bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in lignin modification and its application in lignin‐based green composites: A review
Authors: Agustiany Erika Ayu , Rasyidur Ridho Muhammad , Rahmi D. N. Muslimatul , Madyaratri Elvara Windra , Falah Faizatul , Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Solihat Nissa Nurfajrin , Syamani Firda A. , Karungamye Petro , Sohail Asma , Nawawi Deded Sarip , Prianto Arief Heru , Iswanto Apri Heri , Ghozali Muhammad , Restu Witta Kartika , Juliana Ika , Antov Petar , Kristak Lubos , Fatriasari Widya , Fudholi Ahmad
Published: July 2022

Lignins are the most important aromatic renewable natural resource today, serving as a sustainable, environmentally acceptable alternative feedstock to fossil‐derived chemicals and polymers in a vast scope of value‐added applications. Lignin is a biopolymeric molecule that, together with cellulose, is a fundamental component of higher vascular plants structural cell walls. It can be extracted from by‐products of the pulp and paper industries, agricultural waste and residues, and biorefinery products. Lignin properties may vary depending on source and extraction method with carbon and aromatic as the main compositions in lignin structure. These rich compositions make lignin more valuable, allowing for the creation of high‐value‐added green composites. However, the complex structure of lignin creates low reactivity to interact with crosslinker, and hence chemical modification is substantial to overcome this problem. This review aimed to present and discuss lignin structure, variation of lignin chemical properties regarding its source and extraction process, recent advances in chemical modification of lignin to enhance its reactivity, and potential applications of modified lignin for manufacturing value‐added biocomposites with enhanced properties and lower environmental impact, such as food handling/packaging, seed coating, automotive devices, 3D printing, rubber industry, and wood adhesives.
Multi‐walled carbon nanotube grafted 3D spacer multi‐scale composites for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Yıldırım Ferhat , Kabakçı Elif , Şaş Hatice S. , Eskizeybek Volkan
Published: July 2022

The development of structural fiber reinforced polymer composites with various additional functionalities is becoming a hot research area to achieve the application of multi‐functional composites in the aerospace and automotive industries. An innovative material solution is 3D spacer composites with distinctive anisotropic structural characteristics. Herein, we report the manufacturing of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grafted of 3D spacer glass/epoxy multi‐scale composites and their electromagnetic interference shielding efficiencies (EMSE). To manufacture multi‐scale composites, we utilized dip coating, vacuum filtering, and vacuum infusion methods to introduce MWCNTs of the woven fabric, while we also modified the epoxy resin with MWCNTs to increase electrical conductivity of intrinsic insulator epoxy resin. Owing to the rectangular‐shaped channel structure, which is beneficial for multiple reflection and scattering between top and bottom face sheets, the resultant 3D spacer multi‐scale composite represented a good EMSE performance of −18.3 dB in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz with an increase of 107% comparing the corresponding neat composite counterpart. Moreover, we measured the in‐plane conductivity as 1.89E‐2 S/m after MWCNTs grafting, while the out‐of‐plane conductivity remained three times lower than the in‐plane conductivity. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the storage modulus increased almost three times with the MWCNTs grafting, while glass transition temperature shifted to higher temperatures (from 77.5 to 89.7°C). Therefore, we anticipate that our study will expand the use of 3D spacer composites in the aviation and automotive industries.
Severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes in children – Current findings, questions, opinions, and recommendations, a mini‐review
Authors: Zhaori Getu
Published: July 2022

Since October 2021 in Alabama, the United States, and March 2022 in central Scotland, the United Kingdom, the number of cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology/causes in children was found to increase, and the total number of cases has reached 920 worldwide by June 22 this year, 45 cases (5%) required liver transplantation, and 18 cases (2%) died according to World Health Organization (WHO). To understand the basic characteristics of this disease/syndrome, a literature search was performed at PubMed, websites of WHO, UK Health Security Agency, and US and European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 20 reports were enrolled as references for this review. The main clinical manifestations are anorexia, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice, and so forth. Most of the cases seemed to have a self‐limited course of the disease, about 6% of cases may develop life‐threatening acute liver failure. The disease seems to be transmissible from person to person. Human adenovirus was detected in up to 75% of cases, but this virus seems not to be the only and major etiologic agent, other cofactors probably are involved. Researchers proposed many hypotheses concerning the etiology and pathogenesis, and many important works and studies are ongoing. This mini‐review is aimed at summarizing, reviewing, and further understanding the characteristics of the disease, raising some clinically relevant questions, and trying to discuss some questions that may be related to the treatment of the disease for consideration.
Metabolomic profile of combined healthy lifestyle behaviours in humans: A systematic review
Authors: Kaspy Matthew S. , Semnani‐Azad Zhila , Malik Vasanti S. , Jenkins David J. A. , Hanley Anthony J.
Published: July 2022

A combination of healthy lifestyle behaviours (i.e., regular physical activity, nutritious diet, no smoking, moderate alcohol, and healthy body mass) has been consistently associated with beneficial health outcomes including reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Metabolomic profiles, characterized by distinct sets of biomarkers, have been described for healthy lifestyle behaviours individually and in combination. However, recent literature calls for systematic evaluation of these heterogenous data to identify potential clinical biomarkers relating to a combined healthy lifestyle. The objective was to systematically review existing literature on the metabolomic profile of combined healthy lifestyle behaviours. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched through March 2022. Studies in humans outlining the metabolomic profile of a combination of two or more healthy lifestyle behaviours were included. Collectively, the metabolomic profile following regular adherence to combined healthy lifestyle behaviours points to a positive association with beneficial fatty acids and phosphocreatine, and inverse associations with triglycerides, trimethylamine N‐oxide, and acylcarnitines. The findings suggest that a unique metabolomic profile is associated with combined healthy lifestyle behaviours. Additional research is warranted to further describe this metabolomic profile using targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches along with uniform definitions of combined healthy lifestyle variables across populations.
Modelling of Ratchet Growth in TATB‐Based Charge under Thermal Cycling
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yan Xilin , Lu Fangyun , Lei Siyang , Chen Rong
Published: July 2022

The TATB‐based explosives undergo irreversible volume growth upon a series of cyclic thermal loading known as ratchet growth and have been extensively studied. In the past, experimental elucidation of this phenomenon has focused on irreversible expansion as a function of the number of thermal excursions over a given temperature range, where growth is asymptotic with increasing cycle number. In this paper, we find that the ratchet growth of TATB‐based charge evolves associated with its dimension, and demonstrate that the growth can be modeled by a force‐thermal coupled calculation method. We have measured the strain response of four various size specimens, and the results show that irreversible strain on the smaller specimen grows more significantly and rapidly. Based on the equivalent relaxation model in which the relaxation stresses are regarded as functions of temperature and temperature gradient, we develop a force‐thermal coupled method for calculating the irreversible deformation. The relaxation model parameters were calibrated by comparing the calculations with the experimental measurements. We propose that it is the thermal expansion effect rather than thermal stress, which plays a dominant role in irreversible deformation. Further analysis indicated that the size effect of ratchet growth was not caused by temperature gradient, but was positively correlated with thermal excursions. The size effect of temperature distribution in the process of equivalent stress relaxation may be responsible for the size effect ratchet growth of TATB‐based charges. Such tests and analytical models should help to understand and predict the ratchet growth response for TATB‐based charges.
Are Islamic investments still safe assets during the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: Khan Ashraf , Piserà Stefano , Chiaramonte Laura , Dreassi Alberto , Paltrinieri Andrea
Published: July 2022

While looking for safe‐haven assets, the literature obtained mixed and varying results, changing from one period to the next, or one geographical area to another. Recently, this field of research grew even more, motivated by the changing environment resulting from the global financial crisis and the current COVID‐19 pandemic. We compare five Islamic and five conventional leading financial indexes for the period 2004–2020, covering both global and regional data (Asia‐Pacific, Europe, GCC, and the United States). By employing DCC GARCH and extended GARCH (1,1) models, we find a lower volatility and higher persistence in Islamic indexes when compared to their conventional alternatives, holding also when traditional safe‐haven assets are included in comparative terms and across geographical areas. We therefore provide robust evidence on the consistent behavior of Islamic assets: Their defensive properties remain and are even stronger in the current unprecedented and ongoing crisis.
A fractional representation approach to the robust regulation problem for multi‐input multi‐output systems
Authors: Laakkonen Petteri
Published: July 2022

The aim of this article is in developing unifying frequency domain theory for robust regulation of multi‐input multi‐output systems. The main theoretical results achieved are a new formulation of the internal model principle, solvability conditions for the robust regulation problem, and a parameterization of all robustly regulating controllers. The main results are formulated with minimal assumptions and without using coprime factorizations, thus guaranteeing their applicability with a very general class of systems. In addition to theoretical results, the design of robust controllers is addressed. The results are illustrated by two examples involving a delay and a heat equation.
Constrained multi‐observer‐based fault‐tolerant disturbance‐rejection control for rigid spacecraft
Authors: Lyu Bailiang , Yue Xiaokui , Liu Chuang
Published: July 2022

This article develops a multi‐observer‐based fault‐tolerant disturbance‐rejection control strategy to solve the attitude stabilization problem of spacecraft subject to multisource complex disturbances, for example, external disturbance, measurement error, actuator fault, input constraint. First, two intermediate variables are introduced for multi‐observer design, so that the synergistic estimations of attitude information, actuator fault and external disturbance are obtained simultaneously. Then, a fault‐tolerant disturbance‐rejection control strategy is proposed based on the estimations, and an augmented closed‐loop system is derived. Afterwards, Lyapunov stability analysis is performed to prove the quadratic stability and robust performance, and corresponding conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is proved, where the input constraint is satisfied as well. Finally, numerical simulations of a spacecraft attitude control system are performed which demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed multi‐observer‐based control strategy.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Some New Isatin‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole Hybrids as VEGFR‐2 Aiming Anticancer Agents
Authors: Boda Sunitha , Nukala Satheesh Kumar , Manchal Ravinder
Published: July 2022

The one‐pot synthesis of some new isatin‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole hybrids (3 a–n) in moderate to good yields via reaction between 3‐((1‐methyl‐2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)amino)propane nitrile and several aromatic carboxylic acids using the key reagents like NH2OH.HCl, Et3N and POCl3/DMF was described herein. The synthesized compounds were screened for the cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines such as A549, PC3, DU145 and MCF7. Among them, three compounds (3 d, 3 e and 3 l) were exhibited superior activity than the standard 5‐fluorouracil against all the cell lines. In vitro VGEFR‐2 tyrosine kinase assay on 3 d, 3 e and 3 l indicates that 3 l has more inhibiting power than the standard sorafenib.Further, in silico studies like molecular docking studies on VEGFRs and ADMET performed to know binding affinity towards VEGFRs and drug likeness properties.
Greenish‐Yellow Emitting Carbon Dots as ‘On‐Off‐On’ Fluorescent Probe for Selective Determination of Mercury (II) and Sulphide Ions
Authors: Naik Vaibhav M. , Waghmare Ravindra D. , Gore Anil H. , Anbhule Prashant V. , Kolekar Govind B.
Published: July 2022

Herein, we have reported a simple ratiometric yellow fluorescent probe based on carbon dots for selective determination of Hg2+ and S2− through a fluorescence ‘ON‐OFF‐ON’ strategy. The yellow emitting nitrogen doped carbon dots (Y‐NCD's) were synthesized by prolonged thermal carbonisation of p‐hydroxy benzoic acid and citric acid dissolved in ammonia solution at 180 °C. The purified Y‐NCD's shows excitation dependent emission with maximum intensity at 550 nm showing bright yellow fluorescence when excited at 480 nm. The linear response for detection of Hg2+ ions ranges from 0 to 260 nM with a detection limit of 27.2 nM whereas the linear range for sulphide ions is from 0 to 1.1 μM with limit of detection 0.11 μM. The proposed sensor show excellent applicability for real sample analysis with satisfactory results.
Polyester‐Based Polymer Composites for Gamma Shielding Applications ‐ A Substitute for Lead
Authors: Rajanna Ambika Madalakote , Ningaiah Nagaiah
Published: July 2022

Tungsten oxide (WO3) filled Isophthalic polyester based polymer composites were fabricated by open mould cast technique. The gamma shielding ability of the composites was investigated using gamma ray spectrometer for 80, 127, 356, 662, 1170 & 1332 keV gamma rays in detail and several shielding parameters were estimated to decide the shielding effectiveness of the polymer composites. The results show that, the linear attenuation coefficient increases upon adding tungsten oxide into the matrix and decreases with increase in the energy of gamma photons and is found to be maximum for 80 keV gamma rays. The half value layer thickness, tenth value layer thickness and relaxation length were found to decrease with increase in the filler Wt %, whereas, they were found to increase with increase in energy. XCOM & WinXCOM computer codes were used to estimate the electron density and Zeff of the composites theoretically. ISO+50 Wt % WO3 composite is found to be just 18 % heavy with respect to lead and show better performance than lead at 80 keV and baryte at 127 keV and is almost comparable to steel and concrete in the higher energy range. Thus, lead (Pb) can be replaced by ISO+50 Wt % WO3 composite for low energy gamma shielding applications.
Role of the tensile constitutive modeling on the structural response of fiber reinforced concrete flat slabs: A numerical study
Authors: Zani Giulio , Martinelli Paolo , di Prisco Marco
Published: July 2022

For decades, fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) has been primarily used in elements for which the consequences of potential failure are minor, like slabs on grade and precast tunnel segments, just to name a few examples. With reference to slabs supported on walls and/or columns, the use of fibers as partial or main reinforcement has increased over the last 15 years. Despite the existence of advanced design codes like the fib Model Code 2010, experimental data, and standing buildings that prove the technical feasibility of FRC, there are still barriers for its use at a wider scale. Technical aspects such as the uncertainties in the identification procedure of FRC uniaxial tensile laws and the influence of the FRC post‐cracking strength class on the serviceability and ultimate limit states response are among the factors that prevent a larger diffusion of FRC. In this paper, the role played by several tensile post‐cracking constitutive models—among those most commonly used both in research and in design practice—on the structural response of FRC flat slabs is investigated. The effect of numerical modeling choices such as (i) the influence of shell or brick elements and (ii) the influence of material homogeneity or heterogeneity along the slab thickness on the structural response of FRC flat slabs is also examined.
Spin‐State Modulation in FeII‐Based Hofmann‐Type Coordination Polymers: From Molecules to Materials
Authors: Kumar Bhart , Paul Abhik , Mondal Dibya Jyoti , Paliwal Piyush , Konar Sanjit
Published: July 2022

Spin crossover complexes that reversibly interconvert between two stable states imitate a binary state of 0 and 1, delivering a promising possibility to address the data processing concept in smart materials. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of magnetic transition between high spin and low spin and the factors responsible for stabilizing the spin states is an essential theme in modern materials design. In this context, the present review attempts to provide a concise outline of the design strategy employed at the molecular level for fine‐tuning the spin‐state switching in FeII‐based Hofmann‐type coordination polymers and their effects on the optical and magnetic response. In addition, development towards the nanoscale architectures of HCPs, i. e., in terms of nanoparticles and thin films, are emphasized to bridge the gap between the laboratory and reality.
Investigation of long‐term river water quality variations using different urbanization indices and assessment of common scientific perspectives of urbanization on water quality
Authors: Gomes Pattiyage I. A. , Karunatilaka P. D.
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the water quality variation spanning 30 years (1986–2017) in 16 catchments of Hong Kong against different urbanization indices, namely, built area fraction; population; and product of population and built area fraction. Pearson correlations of three different periods of time (1988–1990, 1998–2000, and 2015–2017) indicated that water quality trends were dependent on the urbanization index. Total solids, nitrite‐nitrogen, total phosphorus, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and flow rate had significant deteriorative trends (Pearson r > 0.5 and p < 0.05) with population and product of built area and population. Results also interpreted that built area fraction and product of built area and population were the worst and best indices that represented urbanization and/or its impacts, respectively. Mann‐Kendall test for the entire 30 year period showed that water quality had improved with time with respect to certain water quality parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, ammoniacal nitrogen and total suspended solids). The results portrayed that although the urbanization of catchments had increased with time, the river water quality with respect to many parameters showed signs of improvement and the legislative measures implemented seemed to be effective in controlling pollution.
Nitrogen removal capacity and carbon demand requirements of partial denitrification/anammox MBBR and IFAS processes
Authors: Macmanus Justin , Long Chenghua , Klaus Stephanie , Parsons Michael , Chandran Kartik , De Clippeleir Haydee , Bott Charles
Published: July 2022

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the carbon demand requirements and nitrogen removal capabilities of two mainstream partial denitrification/anammox (PdNA) processes: a two‐zone, moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) process and an integrated fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) process. The first MBBR zone conducted PdNA, while the second operated as an anammox zone. Operation of the IFAS process was conducted in two phases. The first phase of the operation involved minor external carbon addition, while the second phase of the operation involved controlled external carbon addition. The MBBR process produced an average effluent TIN concentration and chemical oxygen demand (COD)/TIN ratio of 2.81 ± 1.21 mg/L and 2.42 ± 0.77 g/g. The average effluent TIN concentrations and COD/TIN ratios for the IFAS process were 4.07 ± 1.66 mg/L and 1.08 ± 0.38 g/g during phase 1 and 3.30 ± 0.96 mg/L and 2.18 ± 0.99 g/g during phase 2. Despite having relatively low and unstable partial denitrification (PdN) efficiencies, both mainstream PdNA processes exhibited low effluent TIN concentrations and carbon requirements compared to nitrification/denitrification. Successful operation of the PdNA IFAS process indicates that mainstream PdNA can be implemented with minimal capital costs in a water resource recovery facility's second anoxic zone.

Practitioner Points

Low effluent TIN concentrations can be maintained in mainstream PdNA MBBR and IFAS processes with low external carbon demand.

MBBR and IFAS PdNA processes do not require consistent or high PdN efficiencies to maintain low effluent TIN concentrations.

IFAS and MBBR PdNA processes exhibit similar TIN and NH3 removal efficiencies.

PdNA can be implemented in a second anoxic zone, using IFAS technology for anammox retention, with minimal capital costs.
Innovative Sample Designs for Studies of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons
Authors: Eckman Stephanie , Himelein Kristen
Published: July 2022

With record numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons in the world, it is more important than ever that policy makers, aid organizations, and advocacy groups have access to high-quality data about these vulnerable populations. However, refugee and internally-displaced persons settlements pose unique challenges to the selection of probability samples. These settlements can grow quickly, and registers often are not available or not up-to-date. Refugees who live in communities also are difficult to reach with a probability sample because they are hard to identify, contact, and interview. Drawing on recent data collection experiences, this chapter describes the sample designs that can address such challenges. We argue that the best sampling techniques are those that minimize interviewer discretion and contain built-in opportunities for verifying interviewer performance.
Leveraging the Web for Migration Studies: Data Sources and Data Extraction
Authors: Rinken Sebastian , Ortega José Luis
Published: July 2022

The Web is an open and dynamic medium that offers great opportunities for accessing and extracting data for migration research. These opportunities are signposted by concepts such asbig dataoropen data, which incite researchers to envision the World Wide Web as a gigantic network of all kinds of datasets. However, many migration scholars are not familiar with the wealth of web-based resources or lack the operational expertise for actually leveraging these data for their research purposes. This chapter aims to highlight the benefits that migration researchers can obtain when embracing data science. After introducing key concepts, we first describe a range of data sources (theme-specific and generalist data banks, public data repositories, and search engines) of outstanding relevance for migration studies. Then, we explain the various techniques by means of which web-based datasets can be retrieved and stored. The chapter concludes by summarizing the advantages and potentialities of mining the Web for migration research, as well as related challenges and limitations.
SDG-12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Authors: Küfeoğlu Sinan
Published: July 2022

SDG-12, Responsible Consumption and Production, strives to break the current cycle of economic growth, resource usage and environmental degradation, which has fuelled unsustainable global development for decades. While producing countries bear responsibility for natural resource depletion, pollution and other negative consequences of their production, wealthy countries’ practical and legal responsibilities are significantly high due to their high consumption levels. An increase in consumption is often associated with an improved quality of life, which creates a conflict between the pillars of sustainable development and the environmental well-being of the planet. This issue becomes more complicated since cross-border resource management methods are more controversial than cooperative. This chapter presents the business models of 46 companies and use cases that employ emerging technologies and create value in SDG-12. We should highlight that one use case can be related to more than one SDG and it can make use of multiple emerging technologies.
Shock loss measurements in non-ideal supersonic flows of organic vapors
Authors: Conti Camilla C. , Fusetti Alberto , Spinelli Andrea , Guardone Alberto
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the first ever direct measurements of total pressure losses across shocks in supersonic flows of organic vapors in non-ideal conditions, so in the thermodynamic region close to the liquid–vapor saturation curve and the critical point where the ideal gas law is not applicable. Experiments were carried out with fluid siloxane MM (hexamethyldisiloxane, C$$_6$$

6

H$$_{18}$$

18

OSi$$_2$$

2

), commonly employed in medium-/high-temperature organic Rankine cycles (ORCs), in the Test Rig for Organic VApors (TROVA), a blowdown wind tunnel at the Laboratory of Compressible fluid dynamics for Renewable Energy Applications (CREA lab) of Politecnico di Milano. A total pressure probe was inserted in superheated MM vapor flow at Mach number $$\sim 1.5$$

∼
1.5

with total conditions in the range $$215-230~^\circ \hbox {C}$$

215
-
230

∘

C

and $$2-12~\hbox {bar}$$

2
-
12

bar

at varying levels of non-ideality, with a compressibility factor evaluated at total conditions between $$Z_\text {T}=0.68-0.98$$

Z
T

=
0.68
-
0.98

. These operating conditions are representative of the first-stage stator of ORC turbines. Measured shock losses were compared with those calculated from pre-shock quantities by solving conservation equations across a normal shock, with differences always below $$2 \%$$

2
%

attesting a satisfactory reliability of the implemented experimental procedure. An in-depth analysis was then carried out, highlighting the direct effects of non-ideality on shock intensity. Even at the mildly non-ideal conditions with $$Z_\text {T}\gtrsim 0.70$$

Z
T

≳
0.70

considered here, non-ideality was responsible for a significantly stronger shock compared to the ideal gas limit at same pre-shock Mach number, with differences as large as $$6\%$$

6
%

.

Graphical abstract
Monitoring of blood glucose after pediatric kidney transplantation: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Salah Doaa M. , Hafez Mona , Fadel Ftaina I. , Selem Yasmen Ahmed Said , Musa Noha
Published: July 2022

Background

Glucose metabolism after kidney transplantation (KT) is highly dynamic with the first post-transplantation year being the most critical period for new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) occurrence. The present study aimed to analyze dynamics of glucose metabolism and report incidence/risk factors of abnormal glycemic state during the first year after KT in children.

Methods

Twenty-one consecutive freshly transplanted pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) were assessed for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) weekly for 4 weeks, then every 3 months for 1 year.

Results

Interpretation of OGTT test showed normal glucose tolerance (NGT) in 6 patients (28.6%) while 15 (71.4%) experienced impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) at any time point of monitoring. Seven patients had NODAT, for which three needed insulin therapy. Hyperglycemia onset was 7.8 ± 13.12 weeks (median (range) = 1 (0–24) week) after KT. Percent of patients with abnormal OGTT was significantly more than that of IFG (38.1% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.029). Patients with abnormal glycemic state had significantly elevated trough tacrolimus levels at 6 months (p = 0.03). Glucose readings did not correlate with steroid doses nor rejection episodes while positively correlating with tacrolimus doses at 3 months (p = 0.02, CC = 0.73) and 6 months (p = 0.01, CC = 0.63), and negatively correlating with simultaneous GFR at 9 months (p = 0.04, CC =  − 0.57).

Conclusions

Up to two thirds of pediatric KTRs (71.4%) experienced abnormal glycemic state at some point with peak incidence within the first week up to 6 months after KT. OGTT was a better tool for monitoring of glucose metabolism than FPG. Abnormal glycemic state was induced by tacrolimus and adversely affected graft function.

Graphical abstract

A higher resolution version of the Graphical
abstract is available as Supplementary information.
2022 update of the Austrian Society of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for patients with gout and hyperuricemia
Authors: Sautner Judith , Eichbauer-Sturm Gabriela , Gruber Johann , Lunzer Raimund , Puchner Rudolf Johannes
Published: July 2022

Background

Gout is the most frequent inflammatory joint disease in the western world and has a proven genetic background. Additionally, lifestyle factors like increasing life span and wealth, sufficient to excess nutritional status and a growing prevalence of obesity in the population, as well as e.g. alcohol consumption contribute to the rising incidence of hyperuricemia and gout. Apart from an adequate medication, medical advice on nutrition and lifestyle is an essential part of the management of gout patients, being at high risk of internal comorbidities.

Objective

In 2015, the ÖGR (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation) working group for osteoarthritis and crystal arthropathies already published nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for patients with gout and hyperuricemia. Since then, a multitude of literature has been published addressing this topic, what required an update.

Methods

First, the authors performed a hierarchical literature search to screen the meanwhile published literature. Also considering references of the first publication, the relevant literature was selected, and the 2015 recommendations were either kept as published, reformulated or newly produced. Finally, the evidence level and the level of agreement with each recommendation were added.

Results

Following this process, ten recommendations were generated instead of the initial nine. Like in the original publication, a colored icon presentation was provided to complement the written text.

Conclusion

The Austrian nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for patients with gout and hyperuricemia were updated incorporating the most recent relevant literature, serving as education material for patients and updated information for physicians.
Thermodynamic Analysis for the Solubility of Allopurinol in Aqueous and Non-aqueous Mixtures at Various Temperatures
Authors: Ángeles Peña M. , Sánchez Ana B. , Escalera Begoña , Jouyban Abolghasem , Martinez Fleming
Published: July 2022

The solubility of allopurinol was measured at several temperatures (15–35 ºC) in ethanol–water, ethanol–ethyl acetate, and ethyl acetate–hexane mixtures. The mole fraction solubility shows two solubility maxima against the co-solvent (ethanol) ratio (70 % ethanol–water and 100 % ethyl acetate) at each of the five temperatures studied. The authors correlated the solubility data in binary solvent mixtures at various temperatures using a modified version of the Jouyban–Acree model. The respective apparent thermodynamic functions Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy of solution were obtained from the solubility data through the van’t Hoff equations. The apparent enthalpies of solution are endothermic and display a maximum at 20 % ethanol in water, as ethanol is added to water, the entropy of the system increases. In the non-aqueous mixture (ethanol–ethyl acetate), enthalpy is the driving force throughout the whole solvent composition. An enthalpy–entropy compensation analysis confirms a non-linear enthalpy–entropy relationship in plots of enthalpy vs. Gibbs energy of solution, i.e., two different mechanisms involved in the solubility enhancement. An inverse Kirkwood–Buff integral analysis of the preferential solvation indicated that in ethanol-rich mixtures, the drug is preferentially solvated by water, and it is acting mainly as a Lewis base in front to water.
A perspective on the major light-harvesting complex dynamics under the effect of pH, salts, and the photoprotective PsbS protein
Authors: Navakoudis Eleni , Stergiannakos Taxiarchis , Daskalakis Vangelis
Published: July 2022

The photosynthetic apparatus is a highly modular assembly of large pigment-binding proteins. Complexes called antennae can capture the sunlight and direct it from the periphery of two Photosystems (I, II) to the core reaction centers, where it is converted into chemical energy. The apparatus must cope with the natural light fluctuations that can become detrimental to the viability of the photosynthetic organism. Here we present an atomic scale view of the photoprotective mechanism that is activated on this line of defense by several photosynthetic organisms to avoid overexcitation upon excess illumination. We provide a complete macroscopic to microscopic picture with specific details on the conformations of the major antenna of Photosystem II that could be associated with the switch from the light-harvesting to the photoprotective state. This is achieved by combining insight from both experiments and all-atom simulations from our group and the literature in a perspective article.
New hybrid multiplanar cone beam computed tomography-laser-fluoroscopic-guided approach in cochlear implant surgery
Authors: Waldeck Stephan , Schmidt Sandra , von Falck Christian , Chapot René , Brockmann Marc , Overhoff Daniel
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Cochlea implant surgery with proper positioning of the cochlear electrode can be challenging. Intraoperative real-time hybrid laser-fluoroscopic-guided navigation based on a multiplanar cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) dataset opens up the opportunity to immediate radiological control of primary electrode misalignments and offering new insights into the cochlea electrode insertion routes and favorable cochlear implant-insertion angle.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 50 cases (29 males, 18 females) of conventional electrode implantation (without intraoperative image control; group A) and nine cases (7 males, 2 females) of CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-guided surgery (group B) were included in the present study. CBCT-laser-guided surgery under real-time fluoroscopic control was conducted using an intraoperative C-arm CBCT. All patients received preoperative cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI), in which cochlear malformation could be excluded. Postoperatively, we looked for electrode misplacements.

Results

In group A, electrode misalignment was detected postoperatively in 14 of 50 cases (28.0%). In group B, primary electrode misalignment was detected intraoperatively in two patients (22.2%). In both patients, the misalignments were corrected in the same session. The comparison of cochlear insertion angles showed significant differences. Group A: 47.5 ± 2.6° (actual conventional surgery) vs 17.6 ± 2.8° (theoretical CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-guided surgery) P < 0.001. Group A vs group B: 47.5 ± 2.6° (actual conventional surgery; Group A) vs 17.9 ± 2.5° (actual CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-guided surgery; Group B) P < 0.001.

Conclusion

We consider that an intraoperative hybrid CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-controlled approach in cochlear implant surgery using a C-arm CT can be beneficial, because electrode misalignments can be reduced and if it does occur, remedied in the same surgical session.
Lipocalin-2-Mediated Insufficient Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Remyelination for White Matter Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via SCL22A17 Receptor/Early Growth Response Protein 1 Signaling
Authors: Li Qiang , Ru Xufang , Yang Yang , Zhao Hengli , Qu Jie , Chen Weixiang , Pan Pengyu , Ruan Huaizhen , Li Chaojun , Chen Yujie , Feng Hua
Published: July 2022

Insufficient remyelination due to impaired oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation and maturation is strongly associated with irreversible white matter injury (WMI) and neurological deficits. We analyzed whole transcriptome expression to elucidate the potential role and underlying mechanism of action of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in OPC differentiation and WMI and identified the receptor SCL22A17 and downstream transcription factor early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) as the key signals contributing to LCN2-mediated insufficient OPC remyelination. In LCN-knockdown and OPC EGR1 conditional-knockout mice, we discovered enhanced OPC differentiation in developing and injured white matter (WM); consistent with this, the specific inactivation of LCN2/SCl22A17/EGR1 signaling promoted remyelination and neurological recovery in both atypical, acute WMI due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and typical, chronic WMI due to multiple sclerosis. This potentially represents a novel strategy to enhance differentiation and remyelination in patients with white matter injury.
Towards prediction of oil recovery by spontaneous imbibition of modified salinity brine into limestone rocks: A scaling study
Authors: Bassir Seyed Mojtaba , Shokrollahzadeh Behbahani Hassan , Shahbazi Khalil , Kord Shahin , Mirzaei-Paiaman Abouzar
Published: July 2022

Spontaneous imbibition is a key mechanism of oil recovery in naturally fractured reservoirs. Many enhanced oil recovery techniques, such as modified salinity brine injection, have been suggested to improve spontaneous imbibition efficiency. To predict oil recovery by spontaneous imbibition process, scaling equations have been developed in the literature where almost none of them include the effect of two critical aspects. One aspect is the different ionic composition of injecting brine from connate brine. Another aspect is the effect of combination/interaction of a lower salinity imbibing (injecting) brine with connate brine. This research takes into account these two aspects to propose a new empirical scaling equation to scale oil recovery by modified salinity imbibing brines in limestone rocks. For this purpose, the results of available 59 tests from 14 references performed on various limestone rock samples collected from different formations and regions were used. The tests had been performed at high temperatures and on aged cores, which makes the proposed scaling equation more realistic and applicable to reservoir conditions. For the first time, the imbibing and connate brines ionic strengths are included in the equation due to the mechanism of the modified salinity brine injection method. In addition, the scaled spontaneous imbibition recovery data by the new equation was matched using two mathematical expressions based on the Aronofsky model and Fries and Dreyer model which can be used to derive transfer functions for simulation of spontaneous imbibition oil recovery by modified salinity brine injection in fractured limestone reservoirs.
Geophysical logging in brittleness evaluation on the basis of rock mechanics parameters: a case study of sandstone of Shanxi formation in Yanchang gas field, Ordos Basin
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Chen Zhanjun , Yu Lan , Zhang Suya , Gai Ke , Fan Yuhai , Huo Weida
Published: July 2022

In the process of unconventional oil and gas exploitation, fracturing is generally needed to improve industrial productivity. Brittleness, an essential factor of reservoir fracturing evaluation, is the key to improving the production of unconventional reservoirs. Shanxi formation of Yanchang gas field in Ordos Basin has the features of low porosity, poor permeability, and strong heterogeneity, which result in low productivity in natural conditions. In order to study the mechanical properties and fracturing ability of the reservoir, triaxial compression tests were carried out on 35 sandstone cores in the study area, and the mechanical parameters, rupture mode, stress–strain, and brittleness characteristics of the sandstone were obtained. The results show that the compressive strength is positively correlated with the elastic modulus and negatively correlated with the Poisson’s ratio. The samples have obvious brittle rupture characteristics and the brittleness index in the range of 47.9–52.2%. The dynamic parameters obtained by logging can be converted into static parameters in petroleum engineering application, and then the reservoir brittleness can be evaluated dynamically and continuously. Taking well X-2 in the study area as an example, the brittleness index calculated by stress–strain method and mineral composition method is 47.9 to 53.5% and 48.8% respectively, which is well matched with the logging interpretation, indicating that the results obtained by logging interpretation are relatively accurate. Based on mechanical experiments and logging evaluation results, the study could provide a parameter basis for selecting the favourable fracturing position of Shanxi formation in Yanchang gas field.
Metal-Detecting Rallies
Authors: Wessman Anna , Deckers Pieterjan , Lewis Michael , Thomas Suzie , Nolet Katelijne
Published: July 2022

Hobby metal detectorists search for archaeological finds as individuals and within groups, the latter being the focus of this article. Such groups come together as “clubs” and “meetings,” but also as part of large, often commercially run events typically known as “rallies.” All these activities are attractive to detectorists because they provide them with access to land to search, along with the promise of making interesting (even valuable) discoveries, and they have a social dimension. They are common in England and also well established in several countries in northwest Europe, partly due to changing legislation. Although policies and mechanisms are often in place for collaboration with individual detectorists and even local metal-detecting clubs, larger events (not least, the large-scale commercial rallies increasingly occurring in England) present challenges for professional archaeologists, specifically in relation to the capacity to properly record finds and manage potential damage to the historic environment. To respond appropriately to these changes, a greater understanding of detectorists’ events is needed. For this reason, we explore and define the scale, nature, and diversity of group events, relating them to different legislative and cultural contexts in Flanders (Belgium), England (and Wales), and Finland. Subsequently, we outline challenges associated with group events and identify possible ways forward.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Secondary bacterial infections and the impact on antimicrobial resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Markovskaya Yelena , Gavioli Elizabeth M. , Cusumano Jaclyn A. , Glatt Aaron E.
Published: July 2022

Secondary bacterial infections and bacterial coinfections are an important complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to antibiotic overuse and increased rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this literature review, we summarize the reported rates of secondary bacterial infections and bacterial coinfections in patients with COVID-19, the impact on patient outcomes, the antibiotic treatment approaches employed, and the resistance patterns observed. The reported data suggest that although the incidence of secondary bacterial infections or bacterial coinfections is relatively low, they are associated with worse outcomes such as prolonged hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilator use, and increased mortality. Interestingly, antibiotic prescription rates are typically higher than secondary bacterial and bacterial coinfection rates, and reports of AMR are common. These findings highlight the need for an improved understanding of secondary bacterial and bacterial coinfection in patients with COVID-19, as well as improved treatment options, to mitigate inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and AMR.
Instinctive Commercial Peace Theorists? Interpreting American Views of the US–China Trade War
Authors: Bulman David
Published: July 2022

Existing theories of individual trade preferences do not satisfactorily explain how security concerns should affect American support for the US–China trade war that began in 2018. Although existing theories of public attitudes toward international trade—economic self-interest, sociotropism, partisanship, reciprocity, and xenophobia—all help to explain initial support for the trade war, these hypotheses do not adequately explain citizen attitudes in the context of an increasingly adversarial and securitized bilateral US–China relationship. In particular, they do not address how rising security tensions affect trade preferences. Using nationally representative original survey data (n = 1,016) and a nonrepresentative survey with an embedded experiment (n = 1,015), this article argues that securitization of the bilateral economic relationship has spurred threat perceptions and given rise to a Cold War narrative that has in turn caused a substantial share of Americans to become less concerned with the economic outcomes of trade and more concerned with trade's effect on security. These Americans demonstrate an instinctive “commercial peace” response, seeing trade liberalization as a potential deterrent to conflict. The results challenge conventional wisdom on political support for the trade war and add depth to existing theories of individual trade preferences regarding the interaction between economic, security, and psychological motivations.