bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep feature enhancement and Xgboost network for multi‐organ classification
Authors: Yang Qing , Yan Qingyuan , Zhang Wuxia , Hao Mayang , Chen Hao
Published: June 2022

The multi‐organ classification of medical images in disease examination and diagnosis is very valuable. However, some organs features of medical imaging are not obvious, and the organ of interest just occupy several pixels in the image. Therefore, the accuracy of multi‐organ classification of medical images using classic convolutional neural networks (CNN) cannot meet actual requirements. To address the above problems, a Deep Feature Enhancement and Xgboost (DFEX) network is proposed in this paper. The network enhances the discriminability of deep features through the dual‐core CNN feature extraction, the transfer module, and the multi‐level semantic feature fusion module. The dual‐core CNN feature extraction and transfer module extracts high‐level semantic features with detailed information by four aggregation units, to alleviate the problem of inconspicuous imaging features. The multi‐level semantic feature fusion module fuses the low‐level, middle‐level, and high‐level semantic features of the image to obtain more detailed features, which alleviates the problem that the target organ is easily affected by other organs. Finally, the enhanced features are fed to the Xgboost ensemble method for multi‐organ classification tasks of medical images. Our method is compared with 4 different classic networks on 553 cases. The experiment results show our method has better overall performance. Especially, for nasopharynx and vocal fold closing, the classification accuracies of our method achieve 84.39% and 88.00%. Compared with the best performers in classic networks, the accuracies have been increased by 3.58% and 15.62% respectively.
Theoretical and experimental sensing of bone healing by microwave approach
Authors: Akdoğan Volkan , Özkaner Vedat , Alkurt Fatih Özkan , Karaaslan Muharrem
Published: June 2022

A medical imaging system is often required to monitor bone growth or bone healing in patients. X‐ray imaging method is one of the most used imaging systems but it affects human health due to the ionizing effect of X‐rays on matter. In this paper, authors investigated the healing period of a bone structure by using electromagnetic antennas. Two different design approaches were examined which are the monopole antenna approach and the horn antenna approach with the frequency bands of 4–10 and 3–18 GHz, respectively. According to simulation results of the first scenario, radius change of a circular bone from 1 to 8 mm causes a transmission reduction from −13.5 dB to −20 dB at 7 GHz. In the second scenario, the thickness of the bone changed from 0.05 to 20 mm and the corresponding transmission value is reduced from −5 to −25 dB at 10 GHz of constant frequency. All these two approaches showed that the bone variation with time changes the transmission characteristics of detector antennas at the operating frequencies. In the last step of this study, an experimental measurement is carried out by using two opposite horn antennas and a planar bone structure in microwave laboratory. The measured results are in a good agreement with the simulated results in the second scenario. This study gives an opportunity to determine bone healing periods in medical applications by microwave techniques.
National survey of solid organ transplant pharmacist training and early career research publication success
Authors: Lichvar Alicia B. , Chandran Mary M. , Durst Melissa M. , Fredrick Stacy , Pierce Dana R. , Sweiss Helen I. , Szczepanik Amanda , Melaragno Jennifer I.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The variability of clinical research experiences for solid organ transplant (SOT) trainees is complex and involves close inspection of program personnel, values, and expectations. It is unknown how these variables impact early career publication (ECP) success and continued participation in research.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of ECPs among SOT clinical pharmacists, to describe training and early career research experiences, and to describe factors associated with ECPs.

Methods

A 53‐question electronic survey was distributed through three SOT pharmacy listservs from 11/1/202 to 12/3/2021. Eligible respondents were SOT pharmacists who completed specialty training from 2015 to 2021. The survey captured data on publication success, perception of training received, and early career research endeavors. Multivariate analysis assessed factors associated with ECP.

Results

A total of 92 individuals were included in the analysis (36.9% response rate). A majority of respondents were female (73.9%), completed postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) residency training only (93.5%), and currently serve in hybrid clinical specialist positions (having inpatient and outpatient roles) (67.4%). The incidence ECP among respondents was 42.3% (33/78). Within their jobs, research and/or quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) participation was common (83.3%, 65/78). Protected time for research (21.8%, 17/78) and formal research mentorship (7.7%, 6/78) were not frequent and did not alter ECP success. Multiple publications during training (odds ratio [OR] 13.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90‐101.37, P = 0.01) was associated with ECP. SOT pharmacists with hybrid clinical specialist positions had lower ECP obtainment (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.004‐0.89, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The incidence of ECP was 42.3%. Research and QAPI are common components of SOT training and SOT pharmacists' jobs, yet experiences are diverse with great variability for support and structure guiding these endeavors and influencing their eventual success.
Examining the temporal dynamics of anxiety and depressive symptoms during a therapist‐supported, smartphone‐based intervention for depression: Longitudinal observational study
Authors: Allende Santiago , Forman‐Hoffman Valerie L. , Goldin Philippe R.
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study examined the temporal dynamics of anxiety and depressive symptoms during a 12‐week therapist‐supported, smartphone‐delivered digital health intervention for symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Methods

A total of 290 participants were included in the present analyses (age Mean = 39.64, SD = 10.25 years; 79% female; 54% self‐reported psychotropic medication use). Linear mixed models were used to examine the concurrent anxiety‐depression association and (2) the lead‐lag anxiety‐depression relationship, with greater anxiety predicted to precede an increase in depression.

Results

In support of Hypothesis 1, greater anxiety during the current biweekly assessment was associated with greater depressive symptoms during the current biweekly assessment. In support of Hypothesis 2, greater anxiety during the prior biweekly assessment was associated with greater depressive symptoms during the current biweekly assessment but not vice‐versa.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that anxiety and depressive symptoms may overlap and fluctuate in concert, with anxiety symptoms predicting subsequent depressive symptoms but not vice‐versa. With sensitivity to study limitations, implications for future intervention designs are discussed.
Extranodal extension influences prognosis in pancreatic head cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sung Min Kyu , Park Hosub , Park Guisuk , Park Seo Young , Lee Woohyung , Song Ki Byung , Lee Jae Hoon , Kim Song Cheol , Hwang Dae Wook , Hong Seung Mo
Published: June 2022

Background

Extranodal extension (ENE) is an established prognostic factor in several gastrointestinal cancers. However, the prognostic impact remains unclear. Here, we investigated the prognostic implications of ENE in patients with surgically resected pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 476 surgically resected pancreatic head cancer patients who consecutively underwent upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy for pathologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between January 2009 and December 2013. We compared the disease‐free survival (DFS) rates of the patients according to ENE status.

Results

Among the 476 patients, patients with ENE had lower DFS rates than those without ENE (N0, 13 months; LN+/ENE−, 7 months; LN+/ENE+, 6 months; P < .001). In addition, even in the same N stage, patients with ENE had lower DFS rates than those without ENE (N0, 13 months; N1/ENE− 8 months; N1/ENE+, 7 months; N2/ENE−, 7 months; N2/ENE+, 4 months, P < .001). However, there was no significant difference in survival rates between patients in the N1/ENE+ group and those in the N2/ENE− group. Additionally, ENE was an independent prognostic factor for pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Extranodal extension significantly predicted a poor prognosis among patients with pancreatic head cancer, especially those with nodal metastasis. Therefore, ENE should be considered a prognostic factor in future editions of the staging system.
New graduate registered nurses: Risk mitigation strategies to ensure safety and successful transition to practice
Authors: Smith Carla Jean , DesRoches Stephanie L. , Street Nancy White , Hyatt Josh
Published: June 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted traditional pathways for new graduate registered nurses (NGRN's) transition to practice. In response to stay at home emergency orders in 2020, NGRN's experienced changes in pre‐licensure curriculum, clinical practicums, NCLEX testing, and licensure, all which influence preparedness for professional practice. The adverse impact on education and clinical training extends to all nursing students who attended higher education institutions of learning during 2020 to present and is a significant consideration with new graduates over the long‐term, whom will be caring for patients in healthcare settings. Well before this pandemic, literature identified that NGRN's were predisposed to knowledge‐practice gaps and lacked situational awareness. Recent nursing research emerging from the pandemic reveals a potentiating negative impact of the abbreviated pre‐licensure experiences on patient safety in the clinical setting. In the current healthcare environment, it is preemptive for healthcare institutions and schools of nursing to work cohesively to ensure patient safety through an increased emphasis on evidence‐based approaches to reduce patient harm and mitigate harm when it does occur. Further, in response to the increased demand for nurses by healthcare organizations, considerations for safety, risk management, and ethical care must be considered during the transition to practice for NGRN's.
Antiretroviral therapy restores the homeostatic state of microglia in SIV-infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Trease Andrew J , Niu Meng , Morsey Brenda , Guda Chittibabu , Byrareddy Siddappa N , Buch Shilpa , Fox Howard S
Published: June 2022

Microglia and macrophages are essential for homeostatic maintenance and innate immune response in the brain. They are the first line of defense against infections such as HIV/SIV in the brain. However, they are susceptible to infection and function as viral reservoirs even under effective viral suppression. While current antiretroviral regimens successfully suppress viremia and improve quality of life and lifespan, neurologic complications persist and are in part attributed to activated microglia. We sought to test the hypothesis that brain microglia return to a more homeostatic-like state when viremia is suppressed by combination antiretroviral therapy. Using the SIV-rhesus macaque model, we combined single-cell RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and pathway analysis to compare gene expression profiles of brain myeloid cells under 4 conditions: uninfected, SIV infected, SIV infected with cART suppression, and SIV encephalitis (SIVE). Our study reveals greater myeloid diversity and an elevated proinflammatory state are associated with untreated SIV infection compared with uninfected animals. The development of encephalitis and suppression of viremia both reduced myeloid diversity. However, they had converse effects on the activation state of microglia and inflammation. Notably, suggestive of a restoration of a homeostatic state in microglia, gene expression and activation of pathways related to inflammation and immune response in cART-suppressed monkeys were most similar to that in uninfected monkeys. Untreated SIV infection shared characteristics, especially in brain macrophages to SIVE, with SIVE showing dramatic inflammation. In support of our hypothesis, our study demonstrates that cART indeed restores this key component of the brain's homeostatic state.

Summary: ScRNA-seq of rhesus monkey microglia reveals clusters of cells in activated states in the setting of SIV infection, which is primarily reversed by suppressing viremia with combination antiretroviral therapy.
Last interglacial lake sediments preserved beneath Laurentide and Greenland Ice sheets provide insights into Arctic climate amplification and constrain 130 ka of ice‐sheet history
Authors: Miller Gifford H. , Wolfe Alexander P. , Axford Yarrow , Briner Jason P. , Bueltmann Helga , Crump Sarah , Francis Donna , Fréchette Bianca , Gorbey Devon , Kelly Meredith , McFarlin Jamie , Osterberg Erich , Raberg Jonathan , Raynolds Martha , Sepúlveda Julio , Thomas Elizabeth , de Wet Gregory
Published: June 2022

Sediment cores from 13 lakes in a 1500 km transect along the eastern North American Arctic contain up to four superposed stratified interglacial units. All 13 lakes contain one unit with sediment similar in character and mass to Holocene gyttja, with 14C ages >40 ka, luminescence ages 90 to 120 ka, and pollen assemblages that require nearly complete Laurentide deglaciation, supporting a Last Interglacial (LIG; MIS 5e) age. Two lakes preserve an older interglacial, with luminescence ages suggesting an MIS 7 age. Four adjacent lakes record a thin, stratified organic unit between the LIG and Holocene units with 14C ages >50 ka, that is probably from late in MIS 5. Temperature estimates from biotic proxies suggest LIG summer temperatures 4–6°C above mid‐20th century values; pollen, chironomids and DNA document a poleward expansion of woody plants and invertebrate species during the LIG, supporting arguments that positive feedbacks native to the Arctic amplified insolation‐driven summer temperature increases. The stratigraphic succession implies the Laurentide Ice Sheet remained intact with sea level below ‐40 m from ~115 ka to ~11 ka, and places new constraints on the interpretation of cosmogenic radionuclide inventories in erratic boulders older than the Holocene throughout this region.
Impact of coal mining on land use dynamics and soil quality: Assessment of land degradation vulnerability through conjunctive use of analytical hierarchy process and geospatial techniques
Authors: Pandey Mayank , Mishra Alka , Swamy Singam Laxmana , Thakur Tarun Kumar , Pandey Vimal Chandra
Published: June 2022

Coal is the major source of energy in India, where 66% of the thermal power is generated from different grades of coal. The surging energy demand for domestic and industrial sectors has accelerated coal production through intensive coal mining from existing mines and there is exploration for potential areas across the Country. More than 80% of the coal excavated from open cast mining, which is a damaging form of mining that is often associated with undesirable land use changes, soil degradation, and deforestation and is responsible for other environmental degradation. The present study has been conducted in Manendragarh coal mining area located in northern Chhattisgarh, Central India using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geospatial tools. LANDSAT‐TM and OLI satellite data from 1990 and 2020 were digitally analyzed applying a maximum likelihood supervised classification technique in ERDAS IMAGINE and Arc‐GIS platforms. Spatial analysis of satellite data revealed that the area under forest, agriculture‐fallow, and waterbodies fell by 14.5%, 12.9%, and 2.52%, respectively, due mainly to conversion into degraded land, while the mining area and built‐up areas were proportionally enhanced by 3.2% and 0.59% between 1990 and 2020. The intense mining resulted in deterioration of soil health, where the organic C, pH, and soil depth were considerably decreased in mined sites and degraded lands, compared to agricultural and forest areas. The major determinant biophysical, topographic, and soil factors were integrated in a GIS platform to derive a land degradation vulnerability index (LDVI), which identified five vulnerability classes. The salient findings of study provides the critical inputs for the policy makers/environmentalists in prioritization and decision‐making for implementing remedial measures for the eco‐restoration of mining degraded landscapes and also the improvement of ecology and environment along with sustainable coal mining.
A review of spatial structure of freshwater food webs: Issues and opportunities modeling within‐lake meta‐ecosystems
Authors: Borrelli Jonathan J. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: June 2022

Lakes are currently facing multiple anthropogenic stressors impacting their ecological communities. The best way to understand how these systems will be affected by the changing environment is by modeling community dynamics. Models of lake food webs have tended to focus on pelagic organisms and treat lakes as if they contain single, uniform communities. However, heterogeneity in environmental conditions and resource availability generates within‐lake compartmentalization in food web structure. Turnover among species and their interactions resulting from differences in depth and substrate type creates unique food webs in different regions of lakes. Food webs within lakes can therefore be represented as a three‐dimensional meta‐ecosystem, where food web compartments are connected by flows of nutrients, materials, and consumers with variable degrees of mobility within the lake. We review how food webs are spatially structured within lakes and the processes that connect different parts of the ecosystem. We then discuss how current modeling approaches address the spatial heterogeneity of lake communities, highlighting key methods and some of the constraints preventing more spatially explicit representation of food webs. Finally, we recommend the use of allometric trophic networks to make spatially explicit food web modeling easier. By capitalizing on empirically described allometric relationships to parameterize trophically complex food webs, we can balance generalizable model approaches with system‐specific needs. Given the spatially explicit nature of many current threats to freshwater lakes, building an understanding of how space structures the community is imperative to create better approaches for freshwater management and conservation.
Synthesis of Fluorine‐Containing, UV‐Responsive PLA‐Based Materials by Means of Functionalized DOX Monomer
Authors: Gazzotti Stefano , Ortenzi Marco Aldo , Farina Hermes , Silvani Alessandra
Published: June 2022

1,3‐Dioxolan‐4‐ones (DOX) chemistry is exploited for the synthesis of UV‐curable, polylactic acid (PLA)‐based copolymers. DOX monomer functionalized with 4‐fluoro‐4′‐hydroxybenzophenone is synthesized and employed as comonomer with l‐lactide. Copolymerization reactions are performed with different DOX loadings through a solvent‐free, metal‐catalyzed protocol. Products are characterized through NMR analysis in order to demonstrate the random insertion of the modified monomer within the polymeric chain. Copolymers are subjected to UV irradiation and compared to a control PLA synthesized and processed in the same conditions. The evolution of the molecular weight during prolonged UV exposure is evaluated through SEC analysis, showing the effect of the benzophenone side groups, which promote crosslinking reactions. A crosslinking mechanism is proposed and demonstrated by means of 1H NMR and FT‐IR analyses. The gel content of the samples is measured after the UV exposure, demonstrating a correlation with the concentration of DOX‐derived units. Finally, water contact angle analyses are performed to investigate the effects of the fluorination degree on the wettability properties and thermal characterization is carried out. Moreover, rheological analyses show a shear thickening behavior for the copolymers with the highest concentration of DOX‐derived units.
The influence of companies' moral associations on the product consumption experience: The role of moral disgust
Authors: Tal Aner , Gvili Yaniv , Amar Moty
Published: June 2022

Can moral associations linked with food products harm hedonic consumption experience? Across four studies, we show that moral associations linked to food that clash with values (racism and animal welfare) held by today's ethical consumers can engender moral disgust, which in turn undermines both expected and actual taste experience. The studies contribute to the literature by showing that associations impact consumption experience even in the absence of concrete actions, and by revealing moral disgust as the mechanism underlying this phenomenon. Importantly, this effect was observed even when the moral associations involved racism or sustainability (e.g., animal welfare), which have no direct relationship to product quality. This reveals that mere moral associations, rather than quality associations, influence hedonic consumption experience, rather than quality associations. More broadly, the findings point to the ways in which extrinsic attributes affect product experience and evaluation, particularly in hedonic consumption. This may be particularly impactful for values clashing with those championed by ethical consumers. From a practical perspective, these studies provide a broader perspective on corporate social responsibility by showing that companies should exercise caution when exploiting the moral associations linked to their products.
Jammed Microgel‐Based Inks for 3D Printing of Complex Structures Transformable via pH/Temperature Variations
Authors: Moon Dowon , Lee Min‐Gyu , Sun Jeong‐Yun , Song Kwang Hoon , Doh Junsang
Published: June 2022

Structure changes mediated by anisotropic volume changes of stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are useful for many research fields, yet relatively simple structured objects are mostly used due to limitation in fabrication methods. To fabricate complex 3 dimensional (3D) structures that undergo structure changes in response to external stimuli, jammed microgel‐based inks containing precursors of stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are developed for extrusion‐based 3D printing. Specifically, the jammed microgel‐based inks are prepared by absorbing precursors of poly(acrylic acid) or poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) in poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) microgels, and jamming them. The inks exhibit shear‐thinning and self‐healing properties that allow extrusion of the inks through a nozzle and rapid stabilization after printing. Stimuli‐mediated volume changes are observed for the extruded structures when they are post‐crosslinked by UV light to form interpenetrating networks of PAAm microgels and stimuli‐responsive hydrogels. Using this method, a dumbbell‐shaped object that can transform to a biconvex shape, and a gripper that can grasp and lift an object in response to stimuli are 3D‐printed. The jammed microgel‐based 3D printing strategy is a versatile method useful for variety of applications as diverse types of monomers absorbable in the microgels can be used to fabricate complex 3D objects transformable by external stimuli.
Controlled Oxyanionic Polymerization of Propylene Oxide: Unlocking the Molecular‐Weight Limitation by a Soft Nucleophilic Catalysis
Authors: Fornaciari Charlotte , Pasini Dario , Coulembier Olivier
Published: June 2022

The oxyanionic ring‐opening polymerization of propylene oxide (PO) from an exogenous alcohol activated with benign (complexed) metal‐alkali carboxylates is described. The equimolar mixture of potassium acetate (KOAc) and 18‐crown‐6 ether (18C6) is demonstrated to be the complex of choice for preparing poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) in a controlled manner. In the presence of 18C6/KOAc, hydrogen‐bonded alcohols act as soft nucleophiles promoting the PO SN2 process at room temperature and in solvent‐free conditions while drastically limiting the occurrence of parasitic hydrogen abstraction generally observed during the anionic ROP of PO. The resulting PPO displays predictable and unprecedented molar masses (up to 20 kg mol−1) with low dispersities (ĐM < 1.1), rendering the 18C6/KOAc complex the most performing activator for the oxyanionic polymerization of PO reported to date. Preliminary studies on the preparation of block and statistical copolyethers are also reported.
Survey: More work needed to address weak points as 988 rollout nears
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2022

With rollout of the new 988 mental health emergency hotline only a month away, a newly released survey suggests that most health officials aren't confident that their infrastructure is sufficient to support an anticipated rise in call volume.
The conditional stability for unique continuation on the sphere for Helmholtz equations
Authors: Chen Yu , Cheng Jin , Jiang Yu
Published: June 2022

Unique continuation is one of the most important properties for the solution of partial differential equation, which means the local information of the solution can determine the global one. In this paper, we discuss a special unique continuation for Helmholtz equations on a sphere in
, which is different with the classical unique continuation. The unique continuation holds only on the sphere and may not be extended to the domain in
. A Hölder type conditional stability of unique continuation is proved by complex extension method. Then a Tikhonov regularized scheme is proposed and the convergence rate is obtained by using the conditional stability estimate. Numerical examples are presented to show the performance of the scheme. It should be remarked here that our results may be applied to the problem of recovering a far field pattern with its local information.
Indium Oxide Doped Polyaniline for Detection of Formaldehyde
Authors: Mavani Bhoomi Het , Penlidis Alexander
Published: June 2022

Polyaniline (PANI) and a polyaniline derivative (poly (2,5‐dimethyl aniline)) are evaluated for their sensitivity towards formaldehyde. Among the two polymer backbones evaluated, polyaniline seems more sensitive towards formaldehyde. Therefore, to further enhance sensitivity towards formaldehyde, polyaniline is doped with different weight percentages of indium oxide and further evaluated for its sensing capabilities such as sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. It is found that PANI with 1.25 wt% of In2O3 is most sensitive towards formaldehyde, while PANI with 5 wt% of In2O3 is most selective towards formaldehyde over benzene interferent. It is observed that sensitivity and selectivity trends for PANI doped with different wt% of In2O3 are reverse of each other. All sensing materials are found stable.
Adjustable continence balloons in postprostatectomy incontinence: Outcomes and complications
Authors: Ricard Hélène , Léon Grégoire , Branchereau Julien , Bouchot Olivier , Karam Georges , Le Normand Loic , Rigaud Jérôme , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimée
Published: June 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the mid‐term efficacy and safety of adjustable continence therapy (ProACT™) for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and Methods

Single‐center retrospective study including male patients implanted with ProACT™ periurethral balloons for SUI after RP between 2007 and 2017, mainly with flexible cystoscopic guidance. Efficacy was assessed using a composite endpoint with subjective (patient's impression of improvement (PII), using a 0–100 numeral rating scale) and objective outcomes (decrease in daily pad use). Postoperative success was defined as a PII ≥ 80%, associated with the use of 0–1 pad daily. Improvement was defined as a PII ≥ 50% and a decrease ≥50% in the number of daily pads used.

Results

Two hundred men with a median age of 68 (64–73) years were included. Seventeen percent (n = 34) had had prior radiotherapy and 15.5% (n = 31) had had prior SUI surgery. The median follow‐up was 43 (19–71) months. The severity of SUI was as follows: mild in 119 (59.5%), moderate in 48 (24%), and severe in 33 patients (16.5%). Severe SUI and a history of prior radiotherapy were associated with a lower success rate (p = 0.033 and p < 0.0001). The overall reoperation rate was 34%, with 5.6% (n = 11) requiring a third implantation. Of the patients, 29.4% (n = 58) required an artificial urinary sphincter to treat SUI. At the last follow up, among the overall population, the success rate was 40.1% and the median PII was 18.3%. For patients in whom the balloons were still in place (n = 132), the cumulative success and improvement rate was 78%, with a median PII of 72%.

Conclusion

The minimally invasive ProACT™ device provides a clear beneficial continence outcome in patients with SUI after radical prostatectomy. Severe SUI or prior radiotherapy were associated with a lower success rate in our study.
Diagnosis and treatment of urethral stricture in men with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: A systematic review
Authors: González‐Espinosa Carlos , Castro‐Nuñez Patricia , Averbeck Marcio A. , Gomez Reynaldo , Castaño‐Botero Juan C. , Aparicio Alejandro , Moreno‐Palacios Jorge
Published: June 2022

Aim

To summarize available data focused on diagnosis and management of urethral stricture in men with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction by a systematic review of the literature.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of the literature was carried out through an extensive electronic database search performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases for full texts, and International Continence Society, American Urology Association, and European Association of Urology abstracts for citations related to urethral structure. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis.

Results

A total of 316 articles were identified, 48 of which were selected for this review. Different strategies are currently being used for the management of urethral strictures, such as clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) which reduces stricture by up to 68%; direct vision internal urethrotomy which shows lower rates of renarrowing; urethroplasty which shows a success rate up to 70%; urinary diversion is the treatment of choice when reconstruction is not possible.

Conclusions

Further studies are needed in this population because of the heterogeneity of the outcomes and the lack of a standardized definition and classification of this population.
Beyond survival mode: Organizational resilience capabilities in nonprofit arts and culture fundraising during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Herrero Marta , Kraemer Simone
Published: June 2022

Organizational resilience remains an under‐explored topic in the nonprofit management literature (Searing et al., 2021). Despite an increasing number of studies framed by management perspectives and organizational theory, their focus is on how forprofit organisations react against external crisis by developing ‘resilience capabilities’; ways of understanding and of working designed to reduce uncertainty and restore balance to the organisation (Lengnick‐Hall, et al., 2011; Williams et al., 2017). This article draws on literature on ‘resilience capabilities’ and on in‐depth interviews with nonprofit fundraisers, carried out during the early stages of the Covid‐19 pandemic, to examine how they compensated for a sudden drop in financial revenue by devising alternative, strategic ways of fundraising. It argues that non‐profit fundraisers deployed cross‐capability building, which combined and merged emotion‐related and behavioural capabilities to achieve strategic, practical results.
Regional pest suppression associated with adoption of Cry1Ac soybean benefits pest management in tropical agriculture
Authors: Horikoshi Renato J , Dourado Patrick M , Bernardi Oderlei , Willse Alan , Godoy Wesley AC , Omoto Celso , Bueno Adeney de F , Martinelli Samuel , Berger Geraldo U , Head Graham P , Corrêa Alberto S
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops have been adopted worldwide, providing high‐level protection from insect pests. Furthermore, Bt crops preserve natural enemies, promote higher yield, and economically benefit farmers. Although regional pest suppression by widespread Bt crop adoption has been observed in temperate regions, this possibility remains uncertain in tropical areas due to the high diversity of alternative hosts and mild winters.

RESULTS

Evidence of regional reduction in insecticide use across areas was observed in Brazil where Cry1Ac soybean has been grown since 2013, with up to 50% reduction in the number of insecticide sprays for managing lepidopteran pests on non‐Bt soybean observed at specific locations from 2012 to 2019. Pest monitoring data from four mesoregions across 5 years of commercial plantings of Cry1Ac soybean from December 2014 to July 2019 showed reduced numbers of Chrysodeixis includens moths captured in pheromone traps across years at all locations. The number of Helicoverpa spp. moths captured also was reduced at three locations.

Conclusion

We provide evidence for regional suppression of lepidopteran pests and reduced insecticide use with the widespread adoption of Cry1Ac soybean in Brazil, bringing economic, social and environmental benefits. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Shearing Behavior of Nanowire Contact Pairs in Air and the Role of Humidity
Authors: Yibibulla Tursunay , Mead James L. , Ma Liang , Hou Lizhen , Huang Han , Wang Shiliang
Published: June 2022

A new technique based on optical microscope nanomanipulation is developed to permit optical observation of the shearing process between cantilevered nanowires (NWs). Real‐time observation of the deflection shape of NWs during shearing under controlled environmental conditions enables their shear stress evolution to be evaluated with respect to relative humidity (RH). The average static and kinetic shear strengths, and MPa, are found to be insensitive to the RH within the range of 40–60%. When the RH increased to 74%, the shear strength values increase to and MPa. When the RH decreases to 20%, a dramatic increase in the static and kinetic shear strengths is observed: and MPa. Water films absorbed on the surface of NWs within the RH range of 40–60% can lubricate their frictional interface and thus dramatically decrease the shear strength. At high RH of above , the viscous effects of a water meniscus condensed around the contact point between two NWs can significantly enhance the shear strength and dampen stick‐slip behavior. The detachment of two NWs is then controlled by the rupture of a meniscus bridge, leading to high ultimate shear strength value of several tens of MPa.
Effects of Mg Component Ratio on Photodetection Performance of MgGa2O4 Solar‐Blind Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Hou Qichao , Liu Kewei , Chen Xing , Yang Jialin , Ai Qiu , Cheng Zhen , Zhu Yongxue , Li Binghui , Liu Lei , Shen Dezhen
Published: June 2022

Mg
x
Ga2O4 epitaxial films with different Mg component ratios (x = 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.1, and 1.4) and their metal–semiconductor–metal solar‐blind ultraviolet (SBUV) photodetectors are prepared on c‐face sapphire by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The structure, composition, crystalline quality, and optical properties of the Mg
x
Ga2O4 thin films have been investigated in detail. It can be found that five Mg
x
Ga2O4 thin films have the spinel structure with a similar bandgap of ≈5.15 eV, and the highest crystalline quality is observed in Mg
x
Ga2O4 with x = 1. Besides, photodetector based on Mg
x
Ga2O4 film with x = 1 has the highest responsivity, the largest UV–visible rejection ratio, and the fastest response speed. As the content of Mg deviates from the stoichiometric ratio of MgGa2O4, the crystalline quality of the Mg
x
Ga2O4 thin film is reduced, and their photoelectric response characteristics are deteriorated. This work indicates that MgGa2O4 is a promising candidate for the applications in high‐performance solar‐blind ultraviolet photodetectors.
Spin Valve Effect Based on Out‐Of‐Plane Magnetization Electrodes of Pt/Co/Ru with WSe2 and InSe Barriers
Authors: Zheng Yuanhui , Sheng Yu , Wang Weiyang , Lin Hailong , Zhu Wenkai , Yan Faguang
Published: June 2022

Spintronics research has been of emerging interest in the inorganic and organic electronics field, and magnetic materials play an important role in spintronics. Here, the spin valve (SV) devices are reported based on few‐layered van der Waals semiconducting WSe2 or InSe sandwiched between room‐temperature ferromagnet Pt/Co/Ru and exfoliated layered ferromagnetic metal Fe3GeTe2 (FGT). The metallic interface rather than the Schottky barrier is formed despite the semiconducting nature of WSe2 and InSe, which may be originated from the interface hybridization with Pt/Co/Ru and FGT. The magnetoresistance of both devices persists up to the Curie temperature of FGT, and the magnitude of the magnetoresistance does not vary with the applied current, which indicates these devices have stable device performance. The work reveals that easily fabricated Pt/Co/Ru multilayers could be stable 3D perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy (PMA) spin injection electrodes applied in SV devices, facilitated by combining 2D magnets, which is expected to be an attractive candidate for 2D applications.
Assessing human perceptions towards large wood in river ecosystems following flooding experiences
Authors: Dalu Mwazvita T. B. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Ragimana Phumudzo , Gunter Ashley W. , Dondofema Farai , Dalu Tatenda
Published: June 2022

Large wood deposited in rivers provides ecological benefits for multiple trophic groups, but public perceptions of these deposits can be varied. In particular, flooding experiences linked to large wood debris could influence how the public and stakeholders view large wood deposited into the river ecosystem. Here, we assessed the perceptions towards large wood using groups of undergraduates, postgraduates and staff from a local university in Limpopo Province of South Africa. A survey was conducted using questionnaires, which were distributed online to a sample of 104 participants across these groups, using both visual (i.e. paired photographs of different river scenarios) and categorical questions. Large shares of respondents regularly used river systems recreationally (62.9%), with woodless systems perceived as being significantly more aesthetic, less dangerous and least in need of improvement. These perceptions, however, differed among university groups, with staff having stronger perceptions of aesthetics (median = 5.5, mean 5.4 ± 2.8), less dangerousness (median = 3.0, mean 4.2 ± 3.0) and naturalness (median = 6.0, mean 5.8 ± 2.6) towards systems with large wood. Correlation analyses indicated significant interrelatedness among perceptions of aesthetics, naturalness, danger and improvement needs. However, negative perceptions towards large wood in the river were generally not determined by any recent experience of flooding in the area, with large wood‐related dangers rather associated with leisure activities in rivers by students. These results highlight a need for passing on the knowledge of natural river systems with wood to people in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and communities' scientists and assessing wider perceptions outside of the university context.
Sulfated Titania (TiO2‐SO42−) as an Efficient Catalyst for Organic Synthesis: Overarching Review from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Nivetha Narayanasamy , Thangamani Arumugam , Velmathi Sivan
Published: June 2022

Sulfated titania (TiO2‐SO42−) is a unique and versatile catalytic material which is non‐toxic, non‐corrosive, non‐pollutant and easily separable in nature. Sulfated titania can engage in various organic reactions, as it contains both Lewis acid and Bronsted acid sites. A wide number of organic reactions in the presence of sulfated titania have been reported, most of which displays excellent conversion and selectivity for the syntheses of desired products with significant applications. This review endeavors to give an overview of the research highlights solicitous with sulfated titania. Even though it is arduous to cover all the research articles in the literature, various milestones in the route towards highly functionalized sulfated titania are explored. It is hoped that this review article will trigger the attention of researchers over sulfated titania for the advancement of new eco‐compatible approaches in organic chemistry.
Chemoselective Synthesis of Acyclic Acetals by Natural Kaolin under Green Chemistry Conditions
Authors: Boukachabia Mourad , Bendjeffal Hacene , Aribi‐Zouioueche Louisa , Riant Olivier , Bouhedja Yacine
Published: June 2022

The highly chemoselective protection of various aldehydes by natural kaolin as a catalyst was reported. This clay was characterised by XRD, FTIR, BET and SEM techniques. The acetalization reaction was executed in ethanol as solvant and produces the corresponding acetals with moderate to excellent yields and high chemoselectivity (0 %<yield<95 %). The reaction could be performed on a gram scale using the kaolin catalyst. The thermodynamic and kinetic studies on the reaction were conducted on the m‐nitrobenzaldehyde. Algerian kaolin using for the first time in organic synthesis is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst, recyclable who can be used at the multi‐gram scale. This is a low cost and very eco‐friendly heterogeneous catalyst.
β‐Cyclodextrin‐Based Nanocomposite Derivatives: State of the Art in Synthesis, Characterization and Application in Molecular Recognition
Authors: Tarannum Nazia , Kumar Deepak , Kumar Nitin
Published: June 2022

This review describes the synthesis of nanocomposite derivatives based on β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) using silver nanoparticles (NPs), gold NPs, magnetic NPs, carbon nanotubes, nanosheets, carbon dots and graphene oxide NPs. These nanocomposites were prepared by green synthesis method, chemical method, reduction method, thermal reduction, ultrasonication method and hydrothermal method. β‐CD is cyclic oligosaccharide consisting of seven glucose units linked by 1,4‐α‐glycosidic bonds. Its external surface is hydrophilic due to the substantial hydroxyl groups, and the interior is hydrophobic. β‐CD are useful in nanocomposites and metallic NPs because they provide nanoplatforms for biocompatibility. β‐CD is commonly used to change NPs because of their excellent biocompatibility, amphipathic properties and for enhancing the morphological and chemical features of nanocomposites. Thus, nanostructured materials based on β‐CD may enhance the potential for molecular recognition property which is a natural phenomenon and fundamentally important in chemistry and biology. The most important area in molecular recognition research is design and synthesis of model receptors (hosts) to recognize substrates (guests) of biochemical significance to mimic biological events. Because NPs have a high surface‐to‐volume ratio when combined with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). This review briefs the application and characterizations of β‐CD based nanocomposites derivatives in molecular recognition.
Nano‐Drug Carriers: A Potential Approach towards Drug Delivery Methods
Authors: Sattar Rabia , Shahzad Faisal , Ishaq Tehmeena , Mukhtar Rubina , Naz Asima
Published: June 2022

Drugs are directly connected to the approaches by which they are administered and their delivery affects cellular uptake, biodistribution, toxicity, and excretion. Drug delivery methods are also necessary to be modified with the development of new therapeutic agents. This review summarizes the information about advancements in the field of drug delivery and mechanisms of drug action followed by factors affecting biocompatibility. Graphene, graphene oxide, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), iron oxide nanoparticles, polyethylene glycol ligands and gold nanoparticles are prominent advancements in the field of drug delivery. These nanocarriers are engulfed by the cells through endocytosis followed by intracellular trafficking to reach the cytoplasm and their biocompatibility can be affected by various physicochemical parameters like surface charge, size, and shape. This review article may prove essential for the modification of drug delivery methods with the development of new therapeutic agents to eliminate the hurdles in near future.
Synthesis of Unusual Amino Acid Derivatives Containing Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane Unit by the Diels‐Alder Approach Involving Pentacene
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Gaikwad Vidyasagar
Published: June 2022

Here, we report various unusual amino acid derivatives containing bicyclo[2.2.2]octane unit through the Diels‐Alder (DA) reaction as a key step. DA reaction was carried out with pentacene as a diene and different dinenophiles used here are derived by dehydration of serine derivatives.
On the effect of rounding on hypothesis testing when sample size is large
Authors: Ushakov Nikolai G. , Ushakov Vladimir G.
Published: June 2022

It is well known that sample moments are more sensitive and less robust than order statistics for robustness with respect to outliers. In this article, we show that the situation is exactly the opposite for robustness with respect to rounding. For large and very large sample sizes, statistical procedures based on order statistics become non‐applicable even for very mild data rounding while procedures based on sample moments work perfectly for this rounding level. The comparison of sample moments and order statistics is made for tests for normality and tests for exponentiality.
Laserstrahl‐ und Laserhybridschweißverbindungen aus ultrahochfesten Feinkornbaustählen – Teil 2: Ermüdungsfestigkeit
Authors: Seyfried Benjamin , Möller Benjamin , Ummenhofer Thomas , Baumgartner Jörg , Melz Tobias
Published: June 2022

Innovative Schweißverfahren, wie das Laserstrahl‐ und Laserstrahl‐MSG‐Hybridschweißen, bieten u. a. aufgrund der reduzierten Wärmeeinbringung beim thermischen Fügen von höchst‐ und ultrahochfesten Feinkornbaustählen Vorteile gegenüber konventionellen MSG‐Verfahren. Die Werkstoffe mit nominellen Streckgrenzen bis zu 1300 MPa werden im Mobilkranbau und verwandten Industriezweigen, insbesondere im Teleskopausleger, bereits eingesetzt. Bisher werden jedoch sowohl konventionell geschweißte als auch laserstrahlgeschweißte Verbindungen in hochbeanspruchten Bereichen der Tragstrukturen gemieden. Letztere insbesondere aufgrund fehlender Erfahrunsgwerte und Bemessungsregeln. Um dem zu entgegnen, wurden in Teil 1 die Grundlagen der Fügeverfahren, Schweißversuche sowie eine Charakterisierung von Stumpfnahtschweißungen vorgestellt. Der vorliegende Beitrag (Teil 2) baut darauf auf und setzt den Fokus auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit dieser Verbindungen aus den Grundwerkstoffen S960MC, S1100M, S1100QL und S1300QL. Die Eigenschaften unter zyklischer Beanspruchung werden anhand der Kerbdetails Stumpfstoß mit und ohne Blechdickensprung sowie aufgeschweißte Längssteife quantifiziert. Insbesondere die laserstrahlgeschweißten Verbindungen zeigen eine hohe Ermüdungsfestigkeit bei bemerkenswert geringer Streuung der Einzelversuchsergebnisse. Auf Grundlage der Schwingfestigkeitsuntersuchungen werden für das Nennspannungskonzept abgeleitete Kerbfalleinstufungen als Bemessungsempfehlungen vorgestellt.