bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zn‐salt poly(styrene–ran–cinnamic acid) ionomer as a polystyrene with improved impact toughness, heat resistance, and minimally compromised processability
Authors: Song Zhiyuan , Wang Jie , Tao Qian , Yu Yang , Zhang Hui , Hu Chuanqun , Cen Hongyu , Zheng Xuan , Hu Tao , Wu Chonggang
Published: December 2021

Zn‐salt poly(styrene–ran–cinnamic acid) (SCA–Zn) ionomers were successfully synthesized via the melt neutralization of poly(styrene–ran–cinnamic acid) (SCA), which has a comparable molecular weight ( = 217,000) to commercial polystyrene (PS), with different mass fractions of ZnO (0.62, 1.6, and 3.9 wt.%) and the successful synthesis was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical properties, heat resistance, and processibility of the PS, SCA, and SCA–Zn samples were characterized. Compared to SCA, the three SCA–Zn ionomers exhibited significantly higher αcN values, with the ionomers containing 1.6 and 3.9 wt.% ZnO were 11.4% and 68.6% higher than that of SCA, respectively. Compared to commercial PS, SCA–Zn also exhibited significant improvements in heat resistance (glass transition temperature and vicat softening temperature both improved by about 20 °C) and impact toughness (αcN values of the ionomers containing 1.6 and 3.9 wt.% ZnO were 69.6% and 156.5% higher than that of PS), while the processability of SCA–Zn was not significantly worse than that of PS. This method efficiently improves both the toughness and heat resistance of PS, providing an efficient way to expand the market application of styrenic resins.
Bio‐based and hydrolytically degradable hydroxyurethane acrylates as photocurable thermosets
Authors: Younes Georges R. , Maric Milan
Published: December 2021

This study focuses on the synthesis of bio‐based and hydrolytically degradable photocurable thermosets made from hydroxyurethane acrylates (HUA). The hydroxyurethanes (HUs) are prepared from the reaction between ethylene carbonate and a bio‐based diamine, Priamine 1074. Subsequently, the HU initiates the ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL), resulting in telechelic groups of 5 CL units at both ends of the HU. The resulting HU‐CL5 is finally acrylated to prepare the degradable HUA (HU‐CL5‐A) with transformations confirmed following each step via proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. HU‐CL5‐A is photocured with 4‐acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) as a photosensitive reactive diluent. The photocurable thermosets exhibit slight water swelling (swelling index of 46%), as Priamine 1074 and ACMO are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, respectively, leading to the slow and partial degradation of the films in water at 85°C for 14 days. The cleavage of the CL units from the film networks is proven via 1H‐NMR and FTIR, which demonstrates the main objective of this study in synthesizing photocurable and degradable HUA resins.
VLBA observations of extremely luminous, young, and highly obscured radio quasars from the WISE‐Radio sample
Authors: Lonsdale Carol J. , Patil Pallavi , Lonsdale Colin , Whittle Mark , Nyland Kristina
Published: December 2021

A snapshot imaging survey with the VLBA at 5 GHz of 90 of the reddest, most obscured quasars with Ultra Luminous InfraRed Galaxy‐level infrared luminosities reveals a range of small jet structures and also unresolved sources. The three highest frequency peakers in the sample show little evidence for any substantial radio emission on scales larger than about 100 pc, based on our VLA data and on archival survey data. These may be very young single‐epoch radio quasar events. Sources with lower peak frequencies, in the gigahertz peaked source (GPSs), tend to have VLBA fluxes that under‐predict the larger scale emission, indicating multiple structures and possibly multiple epochs of jet activity. One GPS source shows evidence for strong absorption at low frequencies, consistent with this hypothesis. Multifrequency and multiresolution imaging of a subset of 12 of the sample with VLA, VLBA, and eMerlin are under analysis.
Brandschutztechnische Auslegung der Installationstechnik beim Kantonsspital Baden
Authors: Riello Giovanni , Nguyen Huu Toan
Published: December 2021

Die neue Generation von Befestigungssystemen der Installationstechnik ist gekennzeichnet durch eine frühzeitige Einbindung in die Planungsphase, einen hohen Vorfertigungsgrad, effiziente Montagezeiten, deutliche Materialersparnisse sowie eine optimale Raumnutzung unter Einhaltung aller relevanten Vorschriften. Die Ausnutzung dieser Optimierungspotenziale wird erst ermöglicht durch eine frühzeitige und gewerkübergreifende Befestigungsplanung für die technische Gebäudeausrüstung, bei der gemeinsame Tragstrukturen für Leitungen aller betroffenen Ausbaugewerke konzipiert werden. Dabei müssen auch für das Gesamtsystem div. Auflagen in Bezug auf den Brandschutz erfüllt werden. Mit der Bereitstellung technischer Regelwerke für die Auslegung von modularen Tragsystemen unter Brandbedingungen werden entsprechende Bemessungskonzepte vermehrt in der Praxis eingesetzt. Dieser Beitrag gibt eine allgemeine Einführung in die Konzeption modularer Tragsysteme und deren Auslegung im Brandfall und beschreibt anhand eines Projektbeispiels, wie auch anspruchsvolle Planungsanforderungen in Bezug auf den Brandschutz effizient umgesetzt werden können. Das gewählte Projektbeispiel – das Kantonsspital Baden in der Schweiz – steht dabei exemplarisch für ein Großprojekt im Gesundheitswesen mit herausfordernden Anforderungen an den Brandschutz für Tragsysteme der technischen Gebäudeausrüstung.
Befestigung von Leitungsanlagen über abgehängten Decken – bauordnungsrechtlicher Rahmen
Authors: Czepuck Knut
Published: December 2021

Für die Errichtung von Leitungsanlagen über abgehängten Decken sind die bauordnungsrechtlichen Anforderungen des jeweiligen Landesrechts einzuhalten und zu beachten. In diesem Beitrag wird anhand der Mustervorschriften – also der Musterbauordnung und der Muster‐Sonderbauvorschriften, der Muster‐Verwaltungsvorschrift Technische Baubestimmungen und der Muster‐Leitungsanlagen‐Richtlinie – ein Einblick in die relevanten Texte, deren Bedeutung und Zusammenhänge für die Anwender gegeben. Die genannten Muster werden in den Ländern in Landesrecht umgesetzt, ggf. mit geringfügigen Änderungen. Neben diesen genannten Rechtsvorschriften und Regeln dürfen auch die allgemein anerkannten Regeln der Technik – oder wie es in der bayerischen Bauordnung heißt „der Baukunst“ – nicht vergessen werden. Für die Beurteilung in einzelnen Bauvorhaben – also für Einzelfallbetrachtungen – sind Hinweise für die Gemengelage der Pflichten der am Bau Beteiligten aufgenommen. Ebenfalls werden die bautechnischen Nachweise und die Nachweisführung für Bauprodukte und Bauteile im Überblick kursorisch dargestellt.
Long‐term effects of adolescent sport experience, DRD2 and COMT genes, and their interaction on sport participation in adulthood
Authors: Lee Chung Gun , Moon Hyoyoul , Kang Joon‐Ho , Choi Joo Hee , Kwon Ju Hyuk
Published: December 2021

Background

The present study investigated the joint impact of adolescent sport experience and dopamine‐related genes (i.e., DRD2 and COMT genes) on sport participation in adulthood.

Methods

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data, the hierarchical multivariable logistic regression models for predicting sport participation in wave 3 (around 20 years of age) and wave 4 (around 30 years of age) were conducted separately by gender (male and female) and gene (DRD2 and COMT genes).

Results

Adolescent sport experience significantly interacted with the number of DRD2 A1 alleles and COMT Met alleles in affecting wave 3 sport participation among male adults. The interaction between adolescent sport experience and DRD2 gene significantly affected wave 4 sport participation in opposite direction to that affected wave 3 sport participation among male participants. Among female participants, there were no significant interaction effects between dopamine‐related genes and adolescent sport experience on sport participation in both wave 3 and 4.

Conclusions

Since adult sport participation is most likely to be influenced by the joint impact of environmental and genetic factors, it is important to consider gene‐by‐environment interactions when designing policies or programs to promote adult sport participation.
Holiday ratio of hospitalization and 30‐day readmission rates among cancer patients after major surgery
Authors: Chiou Ling‐Jan , Chen Hsiu‐Min , Pan Li‐Fei , Lee Ching‐Chih
Published: December 2021

Background

To determine the association of 30‐day readmission with weekend discharge and the number of holiday days during a hospital stay (holiday ratio).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the clinical research database and cancer registry data of our hospital from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017. Patient characteristics, tumor factors, clinical laboratory data, and proxies of continuity of care, such as weekend discharge or holiday ratio (holiday days/total hospitalization days), received statistical analysis. Multivariate logistic regression identified the independent factors for 30‐day potentially avoidable readmission rate (PAR).

Results

Of 1433 patients receiving tumor resection, 520 (36.29%) had colon cancer; 440 (30.70%) had head and neck cancer (HNC), and 473 (33.01%) had other cancers (lung, liver, and prostate). The rate of 30‐day PAR was 6.3% for those with colon cancer, 8.6% for HNC, and 3.6% for other cancers. The 30‐day PAR did not significantly differ by discharge on a weekend versus weekday for those with colon cancer (8.33% vs. 5.90%; p = 0.379), HNC (7.06% vs. 9.01%; p = 0.566), or other cancers (0.00% vs. 4.28%; p = 0.960). Colon cancer patients with holiday ratio >0.3 had a higher readmission rate (9.58% vs. 4.82%, p = 0.041). In multivariate analysis, a holiday ratio >0.3 (adjusted odds ratio 2.16; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.05–4.39) in those with colon cancer was an independent predictor of 30‐day PAR.

Conclusions

Weekend discharge after major surgery did not affect 30‐day readmission rates in cancer patients, but the holiday ratio did affect 30‐day PAR for those with colon cancer.
Gene therapy: A promising approach for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Dastjerd Niloufar Tavakoli , Valibeik Ali , Rahimi Monfared Sobhan , Goodarzi Golnaz , Moradi Sarabi Mostafa , Hajabdollahi Faezeh , Maniati Mahmood , Amri Jamal , Samavarchi Tehrani Sadra
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy and the second leading cause of death among women worldwide that is caused by numerous genetic and environmental factors. Hence, effective treatment for this type of cancer requires new therapeutic approaches. The traditional methods for treating this cancer have side effects, therefore so much research have been performed in last decade to find new methods to alleviate these problems. The study of the molecular basis of breast cancer has led to the introduction of gene therapy as an effective therapeutic approach for this cancer. Gene therapy involves sending genetic material through a vector into target cells, which is followed by a correction, addition, or suppression of the gene. In this technique, it is necessary to target tumour cells without affecting normal cells. In addition, clinical trial studies have shown that this approach is less toxic than traditional therapies. This study will review various aspects of breast cancer, gene therapy strategies, limitations, challenges and recent studies in this area.
Asymmetrically Substituted m‐Terphenyl Phosphates Inhibit the Transcription Factor STAT5a
Authors: Müller‐Klieser Daniel , Berg Thorsten
Published: December 2021

We recently presented Stafia‐1 as the first chemical entity that inhibits the transcription factor STAT5a with selectivity over the highly homologous STAT5b. Stafia‐1, which was identified from a series of symmetrically substituted m‐terphenyl phosphates, binds to the interface between the SH2 domain and the linker domain of STAT5a. Here, we outline a synthetic strategy for the synthesis of asymmetrically substituted m‐terphenyl phosphates, which can be tailored to address their asymmetric STAT5a binding site in a more specific manner. The asymmetrically substituted m‐terphenyl phosphate with the highest activity against STAT5a was converted to a phosphatase‐stable monofluoromethylene phosphonate. The synthetic methodology and activity analysis described here provide first insights into the structure‐activity relationships of m‐terphenyl phosphates for use as selective STAT5a inhibitors.
A Simple Method to Design a Decoupler for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Goyal Ishita , Reddy Supreetha , Rao Chinta Sankar
Published: December 2021

A decoupling control system is designed by a simple tuning‐free method for the multi‐input multi‐output model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The decoupler minimizes the interactions among the loops and is designed by estimating the relative normalized gain array and dynamic relative gain array for the closed‐loop model. The proportional integral controller settings are estimated using the partial model matching method. The performances of the proposed method are studied based on closed‐loop performances of control variables and time integral errors that are compared with the synthesis method. The proposed controller performs better in terms of integral of time‐weighted absolute error.
Dry reforming of methane: Effect of different calcination temperatures of Al2O3 and Mg‐Al2O3 supports on Ni catalysts
Authors: de Andrade Schaffner Rodolfo , Schwengber Carine Aline , Kowalski Rafaela Luisa , Gonçalves de Assis Natalie Souto , Pelissari Rizzo Domingues Roberta Carolina , Yamamoto Carlos Itsuo , Alves Helton José
Published: December 2021

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an important way to produce synthesis gas, requiring the use of catalysts stable at high temperatures and capable of resisting coke formation. In this work, Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/Mg‐Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized with calcined aluminas at different temperatures (623, 773, 923, and 1073 K) to evaluate the effect of calcination temperature on catalyst properties and performance. The synthesis of catalysts was performed by wet impregnation with predicted levels of Ni (10% w/w) and Mg (5% w/w) in the treated supports. The DRM assays were conducted in an experimental laboratory unit (continuous fixed bed reactor with in‐situ catalyst activation) using a 1:1 (v/v) CH4:CO2 mixture, a weight basis gas hourly space velocity (WGHSV) of 15 L h−1 gcat−1, and operation at 973 K. The reaction product was evaluated by gas chromatography. Variations in CH4 and CO2 conversions and H2/CO ratio were observed, indicating that these catalysts have different physical and chemical characteristics attributed to different effects caused by calcinating the supports (Al2O3 and Mg‐Al2O3) at different temperatures.
Adequacy evaluation and use of pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens for next‐generation sequencing acquired by endoscopic ultrasound–guided FNA and FNB
Authors: Gan Qiong , Roy‐Chowdhuri Sinchita , Duose Dzifa Yawa , Stewart John M. , Coronel Emmanuel , Bhutani Manoop S. , Lee Jeffrey H. , Weston Brian , Ge Phillip S. , Ross William A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: December 2021

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound–guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA), especially endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA), is the mainstay of tissue acquisition for the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recently, endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) using flexible biopsy needles has been used for patients with PDAC in an effort to increase diagnostic yields and biomarker testing. However, the role of EUS‐TA in biomarker testing for personalized therapy or precise chemotherapy for PDAC is not well established.

Methods

PDAC cases with specimens acquired through concurrent EUS‐FNA and EUS‐FNB were identified retrospectively. Smears were prepared from EUS‐FNA sampling, and cell blocks (CBs) were prepared from EUS‐FNB sampling. Rapid onsite evaluation was conducted for all cases for diagnostic adequacy. The adequacy for biomarker testing, including next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, was evaluated, and cases with smears and CBs adequate for NGS were processed for targeted NGS.

Results

There were 26 PDAC cases concurrently sampled by EUS‐FNA and EUS‐FNB. EUS‐FNA smears for all 26 cases and EUS‐FNB CBs for 20 cases (77%) were diagnostic for PDAC. Twenty‐one smears (81%) and 11 CBs (42%) were adequate for NGS. Nine cases with both smears and CBs adequate for NGS underwent NGS, which identified clinically significant gene mutation variants, including KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 mutations.

Conclusions

Both EUS‐FNA and EUS‐FNB can provide optimal material for targeted NGS for PDACs. In PDAC cases subjected to concurrent EUS‐FNA and EUS‐FNB, EUS‐FNA specimens had greater diagnostic yields and more adequate material for NGS than EUS‐FNB specimens, whereas EUS‐FNB was more suitable for IHC‐based biomarker testing.
Experience of using graphical processing unit in power flow computation
Authors: Daher Daibes João Victor , Brown Do Coutto Filho Milton , Stacchini de Souza Julio Cesar , Gonzalez Clua Esteban Walter , Zanghi Rainer
Published: December 2021

The computational tool known as Power Flow is essential for planning and operating electrical networks, especially considering the interconnected ones, which leads to tackle more complex, large‐size modeling problems and perform extensive analyses during decision‐making processes. This paper proposes a practical approach to solve the power flow problem using parallel computation of the Newton–Raphson method. To this aim, CPU and GPU implementations are tested and a hybrid CPU‐GPU approach proved to be more effective to solve the problem in hand. Numerical results obtained on benchmark power networks are presented and discussed.
Narrow and Stable Single Photon Emission from Dibenzoterrylene inpara‐Terphenyl Nanocrystals
Authors: Schofield Ross C. , Burdekin Paul , Fasoulakis Anastasios , Devanz Louise , Bogusz Dominika P. , Hoggarth Rowan A. , Major Kyle D. , Clark Alex S.
Published: December 2021

Single organic molecules are promising photon sources for quantum technologies. In this work we show photon emission from dibenzoterrylene, a widely used organic emitter, in a new host matrix,para‐terphenyl. We present a reprecipitation growth method that producespara‐terphenyl nanocrystals which are ideal for integration into nanophotonic devices due to their small size. We characterise the optical properties of dibenzoterrylene in nanocrystals at room and cryogenic temperatures, showing bright, narrow emission from a single molecule. Spectral data on the vibrational energies is presented and a further 25 additional molecules are characterised. This emitter‐host combination has potential for quantum technology purposes with wavelengths suitable for interfacing with quantum memories.
Incorporation of Cu/Ni in Ordered Mesoporous Co‐Based Spinels to Facilitate Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reactions in Alkaline Media and Aprotic Li−O2 Batteries
Authors: Priamushko Tatiana , Budiyanto Eko , Eshraghi Nicolas , Weidenthaler Claudia , Kahr Jürgen , Jahn Marcus , Tüysüz Harun , Kleitz Freddy
Published: December 2021

Ordered mesoporous CuNiCo oxides were prepared via nanocasting with varied Cu/Ni ratio to establish its impact on the electrochemical performance of the catalysts. Physicochemical properties were determined along with the electrocatalytic activities toward oxygen evolution/reduction reactions (OER/ORR). Combining Cu, Ni, and Co allowed creating active and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts. CuNiCo oxide (Cu/Ni≈1 : 4) exhibited the highest current density of 411 mA cm−2 at 1.7 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and required the lowest overpotential of 312 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH after 200 cyclic voltammograms. OER measurements were also conducted in the purified 1 m KOH, where CuNiCo oxide (Cu/Ni≈1 : 4) also outperformed NiCo oxide and showed excellent chemical and catalytic stability. For ORR, Cu/Ni incorporation provided higher current density, better kinetics, and facilitated the 4e− pathway of the oxygen reduction reaction. The tests in Li−O2 cells highlighted that CuNiCo oxide can effectively promote ORR and OER at a lower overpotential.
Cytologic presentation of ovarian large cell carcinoma with rhabdoid features detected on peritoneal washing. Report of one case with cyto‐histologic correlation and previously undescribed inactivating SMARCA‐4 mutations
Authors: Fulciniti Franco , Barizzi Jessica , Migliora Paola , Papadia Andrea , Mazzucchelli Luca
Published: December 2021

The SMARCA subgroup of genes belongs to the SWI1/SNF1 family, responsible for chromatin remodeling and repair within the nucleosome. The SMARCA4 gene is located on chromosome 19p13 and encodes the BRG1 (BRAhMA) protein. We report the cytological and histological findings in one case of large cell SMARCA4 deficient ovarian carcinoma with positive peritoneal washing in a 69‐year‐old woman. The neoplastic cells were present as singly lying or perivascular clusters and showed medium or large size, round to oval hyperchromatic nuclei, and scarce to moderate cytoplasms. Molecular pathology investigations performed on the ovarian surgical sample found two previously undescribed mutations in the SMARCA4 gene and additional mutations in the CTNNB1 (Beta Catenin gene) and in PIK3CA. To our knowledge, this case probably represents the third cytologic report of this variant of ovarian carcinoma and the first one with molecular pathologic study.
In‐person versus virtual therapy in outpatient eating‐disorder treatment: A COVID‐19 inspired study
Authors: Steiger Howard , Booij Linda , Crescenzi Olivia , Oliverio Stephanie , Singer Ilana , Thaler Lea , St‐Hilaire Annie , Israel Mimi
Published: December 2021

Objective

Findings show virtual therapy (conducted using internet‐based videoconferencing techniques) to be a viable alternative to in‐person therapy for a variety of mental‐health problems. COVID‐19 social‐distancing imperatives required us to substitute virtual interventions for in‐person sessions routinely offered in our outpatient eating disorder (ED) program—and afforded us an opportunity to compare the two treatment formats for clinical efficacy.

Methods

Using self‐report assessments, we compared outcomes in a historical sample of 49 adults with heterogeneous EDs (treated in‐person over 10–14 weeks in individual and group therapies) to those of 76 patients receiving comparable virtual treatments, at distance, during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Linear mixed models were used to study symptom changes over time and to test for differential effects of treatment modality.

Results

Participants in both groups showed similar improvements on eating symptoms, levels of weight gain (in individuals in whom gain was indicated), and satisfaction with services.

Discussion

Our results suggest that short‐term clinical outcomes with virtual and in‐person ED therapies are comparable, and point to potentials of virtual therapy for situations in which geographical distance or other barriers impede physical access to trained therapists or specialized treatments.
Simulated hurricane‐induced changes in light and nutrient regimes change seedling performance in Everglades forest‐dominant species
Authors: May Jeremy L. , Oberbauer Steven F.
Published: December 2021

Wind damage from cyclones can devastate the forest canopy, altering environmental conditions in the understory that affect seedling growth and plant community regeneration. To investigate the impact of hurricane‐induced increases in light and soil nutrients as a result of canopy defoliation, we conducted a two‐way factorial light and nutrient manipulation in a shadehouse experiment. We measured seedling growth of the dominant canopy species in the four Everglades forest communities: pine rocklands (Pinus elliottii var densa), cypress domes (Taxodium distichum), hardwood hammocks, and tree islands (Quercus virginiana and Bursera simaruba). Light levels were full sun and 50% shade, and nutrient levels coupled with an additional set of individuals that were subjected to a treatment mimicking the sudden effects of canopy opening from hurricane‐induced defoliation and the corresponding nutrient pulse. Seedlings were measured weekly for height growth and photosynthesis, with seedlings being harvested after 16 weeks for biomass, leaf area, and leaf tissue N and 13C isotope ratio. Growth rates and biomass accumulation responded more to differences in soil nutrients than differences in light availability, with largest individuals being in the high nutrient treatments. For B. simaruba and P. elliottii, the highest photosynthetic rates occurred in the high light, high nutrient treatment, while T. distichum and Q. virginiana photosynthetic rates were highest in low light, high nutrient treatment. Tissue biomass allocation patterns remained similar across treatments, except for Q. virginiana, which altered above‐ and belowground biomass allocation to increase capture of limiting soil and light resources. In response to the hurricane simulation treatment, height growth increased rapidly for Q. virginiana and B. simaruba, with nonsignificant increases for the other two species. We show here that ultimately, hurricane‐adapted, tropical species may be more likely to recolonize the forest canopy following a large‐scale hurricane disturbance.
A Developing Timeline for Bioethics
Authors: Danis Marion , Baker Robert , Lederer Susan
Published: December 2021

This brief essay describes the purpose, the content, and the development, by a group of Hastings Center fellows and a scholar at the Center, of the Hastings Center Bioethics Timeline. The timeline covers the wide range of contemporary events pertaining to the intersection of bioethics with the medical and biological sciences, health care, and health policy, as well as the medical arts and medical humanities. A collaborative effort that documents events in a collaborative field, the timeline is meant to be updated and edited so that it improves over time.
Giving Voice to the Voiceless in Environmental Gene Editing
Authors: Kofler Natalie , Grogan Colleen M.
Published: December 2021

Participatory deliberation, whereby diverse experts and publics collectively engage in decision‐making, can ensure a more informed and just decision by centering historically marginalized perspectives and engaging a spectrum of value systems. Broad and diverse participation is crucial for the equitable distribution of risks and benefits resulting from complex and uncertain decisions such as environmental gene editing. From an ethical position that gives intrinsic value to the nonhuman and recognizes the interconnectedness of species across generations, we argue that deliberation over environmental gene editing must include the voice of nature and the voice of future generations. Inclusion of these key participant groups can encourage reflection on the human relationship with nature and help safeguard intergenerational equity of decisions reached. By drawing from the legal rights of nature movement, the Boardman River Dams Project, and methods for representative participation, we offer strategies for inclusion of nonhuman nature and future generations in deliberative processes about environmental gene editing and other crucial decisions about our shared environments.
Narratives in Public Deliberation: Empowering Gene Editing Debate with Storytelling
Authors: Chen Kaiping , Burgess Michael M.
Published: December 2021

Gene editing in the environment must consider uncertainty about potential benefits and risks for different populations and under different conditions. There are disagreements about the weight and balance of harms and benefits. Deliberative and community‐led approaches offer the opportunity to engage and empower diverse publics to co‐create responses and solutions to controversial policy choices in a manner that is inclusive of diverse perspectives. Stories, understood as situated accounts that reflect a person's life experiences, can enable the articulation of nuanced perspectives, diversify how perspectives are communicated, encourage wider participation, open dominant perspectives to challenge, and invite participants to assess appropriate empathy and precaution in collective positions. An emphasis on storytelling in deliberations on gene editing of organisms emphasizes carefully designed recruitment and facilitation to support hearing from a range of perspectives, including those that present a different set of assumptions than those that may be held by experts or other stakeholders, among these, consideration of how to understand our relationships to nature.
The impact of worst pattern of invasion on the extension of surgical margins in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Köhler Hugo Fontan , Vartanian José Guilherme , Pinto Clóvis Antônio Lopes , da Silva Rodrigues Ivete Fabelo Pereira , Kowalski Luiz Paulo
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate margins for oral carcinoma according to types of invasion front.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of 772 patients with worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) graded 1–5. Local recurrence was the outcome of interest.

Results

Local recurrences occurred in 164 patients (21.2%) and was affected by WPOI type 4/5, margin distance, perineural invasion, and adjuvant radiotherapy. In patients with WPOI types 1/2/3, a cutoff of 1.7 mm was considered ideal margin extent and in patients with WPOI types 4/5, the cutoff was 7.8 mm. Patients below these thresholds had a significantly higher incidence of local recurrence.

Conclusions

Different WPOI determine the ideal extent of surgical margins as 1.7 mm for patients with types 1–3, and 7.8 mm in patients with types 4/5.
The impact of the Shanghai–Hong Kong stock market connection on corporate innovation: Evidence from mainland China
Authors: He Guanming , Li Xiaorong , Luo Jingbo
Published: December 2021

The Shanghai stock market and the Hong Kong stock market were connected by the Chinese government in 2014, allowing Hong Kong investors to trade on a group of stocks on the Shanghai stock market. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we examine how this stock market connection affects corporate innovation in mainland China. We argue, and find, that the stock market connection enhances the informational feedback effect of stock prices and involves more‐sophisticated investors' monitoring and advising on firm management, and thereby spurs corporate innovation. We further show that the positive effect of the stock market connection on innovation is more pronounced for non‐state‐owned firms, firms with few political connections, firms with weak intellectual property rights protection or firms that are headquartered in non‐high‐tech economic zones. Our study sheds light on how the opening of a developing stock market to a more developed stock market shapes corporate innovation.
HPV vaccination coverage in women between 15 and 55 years old in Spain: Temporal trend during the period 2007–2020
Authors: Ramírez Mar , de la Fuente Jesús , Andía Daniel , José Hernández Juan , Fiol Gabriel , Torné Aureli
Published: December 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyse the temporal trend of HPV vaccination coverage (VC) in Spain in women aged 15‐55 years not included in systematic vaccination programmes during the period 2007‐2020.

Methods

We assessed the vaccine coverage rate in this population based on three estimations: 1) annual vaccination coverage with at least one dose (VCR ≥ 1d), 2) annual VC for the full schedule (VCR3d), and 3) cumulative VC for the full schedule (aVCR).

Results

Annual VCR ≥ 1d and VCR3d were highest in 2008 (2.40% and 0.66% respectively) and subsequently decreased drastically in 2011 (0.55% and 0.15%). From 2017 to 2019 there was an increase from 1.4‐fold to 1.6‐fold, respectively, which decreased in 2020. In relation to aVCR, there was an increasing trend throughout the study period with approximately 4.03% of the study population having been vaccinated against HPV in 2020.

Conclusion

In Spain, the cumulative vaccination coverage against HPV in women between 15‐55 years old not included in current vaccination programmes remains very low. Nonetheless, the temporal trend has shown a slight increase in recent years. Despite the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020, no significant negative impact on vaccination coverage has been observed in this population.
International psychological research addressing the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid scoping review and implications for global psychology
Authors: Obschonka Martin , Cai Qiyue , Chan Athena C. Y. , Marsalis Scott , Basha Sydni A. J. , Lee Sun‐Kyung , Gewirtz Abigail H.
Published: December 2021

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID‐19 a global pandemic. Given that keeping abreast of international perspectives and research results is of particular importance for such massive global emergencies, we employed a scoping review methodology to rapidly map the field of international psychological research addressing this important early phase of the pandemic. We included a total of 79 studies, with data mostly collected between March and June 2020. This review aimed to systematically identify and map the nature and scope of international studies examining psychological aspects of the unfolding COVID‐19 pandemic. We mapped key research themes, subfields of psychology, the nature and extent of international research collaboration, data methods employed, and challenges and enablers faced by psychological researchers in the early stages of the pandemic. Among the wide range of themes covered, mental health and social behaviours were the key themes. Most studies were in clinical/health psychology and social psychology. Network analyses revealed how authors collaborated and to what extent the studies were international. Europe and the United States were often at the centre of international collaboration. The predominant study design was cross‐sectional and online with quantitative analyses. We also summarised author reported critical challenges and enablers for international psychological research during the COVID pandemic, and conclude with implications for the field of psychology.
RANKL Blockade Reduces Cachexia and Bone Loss Induced by Non-Metastatic Ovarian Cancer in Mice
Authors: Pin Fabrizio , Jones Alexander J , Huot Joshua R , Narasimhan Ashok , Zimmers Teresa A , Bonewald Lynda F , Bonetto Andrea
Published: December 2021

Tumor- and bone-derived soluble factors have been proposed to participate in the alterations of skeletal muscle size and function in cachexia. We previously showed that mice bearing ovarian cancer (OvCa) exhibit cachexia associated with marked bone loss, whereas bone-targeting agents, such as bisphosphonates, are able to preserve muscle mass in animals exposed to anticancer drugs. De-identified CT images and plasma samples from female patients affected with OvCa were used for body composition assessment and quantification of circulating cross-linked C-telopeptide type I (CTX-I) and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL), respectively. Female mice bearing ES-2 tumors were used to characterize cancer- and RANKL-associated effects on muscle and bone. Murine C2C12 and human HSMM myotube cultures were used to determine the OvCa- and RANKL-dependent effects on myofiber size. To the extent of isolating new regulators of bone and muscle in cachexia, here we demonstrate that subjects affected with OvCa display evidence of cachexia and increased bone turnover. Similarly, mice carrying OvCa present high RANKL levels. By using in vitro and in vivo experimental models, we found that elevated circulating RANKL is sufficient to cause skeletal muscle atrophy and bone resorption, whereas bone preservation by means of antiresorptive and anti-RANKL treatments concurrently benefit muscle mass and function in cancer cachexia. Altogether, our data contribute to identifying RANKL as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of musculoskeletal complications associated with RANKL-expressing non-metastatic cancers. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract

RANKL directly impairs muscle mass and function in cancer cachexia.

Tumor-derived factors, including RANKL, drive bone resorption in non-bone metastatic cancer.

Blockade of RANKL and cancer-associated bone resorption results in improved muscle mass and function, even in the absence of bone metastases.
Immunoadsorption and plasma exchange—Efficient treatment options for neurological autoimmune diseases
Authors: Boedecker Simone C. , Luessi Felix , Engel Sinah , Kraus Daniel , Klimpke Pascal , Holtz Stefan , Meinek Myriam , Marczynski Paul , Weinmann Arndt , Weinmann‐Menke Julia
Published: December 2021

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and immunoadsorption (IA) are first or second line treatment options in patients with neurological autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMSOD), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (Guillain‐Barré syndrome), and autoimmune encephalitis.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled monocentric study, we assessed safety and efficacy of therapy with IA or TPE in patients with neurological autoimmune diseases. Treatment response was assessed using various neurological scores as well by measuring immunoglobulin and cytokine concentrations. Clinical outcome was evaluated by application of specific scores for the underlying diseases.

Results

A total of 32 patients were analyzed. Among these, 19 patients were treated with TPE and 13 patients with IA. IA and TPE therapy showed a comparable significant treatment response. In patients with MS and NMOSD, mean EDSS before and after treatment showed a significant reduction after treatment with IA.

We observed a significant reduction of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐12, lL‐17, IL‐6, INF‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor alpha during IA treatment, whereas this reduction was not seen in patients treated with TPE.

Conclusions

In summary, both IA and TPE were effective and safe procedures for treating neurological autoimmune diseases. However, there was a trend towards longer therapy response in patients treated with IA compared to TPE, possibly related to a reduction in plasma levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines seen only in the IA‐treated group.
Identity verification using palm print microscopic images based on median robust extended local binary pattern features and k‐nearest neighbor classifier
Authors: Rehman Amjad , Harouni Majid , Karchegani Negar Haghani Solati , Saba Tanzila , Bahaj Saeed Ali , Roy Sudipta
Published: December 2021

Automatic identity verification is one of the most critical and research‐demanding areas. One of the most effective and reliable identity verification methods is using unique human biological characteristics and biometrics. Among all types of biometrics, palm print is recognized as one of the most accurate and reliable identity verification methods. However, this biometrics domain also has several critical challenges: image rotation, image displacement, change in image scaling, presence of noise in the image due to devices, region of interest (ROI) detection, or user error. For this purpose, a new method of identity verification based on median robust extended local binary pattern (MRELBP) is introduced in this study. In this system, after normalizing the images and extracting the ROI from the microscopic input image, the images enter the feature extraction step with the MRELBP algorithm. Next, these features are reduced by the dimensionality reduction step, and finally, feature vectors are classified using the k‐nearest neighbor classifier. The microscopic images used in this study were selected from IITD and CASIA data sets, and the identity verification rate for these two data sets without challenge was 97.2% and 96.6%, respectively. In addition, computed detection rates have been broadly stable against changes such as salt‐and‐pepper noise up to 0.16, rotation up to 5°, displacement up to 6 pixels, and scale change up to 94%.
Physiological stress response in free‐living Amazonian caimans following experimental capture
Authors: Duncan Wallice P. , Júnior Janes N. A. , Mendonça Washington C. S. , Santa Cruz Idamara F. , Samonek Jean F. , Morais Ester J. F. , Marcon Jaydione L. , Da Silveira Ronis
Published: December 2021

When captured, free‐living crocodilians respond by hyperstimulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, which triggers a cascade of downstream events of physiological stress. We examined these responses in two unstressed, and stressed Amazonian caimans,Caiman crocodilusandMelanosuchus niger. Plasma corticosterone levels increased in both stressed caiman species. InM. niger, the levels of this hormone increased 5.2‐fold compared with the basal range values, while inC. crocodilusthis was only 1.7‐fold. After stress,M. nigerneeded more than 6 h to return its corticosterone levels to basal range values, whereas inC. crocodilusjust 0.5 h was enough. Downstream events were characterized by an increase in glucose levels, which is associated with corticosterone increments. Excessive muscle activity resulted in increased plasma lactate content in both species. Lactate levels were also related to plasma calcium concentration, possibly due to the buffering capacity for preventing lactic acidosis. Clearance of excessive lactate load was faster inM. niger(0.5 h) than inC. crocodilus(more than 6 h). Although both caiman species respond in the same way to capture, the amplitude and duration of activation of the HPA axis are different.M. nigermay be potentially more sensitive to acute stress thanC. crocodilus. On the other hand,C. crocodilusneeds more time to recover from the lactic acid load. Our experiment provides a useful diagnostic tool for management and conservation programs, as well as evaluating the impacts of tourism and recreational capture on caimans in the Amazon.
Second primary malignancies in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: Skin, solid organ, haematological and Richter's syndrome
Authors: Shen Yandong , Coyle Luke , Kerridge Ian , Stevenson William , Arthur Christopher , McKinlay Naomi , Fay Keith , Ward Christopher , Greenwood Matthew , Best Oliver Giles , Solterbeck Ann , Guminski Alexander , Shumack Stephen , Mulligan Stephen P.
Published: December 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is invariably accompanied by some degree of immune failure, and CLL patients have a high rate of second primary malignancy (SPM) compared to the general population. We comprehensively documented the incidence of all forms of SPM including skin cancer (SC), solid organ malignancy (SOM), second haematological malignancy (SHM) and separately Richter's syndrome (RS) across all therapy eras. Among the 517 CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) patients, the overall incidence of SPMs with competing risks was SC 31.07%, SOM 25.99%, SHM 5.19% and RS 7.55%. Of the 216 treated patients, 106 (49.1%) had at least one form of SPM, and 63 of 106 (29.2% of treated patients) developed an SPM 1.5 years (median) after treatment for their CLL. Melanoma accounted for 30.3% of SC. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), including eight metastatic SCCs, was 1.8 times more than basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a reversal of the typical BCC:SCC ratio. The most common SOMs were prostate (6.4%) and breast (4.5%). SHM included seven acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and five myelodysplasia (MDS) of which eight (four AML, four MDS) were therapy‐related. Any SPM occurred in 32.1% of 53 Monoclonal B‐lymphocytosis (MBL) patients. Age‐adjusted standardised rates of SPM (per 100,000) for CLL, MBL and the general Australian population were 2648, 1855 and 486.9, respectively. SPMs are a major health burden with 44.9% of CLL patients with having at least one SPM, and apart from SC, associated with significantly reduced overall survival. Dramatic improvements in CLL treatment and survival have occurred with immunochemotherapy and targeted therapies, but mitigating SPM burden will be important to sustain further progress.
Immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patients in China: A 2‐year retrospective study
Authors: Deng Haohui , Feng Qianchang , Wu Yue , Lin Haowei , Cao Xin , Xiang Fangfei , Li Linghua , Yu Weihua
Published: December 2021

Currently, the studies focused on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in Chinese human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients are limited. In this study, the participants with an initial hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer <10 mIU/ml were assigned to Cohort 1 to receive a standard dose of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, and participants with an initial HBsAb titer between 10 and 100 mIU/ml were assigned to Cohort 2 to receive a single reinforced recombinant vaccine. In Cohort 1, the immune and high response rates in HIV‐positive patients were 93.4%/81.4%, 87.4%/51.5%, and 83.2%/40.7% at 1–3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postvaccination. Multivariate analysis showed that only age and HIV RNA status at baseline were independent factors related to sustained immune response at 2 years postvaccination. In Cohort 2, the high immune response rates in HIV‐positive patients were 78.8%, 60.6%, and 51.5% at 1–3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postvaccination. The immune or high response rates did not differ between HIV‐positive patients and healthy controls at 1–3 months postvaccination in these two cohorts; however, HBsAb titers were significantly lower in HIV‐positive patients. This study summarized the 2‐year data of immune response to hepatitis B vaccination and analyzed the factors related to sustained immune response at 2 years postvaccination in Chinese HIV‐positive patients.
Study of scattering characteristic of thin ice‐water layers covered dielectric material utilizing hybrid implicit‐explicit finite difference time‐domain method
Authors: Yan Wenbin , Cao Qunsheng , Wang Yi
Published: December 2021

In the paper, a hybrid implicit‐explicit finite difference time‐domain (HIE‐FDTD) method is applied, and the related calculation formula of the HIE algorithm is derived in detail. Using the HIE‐FDTD method, the scattering characteristics of dielectric objects covered with very thin ice water layers are studied. The dispersive medium model of the mixture of water and ice is expressed in Debye form and can be calculated by the auxiliary difference equation technique. It is found that the change of the scattering characteristics of the water ice mixing layer mainly depends on the proportion of water in the ice water mixture, and describes the process of ice melting into water, which leads to the corresponding changes of reflectivity, transmittance, and absorptivity. Finally, the simulation results show that the HIE‐FDTD method has higher efficiency than the conventional FDTD without losing accuracy.