bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shedding Light on Functional Hybrid Nanocomposites 19th Century Paint Medium
Authors: Pasco Hélène , de Viguerie Laurence , Faustini Marco , Coelho‐Diogo Cristina , Ersen Ovidiu , Gervais Christel , Gobeaux Frédéric , Ihiawakrim Dris , Jaber Maguy , Walter Philippe , Sanchez Clément
Published: September 2021

British 19th century painters formulated gelled systems often described as ideal paint mediums. These so‐called megilps or gumtions are based on common paint materials like linseed oil, lead acetate, and mastic resin, and allowed painters such as J.M.W Turner to improve their paint's properties and achieve unprecedented effects in an age of innovation. To propose a structural scheme of these hybrid systems of unprecedented complexity, it is paramount to design and study model systems using a broad combination of advanced spectroscopic techniques and microscopies. Through this approach, gel Mediums can be described as nanocomposites based on lead metallogels co‐existing with lead oxide nanoparticles and a partially polymerized fraction. These functional hybrid materials created a real breakthrough on 19th century paints performances.
Programmable Manipulations of Terahertz Beams by Transmissive Digital Coding Metasurfaces Based on Liquid Crystals
Authors: Liu Chen Xi , Yang Fei , Fu Xiao Jian , Wu Jun Wei , Zhang Lei , Yang Jun , Cui Tie Jun
Published: September 2021

Digital coding metasurfaces have attracted considerable interest, owing to their ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves and implement various functionalities with programmable controls. These metasurfaces offer high‐resolution and high‐speed responses; thus, they are implemented in high‐speed imaging, nondestructive sensing, and wireless communication. However, traditional active metasurfaces are typically based on semiconductor components, which are difficult to realize at terahertz frequencies. Additionally, non‐magnetic transmissive metasurfaces cannot realize a large phase‐tuning range without increasing the number of metasurface layers. Herein, a 1‐bit transmissive digital coding metasurface based on liquid crystals is proposed to achieve programmable terahertz beam manipulations with electric control. The Fano resonance that is excited in the asymmetrical metasurface element enables a larger phase variation while maintaining the transmittance. The proposed digital metasurface can effectively achieve many functionalities, such as dual beam steering, multiple beams, and orbital angular momentum beams, via altered coding patterns; an example of dual beam steering is experimentally verified. This study is expected to provide a promising method to manipulate transmissive terahertz beams using a digitally programmable metasurface, and it has potential applications in imaging, sensing, and wireless communications.
Directed Nickel‐Catalyzed pseudo‐Anomeric C−H Alkynylation of Glycals as an Approach towards C‐Glycoconjugate Synthesis
Authors: de Robichon Morgane , Branquet David , Uziel Jacques , Lubin‐Germain Nadège , Ferry Angélique
Published: September 2021

The synthesis of complex C‐glycoconjugates is presented here using a key directed nickel‐catalyzed C−H alkynylation step. Thanks to a bidentate amidoquinoline‐type directing group, the insertion of diverse alkynyl moieties onto the pseudo‐anomeric position of glycal substrates was performed on ten examples in moderate to good yields. These platforms were used as starting substrates in a click reaction with complex azides to form original C‐glycoconjugates. By this route, a C‐glycosylated amino acid, a C‐linked disaccharide and a C‐glycosylated biotin derivative were synthesized. Preliminary conditions to remove the directing group are also proposed.

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Structural Evolution and Transition Dynamics in Lithium Ion Battery under Fast Charging: An Operando Neutron Diffraction Investigation
Authors: Wu Xianyang , Song Bohang , Chien Po‐Hsiu , Everett S. Michelle , Zhao Kejie , Liu Jue , Du Zhijia
Published: September 2021

Fast charging (<15 min) of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for electrical vehicles (EVs) is widely seen as the key factor that will greatly stimulate the EV markets, and its realization is mainly hindered by the sluggish diffusion of Li+. To have a mechanistic understanding of Li+ diffusion within LIBs, in this study, structural evolutions of electrodes for a Ni‐rich LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) || graphite cylindrical cell with high areal loading (2.78 mAh cm−2) are developed for operando neutron powder diffraction study at different charging rates. Via sequential Rietveld refinements, changes in structures of NMC622 and LixC6 are obtained during moderate and fast charging (from 0.27 C to 4.4 C). NMC622 exhibits the same structural evolution regardless of C‐rates. For phase transitions of LixC6, the stage I (LiC6) phase emerges earlier during the stepwise intercalation at a lower state of charge when charging rate is increased. It is also found that the stage II (LiC12) → stage I (LiC6) transition is the rate‐limiting step during fast charging. The LiC12 → LiC6 transition mechanism is further analyzed using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov model. It is concluded as a diffusion‐controlled, 1D phase transition with decreasing nucleation kinetics under increasing chargingrates.
Gain in growth after surgical repair of congenital heart disease among children with Down syndrome
Authors: Saquib Nazmus , Al Sarraj Anas Naser , Oubaied Baraa Tarek Ziad , Rajab Ahmad Mamoun , Agha Bana Nasser , Hossain Jesmin , Almazrou Abdulrahman , Saquib Juliann
Published: September 2021

Down syndrome (DS) is a common genetic disorder among Saudi children, for which limited data is available on growth for those who undergo surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). We assessed the magnitude of growth over time following surgery and the factors associated with growth change. Eighty‐eight children with DS and CHD who underwent surgery between 2009 and 2017 at the tertiary children's hospital in Al‐Qassim, Saudi Arabia, were eligible. Information on gender, height, and weight (at surgery, 6 and 12 months), age at surgery, and type of CHD were abstracted from the medical records. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. The sample's mean age (SD) was 16.2 months (20.1); 47% were male. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) increased significantly at both follow‐up points. There was a significant interaction between age at surgery, type of heart disease, and time for all three physical indices (p‐values <0.001). The increase in height, weight, and BMI was significantly greater for children ≤8 months old with acyanotic CHD compared to children >8 months with cyanotic CHD. Overall, the gain in growth was greater for the children with DS who had had surgery at a younger age.
A Direct Metal‐Free Synthetic Approach for the Efficient Production of Privileged Benzimidazoles in Water Medium under Aerobic Condition
Authors: Kanta Mahato Rajani , Kumar Mudi Prafullya , Deb Mayukh , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: September 2021

A metal‐free methodology for the synthesis of 1,2‐disubstituted and 2‐substituted benzimidazoles with high to excellent yields has been developed. The course of synthesis involves easy work‐up, straightforward purification, inexpensive reaction setup, and wide substrate scope under extremely mild and operationally simple conditions which makes the synthetic strategy more lucrative, practical and reliable. The serious challenge to carry out these reactions in a pure aqueous medium has been achieved at 75 °C in presence of air bubbles. The applicability of this operationally simple and metal‐free synthetic approach for the gram‐scale synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives with good yield (∼74%) further strengthens its potentiality for the synthesis at an industrial scale.
Universal child health and early education service use from birth through Kindergarten and developmental vulnerability in the Preparatory Year (age 5 years) in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Taylor Catherine L. , Christensen Daniel , Jose Kim , Zubrick Stephen R.
Published: September 2021

This study investigated patterns of universal health and education service use from birth through Kindergarten (age 4 years) and estimated associations between cumulative risk and service use patterns, and between service use patterns and children's developmental vulnerability in the Preparatory Year (age 5 years). The study used population‐wide linkage of health and education administrative data records for 5168 children who had a 2018 AEDC instrument collected in Tasmania and were born in Tasmania (2011–2013). Latent class analysis (LCA) identified three service use patterns: Regular (72.2 per cent of children; reference group), Low (15.6 per cent of children) and High service use (12.2 per cent of children). The patterns of Regular, Low and High service use were consistent across health and education services used at different ages and stages of child development. Membership of the Low and High service use groups was associated with higher cumulative risk and increased odds of developmental vulnerability, relative to the Regular service use group. This population‐wide view of universal service use can be used by the health and education sectors to explore ways in which their specialist expertise, resources and referral processes can be further integrated within and across services to meet the developmental needs of children and families.
Solvent‐free oxidation of straight‐chain aliphatic primary alcohols by polymer‐grafted vanadium complexes
Authors: Kachhap Payal , Chaudhary Nikita , Haldar Chanchal
Published: September 2021

Oxidovanadium(IV) complexes [VO(tertacac)2] (1), [VO(dipd)2] (2), and [VO(phbd)2] (3) were synthesized by reacting [VO(acac)2] with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐hepatanedione, 1,3‐diphenyl‐1,3‐propanedione, and 1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butanedione, respectively. Imidazole‐modified Merrifield resin was used for the heterogenization of complexes 1–3. During the process of heterogenization, the V4+ center in complex 2 converts into V5+, whereas the other two complexes 1 and 3 remain in the oxidovanadium(IV) state in the polymer matrix. Theoretically, calculated IPA values of 1–3 suggest that 2 is prone to oxidation compared with 1 and 3, which was also supported by the absence of EPR lines in 5. Polymer‐supported complexes Ps‐Im‐[VIVO(tertacac)2] (4), Ps‐Im‐[VVO2(dipd)2] (5), and Ps‐Im‐[VIVO(phbd)2] (6) were applied for the solvent‐free heterogenous oxidation of a series of straight‐chain aliphatic alcohols in the presence of H2O2 at 60°C and showed excellent substrate conversion specially for the alcohols with fewer carbon atoms. Higher reaction temperature improves the substrate conversion significantly for the alcohols containing more carbon atoms such as 1‐pentanol, 1‐hexanol, and 1‐heptanol while using optimized reaction conditions. However, alcohols with fewer carbon atoms seem less affected by reaction temperatures higher than the optimized temperature. A decreasing trend in the selectivity(%) of carboxylic acid was observed with increasing carbon atoms among the examined alcohols, whereas the selectivity towards aldehydes increased. The order of efficiency of the supported catalysts is 4 > 6 > 5 in terms of turnover frequency (TOF) values and substrate conversion, further supported by theoretical calculations.
Synthesis and anticancer activity of Pt(0)‐olefin complexes bearing 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane and N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Scattolin Thomas , Valente Giorgia , Luzietti Lara , Piva Michele , Demitri Nicola , Lampronti Ilaria , Gambari Roberto , Visentin Fabiano
Published: September 2021

A series of Pt(0)‐η2‐olefin complexes bearing 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA) or N‐heterocyclic carbenes are prepared following different synthetic strategies depending on the nature of coordinated alkene and spectator ligands. These new platinum(0) derivatives have been tested in vitro as anticancer agents toward three different tumor (human ovarian cancer A2780 and A2780cis and K562 myelogenous leukemia) and one non‐tumor (Hacat keratinocytes) cell lines, proving to be in several cases highly and selectively cytotoxic against ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, this antiproliferative effect is associated with the activation of an apoptosis process.

In particular, complexes equipped with PTA as spectator ligand give comparable IC50 values on A2780 (cisplatin sensitive) and A2780cis (cisplatin resistant) cell lines, indirectly proving that these new Pt(0) substrates act with a mechanism of action conceivably different from cisplatin. This hypothesis is also confirmed by the fact that our compounds, in contrast to cisplatin, are not able to promote erythroid‐differentiation activity on the K562 myelogenous leukemia cell line.
Interactions between PAMAM−NH2 and 6‐Mercaptopurine: Qualitative and Quantitative NMR studies
Authors: Gao Xueke , Ma Minjun , Pedersen Christian Marcus , Liu Rui , Zhang Zhenzhou , Chang Honghong , Qiao Yan , Wang Yingxiong
Published: September 2021

Despite being used as an anti‐leukemic drug, the poor solubility of 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) limits its use in topical and parenteral applications. Dendrimers are commonly used as drug carriers to improve their solubility in aqueous solution. In this work, the interactions between 6‐MP and the amine‐terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM−NH2) were investigated by various NMR technology. The chemical shift titrations disclosed that the 6‐MP interacted with the surface of PAMAM−NH2 mainly through electrostatics. The determination of diffusion coefficient and relaxation measurements further confirmed the presence of interactions in 6‐MP/PAMAM−NH2 complexes. In addition, the encapsulation of 6‐MP within the cavity of PAMAM−NH2 was revealed through nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and Saturation Transfer Double Difference analysis. Finally, the binding strength (H‐8 is 100% and H‐2 is 70%) of 6‐MP to PAMAM−NH2 was quantitatively expressed using epitope maps. This study provides a systematic methodology for qualitative and quantitative studies of the interactions between dendrimers and drug molecules in general.
Theoretische Modelle zum Verbundtragverhalten von Holzschrauben für die Schraubengestaltung
Authors: Hölz Kevin , Ayoubi Mazen , Gwosch Thomas , Matthiesen Sven
Published: September 2021

Holzschrauben sind wichtige Verbindungselemente für Holz‐Holz‐ oder Holz‐Stahl‐Bauteile und eignen sich zur Querdruckverstärkung. Bei diesen Verbindungen ist die maßgebende Eigenschaft die Tragfähigkeit, welche durch die Verbundwirkung zwischen Schraubengewinde und Holz bestimmt wird. Für die Gestaltung von Holzschrauben fehlen bislang geeignete Modelle, welche den Zusammenhang zwischen der Gewindegestalt und der Funktion Ausziehtragfähigkeit beschreiben. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist die Betrachtung der Modelle zum Verbundtragverhalten von Holzschrauben unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Schraubengestaltung. Als Ergebnis werden vier Anforderungen an Verbundtragmodelle für die Gestaltung aufgezeigt und eine Modellerweiterung vorgestellt. Die Erweiterung zur Spannungsverteilung bez. des Rotationswinkels zur Schraubenachse wird anhand von gefärbten Rissbildern experimentell untersucht. Die Nutzung der Modellerweiterung für die Gestaltung wird am Gewindeparameter Flankenwinkel aufgezeigt. Verbesserte Modelle zum Verbundtragverhalten können von Herstellern zur Optimierung der Schraubengeometrie genutzt werden sowie die Bestimmung eines wirtschaftlichen und gleichzeitig sicheren Bemessungsansatzes ermöglichen. Der Holzbau profitiert somit von höheren Tragfähigkeiten und einer höheren Zuverlässigkeit der Schraubenverbindung.
Biatrial volume ratio predicts low voltage areas in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Seewöster Timm , Dinov Borislav , Nedios Sotirios , Hindricks Gerhard , Sommer Philipp , Kornej Jelena
Published: September 2021

Background

Left atrial volume (LAV) and low voltage areas (LVAs) are acknowledged markers for worse rhythm outcome after ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Some studies reported the importance of increased right atrial volume (RAV) as a predictor for arrhythmia recurrences in AF patients.

Objective

To investigate association between the LAV/RAV ratio and LVAs presence.

Methods

Patients undergoing first AF ablation were included. LVAs were assessed peri‐procedurally using high‐density 3D maps and defined as <0.5 mV. All patients underwent pre‐procedural cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. LAV (biplane) and RAV (monoplane 4‐chamber) were assessed prior to ablation, and the LAV/RAV ratio was calculated.

Results

The study population included 189 patients (age mean 63 ± 10 years, 33% women, 57% persistent AF, 22% LVAs). There were 149 (79%) patients with LAV > RAV. In univariable analysis LAV > RAV was associated with LVAs (OR 6.803, 95%CI 1.395–26.514, p = .016). The association remained robust in multivariable model after adjustment for persistent AF, CHA2DS2‐VASc score, and heart rate (OR 5.981, 95%CI 1.256–28.484, p = .025). Using receiver operator curve analysis, LAV > RAV (AUC 0.668, 95%CI 0.585–0.751, p = .001) was significant predictor for LVAs. In multivariable analysis, after adjustment for age, persistent AF, and renal function, RAV≥LAV was threefold higher in males (OR 3.040, 95%CI 1.050–8.802, p = .04).

Conclusions

LAV > RAV is useful for the prediction of electro‐anatomical substrate in AF. LAV > RAV was associated with LVAs presence, while male sex remained associated with RAV≥LAV and less LVAs.
Healthcare costs related to adverse events in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: A retrospective observational claims study
Authors: Lal Lincy S. , Aly Abdalla , Le Lisa B. , Peckous Susan , Seal Brian , Teitelbaum April
Published: September 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive form of liver cancer with increasing incidence and mortality worldwide. For metastatic disease, systemic treatment is recommended. In addition to tumor characteristics, adverse events (AEs) may influence regimen choice.

Aim

To analyze healthcare burden among patients with advanced HCC, by treatment type and AEs observed.

Methods

Included were adult commercial and Medicare Advantage enrollees with ≥2 non‐diagnostic claims coded for HCC (the first setting the index date); ≥1 claim for systemic treatment of advanced/metastatic HCC; and continuous enrollment for a 6‐month pre‐index baseline period to ≥1 month post‐index (follow‐up). Patients were excluded by lack of systemic treatment; incomplete demographic information; pregnancy, liver transplant, other cancers during baseline or clinical trial participation. We describe patient characteristics, common AEs, overall survival, and healthcare burden in 2017 USD up to 12 months after initiation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) monotherapy; immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy; or FOLFOX combination therapy.

Results

The analytic sample consisted of 322 patients (median age 65.8 years, 76% male) who had 12 months' (unless death occurred prior) available follow‐up, with median follow‐up of 9 months. Among these, 241 (75%) had TKI monotherapy, 23 (7%) had ICI monotherapy, and 58 had FOLFOX (18%) first‐line treatment. Overall, patients had a high burden of AEs (mean 3.2), with the most prevalent being pain (75%), infection (39%), ascites (34%), and bleeding (29%). After adjusting for covariates, infection ($50 374), fever ($47 443), and diarrhea ($29 912) imposed the highest incremental annual costs versus patients without the AE. Up to 90% of costs were attributable to inpatient admissions, with 56% to 60% involving intensive care. Median 1‐year survival was 32%.

Conclusions

This real‐world study demonstrated AE burden in alignment with previous clinical studies. Regardless of regimen used, AEs are associated with substantial healthcare costs due to inpatient care.
Early oral intake and early removal of nasogastric tube post‐esophagectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kaaki Suha , Grigor Emma J. M. , Maziak Donna E. , Seely Andrew J. E.
Published: September 2021

Background

Early oral intake (EOI: initiated within 1 day) and early nasogastric tube removal (ENR: removed ≤2 days) post‐esophagectomy is controversial and subject to significant variation.

Aim

Our aim is to provide the most up‐to‐date evidence from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing both topics.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and Embase (1946‐06/2019) for RCTs that investigated the effect of EOI and/or ENR post‐esophagectomy with gastric conduit for reconstruction. Our main outcomes of interest were anastomotic leak, aspiration pneumonia, mortality, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Pooled mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) estimates were obtained using a DerSimonian random effects model.

Results

Two reviewers screened 613 abstracts and identified 6 RCTs eligible for inclusion; 2 regarding EOI and 4 for ENR. For EOI (2 studies, n = 389), was not associated with differences in risk of: anastomotic leak (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.407, 2.500; I2: 0%), aspiration pneumonia (RR: 1.018; 95% CI: 0.407, 2.500), mortality (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.020, 50.0). The LOS was significantly shorter in the EOI group: LOS (MD: −2.509; 95% CI: −3.489, −1.529; I2: 90.44%). For ENR (4 studies, n = 295), ENR (removed at POD0‐2 vs. 5–8 days) was not associated with differences in risk of: anastomotic leak (RR: 1.11; 95% CI 0.336, 3.697; I2: 25.75%) and pneumonia group (RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.336, 3.697; I2: 25.75%), mortality (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.328, 2.308; I2: 0%)or LOS (MD: 1.618; 95% CI: −1.447, 4.683; I2: 73.03%).

Conclusions

Our analysis showed that EOI as well as ENR post‐esophagectomy do not significantly increase the risk of anastomotic leak, pneumonia, and mortality. The LOS was significantly shorter in the EOI group, and there was no significant difference in the ENR group. A paucity of RCTs has evaluated this question, highlighting the need for further high‐quality evidence to address these vital aspects to post‐esophagectomy care.

Systematic review registration

CRD42019138600
Smart resource allocation of concurrent execution of parallel applications
Authors: da Silva Vinicius S. , Nogueira Angelo G. D. , de Lima Everton Camargo , de A. Rocha Hiago M. G. , Serpa Matheus S. , Luizelli Marcelo C. , Rossi Fábio D. , Navaux Philippe O. A. , Beck Antonio Carlos S. , Francisco Lorenzon Arthur
Published: September 2021

Thread‐level parallelism (TLP) has been widely exploited to optimize computational resource usage in high‐performance systems. However, as many applications do not scale as the number of threads increase, resources will be wasted when the application executes with the maximum possible number of threads (i.e., the default execution) rather than fewer threads (thread throttling) that may use the resources more efficiently. Hence, instead of executing only one application with as many threads as possible, one can run more applications simultaneously by applying thread throttling to each one. The primary outcome of this strategy is a significant reduction in the total execution time and energy consumption when the system needs to execute a list of applications. Given that, we propose a smart resource allocation (SRA) for concurrent parallel application execution. It automatically finds the ideal degree of TLP for each application and guides the simultaneous parallel applications execution. When running 25 well‐known benchmarks on three multicore systems and comparing SRA to state‐of‐the‐art strategies (e.g., Batch, Equal policy, and Scalability), SRA improves the EDP by 87.4% over the Batch strategy; 75.5% over the Equal policy; and 38.8% over the scalability strategy.
First Principles Dynamics Study of Excited Hole Relaxation in DNA
Authors: Wong Jian Cheng , Kanai Yosuke
Published: September 2021

A recent theoretical work showed that ion irradiation generates excited holes deep within the valence band of DNA. In this work, we investigate the excited hole relaxation toward HOMO using a first‐principles computational method following such ionization events. The excited hole relaxation is found to depend significantly on the energetic position of the excited hole generated. The relaxation process is found to be an order of magnitude slower for holes that are generated deeper than 20 eV than those generated within 10 eV, where the probability for the initial ionization events is the highest. However, the excited holes that are generated in different spatial moieties such as DNA nucleotide bases and phosphate backbones do not show noticeable differences in terms of the relaxation time. Our work also shows that decoherence due to nuclei dynamics slows down the relaxation by a factor of two or more. At the same time, the relaxation time is found to be less than a couple of picoseconds, much shorter than typical timescales associated with chemical bond dissociation.
Dynamics of conflicts between informal groups in adolescence: Qualitative analysis in the school context
Authors: Rodríguez Gloria Inés , Chaux Enrique
Published: September 2021

Conflicts between informal groups are common in adolescence, and can lead to much aggression, but have been much less studied than conflicts between stable groups such as gangs. Seeking to understand better their conflict dynamics, informal groups were identified with a peer‐nomination method applied to 121 adolescents from Bogotá, Colombia (12–16 years), and 23 semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Most conflicts escalated to verbal or physical aggression. Whether conflicts escalated or de‐escalated seemed to depend on beliefs legitimizing aggression, social identities, online (vs. face‐to‐face only) interactions, and on third parties interventions. Results provide insights for prevention of school violence.
MIMO broadcast scheduling using binary spider monkey optimization algorithm
Authors: Mohanty Jyoti , Pattanayak Prabina , Nandi Arnab , Baishnab Krishna Lal , Gurjar Devendra Singh , Mandloi Manish
Published: September 2021

Multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output (MU‐MIMO) system has the capability of delivering optimal system capacity that provides the simultaneous service to a large number of users using dirty paper coding (DPC) scheme. However, the DPC scheme is quite difficult to be implemented in the real‐time scenario as the computational complexity is very high and the process cannot be accomplished within the duration of few coherence periods. In this paper, we have adopted a newly developed binary spider monkey optimization (binary SMO) algorithm for the joint user and antenna scheduling (JUAS) problem to maximize the achievable system sum‐rate performance. It has been shown that JUAS with binary SMO achieves nearly 99% of system throughput achieved by the extensive search algorithm (ESA) using DPC. Also it is compared with binary flower pollination algorithm (binary FPA) to check which of the two gives better result. It is observed that the binary SMO in JUAS achieves a globally optimal solution quite rapidly, to remain well within the modern‐day packet data communication interval. The proposed binary SMO shows low computational complexity and computation time as compared to ESA (i.e., DPC). Also when it is compared with binary FPA, it shows quite a significant improvement in system throughput. Moreover, the effectiveness of binary SMO in the MU‐MIMO broadcasting scenario is verified through extensive simulation results.
Early construction of the thalamocortical axon pathway requires c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signaling within the ventral forebrain
Authors: Cunningham Jessica G. , Scripter James D. , Nti Stephany A. , Tucker Eric S.
Published: September 2021

Background

Thalamocortical connectivity is essential for normal brain function. This important pathway is established during development, when thalamic axons extend a long distance through the forebrain before reaching the cerebral cortex. In this study, we identify a novel role for the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in guiding thalamocortical axons through intermediate target territories.

Results

Complete genetic removal of JNK signaling from the Distal‐less 5/6 (Dlx5/6) domain in mice prevents thalamocortical axons from crossing the diencephalon‐telencephalon boundary (DTB) and the internal capsule fails to form. Ventral telencephalic cells critical for thalamocortical axon extensions including corridor and guidepost neurons are also disrupted. In addition, corticothalamic, striatonigral, and nigrostriatal axons fail to cross the DTB. Analyses of different JNK mutants demonstrate that thalamocortical axon pathfinding has a non‐autonomous requirement for JNK signaling.

Conclusions

We conclude that JNK signaling within the Dlx5/6 territory enables the construction of major axonal pathways in the developing forebrain. Further exploration of this intermediate axon guidance territory is needed to uncover mechanisms of axonal pathfinding during normal brain development and to elucidate how this vital process may be compromised in neurodevelopmental disorders.
IRB Decision‐Making about Minimal Risk Research with Pregnant Participants
Authors: White Amina , Grady Christine , Little Margaret , Sullivan Kristen , Clark Katie , Ngwu Monalisa , Lyerly Anne Drapkin
Published: September 2021

Pregnant individuals are often excluded from research without clear justification, even when the research poses minimal risk of harm to the fetus. Little is known about institutional review board (IRB) decision‐making practices when reviewing such research. We conducted a survey of current and former IRB personnel in the United States to elicit their interpretations of “minimal risk”—a formal regulatory category—and to identify factors that may influence IRB decisions to approve or disapprove research involving pregnant participants. Study results revealed some consensus among IRB members about the risk level of individual research procedures and hypothetical study vignettes. However, we uncovered important variations not only in the assessment of risk but also in the willingness of IRB members to approve minimal risk research that includes pregnant women. Based on our findings, guidance is needed to assist IRB members in characterizing risk, applying federal regulations, and appropriately ensuring the inclusion or justified exclusion of pregnant people in research.
Making Metrics Meaningful: How Human Research Protection Programs Can Efficiently and Effectively Use Their Data
Authors: Serpico Kimberley
Published: September 2021

Human research protection programs (HRPP) generate an abundance of data on performance, capacity, and compliance. When used effectively, this information can be instrumental in helping HRPPs meet programmatic and institutional goals, demonstrate growth and success, and improve the HRPP overall. Metrics must be grounded in professional insight so that HRPPs can pair analytics with strategies for future action or improvement. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how high‐performing HRPPs develop, adopt, and implement a metrics framework that benefits everyday operations and produces real‐world results. Through a three‐part thematic framework (of insight, data, and action) and by providing case examples and actionable strategies, this article will address how HRPPs iteratively develop and characterize their metrics, build a metrics framework that leverages both quantitative and qualitative data to validate outcomes, and activate human insight to produce meaningful communication, visualization, and dissemination of data.
Opt‐Out Design for an Observational Toxicology Study Involving Intoxicated Patients at a Dance Music Event
Authors: Calle Paul , Blanckaert Peter , Lemoyne Sabine , Rubens Robert
Published: September 2021

At electronic dance music events in Belgium in 2013 to 2015, seemingly intoxicated patients were included without their informed consent in an observational toxicology study when the attending physicians determined that they needed treatment with an intravenous line. All included patients received an information letter inviting them to contact the principal investigator (PI) to obtain more information about the study and/or to inform the PI that they wanted to be excluded from it. Overall, 238 patients were included in the study. Nine participants (4%) responded to the information letter, either on their own or through their parent; none of them asked to be excluded from the study. All respondents expressed their gratitude for the information they received. The opt‐out study design seemed to be acceptable to the patient‐participants, and it provided a fuller picture of the drug‐related medical incidents at such music events than what could likely be achieved through a study that includes only people who explicitly choose to participate. These findings may help institutional review boards when evaluating study designs involving recreational drug use, especially at electronic dance music events. Nevertheless, we warn against extrapolation to other settings where informed consent is difficult to obtain.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Michael‐Aldol[3+2] Annulation for the Synthesis of Nitro‐Methanobenzo[7] annulenes
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Jin‐Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Hai
Published: September 2021

We report an enantioselective Michael‐Aldol[3+2] annulation between 2‐alkyl‐3‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐diones and nitroalkenes using a bifunctional thiourea catalyst, and a series of nitro‐methanobenzo[7]annulenes with potential biological activities were synthesized in good yields with excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities. A gram‐scale synthesis and further transformation of the product demonstrated the synthetic value of this reaction.
Potential application of supercritical extract of pomegranate peel as bio‐antioxidant for biodiesel
Authors: Witt Elaine de Paula , Johann Gracielle , Triques Carina Contini , da Silva Edson Antonio , da Silva Camila , Borsato Dionisio , da Silva Baumgartner Tatiana Rodrigues
Published: September 2021

The performance of the pomegranate peel extract against the synthetic antioxidant additives on the oxidation stability of commercial biodiesel B100 derived from soybean was evaluated. The experimental extraction was conducted under 200 bar, 35, 45, and 55°C, and 0.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mL of ethanol as co‐solvent. Due to the rich in squalene and α‐tocopherol composition, all extracts presented high antioxidant capacity, 16.70 to 1.68 μg mL−1. In the oxidation stability tests, the addition of 1000 ppm of the supercritical extracts of pomegranate peel to biodiesel resulted in the increment of the induction time of pure biodiesel by up to 1.83. In contrast, the biodiesel added at 1000 ppm with commercial antioxidants increased the times up to 1.58 and 1.79, respectively for butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. Biodiesel added with supercritical extract of pomegranate peel, obtained under 35°C and with 5.0 mL of ethanol, presented higher efficiency in the prevention of the oxidative process and was in accordance with norm European Standard EN 14214. The findings revealed that the extract is a promising natural antioxidant for biodiesel, that, besides being eco‐friendly, is an additive that can substitute commercial synthetic antioxidants, extending biodiesel stability.
Treatment delay and tumor size in patients with oral cancer during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Metzger Karl , Mrosek Jan , Zittel Sven , Pilz Maximilian , Held Thomas , Adeberg Sebastian , Ristow Oliver , Hoffmann Jürgen , Engel Michael , Freudlsperger Christian , Moratin Julius
Published: September 2021

Background

We set out to investigate how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic affected the size of tumors and the duration of treatment delay in patients with surgically treated oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Patients with surgically treated oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma were assessed retrospectively and divided into two groups depending on when they had first presented at our clinic. Patients presenting from 2010 to 2019, that is, before COVID‐19 onset (n = 566) were compared to patients presenting in 2020 (n = 58).

Results

A total of 624 patients were included. Treatment delay was significantly longer in 2020 (median = 45 days) versus 2010–2019 (median = 35 days) (p = 0.004). We observed a higher pathological T classification in 2020 (p = 0.046), whereas pathological N classification was unchanged between groups (p = 0.843).

Conclusions

While extraordinary efforts continue to be made in the context of the pandemic, it is imperative that this does not lead to significant disadvantages for many people with oral cancer.
Assessing personal protective equipment needs for healthcare workers
Authors: Lee Young‐A , Salahuddin Mir , Gibson‐Young Linda , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: September 2021

Background

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for healthcare workers (HCWs) since it acts as a barrier to infection transmission; however, current PPE is not ideally suited to their needs due to limitations in protection and comfort. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify major issues of current PPE for body protection and assess its needs within health care.

Methods

An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 200 U.S. healthcare professionals who interact with patients. The survey was designed to identify the types of PPE that HCWs currently use, assess current PPE design features for body protection, examine the effect of PPE design features for body protection, and HCWs' years of work experiences on overall PPE acceptability, and explore current PPE maintenance practices. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used for analyses.

Results

This study showed the need for current PPE improvement in terms of fit, comfort, mobility, and donning and doffing for HCWs' safety and health. Donning and doffing plays an important role in HCWs' overall acceptance of PPE for body protection. This study revealed that most HCWs dispose of their PPE in a trashcan in a healthcare unit and non‐disposed PPE is laundered at home, which may expose their family members to a health risk if a proper precaution is not followed.

Conclusion

This study provides critical insights for the needs of (a) novel PPE design research and (b) proper donning and doffing training and its strict regulatory effort to ensure HCWs' safety and health.
Integrating observations and models to determine the effect of seasonally frozen ground on hydrologic partitioning in alpine hillslopes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA
Authors: Rey David M. , Hinckley Eve‐Lyn S. , Walvoord Michelle A. , Singha Kamini
Published: September 2021

This study integrated spatially distributed field observations and soil thermal models to constrain the impact of frozen ground on snowmelt partitioning and streamflow generation in an alpine catchment within the Niwot Ridge Long‐Term Ecological Research site, Colorado, USA. The study area was comprised of two contrasting hillslopes with notable differences in topography, snow depth and plant community composition. Time‐lapse electrical resistivity surveys and soil thermal models enabled extension of discrete soil moisture and temperature measurements to incorporate landscape variability at scales and depths not possible with point measurements alone. Specifically, heterogenous snowpack thickness (~0–4 m) and soil volumetric water content between hillslopes (~0.1–0.45) strongly influenced the depths of seasonal frost, and the antecedent soil moisture available to form pore ice prior to freezing. Variable frost depths and antecedent soil moisture conditions were expected to create a patchwork of differing snowmelt infiltration rates and flowpaths. However, spikes in soil temperature and volumetric water content, as well as decreases in subsurface electrical resistivity revealed snowmelt infiltration across both hillslopes that coincided with initial decreases in snow water equivalent and early increases in streamflow. Soil temperature, soil moisture and electrical resistivity data from both wet and dry hillslopes showed that initial increases in streamflow occurred prior to deep soil water flux. Temporal lags between snowmelt infiltration and deeper percolation suggested that the lateral movement of water through the unsaturated zone was an important driver of early streamflow generation. These findings provide the type of process‐based information needed to bridge gaps in scale and populate physically based cryohydrologic models to investigate subsurface hydrology and biogeochemical transport in soils that freeze seasonally.
Optimal input for language development: Tailor nurture to nature
Authors: He Angela Xiaoxue
Published: September 2021

In acquiring a native language, the input children receive, to an unneglectable extent, shapes the rate of acquisition and the ultimate achievement. This in turn has cascading effects on many aspects of later development, including but not limited to language. Providing optimal input for early language development, therefore, is of major interest to scientists, parents, and educators. This thought paper highlights two less‐discussed factors in the formula of optimal input—the balance between input quantity and quality, and the timing of input provision. Correspondingly, two points are made: first, given significant limitations in processing abilities in early development, increased quality is sometimes achieved via decreased quantity; second, endowed with a sleep‐mediated memory consolidation system, input provision should consider “sleep” as a reference point in timing. Both points boil down to a central theme that nurture (i.e., input) should be tailored to suit nature; in particular, optimal input should take best advantage of the endowments provided by our nature (e.g., sleep to consolidate memory) and to circumvent the limitations set by nature (e.g., processing limitations).
Highlighting strengths and resources that increase ownership of cervical cancer screening for Indigenous communities in Northern British Columbia: Community‐driven approaches
Authors: Dick Alexanne , Holyk Travis , Taylor Darlene , Wenninger Charlotte , Sandford Judith , Smith Laurie , Ogilvie Gina , Thomlinson Alexandra , Mitchell‐Foster Sheona
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine the unique and diverse strengths held by rural and remote Indigenous communities in northern British Columbia, including multi‐generational support systems in health and wellness, profound connections to the land, and strong cultural foundations, and harness these strengths, allowing communities to engage in innovative and empowering health and wellness programs.

Methods

Building on these pre‐existing and fundamental strengths, an alternative option to cervical cancer screening was introduced to nine Carrier Sekani health centers located in northern interior British Columbia in response to disparities in screening rates. Introduced in 2019, CervixCheck uses a self‐collection approach that is private, safe, convenient, and offered at local community health centers by trained and supportive health staff.

Results

Using a strengths‐based and community directed and descriptive approach, the process was outlined for a successful and ongoing health screening opportunity that is put into the hands of community members within Indigenous communities in the region of northern British Columbia.

Conclusion

Through collaborative partnerships, in‐person engagement sessions, and the utilization of pre‐existing infrastructure and health and wellness teams, this project was successfully integrated into primary care centers using culturally safe and community‐based approaches.
Disconnected perspectives: Patient and care provider's experiences of substance use in pregnancy
Authors: Mitchell‐Foster Sheona M. , Emon Carolyn E. , Brouwer Maria , Duncan Elder Lucille , King Jessie
Published: September 2021

Objective

Generations of colonialism, abuse, racism, and systemic trauma have contributed to Indigenous women in Canada bearing the greatest burden of substance use in pregnancy. Stigma associated with substance use in pregnancy translates into multiple barriers to women engaging in care. Care providers have key interactions that can act as a bridge or a barrier to care.

Methods

Patient journey maps were created for women living with substance use (n = 3) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 20) were performed to understand perceptions of maternity‐care providers around women with substance use in pregnancy at a regional hospital in northern British Columbia.

Results

Patient journey maps showed overall emotions of hurt, loss, judgment, and anger at their interface with health care during pregnancy. Providers described gaps in knowledge of substance use in pregnancy and harm reduction. Although care providers overall perceived themselves to be providing compassionate care without bias, the patient journey maps suggested profound judgment on behalf of providers.

Conclusion

Ongoing cultural humility and trauma‐informed care training along the continuum of care is critical to impacting discrepancies between perceived lack of bias and harm in patient interactions. Acknowledgment of systemic racism's impact on provision of maternity care is critical for health system change.
Serum biomarkers of isoniazid‐induced liver injury: Aminotransferases are insufficient, and OPN, L‐FABP and HMGB1 can be promising novel biomarkers
Authors: Cheng Xuan , Zhu Jia‐lian , Li Yun , Luo Wen‐wen , Xiang Huai‐rong , Zhang Qi‐zhi , Peng Wen‐xing
Published: September 2021

Isoniazid (INH)‐induced liver injury is a great challenge for tuberculosis treatment. Existing biomarkers cannot accurately determine the occurrence of this injury in the early stage. Therefore, developing early specific sensitive biomarkers of INH‐induced liver injury is urgent. A rat model of liver injury was established with gastric infusion of INH or INH plus rifampicin (RFP). We examined seven potential novel serum biomarkers, namely, glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), liver‐fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP), high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1), macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (MCSF1R), osteopontin (OPN), total cytokeratin 18 (K18), and caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin‐18 (ccK18), to evaluate their sensitivity and specificity on INH‐induced liver injury. With the increase of drug dosage, combining with RFP and prolonging duration of administration, the liver injury was aggravated, showing as decreased weight of the rats, upgraded liver index and oxidative stress level, and histopathological changes of liver becoming marked. But the activity of serum aminotransferases decreased significantly. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve of OPN, L‐FABP, HMGB1, MCSF1R, and GLDH was 0.88, 0.87, 0.85, 0.71, and 0.70 (≥0.7), respectively, and 95% confidence interval of them did not include 0.5, with statistical significance, indicating their potential abilities to become biomarkers of INH‐induced liver injury. In conclusion, we found traditional biomarkers ALT and AST were insufficient to discover the INH‐induced liver injury accurately and OPN, L‐FABP, and HMGB1 can be promising novel biomarkers.