bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repurposing PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil and sildenafil as anticancer agent against hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting key events of glucose metabolism and multidrug resistance
Authors: Chhonker Saurabh Kumar , Rawat Divya , Koiri Raj Kumar
Published: May 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide and is caused due to contamination of diets with aflatoxin B1 and chronic viral hepatitis. Recent reports suggest that phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor (PDE5i) exhibits anticancer properties against several forms of cancer but till now has not been evaluated against HCC. We aimed to evaluate the anticancer property of phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors (PDE5i) tadalafil and sildenafil against aflatoxin B1 HCC. Rats of HCC group were fed with 5% alcohol via drinking water for 3 weeks, followed by administration of AFB1 (1 mg/kg/bw, i.p.) at an interval of two subsequent days. PDE5i (tadalafil and sildenafil, 10 mg/kg bw) was administered along with drinking water after 6 weeks of treatment with AFB1 for 2 weeks. In the present investigation, in HCC elevation in the level of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and urea vis‐à‐vis activity of key glycolytic enzyme LDH and mRNA expression of c‐myc, Akt, LDH‐A, and PFKFB3 was noted. Similarly, the level of multidrug resistance protein (MDR) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) was elevated along with increased expression of angiogenesis marker (HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TGF‐β1) in HCC. Post‐treatment with PDE5 inhibitor (tadalafil and sildenafil) downregulated and brought back the above parameters towards normal and out of two PDE5i (tadalafil and sildenafil), sildenafil effect was more potent as compared to tadalafil. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that PDE5 inhibitors tadalafil and sildenafil are able to prohibit the development and progression of aflatoxin B1 induced HCC.
Rate matching, probability matching, and optimization in concurrent ratio schedules
Authors: Baum William M. , Aparicio Carlos F. , Alonso‐Alvarez Benigno
Published: May 2022

Much research has documented rate matching in concurrent variable‐interval schedules, but comparatively little research has examined performance in concurrent variable‐ratio schedules, except in discrete‐trials procedures that sometimes produce probability matching. One should expect that the two types of schedule would result in different performances, because ratio schedules cannot improve with time the way interval schedules do; ratio schedules lack the temporal dynamics of interval schedules. The present experiment exposed rats to concurrent variable‐ratio schedules. Seven unsignaled components were presented in random order within each daily session, with probability ratios ranging from 1:8 to 8:1. Three conditions were studied that varied the overall probability of food while leaving probability ratios the same. Choice appeared to conform to probability matching, because sensitivities in the rate–matching relation were close to 0.5, whereas sensitivities to probability ratio were close to 1.0. The sensitivities alone, however, could not confirm probability matching, because undermatching to rate occurs often. Analyses at smaller time scales supported the interpretation of probability matching. In particular, control by food deliveries was highly local in concurrent variable‐ratio schedules, in contrast with concurrent variable‐interval schedules, in which control is extended. Activity continued to switch between alternatives throughout components, contradicting optimal sampling theory.
Genotoxic assessment of cerium and magnesium nanoparticles and their ionic forms inEisenia hortensiscoelomocytes by alkaline comet assay
Authors: Güneş Merve , Yalçın Burçin , Ali Muhammad Muddassir , Ciğerci İbrahim Hakkı , Kaya Bülent
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of cerium oxide (CeO2), magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and their ionic forms by alkaline comet assay.Eisenia hortensiswere exposed to different series of concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml) of chemicals for 48 h to find LC50. The LC50for MgO and CeO2NPs were 70 and 80 μg/ml. Whereas, the LC50for their ionic forms were 50 and 70 μg/ml. To assess the potential DNA damage caused by the chosen chemicals,E. hortensiswas further exposed for 48 h to the following concentrations, based on their respective LC50s: LC50/2, LC50, and 2xLC50. Comet scores demonstrated the significant increase (p < 0.05) in DNA damage at all concentrations, both for NPs and ionic forms in a concentration‐dependent manner. Findings of the present study revealed the genotoxic effects of CeO2NPs, MgO NPs and their ionic forms onE. hortensis.

Research Highlights

Genotoxic assessment of CeO2and MgO NPs and their ionic forms was conducted.

Characterization of NPs through electron microscopy and alkaline comet assay was performed onE. Hortensis.

Highest DNA damage of CeO2and MgO NPs was observed on earthworm.
Targetable alterations in primary extranodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Weissinger Stephanie E. , Dugge Rucha , Disch Miriam , Barth Thomas F. , Bloehdorn Johannes , Zahn Malena , Marienfeld Ralf , Viardot Andreas , Möller Peter
Published: May 2022

Primary extranodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (PE‐DLBCL) is a heterogeneous subgroup of DLBCL. We investigated the prevalence and prognostic value of surface expression of PD‐L1, PD1, and CD30, copy number of 9p24.1 (PD‐L1 region), and mutations in MYD88, CD79B, CARD11, and BTK in a cohort of 116 patients, localized in the mediastinum (PMBL, n = 12), ear, nose and throat (ENT, n = 28), central nervous system (n = 29), testis (n = 7), breast (n = 4), stomach (n = 10), bone (n = 8), spleen (n = 2), and skin (n = 16). PD‐L1 expression is most frequent in PMBL (92%), followed by lymphomas originating in the stomach (57%), ENT (23%), and skin (18%). PD1 was expressed at low levels in less than 13% of PE‐DLBCL, while CD30 expression was found in 58% of PMBL. Mutation analysis revealed an unexpectedly high frequency of MYD88 and CD79B mutations in ENT lymphomas (46% and 50%, respectively). CARD11 mutations are rare but more frequently found in gastric lymphomas (30%), suggesting BTK resistance. Thirty‐four of 113 (30%) of the lymphomas harbored both MYD88 and CD79B mutations. Lower overall and progression‐free survival rates were found for cases with MYD88, CD79B, and BTK mutations. These data confirm the biologic singularity of PE‐DLBCLs and provide some suggestions for targeted therapies.
Impact of injury duration on a sensorimotor functional network in complete spinal cord injury
Authors: Guo Yun , Ge Yunxiang , Li Jianjun , Dou Weibei , Pan Yu
Published: May 2022

Connectivity changes after spinal cord injury (SCI) appear as dynamic post‐injury procedures. The present study aimed to investigate the alterations in the functional connectivity (FC) in different injury duration in complete SCI using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A total of 30 healthy controls (HCs) and 27 complete SCI patients were recruited in this study. A seed‐based connectivity analysis compared FC differences between HCs and SCI and among SCI subgroups (SCI patients with post‐injury within 6 months (early stage, n = 13) vs. those with post‐injury beyond 6 months (late stage, n = 14)). Compared to HCs, SCI patients showed an increase in FC between sensorimotor cortex and cognitive, visual, and auditory cortices. The FC between motor cortex and cognitive cortex increased over time after injury. The FC between sensory cortex and visual cortex increased within 6 months after SCI, while FC between the sensory cortex and auditory cortex increased beyond 6 months after injury. The FC between sensorimotor cortex and cognitive, visual, auditory regions increased in complete SCI patients. The brain FC changed dynamically, and rehabilitation might be adapted over time after SCI.
Incidence and risk factors for parastomal hernia with a permanent colostomy
Authors: Liu Lei , Zheng Longbo , Zhang Maoshen , Hu Jilin , Lu Yun , Wang Dongsheng
Published: May 2022

Aim

This study aims to explore the incidence and risk factors for permanent colostomy complicated with a parastomal hernia (PSH) after rectal cancer resection.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of gastrointestinal surgery performed from January 2013 to December 2017 in patients with colorectal cancer treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The relevant clinical variables of the patient were analyzed. Kaplan–Meier, univariate, and Cox multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the influencing factors and morbidity of PSH.

Results

Among the 211 patients, 65 developed PSH. The cumulative incidence reached 33.5% at 62 months. In the multivariate Cox survival analysis, the results showed that being a woman, aged ≥65 years, having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, diabetes, and Clavien–Dindo Grade III and IV complications were risk factors for the occurrence of PSH.

Conclusion

In our study, the incidence of PSH increased annually and reached a maximum of 33.5% after 62 months. Among the patient‐related factors, female sex, age ≥65 years, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, diabetes, and postoperative Clavien–Dindo Grade III and IV complications were significantly associated with the development of PSH. Therefore, intervention measures to prevent patients with this risk factor are advisable.
Analysis of the chemical components of pomelo peels (Citrus grandis [L.] Osbeck) from different cultivars by using supercritical CO2 fluid extraction and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Su Boqing , Tian Jingyuan , Liu Mengshi , Wang Kanghui , Yang Wanling , Ning Jinrong , Li Yongmei , Zheng Guodong
Published: May 2022

Five pomelo cultivars (i.e., Citrus grandis cv. Shatianyou, Citrus grandis cv. Guanximiyou, Citrus grandis cv. Yuhuanyou, Citrus grandis cv. Duweiwendanyou and Citrus grandis cv. Liangpingyou) from different origins in China were selected to analyze their components by using supercritical CO2 fluid extraction coupled with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 45 compounds were identified in the supercritical CO2 fluid extracts of the pomelo peels from the five cultivars. These compounds included eight flavonoids, 18 coumarins, four organic acids, three aldehydes, and 12 other compounds, which were identified using the obtained MS data and by comparison with commercial standards, orbitrap Chinese Traditional Medicine Library, and previous literature. Twenty‐five of the identified compounds were detected for the first time in the pomelo peel extracts. Results suggested that the pomelo peels of C. grandis cv. Shatianyou contained the most natural chemical compositions. The pooled result may offer scientific evidence for further development and utilization of pomelo peels and a route for screening appropriate varieties for various demands.
Spatially biased reduction of browsing damage by sika deer through culling
Authors: Suzuki Kei K. , Yasuda Masatoshi , Sonoda Miwa
Published: May 2022

Culling large herbivores can reduce browsing damage. Our objective was to verify the effect of culling by considering spatial changes in browsing damage to test the hypothesis that the benefits of spatially biased culling extend to the spatial scale of culling. Culling sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, increased from 2009–2017, but browsing damage remained stable across the prefecture; regional damage trends differed among grid meshes (i.e., 5 km × 5 km). Meshes with browsing damage reduction received higher culling pressure and a decline in the deer population. Browsing damage reduction from culling was not uniform across regions and was biased by spatial bias in culling. This study highlights the importance of spatial scale in large herbivore management and evaluation of its effect.
Selectivity of dehydrogenative silicone–oxygen bond formation in diphenylsilane by base and base‐activated catalysts
Authors: Even Dakota , Berkland Cory
Published: May 2022

Various base catalysts and base‐activated catalysts were evaluated for their steric inhibitions and selectivity in silicon–oxygen bond formation between hydroxyl groups and each of the two active hydrogen sites of diphenylsilane. Three hydroxides, six amines, and an organic‐soluble N‐heterocyclic carbene‐copper alkoxide complex (CuIPr‐NHC) were reviewed using in situ FTIR monitoring of reaction progress for the stepwise consumption of both Si–H bonds in diphenylsilane in the presence of water and various alcohols. Hydroxide catalysts with sodium, potassium, and tetramethylammonium (TMA) cations showed strong dependence of cation identity on reaction rate and observable rate order but did not lead to accumulation of a once‐oxidized silane. Amine catalysts exhibited varying levels of selectivity to the once oxidized silane, leading to accumulation of diphenylsilanol and hydride terminated oligomers with relative reaction rates seemingly dependent on the size of amine's alkyl substituents. CuIPr‐NHC showed very limited reactivity to the second dehydrogenation step in comparison to the first, leading to high accumulation of once‐oxidized silane. Leveraging this, the production of diphenyl(monoalkoxy)silanes has been demonstrated with representative primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.
Phytoplanktonic response to simulated volcanic and desert dust deposition events in the South Indian and Southern Oceans
Authors: Geisen Carla , Ridame Céline , Journet Emilie , Delmelle Pierre , Marie Dominique , Lo Monaco Claire , Metzl Nicolas , Ammar Rawaa , Kombo Joelle , Cardinal Damien
Published: May 2022

Contrasting concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients induce different nutrient limitations of the oceanic productivity and shape the composition of the phytoplankton communities of the South Indian Ocean and Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. o assess the phytoplankton response to nutrient release by desert dust and volcanic ash aerosols in these distinct biogeochemical regions, we conducted microcosm incubation experiments. A dry or wet deposition of either dust from Patagonia or ash from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull or dissolved nutrients (Si, Fe, N and/or P) were added to trace metal clean incubations of surface seawater collected from five stations. These deposition experiments enabled the measurement of the biological response along with solubility calculations of nutrients. Both types of aerosols alleviated the iron deficiency occurring in the Southern Ocean during austral summer and resulted in a 24–110% enhancement of the primary production, depending on the station. The release of dissolved silicon may also have contributed to this response, although to a lesser extent, whereas neither the dust nor the ash relieved the nitrogen limitation in the low‐nutrient and low‐chlorophyll area. Diatom growth was responsible for 40% to 100% of the algal biomass increase within the responding stations, depending on the region and aerosol type. The high particle concentrations that are characteristic of ash deposition following volcanic eruptions may be of equal or higher importance to phytoplankton compared to desert dust, despite ashes' lower nutrient solubility to the ocean.
Erythropoietin in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2: Feasibility and Proof‐of‐Principle Issues from a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Rodriguez‐Labrada Roberto , Ortega‐Sanchez Ricardo , Hernández Casaña Patricia , Santos Morales Orestes , Padrón‐Estupiñan Maria del Carmen , Batista‐Nuñez Maricela , Jiménez Rodríguez Daise , Canales‐Ochoa Nalia , Peña Acosta Arnoy , Medrano Montero Jacqueline , Labrada Aguilera Pedro Enrique , Estupiñán Rodriguez Annelie , Vazquez‐Mojena Yaimee , Almaguer Gotay Dennis , Aymed‐García Judey , García‐García Idrian , Torres Vega Reydenis , Viada González Carmen , Valenzuela Silva Carmen M. , Silva Ricardo Yanelis , Columbié Ximelis Jorge , Tribin Rivero Kenia , Valle Cabrera Roselin , García‐Rodriguez Julio Cesar , Crombet Ramos Tania , Amaro‐González Daniel , Rodriguez‐Obaya Teresita , Velázquez‐Pérez Luis
Published: May 2022

Background

Several pieces of evidence have shown the neurotrophic effect of erythropoietin (EPO) and its introduction in the therapeutic practice of neurological diseases. However, its usefulness in the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) has not been proven despite the fact that it is endogenously reduced in these patients.

Objective

The study aims to investigate the safety, tolerability, and clinical effects of a nasally administered recombinant EPO in SCA2 patients.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients were enrolled in this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase I–II clinical trial of the nasally administered human‐recombinant EPO (NeuroEPO) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in the spinocerebellar ataxia functional index (SCAFI), while other motor, neuropsychological, and oculomotor measures were assessed.

Results

The 6‐month changes in SCAFI score were slightly higher in the patients allocated to NeuroEPO treatment than placebo in spite of the important placebo effect observed for this parameter. However, saccade latency was significantly decreased in the NeuroEPO group but not in placebo. The frequency and severity of adverse events were similar between both groups, without evidences of hematopoietic activity of the drug.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the safety and tolerability of NeuroEPO in SCA2 patients after 6 months of treatments and suggested a small clinical effect of this drug on motor and cognitive abnormalities, but confirmatory studies are warranted. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Optimal control using to approximate probability distribution of observation set
Authors: Lipnicka Marta , Nowakowski Andrzej
Published: May 2022

The paper treats the problem of an approximate calculation of unknown probability distribution function defining an observation set. The observation set is usually used as a supervised set to train a neural network or to build functions for machine learning. In order to solve the problem, we propose applying optimal control tools. To this effect following Vapnik, we define the risk functional depending on probability distribution functions, and we construct a set of functions based on the observation set. The construction draw on using only those functions that satisfy some differential equation with suitable properties as it is usually done in optimal control theory. Next, we apply a dual dynamic programming to formulate a new optimal control problem. As a consequence, we state and prove a verification theorem for an approximation of an unknown probability distribution function defining the observation set. We estimate the difference between the approximate probability distribution function and the best probability distribution with distance defined by the risk functional.
Validation of Monte Carlo 131I radiopharmaceutical dosimetry workflow using a 3D‐printed anthropomorphic head and neck phantom
Authors: Adam David P. , Grudzinski Joseph J. , Bormett Ian , Cox Benjamin L. , Marsh Ian R. , Bradshaw Tyler J. , Harari Paul M. , Bednarz Bryan P.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Approximately 50% of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients will experience loco‐regional disease recurrence following initial courses of therapy. Retreatment with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is technically challenging and may be associated with a significant risk of irreversible damage to normal tissues. Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is a potential method to treat recurrent HNC in conjunction with EBRT. Phantoms are used to calibrate and add quantification to nuclear medicine images, and anthropomorphic phantoms can account for both the geometrical and material composition of the head and neck. In this study, we present the creation of an anthropomorphic, head and neck, nuclear medicine phantom, and its characterization for the validation of a Monte Carlo, SPECT image‐based, 131I RPT dosimetry workflow.

Methods

3D‐printing techniques were used to create the anthropomorphic phantom from a patient CT dataset. Three 131I SPECT/CT imaging studies were performed using a homogeneous, Jaszczak, and an anthropomorphic phantom to quantify the SPECT images using a GE Optima NM/CT 640 with a high energy general purpose collimator. The impact of collimator detector response (CDR) modeling and volume‐based partial volume corrections (PVCs) upon the absorbed dose was calculated using an image‐based, Geant4 Monte Carlo RPT dosimetry workflow and compared against a ground truth scenario. Finally, uncertainties were quantified in accordance with recent EANM guidelines.

Results

The 3D‐printed anthropomorphic phantom was an accurate re‐creation of patient anatomy including bone. The extrapolated Jaszczak recovery coefficients were greater than that of the 3D‐printed insert (∼22.8 ml) for both the CDR and non‐CDR cases (with CDR: 0.536 vs. 0.493, non‐CDR: 0.445 vs. 0.426, respectively). Utilizing Jaszczak phantom PVCs, the absorbed dose was underpredicted by 0.7% and 4.9% without and with CDR, respectively. Utilizing anthropomorphic phantom recovery coefficient overpredicted the absorbed dose by 3% both with and without CDR. All dosimetry scenarios that incorporated PVC were within the calculated uncertainty of the activity. The uncertainties in the cumulative activity ranged from 23.6% to 106.4% for Jaszczak spheres ranging in volume from 0.5 to 16 ml.

Conclusion

The accuracy of Monte Carlo‐based dosimetry for 131I RPT in HNC was validated with an anthropomorphic phantom. In this study, it was found that Jaszczak‐based PVCs were sufficient. Future applications of the phantom could involve 3D printing and characterizing patient‐specific volumes for more personalized RPT dosimetry estimates.
Optimal connected subgraphs: Integer programming formulations and polyhedra
Authors: Rehfeldt Daniel , Franz Henriette , Koch Thorsten
Published: May 2022

Connectivity is a central concept in combinatorial optimization, graph theory, and operations research. In many applications, one is interested in finding an optimal subset of vertices with the essential requirement that the vertices are connected, but not how they are connected. In other words, it is not relevant which edges are selected to obtain connectivity. This article is concerned with the exact solution of such problems via integer programming. We analyze and compare (mixed) integer programming formulations with respect to the strength of their linear programming relaxations. Along the way, we also provide a tighter (compact) description of the connected subgraph polytope—the convex hull of subsets of vertices that induce a connected subgraph. Furthermore, we give a (compact) complete description of the connected subgraph polytope for graphs with no four independent vertices.
Susceptibility and field exposure of Striacosta albicosta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs and larvae in Ontario, Canada to four insecticides
Authors: Farhan Yasmine , Limay‐Rios Victor , Schaafsma Arthur W , Smith Jocelyn L
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Striacosta albicosta Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a primary pest of corn, Zea mays L., in the Great Lakes region, causing yield loss and exacerbating mycotoxin contamination of grain. Foliar insecticides are currently used to manage S. albicosta; however, the toxicity and residual activity of these insecticides against S. albicosta are unknown. Laboratory and field bioassays were conducted to determine the susceptibility and period of in‐field efficacy provided by chlorantraniliprole, lambda‐cyhalothrin, spinetoram, and methoxyfenozide against S. albicosta. Bioassay data were used to simulate management scenarios.

RESULTS

For all insecticides tested, 1st instars were highly susceptible to the recommended field application rates and were >3‐fold more susceptible to insecticides than 3rd instars. Insecticide activity decreased after application for all insecticides, with chlorantraniliprole having the longest residual activity. In simulated management scenarios where an insecticide was applied at or below the recommended 5% egg mass threshold with additional oviposition, methoxyfenozide application resulted in greater larval survival 14 days after application (DAA) than the other insecticides tested. In scenarios where insecticides were applied 7 days before threshold was reached, all insecticides resulted in larval survival.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that chlorantraniliprole, lambda‐cyhalothrin and spinetoram, applied in conjunction with monitoring, provide effective control of S. albicosta larvae for 10–14 days, whereas methoxyfenozide provides effective control for less than 7 days. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Design choice and machine learning model performances
Authors: Arboretti Rosa , Ceccato Riccardo , Pegoraro Luca , Salmaso Luigi
Published: May 2022

An increasing number of publications present the joint application of design of experiments (DOE) and machine learning (ML) as a methodology to collect and analyze data on a specific industrial phenomenon. However, the literature shows that the choice of the design for data collection and model for data analysis is often not driven by statistical or algorithmic advantages, thus there is a lack of studies which provide guidelines on what designs and ML models to jointly use for data collection and analysis. This article discusses the choice of design in relation to the ML model performances. A study is conducted that considers 12 experimental designs, seven families of predictive models, seven test functions that emulate physical processes, and eight noise settings, both homoscedastic and heteroscedastic. The results of the research can have an immediate impact on the work of practitioners, providing guidelines for practical applications of DOE and ML.
Discrete time‐delay multiagent networks: Pseudo‐predictor, full‐order, and reduced‐order observer
Authors: Liu Qingsong , Chai Li
Published: May 2022

This article studies the consensus and the input delay compensation problems for discrete‐time linear multiagent networks with time delays in the state and input. Pseudo‐predictor feedback (PPF) protocol is proposed, which makes use of the artificial closed‐loop dynamics to predict the future states. Sufficient conditions are offered to guarantee the multiagent consensus on the grounds of the stability of difference equations. Full‐order observer based PPF protocol and reduced‐order observer based PPF protocol are simultaneously established, and it is revealed that, under the PPF protocol, the convergence rate of the states is fastest. Compared with the existent predictor feedback protocol, the proposed protocol greatly reduces the calculation burden and is easier to implement since it has no concern with the (history) input information. Finally, a numerical example is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.
AI‐enabled IT capability and organizational performance
Authors: Wang Fang
Published: May 2022

In recent years, with the rapid development of information technology, the impact of AI on budget management and organizational performance has attracted attention. This paper studies application of AI in budget management. Applying AI in capital budgeting and financial budgeting is effective in a changeable environment. At the same time, it has been found that AI can significantly improve organizational performance.
Construction of Plasmonic Metal@Semiconductor Core–Shell Photocatalysts: From Epitaxial to Nonepitaxial Strategies
Authors: Wan Xiaodong , Liu Jia , Zhang Jiatao
Published: May 2022

In recent decade, plasmonic metal@semiconductor core–shell nanostructures have sparked tremendous research interest toward development of advanced photocatalysts. This is because such materials facilitate to harness the localized surface plasmon resonant absorption of plasmonic metal nanoparticles tunable across the entire ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) region, for improving the photocatalytic efficiency of surrounding semiconductors via multiple energy and charge carrier flow channels. Herein, the recent synthetic progresses achieved in wet chemical preparation of plasmonic metal@semiconductor core–shell photocatalysts are outlined. Tentatively, the reported synthetic approaches are classified into three major groups including the epitaxial seeded growth, the kinetically overdriven nonepitaxial seeded growth, and the cation exchange‐facilitated (CEf) nonepitaxial growth dictated by chemical thermodynamics. Special focuses are laid on elucidating the fundamental correlation of the synthetic mechanism with the crystallographic and physical properties of the resultant nanostructures that strongly dominate the synergistic coupling efficiency between plasmonic metal and semiconductor. Of these, the promise of CEf nonepitaxy in curbing the formation of interfacial defect states and promoting extraction of plasmonic hot carriers from the large lattice‐mismatched hybrid photocatalysts is detailedly elaborated. A comprehensive understanding in this scope is of significance for rationally architecting the plasmonic metal@semiconductor core–shell nanostructures toward disclosing fascinating horizons in photocatalytic solar‐to‐fuel conversion.
Medical errors: Experiences, attitudes and perspectives of incoming and outgoing final‐year veterinary students in the USA
Authors: Alexander‐Leeder Cordelia A. , Guess Sarah C. , Waiting Denise K. , Davidow Elizabeth B.
Published: May 2022

Background

Medical errors have an impact on veterinary patient safety. Studies in human medicine suggest that students can help prevent medical errors. However, there are no studies that address the role of veterinary students in patient safety.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed to incoming final‐year (IFY) and outgoing final‐year (OFY) students at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Response data were compared between class year groups with a Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

The response rate was 26.8% (70/261). Most respondents (85.7%) reported being present during a medical error, and 60% reported causing a medical error. The OFY group indicated lower agreement with documenting an error in the patient record and whether all errors should be disclosed. The IFY group felt more distress surrounding potential errors and sequential career implications. Compared with the IFY group, the OFY group agreed more that errors occur frequently in veterinary medicine and disagreed more that hospital staffing is adequate to ensure patient safety. Open responses recognised a need for communication training and identified that the OFY group regarded errors more actionably, whereas the IFY group viewed errors more emotionally.

Conclusion

Most veterinary students will experience medical errors prior to graduation, but some lack clarity around appropriate disclosure and documentation. Additional training on medical errors and error disclosure should be provided to veterinary students.
Crystal structure of N‐(1,3‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl)‐4‐iodobenzene‐1‐sulfonohydrazide: the unexpected importance of l N‐H⋅⋅⋅π and I⋅⋅⋅π interactions on the supramolecular arrangement
Authors: Gomes Lígia R. , Früchtl Herbert , Low John N. , van Mourik Tanja , Pinheiro Alessandra C. , de Souza Marcus V. N. , Wardell James L.
Published: May 2022

The 2‐hydrazinyl‐1,3‐benzothiazole derivatives are precursors for synthesis of several compounds of technological interest, including the Bt−NH−N=CHR1 (R1=alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl), derivatives. Usually when Bt−NH−NH2 is allowed to react with a benzenesulfonyl chloride the substitution is observed in the terminal nitrogen of the arenehydrazine unit, but when 4‐iodophenyl sulfonyl chloride (4‐IC6H4SO2Cl) was used, the product isolated was the title compound as confirmed by Rx‐analysis. Determination of the crystal structure revealed that the definition of the arrangement was driven by N−H⋅⋅⋅π, C−I⋅⋅⋅π and S2−O21⋅⋅⋅π interactions instead of the classic O⋅⋅⋅H−N hydrogen bonds. The interactions were confirmed by HS analysis. Interaction energy calculations showed that the π interactions‐based motifs play an important role in the supramolecular arrangement, contributing about 60 % to the total energy of the lattice. DFT calculations showed that the energy of the C−I⋅⋅⋅π dimer is complemented with contributions of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking and N−H⋅⋅⋅π interaction between the primary amine and the thiazole aromatic ring.
Critical Journalism and Media Convergence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Representation of Corruption in Zimbabwean Online News
Authors: Mututwa Wishes Tendayi , Ufuoma Akpojivi
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, which began in China’s Wuhan province in December 2019, has impacted nation states, highlighting their approaches and abilities to fight the pandemic. In Zimbabwe, attempts at fighting the pandemic have opened the floodgates for COVID-19-related corruption by “Covidpreneurs”-the politically connected and public officials. Therefore, in this chapter, we seek to examine the role of critical journalism and media convergence in exposing COVID-19-related corruption in Zimbabwe. Using qualitative content analysis on Zimlive newspaper stories culled over 1 month (1–30 June), interviews with media practitioners, and media convergence theory as a lens, this chapter critically looks at the discourses from Zimlive, and how these discourses expose corruption scandals involving COVID-19 funds. The study argues that critical journalism, taking advantage of digital technologies, was pivotal in exposing COVID-19 corruption in Zimbabwe.
From Cases to Stories to Lessons: Exploring Landscapes of Lifelong Learning across Europe
Authors: do Amaral Marcelo Parreira , Benasso Sebastiano , Neves Tiago , Bouillet Dejana
Published: May 2022

This chapter draws together insights generated by the comparative case studies and revisits the themes dealt with in view of the theoretical framework adopted to explore landscapes of Lifelong learning across Europe. The structure of the chapter reflects the organisation of the empirical section of the volume, yielding insights on the policies analysed from the different theoretical perspectives and entry points applied for the exploration of the case studies. Finally, questions are raised as to the meaning and relevance of the discussions undertaken throughout the volume for life course research and the opportunity structures for young people in an attempt to move forward from cases to lessons.
Institutional, Economic-Material, and Discursive Opportunity Structures Influencing Support and Guidance Policies for Young People in Austria, Finland, and Scotland
Authors: Capsada-Munsech Queralt , Chan Ralph , Tikkanen Jenni , Valiente Oscar
Published: May 2022

We analyse the influence of institutional, economic-material and discursive opportunity structures on the objectives (i.e., explicit goals) and orientations (i.e., interests, ideas) of LLL policies supporting young people in their transition from education to the labour market. We focus on the influence of opportunity structures at the regional level, where these policies are enacted. Based on interviews with national and regional stakeholders, our findings show that the three types of opportunity structures influence LLL policy objectives and orientations and, subsequently, the educational and early labour market trajectories of their beneficiaries. First, we discuss how a variety of national skills formation regimes influence policy objectives at the regional level. Second, we analyse how the (mis)match between the regional supply and demand for skills brings the effectiveness of LLL policies objectives into question. Third, we discuss how the orientations of LLL policies (in)directly influence young people’s educational and employment trajectories. Our findings suggest that LLL policies targeting young adults to support them in their transition from education to employment must consider the influence of these three opportunity structures at the regional level. LLL policies might be nationally designed and promoted, but they need to consider cross-regional differences to ensure their effectiveness and suitability.
Regulating Tech Is Only Half of the Job
Authors: Mitroff Ian I.
Published: May 2022

This chapter surfaces further key arguments with regard to our general well-being. The most important of which is that Technology is out of control, and that regulating it is a matter of the highest priority.
A Review of Irish National Strategy for Gender Equality in Higher Education 2010–2021
Authors: Dunne Julie , O’Reilly Ayesha , O’Donoghue Ashley , Kinahan Mary
Published: May 2022

This chapter provides a narrative of the key policies, initiatives and actions that have transformed both the landscape of gender equality in Higher Education in Ireland, and the role of gender equality in research policy and public engagement in STEM over the last decade. It aims to provide leaders committed to gender equality with examples of good practice within the EU-Irish context. The first part of the chapter focuses on the EU gender equality strategies for Higher Education. It explains the review of gender equality undertaken by the Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA), the significant findings, and the National Gender Action Plan designed to address the issues identified. It contains examples of high-level initiatives implemented to deliver on key actions. These include centres of excellence for Gender Equality, and affirmative actions taken to address imbalance at senior levels in the Irish Higher Education system. It also provides an account of Irish participation in the UK Advance Higher Education (Advance HE) gender supports including the women’s leadership programme ‘Aurora’, and the ‘Athena SWAN’ charter that provides an accreditation framework for auditing, supporting and transforming gender equality in Higher Education Institutions. For context, some examples of implementing these in an Irish Institution are provided. The chapter then reviews the gender equality strategies and policies of the main research funding organisations in Ireland, namely Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), and the Irish Research Council (IRC). It indicates how gender equality manifests in achieving gender balance in the Irish research community; and in funding applications and consequently in research design to embed the gender element. It also provides an overview of recent national studies carried out to analyse the Irish public’s perceptions and awareness of STEM in society, and factors leading to career and study choices by young Irish people. It signposts to the recent actions to address gender equality provided under SFI’s remit for public engagement in STEM.
Women Retention in STEM Higher Education: Systematic Mapping of Gender Issues
Authors: Campos Esmeralda , Garay-Rondero Claudia Lizette , Caratozzolo Patricia , Dominguez Angeles , Zavala Genaro
Published: May 2022

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Higher Education (HE) helps foster students’ motivation to continue studying and cultivates students’ regard for the role of science and technology in society. The gender gap in STEM HE can reduce through institutional efforts; however, the underrepresentation of women is prevalent. There have been efforts to research and implement strategies to increase the number of people attending STEM fields with a specific action to attract and retain women in these areas. Hence, the purpose of this research work is to carry out and show the results of a Systematic Mapping (SM) related to how HE institutions aim to address the gender gap in STEM education through research and educational innovation. The SM focused on published work from 2011 to 2021 indexed in Web of Science or Scopus. Findings show the state of knowledge for an essential topic: reducing the gender gap through guidance and retention strategies to attain completion. Furthermore, descriptive results give a general overview of the area, relevant trends, and other analytical evidence that provides an in-depth understanding of HE institutions’ needs. We conclude that the retention of women studying STEM HE has become an essential issue worldwide universities have addressed increasingly during the last decade.
Phenomenology of $$ t\overline{t}j $$ + X production at the LHC
Authors: Alioli Simone , Fuster Juan , Garzelli Maria Vittoria , Gavardi Alessandro , Irles Adrian , Melini Davide , Moch Sven-Olaf , Uwer Peter , Voß Katharina
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We present phenomenological results for $$ t\overline{t}j $$
t

t
¯

j
+ X production at the Large Hadron Collider, of interest for designing forthcoming experimental analyses of this process. We focus on those cases where the $$ t\overline{t}j $$
t

t
¯

j
+ X process is considered as a signal. We discuss present theoretical uncertainties and the dependence on relevant input parameters entering the computation. For the $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
distribution, which depends on the invariant mass of the $$ t\overline{t}j $$
t

t
¯

j
-system, we present reference predictions in the on-shell, $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

and MSR top-quark mass renormalization schemes, applying the latter scheme to this process for the first time. Our conclusions are particularly interesting for those analyses aiming at extracting the top-quark mass from cross-section measurements.
1945–1964 WHO’s Right to Health?
Authors: Richards Linda M.
Published: May 2022

United States Atomic Energy Commission (USAEC) and UN agencies utilized techniques of power and negotiation to implement radiation exposure regulations. USAEC affiliated scientists’ expertise was cultivated while establishing a radiation protection regime based on classified experiments. World Health Organization (WHO) leadership sought to manifest a human right to health, including a right to protection from radiation contamination. The careers of a few technical experts and interagency UN correspondence shows how American risk models of radiation regulation traveled and ultimately inhibited WHO attempts to frame radiation as a public health threat. The USAEC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) navigated WHO’s way of perceiving radiation with technical experts and bureaucratic and legislative means. This paper shows the underpinning at the UN of competing models of radiation regulation, one state centric and the other, an individual right to health. This narrative provides insights into the nature of the UN’s current conceptualization of radiation regulation and argues for further research into UN, radiation, and human rights history.
Einschätzungen zur Therapie der moderaten bis schweren atopischen Dermatitis mit Januskinaseinhibitoren
Authors: Lauffer Felix , Biedermann Tilo
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Die atopische Dermatitis ist eine häufige chronisch entzündliche Hauterkrankung, die mit erheblichem Leidensdruck einhergeht. Januskinaseinhibitoren sind seit Kurzem für die Therapie der atopischen Dermatitis verfügbar.

Fragestellung

Es erfolgen eine Zusammenfassung der bisherigen Daten zur Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von Januskinaseinhibitoren zur Therapie der atopischen Dermatitis sowie Darstellung praktischer Hinweise zum klinischen Einsatz.

Material und Methoden

Es werden eine Zusammenfassung und Bewertung der aktuell verfügbaren Datenlage gegeben.

Ergebnisse

Drei Januskinaseinhibitoren sind zur Therapie der mittelschweren bis schweren atopischen Dermatitis zugelassen: Baricitinib, Upadacitinib und Abrocitinib. In den Zulassungsstudien und ersten Real-Life-Erfahrungen wurden eine starke und schnelle Reduktion des Juckreizes und der klinischen Zeichen der atopischen Dermatitis sowie positive Effekte auf die Lebensqualität betroffener Personen demonstriert. Das aktuelle Sicherheitsprofil zeigt sich günstig, wobei jedoch Langzeitsicherheitsdaten speziell für den Einsatz bei der atopischen Dermatitis aktuell noch nicht verfügbar sind.

Schlussfolgerungen

Januskinaseinhibitoren bereichern das therapeutische Spektrum bei der Behandlung der atopischen Dermatitis. Unter Beachtung der Kontraindikationen, Nebenwirkungen und notwendigen Laboruntersuchungen stellen sie eine hocheffektive und sichere Therapieoption für betroffene Patienten dar.
Larynxorganerhalt bis zum T4‑Larynxkarzinom?
Authors: Dyckhoff Gerhard , Warta Rolf , Herold-Mende Christel , Plinkert Peter K. , Ramroth Heribert
Published: May 2022

Kann die primäre Radiochemotherapie (pRCT) möglicherweise als alternative Standardtherapie zur totalen Laryngektomie (TL) angesehen werden? Gemäß der neuen S3-Leitlinie nehme der Patient zwar eine höhere Rückfallrate in Kauf, habe aber die Salvagechirurgie als kurative Option und insgesamt keinen Überlebensnachteil. In mehreren großen Datenbankanalysen und Fallserien findet sich für das T4-Larynxkarzinom ein signifikanter Überlebensnachteil der pRCT gegenüber der primären TL von über 30 %. Die Erfolgsrate der Salvagelaryngektomie beim T4-Karzinom liegt laut Literatur nur bei 25–50 %. Larynxorganerhaltstudien, die zur Empfehlung der pRCT als alternativer Standardtherapie führen könnten, sollten 1.) T4a-Karzinompatienten innerhalb ihrer T‑Kategorie auswerten, 2.) getrennt nach Larynx- und Hypopharynxkarzinomen, 3.) in aussagekräftiger Kollektivgröße, 4.) mit einem Nachbeobachtungszeitraum von mindestens 5 Jahren, 5.) mit onkologischen und 6.) funktionellen Outcome (Dauer von Tracheostoma u./o. PEG, Notwendigkeit und Erfolg einer Salvagelaryngektomie). 7.) Angabe des Kriteriums, das zur T4-Kategorie führte (Knorpeldurchbruch oder Art der extralaryngealen Ausbreitung), 8.) prätherapeutische Larynxfunktionalität (Tracheostoma, PEG). Eine Erfassung der genannten klinischen Daten aller T4-pRCT-Patienten in einer prospektiven beobachtenden Kohortenstudie im deutschsprachigen Raum wird vorgeschlagen. Bei Ablehnung der TL beim T4a-Karzinom sollte in ausführlichen einfühlsamen, aber instruktiven Gesprächen unterschieden werden zwischen einer primären spontanen Abneigung und der differenziert abgewogenen, definitiven Ablehnung. Nicht nur der onkologische, sondern auch der funktionell zu erwartende Outcome sollte in den Entscheidungsprozess einbezogen werden.