuth for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Liu Anmin , Liang Xingyou , Zhu Haiding , Ren Xuefeng , Gao Liguo , Gao Mengfan , Yang Yanan , Li Guangxin , Ma Tingli
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), as a green and sustainable ammonia (NH3) synthesis process, is considered to be the most promising alternative to the traditional Haber‐Bosch method for NH3 synthesis. However, this process requires a highly active electrocatalyst to overcome the problems of low NRR activity and selectivity. Herein, we deposited metallic bismuth nanoparticles on two‐dimensional Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets by a simple liquid phase reduction method to synthesize Bi@Ti3C2 nanocomposites. This composite material is a promising electrocatalyst for environmental electrocatalytic N2 fixation to NH3. Unexpectedly, the Bi@Ti3C2 composite obtains an excellent NH3 yield and Faraday efficiency as high as 28.3 μg h−1 cm−2 and 27.2 % at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 M KOH. The high NRR activity can be attributed to the unique N‐philic and H‐phobic characteristics of Bi atoms and the outstanding electronic conductivity of MXene. Moreover, the Bi@Ti3C2 composite catalyst also exhibited good cycling stability and durability of up to 24 h. This work highlights the potential importance of material design and will also expand the research and exploration of high‐efficiency NRR electrocatalysts.
Tandem Friedel‐Crafts‐Alkylation‐Enantioselective‐Protonation by Artificial Enzyme Iminium Catalysis
Authors: Leveson‐Gower Reuben B. , de Boer Ruben M. , Roelfes Gerard
Published: February 2022

The incorporation of organocatalysts into protein scaffolds holds the promise of overcoming some of the limitations of this powerful catalytic approach. Previously, we showed that incorporation of the non‐canonical amino acid para‐aminophenylalanine into the non‐enzymatic protein scaffold LmrR forms a proficient and enantioselective artificial enzyme (LmrR_pAF) for the Friedel‐Crafts alkylation of indoles with enals. The unnatural aniline side‐chain is directly involved in catalysis, operating via a well‐known organocatalytic iminium‐based mechanism. In this study, we show that LmrR_pAF can enantioselectively form tertiary carbon centres not only during C−C bond formation, but also by enantioselective protonation, delivering a proton to one face of a prochiral enamine intermediate. The importance of various side‐chains in the pocket of LmrR is distinct from the Friedel‐Crafts reaction without enantioselective protonation, and two particularly important residues were probed by exhaustive mutagenesis.
An Alternate [2×2] Grid Constructed Around TiO4N2 Units
Authors: Day Erin , Kauffmann Brice , Scarpi‐Luttenauer Matthieu , Chaumont Alain , Henry Marc , Mobian Pierre
Published: February 2022

The formation of a tetranuclear self‐assembled species constructed around a TiO4N2 motif is reported. This aggregate is generated from Ti(OiPr)4, 2,2’‐bipyrimidine (bpym) and a bis‐biphenol strand (L2H4) where two 2,2’‐biphenol units are connected with a biphenyl spacer. The solid‐state structure of the [Ti4(L2)4(bpym)4] architecture reveals the formation of an unprecedented chiral alternate [2×2] grid. In addition to the structural characterization of the [Ti4(L2)4(bpym)4] architecture, geometry optimisation on various possible isomeric tetrameric assemblies ([2×2] grid, alternate [2×2] grid, circular helicate or cyclic hemihelicate) is performed using DFT calculations. These results confirm the higher stability of the alternate [2×2] grid over the other possible tetranuclear isomers and allow examining the replacement of the bpym ligands by two novel diimine chelates within the tetranuclear assembly (2,2’‐bipyridine=bipy and 2,2’‐bipyrazine=bipyraz). From this initial theoretical investigation, the competition between these three nitrogen ligands in the course of the self‐assembly process is next evaluated. Overall, this investigation shows that the exclusive formation of the alternate [2×2] grid is driven by CH⋅⋅⋅N interactions.
A rare case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides with eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Hanaoka Yuma , Kiyohara Eiji , Tani Mamori , Kusakabe Shinsuke , Maeda Tetsuo , Tanemura Atsushi , Fujimoto Manabu
Published: February 2022

We describe the first case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) involving eosinophilic pneumonia (EP). It would be difficult to treat EP without CTCL treatment.
Evaluating the impact of multicancer early detection testing on health and economic outcomes: Toward a decision modeling strategy
Authors: Lipscomb Joseph , Horton Susan , Kuo Albert , Tomasetti Cristian
Published: February 2022

Emerging data provide initial support for the concept that a single, minimally invasive liquid biopsy test, performed in conjunction with confirmatory radiologic or other diagnostic testing, when indicated, could be deployed on a broad scale to screen individuals for multiple types of cancer. Ideally, such a test could do this in a way that yields a clinically important percentage of true‐positive indications of cancer while minimizing false‐positive signals. Modern decision modeling approaches can and should be deployed to investigate the health and economic consequences of such multicancer early detection (MCED) testing within defined at‐risk populations. In this paper, through small‐scale analyses involving 3 hypothetical MCED‐detectible cancers, the authors illustrate the potential for MCED testing to be cost‐effective, along with the pivotal role of test‐induced stage shift on results. The time is ripe for additional, prospective investigations of the clinical value of MCED testing, the benefits versus the risks for screened populations, and the overall projected impact on health outcomes and costs over time.
Disparities in pancreatic cancer care and research in Native Americans: Righting a history of wrongs
Authors: Kills First Claymore C. , Sutton Thomas L. , Shannon Jackilen , Brody Jonathan R. , Sheppard Brett C.
Published: February 2022

Disparities in pancreatic cancer incidence and outcomes exist in Native American populations. These disparities are multifactorial, difficult to quantify, and are influenced by historical, socioeconomic, and health care structural factors. The objective of this article was to assess these factors and offer a call to action to overcome them. The authors reviewed published data on pancreatic cancer in Native American populations with a focus on disparities in incidence, outcomes, and research efforts. The historical context of the interactions between Native Americans and the United States health care system was also analyzed to form actionable items to build trust and collaboration. The incidence of pancreatic cancer in Native Americans is higher than that in the general US population and has the worst survival of any major racial or ethnic group. These outcomes are influenced by a patient population with often poor access to high‐quality cancer care, historical trauma potentially leading to reduced care utilization, and a lack of research focused on etiologies and comorbid conditions that contribute to these disparities. A collaborative effort between nontribal and tribal leaders and cancer centers is key to addressing disparities in pancreatic cancer outcomes and research. More population‐level studies are needed to better understand the incidence, etiologies, and comorbid conditions of pancreatic cancer in Native Americans. Finally, a concerted, focused effort should be undertaken between nontribal and tribal entities to increase the access of Native Americans to high‐quality care for pancreatic cancer and other lethal malignancies.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus in head and neck cancers at tertiary care centers in the United States over time
Authors: Scott‐Wittenborn Nicholas , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Tewari Sakshi , Rooper Lisa , Troy Tanya , Drake Virginia , Bigelow Elaine O. , Windon Melina J. , Ryan William R. , Ha Patrick K. , Kiess Ana P. , Miles Brett , Westra William H. , Mydlarz Wojciech K. , Eisele David W. , Fakhry Carole
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for a growing proportion of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) among men and White individuals. Whether similar trends apply to women, non‐Whites, and non‐oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (non‐OPSCCs) is unknown.

METHODS

This is a cross‐sectional analysis combining 2 multi‐institutional case series of incident head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cases. Incident HNSCCs from 1995 to 2012 were enrolled retrospectively using banked tumor samples and medical record abstraction. Incident HNSCCs from 2013 to 2019 were enrolled prospectively. The prevalence of tumor HPV biomarkers was tested over 3 time periods (1995‐2003, 2004‐2012, and 2013‐2019). Centralized testing was done for p16 immunohistochemistry (p16) and oncogenic HPV in situ hybridization (ISH).

RESULTS

A total of 1209 incident cases of HNSCC were included. Prevalence of p16‐ and ISH‐positive tumors increased significantly for oropharynx cancers over time. The majority were positive after 2013 for White patients (p16, 92%; P < .001; ISH 94%; P < .001), Black patients (p16, 72%; P = .021; ISH 67%; P = .011), and Hispanic patients (p16, 100%; P = .04; ISH 100%; P = .013). For women with OPSCC, the prevalence of p16‐ and ISH‐positive tumors increased significantly to 82% (P < .001) and 78% (P = .004), respectively. For non‐OPSCCs, there was increased p16 and ISH positivity overall with 24% p16 and 16% ISH positivity in the most recent time period (P < .001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of OPSCCs in US tertiary care centers are now p16 and ISH positive for all sex and race groups. In some populations in the United States, 91% of OPSCCs are now caused by HPV. Few non‐OPSCCs are p16 and ISH positive.
Effective neighbor node discovery using improved Bayesian clock synchronization‐gossip routing protocol in mobile low duty cycle wireless sensor network
Authors: Bethi Sravankumar , Moparthi Nageswara Rao
Published: February 2022

In wireless application, mobile low duty cycle wireless sensor network (MLDC‐WSN) gained more attention among the researchers, because it includes advantages like growing node life, saving node power, and network reliability. However, the sleeping features and mobility of MLDC‐WSN results in topology change that restricts the speed of neighbor node discovery. To highlight this concern, a novel routing protocol named as improved Bayesian clock synchronization‐gossip routing protocol is proposed for an effective neighbor node discovery in MLDC‐WSN. The proposed routing protocol reduces end‐to‐end delay, and clock drifts problems. Also, the proposed routing protocol improves the clock synchronization and captures the neighbor discovery nodes by identifying the next neighbor set in the next moment, due to the prediction of the distance and movement speed of neighbors. Simulation and analytical results showed that the proposed routing protocol superiorly decreases the end‐to‐end delay and energy consumption compared to the existing algorithms.
The Dynamic Covalent Chemistry of Amidoboronates: Tuning the rac5/rac6 Ratio via the B−N and B−O Dynamic Covalent Bonds
Authors: Harders Patrick , Griebenow Thomas , Businski Artjom , Kaus Anton J. , Pietsch Lorenz , Näther Christian , McConnell Anna J.
Published: February 2022

Amidoboronates were prepared as a mixture of up to three isomers (rac5, meso5 and rac6) from the reductive coupling of N‐aryl iminoboronates with either cobaltocene or decamethylcobaltocene in acetonitrile. The interconversion of rac5 and rac6 isomers via rearrangement of their dynamic covalent B−N bonds was investigated in solution by redissolving isolated crystals. The aniline para substituent and catechol within the amidoboronates tuned the rac5/rac6 ratio; the rac6 isomer predominated for amidoboronates based on pyrocatechol, ranging from a ratio of 0 : 1 with electron‐withdrawing Cl substituents to 0.5 : 0.5 for electron‐donating NMe2 substituents. No interconversion was observed for the rac5 isomers of amidoboronates based on tetrachlorocatechol. Furthermore, the rac5/rac6 distribution was altered by catechol exchange of pyrocatechol for tetrachlorocatechol exploiting the dynamic covalent B−O bonds and the rac5 isomer was the major isomer following exchange.
Considerations for the Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second‐Based Comparative Clinical Endpoint Bioequivalence Studies for Orally Inhaled Drug Products
Authors: Lee Jieon , Feng Kairui , Conti Denise S. , Walenga Ross , Wientjes Michael , Wang Hezhen , Newman Bryan , Han Liangfeng , Dhapare Sneha , Bielski Elizabeth , Babiskin Andrew , Wu Fang , Donnelly Mark , Kim Myong‐Jin , Jiang Wenlei , Luke Markham C. , Fang Lanyan , Zhao Liang
Published: February 2022

Herein, we present the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Research and Standards’ current thinking, challenges, and opportunities for comparative clinical endpoint bioequivalence (BE) studies of orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs). Given the product‐associated complexities of OIDPs, the FDA currently uses an aggregate weight‐of‐evidence approach to demonstrate that a generic OIDP is bioequivalent to its reference listed drug. The approach utilizes comparative clinical endpoint BE or pharmacodynamic BE studies, pharmacokinetic BE studies, and in vitro BE studies to demonstrate equivalence, in addition to formulation sameness and device similarity. For the comparative clinical endpoint BE studies, metrics based on forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) are often the recommended clinical endpoints. However, the use of FEV1 can pose a challenge due to its large variability and a relatively flat dose‐response relationship for most OIDPs. The utility of applying dose‐scale analysis was also investigated by the FDA but often not recommended, due to either flat dose‐response relationships or insufficient clinical study data. As a potential way to reduce sample size, we found adapting covariate analysis only explained a limited portion of the variation based on further investigation. The FDA continues to develop alternative methods to make BE assessment of OIDPs more cost‐ and time‐efficient. Prospective generic drug applicants and academia are encouraged to participate in this effort by proposing new approaches in pre‐abbreviated new drug application meeting requests and collaborating in the form of grants and contracts under the Generic Drug User Fee Amendments (GDUFA) Regulatory Science and Research Program.
HDRM: A hole detection and recovery method in wireless sensor network
Authors: Papi Fataneh , Barati Hamid
Published: February 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of many sensor nodes, gathering data from the environment and sending it to base station (BS). One of the major challenges in WSNs is coverage maintenance. Since batteries provide sensor nodes' energy, battery depletion leads to the death of sensor nodes; when several nodes are dead, connectivity is lost, and network coverage fails. This paper proposed a method consisting of two phases to provide and maintain coverage in WSNs. In the first phase, hole detection is performed through a simple distributed method with low overhead. Nodes explore whether there are holes around them or not. In the second phase, coverage holes are covered by mobile nodes. When the number of holes exceeds mobile nodes, the holes with the highest priority and the shortest distance to mobile nodes will be selected. The performance of the proposed method (HDRM) was compared with Dezfuli et al. method, PEAS‐LI, CACA, Dezfuli et al. method, and Verma et al. method in terms of average coverage percentage, the average number of alive nodes, energy consumption, and network lifetime. The results of the simulation reveal that the proposed method leads to a decrease in the energy consumption of network, an increase in network lifetime, and improved coverage in the network.
Positive effect of filtration additives for increasing environmental DNA detections in summer and winter oceanic waters
Authors: Ahn Hyojin , Asano Yusuke , Suzuki Shota , Ooki Atsushi
Published: February 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a convenient biodiversity monitoring tool, and many studies have focused on river and coastal areas, while deep‐water oceanic surveys are rare. However, using eDNA techniques to learn about oceanic communities may also be a useful approach. We tested methods to enhance ocean eDNA collections adding four different materials (sediment, diatomite, zirconia bead, and molecular sieve) in combination with 0.45‐μm pore size filter, also compared 0.22‐μm pore size filter, using five 2‐L volume replicates. The experiments were conducted off the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Japan, in summer and winter. The winter trial also included a larger water volume (10 L, duplicate) experimental treatment. The added diatomite showed the highest number of detected operational taxonomic units (OTU) in the summer trial, while sediment and beads showed higher numbers in winter. GLM analysis showed that pore size does not affect the number of OTUs, while season and the other four additive materials were significant effects. The added materials in the water likely trapped more eDNA and prevented it from passing through the filters. The 10‐L filtered sample had more OTUs than combining five replicates of 2‐L filtered samples. Comparison among the same trial revealed that DNA composition in the water is variable, and detected species differed even in the same water sample. Species richness and diversity were higher in winter than in summer, and species compositions differed between seasons. The greater numbers of species detected using filtration additives suggest these methods could be useful for eDNA ocean biodiversity surveys.
Measuring the grain‐size distributions of mass movement deposits
Authors: Harvey Erin L. , Hales Tristram C. , Hobley Daniel E. J. , Liu Jie , Fan Xuanmei
Published: February 2022

Mass movement deposit grain‐size distributions (GSDs) record initiation, transport and deposition mechanisms, and contribute to the rate at which sediment is exported from hillslopes to channels. Defining the GSD of a mass movement deposit is a significant challenge because they are often difficult to access, are heterogeneous in planform and with depth, contain grain sizes from clay (<63 μm) to boulders (>1 m), and require considerable time to calculate accurately. There are numerous methods used to measure mass movement GSDs, but no single method alone can measure the entire range of grain sizes. This paper compares five common methods for determining mass movement deposit GSDs to assess how their accuracy may affect their applicability to different research areas. We applied an automated wavelet analysis (pyDGS), Wolman pebble counts, survey tape counts, manual photo counts and sieving to three different mass movement deposits (two debris flows, one rockslide) in Tredegar, Wales and the Longmen Shan, China. We found that pyDGS and survey tape counts produced comparable GSDs to sieving over a single order of magnitude. PyDGS required calibration to achieve accurate results, limiting its use for many applications. In Tredegar, Wolman pebble counts over‐estimated grain sizes in the lower 80% of the distribution relative to the other four methods used. We demonstrate that method choice can introduce significant uncertainties, particularly at the edges of the distributions, such that D16 values differ by up to a factor of five. These methodological uncertainties limit GSD comparisons across studies, particularly where these are used to infer processes within deposits. To minimize these challenges, the methods chosen should be both carefully reported and consistent with the research question.
Resource optimization in UAV‐assisted wireless networks—A comprehensive survey
Authors: Basharat Mehak , Naeem Muhammad , Qadir Zakria , Anpalagan Alagan
Published: February 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are inevitable to meet the requirements of future wireless networks. Recently, researchers have investigated diverse issues related to UAV‐assisted networks (including placement of UAVs, resource management, and spectrum sharing) for a broad range of applications, including disaster management, data collection from the ground sensor network, surveillance, logistic support, etc. This article presents a comprehensive survey of recent advances in UAV‐assisted networks. We mainly emphasize the optimization perspective of UAV‐assisted wireless networks with different objectives, including coverage area, throughput, energy efficiency, quality of service, delay, and outage probability. We provide a detailed discussion for each objective with their constraints, optimization problem, solution approach, and performance metrics. We also provide relationships among different objectives and parameters considered in the literature. Finally, we list open research issues and future research directions to improve UAV‐assisted wireless networks in the context of optimization.
Identification of priority management practices for soil erosion control through estimation of runoff and sediment yield using soil and water assessment tool on Salma watershed in Afghanistan
Authors: Sadiqi Sayed Shah Jan , Hong Eun‐Mi , Nam Won‐Ho
Published: February 2022

To reduce reservoir sedimentation, sustainable water resource management necessitates the identification and control of significant erosion zones. The SWAT (soil and water assessment tool) distributed model was used to analyse runoff and sediment output, identify major erosion basins in the Salma dam, and assess best management practices for reducing sediment transport to reservoirs in order to extend their usable life. The groundwater delay and groundwater discharge regression for water discharge and soil depth, and Manning's coefficient of channel roughness for sediment yield, were the most sensitive factors. In the temporal assessment for the calibration and validation periods, SWAT reproduced the simulated daily flows and sediment loads. According to the water balance, actual evapotranspiration predominated, accounting for around 42% of the basin's average annual precipitation. The model revealed that the majority of the catchments were in the very severe erosion class, with extremely high‐prone catchments in the minority, demonstrating the model's potential for implementing and evaluating the effects of management options. According to the simulation exclusion fence, streambank stabilization, conservation crop rotation, check dams, brush layering, brush mattress and terracing can all be utilized to minimize soil erosion in the research areas. This research can be used to formulate a strategy for reducing sediment loads in the Salma as well as similar watersheds in Afghanistan.
The effects of artificial lighting on sports turf
Authors: Abélard Etienne , Galbrun Christophe
Published: February 2022

Growing sports turf in a stadium can be a challenge for greenkeepers. The desire to reduce impact of weather conditions during sporting events and to increase human comfort has led to the development of semi‐ or fully closed stadia, resulting in significant shade for the turf pitch. Light reduction becomes a limiting factor for the growth of turfgrass leading to decreased quality and wear tolerance of the playing surfaces. Thereby the use of lighting in stadia is more and more common and is now considered as a requirement to maintain high‐quality playing surfaces. Most stadia use conventional high‐pressure sodium (HPS) technology as artificial lighting. Lighting is used in stadia to improve turf in low‐light conditions by allowing accelerated regrowth of the turf, through the optimization of photosynthesis. However, these HPS lamps are very energy intensive and not sustainable. Therefore, more and more stadia have chosen to go into light‐emitting diode (LED) lighting. This study was performed to determine the effects of artificial lighting (HPS and LED) on turf quality, turf density, and wear tolerance of different cool‐seasons grass species used for sports fields under shaded conditions. This experiment showed that (a) rough meadow‐grass (Poa trivialis) significantly thrives in shade, and (b) HPS and LED lighting sources yielded similar results for all turfgrass species investigated. Thereby, our results suggest that artificial lighting can significantly improve cool‐season turfgrass under shade for turf quality, turf density, and wear tolerance.
A meta‐analysis of neurofeedback for treating anxiety‐spectrum disorders
Authors: Russo G. Michael , Balkin Richard S. , Lenz A. Stephen
Published: February 2022

Despite the documented efficacy of neurofeedback (NFB) in the treatment of people with anxious symptomatology, many insurance companies identify NFB as experimental, which prohibits individuals from utilizing benefits to obtain this therapeutic treatment. In order to examine this discrepancy, the present meta‐analyses were conducted to examine the overall effectiveness of NFB, examine the impact of participant characteristics, and identify the extent of the differences in anxiety‐spectrum outcomes. Twenty‐six articles were divided based on design (12 single group (SG); 14 between‐group (BG)) and analyzed in separate meta‐analyses. Overall, results indicated that anxiety‐spectrum self‐report assessments were reduced by nearly one (SG SDM= −0.94; BG g = −0.87) standard deviation unit with relatively small degrees of bias. This study reports findings from the first exhaustive search of the literature, which included articles coming from a total of 17 databases/repositories. Applications of the findings are limited to Caucasian adults with symptoms of anxiety or PTSD.
PBLMM: Peptide‐based linear mixed models for differential expression analysis of shotgun proteomics data
Authors: Klann Kevin , Münch Christian
Published: February 2022

Here, we present a peptide‐based linear mixed models tool—PBLMM, a standalone desktop application for differential expression analysis of proteomics data. We also provide a Python package that allows streamlined data analysis workflows implementing the PBLMM algorithm. PBLMM is easy to use without scripting experience and calculates differential expression by peptide‐based linear mixed regression models. We show that peptide‐based models outperform classical methods of statistical inference of differentially expressed proteins. In addition, PBLMM exhibits superior statistical power in situations of low effect size and/or low sample size. Taken together our tool provides an easy‐to‐use, high‐statistical‐power method to infer differentially expressed proteins from proteomics data.
An investigation into the relationship between social support, stress, and psychological well‐being in farmers
Authors: Deegan Avril , Dunne Simon
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the stress‐buffering effect of social support on psychological well‐being and impact of demographic factors on stress in a sample of farmers. One‐hundred and ninety‐six farmers completed an online questionnaire including measures of social support, stress, psychological well‐being, and demographics. Overall, after controlling for stress, increased social support was associated with higher psychological well‐being. Family support had a significant relationship with financial and farm‐related factors of stress but not with psychological well‐being, while friend and significant other support had a much greater impact on psychological well‐being than family support. Membership of a farming organisation was found to be protective against social stress while working on one type of farm only (e.g., dairy) was protective against financial stress. The findings highlight the potential utility of the stress‐buffering model in understanding stress among farmers. Future interventions which facilitate social support, reduce stress, and boost psychological well‐being among farmers are needed.
“All emigrants are up to the physical, mental, and moral standards required”: A tale of two child rescue schemes
Authors: Sims‐Schouten Wendy , Weindling Paul
Published: February 2022

The current paper critically assesses and reflects on the ideals and realities of two major (British) child migration schemes, namely the British Home Child scheme (1869–1930) and the Kindertransport scheme (1938–1940), to add to current understandings of their place within wider international histories of child migration, moral reforms, eugenics, settlement, and identity. Specifically, we focus on constructions of “mentally and physically deficient” children/young people, informed by eugenic viewpoints and biological determinism, and how this guided inclusion and exclusion decisions in both schemes. Both schemes made judgements regarding which children should be included/excluded in the schemes or returned to their country of origin (as was the case with children in the Canadian child migration scheme) fueled by a type of eugenics oriented to transplanting strong physical and psychologically resilient specimens. By viewing the realities of the child migration schemes, including the varied experiences and narratives in relation to child migrants, in light of eugenicist narratives of difference, pathology, victimhood, and contamination, we shed a light on uneven practices, formations of power, and expectations of the times.
A comprehensive review on emerging trends in industrial wastewater research
Authors: Malik Sumira , Kishore Shristi , Prasad Shilpa , Shah Maulin P.
Published: February 2022

Rapid industrialization is one of the intricate factors that is linked to the depletion of water resources and increased generation of wastewater. Due to various obstructions and impediments, such as ineffective treatment solutions, exorbitant prices, lack of basic amenities, insufficient financial assistance, and technical expertise, sustainable treatment of industrial effluents has become an onerous process in most parts of the world. The majority of current treatment solutions are conventional and outdated, and thus fall short to remove all the contaminants efficiently from the industrial wastewater. Moreover, poorly treated or untreated industrial effluents are indiscriminately dumped into water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers, causing substantial health hazards to humans and animals and serious threats to the aquatic ecosystem. Thus, there is a need for highly efficient, cost‐effective, and sustainable technologies for the treatment of industrial wastewater. Employment of microbial technologies such as microbial fuel cells and microalgal technologies, treatment of wastewater can be coupled with the production of bioelectricity and valuable biomass, respectively. Moreover, with nanofiltration and biochar technologies, the efficiency of the overall treatment procedure can be increased to a greater extent. The present review aims to highlight opportunities and challenges associated with some of the emerging trends in industrial wastewater research.
Regulation of ECP fimbriae‐related genes by the transcriptional regulator RcsAB in Klebsiella pneumoniae NTUH‐K2044
Authors: Shen Lifei , Zhang Jiaxue , Xue Jian , Du Ling , Yuan Lingyue , Nie Hao , Dai Sue , Yu Qian , Li Yingli
Published: February 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the major pathogens causing nosocomial infections. The regulator of capsule synthesis (Rcs) system is a complex signal transduction pathway that is involved in the regulation of virulence factors of K. pneumoniae as an important transcriptional regulator. The RcsAB box‐like sequence was found to be present in the promoter‐proximal regions of ykgK, one of the ECP fimbriae‐related genes, which suggested the expression of ECP fimbriae may be regulated by RcsAB. The ykgK gene in K. pneumoniae has 86% similarity to the ecpR gene in Escherichia coli. Nucleotide sequence alignment revealed a similar ECP fimbriae gene cluster including six genes in K. pneumoniae, which was proved to be on the same operon in this study. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I assay, relative fluorescence expression, β‐galactosidase activity, and relative gene expression of ykgK in the wild‐type and mutant strains were performed to determine the transcriptional regulation mechanism of RcsAB on ECP fimbriae. The mutant ΔykgK and complementary strain ΔykgK/cΔykgK were constructed to complete the Galleria mellonella larvae infection experiment and biofilm formation assay. This study showed that RcsAB binds directly to the promoter region of the ykgK gene to positively regulate ECP fimbriae‐related gene clusters, and then positively affect the biofilm formation.
The interactive effects of temperature and nutrients on a spring phytoplankton community
Authors: Anderson Stephanie I. , Franzè Gayantonia , Kling Joshua D. , Wilburn Paul , Kremer Colin T. , Menden‐Deuer Susanne , Litchman Elena , Hutchins David A. , Rynearson Tatiana A.
Published: February 2022

A complex interplay of environmental variables impacts phytoplankton community composition and physiology. Temperature and nutrient availability are two principal factors driving phytoplankton growth and composition, but are often investigated independently and on individual species in the laboratory. To assess the individual and interactive effects of temperature and nutrient concentration on phytoplankton community composition and physiology, we altered both the thermal and nutrient conditions of a cold‐adapted spring phytoplankton community in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, when surface temperature was 2.6°C and chlorophyll > 9 μg L−1. Water was incubated in triplicate at −0.5°C, 2.6°C, and 6°C for 10 d. At each temperature, treatments included both nutrient amendments (N, P, Si addition) and controls (no macronutrients added). The interactive effects of temperature and resource availability altered phytoplankton growth and community structure. Nutrient amendments resulted in species sorting and communities dominated by larger species. Under replete nutrients, warming tripled phytoplankton growth rates, but under in situ nutrient conditions, increased temperature acted antagonistically, reducing growth rates by as much as 33%, suggesting communities became nutrient limited. The temperature–nutrient interplay shifted the relative proportions of each species within the phytoplankton community, resulting in more silica rich cells at decreasing temperatures, irrespective of nutrients, and C : N that varied based on resource availability, with nutrient limitation inducing a 47% increase in C : N at increasing temperatures. Our results illustrate how the temperature–nutrient interplay can alter phytoplankton community dynamics, with changes in temperature amplifying or exacerbating the nutrient effect with implications for higher trophic levels and carbon flux.
Study on two‐phase lubrication characteristics of the meshing pair in a single‐screw compressor
Authors: Huang Rui , Zhao Boyang , Chen Guoqing , Zhou Kang , Wang Wei , Sun Shuaihui
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the lubrication state of the meshing pair in a single‐screw compressor is analysed. The two‐phase lubrication flow field numerical calculation model and the multi‐tooth coupling circumferential torque calculation model are established. The oil film pressure and the circumferential torque of multi‐tooth at 0%–60% air volume fraction (AVF) inlet are studied. Results show that the AVF at the inlet plays an important role in the promotion of the peak and average pressures of the oil flow field for certain star‐wheel rotation angles. For other star‐wheel rotation angles, the aforementioned pressure may even be weakened. For multi‐tooth coupling, the star‐wheel circumferential torque with inlet AVF of 20%, 40% and 60% is 15.3%, 13.1% and 6.8% higher than that with inlet pure oil, respectively. This shows that the existence of bubbles at the inlet increases the unbalanced circumferential torque of the star‐wheel and increases the possibility of wear of the teeth.
Numerical and experimental investigation of fiber metal laminates with elastomeric layers under low‐velocity impact
Authors: Zarezadeh‐mehrizi Mohammad Amin , Liaghat Gholamhossein , Ahmadi Hamed , Taherzadeh‐Fard Alireza , Khodadadi Amin
Published: February 2022

This study aims to investigate the effects of elastomers on fiber metal laminates (FMLs) subjected to low‐velocity impact loads. A compounded natural rubber layer was added to conventional FMLs containing glass/epoxy composite plies and Al 6061‐T6 layers, measuring its effect on the behavior of the structure in low‐velocity indentation at energy levels of 25 and 45 J. It was found that the addition of an elastomeric layer to the back face of the composite layer increased structural toughness, pre‐fracture deformation, and specific energy absorption while reducing damage and the maximum load. Moreover, positioning the elastomer at a closer distance to the frontal face reduced maximum load and energy absorption capacity. Then, the standard material characterization of tensile, shear, and compressive were performed via the universal testing machine and the split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. A numerical model was developed based on the advanced finite element code of LS‐DYNA, and the results were validated by comparison to the experimental data.
A modified classic‐micromechanics approach to predict effective elastic properties of nanoparticles reinforced polymers
Authors: Karimi Dona Mohammad Hosein , Tahri‐behrooz Fathollah , Mohammadi Bijan
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to develop modified analytical models using micromechanical methods that can effectively estimate the elastic modulus of a polymeric composite material containing nanoparticle fillers. Relying on the Eigen‐strain concept in nanoparticle and matrix, Eshelby correlations initially developed for solid defects are revised. Also, an improved Mori–Tanaka and self‐consistent model were proposed based on the modified Eshelby equivalent inclusion approach, accordingly. The effective elastic properties including Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were estimated using new models and compared to the conventional and previously developed micromechanical models. Also, the estimated values were validated using the experimentally determined elastic properties. For the experimental program, CB/Elastomer nanocomposite specimens were fabricated and tested. Numerical computations indicate that the new models can well and more accurately predict the experiment at the small particle concentration.
Parental motivations for and adaptation to trio‐exome sequencing in a prospective prenatal testing cohort: Beyond the diagnosis
Authors: Talati Asha N. , Gilmore Kelly L. , Hardisty Emily E. , Lyerly Anne D. , Rini Christine , Vora Neeta L.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To understand motivations for and parental interpretation of results from trio‐exome sequencing (ES) for fetal anomalies with a negative standard genetic diagnosis.

Methods

Analysis of an ongoing, prospective prenatal trio‐ES study of pregnancies with ultrasound‐identified congenital anomalies and lack of a standard genetic diagnosis. After determination of pregnancy disposition, participants completed questionnaires and a semi‐structured interview pre‐ and post‐sequencing. Interviews were analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory methodology to identify themes. Associations between themes and ES result were also examined.

Results

One hundred twenty‐six trios have been sequenced. Of those, 45 (36%) resulted in fetal diagnosis. One hundred twenty‐five women completed pre‐sequencing surveys, and 91 women completed post‐sequencing surveys. The main themes identified include (1) variable reasons to pursue ES, (2) limited expectations but high hopes from ES, (3) parental adaptation to uncertain results, (4) impact on personal health and reproduction, and (5) gratitude for the process.

Conclusion

Participants pursued ES for various reasons, most often to identify a diagnosis and guide reproduction. Post‐sequencing, most participants described the process, their interpretation of results, and the impact of receiving the results. Less frequently, but of most concern, participants expressed anxiety about testing and implications for themselves, relationships, and other family members, thus identifying an area of high need for additional support among patients undergoing prenatal ES.
A peroxo‐Mo(VI)/Mo(VI)‐mediated redox synthesis of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones and their aggregation‐induced emission property and mechanism
Authors: Chi Mei , Xiong Wu‐Lin , Yang Dong‐Zhao , Fan Cong‐Bin , Shi Rong‐Wei , Gong Shan‐Shan , Sun Qi
Published: February 2022

An efficient method based on peroxo‐Mo(VI)/Mo(VI) redox cycle for ambient‐temperature synthesis of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones has been developed. Catalytic phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) exhibits Lewis acid and oxidative dehydrogenation activities at different phases of the reaction, and the true oxidative catalytic species was identified as peroxo‐Mo(VI) Keggin cluster. Surprisingly, we found that aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is a generic property that has long been neglected for quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones. Theoretical calculation results well rationalized their photophysical behaviors and elucidated their AIE mechanism as restriction of access to dark state (RADS). The crystallographic analysis of two representative quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones not only revealed their packing mode and weak intermolecular actions but also supported the molecular conformations obtained by theoretical calculations.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of placebo effect in clinical trials on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Morozov Andrey , Bazarkin Andrey , Babaevskaya Diana , Taratkin Mark , Kozlov Vasily , Suvorov Aleksandr , Spivak Leonid , McFarland Jonathan , Russo Giorgio I. , Enikeev Dmitry ,   EAU‐YAU Sexual and Reproductive Health Working Group
Published: February 2022

Background

It is a common practice to control efficacy of pharmacological treatment with a placebo group. However, placebo itself may affect subjective and even objective results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the placebo effect on symptoms of CP/CPPS to improve future clinical trials.

Methods

A search at three databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) was conducted to identify double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trials on the treatment of CP/CPPS published until April 2021. The primary outcome – National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI) score. Secondary outcomes: Qmax, PVR, IPSS, and prostate volume.

Results

A total of 3502 studies were identified. Placebo arms of 42 articles (5512 patients, median 31 patients) were included in the systematic review. Systematic review identified positive changes in the primary endpoint, meta‐analysis of 10 articles found that NIH‐CPSI total score results were significantly influenced by placebo, mean difference −4.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −6.31, −2.09). Mean difference of NIH‐CPSI pain domain was −2.31 (95% CI: −3.4, −1.21), urinary domain −1.12 (95% CI: −1.62, −0.62), quality of life domain −1.67 (95% CI: −2.38, −0.96); p < 0.001 for all. In case of the objective indicator – Qmax, there were three articles included in the meta‐analysis. Qmax mean change from baseline was 0.68 (95% CI: −0.85, 2.22, p = 0.38). Systematic review showed no significant changes in pain, measured by VAS or other scores, IPSS and PVR.

Conclusions

Placebo significantly affected the subjective parameters (NIH‐CPSI) and limitedly affected various other measurements of pain (visual analog scale, McGill pain questionnaire). There was no long‐term effect on IPSS and objective measurements (Qmax, PVR). This study can be used in further clinical trials to develop general rules of CPPS treatment assessment.
A gain‐tuning method for almost disturbance decoupling problems of nonlinear systems with zero dynamics
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Wang Zhengqi , Wang Wilson
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a gain‐tuning method for almost disturbance decoupling problems of nonlinear systems with zero dynamics is developed. Firstly, a linear subsystem is formed by linearizing the nonlinear system. Then, a linear matrix inequality can be formed for the linear subsystem. After that, a linear state‐feedback controller can be obtained by solving the linear matrix inequality. A nonlinear state‐feedback controller can be obtained for the original nonlinear system by using backstepping design method. Another linear state‐feedback controller can be derived by linearizing the nonlinear state‐feedback controller. Finally, the backstepping gains can be solved by equating the two linear controllers. The detailed derivations of the method are provided. Some comparisons with the existing techniques are discussed. Moreover, the designed method is verified by simulations and some comparisons are made accordingly.
Novel Epoxidation/Oxygenation Method toward Bioactive Cephalostatins Using Common Alkaline Metals
Authors: Nawasreh M. M.
Published: February 2022

Cephalostatins (e. g. cephalostatin 1) are a class of natural products that exert extraordinary antitumor activity with the presence of a significant number of oxygen atoms either in etheric, alcoholic, or epoxydic form. Here, we describe a novel epoxidation method of ▵14,15 bond of the symmetrical bis‐steroidal pyrazine (BSP) (the diketone 2) using only grounded lithium metal in dry THF. This chemo and regioselective method which forms an environmentally begin solved one of the major challenges that overcome the N‐oxide formation in BSP's. The epoxidized products underwent a regioselective reduction with sodium borohydride NaBH4 yielding 15α‐hydroxy derivatives. Interestingly, the triol derivative 5 was found to exert a powerful activity against the three selected cancer cell lines: K562, MCF‐7, and DU‐145 using MTT assay (average GI50<0.1 μM). Noteworthy, the BSP 7 (with vicinal‐diol functionality) was obtained when the epoxidized derivatives 4 was treated with sodium metal in dry THF.
Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles for Biomedical Applications Using Multifunctional Magnetic Nanomaterials
Authors: Yang Letao , Patel Kapil D. , Rathnam Christopher , Thangam Ramar , Hou Yannan , Kang Heemin , Lee Ki‐Bum
Published: February 2022

Extracellular vesicles (e.g., exosomes) carrying various biomolecules (e.g., proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) have rapidly emerged as promising platforms for many biomedical applications. Despite their enormous potential, their heterogeneity in surfaces and sizes, the high complexity of cargo biomolecules, and the inefficient uptake by recipient cells remain critical barriers for their theranostic applications. To address these critical issues, multifunctional nanomaterials, such as magnetic nanomaterials, with their tunable physical, chemical, and biological properties, may play crucial roles in next‐generation extracellular vesicles (EV)‐based disease diagnosis, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. As such, one aims to provide cutting‐edge knowledge pertaining to magnetic nanomaterials‐facilitated isolation, detection, and delivery of extracellular vesicles and their associated biomolecules. By engaging the fields of extracellular vesicles and magnetic nanomaterials, it is envisioned that their properties can be effectively combined for optimal outcomes in biomedical applications.