bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected White Phosphorus (P4) Activation Modes with Silylene‐Substitutedo‐Carboranes and Access to an Isolable 1,3‐Diphospha‐2,4‐disilabutadiene
Authors: Xiong Yun , Dong Shicheng , Yao Shenglai , Zhu Jun , Driess Matthias
Published: May 2022

New types of metal‐free white phosphorus (P4) activation are reported. While the phosphine‐silylene‐substituted dicarborane1, CB‐SiP(CB=ortho‐C,C′‐C2B10H10,Si=PhC(tBuN)2Si,P=P[N(tBu)CH2]2), activates white phosphorus in a 2 : 1 molar ratio to yield the P5‐chain containing species2, the analogous bis(silylene)‐substituted compound3, CB‐Si2,reacts with P4in the molar ratio of 2 : 1 to furnish the first isolable 1,3‐diphospha‐2,4‐disilabutadiene (Si=P−Si=P‐containing) compound4. For the latter reaction, two intermediates having a CB‐Si2P4and CB‐Si2P2core could be observed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The compounds2and4were characterized including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. Their electronic structures and mechanisms were investigated by density functional theory calculations.
Molecular dynamics simulation on the crystallization behavior of cyclic polyethylene affected by functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wei Yangyang , Zhou Zhiping , Hao Tongfan , Nie Yijing
Published: May 2022

In this work, the effects of functionalized carbon nanofillers (i.e., CNT‐g‐PE prepared by carbon nanotubes grafted with linear polyethylene) on the crystallization of cyclic polyethylene were revealed by molecular dynamics simulation, and compared with that of pure cyclic polyethylene(C‐PE) and carbon nanotube / cyclic polyethylene blends(C‐PE/CNT). The simulation results show that the CNT‐g‐PE has an anti‐nucleation effect on the cyclic polyethylene, the crystallinity and crystallization rate of the C‐PE/CNT‐g‐PE system are significantly lower than those of the other systems. This phenomenon can be explained by the topological effect when linear polyethylene chains grafted on carbon nanotubes are mixed with cyclic polyethylene. It is observed from the micro‐scale that when the linear polyethylene chains are in contact with cyclic polyethylene, the cyclic chains are passed through by the linear chains to form a transient entanglement network, further affecting the dynamic process of the molecular chains. The diffusion and orientation of the cyclic polyethylene molecular chain are inhibited. This limits the crystal nucleation efficiency and growth kinetics. These simulation results not only support some experimental findings, but also confirm some microscopic phenomena that are difficult to observe in the experiment, which provides some inspirations for the experimental design of high‐performance nanocomposite materials.
Granular Activated Carbon Contactors for Small Water System DBP Compliance
Authors: Deem Steve
Published: May 2022

Key Takeaways

Two small surface water systems located on islands off the state of Washington's coast implemented a sustainable treatment approach that minimizes disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation.

Installing and operating granular activated carbon (GAC) contactors has resulted in full compliance with DBP levels, while achieving other water quality improvements.

Operators use ultraviolet transmittance to assess direct filtration treatment for removal of DBP precursors and to determine GAC media performance in real time.
Publication tips: How to write scientific articles that master the publication process and communicate your ideas efficiently
Authors: Soares João B. P.
Published: May 2022

This article gives insights on how to write, submit, revise, and publish articles in scientific peer‐reviewed journals. I will focus on chemical engineering, but my suggestions apply to other natural sciences and engineering journals as well. I will start by discussing how to write the cover letter and the text of your article, emphasizing the importance of using clear language and highlighting the novelty of your results. I will then suggest how to prepare eye‐catching figures and tables that communicate your ideas effectively. Next, I will discuss the peer‐review process, explaining the roles of editors and reviewers, as well as how to revise your article and craft a rebuttal letter. I will also explain ethical misconduct in scientific publications.
Stress distribution and microgap formation in angulated zirconia abutments with a titanium base in narrow diameter implants: A 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuqiang , Yu Ping , Yu Haiyang
Published: May 2022

This in vitro study aimed to use failure stress and implant abutment interface (IAI) microgap size to find the compromised axial angle range of angulated zirconia abutments with a titanium base in narrow diameter implants in the esthetic region. A three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model of maxillary central incisor implant prosthesis was reconstructed. Angulated zirconia abutments (0°, 15°, 30°, and − 15°) with a titanium base in narrow diameter implants (3.3 × 12 mm, Bone level, Roxolid SLActive, Straumann AG, Switzerland) were designed to simulate clinical scenarios of buccal inclination 0°, 15°, and 30°, and palatal inclination 15° of the implant long axis. Straight titanium abutment and pure titanium implant were used as two control groups. An oblique force at 30° inclination to the long axis of the crown was applied 3 mm below the incisal edge on the palatal surface of the prosthesis. Under simulated dynamic chewing force, the stress distribution of the implant components and surrounding bone were investigated. The relative micromotion displacement between the implant and abutment models at the IAI area was recorded, and the influence of tightening torque on the IAI microgap was evaluated. The angulation of the zirconia abutment could affect the stress value and IAI microgap of implant restorations. When the zirconia abutment angle increased from −15° to 30°, the stress on the central screw, titanium base, and surrounding bone tissue gradually increased by 9%, 20%, and 23%, respectively. The stress levels of the 30° zirconia abutment group showed the risk of exceeding the threshold. When the long axis of the implant was inclined in the palatal direction, the −15° angle abutment reduced the stress by 3% and reduced the strain level of the implant system by 17% and the surrounding bone tissue by 26%. Under simulated dynamic chewing load, the displacement between the implants and the abutment occurred in each group of the implant system, and the amplitude of the micromotion fluctuated with the change in the load. The horizontal displacement caused a 0.075–1.459 μm palatal microgap and 0.091–0.945 μm distal microgap in the IAI. The microgap between the lip and palate was more evident, and the vertical displacement difference was manifested as the abutment sliding down the implant. In cases of upper implant restoration with difficulties such as small gaps and axial defects in the esthetic zone, the abutment angle is highly recommended to be in a slightly palatal‐inclined direction or to not exceed 15° when the implant is inclined to the labial side to avoid mechanical damage and leakage caused by the appearance of excessively large micromotion gaps.
Blockade of Organic Anion Transport in Humans After Treatment With the Drug Probenecid Leads to Major Metabolic Alterations in Plasma and Urine
Authors: Granados Jeffry C. , Bhatnagar Vibha , Nigam Sanjay K.
Published: May 2022

Probenecid is used to treat gout and hyperuricemia as well as increase plasma levels of antiviral drugs and antibiotics. In vivo, probenecid mainly inhibits the renal SLC22 organic anion transporters OAT1 (SLC22A6), OAT3 (SLC22A8), and URAT1 (SLC22A12). To understand the endogenous role of these transporters in humans, we administered probenecid to 20 healthy participants and metabolically profiled the plasma and urine before and after dosage. Hundreds of metabolites were significantly altered, indicating numerous drug‐metabolite interactions. We focused on potential OAT1 substrates by identifying 97 metabolites that were significantly elevated in the plasma and decreased in the urine, indicating OAT‐mediated clearance. These included signaling molecules, antioxidants, and gut microbiome products. In contrast, urate was the only metabolite significantly decreased in the plasma and elevated in the urine, consistent with an effect on renal reuptake by URAT1. Additional support comes from metabolomics analyses of our Oat1 and Oat3 knockout mice, where over 50% of the metabolites that were likely OAT substrates in humans were elevated in the serum of the mice. Fifteen of these compounds were elevated in both knockout mice, whereas six were exclusive to the Oat1 knockout and 4 to the Oat3 knockout. These may be endogenous biomarkers of OAT function. We also propose a probenecid stress test to evaluate kidney proximal tubule organic anion transport function in kidney disease. Consistent with the Remote Sensing and Signaling Theory, the profound changes in metabolite levels following probenecid treatment support the view that SLC22 transporters are hubs in the regulation of systemic human metabolism.
Targeting And‐1 to overcome radiation resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Principe Daniel R.
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Although overall outcomes have improved in recent decades, metastatic disease is associated with a particularly poor prognosis, underscoring a need to both identify new therapeutic modalities as well as actionable mechanisms of resistance to the current standard of care treatments. Radiation is an important part of treatment for many rectal cancer patients and is under extensive investigation in CRC. A recent study by Zhao and colleagues published in Clinical and Translational Medicine has identified novel insight into radiation resistance in CRC, as well as a potential means of enhancing therapeutic responses to radiation. The authors determined that O‐GlcNAcylation of the DNA repair protein And‐1 is an obligate step in And‐1‐mediated double‐strand break homologous recombination (HR). They also show that this phenomenon drives radiation resistance in vitro and can be overcome by repurposing the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) bazedoxifene acetate as an And‐1/HR inhibitor.
Comparison of plasma and CSF biomarkers across ethnoracial groups in the ADNI
Authors: Windon Charles , Iaccarino Leonardo , Mundada Nidhi , Allen Isabel , Boxer Adam L. , Byrd Desiree , Rivera‐Mindt Monica , Rabinovici Gil D. ,   ADNI
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Ethnoracial differences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; amyloid beta 42 [Aβ42], total tau [t‐tau], phosphorylated tau 181 [p‐tau181], and plasma (p‐tau181, neurofilament light [NfL]) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are incompletely understood.

Methods

We performed cross‐sectional analyses with and without adjustment for covariates comparing baseline CSF (Aβ42, t‐tau, p‐tau181) and plasma (p‐tau181, NfL) values in 47 African Americans (AAs) matched to 141 non‐Hispanic Whites (NHWs) and 43 Latinos (LAs) matched to 129 NHWs from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).

Results

Unadjusted comparisons revealed no significant differences in plasma or CSF biomarkers between AAs and NHWs. A trend toward a lower CSF t‐tau and p‐tau181 in LAs compared to NHWs was observed, without significant differences in plasma biomarkers. After adjusting for covariates, there were no significant differences in CSF or plasma biomarkers between AAs and NHWs or between LAs and NHWs.

Discussion

Plasma and CSF AD biomarkers may perform similarly across diverse populations but future studies in large, diverse cohorts are needed.
Incidence and causes of severe maternal outcomes in Somaliland using the sub‐Saharan Africa maternal near‐miss criteria: A prospective cross‐sectional study in a national referral hospital
Authors: Egal Jama Ali , Kiruja Jonah , Litorp Helena , Osman Fatumo , Erlandsson Kerstin , Klingberg‐Allvin Marie
Published: May 2022

Objective

To describe the incidence and causes of severe maternal outcomes and the unmet need for life‐saving obstetric interventions among women admitted for delivery in a referral hospital in Somaliland.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted from April 15, 2019 to March 31, 2020, with women admitted during pregnancy or childbirth or within 42 days after delivery. Data were collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) and sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) maternal near‐miss (MNM) tools. Descriptive analysis was performed by computing frequencies, proportions, and ratios.

Results

The MNM ratios were 56 (SSA criteria) and 13 (WHO criteria) per 1000 live births. The mortality index was highest among women with medical complications (63%), followed by obstetric hemorrhage (13%), pregnancy‐related infection (10%), and hypertensive disorders (7.9%) according to the SSA MNM criteria. Most women giving birth received prophylactic oxytocin for postpartum hemorrhage prevention (97%), and most laparotomies (60%) for ruptured uterus were conducted after 3 h.

Conclusion

There is a need to improve the quality of maternal health services through implementation of evidence‐based obstetric interventions and continuous in‐service training for healthcare providers. Using the SSA MNM criteria could facilitate such preventive measures in this setting as well as similar low‐resource contexts.
Implementation of a standardized voiding protocol after minimally invasive surgery: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Kim Soyoun Rachel , Laframboise Stéphane , Nelson Gregg , McCluskey Stuart A. , Avery Lisa , Kujbid Nastasia , Zia Aysha , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Ferguson Sarah E. , May Taymaa , Hogen Liat , Cybulska Paulina , Bouchard‐Fortier Geneviève
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To assess the effects of the implementation of a standardized voiding protocol in patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy at a single cancer center in terms of the urinary tract infection (UTI) rate, time to first void, and overnight stays secondary to urinary retention.

Methods

We enrolled 102 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy at a single cancer center during a 12‐month period. A pre‐intervention cohort of 100 consecutive patients was identified for comparison. A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented a standardized voiding protocol using quality improvement methodology. We compared the demographics, time to first void, rate of urinary retention, and UTI rates between the pre‐ and post‐intervention cohorts.

Results

Our intervention led to a significant reduction in the time to first void (289 min vs. 566 min; P < 0.001), rate of urinary retention (2% vs. 10%; P = 0.015), and postoperative UTI (4% vs. 8%; P = 0.249). There was a similar rate of patients going home with a Foley catheter (9% vs. 11%; P = 0.850).

Conclusions

Implementation of a standardized voiding protocol was associated with a reduction in rate of UTI, time to first void, and overnight stays secondary to urinary retention.
Loss of Parathyroid Hormone Receptor Signaling in Osteoprogenitors Is Associated With Accumulation of Multiple Hematopoietic Lineages in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Kimura Takaharu , Panaroni Cristina , Rankin Erinn B. , Purton Louise E. , Wu Joy Y.
Published: May 2022

Osteoblasts and their progenitors play an important role in the support of hematopoiesis within the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. We have previously reported that parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R) signaling in osteoprogenitors is required for normal B cell precursor differentiation, and for trafficking of maturing B cells out of the BM. Cells of the osteoblast lineage have been implicated in the regulation of several other hematopoietic cell populations, but the effects of PTH1R signaling in osteoprogenitors on other maturing hematopoietic populations have not been investigated. Here we report that numbers of maturing myeloid, T cell, and erythroid populations were increased in the BM of mice lacking PTH1R in Osx-expressing osteoprogenitors (PTH1R-OsxKO mice; knockout [KO]). This increase in maturing hematopoietic populations was not associated with an increase in progenitor populations or proliferation. The spleens of PTH1R-OsxKO mice were small with decreased numbers of all hematopoietic populations, suggesting that trafficking of mature hematopoietic populations between BM and spleen is impaired in the absence of PTH1R in osteoprogenitors. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) of osteoprogenitors and their descendants in bone and BM revealed increased expression of vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), factors that are involved in trafficking of several hematopoietic populations. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Diagnosis and discovery: Insights from the NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program
Authors: Montano Carolina , Cassini Thomas , Ziegler Shira G. , Boehm Manfred , Nicoli Elena‐Raluca , Mindell Joseph A. , Soldatos Ariane G. , Manoli Irini , Wolfe Lynne , Macnamara Ellen F. , Malicdan May Christine V. , Adams David R. , Tifft Cynthia J. , Toro Camilo , Gahl William A.
Published: May 2022

Living with an undiagnosed medical condition places a tremendous burden on patients, their families, and their healthcare providers. The Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP) was established at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2008 with the primary goals of providing a diagnosis for patients with mysterious conditions and advancing medical knowledge about rare and common diseases. The program reviews applications from referring clinicians for cases that are considered undiagnosed despite a thorough evaluation. Those that are accepted receive clinical evaluations involving deep phenotyping and genetic testing that includes exome and genomic sequencing. Selected candidate gene variants are evaluated by collaborators using functional assays. Since its inception, the UDP has received more than 4500 applications and has completed evaluations on nearly 1300 individuals. Here we present six cases that exemplify the discovery of novel disease mechanisms, the importance of deep phenotyping for rare diseases, and how genetic diagnoses have led to appropriate treatment. The creation of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) in 2014 has substantially increased the number of patients evaluated and allowed for greater opportunities for data sharing. Expansion to the Undiagnosed Diseases Network International (UDNI) has the possibility to extend this reach even farther. Together, networks of undiagnosed diseases programs are powerful tools to advance our knowledge of pathophysiology, accelerate accurate diagnoses, and improve patient care for patients with rare conditions.
Relationship and prognostic significance of IL-33, PD-1/PD-L1, and tertiary lymphoid structures in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Jing , Yang Fan , Zhang Xiying , Ren Xiubao , Wei Feng
Published: May 2022

IL-33, an epithelial-derived cytokine, functions as an alarmin for the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the expression and role of IL-33 on cervical cancer remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of IL-33 and its relationship with clinicopathologic features, tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) immune checkpoints by immunohistochemistry in 93 cervical cancer patient specimens. Down-regulation of IL-33 expression was observed in tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues. More importantly, IL-33 was detected in the cytoplasm of tumor fraction. IL-33 expression in tumor cytoplasm was associated with tumor size and the invasive depth of tumors (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, IL-33 expression in tumor cytoplasm was positively correlated with infiltration of CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues (p < 0.05). The number of TLS strongly correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, preoperative chemotherapy, human papillomavirus infection, and high level of PD-1 (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant relationship between IL-33 and TLS. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the formation of TLS was associated with a better prognosis (p = 0.008). In multivariable Cox regression modeling, high expression of PD-L1 in tumor tissues was correlated with poor prognosis (HR = 0.128; 95% CI: 0.026–0.646; p = 0.013), whereas the high expression of IL-33 in tumor tissues was associated with better prognosis (HR = 5.097; 95% CI:1.050–24.755; p = 0.043). These results indicate that IL-33, TLS, and PD-L1 are potentially valuable prognostic predictor for cervical cancer. IL-33 has potential for combination with PD-L1-related antitumor therapy.
Radiation pressure on inhomogeneous active chiral structures with propagation matrix
Authors: He Simin , Wang Maoyi , Zhang Shitian , Li Guiping , Yu Mengxia , Liu Yu , Xu Jun , Wang Maoyan
Published: May 2022

The propagation matrix method and the Maxwell stress tensor are developed to calculate radiation pressure on an inhomogeneous active chiral structure. Based on boundary conditions, a 4 × 4 propagation matrix connecting two forward and two backward plane waves in adjacent chiral media is derived. This propagation matrix method allows us to access the net, co‐ and cross‐polarized radiation pressure, which are expressed by co‐ and cross‐polarized reflection and transmission coefficients, exerted on magnetoelectric coupling inhomogeneous chiral slabs via the derivation of the Maxwell stress tensor for arbitrary polarized plane waves incidence. The accuracies of the methods are examined using the finite difference time domain method and the Lorentz force densities. The radiation pressure on a homogeneous or inhomogeneous active chiral slab affected by the angle of incidence, thickness, chirality parameter, and polarization states of incident waves are investigated. This work is believed to provide insights for detecting chirality parameters of inhomogeneous materials by optical forces.
Conventional regression analysis and machine learning in prediction of anastomotic leakage and pulmonary complications after esophagogastric cancer surgery
Authors: van Kooten Robert T. , Bahadoer Renu R. , ter Buurkes de Vries Bouwdewijn , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Hartgrink Henk H. , Putter Hein , Dikken Johan L.
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

With the current advanced data‐driven approach to health care, machine learning is gaining more interest. The current study investigates the added value of machine learning to linear regression in predicting anastomotic leakage and pulmonary complications after upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Methods

All patients in the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit undergoing curatively intended esophageal or gastric cancer surgeries from 2011 to 2017 were included. Anastomotic leakage was defined as any clinically or radiologically proven anastomotic leakage. Pulmonary complications entailed: pneumonia, pleural effusion, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Different machine learning models were tested. Nomograms were constructed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator.

Results

Between 2011 and 2017, 4228 patients underwent surgical resection for esophageal cancer, of which 18% developed anastomotic leakage and 30% a pulmonary complication. Of the 2199 patients with surgical resection for gastric cancer, 7% developed anastomotic leakage and 15% a pulmonary complication. In all cases, linear regression had the highest predictive value with the area under the curves varying between 61.9 and 68.0, but the difference with machine learning models did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Machine learning models can predict postoperative complications in upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery, but they do not outperform the current gold standard, linear regression
The chemical profile ofFubai Chrysanthemum(Fubaiju) and its mechanism in preventing cataract based on ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and network pharmacology
Authors: Cui Naiyun , Liu Shu , Zheng Zhong , Pi Zifeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Fengrui
Published: May 2022

Chrysanthemum is a kind of herb that can be used for both medicine and food. Although it has been shown to affect the redox damage of the lens, but the mechanism of action has not been systematically studied. This study identified the chemical profile ofFubai Chrysanthemum. Meanwhile, network pharmacology and the enrichment of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway were combined to investigate the substance basis ofFubai Chrysanthemumfor preventing cataract. The aqueous extracts of Fubaiju mainly contained 39 compounds. Compared with Gongju, Jinsiju, and wild chrysanthemum,Fubai Chrysanthemumshowed a higher scavenging rate of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radicals and a higher content of total flavonoid. Fourteen chemical differences in four kinds of chrysanthemum were found based on principal component difference analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the main mechanisms ofFubai Chrysanthemumfor preventing cataract were affecting the oxidative stress process and regulating cell growth and metabolism. Eventually, 11 key targets ofFubai Chrysanthemumfor cataract prevention were identified. The strategy provided a better understanding of the chemical profile ofFubai Chrysanthemumand elucidated that its higher flavonoid content plays an important role in preventing cataract through antioxidant action and regulating cell growth.
In‐situ grown metal organic framework synergistic system for the enantioseparation of three drugs in open tubular capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Wang Chen , Chen Cheng , Ma Mingxuan , Feng Zijie , Du Yingxiang
Published: May 2022

Metal organic frameworks have received great attention as the chiral stationary phase for racemic drug separation because of their fascinating structures and properties. However, the most homochiral metal organic frameworks were constructed by rare and precious chiral organic ligands. In this work, an achiral metal organic framework, together with a natural chiral selector carboxymethyl β‐cyclodextrin built a synergistic separation system in the open tubular capillary electrochromatography. The novel coated columns were developed by inducing metal organic framework nanoparticles to grow on the imidazolyl functional capillary inner wall. The baseline separations of hydroxychloroquine, ofloxacin, and atenolol were achieved in the synergistic separation system. The effects of the concentration of chiral selector, pH, voltage, and the concentration of organic additives were studied. Compared with chiral selector auxiliary bare capillary, the resolutions of three drugs were remarkably improved. The relative standard deviations for the retention time of intraday (n = 6), interday (n = 6), and column‐to‐column were less than 2.1, 2.6, and 5.2%, respectively. These results demonstrate that affordable synergistic separation systems are prospective for racemic drug enantioseparation in capillary electrochromatography.
Frame‐type kernel and time‐frequency transforms
Authors: Chen Qiuhui , Zhang Yiqiao
Published: May 2022

Originated from frame theory, the notion of frame‐type kernel is put forward. With the help of positive operators, a parallel theory of frame for time‐frequency integral transforms is established. In view of frame type kernel, the theories of windowed Fourier transform and wavelet transform are revisited. Moreover, some new time‐frequency transforms with nonlinear modulation and frequency varying dilation are designed.
Lariciresinol Displays Anti‐Diabetic Activity through Inhibition of α‐Glucosidase and Activation and Enhancement of Insulin Signaling
Authors: Alam Md Badrul , Ra Jeong‐Sic , Lim Ji‐Young , Song Bo‐Rim , Javed Ahsan , Lee Sang‐Han
Published: May 2022

Scope

The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic effect of lariciresinol (LSR) in C2C12 myotubes and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice.

Methods and results

To investigate antidiabetic potential of LSR, α‐glucosidase inhibitory assay, molecular docking, glucose uptake assay, western blot assay on antidiabetic biomarkers are performed. STZ‐induced diabetic model is used for in vivo study by calculating oral glucose tolerance test, histochemical examination, and glycogen assay. LSR inhibits α‐glucosidase activity with an IC50value of 6.97 ± 0.37 µM and acts as a competitive inhibitor with an inhibitory constant (Ki) value of 0.046 µM. In C2C12 cells, LSR activates insulin signaling leading to glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation and augmented glucose uptake. Furthermore, in Streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated diabetic mice, 3 weeks of oral LSR administration (10 mg kg−1) considerably decrease blood glucose levels, while increasing insulin levels in an oral glucose tolerance test, improve pancreatic islet size, increase GLUT4 expression, and significantly enhance insulin signaling in skeletal muscle. LSR treatment also activates glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) resulting in improved glycogen content.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a potential usefulness for oral LSR in the management and prevention of diabetes by enhancing glucose homeostasis.
Liquid Crystals for Dynamic Glazing Show Wider and Evolving Applications
Authors: Roscam Filip , Osterodt Jens
Published: May 2022

Building designers are increasingly considering dynamic glass for its optical and thermal properties, which provide opportunities for solar control, energy performance, and visual comfort.
The Future of Mergers and Acquisitions in Displays
Authors: Hendy Ian
Published: May 2022

This article is Part 3 in a three‐part series summarizing the outlook on the role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the flat‐panel industry since its inception and beyond.∗
Practical approach to clinical controversies in glycemic control for hospitalized surgical patients
Authors: Ware Lydia R. , Gilmore James F. , Szumita Paul M.
Published: May 2022

The importance of glycemic management in surgical patient populations stems from an association between hyperglycemia and increased rates of surgical site infections, sepsis, and mortality. Various guidelines provide recommendations regarding target glucose concentrations, but all stress the importance of avoiding hypoglycemia as well. Within the surgical patient population, glycemic targets may vary further depending on the surgical service, such as cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, or reconstructive burn surgery. Glycemic management in critically ill surgical patients is achieved primarily through the use of intravenous insulin infusion protocols. These protocols can include fixed protocols, multiplication factor protocols, and computerized algorithms. In contrast, noncritically ill surgical patients are generally managed through the utilization of subcutaneous insulin with a combination of basal, bolus, and sliding scale insulin. Insulin protocols should be effective at maintaining glucose concentrations within the specified target range with minimal hypoglycemic events. Monitoring glucose concentrations while on either an intravenous or subcutaneous insulin protocol is essential. Point‐of‐care testing is the primary method for monitoring glucose concentrations in both critically ill and noncritically ill surgical patients and allows for adjustment of the insulin regimen. As patients move between units and to the outpatient setting, ensuring adequate follow‐up is essential to maintaining control of hyperglycemia.
Cystic fibrosis year in review 2021
Authors: Savant Adrienne P.
Published: May 2022

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) have an amazing outlook with the treatment availability of highly effective modulators. Unfortunately, not all people with CF are eligible for modulators leading to continued pulmonary exacerbations and advanced lung disease. Additionally, optimizing diagnosis and evaluation for CF in the newborn period continues to be an area of focus for research. This review article will work to cover articles published in 2021 with high clinical relevance related to the above topics; however, due to the extensive body of research published, this review will not be comprehensive.
Clinical applications of plasma proteomics and peptidomics: Towards precision medicine
Authors: He Bo , Huang Zhao , Huang Canhua , Nice Edouard C.
Published: May 2022

In the context of precision medicine, disease treatment requires individualized strategies based on the underlying molecular characteristics to overcome therapeutic challenges posed by heterogeneity. For this purpose, it is essential to develop new biomarkers to diagnose, stratify, or possibly prevent diseases. Plasma is an available source of biomarkers that greatly reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of the body. An increasing number of studies are focusing on proteins and peptides, including many involving the Human Proteome Project (HPP) of the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO), and proteomics and peptidomics techniques are emerging as critical tools for developing novel precision medicine preventative measures. Excitingly, the emerging plasma proteomics and peptidomics toolbox exhibits a huge potential for studying pathogenesis of diseases (e.g., COVID‐19 and cancer), identifying valuable biomarkers and improving clinical management. However, the enormous complexity and wide dynamic range of plasma proteins makes plasma proteome profiling challenging. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in plasma proteomics and peptidomics with a focus on their emerging roles in COVID‐19 and cancer research, aiming to emphasize the significance of plasma proteomics and peptidomics in clinical applications and precision medicine.
Multimodality imaging of nanoparticle‐based vaccines: Shedding light on immunology
Authors: Younis Muhsin H. , Tang Zhongmin , Cai Weibo
Published: May 2022

In recent years, there have been significant innovations in the development of nanoparticle‐based vaccines and vaccine delivery systems. For the purposes of both design and evaluation, these nanovaccines are imaged using the wealth of understanding established around medical imaging of nanomaterials. An important insight to the advancement of the field of nanovaccines can be given by an analysis of the design rationale of an imaging platform, as well as the significance of the information provided by imaging. Nanovaccine imaging strategies can be categorized by the imaging modality leveraged, but it is also worth understanding the superiority or convenience of a given modality over others in a given context of a particular nanovaccine. The most important imaging modalities in this endeavor are optical imaging including near‐infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF), emission tomography methods such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with or without computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR), the emerging magnetic particle imaging (MPI), and finally, multimodal applications of imaging which include molecular imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging. One finds that each of these modalities has strengths and weaknesses, but optical and PET imaging tend, in this context, to be currently the most accessible, convenient, and informative modalities. Nevertheless, an important principle is that there is not a one‐size‐fits‐all solution, and that the specific nanovaccine in question must be compatible with a particular imaging modality.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Pictures with FGM/C
Authors: Abdulcadir Jasmine , Guedj Noémie Sachs , Yaron Michal , Abdulcadir Omar , Albert Juliet , Caillet Martin , Catania Lucrezia , Creighton Sarah M. , Deguette Céline , Dubuc Elise , Earp Brian D. , Essén Birgitta , Hodes Deborah , Marcusan Adriana Kaplan , Mishori Ranit , Ottenheimer Deborah , Richard Fabienne , Sy Aida , Touré Moustapha , Valladolid Amelia , Vercoutere Anneke , Vissandjée Bilkis , Young Janine
Published: May 2022

Please note that when WHO refers to labia minora and majora such terms are now replaced by inner and outer labia.
What the First Cause Is
Authors: Loke Andrew
Published: May 2022

I show that the First Cause is not a series of changes (= events) describable by physical laws; rather, it is initially changeless and brought about the first event with the physical laws. It is distinct from the physical universe which is constantly changing according to quantum physics, and which does not have ‘the capacity to be the originator of an event in a way that is un-determined by prior event, and the capacity to prevent itself from changing’, which a First Cause must have. Thus, the First Cause cannot be part of the physical universe as postulated by Hawking’s no boundary proposal, which in any case is unproven and scientifically flawed. Rather, the First Cause is uncaused, beginningless, initially changeless, has libertarian freedom, and is enormously powerful, that is, a transcendent immaterial Creator. I reply to Thomistic objections and show that the conclusion of the Kalām Cosmological Argument (KCA) and the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo are consistent with both relational and substantival views of time, and with dynamic and static theories of time, and with both Craig’s Hybrid view (the First Cause is timeless sans creation and in time with creation) and the view of the Oxford School, both of which are defensible.
Ultimate Design
Authors: Loke Andrew
Published: May 2022

Hypothesis (iv) ‘uncaused universe’ has been refuted in Chap.6. Moreover, it does not explain how it could be necessary that subjunctive facts (Lange) or physical entities have stable essences (Ellis) or dispositions (Mumford) that persist throughout time which enable them to behave in ways describable by mathematical laws. The Design hypothesis explains this. I reply to various arguments against the likelihood of Design, for example, Dawkins’ ‘who made God’ objection, Hume’s objection from ‘imperfections’, and Halvorsen’s objection that almost all physically possible universes are lifeless. I conclude that, while the alternatives to design are unlikely, there is no good reason to think that the Design hypothesis is unlikely. Since the list of hypotheses in Chap.4is logically exhaustive, the epistemic probabilities of those five categories must add up to 1. Even if one assigns to each alternative a probability of 0.1% (which is very generous given the arguments in previous chapters), that still leaves Design with a high probability of 99.6%. One can therefore argue for the Design hypothesis by exclusion without having to first assign a prior probability for Design, thus avoiding the objections by critics (e.g. Sober) on this point entirely.
Learning Marriage Ideals and Gendered Citizenship in “God-Fearing” Uganda
Authors: Alava Henni , Amito Janet , Lawrence Rom
Published: May 2022

This chapter contributes to understanding the space between religion, gender and citizenship through a focus on teaching and learning about marriage in Ugandan churches. While pastors focused marriage teaching on the primacy of a church wedding, sexual purity and harmony through hierarchy, church-going women saw cohesion, spirituality and physical survival as cornerstones of an ideal relationship. By juxtaposing how women saw themselves as having learned these ideals, and how pastors saw themselves as teaching theirs, we illustrate that teaching and learning about gender, relationships and citizenship—and the character-moulding concomitant within these processes—occurs more in everyday lives than in places formally set out for the purpose. To achieve contextualized understanding of citizenship in religious contexts, it is important to pay attention to both religious teaching and practice and to develop methodological tools that identify how men and women actually learn about their worth, rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Incompatible Ideals of the Citizen: Deliberative and Radical Pluralist Approaches in Philosophy of Education
Authors: Kekki Minna-Kerttu
Published: May 2022

This chapter explores the implications of two dominant approaches in democratic theory in twenty-first-century philosophy of education: deliberative democracy and radical pluralist (agonistic or antagonistic) democracy. I argue that these two approaches and their theorists imply two essentially different conceptions of citizenship in terms of its ideals and imaginaries and, thereby, the goals and emphasises of learning it. I suggest, therefore, that following either of the theories makes the subsequent philosophy of education also political, hence, a political philosophy of education. I develop my argument based on a reflective point of view with no aim to defend either approach but, rather, to analyse their different implications for citizenship from the ‘outsider’ point of view.
Learning in Communities of Practice: How to Become a Good Citizen in Self-Help Groups in Rural Tanzania
Authors: Matunga Benta N.
Published: May 2022

This chapter conceptualizes self-help groups as communities of practice where learning citizenship practices experienced. Qualitative research through interviews and focus group discussions was employed for data collection in Mpwapwa District, Rural Tanzania. Drawing on (Lave and Wenger, Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation, Cambridge University Press, 1991) notion of situated learning through legitimate peripheral participation in communities of practice, I analyze how participants describe their learning, and how they draw connections between being a good member in a group and exercising good citizenship more broadly. Findings show that participants learn to achieve main goal of development and care for others in various ways including participation in joint activities, imitating others and trial and error. A good member of the group is perceived as a good citizen, responsible in development of oneself and to others. Therefore, groups address challenges in their settings and portray a kind of citizenship that needs attention in development interventions.
Learning Economic Citizenship Among Rural Women: Village Saving Groups in Western Uganda
Authors: Ahimbisibwe Karembe F. , Ndidde Alice N.
Published: May 2022

The notion of economic citizenship is prevalent in non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs) interventions aimed at promoting inclusive development in the Global South. In this chapter, we draw on the concept of participatory learning (Mayoux in IDS Bulletin 29:39–50, 1998; Pretty in World Development 23:1247–1263, 1995), to explore how NGO-initiated village savings and lending associations (VSLAs) provide platforms for learning among rural women in Uganda. Based on findings from qualitative participatory research with saving groups in western Uganda, we identify three ways through which women learn a plethora of skills that promote economic citizenship. Further, we reflect on how shared learning inspired by VSLAs enables women to negotiate power relations and achieve empowerment nuanced to local settings. We conclude that VSLAs provide learning that lessens impediments to and strengthens women’s citizenship at the community level, even if this does not tackle entrenched traditional norms in a fundamental way.
Factors of Care Poverty
Authors: Kröger Teppo
Published: May 2022

This chapter sums up existing knowledge on factors of care poverty. The findings of earlier research are presented separately for different care poverty domains and measurement approaches. The factors are organised into three variable groups: (1) health and functional status, (2) socio-demographic background, and (3) the availability of informal and formal care. Health and functional status are found to be significantly associated with all three domains of care poverty. Despite some variation across socio-demographic factors, they generally prove not to be the strongest factors of care poverty, though in many studies income is associated with care poverty. Concerning the breadth of informal and formal support, living arrangement holds explanatory power in almost all domains of care poverty, but the findings are considerably less clear for the other variables. Overall, older people with major care needs who live alone and also have a low income level prove to be at highest risk for care poverty.
Technical, Legal, and Economic Risks
Authors: Winkle Thomas
Published: May 2022

In the following chapter the author traces the technical improvements in vehicle safety over recent decades, including new sensor technologies with image recognition and Artificial Intelligence, factoring in growing consumer expectations. Through Federal Court of Justice rulings on product liability and economic risks, he depicts requirements that car manufacturers must meet. For proceedings from the first idea until development to sign-off, he recommends interdisciplinary, harmonized safety and testing procedures. He argues for further development of current internationally agreed-upon standards including tools, methodological descriptions, simulations, and guiding principles with checklists. These will represent and document the practiced state of science and technology, which has to be implemented technically suited and economically reasonable. Dilemma situations have always served to clarify ethical and legal principles, such as in the famous example of the so-called “trolley case”. The answer of the law is clear: the killing of a human being with the intention of saving others from certain death may be excused in a concrete case, but it remains illegal in any case. The solution is to avoid accidents at any rate by adapting and forward-looking driving. Relevant maneuvers of driving robots have to be defined and assessed for example using accident data and virtual methods. Further investigation of real driving situations in comparison with system specifications with tests on proving grounds, car clinics, field tests, human driver training or special vehicle studies are recommended. For the required exchange of information, storage of vehicle data and possible criminal attacks protective technical measures are necessary.
Die Rolle von eMed in der OP-Planung der Sanusklinik
Authors: Ametowobla Dzifa
Published: May 2022

Dieses Kapitel ist der Vorstellung der Fallstudie gewidmet. Die Ausführungen entsprechen den drei Phasen der Analyse, die im vorangegangenen Abschnitt 3.2 beschrieben worden sind: In der ersten Phase wurde das zentrale Handlungsproblem, das beim Umgang mit der Software bearbeitet wird, und die für diesen Umgang relevanten Elemente der Software genauer bestimmt. In der zweiten Phase wurden die Modelle, die sich um diese relevanten Softwareelemente aufspannen, rekonstruiert. In der dritten Phase wurden diese Analyseergebnisse genutzt, um die verketteten Spiele zu verstehen, die um den Einsatz von eMed bei der OP-Planung gespielt werden.
Quantitative Studie zur Stressbewältigung von Pflegekräften
Authors: Klingenberg Ingo
Published: May 2022

Das vorliegende Kapitel knüpft an das beschriebene empirische Vorhaben aus Abschnitt 3.3 an und greift die Implikationen aus Kapitel 5 auf. Das Vorgehen wird zunächst vor dem Hintergrund der Vor- und Nachteile quantitativer Verfahren der empirischen Sozialforschung diskutiert. Das gewählte explorative Vorgehen der vorliegenden Studie orientiert sich dabei an vier Forschungsfragen, die in diesem Kapitel hergeleitet und aufgezeigt werden.