bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient recovery of phenol from phenolic wastewater by emulsion liquid membrane
Authors: Qi Yabing , Zhang Sijing
Published: April 2022

The recovery of phenol from phenolic wastewater by emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) was investigated. The W/O emulsion was prepared with kerosene, Span−80, carrier, liquid paraffin, and NaOH solution. The effects of NaOH concentration, oil–internal solution ratio, shearing speed, Span−80 concentration, and carrier type and concentration on emulsion breakage were studied. In the single factor experiments of stability of W/O emulsion, the lowest percentages of emulsion breakage were achieved at a NaOH concentration of 0.03 g/ml, an oil–internal solution ratio of 2:1, a shearing speed of 1500 r/min, a Span−80 concentration of 8%, a tributyl phosphate (TBP) concentration of 0.8%, and an ethyl acetate concentration of 0.8%, respectively. Then, the effects of nine factors on extraction efficiencies of phenol were investigated. This indicated that the effects of shearing speed, oil‐internal solution ratio, emulsion‐external solution ratio, liquid paraffin concentration, and mixing speed on extraction efficiencies of phenol were limited. However, the carrier concentration, NaOH concentration, Span−80 concentration, and phenol concentration had important impacts on the extraction efficiency of phenol. The extraction efficiency of phenol could reach 99.7%. Besides, the results of orthogonal experiments indicated that during the extraction of phenol by ELM, the order of importance of factors was NaOH concentration > emulsion‐external solution ratio > volume fraction of Span−80 > volume fraction of TBP. After extraction, the recycled emulsion with Span−80 could not easily be effectively demulsified through heating, which only provided the highest demulsification efficiency of 18.2%. However, the recycled emulsion could be effectively demulsified through centrifugation, which could get the highest demulsification efficiency of 86% at a centrifugal rotational speed of 2000 r/min and a centrifugal time of 25 min.
Attention to diet, exercise, and weight in oncology care: Results of an American Society of Clinical Oncology national patient survey
Authors: Ligibel Jennifer A. , Pierce Lori J. , Bender Catherine M. , Crane Tracy E. , Dieli‐Conwright Christina , Hopkins Judith O. , Masters Gregory A. , Schenkel Caroline , Garrett‐Mayer Elizabeth , Katta Sweatha , Merrill Janette K. , Salamone Jeannine M. , Brewster Abenaa M.
Published: April 2022

Background

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) surveyed cancer patients to assess practice patterns related to weight, diet, and exercise as a part of cancer care.

Methods

An online survey was distributed between March and June 2020 through ASCO channels and patient advocacy organizations. Direct email communication was sent to more than 25,000 contacts, and information about the survey was posted on Cancer.Net. Eligibility criteria included being aged at least 18 years, living in the United States, and having been diagnosed with cancer. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with recommendation and referral patterns.

Results

In total, 2419 individuals responded to the survey. Most respondents were female (60.1%), 61.1% had an early‐stage malignancy, and 48.4% were currently receiving treatment. Breast cancer was the most common cancer (35.7%). The majority of respondents consumed ≤2 servings of fruits and vegetables/d (50.5%) and exercised ≤2 times/wk (50.1%). Exercise was addressed at most or some oncology visits in 56.8% of respondents, diet in 50.1%, and weight in 28.0%. Respondents whose oncology provider provided diet and/or exercise recommendations were more likely to report changes in these behaviors vs. those whose oncology provider did not (exercise: 79.6% vs 69.0%, P < .001; diet 81.1% vs 71.3%, P < .001; weight 81.0% vs 73.3%, P = .003).

Conclusions

In a national survey of oncology patients, slightly more than one‐half reported attention to diet and exercise during oncology visits. Provider recommendations for diet, exercise, and weight were associated with positive changes in these behaviors, reinforcing the importance of attention to these topics as a part of oncology care.
Rider exploitation based whale optimization algorithm for rainfall prediction from meteorological data
Authors: Das Ratnakar , Mishra Dr˙ Jibitesh
Published: April 2022

The rainfall prediction is one of the major problems in meteorological department since it is related to the economy and human life. In addition, the heavy rainfall is the major problem of natural disasters like drought and flood. The accuracy of the rainfall forecasting has been spotted for countries like India and economy is greatly dependent by agriculture. This paper introduces a new rainfall prediction model consists of Feature extraction and Prediction. The features are extracted by modified Empirical Mean Curve Decomposition namely Empirical Mean Median Curve Decomposition, and then subjected to statistical analysis. The results of the statistical features are processed by the classification process. Neural network (NN) is used for the rainfall prediction. To improve the accuracy of proposed work, an optimal weight is and predicted result are multiplied, then, the weight in NN is optimally selected by a Rider Exploitation based Whale Optimization Algorithm. Finally, the performance of the proposed work is compared and proved over the state‐of‐the‐art models in terms of prediction rate.
How conflicts with partners help an underdog to innovate and grow the largest in the world‐case Metallica
Authors: Salmela Erno , Oikkonen Elena
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study is to examine how conflicts with partners may help an underdog organization to innovate and grow. The research was conducted as a qualitative and longitudinal case study of Metallica band as the underdog, and its partners. Metallica was chosen as the focal company because of its conflict sensitivity, success, and ability to challenge the current state. The study indicates that conflicts with partners played a remarkable role in Metallica's innovativeness and growth. The band's music and appearance initially had many opponents, which Metallica had to overcome. Thus, competition was emphasized as a conflict management style. At the same time, the underdog effect was present. The giant leap in performance, however, took place when competition and collaboration styles were utilized in parallel. The study also presents a proposition for a new conflict process model including six improvements to the current model. The most important proposed improvement is coopetition as a new conflict management style.
Widespread occurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Ontario, Canada, and predicted habitat suitability for the emerging Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Authors: Crawshaw Lauren , Buchanan Tore , Shirose Leonard , Palahnuk Amanda , Cai Hugh Y. , Bennett Amanda M. , Jardine Claire M. , Davy Christina M.
Published: April 2022

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, is associated with massive amphibian mortality events worldwide and with some species’ extinctions. Previous ecological niche models suggest that B. dendrobatidis is not well‐suited to northern, temperate climates, but these predictions have often relied on datasets in which northern latitudes are underrepresented. Recent northern detections of B. dendrobatidis suggest that these models may have underestimated the suitability of higher latitudes for this fungus. We used qPCR to test for B. dendrobatidis in 1,041 non‐invasive epithelial swab samples from 18 species of amphibians collected across 735,345 km2 in Ontario and Akimiski Island (Nunavut), Canada. We detected the pathogen in 113 samples (10.9%) from 11 species. Only one specimen exhibited potential clinical signs of disease. We used these data to produce six Species Distribution Models of B. dendrobatidis, which classified half of the study area as potential habitat for the fungus. We also tested each sample for B. salamandrivorans, an emerging pathogen that is causing alarming declines in European salamanders, but is not yet detected in North America. We did not detect B. salamandrivorans in any of the samples, providing a baseline for future surveillance. We assessed the potential risk of future introduction by comparing salamander richness to temperature‐dependent mortality, predicted by a previous exposure study. Areas with the highest species diversity and predicted mortality risk extended 60,530 km2 across southern Ontario, highlighting the potential threat B. salamandrivorans poses to northern Nearctic amphibians. Preventing initial introduction will require coordinated, transboundary regulation of trade in amphibians (including frogs that can carry and disperse B. salamandrivorans), and surveillance of the pathways of introduction (e.g., water and wildlife). Our results can inform surveillance for both pathogens and efforts to mitigate the spread of chytridiomycosis through wild populations.
Identification of risk areas for Orobanche cumana and Phelipanche aegyptiaca in China, based on the major host plant and CMIP6 climate scenarios
Authors: Zhang Lu , Cao Xiaolei , Yao Zhaoqun , Dong Xue , Chen Meixiu , Xiao Lifeng , Zhao Sifeng
Published: April 2022

Parasitic broomrape of the genus Orobanche poses a formidable threat to producing many crops in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Orobanche cumana and Phelipanche aegyptiaca are two of China's most destructive root parasitic plants, causing extreme sunflower, tomato, melon, and tobacco damage. However, the potentially suitable areas of O. cumana and P. aegyptiaca in China have not been predicted, and little is known about the important environmental factors that affect their extension. Due to their invasiveness and economic importance, studying how climate change and host plants may affect broomrapes’ distribution is necessary. In the study, we first predicted the potentially suitable areas of the invasive weeds (O. cumana and P. aegyptiaca) and their susceptible host plants (Helianthus annuus and Solanum lycopersicon) using MaxEnt. Then, the risk zones and distribution shifts of two broomrapes under different climate conditions were identified by incorporating the distribution of their susceptible host plants. The results highlighted that the potential middle‐ and high‐risk zones for O. cumana and P. aegyptiaca amounted to 197.88 × 104 km2 and 12.90 × 104 km2, respectively. Notably, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia were the highest‐risk areas within the distribution and establishment of O. cumana and P. aegyptiaca. Elevation and topsoil pH were the decisive factors for shaping O. cumana distribution; precipitation seasonality and annual precipitation were the dominant bioclimatic variables limiting the spread of P. aegyptiaca. The potentially suitable areas and risk zones of O. cumana would decrease significantly, and those of P. aegyptiaca would fluctuate slightly under future climate change scenarios. Overall, our study suggested that the two broomrapes’ risk zones will significantly northward to higher latitudes. The results will provide suggestions for preventing O. cumana and P. aegyptiaca.
Causes, temporal trends, and the effects of urbanization on admissions of wild raptors to rehabilitation centers in England and Wales
Authors: Panter Connor T. , Allen Simon , Backhouse Nikki , Mullineaux Elizabeth , Rose Carole‐Ann , Amar Arjun
Published: April 2022

Data from wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRCs) can provide on‐the‐ground records of causes of raptor morbidity and mortality, allowing threat patterns to be explored throughout time and space. We provide an overview of native raptor admissions to four WRCs in England and Wales, quantifying the main causes of morbidity and mortality, trends over time, and associations between threats and urbanization between 2001 and 2019. Throughout the study period, 14 raptor species were admitted totalling 3305 admission records. The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo; 31%) and Tawny Owl (Strix aluco; 29%) were most numerous. Relative to the proportion of breeding individuals in Britain and Ireland, Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus), Little Owls (Athene noctua), and Western Barn Owls (Tyto alba) were over‐represented in the admissions data by 103%, 73%, and 69%, respectively. Contrastingly Northern Long‐eared Owls (Asio otus), Western Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus), and Merlin (Falco columbarius) were under‐represented by 187%, 163%, and 126%, respectively. Across all species, vehicle collisions were the most frequent anthropogenic admission cause (22%), and orphaned young birds (10%) were most frequent natural cause. Mortality rate was highest for infection/parasite admissions (90%), whereas orphaned birds experienced lowest mortality rates (16%). For one WRC, there was a decline in admissions over the study period. Red Kite (Milvus milvus) admissions increased over time, whereas Common Buzzard and Common Kestrel admissions declined. There were significant declines in the relative proportion of persecution and metabolic admissions and an increase in orphaned birds. Urban areas were positively associated with persecution, building collisions, and unknown trauma admissions, whereas vehicle collisions were associated with more rural areas. Many threats persist for raptors in England and Wales, however, have not changed substantially over the past two decades. Threats associated with urban areas, such as building collisions, may increase over time in line with human population growth and subsequent urban expansion.
Mating status affects female choice when females are signalers
Authors: Zweerus Naomi L. , van Wijk Michiel , Smallegange Isabel M. , Groot Astrid T.
Published: April 2022

Sexual selection in animals has been mostly studied in species in which males are signalers and females are choosers. However, in many species, females are (also) signalers. In species with non‐signaling females, virgin females are hypothesized to be less choosy than mated females, as virgins must mate to realize fitness and the number of available males is generally limited. Yet, when females signal to attract males, mate limitation can be overcome. We tested how virgin and mated females differ in their calling behavior, mating latency, and in mate choice, using the tobacco budworm Chloridea (Heliothis) virescens as an example for a species in which females are not only choosers but also signalers. We found that virgin females signaled longer than mated females, but virgin and mated signaling females were equally ready to mate, in contrast to non‐signaling females. However, we found that virgin signaling females showed weaker mate preference than mated females, which can be explained by the fact that females increase their fitness with multiple matings. Mated females may thus further increase their fitness by more stringent mate selection. We conclude that signaling is a crucial aspect to consider when studying female mate choice because signaling may affect the number of available mates to choose from.
The trajectory of renal function following mechanical circulatory support and subsequent heart transplantation
Authors: Bartfay Sven‐Erik , Kolsrud Oscar , Wessman Peter , Dellgren Göran , Karason Kristjan
Published: April 2022

Aim

Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) frequently suffer from renal insufficiency. The impact of durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and subsequent heart transplantation (HTx) on kidney function is not well described.

Methods and results

We studied patients with advanced HF who received durable MCS as bridge to transplantation (BTT) and underwent subsequent HTx at our centre between 1996 and 2018. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by 51Cr‐EDTA or iohexol clearance during heart failure work‐up; 3–6 months after MCS; and 1 year after HTx. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was classified according to KDIGO criteria based on estimated GFR. A total of 88 patients (46 ± 15 years, 84% male) were included, 63% with non‐ischaemic heart disease. The median duration of MCS‐treatment was 172 (IQR 116–311) days, and 81 subjects were alive 1 year after HTx. Measured GFR increased from 54 ± 19 during HF work‐up to 60 ± 16 mL/min/1.73 m2 after MCS (P < 0.001) and displayed a slight but nonsignificant decrease to 57 ± 22 mL/min/1.73 m2 1 year after HTx (P = 0.38). The trajectory of measured GFR did not differ between pulsatile and continuous flow (CF) pumps. Among patients 35–49 years and those who were treated in the most recent era (2012–2018), measured GFR increased following MCS implantation and subsequent HTx. Estimated GFR displayed a similar course as did measured GFR.

Conclusions

In patients with advanced heart failure, measured GFR improved after MCS with no difference between pulsatile and CF‐pumps. The total study group showed no further increase in GFR following HTx, but in certain subgroups, including patients aged 35–54 years and those treated during the latest era (2012–2018), renal function appeared to improve after transplant.
Bis(catecholato)silicates: Synthesis and Structural Data
Authors: Millanvois Alexandre , Ollivier Cyril , Fensterbank Louis
Published: April 2022

This minireview provides an overview of the synthesized bis(catecholato)silicates based on the nature of the alkyl or aryl residues and associated cations as well as the methods developed for this purpose. Structural and analytical data such as the29Si NMR shift of silicon penta‐ and hexacoordinate derivatives, selected examples of crystal structures by X‐ray diffraction analysis and oxidation potentials of silicates are reported. Some aspects of reactivity are also mentioned.
Nanotechnology‐enhanced edible coating application on climacteric fruits
Authors: Odetayo Temitayo , Tesfay Samson , Ngobese Nomali Ziphorah
Published: April 2022

Climacteric fruits continue to ripen after harvest and produce ethylene, coupled with an increase in respiration rate, which contributes to more rapid perishability. Inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis has been shown to be an efficient way to delay the onset of ripening and lengthen shelf life. The use of edible materials as coatings presents an efficient approach in preserving the quality of fruits. Edible coatings have many benefits, such as affordability, ease of application, and use of natural ingredients. Nanotechnology provides interesting approaches to the management of fruit shelf life after harvest. Nanotechnology has the capacity of producing new materials by minimizing the size of components to a nanometric level. These kinds of nanomaterials possess distinct and improved properties for delaying fruit ripening and decay. The main goal of adding nanoparticles to edible coatings is to enhance the biopolymer's mechanical and water vapor barrier properties. Nanoparticles also contain biopolymer‐like features and are thought to have superior antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties than edible coatings. This review is aimed at summarizing recent findings on the application of edible coatings in the form of nanoparticles, and their effect on quality parameters and shelf life extension of climacteric fruits. Peer‐reviewed articles were obtained by using Scopus and science direct. The current materials widely used for coating climacteric fruits are zinc, silver and chitosan nanoparticles. Zinc nanoparticles have been shown to be more effective in delaying ripening significantly by reducing weight and moisture loss and ensuring retention of fruit firmness. Further research is needed to understand their effect on other physicochemical properties of fruits.
Ewing sarcoma and related FET family translocation‐associated round cell tumors: A century of clinical and scientific progress
Authors: Maki Robert G. , Grohar Patrick J. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: April 2022

The year 2021 marked the centenary of the first publication of a cancer termed diffuse endothelioma of bone by James Ewing. Its unique features were apparent even in the first case series he described. This new diagnosis was clearly distinct from osteogenic sarcoma and myeloma, which were already well recognized at the time. We undertake this summary to better understanding Ewing sarcoma, contrasting the logarithmic evolution of the standard of care of systemic therapy for this and related diagnoses to the exponential understanding of the molecular biology of this family of tumors. We also outline in this manuscript how the finding of genomic relatives within Ewing sarcoma itself and related tumors, first noted nearly 40 years ago, helps us appreciate the need to find therapeutic plans that are specific for each small round blue cell tumor subtype. The advent of next generation sequencing regarding previously unknown small round blue cell tumor subtypes in many ways puts us back in the shoes of James Ewing in 1921, searching anew for clues leading to better treatments for increasingly rare cancer subsets.
Middle Triassic remnant of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean, central Tibet: Constraints from the Pianshishan retrograded eclogite‐type rocks
Authors: Lu Rukui , Li Yang , Sun Shaolin , Liu Yiming , Nan Guowei , Cui Haifeng , Huang Yuanyi
Published: April 2022

The high‐pressure and low‐temperature metamorphic rocks constitute the important parts of the Longmu Co‐Shuanghu suture zone (LSS) in Tibet, providing a natural window for unveiling the tectonic evolution of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean. In this contribution, geochemical studies, including the whole‐rock geochemistry, Sr‐Nd isotopes and zircon U–Pb geochronology, were performed on the Pianshishan garnet amphibolites and retrograded eclogites, to reconstruct the genesis of the protoliths and to reveal tectonic evolution of the Longmu Co‐Shuanghu Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean (LSPTO). The garnet amphibolites show characteristics similar to the retrograded eclogites, representing different degrees of retrograde metamorphism of the Pianshishan eclogites. The protoliths of garnet amphibolites and retrograded eclogites are alkaline basalts, with geochemical characteristics similar to ocean island basalts (OIB) without Nb, Ta or Ti negative anomalies. Furthermore, geochemical data imply that the protoliths were formed by fractional crystallization of the magma derived from partial melting of garnet lherzolites without crustal contamination. The parental magma was probably generated in a relatively depleted but heterogeneous asthenosphere mantle source. Their protoliths erupted as a seamount within the LSPTO. Garnet amphibolites and retrograded eclogites yielded zircon U–Pb weighted mean ages of 240.2 ± 1.7 Ma and 239.1 ± 2.7 Ma, respectively. Combining with previous studies, we suggest that the LSPTO remained open in the Pianshishan area during the Middle Triassic, and the whole ocean might be gradually closed during the Early to Late Triassic. The small remnant ocean basin during the Middle Triassic can well explain a rapid evolution of the Pianshishan eclogite‐type rocks, that is, from generation to eclogite‐facies metamorphism and then to exhumation‐related retrograde metamorphism within ~19 Myr.
The correlation of lncRNA SNHG16 with inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, disease severity, and prognosis in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Xie Chen , Zhu Bin , Gu Juxian , Sun Muhua
Published: April 2022

Background

Long non‐coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (lncRNA SNHG16) is involved in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) through the regulation of brain endothelial cell viability, inflammation, atherosclerotic plaque formation, and neural apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of lncRNA SNHG16 in AIS patients.

Methods

Newly diagnosed AIS patients (N = 120) were serially recruited. Their lncRNA SNHG16 expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR); serum inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The accumulating recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Moreover, controls (N = 60) were recruited and their lncRNA SNHG16 expressions in PBMCs were detected.

Results

LncRNA SNHG16 was declined in AIS patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, lncRNA SNHG16 was not related to any comorbidities in AIS patients (all p > 0.05). Interestingly, lncRNA SNHG16 was negatively related to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) (p < 0.001), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) (p = 0.013), and intracellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (p = 0.024), while positively correlated with interleukin 10 (IL‐10) (p = 0.022) in AIS patients. Besides, lncRNA SNHG16 was inversely associated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in AIS patients (p = 0.003). During the follow‐up period, in 14 (11.7%) patients occurred recurrence and 5 (4.2%) patients died. Unexpectedly, lncRNA SNHG16 was not associated with accumulating RFS (p = 0.103) or OS (p = 0.150) in AIS patients.

Conclusion

LncRNA SNHG16 relates to lower inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and milder disease severity, but fails to predict prognosis in AIS patients.
Age‐specific spectrum of etiological pathogens for viral diarrhea among children in twelve consecutive winter‐spring seasons (2009–2021) in China
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhao Rui‐Qiu , Tang Xiang , Ren Luo , Zhang Yun‐Fa , Ding Heng , Li Yue , Wang Yu‐Na , Li Shuang , Zhang Ling Yu , Liu En‐Mei , Xu Hong‐Mei , Zhang Xiao‐Ai , Liu Wei
Published: April 2022

Viral diarrhea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children. This study was conducted to disclose the etiological cause and epidemiological features of viral diarrhea among children in China. From 2009 to 2021, active surveillance was performed on pediatric patients with acute diarrhea and tested for five enteric viruses. Positive detection was determined in 65.56% (3325/5072) patients and an age‐specific infection pattern was observed. A significantly higher positive rate was observed in 12–23‐month‐old children for rotavirus (47.46%) and adenovirus (7.06%), while a significantly higher positive rate was observed for norovirus (37.62%) in 6–11‐month‐old patients, and for astrovirus (11.60%) and sapovirus (10.79%) in 24–47‐month‐old patients. A higher positive rate of rotavirus in girls and norovirus in boys was observed only among 6–11 months of patients. We also observed more norovirus among patients from rural areas in the 0–5‐ and 36–47‐month groups and more rotavirus among those from rural areas in the 12–23‐month group. Diarrhea severity was greater for rotavirus in the 6–23‐month group and norovirus in the 6–11‐month group. Coinfections were observed in 29.26% (973/3325) of positive patients, and were most frequently observed between rotavirus and others (89.31%). Our findings could help the prediction, prevention, and potential therapeutic approaches to viral diarrhea in children.
Center of mass and anatomical coordinate system definition for sheep head kinematics, with application to ovine models of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sharkey Jessica M. , Quarrington Ryan D. , Magarey Charlie C. , Jones Claire F.
Published: April 2022

Pathological outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI), including diffuse axonal injury, are influenced by the direction, magnitude, and duration of head acceleration during the injury exposure. Ovine models have been used to study injury mechanics and pathological outcomes of TBI. To accurately describe the kinematics of the head during an injury exposure, and better facilitate comparison with human head kinematics, anatomical coordinate systems (ACS) with an origin at the head or brain center of mass (CoM), and axes that align with the ovine Frankfort plane equivalent, are required. The aim of this study was to determine the mass properties of the sheep head and brain, and define an ACSvirtual for the head and brain, using anatomical landmarks on the skull with the aforementioned origins and orientation. Three‐dimensional models of 10 merino sheep heads were constructed from computed tomography images, and the coordinates of the head and brain CoMs, relative to a previously reported sheep head coordinate system (ACSphysical), were determined using the Hounsfield unit–mass density relationship. The ACSphysical origin was 34.8 ± 3.1 mm posterosuperior of the head CoM and 43.7 ± 1.7 anteroinferior of the brain CoM. Prominent internal anatomical landmarks were then used to define a new ACS (ACSvirtual) with axes aligned with the Frankfort plane equivalent and an origin 10.4 ± 3.2 mm from the head CoM. The CoM and ACSvirtual defined in this study will increase the potential for comparison of head kinematics between ovine models and humans, in the context of TBI.
Biomechanical investigation of S2 alar‐iliac screw and S1 pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of Denis type II sacral fractures
Authors: Zheng Jianxiong , Liu Fei , Xiang Jie , Leung Frankie K. L. , Feng Xiaoreng , Chen Bin
Published: April 2022

Although S2 alar‐iliac screw technique has been widely used in spinal surgery, its applicability to pelvic fractures is largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical stability of S2 alar‐iliac screw and S1 pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of Denis II sacral fractures. Twenty‐eight artificial pelvic fracture models were treated with unilateral lumbopelvic fixation, sacroiliac screw fixation, S2 alar‐iliac screw and S1 pedicle screw fixation, and S2 alar‐iliac screw and contralateral S1 pedicle screw fixation (Groups 1–4, respectively; N = 7 per group). Each model was cyclically tested under increasing axial compression. Optical motion‐tracking was used to assess relative displacement and gap angle, and the number of failure cycles. Relative displacement was significantly smaller in Group 3 than in Groups 1 (p = 0.004) and 4 (p < 0.001) but not significantly different between Groups 3 and 2 (p = 0.290). The gap angle in Group 3 was significantly smaller than that in Group 1 (p = 0.009) on the sagittal plane but significantly larger than that in Group 4 (p = 0.006) on the horizontal plane. A number of failure cycles was significantly higher in Group 3 than in Groups 1 (p = 0.002) and 4 (p = 0.004) but not significantly different between Groups 3 and 2 (p = 0.910). From a biomechanical perspective, S2 alar‐iliac screw and S1 pedicle screw fixation can provide good stability in the treatment of Denis II sacral fractures.
Thin and low‐reflection metal black matrix for high ppi liquid crystal display
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Ueda Satoshi , Hachiya Atsushi , Okada Kuniaki , Hirai Akira , Kawahira Yuichi , Misaki Katsunori , Furukawa Hiroaki , Katoh Hiromi
Published: April 2022

A 2.9‐inch 2K2K (1058 ppi) panel using low‐reflection metal black matrix (BM) has been developed. We confirmed lower reflectance of LCD with low‐reflection metal BM that is required for VR headsets recently and also confirmed that there was no adverse effect on the display optical characteristics. We have shown that a thinner BM allows us to design more transparent pixels by increasing the aperture ratio or to increase the color viewing angle.
Congenital aural atresia and first branchial cleft anomalies: Cholesteatoma and surgical management
Authors: Liao Elizabeth N. , Chan Dylan K.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To describe the prevalence and significance of first branchial cleft anomalies in children with congenital aural atresia.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study and case series. Patients were included if they had ICD‐10 code Q16.0, Q16.1, Q16.9, Q17.2, or Q17.9 in their medical record and were seen at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital from 2012 to 2020 for aural atresia. Children were categorized as having aural atresia and first branchial cleft anomalies if the presence of a first branchial cleft anomaly was noted in otolaryngology provider notes; otherwise, they were categorized as aural atresia alone. Patients with aural atresia and first branchial cleft anomalies were included in the case series.

Results

Among 125 children with congenital aural atresia, 5 (4%) were identified with first branchial cleft anomalies. In all cases, an epithelialized tract was noted to originate from the inferior aspect of the middle ear cleft, exiting the temporal bone in an inferomedial position adjacent to the stylomastoid foramen, with a cutaneous exit point inferior to the expected location of the native ear canal. There was no association with sex, microtia grade, or laterality of atresia; however, children with aural atresia and first branchial cleft anomalies were significantly more likely to have syndromes such as Goldenhar and Treacher Collins (p = .04) than those with aural atresia alone.

3/5 (60%) children with aural atresia and first branchial cleft anomalies presented with cholesteatoma compared with 1/120 (0.8%) children with aural atresia alone, a significant difference (p < .001). All four children over the age of two have undergone surgical management. In two of these, excision of the branchial cleft anomaly could be combined with atresiaplasty, with normal hearing results in both cases.

Conclusions

Aural atresia can be associated with comorbid anomalies of the head and neck. First branchial cleft anomalies can be suspected based on characteristic clinical appearance and confirmed with computed tomography showing a typical course through the temporal bone. When present in the context of congenital aural atresia, first branchial cleft anomalies are associated with a significantly increased risk for cholesteatoma, often necessitating surgical management with favorable hearing outcomes.

Level of evidence

4.
An Ultra Facile Debonding Method to Develop a Superhydrophobic Surface Based on a Polymer Composite Film
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Qiang , Zhu Duanyi , He XiuZhi , Wang Rongqi , Zhou Xiaoqin
Published: April 2022

Flexible and thin polymer surfaces with superhydrophobic characteristic have great prospects in many engineering fields, such as self‐cleaning, ice‐proofing, and drag reduction. However, the large‐scale practical applications of superhydrophobic materials are still rarely reported and generally impeded by the existing fabrication methods due to the limits of complicated procedures, toxic solvent applications, harsh conditions occasionally, high cost and low yield. Herein, an ultra‐facile one‐step debonding method to develop superhydrophobic surface based on multilayer extruded macromolecular PA/PE composite film is developed. By employing thermoplasticity and extensibility of polymer film, the pristine smooth PA/PE film could get hierarchical microscale grass‐like, block island and groove structures on its surface, forming an open air‐pockets layer, which endows the normal film with new features of superhydrophobicity, low water adhesion, self‐cleaning and ice‐proofing with inexpensive, environmentally friendly, simple, and fast fabricating strategy.
Spatio‐temporal rainfall variability and trend analysis in the Tekeze‐Atbara river basin, northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Bizuneh Asfaw , Grum Berhane , Degu Ahmed Mohammed , Goitom Haddush
Published: April 2022

Spatial and temporal rainfall variability analysis at a basin scale is essential to understand water availability for sustainable water resource management. This study investigated the spatial distribution and temporal rainfall trend in the Tekeze river basin using daily rainfall data collected from 43 meteorological stations with records from 1960 to 2019. Coefficient of variation, seasonality index (SI) and trend index were used to evaluate monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall variability in the basin. The non‐parametric Mann‐Kendall's test was used to understand any rainfall trends. Results showed that there is moderate annual rainfall variability in the basin. Rainfall variability is higher in the Tsedey, Bega and Belg than kiremt season. SI results showed that majority of the Tekeze river basin is categorized as seasonal, most of the rain occurring in less than 3 months. Overall, Mann‐Kendall's test result revealed that there is no significant annual rainfall trend in the basin except for four stations. The seasonal rainfall characteristics and short duration of rain in the basin indicate that there is a need to implement water harvesting measures during the wet season for use in the dry periods.
Comparison between Boussinesq‐ and Whitham–Boussinesq‐type systems
Authors: Deneke Tilahun , Dufera Tamirat T. , Tesfahun Achenef
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we consider a Whitham–Boussinesq‐type system modeling surface water waves of an inviscid incompressible fluid layer. The system describes the evolution with time of surface waves of a liquid layer in the two‐dimensional physical space. Using fixed point argument, we prove that the system is locally well‐posed on the time scale of order
, where
is the shallowness parameter measuring the ratio of amplitude of the wave to mean depth of fluid. We also show that the solution to the Whitham–Boussinesq system approximates the solution of a Boussinesq system on the time scale of order
.
An event‐triggered optimal cooperative guidance law for simultaneous attacks with impact angle constraints
Authors: Liu Jinhao , Yang Jianying
Published: April 2022

This article proposes a multimissile cooperative guidance law for simultaneous attacks with impact angle constraints based on an event‐triggered strategy. The guidance law has two parts. One part is derived from optimal control to satisfy impact angle constraints, and the other is a cooperative term to perform simultaneous attacks. An event‐triggered strategy is introduced to reduce communication frequency and save energy. The consensus is proved by the Lyapunov theory. Efficacy of the proposed guidance law is verified by numerical simulations.
GRAPES: Trivia game increases sickle cell disease knowledge in patients and providers and mitigates healthcare biases
Authors: Ouyang Amy , Gadiraju Manasa , Gadiraju Veda , Power Landon , Gadiraju Vinitha , Liu Gloria , Guilliams Kristin P. , Binkley Michael M. , Badawy Sherif M. , Fields Melanie E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) endure healthcare biases that are partially due to a lack of disease‐specific education among healthcare providers. Furthermore, there is a paucity of age‐appropriate health education materials for patients with SCD. To address this gap, we created the GRAPES tool (Game to Raise Awareness for Patient/Provider/Public Education of SCD; www.tinyurl.com/GRAPESgame) and hypothesized that utilization of the GRAPES tool will improve patient and provider SCD knowledge and mitigate healthcare bias.

Procedure

The GRAPES tool is an online, single‐player trivia game. A feasibility study was conducted in pediatric patients with SCD at age 10 years or older and registered nurses. All participants were assessed for change in SCD‐relevant knowledge and satisfaction post‐gameplay. Providers were assessed for change in attitudes toward patients with SCD post‐gameplay.

Results

Twenty‐five patients and 25 providers were enrolled. All participants (P < 0.001), and specifically within the patient (P = 0.019) and provider (P < 0.001) cohorts, showed increased SCD knowledge post‐gameplay. Both patients and providers reported high satisfaction with GRAPES. Provider negative attitudes were reduced (P = 0.007) post‐gameplay without change in positive attitudes (P = 0.959). Providers demonstrated post‐gameplay reduced (P = 0.001) belief that patients’ changing behavior around providers indicates inappropriate drug‐seeking behavior.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of the GRAPES tool as a potential digital, behavioral intervention to provide educational materials for patients and their providers in different clinical settings, improve knowledge about SCD, and decrease stigma against patients with SCD in the healthcare setting.
Impact of a pediatric oncology nutrition program: Lessons learnt over a decade
Authors: Prasad Maya , Moulik Nirmalya Roy , Jatia Shalini , Dhamne Chetan , Parambil Badira Cheriyalinkal , Chichra Akanksha , Narula Gaurav , Banavali Shripad D. , Chinnaswamy Girish
Published: April 2022

Background

The management of malnutrition in children with cancer remains a challenge in low–middle‐income countries (LMICs). We describe our pediatric oncology nutrition program and its impact over the past decade.

Methods

We evaluated the impact of our nutrition program in accordance with the International Society of Paediatric Oncology‐Paediatric Oncology in Developing Countries (SIOP PODC) Nutritional Program Evaluation in the areas of service delivery (number served, increments in delivery, number of trained care providers), patients at‐risk (proportion identified with malnutrition at diagnosis/follow‐up), and efficiency of nutritional interventions (proportion assessed, proportion achieved healthy weight, clinicians trained). We analyzed available data for trends between 2009 and 2020, and comparisons were made using the Fisherttest. This study was approved by our institutional ethics committee.

Results

From 2010 to 2020, 17 749 children treated at our center were beneficiaries of the nutritional program, including assessment and intervention. During this period, trained pediatric nutritionists increased from 2 to 8; SIOP PODC level from 2 to 3–4, and nutrition budget increased 15‐fold. At diagnosis (n = 5618) and six‐month follow‐up (n = 2674), 59.6% and 51.2% children were undernourished, 34.8% and 43% well nourished, and 4.7% and 5.7% overnourished. From 2016 onward, fewer children were undernourished at follow‐up—69.5% (2016), 60% (2018), 54% (2019), and 55% (2020,P < 0.001). The program helped train over 500 clinicians in nutrition.

Conclusions

Improved financial support and capacity building have helped build and sustain an effective nutrition program. Priority areas include implementation of best practices, early nutritional intervention, continued education, and locally relevant research.
Multi‐layer sequential network analysis improves protein3Dstructural classification
Authors: Newaz Khalique , Piland Jacob , Clark Patricia L. , Emrich Scott J. , Li Jun , Milenković Tijana
Published: April 2022

Protein structural classification (PSC) is a supervised problem of assigning proteins into pre‐defined structural (e.g., CATH or SCOPe) classes based on the proteins' sequence or 3D structural features. We recently proposed PSC approaches that model protein 3D structures as protein structure networks (PSNs) and analyze PSN‐based protein features, which performed better than or comparable to state‐of‐the‐art sequence or other 3D structure‐based PSC approaches. However, existing PSN‐based PSC approaches model the whole 3D structure of a protein as a static (i.e., single‐layer) PSN. Because folding of a protein is a dynamic process, where some parts (i.e., sub‐structures) of a protein fold before others, modeling the 3D structure of a protein as a PSN that captures the sub‐structures might further help improve the existing PSC performance. Here, we propose to model 3D structures of proteins as multi‐layer sequential PSNs that approximate 3D sub‐structures of proteins, with the hypothesis that this will improve upon the current state‐of‐the‐art PSC approaches that are based on single‐layer PSNs (and thus upon the existing state‐of‐the‐art sequence and other 3D structural approaches). Indeed, we confirm this on 72 datasets spanning ~44 000 CATH and SCOPe protein domains.
A Review on Carbon‐based Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensor of Quinolone Antibiotics
Authors: Jiwanti Prastika K. , Wardhana Brasstira Y. , Sutanto Laurencia G. , Chanif Muchammad F.
Published: April 2022

Quinolone antibiotic is known for its effectiveness in treating infectious disease, and has been used widely for humans and also in animals. Continuous use of antibiotics could promote antibiotic resistance as well as result in the accumulation of antibiotic residues in food. Therefore, monitoring the quinolone antibiotic is important. Meanwhile, carbon‐based electrode is known as a material that has been used widely for electrochemical sensor application. It has been used in its bare form and modified form to improve the electrode catalytic performance. In this review, we summarize the utilization of unmodified and modified carbon‐based electrode in detecting various types of quinolone antibiotics. It is expected to provide comprehensive information on related topics.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Carboxamides Capable of Causing Centrosome Declustering and Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Farrukh Usama B. , Bilal Aishah , Zahid Huda , Iqbal Maheen , Manzoor Safia , Firdous Farhat , Furqan Muhammad , Azeem Muhammad , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Alazmi Meshari , Gao Xin , Saleem Rahman S. Z. , Faisal Amir
Published: April 2022

The fragility of cancer cells at the time of mitosis has served as an important target for the development of many successful chemotherapeutic agents. Many cancers cells have supernumerary centrosomes that they cluster during mitosis to form bipolar spindles. Inhibition of centrosome clustering in these cells results in multipolar spindle formation and apoptotic cell death, providing an opportunity to selectively target a subset of cancers with centrosome amplification. In the current work, we report synthesis of 29 novel tethered biaryls and biological evaluation of their ability to inhibit centrosome clustering in breast cancer cells (BT‐549). We have identified N‐benzhydryl‐5‐nitrofuran‐2‐carboxamide (5 h) as a centrosome declustering compound. 5 h has potent antiproliferative activity in centrosome amplified BT‐549 cells with GI50 value of 1.81±0.19 μM (n=2). Treatment of BT‐549 cells with 5 h causes centrosome declustering resulting in mitotic arrest due to multipolar spindle formation and misaligned chromosomes which ultimately leads to apoptotic cell death.
Ionic‐Liquid‐Assisted Precursor Route Syntheses of Highly Dispersed Supertetrahedral T3 In‐S/Se Clusters for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Yifan , Wang Yanqi , Peng Yingchen , Hu Qianqian , Li Jianrong , Huang Xiaoying
Published: April 2022

Herein, two pure inorganic isostructural supertetrahedral T3 cluster based compounds with different ratio of S : Se, namely [Bmmim]6[In10QCl4](MIm)2 (Q=S9.5Se6.5 (In‐S/Se‐1), S2Se14 (In‐S/Se‐2), Bmmim=1‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium, MIm=1‐methylimidazole), have been obtained via an ionic‐liquid‐auxiliary precursor approach. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) characterization showed that their structures are comprised of a discrete supertetrahedral T3 [In10QCl4]6− cluster charge‐balanced via six [Bmmim]+ cations. Importantly, the T3 clusters of In‐S/Se‐1 and In‐S/Se‐2 can be highly dispersed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). As a result, the T3 clusters uncovered more active sites after being dispersed, thereby exhibiting∼6 times of hydrogen generation rate of that in the solid state. Furthermore, benefitting from higher visible‐light absorption, larger driving force from conduction band (CB) and rapider photogenerated carrier migration, the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity was monotonically improved with increasing of the Se concentration in the T3 clusters. This work provides an alternative strategy for obtaining novel hybrid metal chalcogenide crystalline compounds for efficient energy conversion.
Total Synthesis of 4’‐O‐Methylgrynullarin and Related Isoflavone Natural Products
Authors: Okada Takuya , Ngoc Thanh Luan Nguyen , Arata Ruka , Awale Suresh , Toyooka Naoki
Published: April 2022

Isoflavones containing several hydroxyl groups are known to exhibit a variety of biological activities. 4’‐O‐Methylgrynullarin 1 and its derivatives 2–4 were isolated from Derris scandens flowers and their structures were determined by Suresh and co‐workers in 2021. Because 4’‐O‐methylgrynullarin 1 showed preferential cytotoxicity against PANC‐1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient‐deprived conditions, 1 has the potential to become a novel anti‐cancer drug based on an anti‐austerity strategy. We achieved the total synthesis of 4’‐O‐methylgrynullarin 1 and its derivatives 2–4 using Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling of the prenylated iodochromones 14 and 16 with the corresponding phenylboronic acids 25, 27, and 31 as the key step.