bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROTOCOL: Aquaculture for improving productivity, income, nutrition and women's empowerment in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gonzalez Parrao Constanza , Moratti Marta , Shisler Shannon , Snilstveit Birte , Eyers John
Published: July 2021

The review aims to examine and synthesise the state of the evidence around what works to improve productivity, income, nutrition and women's empowerment outcomes of households involved in aquaculture in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We are particularly interested in addressing the following research questions: (1) Do aquaculture interventions increase the productivity, income, nutrition and empowerment of individuals engaged in aquaculture and their households in low‐ and middle‐income countries? (2) Do aquaculture interventions generate income and nutrition spillover effects beyond the farmers' households? (3) To what extent do the effects of aquaculture interventions vary by intervention type, population group, and location? In particular, to what extent do effects vary by gender? (4) What are the potential barriers and facilitating factors that impact the effectiveness of aquaculture interventions? (5) What is the cost‐effectiveness of different aquaculture interventions focused on productivity, income, nutrition and empowerment outcomes?
Task migration computation offloading with low delay for mobile edge computing in vehicular networks
Authors: Qiao Bingxue , Liu Chubo , Liu Jing , Hu Yikun , Li Kenli , Li Keqin
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, a new paradigm named mobile edge computing (MEC) is capable of supplying some cloud‐like functions at the edges of wireless networks, which enables vehicles to offload the computation intensive tasks on MEC servers with low latency. However, new challenges posed by the complex network environment and the mobility of vehicles are usually not covered by traditional offloading schemes. To solve such problems, we propose a heuristic task migration computation offloading (TMCO) scheme. Compared with traditional ones, TMCO can dynamically choose suitable places to offload the tasks for moving vehicles within deadline. For this purpose, the mobility of vehicle and strict delay deadline are considered comprehensively. We use hash table to store the number of tasks on the corresponding server and use random function to simulate the probability of task offloading. In terms of latency, experimental results suggest that the performance of TMCO is on average 10% higher than that of traditional full offloading schemes.
Figure search by text in large scale digital document collections
Authors: Yurtsever M. Mücahit Enes , Özcan Muhammet , Taruz Zübeyir , Eken Süleyman , Sayar Ahmet
Published: July 2021

Digital document collections have been created with the transfer of a large number of documents to digital media. These digital archives have provided many benefits to users. As the diversity and size of digital image collections have grown exponentially, it has become increasingly important and difficult to obtain the desired image from them. The images on the document might contain critical information about the subject of it. In this study, an architecture is developed that can work on large‐scale data by creating regular expressions together with full‐text search approaches. The performance of the system has been tested on different academic documents and Elasticsearch and Apache Solr insert times are compared. Compared to Elasticsearch, Apache Solr achieved faster and more successful results.
The evolution of marine dwelling in Diptera
Authors: Pak Nina , Wu Stephanie , Gibson Joel F.
Published: July 2021

Marine dwelling in Diptera has been relatively unexplored and the frequency of transitions to the marine environment and the evolutionary history remain poorly understood. By reviewing records from the World Register of Marine Species and using ancestral state reconstruction methods, we build on the fly tree of life phylogeny and ecological descriptions of marine life history. Our ancestral state reconstruction analyses suggest marine dwelling is lacking as an ancestral trait for the most recent common ancestor to Diptera. While many transitions in Empidoidea, Sciomyzoidea, Tipulomorpha, and Culicomorpha seem to have been gradual, other transitions in Tephritoidea and Tabanomorpha were found likely to have been stochastic occurrences. From the collection of 532 marine species, we reveal several independent transitions to the marine environment throughout the fly tree of life. Considering the results from our analysis, we outline potential adaptations for marine flies and discuss the barriers of colonizing the marine environment and the implications to the mechanisms for salt tolerance.
No evidence of top‐down effects by ants on litter decomposition in a temperate grassland
Authors: Cates Anna M. , Wills Bill D. , Kim Tania N. , Landis Douglas A. , Gratton Claudio , Read Harry W. , Jackson Randall D.
Published: July 2021

Ants play multiple roles in ecosystems, but their ability to affect decomposition processes in temperate grasslands is relatively unknown. We investigated whether the suppression of ant populations influenced litter decomposition in grasslands via predation of some decomposers (e.g., mites and springtails) and/or microbial activity and composition. We performed two successful ant suppression treatments (seven weeks, 37% suppression, year 1, 10 weeks, 70% suppression, year 2) over the course of a 59‐week experiment. We then assayed the effects of ant suppression using coarse‐ and fine‐mesh litterbags and evaluated litter chemistry, microbial and arthropod communities, and microbial enzyme activity. Ant suppression efforts reduced ant abundance and altered ant, arthropod decomposer, and non‐ant predator community composition. However, ant suppression did not affect decomposer arthropod abundance, litter mass loss, microbial composition, or enzyme activity in litterbags. Litterbag mesh size did not alter microbial composition, perhaps due to a failure to exclude decomposers, as mites and springtails were more or equally abundant in fine‐mesh bags. Nevertheless, mesh size did change litter chemistry, suggesting that mesh size‐mediated microenvironments affect decomposition environment regardless of invertebrate exclusion. Coarse‐mesh litterbags had higher concentrations of microbial sugars, lignin, and N and lower concentrations of litter C and crystalline cellulose than fine‐mesh litterbags. Litterbag mesh size may alter decomposition processes irrespective of invertebrate abundance. We found no evidence that ant predation was an important driver of decomposer populations or decomposition in these systems, and we suspect redundancy at the top of the detrital food web dilutes the role of ants.
Electrochemical, Spectroelectrochemical, and Electrocatalytic Dioxygen Reducing Properties of Peripheral Tetra‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenoxy Substituted Phthalocyanines
Authors: Orman Efe Baturhan , Pişkin Mehmet , Odabaş Zafer , Özkaya Ali Rıza
Published: July 2021

By using of peripherally tetrakis‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenoxy substituted Co(II), Fe(III), and Mn(III) phthalocyanines was observed to extend the redox richness of the phthalocyanine ring with the addition of reversible metal‐based electron transfer couples to the phthalocyanine ring‐based electron transfer processes in solution. The emergence of highly steady anionic and cationic redox species with clear spectral and colour changes both in solution and in the film during in situ spectroelectrochemical and in situ electrocolorimetric measurements pointed out their applicability as electrochromic materials. Furthermore, the phthalocyanine complexes demonstrated strong interaction with dioxygen and thus, high electrocatalytic enforcement for its reduction.
Reassessing the Necessity of the Drying Step in Hummer's Method for Graphene Oxide Synthesis
Authors: Glass Dean E. , Galvan Vicente , Prakash G. K. Surya
Published: July 2021

The necessity of drying the graphene oxide suspension (GOsus) using Hummer's Method to produce graphene oxide (GO) powder was studied. The undried GOsus was compared to the dried GO. The GO materials were used as Pt supports via NaBH4 reduction for O2 reduction. XRD patterns showed similar d‐spacing in both while the half‐cell tests of the Pt/rGOsus and Pt/rGO catalysts were similar. GOsus film, deposited onto Toray Carbon Paper and electrochemically reduced in aq. H2SO4 was tested as a capacitor. The suspension and dried graphene‐based capacitor showed similar XRD and XPS patterns and the erGOsus capacitor displayed increased capacitance.
Solvent‐mediated forces in protein dielectrophoresis
Authors: Waskasi Morteza M. , Lazaric Aleksandar , Heyden Matthias
Published: July 2021

DEP is an established method to manipulate micrometer‐sized particles, but standard continuum theories predict only negligible effects for nanometer‐sized proteins despite contrary experimental evidence. A theoretical description of protein DEP needs to consider details on the molecular scale. Previous work toward this goal addressed the role of orientational polarization of static protein dipole moments for dielectrophoretic effects, which successfully predicts the general magnitude of dielectrophoretic forces on proteins but does not readily explain negative DEP forces observed for proteins in some experiments. However, contributions to the protein chemical potential due to protein–water interactions have not yet been considered in this context. Here, we utilize atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate polarization‐induced changes in the protein solvation free energy, which result in a solvent‐mediated contribution to dielectrophoretic forces. We quantify solvent‐mediated dielectrophoretic forces for two proteins and a small peptide in water, which follow expectations for protein–water dipole–dipole interactions. The magnitude of solvent‐mediated dielectrophoretic forces exceeds predictions of nonmolecular continuum theories, but plays a minor role for the total dielectrophoretic force for the simulated proteins due to dominant contributions from the orientational polarization of their static protein dipoles. However, we extrapolate that solvent‐mediated contributions to negative protein DEP forces will become increasingly relevant for multidomain proteins, complexes and aggregates with large protein–water interfaces, as well as for high electric field frequencies, which provides a potential mechanism for corresponding experimental observations of negative protein DEP.
Reduced Drying Time of Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries through Simultaneous Multilayer Coating
Authors: Kumberg Jana , Bauer Werner , Schmatz Joyce , Diehm Ralf , Tönsmann Max , Müller Marcus , Ly Kevin , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: July 2021

The extended process chain starting from slurry mixing up to the operative lithium‐ion battery requires a deep understanding of each individual process step and knowledge of the interaction of the different process steps with each other. In particular, the intertwining of slurry mixing and drying determines the microstructure of the electrode, which in turn affects the performance of the cell. Herein, a scalable multilayer approach is used to tailor electrodes with improved mechanical and electrochemical properties, which disclose their advantages especially at high drying rates. Cryogenic broad ion beam scanning electron microscopy (Cryo‐BIB‐SEM) micrographs are used to reveal the influences of different process parameters, like slurry formulation, mixing device, and properties of the active material on the intrinsic network between active particles and binders in graphite‐based anode slurries. By a chosen combination of these slurries in a multilayer electrode, a tenfold acceleration of the drying time with favorable mechanical and electrochemical properties for full cells derived from these anodes is demonstrated.
A self‐exciting marked point process model for drought analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoting , Genest Christian , Jalbert Jonathan
Published: July 2021

A self‐exciting marked point process approach is proposed to model clustered low‐flow events. It combines a self‐exciting ground process designed to capture the temporal clustering behavior of extreme values and an extended Generalized Pareto mark distribution for the exceedances over a subasymptotic threshold. The model takes into account the dependence between the magnitude and occurrence time of exceedances and allows for closed‐form inference on tail probabilities and large quantiles. It is used to analyze daily water levels from the Rivière des Mille Îles (Québec, Canada) and to characterize drought patterns in the Montréal area. The model is useful to generate short‐term probability forecasts and to estimate the return period of major droughts. This information on the drought events is critical to water resource professionals in planning, designing, building, and managing more efficient water resource systems to hedge against the water shortage in case of extreme droughts.
An efficient algorithm to simulate site‐based ground motions that match a target spectrum
Authors: Fayaz Jawad , Zareian Farzin
Published: July 2021

An efficient algorithm is presented to simulate site‐based ground motions using Dabaghi and Der Kiureghian (2018) and Rezaeian and Der Kiureghian (2012) that achieve target ground motion intensity measures between a range of periods. The proposed algorithm uses predictive relations between the model parameters (MP) and the RotD50 spectral acceleration spectrum, RotD50Sa,Tar(T), of the site‐based ground motions. A correlation structure is estimated to account for the cross‐spectral correlations between the periods. The algorithm requires a set of five seismic event parameters (including Magnitude, Rupture Distance, Soil Shear‐Wave Velocity, Fault Mechanism, Fault Geometry) and the target spectrum (including the range of periods whose corresponding spectral accelerations are required to be matched). The proposed algorithm uses event parameters to generate appropriate sets of model parameters. Using the developed predictive relations and correlation structure, the algorithm then carefully selects the model parameters that are statistically likely to generate a ground motion waveform possessing the required target spectrum between the inputted range of periods. Unlike the traditional scaling methods, this algorithm does not alter the amplitude, time‐ and frequency‐domain characteristics of the ground motions; hence, it leads to realistic simulated ground motions. The algorithm is used to generate ground motions for response assessment of a two‐span ordinary box‐girder bridge structure, and the results are compared against the traditional methods of selecting and scaling recorded ground motions. This demonstration indicates that the conventional methods of selecting and scaling recorded ground motions lead to a bias in the bridge's responses and the proposed algorithm leads to statistical consistency in the results.
Jasminum grandiflorum flowers—Phytochemical complexity and its capture in extracts: a review
Authors: Joulain Daniel
Published: July 2021

The phytochemistry of the fragrant flowers of Jasminum grandiflorum is reviewed, highlighting the remarkable circadian interplay between the isoprenoid, polyketide and shikimate pathway in this plant, and outlining the challenges involved in capturing its metabolic profligacy into extracts. After presenting a detailed historical survey on the techniques developed for the production of jasmine extracts, the identification of their constituents, their associated sensory properties and their use for authentication purposes is discussed in detail.
Brain structural connectivity, anhedonia, and phenotypes of major depressive disorder: A structural equation model approach
Authors: Pfarr Julia‐Katharina , Brosch Katharina , Meller Tina , Ringwald Kai Gustav , Schmitt Simon , Stein Frederike , Meinert Susanne , Grotegerd Dominik , Thiel Katharina , Lemke Hannah , Winter Alexandra , Waltemate Lena , Hahn Tim , Opel Nils , Repple Jonathan , Bauer Jochen , Jansen Andreas , Dannlowski Udo , Krug Axel , Kircher Tilo , Nenadić Igor
Published: July 2021

Aberrant brain structural connectivity in major depressive disorder (MDD) has been repeatedly reported, yet many previous studies lack integration of different features of MDD with structural connectivity in multivariate modeling approaches. In n = 595 MDD patients, we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the intercorrelations between anhedonia, anxiety, neuroticism, and cognitive control in one comprehensive model. We then separately analyzed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) connectivity measures in association with those clinical variables, and finally integrated brain connectivity associations, clinical/cognitive variables into a multivariate SEM. We first confirmed our clinical/cognitive SEM. DTI analyses (FWE‐corrected) showed a positive correlation of anhedonia with fractional anisotropy (FA) in the right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR) and forceps minor/corpus callosum, while neuroticism was negatively correlated with axial diffusivity (AD) in the left uncinate fasciculus (UF) and inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus (IFOF). An extended SEM confirmed the associations of ATR FA with anhedonia and UF/IFOF AD with neuroticism impacting on cognitive control. Our findings provide evidence for a differential impact of state and trait variables of MDD on brain connectivity and cognition. The multivariate approach shows feasibility of explaining heterogeneity within MDD and tracks this to specific brain circuits, thus adding to better understanding of heterogeneity on the biological level.
Simulating low flows over a heterogeneous landscape in southeastern Poland
Authors: Raczyński Krzysztof , Dyer Jamie
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a scheme describing low flow formation processes in areas with different environmental conditions, including the impact of the selection and explanatory power of predictors for a probabilistic model based on the Logit model. The research was carried out using 29 daily streamflow gauges located in the Lublin region of southeastern Poland for the hydrological period 1976–2018. Analysis resulted in two distinct low flow schemes. In the lowland rivers, low flows occur during the warm season and are related to evaporation exceeding precipitation. In the upland rivers, hydrogeological factors related to water levels in the local Cretaceous aquifers determine the occurrence of low flows. This differentiation affects the quality of the predictive models. For lowland rivers, models based on the climatic water balance with a monthly shift have a better fit, while these models used for upland rivers are characterized by an approximately 10% decrease in accuracy. For upland rivers, the combined CtHt models without shifts produce the best model fit. The generalized precision of the Logit models is around 80%–90%.
One‐year mortality and consequences of COVID‐19 in cancer patients: A cohort study
Authors: Chai Chen , Feng Xiaojun , Lu Meixia , Li Shoupeng , Chen Kui , Wang Hongxiang , Wang Wendan , Tang Zhaoming , Cheng Gang , Wu Xiaoxiong , Li Yunfeng , Wen Yuying , Da Banghong , Fan Hong , Wang Lei , Ai Fen , Li Wei , Peng Cao , Zhang Hongrong , Wen Shuang , Zhang Jinnong , Weng Yuxiong , Tang Zehai
Published: July 2021

The 1‐year mortality and health consequences of COVID‐19 in cancer patients are relatively underexplored. In this multicenter cohort study, 166 COVID‐19 patients with cancer were compared with 498 non‐cancer COVID‐19 patients and 498 non‐COVID cancer patients. The 1‐year all‐cause mortality and hospital mortality rates in Cancer COVID‐19 Cohort (30% and 20%) were significantly higher than those in COVID‐19 Cohort (9% and 8%, both P < .001) and Cancer Cohort (16% and 2%, both P < 0.001). The 12‐month all‐cause post‐discharge mortality rate in survival discharged Cancer COVID‐19 Cohort (8%) was higher than that in COVID‐19 Cohort (0.4%, P < .001) but similar to that in Cancer Cohort (15%, P = .084). The incidence of sequelae in Cancer COVID‐19 Cohort (23%, 26/114) is similar to that in COVID‐19 Cohort (30%, 130/432, P = .13). The 1‐year all‐cause mortality was high among patients with hematologic malignancies (59%), followed by those who have nasopharyngeal, brain, and skin tumors (45%), digestive system neoplasm (43%), and lung cancers (32%). The rate was moderate among patients with genitourinary (14%), female genital (13%), breast (11%), and thyroid tumors (0). COVID‐19 patients with cancer showed a high rate of in‐hospital mortality and 1‐year all‐cause mortality, but the 12‐month all‐cause post‐discharge mortality rate in survival discharged cancer COVID‐19 patients was similar to that in Cancer Cohort. Comparing to COVID‐19 Cohort, risk stratification showed that hematologic, nasopharyngeal, brain, digestive system, and lung tumors were high risk (44% vs 9%, P < 0.001), while genitourinary, female genital, breast, and thyroid tumors had moderate risk (10% vs 9%, P = .85) in COVID‐19 Cancer Cohort. Different tumor subtypes had different effects on COVID‐19. But if cancer patients with COVID‐19 manage to survive their COVID‐19 infections, then long‐term mortality appears to be similar to the cancer patients without COVID‐19, and their long‐term clinical sequelae were similar to the COVID‐19 patients without cancer.
New function of a well‐known promoter: Enhancer activity of minimal CMV promoter enables efficient dual‐cassette transgene expression
Authors: Boateng‐Antwi Michael K. A. , Lin Yi , Ren Sheng , Wang Xiaohong , Pan Dao
Published: July 2021

Background

Co‐expression of multiple genes in single vectors has achieved varying degrees of success by employing two promoters and/or application of viral 2A‐peptide or the internal ribosome entry‐site (IRES). However, promoter interference, potential functional‐interruption of expressed‐proteins by 2A‐generated residual peptides or weaker translation of IRES‐mediated downstream genes has curtailed their utilization. Thus, there is the need for single vectors that robustly express multiple proteins for enhanced gene therapy applications.

Methods

We engineered lentiviral‐vectors for dual‐cassette expression of green fluorescent protein and mCherry in uni‐ or bidirectional architectures using the short‐version (Es) of elongation factor 1α (EF) promoter and simian virus 40 promoter (Sv). The regulatory function of a core fragment (cC) from human cytomegalovirus promoter was investigated with cell‐lineage specificity in NIH3T3 (fibroblast) and hematopoietic cell lines U937 (monocyte/macrophage), LCL (lymphoid), DAMI (megakaryocyte) and MEL (erythroid).

Results

The cC element in reverse‐orientation not only boosted upstream Es promoter to levels comparable to full‐length EF in DAMI, U937 and 3T3 cells, but also blocked the suppression of downstream Sv promoter by Es in U937 and 3T3 cells with further improved Sv activity in DAMI cells. Such lineage‐restricted up‐regulation is likely attributed to two protein‐binding domains of cC and diverse expression of related factors in different cell types for enhancer and terminator activities, but not spacing function.

Conclusions

Such a newly developed dual‐cassette vector could be advantageous, particularly in hematopoietic cell‐mediated gene/cancer therapy, by allowing for independent and robust co‐expression of therapeutic gene(s) and/or a selectable gene or imaging marker in the same cells.
In silico studies: Physicochemical properties, drug score, toxicity predictions and molecular docking of organosulphur compounds against Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rajalakshmi Ravimoorthy , Lalitha Pottail , Sharma Sreenivasa Chandramouli , Rajiv Asha , Chithambharan Akhila , Ponnusamy Aruna
Published: July 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant common metabolic disorder seen all over the world. In 2020, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), out of 463 million people who have diabetes all over the world, 77 million belong to India. As per the statistical prediction, the affected numbers are probably expected to rise to 642 million by 2040. The commercially available anti‐diabetic drugs in the market include metformin, sulphonyl urea, meglitinides, miglitol, acarbose, biguanides, and thiazolidinediones cause side effects like hypoglycaemia, dizziness, liver cell injury, digestive discomfort, neurological defects, etc. Hence, bioactive organosulphur based functional ligands are chosen in this study to arrive at a newer drug for DM. In this work, in silico analysis of organosulphur molecular descriptors like physicochemical properties, solubility, drug score, and toxicity predictions are evaluated using OSIRIS and Toxtree freeware. The essential parameters for discovering drugs for biopharmaceutical formulations viz the solubility of drugs and toxicity have been calculated. The protein target Dipeptidyl peptidase DPP4 (PID: 2RIP) was docked against energy minimised sulphur compounds using Hex 6.3. The results indicate that the drug likeliness of the molecule 4, that is, N‐[(3,3‐dimethyl piperidin‐2‐yl) methyl]‐4‐ethyl sulphonyl aniline is active with decreasing binding energy score (−212.24 Kcal mol−1) with no toxicity and also few sulphur compounds are active against diabetes compared to standard drug metformin (−158.33 Kcal mol−1). The best drug‐like ligand N‐[(3,3‐dimethyl piperidin‐2‐yl) methyl]‐4‐ethyl sulphonyl aniline, was docked using commercial Maestro Schrodinger software to predict the results.
Onset and demise dates of the rainy season in the South American monsoon region: A cluster analysis result
Authors: Rodrigues Maria A. M. , Garcia Sâmia R. , Kayano Mary T. , Calheiros Alan J. P. , Andreoli Rita V.
Published: July 2021

This work proposes an adaptation of the method developed in previous papers to determine the onset and demise of the rainy season (ONR and DER) dates in the areas of the South American monsoon system (SAMS) based on the pentad antisymmetric outgoing long‐wave radiation (AOLR). In those papers, the sign change of the mean AOLR in the central Amazon Basin (CAM) and western central Brazil (WCB) from positive to negative defined the ONR, from negative to positive, the DER dates. Since the monsoon convection presents a northwest–southeast oriented progression, the antisymmetric area to the WCB was selected subjectively. Thus, here we propose to use the Ward hierarchical clustering method to select areas in the SAMS and in the northern tropical America (NTA) for the regionalized AOLR calculation. The significant (at the 95% confidence level) negative correlations with the largest magnitude among the clusters in the SAMS and NTA and the outgoing long‐wave radiation (OLR) and precipitation annual cycles in each group define the pairs to calculate the AOLR. Then, the AOLR time series is calculated and subjected to a 5‐pentad running mean filter. This method keeps the climatological features of the convection annual cycle such that the closer (farther) the pair is to the equator the longer (shorter) the rainy season. The ONR and DER dates found with this new method are remarkably close to those found previously. Therefore, the new method proposed here highlights regional aspects of rainy season and can easily be automatized for its routine application at the operational climate monitoring centres, for instance at INPE. This is the most important advantage of the method and might be relevant to the SAMS rainy season monitoring.
Spatial–temporal characteristics of drought and flood disasters in Yunnan Province on the margin of the Tibetan Plateau over the past 620 years
Authors: Niu Jie , Wang Liming , Yang Kunwu , Liu Shengzhi , Yin Jiqing , Liang Qiushi , Zhang Wenxiang
Published: July 2021

Drought and flood disasters (DFD) are the most important natural disasters in the Indian monsoon (IM) region, and often occur in the same year. This makes it difficult to accurately study the characteristics of DFD using the evaluation grades of disasters. Based on the statistical analysis of historical drought and flood data in Yunnan Province, combined with anomaly accumulation values, sliding t tests and wavelet analyses, the spatial–temporal characteristics and the possible dynamic mechanisms of the DFD in Yunnan Province are analysed during the past 620 years. The results show that the frequency of flood disasters in Yunnan Province was slightly higher than that of drought disasters, and disaster frequency has gradually increased over the past 620 years, especially after 1750 AD. The variations characteristics of the drought and flood index (DFI) have 2 ~ 10 year quasi‐periodic signal in the east and west regions of the Yunling‐Ailao Mountains, and they are consistent with the environmental records of tree rings and lacustrine deposits in the region. The DFD of the IM region may be influenced mainly by solar activity and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on a century scale, and frequent human activities enhance the impact of DFD, especially in the east region of the Yunling‐Ailao Mountains. The results provide a method to further understand the mechanism and trends of drought and flood disasters in the monsoon region on a century scale.
Inclusivity and empowerment—Grow and let grow
Authors: Arora Soma , Patro Arpita
Published: July 2021

Empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity have been topics of interest for human resource specialists for more than a decade. Here we look at the experiences of one Indian woman entrepreneur, Dr. Anubha Walia, who, after decades in blue chip multinational companies, founded her own corporate training and management consulting firm PRISM. PRISM—Prepare, Respect, Implement, Share, and Maintain—is both the name of the company and the philosophy that underpins its operation. The article describes her struggle to establish a business based on the empowerment of women in the male dominated world of Indian business. It also illustrates how the PRISM philosophy gave the company the agility and flexibility it needed to pivot from providing face‐to‐face training and advice to online courses, webinars, and wellness programs during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The article concludes with some observations on steering an organization in times of hardship and uncertainty.
Nonylcyclohexanol ethoxylates, a green alternative of nonylphenol ethoxylate, on the interfacial physiochemical properties aspects
Authors: Liu Jianyi , Ren Conglin , Xia Yongmei , Hu Xueyi , Fang Yun
Published: July 2021

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOn), typically NPEO10, are the second popular nonionic surfactants that have been banned or restricted from use and production by Europe since 1990 due to their poor degradability and high genetic toxicity. The hypothesis of this work is that the nonylcyclohexanol ethoxylates (NCEOn) may possess similar interfacial properties but lower biotoxicity and better biodegradability compared with NPEOn according to their structures. To verify this and to find the optimal alternative of NPEO10, the interfacial properties of NCEOn were compared with the typical commercial ethoxylates nonionic surfactants, such as nonylphenol ethoxylated‐10 (NPEO10), alcohol ethoxylated‐9 (AEO9), secondary alcohol ethoxylated‐9 (SAE9), and isomeric alcohol ethoxylated‐9 (TO9). It is the NCEO7 that shows excellent emulsifying ability similar to that of NPEO10. NCEO11 performed stronger detergency than other assayed commercial nonionic surfactants. Additionally, NCEOn possessed lower biological toxicity to aquatic organisms. Hence, NCEOn could be considered as a green substitute for NPEOn in the assayed application fields.
Electrosprayed chitosan‐coated alginate–pectin beads as potential system for colon‐targeted delivery of ellagic acid
Authors: Karakas Canan Y , Ordu Hatice R , Bozkurt Fatih , Karadag Ayse
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Ellagic acid (EA), a potent dietary antioxidant, has limited bioavailability owing to its rapid absorption in the stomach and small intestine, and EA is transformed to more bioavailable compounds – urolithins – in the colon. An encapsulation system that sustains the release of EA in the gastrointestinal system and delivers more EA into the colon could improve the oral bioavailability of EA. Electrosprayed EA‐loaded alginate–pectin beads were produced and coated with low‐ (LC) and high‐molecular‐weight chitosan (HC). The EA release from uncoated and coated beads under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was evaluated. The samples were characterized by particle size, gel strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis.

RESULTS

The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of EA ranged from 49.53% to 69.85% for uncoated beads, which was elevated up to 86.50% by coating, and LC coating provided higher EE%. Pectin addition to alginate and chitosan coating reduced the gel strength and changed the size depending on the molecular weight of chitosan. SEM images of pectin‐added beads showed fewer cracks but more wrinkles, and chitosan coating presented more aggregated surfaces. The ionic interaction of alginate–pectin–chitosan and the entrapment of EA were confirmed by FTIR. In the gastric medium, EA release was very low from uncoated beads (15.2–19.8%), and totally restricted by chitosan coating. In the intestinal stage, EA release from LC‐coated alginate–pectin beads was only 18%, and it was between 55% and 65% for uncoated or HC‐coated counterparts.

CONCLUSION

The LC‐coated alginate–pectin beads could be further explored as a potential system for colon‐targeted delivery of EA. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of key phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant activities of free and bound fractions of blackberry varieties' extracts by boosted regression trees
Authors: Gong Er Sheng , Li Bin , Li Binxu , Podio Natalia S , Chen Hongyu , Li Tong , Sun Xiyun , Gao Ningxuan , Wu Wenlong , Yang Tianran , Xin Guang , Tian Jinlong , Si Xu , Liu Changjiang , Zhang Jiyue , Liu Rui Hai
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Free fractions of different blackberry varieties' extracts are high in phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities. However, the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities against peroxyl radicals of bound fractions of different blackberry varieties' extracts have not been previously reported. In addition, what the key antioxidant phenolic compounds are in free and bound fractions of blackberry extracts remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of free and bound fractions of eight blackberry varieties' extracts and reveal the key antioxidant phenolic compounds by boosted regression trees.

RESULTS

Fifteen phenolics (three anthocyanins, four flavonols, three phenolic acids, two proanthocyanidins, and three ellagitannins) were identified in blackberry by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Ferulic acid, ellagic acid, procyanidin C1, kaempferol‐O‐hexoside, ellagitannins hex, and gallic acid were major bound phenolics. Bound fractions of eight blackberry varieties' extracts were high in phenolics and showed great antioxidant activity. Boosted regression trees analysis showed that cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and chlorogenic acid were the most significant compounds, contributing 48.4% and 15.9% respectively to the antioxidant activity of free fraction. Ferulic acid was the most significant antioxidant compound in bound fraction, with a contribution of 61.5%. Principal component analysis showed that Kiowa was the best among the eight varieties due to its phenolic profile and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that blackberry varieties contained high amounts of bound phenolics, which confer health benefits through reducing oxidative stress. Ferulic acid was the key compound to explain the antioxidant activities of bound fractions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Drug‐Eluting Endotracheal Tubes for Preventing Bacterial Inflammation in Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Aronson Matthew R. , Ali Akbari Ghavimi Soheila , Gehret Paul M. , Jacobs Ian N. , Gottardi Riccardo
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) results from dysregulated extracellular matrix deposition by laryngotracheal fibroblasts causing scar tissue formation following intubation. Recent work has highlighted a relationship between this inflammatory state and imbalances in the upper airway microbiome. Herein, we engineer novel drug‐eluting endotracheal (ET) tubes to deliver a model antimicrobial peptide Lasioglossin‐III (Lasio) for the local modulation of the microbiome during intubation.

Study Design

Controlled in vitro study.

Methods

ET tubes were coated with a water‐in‐oil (w/o) emulsion of Lasio in poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) by dipping thrice. Peptide release was quantified over 2 weeks via fluorometric peptide assays. The antibacterial activity was tested against airway microbes (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and pooled human microbiome samples) by placing Lasio/PLGA‐coated tubes and appropriate controls in 48 well plates with diluted bacteria. Bacterial inhibition and tube adhesion were tested by measuring optical density and colony formation after tube culture, respectively. Biocompatibility was tested against laryngotracheal fibroblasts and lung epithelial cells.

Results

We achieved a homogeneous coating of ET tubes with Lasio in a PLGA matrix that yields a prolonged, linear release over 1 week (typical timeframe before the ET tube is changed). We observed significant antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis, S. pneumoniae, and human microbiome samples, and prevention of bacterial adherence to the tube. Additionally, the released Lasio did not cause any cytotoxicity toward laryngotracheal fibroblasts or lung epithelial cells in vitro.

Conclusion

Overall, we demonstrate the design of an effective‐eluting ET tube to modulate upper‐airway bacterial infections during intubation which could be deployed to help prevent SGS.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:1356–1363, 2022
Earlier ice breakup induces changepoint responses in duration and variability of spring mixing and summer stratification in dimictic lakes
Authors: Pilla Rachel M. , Williamson Craig E.
Published: July 2021

Reductions in ice cover duration and earlier ice breakup are two of the most prevalent responses to climate warming in lakes in recent decades. In dimictic lakes, the subsequent periods of spring mixing and summer stratification are both likely to change in response to these phenological changes in ice cover. Here, we used a modeling approach to simulate the effect of changes in latitude on long‐term trends in duration of ice cover, spring mixing, and summer stratification by “moving” a well‐studied lake across a range of latitudes in North America (35.2°N to 65.7°N). We found a changepoint relationship between the timing of ice breakup vs. spring mixing duration on 09 May. When ice breakup occurred before 09 May, which routinely occurred at latitudes < 47°N, spring mixing was longer and more variable; when ice breakup occurred after 09 May at latitudes > 47°N, spring mixing averaged 1 day with low variability. In contrast, the duration of summer stratification showed a relatively slower rate of increase when ice breakup occurred before 09 May (< 47°N) compared to a 109% faster rate of increase when ice breakup was after 09 May (> 47°N). Projected earlier ice breakup can result in important nonlinear changes in the relative duration of spring mixing and summer stratification, which can lead to mixing regime shifts that influence the severity of oxygen depletion differentially across latitudes.
Effect of surface Volta potential of Cr‐containing steel on uniform corrosion and pitting corrosion
Authors: Yuan Rui , Gu Yang , Wu Huibin
Published: July 2021

The corrosion behavior of 5.5%Cr–8.5%Cr steels in a CO2 environment was studied. To clarify the effect of Volta potential on uniform corrosion and pitting corrosion, weight loss test, electrochemical measurement, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, confocal laser scanning microscope, and scanning Kelvin probe force microscope were conducted. The results show that there is a linear relationship between the surface potential of the steel substrate and the self‐corrosion potential. The increase of the Cr content reduces the surface potential and increases the self‐corrosion potential, reducing the thermodynamic tendency of corrosion. The Al‐oxide inclusions show lower potential than the substrate, and their sensitivity to pitting corrosion is affected by the potential difference with the substrate. The larger the potential difference, the easier it is tantamount to induce pitting corrosion.
Fundamental solutions to the transversely isotropic poroelastodynamics Mandel's problem
Authors: Liu Chao
Published: July 2021

Many geomaterials, such as shale, and biomaterials, including human bone and cartilage, are anisotropic. Understanding the dynamic responses of such anisotropic porous media is essential in field operations and laboratory measurements. This paper presents analytical solutions to the transversely isotropic poroelastodynamics Mandel's problem, using the Fourier transform method and Cardano formula to solve coupled six‐order partial differential equations. Potential applications of the solutions include explaining coupled fluid‐solid dynamics, validating numerical algorithms, and interpreting dynamic responses of anisotropic porous media. As an example, we apply the solutions to simulate a fluid‐saturated transversely isotropic Trafalgar shale specimen subjected to harmonic excitation. The simulation shows that pore pressure builds up as frequency increases. The buildup occurs at a lower frequency for a lower horizontal permeability. The amount of pore pressure buildup due to the Mandel‐Cryer effect is sensitive to material anisotropy. The porous material's effective stiffness reaches its periodic minimum and maximum at the resonant and anti‐resonant frequencies controlled by mechanical anisotropy and pore fluid.
Exploring illness identity among children and youth living with cancer: A narrative review
Authors: Posa Stephanie , Moola Fiona J. , McPherson Amy C. , Kontos Pia
Published: July 2021

Background

Children and youth with cancer may find it challenging to integrate illness into their pre‐existing identity—a phenomenon known as illness identity. In this critical narrative review, we explored illness identity among children and youth with cancer.

Methods

Three academic databases were searched. Twenty‐two articles were included in this review and each underwent thematic analysis.

Results

Cancer has both positive and negative influences on the identities of children and youth. Illness identity is expressed creatively through various communicative outlets. Further, external processes such as social support may influence cancer identity. A few studies cited cancer as a hindrance to adult identity development.

Conclusions

Cancer has a profound impact on identity formation among children and youth. Many normative assumptions about time, identity, and child and youth development underlie the existing literature. Future researchers may adopt a critical lens to be inclusive of diverse identity experiences among children and youth with cancer.
Fluid overload and acute kidney injury in children with tumor lysis syndrome
Authors: Flood Kayla , Rozmus Jacob , Skippen Peter , Matsell Douglas G. , Mammen Cherry
Published: July 2021

Aim

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a common oncologic emergency among patients with pediatric hematologic malignancies. The mainstay of TLS management is aggressive intravenous hydration. However, the epidemiology of fluid overload (FO) and acute kidney injury (AKI) in this population is understudied. In this study, we aimed to describe the incidence, severity, and complications of FO and AKI among pediatric patients with TLS.

Methods

We completed a single‐center retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with a new diagnosis of hematologic malignancy over a 10‐year period. Patients with TLS were analyzed in two groups based on the severity of AKI and FO. Charts were reviewed for complications associated with AKI and FO including hypoxemia, mechanical ventilation, hyponatremia, pulmonary edema, pediatric intensive care (PICU) admission, and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Results

We analyzed 56 patients with TLS for FO and AKI. We found severe FO (≥10%) occurred in 35.7% (n = 20). PICU admission occurred in 35% of patients with severe FO compared to 8.3% in those with mild/moderate FO <10% (p = .013). Complications of hypoxemia (30% vs. 5.6%, p = .012) and pulmonary edema (25% vs. 2.8%, p = .010) were more common among those with severe FO. AKI occurred in 37.5% (n = 21) patients and resulted in a significant increase in PICU admission and requirement for RRT (p = .001 and <.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results show FO and AKI are common, and often unrecognized complications of TLS associated with increased morbidity. Prospective, multicenter studies are needed to further dissect the burden of FO and AKI within this vulnerable population.
Unresectable thoracic neuroblastic tumors: Changes in image‐defined risk factors after chemotherapy and impact on surgical management
Authors: Delforge Xavier , De Cambourg Pauline , Defachelles Anne‐Sophie , Haffreingue Aurore , Rod Julien , Kassite Ibtissam , Chabani Nassima , Lauriot‐Dit‐Prevost Arthur , Gourmel Antoine , Arnaud Alexis , Duchesne Camille , Thebaud Estelle , Leclair Marc‐David
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Neuroblastoma management in children is multimodal and depends on multiple factors, including the possibility of complete surgical resection. Image‐defined risk factors (IDRFs) are used to assess the feasibility of primary surgery. We studied the changes in IDRFs after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for thoracic neurogenic tumors.

Methods

We performed a multicenter review of 27 patients presenting with unresectable thoracic neurogenic tumors. Patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, according to their risk group. IDRF at diagnosis and before surgery were retrospectively analyzed by a radiologist and a surgeon, blind to the initial assessment. Surgical and oncologic outcomes were reviewed.

Results

None of the patients presented MYCN amplification, and 78 IDRFs were identified at diagnosis. Vascular IDRFs were the most frequent, with 28 vascular IDRFs detected in 18 patients, 22 of which disappeared after chemotherapy. Reductions of tumor volume were associated with a regression of IDRFs. Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery had smaller tumor volumes than those undergoing open surgery, and no vascular IDRF. Two patients received two additional courses of chemotherapy to reduce tumor volume sufficiently for surgery. One patient with ganglioneuroblastoma underwent early surgery due to a lack of response to initial chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Tumor volume reduction with neoadjuvant chemotherapy eliminates most IDRF in thoracic neurogenic tumors. Vascular IDRF are rapidly resolved at this site, making surgical resection and minimally invasive surgery possible.
Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease with TAFRO clinical subtype responsive to IL‐6/JAK inhibition: A pediatric case series
Authors: Lust Hannah , Gong Shunyou , Remiker Allison , Rossoff Jenna
Published: July 2021

TAFRO (thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever/elevated C‐reactive protein, reticulin myelofibrosis, renal dysfunction, and organomegaly) clinical subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD‐TAFRO) is a rare lymphoproliferative disease characterized by systemic inflammation. First‐line treatment for iMCD‐TAFRO includes steroids and interleukin (IL)‐6 blockade. Many patients have refractory disease, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and treatment remains challenging. We present two pediatric cases of iMCD‐TAFRO. One patient responded to IL‐6 blockade; the other was refractory to siltuximab and chemotherapy, ultimately responding to JAK inhibition with ruxolitinib. This is the first reported pediatric case of refractory iMCD‐TAFRO responding to JAK inhibition.