bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Modified-Partial Capacity Design Method on 6- and 15-story Square Buildings with Variation in number of Elastic Columns
Authors: Pudjisuryadi Pamuda , Lumantarna Benjamin , Wijaya Fransisca , Aphrodita C. , Jesica A. , Karyanto Y. , Theodora M.K.
Published: April 2022

Modified-Partial Capacity Design (M-PCD) is proposed as one alternative of structural design methods. In M-PCD, the partial side sway mechanism where beams and some columns may develop plastic hinges. This method uses two structural models during the design process. The models are used to simulate undamaged and damaged structures when subjected to design earthquake (R=8.0) and larger target earthquake (R=1.6) respectively. In this study, 6- and 15-story square buildings with 30% and 50% elastic column are designed using M-PCD. Performances of the buildings are investigated by using non-linear time history analysis. Results show that the buildings’ performances are still unsatisfactory, especially for the 15-story buildings. However, it should be noted that the levels of earthquakes used for the analysis were larger than that used for the design. A more accurate prediction of the required strength should be developed further to improve M-PCD.
Influenza antivirals and animal models
Authors: Caceres C. Joaquin , Seibert Brittany , Cargnin Faccin Flavio , Cardenas‐Garcia Stivalis , Rajao Daniela S. , Perez Daniel R.
Published: April 2022

Influenza A and B viruses are among the most prominent human respiratory pathogens. About 3–5 million severe cases of influenza are associated with 300 000–650 000 deaths per year globally. Antivirals effective at reducing morbidity and mortality are part of the first line of defense against influenza. FDA‐approved antiviral drugs currently include adamantanes (rimantadine and amantadine), neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI; peramivir, zanamivir, and oseltamivir), and the PA endonuclease inhibitor (baloxavir). Mutations associated with antiviral resistance are common and highlight the need for further improvement and development of novel anti‐influenza drugs. A summary is provided for the current knowledge of the approved influenza antivirals and antivirals strategies under evaluation in clinical trials. Preclinical evaluations of novel compounds effective against influenza in different animal models are also discussed.
Ordeals, ancient Near East
Authors: Wells Bruce
Published: April 2022

The principal ancient Near Eastern ordeal was the river ordeal, which was utilized by judicial authorities for nearly two thousand years, beginning in the mid‐third millenniumbce. Those deemed guilty by the ordeal were usually pulled from the water and punished according to their crime, even if that meant execution. Only minimal evidence exists for other types of ordeals.
Tackling tobacco in treatment: Half a loaf
Authors: de Miranda John
Published: April 2022

Californians like to promote the idea that innovation happens there and in time spreads to other states. While the accuracy of this assessment is questionable, in one case I'm hoping that it's true. A regulatory mandate has been created in the Golden State to require addiction treatment programs to include tobacco use disorder in their targeted efforts.
Data‐Driven Materials Innovation and Applications
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Sun Zhehao , Yin Hang , Liu Xinghui , Wang Jinlan , Zhao Haitao , Pang Cheng Heng , Wu Tao , Li Shuzhou , Yin Zongyou , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: April 2022

Owing to the rapid developments to improve the accuracy and efficiency of both experimental and computational investigative methodologies, the massive amounts of data generated have led the field of materials science into the fourth paradigm of data‐driven scientific research. This transition requires the development of authoritative and up‐to‐date frameworks for data‐driven approaches for material innovation. A critical discussion on the current advances in the data‐driven discovery of materials with a focus on frameworks, machine‐learning algorithms, material‐specific databases, descriptors, and targeted applications in the field of inorganic materials is presented. Frameworks for rationalizing data‐driven material innovation are described, and a critical review of essential subdisciplines is presented, including: i) advanced data‐intensive strategies and machine‐learning algorithms; ii) material databases and related tools and platforms for data generation and management; iii) commonly used molecular descriptors used in data‐driven processes. Furthermore, an in‐depth discussion on the broad applications of material innovation, such as energy conversion and storage, environmental decontamination, flexible electronics, optoelectronics, superconductors, metallic glasses, and magnetic materials, is provided. Finally, how these subdisciplines (with insights into the synergy of materials science, computational tools, and mathematics) support data‐driven paradigms is outlined, and the opportunities and challenges in data‐driven material innovation are highlighted.
Dynamical evolution of Ge quantum dots on Si(111): From island formation to high temperature decay
Authors: Preetha Genesh Navathej , De Marchi Fabrizio , Heun Stefan , Fontana Stefano , Belkhou Rachid , Purandare Rahul , Motta Nunzio , Sgarlata Anna , Fanfoni Massimo , MacLeod Jennifer , MacLean Oliver , Rosei Federico
Published: April 2022

Heteroepitaxial growth is a process of profound fundamental importance as well as an avenue to realize nanostructures such as Ge/Si quantum dots (QDs), with appealing properties for applications in opto‐ and nanoelectronics. However, controlling the Ge/Si QD size, shape, and composition remains a major obstacle to their practical implementation. Here, Ge nanostructures on Si(111) were investigated in situ and in real‐time by low energy electron microscopy (LEEM), enabling the observation of the transition from wetting layer formation to 3D island growth and decay. The island size, shape, and distribution depend strongly on the growth temperature. As the deposition temperature increases, the islands become larger and sparser, consistent with Brownian nucleation and capture dynamics. At 550°C, two distinct Ge/Si nanostructures are formed with bright and dark appearances that correspond to flat, atoll‐like and tall, faceted islands, respectively. During annealing, the faceted islands increase in size at the expense of the flat ones, indicating that the faceted islands are thermodynamically more stable. In contrast, triangular islands with uniform morphology are obtained from deposition at 600°C, suggesting that the growth more closely follows the ideal shape. During annealing, the islands formed at 600°C initially show no change in morphology and size and then rupture simultaneously, signaling a homogeneous chemical potential of the islands. These observations reveal the role of dynamics and energetics in the evolution of Ge/Si QDs, which can serve as a step towards the precise control over the Ge nanostructure size, shape, composition, and distribution on Si(111).
Overcoming the Force Limitations of Magnetic Robotic Surgery: Magnetic Pulse Actuated Collisions for Tissue‐Penetrating‐Needle for Tetherless Interventions
Authors: Erin Onder , Liu Xiaolong , Ge Jiawei , Opfermann Justin , Barnoy Yotam , Mair Lamar O. , Kang Jin U. , Gensheimer William , Weinberg Irving N. , Diaz-Mercado Yancy , Krieger Axel
Published: April 2022

The field of magnetic robotics aims to obviate physical connections between the actuators and end‐effectors. Such tetherless control may enable new ultraminimally invasive surgical manipulations in clinical settings. While wireless actuation offers advantages in medical applications, the challenge of providing sufficient force to magnetic needles for tissue penetration remains a barrier to practical application. Applying sufficient force for tissue penetration is required for tasks such as biopsy, suturing, cutting, drug delivery, and accessing deep‐seated regions of complex structures in organs such as the eye. To expand the force landscape for such magnetic surgical tools, an impact force‐based suture needle capable of penetrating in vitro and ex vivo samples with 3‐degrees‐of‐freedom (DOF) planar motion is proposed. Using custom‐built 14 and 25 G needles, generation of 410 mN penetration force is demonstrated, a 22.7‐fold force increase with more than 20 times smaller volume compared with similar magnetically guided needles. With the Magnetic Pulse Actuated Collisions for Tissue‐penetrating (MPACT)‐Needle, gauze mesh suturing onto an agar gel is demonstrated. In addition, the tip size is reduced to 25 G, a typical needle size for eye interventions, to demonstrate ex vivo penetration in a rabbit eye towards corneal injections and transscleral drug delivery.
A Valence‐Engineered Self‐Cascading Antioxidant Nanozyme for the Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Wang Quan , Cheng Chaoqun , Zhao Sheng , Liu Quanyi , Zhang Yihong , Liu Wanling , Zhao Xiaozhi , Zhang He , Pu Jun , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Huigang , Du Yan , Wei Hui
Published: April 2022

Antioxidant treatment strategy by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a highly effective disease treatment option. Nanozymes with multiple antioxidant activities can cope with the diverse ROS environment. However, lack of design strategies and limitation of negative correlation for nanozymes with multiple antioxidant activities hindered their development. To overcome these difficulties, here we used ZnMn2O4 as a model to explore the role of Mn valency at the octahedral site via a valence‐engineered strategy, and found that its multiple antioxidant activities are positively correlated with the content of Mn4+. Therefore, through this strategy, a self‐cascading antioxidant nanozyme LiMn2O4 was constructed, and its efficacy was verified at the cellular level and in an inflammatory bowel disease model. This work not only provides guidance for the design of multiple antioxidant nanozymes, but also broadens the biomedical application potential of multiple antioxidant nanozymes.
Back‐Gated van der Waals Heterojunction Manipulates Local Charges toward Fine‐Tuning Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huang Jiazhao , Zhuang Zechao , Zhao Yang , Chen Jianqiang , Zhuo Zhiwen , Liu Youwen , Lu Ning , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: April 2022

Charge redistribution plays a prominent role in interpreting the intrinsic electrocatalytic mechanism. Establishing a quantitative relationship between the local charges and electrochemical performance can fundamentally update the design philosophies beyond conventional methods. We describe exertion of an external electric field in the cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc)/MoS2 heterojunction to finely manipulate intermolecular charge transfer. The injected charges (e−) from CoPc to MoS2 migrate to natural S vacancies and enhance Mo−H bonding. Moreover, the band gap of MoS2 and CoPc can be readily tuned by the electric field, verifying band engineering at the heterointerface. In situ photoluminescence spectra and gate‐dependent electrochemical measurement reveal a linear correlation between the charge accumulation and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. This approach provides a new strategy for the design of catalysts, enabling precise regulation of the electronic configuration to improve catalytic activity.
Soft Electrodes for Electrochemical and Electrophysiological Monitoring of Beating Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yan Li‐Ping , Wen Ming‐Yong , Qin Yu , Bi Chen‐Xi , Zhao Yi , Fan Wen‐Ting , Yan Jing , Huang Wei‐Hua , Liu Yan‐Ling
Published: April 2022

Many cells in vivo have their inherent motions, which involve numerous biochemical and biophysical signals synergistically regulating cell behavior and function. However, existing methods offer little information about the concurrently chemical and physical responses of dynamically pulsing cells. Here, we report a soft electrode with an electrospun poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)‐based nanomesh to fully comply with spontaneous motions of cells. Moreover, this electrode demonstrated excellent electrical conductivity, electrochemical performance and cellular biocompatibility. Cardiomyocytes cultured thereon exhibited autonomous and rhythmic contractility, and synchronously induced mechanical deformation of the underlying electrode, which allowed real‐time monitoring of nitric oxide release and electrophysiological activity of cardiomyocytes. This work provides a promising way toward recording chemical and electrical signals of biological systems with their natural motions.
Hydrogen Production and Water Desalination with On‐demand Electricity Output Enabled by Electrochemical Neutralization Chemistry
Authors: Sun Fu , He Dongtong , Yang Kaizhou , Qiu Jieshan , Wang Zhiyu
Published: April 2022

Energy‐saving hydrogen production can be achieved by using renewables or decoupling the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction from overall water splitting, which still needs electricity input. We have realized hydrogen production and water desalination with on‐demand electricity output via an electrochemical neutralization chemistry strategy that couples acidic hydrogen evolution and alkaline hydrazine oxidation with ionic exchange. The electrochemical neutralization cells allow efficient use of chemical energy and low‐grade heat from the surroundings to output 0.81 kWh electricity per m3of hydrogen. Cell function can be rapidly switched to electricity output with a high peak power density up to 85.5 mW cm−2or spontaneous hydrogen production at a high rate up to 70.1 mol h−1 m−2without breaking cell operation or changing cell configuration. Fast water desalination is simultaneously achieved at a high salt removal rate of 56.1 mol h−1 m−2without an external electricity supply.
Interannual variability of spring fire in southern Nepal
Authors: Hamal Kalpana , Ghimire Shravan Kumar , Khadka Arbindra , Dawadi Binod , Sharma Shankar
Published: April 2022

Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change with increased fire occurrences and fire burned areas in recent years; therefore, we accessed the climatic drivers for its variability using fire burned areas product of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from 2001 and 2020. The peak fire burned areas were observed in the spring season (~91%) from March to May, especially higher in the lowlands of the western and central parts. At the interannual timescale, low precipitation, humidity, soil moisture, and high temperature supported the existence of spring fire. Combining these factors induces drought conditions, enhancing evapotranspiration from vegetation and providing more combustible fuels. Furthermore, the El Niño phase in the central‐eastern Pacific Ocean is related to the weakened westerly moisture transport and moisture divergence that creates dry and warm conditions leading to increased fire activities. Thus, this study could be helpful for preparedness, management, and policy‐making to limit the multi‐dimensional losses in the ecosystem and society due to fire.
Alterations in resting‐state whole‐brain functional connectivity pattern similarity in bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Ping Liangliang , Zhou Cong , Sun Shan , Wang Wenqiang , Zheng Qi , You Zhiyi
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous neuroimaging studies have extensively demonstrated many signs of functionally spontaneous local neural activity abnormalities in bipolar disorder (BD) patients using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). However, how to identify the changes of voxel‐wise whole‐brain functional connectivity pattern and its corresponding functional connectivity changes remain largely unclear in BD patients. The current study aimed to investigate the voxel‐wise changes of functional connectivity patterns in BD patients using publicly available data from the UCLA CNP LA5c Study.

Methods

A total of 45 BD patients and 115 healthy control subjects were finally included and whole‐brain functional connectivity homogeneity (FcHo) was calculated from their rs‐fMRI. Moreover, the alterations of corresponding functional connectivity were subsequently identified using seed‐based resting‐state functional connectivity analysis.

Results

Individuals with BD exhibited significantly lower FcHo values in the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) when compared with controls. Functional connectivity findings further indicated decreased functional connectivities between left MTG and cluster 1 (left superior temporal gyrus, extend to middle temporal gyrus, rolandic operculum), cluster 2 (right postcentral, extend to right precentral) in BD patients. The mean FcHo values of left MTG were positively correlated with insomnia, middle scores and appetite increase scores. The mean functional connectivities of left MTG to cluster 1 were negatively correlated with grandiose delusions scores. While the functional connections between left MTG with cluster 2 were negatively correlated with delusions of reference and positively correlated with insomnia, middle scores in BD patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that abnormal FcHo and functional connections in those areas of the brain involving DMN and SMN networks might play a crucial role in the neuropathology of BD.
Personality traits of patients with multiple sclerosis and their correlation with anxiety and depression levels: A cross‐sectional case–control study
Authors: Ghahremani Amirali , Mosa Farkhani Sahar , Baniasadi Mahsa , Hojjat Seyed Kaveh , Namdar Ahmadabad Hasan , Salarbashi Davoud , Elyasi Sepideh , Davoodian Najmeh
Published: April 2022

Objective

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that can cause severe disability and impair the quality of life (QoL).

Methods

In the current cross‐sectional, case–control study, we investigated personality traits, anxiety and depression levels, in 101 patients in the case group and 202 individuals as a control group. The personality traits of the participants were collected via the Neuroticism‐Extraversion‐Openness Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) questionnaire. We evaluated the level of anxiety and depression based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire.

Results

Our study showed in patients with disease duration above 1 year, the rates of agreement (29.78), anxiety (8.83), and depression level (6.39) were significantly higher than the control group (27.19, 6.47, and 4.97, respectively). Although patients with disease duration below 1 year showed a higher level of agreement and conscientiousness (29.65 and 34.35, respectively) than controls (26.6 and 30.86, respectively). The level of anxiety and depression in patients with a disability index above 4.5 was significantly higher than patients with a disability index below 1. Patients with a disability index below 1 showed a higher rate of extraversion and agreement and conscientiousness (31.47, 31.53, and 35.07, respectively) than controls (25.5, 26.23, and 3033, respectively). In addition, patients with a disability index above 4.5 showed a higher level of agreement (35.64), conscientiousness (35.5), anxiety (9.64), and depression (7.5) than controls (25.96, 30.71, 6.96, and 4.71, respectively).

Conclusions

In conclusion, anxiety and depression levels were much higher among MS patients compared with controls and the severity of these conditions correlate with the score of the disability index. Therefore, a complete comprehension of these conditions by the neurologist could be vital in improving patients’ QoL and increasing compliance and adherence to pharmacological therapy.
Development of dynamic OBE model to quantify student performance
Authors: Chan Mieow Kee , Wang Chan Chin , Arbai Azri Adi B.
Published: April 2022

Outcome‐based education (OBE) is widely adopted in engineering programs worldwide. However, the conventional methods often involve arbitrary procedures requiring lecturers to assume initial values in defining the OBE matrices. This may lead to the mismatch between the students' program outcomes (PO) attainment with the stakeholders' expectations. Thus, a dynamic OBE model by explicitly incorporating the assessment marks into the OBE matrices is introduced and verified quantitatively and qualitatively. Network models were used to visualize the connections between the assessment tools with specific CO and PO to demonstrate how the OBE is measured and improved. The qualitative data from the surveys involved year one chemical engineering students aged between 20 and 22, who attended both Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamic courses in the particular semester. These subjects measured PO, namely engineering knowledge and problem analysis, which are fundamental to an engineering program. The quantitative data were compared to verify the hypotheses with a reference scheme defined to measure the success rate. The results reveal a 67% success rate in matching the lecturer ratings on the same PO measured from student performance. The correlation comparisons showed that the dynamic OBE model attained higher accuracy, indicating that the PO scores aligned closely with actual student performances. The comparison on matching the respective PO scores between the two courses shows a poor success rate of 44%, indicating that the student performances on PO are not equally the same. The dynamic OBE model has effectively measured the PO from the hypotheses on stakeholders' perspectives.
Time‐Dependent Hydrogen Bond Network Formation in Glycerol‐Based Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Dziubinska‐Kühn Katarzyna , Pupier Marion , Matysik Jörg , Viger‐Gravel Jasmine , Karg Beatrice , Kowalska Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Over the last few years, Deep Eutectic Solvents have gained popularity as a novel class of green solvents, due to their feasible synthesis and overall low production costs. The properties of glycerol (Gly)‐based Deep Eutectic Solvents are frequently associated with the formation of an extended hydrogen bond network. In this study, two‐dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is employed to analyse the effect of glycerol oversaturation of the hydrogen bond acceptor, choline chloride (ChCl) on the structural arrangement of glyceline (molar ratio 1 : 2 ChCl:Gly), selected to represent Gly‐based Deep Eutectic Solvents. The rearrangement of glycerol molecules, additionally trapping water molecules inside of isolated clusters, is revealed during a time‐resolved analysis, performed in the presence of various fractions of water added to solvent. 200 % oversaturated Deep Eutectic Solvent (1 : 4 ChCl:Gly) is found to be a suitable cryoprotectant candidate, based on the revealed glycerol‐water interactions.
Inactivation Kinetics of G‐Quadruplex/Hemin Complex and Optimization for More Reliable Catalysis
Authors: Monte Carlo Anthony R. , Fu Jinglin
Published: April 2022

Reliable catalysis is critical for the synthesis of various chemicals, molecular sensing and biomedicine. G‐quadruplex/Hemin (GQH) complex, a peroxidase‐mimicking DNAzyme, has been widely used in various publications. However, a concern exists about the unstable kinetics of GQH‐catalyzed peroxidation. This work investigates several factors that result in the inactivation of GQH and the signal degradation during long reaction periods, including pH, buffer component, the selection of substrate and the oxidation damage of cofactor. Using colorimetric and fluorescent assays, GQH was found to be highly unstable under basic conditions with 50 % of GQH activity lost within 2 minutes at high H2O2 concentrations. Appropriate conditions and substrates are suggested for accurately characterizing GQH‐catalyzed reactions, as well as optimization to improve the catalytic reliability, such as the use of polyhistidine and cascade reactions. These results could be useful for GQH‐related applications.
Long‐Term Energy Storage Systems Based on the Dihydroazulene/Vinylheptafulvene Photo‐/Thermoswitch
Authors: Schøttler Christina , Vegge Siri Krogh , Cacciarini Martina , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: April 2022

The dihydroazulene/vinylheptafulvene (DHA/VHF) couple presents a photo‐/thermoswitch that has attracted interest for the development of molecular solar thermal energy storage systems. Here we present the synthesis and optical properties as well as the switching properties of DHA derivatives incorporating alkyne and norbornadiene (NBD) substituents at position C2. The corresponding VHF isomers exhibited remarkably long lifetimes. Thus, the VHF‐to‐DHA back‐reaction half‐life for a derivative with a phenylethynyl substituent was 22 days in acetonitrile at room temperature, while the half‐life of a VHF reference compound having a phenyl substituent is around 3.5 h under the same conditions. This finding is particularly attractive in the quest for long‐term energy storage systems, considering limited enhancement of molecular weight and maintenance of good quantum yield photoisomerization. Moreover, from the thermal back‐reaction of an NBD compound, used as a precursor for the DHA‐NBD dyad, we estimated the radical‐stabilizing influence of a C(Me)=C(CN)2 substituent.
A Family of Planar Luminogens with Active Photoluminescence in both Dispersion and Aggregation States
Authors: Hu Renjian , Lin Shiyun , Huang Hongye , Xie Wensheng , Wang Mengshi , Li Ruoxin , Tian Mei , Shuai Zhigang , Wei Yen
Published: April 2022

Molecular skeletons with active photoluminescence emission in both dispersed and aggregated states are important for diverse applications. As planarization of molecular configuration in the excited state has been shown to be a critical precondition for efficient emission, developing luminogens with pristine planar geometry seem to be the most straightforward approach. However, conventional planar ACQ‐type (aggregation‐caused quenching) luminogens (e. g. perylene) or novel planar AIE‐type (aggregation‐induced emission) luminogens exhibit week emission in the aggregated or dispersed states, respectively. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a family of pristine planar luminogens which demonstrate photoluminescence in both the dispersion and aggregation states. The avoidance of a concentration quenching effect in the solid state could be attributed to weakened π–π interactions within the herringbone featured crystal structures based on experimental and theoretical evidence. We further investigated the potential applications of these luminogens in cell imaging.
The COPILOT Raw Illumina Genotyping QC Protocol
Authors: Patel Hamel , Lee Sang‐Hyuck , Breen Gerome , Menzel Stephen , Ojewunmi Oyesola , Dobson Richard J.B.
Published: April 2022

The Illumina genotyping microarrays generate data in image format, which is processed by the platform‐specific software GenomeStudio, followed by an array of complex bioinformatics analyses that rely on various software, different programming languages, and numerous dependencies to be installed and configured correctly. The entire process can be time‐consuming, can lead to reproducibility errors, and can be a daunting task for bioinformaticians. To address this, we introduce the COPILOT protocol, which has been successfully used to transform raw Illumina genotype intensity data into high‐quality analysis‐ready data on tens of thousands of human patient samples that have been genotyped on a variety of Illumina genotyping arrays. This includes processing both mainstream and custom content genotyping chips with over 4 million markers per sample.

The COPILOT QC protocol consists of two distinct tandem procedures to process raw Illumina genotyping data. The first protocol is an up‐to‐date process to systematically QC raw Illumina microarray genotyping data using the Illumina‐specific GenomeStudio software. The second protocol takes the output from the first protocol and further processes the data through the COPILOT (Containerised wOrkflow for Processing ILlumina genOtyping daTa) containerized QC pipeline, to automate an array of complex bioinformatics analyses to improve data quality through a secondary clustering algorithm and to automatically identify typical Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS) data issues, including gender discrepancies, heterozygosity outliers, related individuals, and population outliers, through ancestry estimation. The data is returned to the user in analysis‐ready PLINK binary format and is accompanied by a comprehensive and interactive HTML summary report file which quickly helps the user understand the data and guides the user for further data analyses. The COPILOT protocol and containerized pipeline are also available at https://khp‐informatics.github.io/COPILOT/index.html. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Processing raw Illumina genotyping data using GenomeStudio

Basic Protocol 2: COPILOT: A containerised workflow for processing Illumina genotyping data
PRDM16 expression and function in mammalian cochlear development
Authors: Ebeid Michael , Barnas Kathy , Zhang Hongji , Yaghmour Amal , Noreikaite Gabriele , Bjork Bryan C.
Published: April 2022

Background

PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) is a key transcriptional regulator in the development of craniofacial, adipose, and neural tissues. Our lab identified PRDM16 expression in the epithelial cells of the Kölliker's organ (KO) that starts at ~E13.5 and is maintained until KO disappearance. A transgenic mouse model that carries a gene trap null allele of Prdm16 (Prdm16cGT) was used to characterize the impact of Prdm16 loss on cochlear development.

Results

At P0 Prdm16cGT null cochlea exhibited hypoplastic KO, shortened cochlear duct, increased density of hair cells (HCs) and supporting cells (SCs) in the apical turn as well as multiple isolated ectopic HCs within the KO domain. KO epithelial cells proliferation rate was reduced in the apical turn of the developing Prdm16cGT null cochlea vs controls. Bulk RNA sequencing of cochlear duct cells at E14.5 followed by quantitative real time PCR and mRNA Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) validation identified differentially expressed genes in Prdm16cGT null vs littermate control cochleae. Upregulated genes at E14.5 included Fgf20, as well as several Notch pathway genes (Lfng, Hes1, and Jag1).

Conclusions

This study characterizes Prdm16 expression during cochlear development and establishes its requirement for KO development.
Assessment of cardiac recovery in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Vuthoori Ravi , Heaney Cassandra , Lima Brian , Knisel Alexis , Miller Ed , Kennedy Kevin , Majure David , Stevens Gerin , Bocchieri Karl , Cassiere Hugh , Fernandez Harold , Maybaum Simon
Published: April 2022

Aims

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) is increasingly being used to support patients in cardiogenic shock (CS). Early determination of disposition is paramount, as longer durations of support have been associated with worse outcomes. We describe a stepwise, bedside weaning protocol to assess cardiopulmonary recovery during VA‐ECMO.

Methods and results

Over 1 year, we considered all patients on VA‐ECMO for CS for the Weaning Protocol (WP) at our centre. During the WP, patients had invasive haemodynamic monitoring, echocardiography, and blood gas analysis while flow was reduced in 1 LPM decrements. Ultimately, the circuit was clamped for 30 min, and final measures were taken. Patients were described as having durable recovery (DR) if they were free of pharmacological and mechanical support at 30 days post‐decannulation. Over 12 months, 34 patients had VA‐ECMO for CS. Fourteen patients were eligible for the WP at 4–12 days. Ten patients tolerated full flow reduction and were successfully decannulated. Twenty‐four per cent of the entire cohort demonstrated DR with no adverse events during the WP. Patients with DR had significantly higher ejection fraction, cardiac index, and smaller left ventricular size at lowest flow during the WP.

Conclusions

We describe a safe, stepwise, bedside weaning protocol to assess cardiac recovery during VA‐ECMO. Early identification of patients more likely to recover may improve outcomes during ECMO support.
Aminoalcohol‐functionalization of Alkali Palm Oil Fiber and Application as Electrochemical Sensor for 2‐Nitrophenol Determination
Authors: Deussi Ngaha Marcel Cédric , Kougoum Tchieda Victor , Kamdem Tamo Arnaud , Doungmo Giscard , Njanja Evangéline , Kenfack Tonle Ignas
Published: April 2022

A simple and fast electrochemical method based on aminoalcohol‐functionalized palm oil fiber modified carbon paste electrode (TEA‐POF/CPE) has been used for the electroanalysis of 2‐nitrophenol (2‐NP). The aminoalcohol‐functionalized palm oil fiber (TEA‐POF) was prepared by chemical grafting of triethanolamine (TEA) onto the surface of alkali material. The grafted material was characterized by some physico‐chemical techniques. The electrochemical results showed that the TEA‐POF/CPE exhibited more sensitive response towards the 2‐NP reduction and allowed to estimate a low detection limit of 1.26 μM (S/N=3). Finally, the sensor has been selective and successfully applied to the 2‐NP detection in real water samples.
Diffusiophoresis of a moderately charged spherical colloidal particle
Authors: Ohshima Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

An analytic expression is obtained for the diffusiophoretic mobility of a charged spherical colloidal particle in a symmetrical electrolyte solution. The obtained expression, which is expressed in terms of exponential integrals, is correct to the third order of the particle zeta potential so that it is applicable for colloidal particles with low and moderate zeta potentials at arbitrary values of the electrical double‐layer thickness. This is an improvement of the mobility formula derived by Keh and Wei, which is correct to the second order of the particle zeta potential. This correction, which is related to the electrophoresis component of diffusiophoresis, becomes more significant as the difference between the ionic drag coefficients of electrolyte cations and anions becomes larger and vanishes in the limit of thin or thick double layer. A simpler approximate mobility expression is further obtained that does not involve exponential integrals.
A novel hybrid algorithm based on rat swarm optimization and pattern search for parameter extraction of solar photovoltaic models
Authors: Eslami Mahdiyeh , Akbari Ehsan , Seyed Sadr Seyed T. , Ibrahim Banar F.
Published: April 2022

Parameter extraction of photovoltaic (PV) models based on measured current–voltage data plays an important role in the control, simulation, and optimization of PV systems. Despite the fact that various parameter extraction strategies have been dedicated to solving this problem, they may have certain drawbacks. In this paper, an effective hybrid optimization method based on adaptive rat swarm optimization (ARSO) and pattern search (PS) is presented for effectively and consistently extracting PV parameters. The proposed method employs the global search ability of ARSO and the local search ability of PS. The performance of the new algorithm is investigated using a set of benchmark test functions, and the results are compared with those of the standard RSO and some other methods from the literature. The extraction of parameters from several PV models, such as single‐diode, double‐diode, and PV modules, confirms the performance of the suggested method. Simulation results show that the proposed method surpasses other state‐of‐the‐art procedures in terms of accuracy, reliability, and convergence speed.
Using calibrated surface roughness dating to estimate coastal dune ages at K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Sand Mass, Australia
Authors: Patton Nicholas R. , Shulmeister James , Rittenour Tammy M. , Almond Peter , Ellerton Daniel , Santini Talitha
Published: April 2022

Here we present a novel application of landscape smoothing with time to generate a detailed chronology of a large and complex dune field. K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Sand Mass (CSM) dune fields host thousands of emplaced (relict) and active onlapping parabolic dunes that span 800 000 years in age. While the dune fields have a dating framework, their sheer size (~1930 km2) makes high‐resolution dating of the entire system infeasible. Leveraging newly acquired (n = 8) and previously published (n = 20) optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages from K'gari and the CSM, we estimate the age of Holocene dunes by building a surface roughness (σC)–age relationship model. In this study, we defineσCas the standard deviation of topographic curvature for a dune area and we demonstrate an exponential relationship (r2 = 0.942, RMSE = 0.892 ka) betweenσCand timing of dune emplacement on the CSM. This relationship is validated using ages from K'gari. We calculateσCutilizing a 5 m digital elevation model and apply our model to predict the ages of 726 individually delineated Holocene dunes. The timing of dune emplacement events is assessed by plotting cumulative probability density functions derived from both measured and predicted dune ages. We demonstrate that both dune fields had four major phases of dune emplacement, peaking at <0.5, ~1.5, ~4, and ~8.5 ka. We observe that our predicted dune ages did not create or remove major events when compared to the OSL‐dated sequence, but instead reinforced these patterns. Our study highlights thatσC–age modelling can be an easily applied relative or absolute dating tool for dune fields globally. This systematic approach can fill in chronological gaps using only high‐resolution elevation data (3–20 m resolution) and a limited set of dune ages.
A Blockchain‐based Framework for Privacy Preservation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Rani Rinkle , Kalra Nidhi
Published: April 2022

Healthcare Records are becoming more valuable than ever due to the emergence of various new diseases and the current pandemic. These records are scattered throughout multiple healthcare providers in several places. Keeping them in physical form is time‐consuming; thus, they need to be kept in electronic form. Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) are mostly managed at the individual company level, creating a single point of failure and exposing users to various security risks, including amateur‐level attacks and data breaches by hackers. This article proposes a permissioned blockchain‐based framework to overcome the above issues for secured storage and sharing of EHRs over the network. For the overall implementation of the framework Hyperledger Fabric (HLF), InterPlanetary Distributed File System (IPFS), and Identity Based Proxy Re‐Encryption (IB‐PRE) algorithm are used. To create proposed blockchain network, HLF is used. To manage EHRs on the blockchain, IPFS is used where the actual encrypted massive data is stored off‐chain, and their corresponding hash values are stored on the blockchain. Further, IB‐PRE algorithm is used to share EHRs in a safe manner, where a proxy node retrieves requested data from IPFS, performs re‐encryption, and returns the re‐encrypted data to the requester thus, ensures user privacy and data integrity. Finally, the Hyperledger Caliper tool is used to run a performance test to check the system efficiency in terms of throughput and latency. Features and performance‐based comparisons of the proposed and existing related work are made to demonstrate the effectiveness.
Protective effect of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver male flowers on ethanol‐induced DNA damage in mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex
Authors: Ding Yanxia , Wu Yantong , Chen Juan , Zhou Zhaoli , Zhao Bing , Zhao Rihong , Cui Yuzi , Li Qin , Cong Yue
Published: April 2022

Ethanol is a principal ingredient of alcoholic beverages with potential neurotoxicity and genotoxicity, and the ethanol‐associated oxidative DNA damage in the central nervous system is well documented. Natural product may offer new options to protect the brain against ethanol‐induced neurotoxicity. The male flower of Eucommia ulmoides (EUF) Oliver has been extensively utilized as the tea, the healthy hot drink on the market. In this study, 19 constituents in the effective fraction of EUF were identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). In the single‐cell gel electrophoresis assay, EUF was observed to ameliorate DNA damage in mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex caused by acute ethanol administration, which was further confirmed by the morphological observation. The protective effects of EUF were associated with increasing total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) activities, and a decrease in nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), and kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein‐1 (Keap1) levels. Molecular docking results demonstrated that compounds 4, 7, 9, and 16 from EUF have a strong affinity to the Keap1 Kelch domain to hinder the interaction of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) with Keap1. These findings suggest that EUF is a potent inhibitor of ethanol‐induced brain injury possibly via the inhibition of oxidative stress.
Robotic mapping of motor cortex in children with perinatal stroke and hemiparesis
Authors: Kuo Hsing‐Ching , Zewdie Ephrem , Giuffre Adrianna , Gan Liu Shi , Carlson Helen L. , Wrightson James , Kirton Adam
Published: April 2022

Brain stimulation combined with intensive therapy may improve hand function in children with perinatal stroke‐induced unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). However, response to therapy varies and underlying neuroplasticity mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we aimed to characterize robotic motor mapping outcomes in children with UCP. Twenty‐nine children with perinatal stroke and UCP (median age 11 ± 2 years) were compared to 24 typically developing controls (TDC). Robotic, neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation was employed to define bilateral motor maps including area, volume, and peak motor evoked potential (MEP). Map outcomes were compared to the primary clinical outcome of the Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTT). Maps were reliably obtained in the contralesional motor cortex (24/29) but challenging in the lesioned hemisphere (5/29). Within the contralesional M1 of participants with UCP, area and peak MEP amplitude of the unaffected map were larger than the affected map. When comparing bilateral maps within the contralesional M1 in children with UCP to that of TDC, only peak MEP amplitudes were different, being smaller for the affected hand as compared to TDC. We observed correlations between the unaffected map when stimulating the contralesional M1 and function of the unaffected hand. Robotic motor mapping can characterize motor cortex neurophysiology in children with perinatal stroke. Map area and peak MEP amplitude may represent discrete biomarkers of developmental plasticity in the contralesional M1. Correlations between map metrics and hand function suggest clinical relevance and utility in studies of interventional plasticity.
Towards the global equilibrium of COVID‐19: Statistical analysis of country‐level data
Authors: Last Mark
Published: April 2022

In our study, we explore the COVID‐19 dynamics to test whether the virus has reached its equilibrium point and to identify the main factors explaining the current R and case fatality rate (CFR) variability across countries. We present a retrospective study of publicly available country‐level data from 50 countries having the highest number of confirmed COVID–19 cases at the end of September 2021. The mean values of country‐level moving averages of R and CFR went down respectively from 1.118 and 6.3% on June 30, 2020 to 1.083 and 3.6% on September 30, 2020 and to 1.015 and 1.8% by September 30, 2021. In parallel, the 10%–90% inter‐percentile range of R and CFR moving averages decreased, respectively, from 0.288 and 13.3% on June 30, 2020, to 0.151 and 7.7% on September 30, 2020, and to 0.107 and 3.3% by September 30, 2021. The slow decrease in the country‐level moving averages of R, approaching the level of 1.0 and accompanied by repeated outbreaks (“waves”) in various countries, may indicate that COVID‐19 has reached its point of stable endemic equilibrium. A regression analysis implies that only a prohibitively high level of herd immunity (about 63%) may stop the endemic by reaching a stable disease‐free equilibrium. It also appears that fully vaccinating about 70% of a country's population should be sufficient for bringing the CFR close to the level of the seasonal flu (about 0.1%). Thus, while the currently available vaccines prove to be effective in reducing the mortality from the existing COVID‐19 variants, they are unlikely to stop the spread of the virus in the foreseeable future. It is noteworthy that government measures restricting people's behavior (such as lockdowns) were not found to have statistically significant effects in the analyzed data.
Characteristics, complications, and a comparison between early and late tracheostomy: A retrospective observational study on tracheostomy in patients with COVID‐19‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Hansson Anna , Sunnergren Ola , Hammarskjöld Anneli , Alkemark Catarina , Taxbro Knut
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic spread worldwide in 2020, the number of patients requiring intensive care and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) has increased rapidly. During the pandemic, early recommendations suggested that tracheostomy should be postponed, as the potential benefits were not certain to exceed the risk of viral transmission to healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of tracheostomy in patients with COVID‐19‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome, in terms of patient and clinical characteristics, outcomes, and complications, by comparing between early and late tracheostomy.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective observational study was conducted in Jönköping County, Sweden. Between 14 March 2020 and 13 March 2021, 117 patients were included. All patients ≥18 years of age with confirmed COVID‐19, who underwent tracheostomy were divided into two groups based on the timing of the procedure (≤/>7 days). Outcomes including the time on IMV, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and mortality 30 days after ICU admission, as well as complications due to tracheostomy were compared between the groups.

Results

Early tracheostomy (<7 days, n = 56) was associated with a shorter median duration of mechanical ventilation (7 [12], p = 0.001) as well as a shorter median ICU stay (8 [14], p = 0.001). The most frequent complication of tracheostomy was minor bleeding. With the exception of a higher rate of obesity in the group receiving late tracheostomy, the patient characteristics were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

This study showed that early tracheostomy was safe and associated with a shorter time on IMV as well as a shorter ICU length of stay, implicating possible clinical benefits in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. However, it is necessary to verify these findings in a randomized controlled trial.