bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance genes among clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in southwest Iran
Authors: Jomehzadeh Nabi , Ahmadi Khadijeh , Bahmanshiri Mozhdeh Amiri
Published: March 2022

Background

Extensive and inappropriate use of quinolones has led to growing resistance rates to these broad‐spectrum antibiotics. The present study purposed to investigate the prevalence of plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates.

Method

Ninety‐two non‐repetitive K. pneumoniae clinical isolates were confirmed by standard microbiological methods. Antibacterial susceptibility of isolates toward seven agents from the quinolone family was evaluated by the disc diffusion method. Ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the standard agar dilution method. PCR amplification was used to detect the existence of PMQR genes in the studied isolates.

Results

In the present study, significant quinolones' resistance (40%) was observed in K. pneumoniae isolates, and most of the strains were resistant to nalidixic acid (94.6%) and ofloxacin (45.6%). MIC analysis showed 15 strains were resistant to 6–128 μg/ml of ciprofloxacin, and five were intermediately‐resistant. PMQR genes were detected in 88% of all isolates. Acc(6’)‐Ib‐cr was constituted half of the total PMQR genes detected among ciprofloxacin non‐susceptible isolates. Of 20 ciprofloxacin non‐susceptible isolates, 65% (n = 13) harbored multiple PMQR determinants, and 15 strains were determined as integron carriage.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicated considerable resistance against quinolones, which could be correlated with the extensive and inappropriate use of this class of antibiotics as empirical treatment.
Post‐weaning exposure to Sunset Yellow FCF induces behavioral impairment and structural changes in the adult rat medial prefrontal cortex: Protective effects of Coenzyme Q10
Authors: Karimi Fatemeh , Anari Hamideh , Yousefi Nejad Amirhossein , Karbalay‐Doust Saied , Naseh Maryam
Published: March 2022

Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) is a water‐soluble synthetic dye that has adverse neurobehavioral effects. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is known as a neuroprotective agent. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of post‐weaning exposure to Sunset Yellow FCF on behavioral and structural changes in the adult rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the protective effects of CoQ10. The weanling rats were randomly divided into six groups: distilled water, CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), and low (2.5 mg/kg/day) and high (70 mg/kg/day) doses of Sunset Yellow FCF with or without CoQ10 consumption for 6 weeks. A battery of behavioral tests including open field and Morris water maze tests were done at the end of the sixth week, and then the animals' brains were removed for stereological methods. Our finding indicated that the high dose of Sunset Yellow FCF led to a reduced total volume of mPFC (15.16%), especially in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) region (21.96%), along with loss of neurons (32%) and glial cells (37%), which was associated with higher anxiety behavior and loss of spatial memory. However, CoQ10 prevented the neural loss and glial cells, improved anxiety‐like behaviors, and memory impairment. On the other hand, the acceptable daily dose (low dose of Sunset Yellow FCF) did not show a discernible effect on the same parameters. This study showed that the CoQ10 can protect the alteration in mPFC structure and behavioral changes of the rats exposed to high dose of Sunset Yellow FCF.
Global partnerships on paper and in practice: Critical observations from inside a Global Challenge Research Fund capacity‐development project
Authors: Axelby Richard , Worku‐Dix Bethel , Crewe Emma
Published: March 2022

This article describes the bureaucratic processes required to establish and manage a single international capacity‐development project that brought together a funding council (AHRC), UK University (SOAS University of London) and universities and other research organisations in Myanmar and Ethiopia. Drawing from ethnographic critiques of the planning and audit practices employed in international development and in the UK University sector, we track the formal certification of partnership as enacted through due diligence and contracts, budgets and timeframes, and reconciliations and reporting. These practices point to pervasive assumptions about capacity transfer and the unequal basis of international research coalitions spanning the Global North and Global South. In this article, we challenge these assumptions by documenting how the allocation of capacity is constrained in hierarchies of time and space. For equitable partnership arrangements to be achieved, we recommend that capacity development be considered a long‐term exchange that flows from mutual reflection and learning from one another.
Morphogenetic variation and assorted biological activities in true branching Nostocales strains of Cholistan oasis, Pakistan
Authors: Inam Farooq , Mumtaz Abdul S. , Kaleem Muhammad , Sajid Imran
Published: March 2022

From the oasis of Cholistan, true branching heterocystous cyanobacterial strains were studied for, the cell arrangement in primary branches being mono‐ or bi‐seriate; the shape of cells in main filament large and irregular; profused secondary branching emerging on one or both sides and tapering along their length. In these observed traits, two clear morphological taxa were recognized, both well‐assorted from the previously described species of the genus Westiellopsis. Both strains showed culturing responses and were studied for antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anticancer potentials. The strain derived from the site B‐10 provenance exhibited antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas (18 mm), Klebsiella (15 mm), Staphylococcus (22 mm). On the contrary, the strain of site A‐44 showed no activity against any of the above‐mentioned bacterial strains. The cytotoxicity assay for the strain of the B‐10 site showed 36% larval mortality, whereas strain A‐44 showed 24% larval mortality. Performance of the strain B‐10 in MTT assay (assessed on HCT‐116 cell lines) revealed a dose‐dependent activity: at 200, 100, 50, and 25 µg/ml; achieving a growth inhibition of 50.15%, 40.22%, 33.72%, and 10.21%, respectively; and the strain of A‐44 could only exhibit a 30.06% growth inhibition at 200 µg/ml. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed the sequence homology with Neowestiellopsis. Based on data presented here we report two diverse taxa of true branching Nostocales from Cholistan oasis, Pakistan.
Features of the Development of Creative Thinking When Creating Electronic Music in Adolescents: Specialized Applications
Authors: Wang Chunming
Published: March 2022

An experiment aimed at developing creative thinking and emotional literacy in adolescents was carried out. The study involved 25 adolescents aged 14–16 years and their parents—37 people (37–45 years old). Based on the use of the NanoStudio application, a creative improvisation training session was conducted among adolescents in the context of educational cases. The methodology for the development of creative skill turned out to be interesting, exciting, and effective; collaboration with children, according to parents, created an atmosphere of community and promoted an active and passionate desire for joint creative actions. The results of the survey of adolescents demonstrated a positive attitude to the implementation of creative practices which was accompanied by interest, enthusiasm, joy, trust, admiration, delight, and optimism. Since adolescence is a period of increased emotionality, which is characterized by risky behavior associated with the formation of new views, values, and interests, the need of young people for psychological adaptation, the practical value of the study lies in demonstrating the practical experience of transforming the emotional experiences of adolescents into a creative musical product, as an alternative behavior, in terms of interaction of personal, parental, and pedagogical contexts.
A machine learning classification methodology for Raman Hyperspectral imagery based on auto‐encoders
Authors: Goedhart Jonne J. , Papadakis Vassilis M.
Published: March 2022

Raman spectroscopy is a very sensitive, non‐destructive optical technique that is able to characterize the composition of a material. Although it is a very useful technique, its signals are rather complex and therefore require a lot of knowledge and skills to understand their meaning. This complexity increases further, when it is combined with spatial mapping, creating a three‐dimensional dataset named Raman hyperspectral imagery. The common methodology of analysing such a dataset is to use a generic supervised classification algorithm (i.e., non‐negative least square) combined with reference data. If reference data are not available, unsupervised algorithms are used to perform spectral clusterization of similar areas. This is typically achieved using standard PCA and k‐means methods. The most common problem of processing that significantly affects the results of analysis is that a raw Raman Signal consists of three sources: Raman scattering, photoluminescence and noise. The contribution weights of those components are not standard and are changing based on the sample's chemistry, which makes it very difficult to be solved. This creates the necessity for pre‐processing methods that can split this raw signal to its components. The goals of this project are to improve the unmixing performance using AI and to achieve a successful split of the raw signal into its three components. Through this study, various unsupervised methods are explored to identify the method that fits best to our microscopic RHSI data sets. Our focus is on using autoencoders for the data analysis and on a Gaussian smoothing filter combined with polynomial fittings to split the data. Results show that the selection of a classification methodology depends greatly on the application, but when a large RHSI dataset is available, the newly proposed splitting technique combined with an autoencoder classification presents the best solution.
Five state factors control progressive stages of freshwater salinization syndrome
Authors: Kaushal Sujay S. , Mayer Paul M. , Likens Gene E. , Reimer Jenna E. , Maas Carly M. , Rippy Megan A. , Grant Stanley B. , Hart Ian , Utz Ryan M. , Shatkay Ruth R. , Wessel Barret M. , Maietta Christine E. , Pace Michael L. , Duan Shuiwang , Boger Walter L. , Yaculak Alexis M. , Galella Joseph G. , Wood Kelsey L. , Morel Carol J. , Nguyen William , Querubin Shane Elizabeth C. , Sukert Rebecca A. , Lowien Anna , Houde Alyssa Wellman , Roussel Anaïs , Houston Andrew J. , Cacopardo Ari , Ho Cristy , Talbot‐Wendlandt Haley , Widmer Jacob M. , Slagle Jairus , Bader James A. , Chong Jeng Hann , Wollney Jenna , Kim Jordan , Shepherd Lauren , Wilfong Matthew T. , Houlihan Megan , Sedghi Nathan , Butcher Rebecca , Chaudhary Sona , Becker William D.
Published: March 2022

Factors driving freshwater salinization syndrome (FSS) influence the severity of impacts and chances for recovery. We hypothesize that spread of FSS across ecosystems is a function of interactions among five state factors: human activities, geology, flowpaths, climate, and time. (1) Human activities drive pulsed or chronic inputs of salt ions and mobilization of chemical contaminants. (2) Geology drives rates of erosion, weathering, ion exchange, and acidification‐alkalinization. (3) Flowpaths drive salinization and contaminant mobilization along hydrologic cycles. (4) Climate drives rising water temperatures, salt stress, and evaporative concentration of ions and saltwater intrusion. (5) Time influences consequences, thresholds, and potentials for ecosystem recovery. We hypothesize that state factors advance FSS in distinct stages, which eventually contribute to failures in systems‐level functions (supporting drinking water, crops, biodiversity, infrastructure, etc.). We present future research directions for protecting freshwaters at risk based on five state factors and stages from diagnosis to prognosis to cure.
Metamaterial‐based refractive index sensor using Ge2Sb2Te5 substrate for glucose detection
Authors: Patel Shobhit K. , Parmar Juveriya , Surve Jaymit , Das Sudipta , Madhav Boddapati Taraka Phani , Taya Sofyan A.
Published: March 2022

This study aims to design a metamaterial sensor to detect glucose levels in the human body so that the severity of diabetic patients can be determined. The biomolecules are placed over gold metamaterial to observe the behavior of the sensor. The proposed model is analyzed for both phases of GST (amorphous GST [aGST] phase and crystalline GST [cGST] phase). The design is analyzed for parameters like absorption, angle of incidence of light, the concentration of glucose biomolecules, substrate, tuning of the wavelength spectrum, and resonator thickness. The sensor with cGST provides better performance. Observing angle of incidence, 95% absorption is noticed with 48–60° radians for wavelength range 0.85–0.98 μm and with 42–69° radians for wavelength range 0.85–0.98 μm. The analysis depicts that the proposed phase change material‐based biosensor in general and with cGST, in particular, is suitable for glucose detection in the blood of diabetic patients.
Interface‐cross‐linked micelles of poly(D,L‐lactide)‐b‐poly(furfuryl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(N‐acryloylmorpholine) for near‐infrared‐triggered drug delivery application
Authors: Ramesh Kalyan , Yadav Sonyabapu , Mishra Avnish Kumar , Jo Sung‐Han , Park Sang‐Hyug , Oh Chul‐Woong , Lim Kwon Taek
Published: March 2022

In this study, we report a near‐infrared (NIR)‐responsive interface cross‐linked (ICL) micelles prepared by using the Diels–alder (DA) click reaction between poly(D,L‐lactide)‐b‐poly(furfuryl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(N‐acryloylmorpholine) (PLA‐b‐PFMA‐b‐PNAM) triblock copolymers and a diselenide cross‐linker, bis(maleimidoethyl) 3,3′‐diselanediyldipropionoate (BMEDSeDP). PLA‐b‐PFMA‐b‐PNAM was synthesized by the sequential RAFT polymerization of FMA and NAM using PLA‐macro‐chain transfer agent (PLA‐CTA) as a macro‐initiator. The DA reaction between BMEDSeDP and the furfuryl moiety in the triblock copolymer resulted in the formation of ICL micelles. The ICL micelles were analyzed by 1H NMR, FE‐SEM and DLS methods. An anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) was in situ incorporated into the ICL micellar core to prepare drug loaded ICL micelles. The release of DOX from the ICL micelles was suppressed (ca. 11% in 60 h) under physiological conditions (pH 7.4), indicating that the interfacial cross‐linking greatly protected the drug release from the micelles. Interestingly, the DOX‐loaded ICL micelles showed pH and NIR‐responsive drug release profile, and the highest release was observed under NIR laser irradiation at pH 5.0. The in vitro toxicity analysis demonstrated that the ICL was not basically cytotoxic against normal HFF‐1 cells (non‐cancerous), while higher antitumor activity towards HeLa cells were exhibited by DOX‐loaded ICL micelles. The developed ICL micelles would provide a promising robust anticancer drug delivery system for the future cancer treatment.
Polystyrene/polyolefin elastomer/halloysite nanotubes blend nanocomposites: Morphology‐thermal degradation kinetics relationship
Authors: Tayouri Mohammad Iman , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Estaji Sara , Nemati Mahand Saba , Jahanmardi Reza , Arjmand Mohammad , Arnhold Kerstin , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: March 2022

Polystyrene/polyolefin elastomer (PS/POE) (90/10 and 80/20 wt/wt) blends containing 1, 3, and 5 phr halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in the presence and absence of a compatibilizer (polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride) were prepared using the melt‐mixing technique. Scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed a matrix‐droplet morphology. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping indicated that the blends containing 5 phr HNTs possessed aggregates, while no agglomeration was observed after incorporating 5 phr compatibilizer. Thermal stability and thermal degradation kinetics were investigated using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The results demonstrated that the PS/POE blend (90/10) containing 5 phr HNTs and compatibilizer (90/10/5/5) has the best thermal stability. Different methods such as Friedman, Flynn‐Ozawa‐Wall, and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose were applied to calculate the degradation activation energy. The 90/10/5/5 nanocomposite exhibited the highest degradation activation energy, indicating that this sample is more difficult to degrade thermally than other samples. A correlation was obtained between the activation energy and the intensity of the TGA‐fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA/FTIR) peaks of the evolved products. The Criado method was used to determine the changes in the thermal degradation mechanism of the samples.
How I approach: The workup and management of patients with progressive transformation of the germinal center
Authors: Yan Adam Paul , Carcao Manuel , Nagy Anita , Punnett Angela
Published: March 2022

Progressive transformation of the germinal center (PTGC) is a common and underrecognized cause of pediatric lymphadenopathy. PTGC may be associated with numerous systemic medical conditions that require further workup and management, including malignancy, autoimmune conditions, lymphoproliferative conditions, immunodeficiency, and infection. Given the breadth and rarity of the associated conditions, workup should be tailored to the individual patient and occur in a tiered approach. Patients with PTGC require ongoing follow‐up, given their long‐term risk of malignancy and recurrent PTGC.
Direct CNS administration of rituximab and epratuzumab in a pediatric patient with relapsed refractory CNS B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: McClane Jenna , Chawla Anjulika , Welch Jennifer J. G.
Published: March 2022

Relapsed central nervous system (CNS) leukemia presents a therapeutic challenge to pediatric oncologists. Systemic monoclonal antibody therapy has shown recent promise in patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, however its effect on CNS disease in this population is not well established. We describe a case of multiply relapsed and refractory CNS leukemia in an adolescent patient who responded to the intra‐CNS delivery of rituximab (anti‐CD20) and epratuzumab (anti‐CD22) therapy, demonstrating the practical use and potential efficacy of a novel route of monoclonal antibody administration in difficult‐to‐treat CNS leukemia.
Living in an online world: Social media experiences of adolescents and young adults with cancer
Authors: Reuman Hannah , Kerr Katherine , Sidani Jaime , Felker James , Escobar‐Viera César , Shensa Ariel , Maurer Scott H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite widespread use, little is known about how adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer use social media (SM). This research characterized use and self‐reported SM experiences among AYA with cancer.

Procedure

AYA, aged 12‐26 years, receiving cancer care completed a mixed‐methods survey regarding SM experiences. Clinical information was obtained from the electronic medical record. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t tests, and qualitative content analysis.

Results

Thirty‐nine AYA with average age 16 (SD = 3.2) years participated. Most were Caucasian (92%) males (54%). Participants had leukemia/lymphoma (56%), solid tumors (33%), and brain tumors (10%). Nearly all (97%) used SM, with YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram being the most popular. AYA self‐reported lower SM use than their smartphone data indicated (2.8 hours/day, SD = 1.2 vs 3.4 hours/day, SD = 1.3; P < 0.001). Participants used SM to obtain information about their cancer (45%), post about cancer (47%), and read about others’ cancer experience (50%). One‐third made a friend with cancer through SM (32%). Qualitative results indicated that AYA had positive cancer‐related SM experiences, including feelings of support (54%), community (27%), distraction (8%), and inspiration (8%). Most denied negative experiences (78%); however, 17% reported cyberbullying related to cancer.

Conclusions

AYA with cancer avidly use SM, noting it provides a sense of support and community. However, one‐sixth reported cancer‐related cyberbullying. AYA oncology providers have an opportunity to enhance positive and blunt negative SM interactions by addressing and guiding SM use in AYA patients.
Rhabdomyosarcoma in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A report from the Asociacion de Hemato‐oncología Pediatrica de Centro América (AHOPCA)
Authors: Garrido Claudia , Letona Tomás , Godoy Susana , Antillón Federico , Valverde Patricia , Luna‐Finemann Sandra , Rodríguez‐Galindo Carlos , Fuentes Soad , Arambu Ingrid , Calderón Patricia , Ortiz Roberta , Montero Margarita , Blanco Jessica , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Ferrari Andrea
Published: March 2022

This report describes the results of an observational study dedicated to rhabdomyosarcoma developed by the Asociación de Hemato‐oncología Pediatrica de Centro América (AHOPCA) between 2001 and 2018. Overall, 337 previously untreated patients < 18 years old were included in the analysis; 58% had unresected disease, and 19% were metastatic at diagnosis. With a median follow‐up of 6.6 years, five‐year event‐free and overall survival rates were 30% and 33%, respectively. Local progression/relapse was the main cause of treatment failure.
Suitability examination of a new cellulosic fiber extracted from the stem of Ventilago maderaspatana plant as polymer composite reinforcement
Authors: Rathinavelu Ravichandaran , Arumugam Eakambaram , Paramathma Baskara Sethupathi
Published: March 2022

This article is designed to examine the aptness of Ventilago maderaspatana fiber (VMF) as reinforcement in polymer composites. A significant quantity of cellulose fraction (56.12 ± 5.42 wt%) in the VMF was estimated via chemical analysis. The X‐ray diffraction analysis identified the presence of cellulose type‐I and peak cellulose type‐IV in the VMF, and it quantified the crystallinity index (25.88%) and crystalline size (26.12 nm) of the VMF. Various chemical functional groups in the VMF were categorized with the help of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. The thermal degradation behavior of the VMF was investigated with the help of thermogravimetric analysis, and it determined the thermal stability (200°C) and kinetic activation energy (62.46 kJ/mol) of VMF. The scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic analysis revealed the existence of contaminations, hemicellulose and lignin on the outer layer of VMF, and it was confirmed by atomic force microscopic analysis. The lower density (1236 ± 18.42 kg/m3) and better tensile strength (383.7 ± 16.07 MPa) of the VMF enabled the possibility of use as reinforcement in fiber reinforced plastics.
Effect of starch nanocrystals addition on the physicochemical, thermal, and optical properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films
Authors: Martins Paola Chaves , Latorres Juliana Machado , Martins Vilásia Guimarães , Machado Ana Vera
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to add rice and potato starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix to reinforce its structure, improve its characteristics, and broaden its applicability. The SNCs were produced by acid hydrolysis and applied to the LDPE matrix by extrusion at a concentration of 0.5% and 1%. The films were characterized in terms of physical–chemical, thermal, and structural properties. The addition of 1% SNCs produced from rice starch reduced the oxygen permeability to 1.57 × 10−4 (ml mm/MPa/min/cm2) and increased the thermal stability of the films. The addition of potato starch SNCs in a 1% proportion increased the crystallinity of the films to 81.6%. Therefore, the incorporation of starch SNCs in the LDPE matrix showed adequate compatibility and the ability to improve the properties of the films. The mixture of LDPE with biodegradable polymers can be an alternative that can contribute to the increase in the rate of biodegradability.
Alignment of K‐8 mathematics interventions with strands of mathematical proficiency in meta‐analytic research
Authors: Pulles Sandra M. , Burns Matthew K.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper was to examine current mathematics interventions designed for students in kindergarten through eighth grade to determine how often they incorporated the five strands of mathematical proficiency identified by the National Research Council (2001). The five strands are conceptual understanding, procedural knowledge, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition. A systematic review of the literature resulted in 13 meta‐analyses of that studied a total of 19 unique interventions. The five strands of mathematical proficiency were then compared to each intervention to determine with which strand(s) the intervention aligned. None of the 19 interventions contained all five strands, but interventions could be combined to enhance math proficiency. The strands of mathematics proficiency could provide a framework with which to meaningfully combine intervention components.
The association of anemia with the clinical outcomes of community‐acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Chang I‐Fan , Shih Wei‐Liang , Liu Yun‐Chung , Ho Te‐Wei , Yen Ting‐Yu , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Chang Luan‐Yin , Fang Chi‐Tai , Lai Feipei
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Anemia is associated with severe outcomes in adult community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), but few studies investigated its association with pediatric CAP. Hence, we tried to delineate the association of anemia with the clinical outcomes of CAP in children.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2010 to 2019 in a medical center. Inpatients aged 6 months to 17 years who were diagnosed with CAP and without major underlying diseases were included. The subjects' clinical data within 24 h of admission and clinical outcomes were collected. We accessed the rates of adverse outcomes and the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of these outcomes between anemic and nonanemic patients, as well as among patients with different types of anemia.

Results

In this study of 3601 patients, the prevalence of anemia was 11.6% (418/3601). Anemic patients had higher rates of intensive care (16.8% vs. 3.6%; p < 0.001), endotracheal intubation (11.0% vs. 1.3%; p < 0.001), and empyema (8.6% vs. 0.6%; p < 0.001) than nonanemic patients. In addition, anemia was independently associated with intensive care (adjusted OR, 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.03–4.42), endotracheal intubation (adjusted OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 2.17–6.63), and empyema (adjusted OR, 4.72; 95% CI, 2.30–9.69). Iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA) and normocytic anemia were associated with these adverse outcomes but not with anemia due to thalassemia trait.

Conclusion

Anemia is a biomarker associated with poor outcomes in pediatric CAP, and patients with IDA or normocytic anemia should be carefully monitored and managed since they may have higher disease severity.
High‐flow nasal cannula oxygen in children with bronchiolitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eşki Aykut , Öztürk Gökçen Kartal , Turan Caner , Özgül Semiha , Gülen Figen , Demir Esen
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine whether high‐flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNCO) provided enhanced respiratory support in bronchiolitis than low‐flow oxygen (LFO).

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial in children between 1 and 24 months diagnosed with moderate‐to‐severe bronchiolitis requiring oxygen therapy. Participants received LFO via face mask (6–10 L/min) or HFNCO (2 L/kg/min). Primary outcomes were the time that heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) return to their normal range for age and the time that baseline clinical respiratory score (CRS) regress to a lower severity score. Secondary outcomes were changes in HR, RR, and CRS over time, length of stay (LOS), duration of oxygen requirement, treatment failure, and adverse event (AE).

Results

Eighty‐seven children were enrolled (48 in LFO; 39 in HFNCO). The time that HR and RR baseline values reached their normal range for age was shorter in HFNCO therapy (2.0 h [1.0–4.0] vs. 12.0 h [2.0–24.0], and 4.0 h [2.0–12.0] vs. 24.0 h [4.0–48.0], respectively; p < 0.001); additionally, the improvement in CRS emerged more quickly in children treated with HFNCO (2.0 h [1.0–4.0] vs. 4.0 h [2.0–24.0]; p = 0.003). While the duration of oxygen requirement (19.0 h [4.0–30.0] vs. 29.5 h [14.0–45.7]; p = 0.009) and treatment failure (3% vs. 21%) was statistically lower in children who received HFNCO, there were no differences in LOS and AE between groups.

Conclusion

HFNCO may provide enhanced respiratory support with a notable improvement in HR, RR, and CRS than LFO. Comprehensive studies are needed to assess the clinical efficacy of HFNCO therapy.
Serum thymidine kinase 1 concentration as a predictive biomarker in prostate cancer
Authors: Lundgren Per‐Olof , Tribukait Bernhard , Kjellman Anders , Norming Ulf , Jagarlmudi Kiran , Gustafsson Ove
Published: March 2022

Background

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) recycles DNA before cell division. We do not know if baseline blood concentrations of TK1 predict death in prostate cancer within 30 years.

Our objective is to determine if there is an association between baseline levels of TK1 and future prostate cancer‐specific mortality.

Methods

With a “proof of concept” approach, we performed a nested case–control study among 1782 individuals screened for prostate cancer between 1988 and 1989. The concentration of TK1 was measured in frozen serum from 330 men, 36 of whom have died of prostate cancer.

The primary endpoint was prostate cancer‐specific mortality and outcomes after 30 years were analyzed using logistic regression modeling odds ratios (Ors).

Results

The estimated OR (adjusted for age) for dying from prostate cancer among the men who had a TK1 value in the upper tertile was 2.39 (95% confidence interval 1.02–5.63). The corresponding OR, regardless of the cause of death, was 2.81 (1.24–6.34).

Conclusions

High levels of TK1 predicts death in prostate cancer within 30 years of follow‐up.
Large Spin Pumping and Inverse Spin Hall Effect in Ta/Py Bilayer Structures
Authors: Paikaray Bibekananda , Sahoo Somesh Kumar , Manoj Talluri , Sriram Kasilingam , Basumatary Himalay , Haldar Arabinda , Murapaka Chandrasekhar
Published: March 2022

Spin mixing conductance at the ferromagnet (FM)/heavy metal (HM) interface is a key parameter to estimate the spin current injection into heavy metal. The electrical detection of such injected spin current in heavy metal is possible via inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE). Herein, a large spin mixing conductance in the range of (4.956.52)  1018 m−2 in Ta/permalloy(Py) bilayer structures is reported. In‐plane angular‐dependent ISHE voltage measurements in Ta/Py samples reveal the dominance of spin pumping voltage component over the other spin rectification contributions. Voltage contribution due to spin pumping and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) increases with the Py thickness due to the enhancement in spin pumping and increase in spin‐dependent scattering, respectively. Anomalous Hall effect (AHE) contribution in Py is found to be relatively small.
ELA as English Language Abolition: Toward a Pedagogy of Communicative Belonging
Authors: Souto‐Manning Mariana , Martinez Danny C. , Musser Adam D.
Published: March 2022

Racialized notions of language and literacy are harmful to children in U.S. schools, and English Language Arts is a primary site whereby white supremacist language ideologies are enacted and justified, being most harmful to Black, Indigenous, and other students of Color. The authors—Mariana Souto‐Manning, Danny C. Martinez, and Adam D. Musser—former ELA teachers and current university‐based educators committed to the pursuit of justice, are motivated by the questionsWhat can we do?andWhat should we do?in response to this harm. This conceptual article briefly traces the history of harm embedded in ELA classrooms before theorizing a debordering of English Language Arts and advancing ahealing pedagogy for communicative belonging. Guided by the restorative justice principles of harms, needs, and obligations, it engages quilting as metaphor and process. Through quilting, the authors inquire into the harms of ELA as a disciplinary project rooted in exclusion, anti‐Blackness, and colonialism. Undertaking reparative caring and attending to Black, Indigenous, and other students of Color often unaccounted for in education reforms, Souto‐Manning, Martinez, and Musser advance ELA as English Language Abolition, seeking to abolish tokens of diversity in ELA classrooms and create spaces for true belonging via collaborative, future‐oriented work. Ultimately, while recognizing that the future imaginings of communicative belonging are part of a utopian project that imagines learning ecologies freed from and free of colonial and white logics, this article forwards a healing pedagogy of communicative belonging, offering the potential to abolish the harms long perpetrated in ELA classrooms by dominant conceptualizations of ELA.
Network meta‐analysis and random walks
Authors: Davies Annabel L. , Papakonstantinou Theodoros , Nikolakopoulou Adriani , Rücker Gerta , Galla Tobias
Published: March 2022

Network meta‐analysis (NMA) is a central tool for evidence synthesis in clinical research. The results of an NMA depend critically on the quality of evidence being pooled. In assessing the validity of an NMA, it is therefore important to know the proportion contributions of each direct treatment comparison to each network treatment effect. The construction of proportion contributions is based on the observation that each row of the hat matrix represents a so‐called “evidence flow network” for each treatment comparison. However, the existing algorithm used to calculate these values is associated with ambiguity according to the selection of paths. In this article, we present a novel analogy between NMA and random walks. We use this analogy to derive closed‐form expressions for the proportion contributions. A random walk on a graph is a stochastic process that describes a succession of random “hops” between vertices which are connected by an edge. The weight of an edge relates to the probability that the walker moves along that edge. We use the graph representation of NMA to construct the transition matrix for a random walk on the network of evidence. We show that the net number of times a walker crosses each edge of the network is related to the evidence flow network. By then defining a random walk on the directed evidence flow network, we derive analytically the matrix of proportion contributions. The random‐walk approach has none of the associated ambiguity of the existing algorithm.
Transition Metal‐ and Oxidant‐Free Regioselective Synthesis of 3,4,5‐Trisubstituted Pyrazoles by Means of [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Allaka Bhargava Sai , Basavoju Srinivas , Gamidi Rama Krishna
Published: March 2022

A highly efficient regioselective synthesis of 3,4,5‐trisubstituted pyrazoles via transition metal‐ and oxidant‐free, three component [3+2] cycloaddition with thiazolidinedione chalcones, benzaldehydes and N‐tosylhydrazine is described. The reaction proceeds through C−C and C−N bond formations under mild reaction conditions to produce structurally diverse polysubstituted pyrazoles in moderate to good yields.
Design of a secure and privacy preserving authentication protocol for telecare medical information systems
Authors: Sumithra V. , Shashidhara R. , Mukhopadhyay Debajyoti
Published: March 2022

With the advancement of communication technology, Telecare Medicine Information Systems (TMIS) provides convenient healthcare services for patients, doctors, and health organizations over the insecure Internet. As a result, when accessing sensitive medical data over an insecure connection, user privacy, data security, and user authentication is very crucial. A secure authentication protocol plays a crucial role in securing communications over TMIS, these environments are very vulnerable to numerous attacks due to resource constraints and the nature of the communication medium. Recently, an efficient authentication framework has been introduced for TMIS to address various security issues. However, the existing mutual authentication and key agreement protocols are vulnerable to replay attacks, insider attacks, impersonation attacks, and password guessing attacks. Furthermore, the current authentication systems do not guarantee user privacy and the fair key agreement between the patient and the medical server. We propose a more robust authentication approach for healthcare information systems to address these security issues. To assess the authentication protocol's security strength, we employ formal verification tools like Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA). Finally, a thorough performance analysis demonstrates that the proposed mutual authentication framework not only ensures privacy but also maintains a low computing overhead. As a result, when compared to other related systems, the proposed authentication protocol is both secure and computationally efficient.
An experimentation framework for validating architectural properties as proxies for the ilities
Authors: Salado Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Desired system ilities, understood as lifecycle properties, generally drive the value of a system's architecture. However, ilities are hard to predict during system architecture development before the architecture has been instantiated with a system design. In this paper, an experimentation framework that can be employed to validate the adequacy of using architectural properties as proxies for ilities is presented. The experimentation framework builds upon a theoretical, generic conceptualization of ilities, which helps to formally justify the difficulties of and limitations in predicting how architectural choices influence system ilities. Application of the experimental framework is showcased with a notional scenario, where the framework is used to evaluate how different system topologies influence the integrability of a system.
Seismic reliability evaluation of a tall concrete‐timber hybrid structural system
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Xiong Haibei , Ventura Carlos E.
Published: March 2022

Seismic reliability analysis is important for performance evaluation and structure design of novel structural systems since it can consider inherent uncertainties in seismic actions and structural properties. In this paper, seismic reliability analyses were performed on an innovative high‐rise concrete‐timber (FaB) hybrid structural system. The FaB system combines a concrete frame‐tube structure with large story height as the main structure and multi‐story timber structures on each concrete slab as substructures. To better assess the seismic reliability of the FaB system, response surface methods with either the Lasso regression approach or the machine‐learning‐based symbolic regression approach were conducted and compared. Uncertainties, including ground motions, elastic properties and ductility factor of the concrete main structure, mechanical properties of timber substructures and connections (i.e., rubber bearings), mass ratios, and fitting errors, were considered in formulating the limit‐state performance functions. Tens of thousands of non‐linear time‐history analyses were run to establish the response database of the FaB system, and the reliability indexes of both the concrete main structure and timber substructures were calculated. The results show that the symbolic regression approach can formulate simpler response surface functions with similar results compared to the Lasso regression approach. The maximum difference of reliability indexes between the two approaches is less than 8.3%. For the concrete main structure, the seismic reliability indexes are in a range of 1.068 to 4.223 under different performance objectives and hazard levels, while those of timber substructures are in a range of 0.892 to 2.28. The corresponding non‐exceedance probabilities of failure are between 81% and 99%, which reveals the safety and robustness of the FaB system. Meanwhile, the adoption of rubber bearings in the FaB system can enhance the seismic reliability indexes of timber substructures by 9% to 28% but has little influence on those of the concrete main structure. Outcomes of this study can serve as efficient tools to quantify the seismic performance and evaluate the performance‐based seismic design methodology for the proposed tall concrete‐timber hybrid structural system.
Pathways explaining racial/ethnic disparities in incident all‐cause and Alzheimer's disease dementia among older US men and women
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Weiss Jordan , Beydoun Hind A. , Fanelli‐Kuczmarski Marie T. , Hossain Sharmin , El‐Hajj Ziad W. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and all‐cause dementia (DEMENTIA) incidence may exist differentially among men and women, with unknown mechanisms.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study examining all‐cause and AD dementia incidence was conducted linking Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare data over ≤26 years of follow‐up (1988 to 2014). Cox regression and generalized structural equation models (GSEMs) were constructed among men and women ≥60 years of age at baseline (N = 4592). Outcomes included onset ages of all‐cause and AD dementia, whereas the main exposures were race/ethnicity contrasts (RACE_ETHN). Potential mediators) included socio‐economic status (SES), lifestyle factors (dietary quality [DIET] nutritional biomarkers [NUTR], physical activity [PA], social support [SS], alcohol [ALCOHOL], poor health [or HEALTH], poor cognitive performance [or COGN]. In addition to RACE_ETHN, the following were exogenous covariates in the GSEM and potential confounders in Cox models: age, sex, urban‐rural, household size, and marital status.

Results

Non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) women had a higher risk of DEMENTIA versus non‐Hispanic White (NHW) women in GSEM, consistent with Cox models (age‐adjusted model: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10 to 1.61). The total effect of this RACE_ETHN contrast in women was explained by four main pathways: (1) RACE_ETHN→ poor cognitive performance (COGN, +) → DEMENTIA (+); (2) RACE_ETHN → SES (−) → COGN (−) → DEMENTIA (+); (3) RACE_ETHN → SES (−) → physical activity (PA, +) → COGN (−) → DEMENTIA (+); and (4) RACE_ETHN → SES (−) → DIET (+) → COGN (−) → DEMENTIA (+). A reduced AD risk in Mexican American (MA) women versus NHW women upon adjustment for SES and downstream factors (HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.80). For the non‐White versus NHW contrast in incident DEMENTIA, pathways involved lower SES, directly increasing cognitive deficits (or indirectly through lifestyle factors), which then directly increases DEMENTIA .

Discussion

Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors explaining disparities between NHB and NHW in dementia onset among women are important to consider for future observational and intervention studies.
Blue light irradiation increases the relative abundance of the diatom Nitzschia palea in co‐culture with cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Watanabe Shunsuke , Matsunami Naoki , Okuma Ikki , Naythen Podiapen Tannen , Fujibayashi Megumu , Iseri Yasushi , Hao Aimin , Kuba Takahiro
Published: March 2022

Lake eutrophication is associated with cyanobacterial blooms. The pennate diatom Nitzschia palea (N. palea) inhibits the growth of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa); therefore, increasing the relative abundance of N. palea may contribute to the inhibition of Microcystis blooms. Several studies have demonstrated that blue light irradiation promotes diatom growth and inhibits cyanobacterial growth. In this study, we evaluated the effects of blue light irradiation on N. palea and M. aeruginosa abundance. Monocultures and co‐cultures of N. palea and M. aeruginosa were exposed to blue light and fluorescent light at 32 μmol photons m−2 s−1. The relative abundance of N. palea under fluorescent light decreased gradually, whereas the abundance under blue light was relatively higher (approximately 74% and 98% under fluorescent light and blue light, respectively, at the end of the experiment). The inhibition efficiency of blue light on the growth rate of M. aeruginosa was related to the light intensity. The optimal light intensity was considered 20 μmol photons m−2 s−1 based on the inhibition efficiency of 100%. Blue light irradiation can be used to increase the abundance of N. palea to control Microcystis blooms.

Practitioner Points

The effects of blue light irradiation on N. palea abundance was discussed.

Monocultures and co‐cultures of N. palea and M. aeruginosa were exposed to blue light and to fluorescent light.

The relative abundance of N. palea increased upon irradiation with blue light in co‐culture with M. aeruginosa.
Li3As and Li3P revisited: DFT modelling on phase stability and ion conductivity
Authors: Wegner Florian , Kamm Franziska , Pielnhofer Florian , Pfitzner Arno
Published: March 2022

Phase pure Li3As and Li3P were synthesized from the elements by a high temperature route. Crystal structures were refined from powder X‐ray diffraction data. The title compounds were further characterized by difference thermal analysis, temperature dependent X‐ray powder diffraction and impedance spectroscopy, proving unexpected Li ion conductivity for Li3As. High pressure behaviour of the title compounds was modeled via density functional theory, confirming the experimentally reported cubic modifications of Li3P and Li3As.
Early-Career Academics’ Transnational Moves: The Gendered Role of Vertical Social Ties in Obtaining Academic Positions Abroad
Authors: Schaer Martine
Published: March 2022

Moving across borders to take up academic positions is one form of occupational mobility (or migration), one that is often presented as constitutive of an academic career. Drawing on biographical and qualitative egocentric network interviews with early-career academics working in Switzerland and the United States, this chapter shows that the transnational career moves of young scholars are embedded in social relationships in subtle ways. The analysis reveals that it is mainly one type of social tie that is important: vertical ties with higher-status academics. But the support these ties provide varies according to discreet and inconspicuous gendered mechanisms in which institutional resources also play a role. On the one hand, traces of strong male support networks persist in obtaining transnational academic positions. On the other, the digitalisation of academic labour-markets, fellowship schemes, and dual-career support make it possible to advance in one’s academic career while relegating vertical ties to a secondary role.
Formular komplexer Form
Authors: Baecker Dirk
Published: March 2022

Formulare sind von einer Ordnung bereitgestellte und im Rahmen dieser Ordnung verwaltete Texte mit Lücken, die von individuellen Fällen ausgefüllt werden, die von dieser Ordnung gesucht werden oder diese Ordnung in Anspruch nehmen. Formulare sind somit Metaphern, die Sachverhalte in Sachverhalte übersetzen. Auch diese Definition des Formulars ist bereits ein Formular, das eine Ordnung herstellt, die von einzelnen Formularen mehr oder minder genau erfüllt wird.
Pour copie conforme. Formulare der optischen Telegraphie im frühen 19. Jahrhundert
Authors: Hauber Konrad
Published: March 2022

Keine Telekommunikation ohne Formular. Daran erinnern tagtäglich jene Interfaces, die selbst dann, wenn sie als unauffällige Kommunikationsschnittstellen in die digitale Umwelt eingelassen sind, ihren Schreibflächen- und Textfeldcharakter nicht abstreifen können (vgl. Bratton 2015; Galloway 2012; Hookway 2014). Das Formular als Bereitstellung von Schreibflächen war bereits ein Grundbaustein der frühesten Telekommunikationsmedien. Dort, wo Kommunikation nicht mehr auf der Interaktion räumlicher Anwesenheit basierte, wurden Nachrichten nun in Textfeldern eingeschrieben.