bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Impact On Upper Layang Reservoir Operation
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Mohammad Fathilah Nur Nabilah Farhana , Sa’ad Sa’id Aminu ,   Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Jeevaragagam Ponselvi ,   Department of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Mohd Nasir Kamarul Azlan ,   Department of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor
Published: November 2023

The goal of reservoir operation policies is to get the most out of the water that can be stored and delivered as a water supply. Water shortages and floods may become more common in Malaysia because of climate change and global warming. The biggest impediment to developing reliable water storage and supplies in Sg Layang Reservoir, Johor, Malaysia, is a lack of water. Forecasting reservoir water levels is critical for storage management, particularly in water supply systems. As a result, the objective of this research is to create a reservoir simulation model using the Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) to generate water levels to compare with observed water levels and to predict water levels using input variables such as future daily rainfall to examine the reservoir’s performance under changing conditions. Rainfall data from 2011 is utilized to calibrate the system, while data from 2012 to 2013 is used to validate it. The observed rainfall data was applied to the Sungai Layang watershed region. The correlation coefficient, R2, was employed to show the watershed’s best value. The calibration procedure has an R2 of 0.91, whereas the validation procedure has an R2 of 0.88. The accuracy of the model is satisfactory, as the R2 is near to 1.0, and calibration parameters can be employed in the following design processes, according to the analysis completed by HEC-HMS applications. The simulation was carried out using the same parameters in 2017, 2030, and 2050 with four distinct scenarios to evaluate water level behavior using future rainfall data. According to the simulation, most of the water level in the future will be below the crucial threshold of 23.5m. The findings reveal that climate change has an impact on reservoir functioning in terms of rainfall intensity.
Portrait d’une infodémie: Retour sur la première vague de COVID-19
Authors: Durand Frédérick , Gramaccia Julie , Thiboutot Jennyfer , Brin Colette
Published: November 2023

Ce rapport s’appuie sur une veille documentaire au cours de laquelle plus de 500 textes ont été analysés, publiés entre mars et septembre 2020, et 9 entretiens réalisés auprès d’experts. L'objectif de ce travail est de cerner les thèmes et pratiques émergentes dans la recherche et dans le débat public portant sur la production, la consommation et la propagation de mésinformation ou de désinformation concernant la COVID-19. Ce rapport relève que pandémie s’accompagne d’une crise de l’information d’une ampleur inédite et aux conséquences potentielles graves, mais qui s’inscrit tout de même dans la continuité du débat sur les « fausses nouvelles » des dernières années; on y reconnaît des mouvements divers ancrés dans le scepticisme à l’égard des autorités publiques, politiques et scientifiques. Les auteurs de ce rapport proposent une série de définitions afin de lever la confusion autour de termes souvent employés dans la documentation: infodémie, désinformation, mésinformation, propagande, théories du complot, fausses nouvelles, chambres d’écho. Ils font aussi ressortir le rôle des acteurs publics, notamment les gouvernements et les organisations internationales, des médias d’information et des grandes plateformes numériques qui retiennent tout particulièrement l’attention en tant qu’acteurs centraux de la lutte à l’infodémie. L'analyse montre aussi que les scientifiques et experts jouent aussi un rôle important dans la communication publique sur la pandémie et qu'ils peuvent aussi nourrir l’infodémie, involontairement et à des degrés divers. Enfin, ce rapport met en évidence que l'apport des solutions technologiques et tout particulièrement de l’IA pour contrer l’infodémie apparaît encore incertain et propose quelques recommandations en vue de l’élaboration d’un cadre d’intervention global et cohérent pour soutenir la qualité de l’information dans l’espace numérique pour les années à venir.
Organizational and methodological principles of teaching the elective discipline “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology” for students of the Educational and Research Institute of Nursing
Authors: Fedoniuk Larysa , Hlyvka Nelia , Stravskyy Yaroslav
Published: November 2023

Based on the training of nurses according to the generally accepted international educational standards, the most effective way to attain a higher standard of education for future specialists is to incorporate optional courses that provide a novel approach to learning. The purpose of this study was to present the experience of the Department of Medical Biology of the I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University in the development and implementation of the elective discipline “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology” in the educational programme “Nursing” of the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education in the branch of knowledge 22 Healthcare, specialty 223 Nursing. The study analysed the theoretical and methodological foundations of conducting classes in the elective discipline “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology”. It was found that the educational and methodological complex, which corresponds to the curriculum and is developed based on the regulatory documents of the educational programme “Nursing”, enables students to master, expand, and improve the level of mastery of the initial material, develop an individual approach to solving the tasks according to the goals and programme results. The paper points out the importance of forming a holistic understanding of parasitism as a form of relationship between organisms in nature. The study covered the teaching methods employed for the elective course “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology” in a higher education institution. It analysed how using teaching aids, including museum exhibits in the educational process and the role of the Department of Medical Biology, enhances the effectiveness of students’ learning activities in studying the fundamentals of medical parasitology. The incorporation of highly visible means, information and communication technologies, well-designed educational and methodological support, and impeccably organised classroom activities will enhance the quality, content, and principles of educational services offered in the educational programme “Nursing”, speciality 223 Nursing
Les Jeux olympiques d’été de 2008 : regard sur les assurances des Jeux de la XXIXe Olympiade
Authors: Moreau Rémi
Published: November 2023

L’assurance et la gestion des risques sont des aspects importants reliés au succès des
Jeux Olympiques, particulièrement en Chine où de nombreux défis étaient en jeu, et
qu’elle a surmontés avec succès, notamment les problèmes de pollution, de climat
politique et de sécurité. L’exposition aux risques traditionnels et spéciaux ainsi que
le contrôle des risques sont des aspects critiques des Jeux olympiques.

L’auteur examine, sous diverses facettes, cet événement qui s’est tenu à Pékin en
août dernier, ainsi que les nombreux programmes d’assurance souscrits soit par le
Comité organisateur, soit par les comités nationaux, soit par le CIO lui-même. Bien
que plusieurs assureurs aient participé à différentes couvertures, l’assureur national
en assurance de dommages PICC a été désigné comme l’assureur officiel des Jeux
de Beijing.
La performance et le conservatisme des modèles VAR mensuelle
Authors: Chrétien Stéphane , Coggins Frank , Gallant Paul
Published: November 2023

Cette étude compare quatorze modèles de Valeur à risque (ci-après VAR) mensuelle des marchés boursiers canadiens et américains dans l’optique d’un gestionnaire de portefeuille institutionnel. Notre analyse
se concentre sur l’importance de quatre caractéristiques des modèles VAR par simulations historiques avec filtre, une des approches les plus prometteuses. Nos résultats montrent que les modèles VAR mensuelle par simulations historiques avec un filtre quotidien de type GARCH sont les seuls à ne pas être rejetés à l’égard de tous les tests de performance effectués. Parmi ces modèles, la spécification GARCH asymétrique, qui s’avère la plus conservatrice, indique que les indices S&P/TSX Composite et S&P500 ont une probabilité de 5 % d’une perte moyenne respective d’au moins 7,4 % et 6,7 % de leur valeur sur un mois.
La garantie de remplacement automobile au Québec : identification de la nature juridique du produit
Authors: Bekono E. Frédy , Bernier Gilles
Published: November 2023

Cet article se propose d’examiner si la garantie de remplacement est un produit d’assurance ou non. À cet effet, nous présentons un cadre d’analyse basé sur la théorie et les pratiques réglementaires de l’assurance. Celui-ci nous a permis d’identifier
des caractéristiques communes ou éléments indispensables aux contrats d’assurance. Sur la base de ces caractéristiques, nous appliquons des tests d’identification à la garantie de remplacement. Nos résultats indiquent que la garantie de remplacement n’est pas un produit de consommation comme on la considère actuellement au Québec, mais plutôt un produit d’assurance complémentaire à l’assurance automobile.
Les titres adossés à des créances hypothécaires : le marché américain et le marché canadien
Authors: Boyer Martin , Girard François
Published: November 2023

Cet article fait suite à celui sur les caractéristiques et les propriétés des titres adossés
à des créances hypothécaires qui a été publié dans le denier numéro d’Assurances
et gestion des risques. Nous comparons dans cette suite le fonctionnement
du marché des titres adossés à des créances hypothécaires aux États-Unis avec
celui du marché canadien. Notre article se penche sur une analyse comparative
du marché canadien et du marché américain afin d’en comprendre les différences.
La compréhension du fonctionnement du marché des créances hypothécaires est
essentielle pour évaluer le pourquoi et le comment de la crise des hypothèques à
haut risque qui fait rage depuis la fin de l’année 2007.
“I Am Like Green Firewood – Not Going Out, Not Catching Fire!” A Prisoner’s Self-Portrait in Letters
Authors:   Estonian Cultural History Archives, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Hollo Maarja
Published: November 2023

This article provides an overview of letters written by Fromhold Veidenberg (1906), a communist who entered the Republic of Estonia from the Soviet Union in secret in December 1932, to his relative from Võru, Johanna Eisen (1910–2002). Veidenberg’s intelligence mission failed: he was caught at the border and detained. The suspect’s interview revealed he was a student at The Communist University of the National Minorities of the West in Leningrad, and was sent across the border for a secret mission. After capturing, he was sentenced to six years at the Central Prison in Tallinn. Over four years in prison, in the period 1934–1938, he exchanged letters with several people, including Eisen, who initiated the correspondence. This article is based on 22 letters sent by Veidenberg from prison – he destroyed most of Eisen’s letters before being released in 1938. I will regard Veidenberg’s letters as biographical material, shedding light on the person writing them, to find out how Veidenberg depicts himself in his letters and which strategies he uses to create emotional intimacy with the addressee.
The Popular Ballad, Rumours and Memories as a Special Narrative Format
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Kalmre Eda
Published: November 2023

In principle, the new folksongs or folk ballads of the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century telling about dramatic events could also be called versified media news, as their aim was to mediate topical shocking events, in particular accidents or murders, thus serving as rumours, news and entertainment all in one. The popular ballad ‘Saatuse vangis’ (‘Bound by Fate’) tells a sensational story from southern Estonia. The song spread together with hearsay concerning the central event, the circumstances of the making of the song, and the characters involved. Over time, a specific type of story-telling developed, that mingled prose with parts of the song. The ballad together with the pertaining lore allows us to view the events descried from different aspects, creating a broader picture of the development and meaning of a popular text. The rumours, comments and personal memories accompanying the song helped both the contemporary and subsequent generations to understand and interpret the event. The stories spreading in the community by word of mouth addressed various circumstances “beyond the song”, and the narrator’s own emotions and opinions on the matter.
The Moderating Effect of Institutions in Government Expenditures - Economic Development Nexus in ECOWAS Countries
Authors: Alimi R. Santos
Published: November 2023

The total effect of growing public spending on economic development is ambiguous, especially with today’s realities of exposure to international trade and domestic factor such as institutions. Hence, the objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that good institutions moderate the effect of large government size on economic development. The study employed secondary data covering the period 1986 to 2018 and Arellano and Bover’s Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM) panel estimation technique was used to achieve the study objective.  Data on Gross Domestic Product per capita, government size, population growth rate, inflation rate, gross fixed capital formation, human development index (HDI) and financial development were sourced from World Development indicator database while data on institutions was obtained from International County Risk Guide database. The study found that the stated hypothesis is validated i.e good institutions mitigate any negative effect of large government size on economic development for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The study therefore, concluded that the relationship between government size and economic development depends on quality of institutions in ECOWAS countries. It is recommended that member countries should embrace democratic governance and build democratic institutions in order to promote government stability. More so, there is need to tightening up of existing public sector rules and regulations on corruption and the setting up of anti-corruption institutions to fight corruption and check corrupt behaviour in the ECOWAS countries.
The Natural History of Disability and Caregiving Before and After Long-Term Care Entry
Authors: Lam Kenneth , Cenzer Irena , Levy Cari R , Matlock Dan D. , Smith Alexander K. , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: November 2023

Importance

Many older persons move into long-term care facilities (LTCFs) due to disability and insufficient home caregiving options. However, the extent of disability and caregiving provided around the time of entry is unknown.

Objective

To quantitatively describe disability and caregiving before and after LTCF entry, comparing nursing home (NH), assisted living (AL), and independent living (IL) entrants.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A longitudinal cohort study using prospectively collected annual data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study from 2011 to 2020 including participants in the continental US. Overall, 932 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries entering LTCF from 2011 to 2019 were included. Entry into LTCF was set as t = 0, and participant interviews from 4 years before and 2 years after were used.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of severe disability (severe difficulty or dependence in ≥3 activities of daily living), prevalence of caregivers, and median weekly caregiving hours per entrant, using weighted mixed-effects regression against time as linear spline.

Results

At entry, mean (SD) age was 84 (8.4) years, 609 (64%, all percentages survey weighted) were women, 143 (6%) were Black, 29 (3%) were Hispanic, 30 (4%) were other (other race and ethnicity included American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and other), and 497 (49%) had dementia. 349 (34%) entered NH, 426 (45%) entered AL, and 157 (21%) entered IL. Overall, NH and AL entry were preceded by months of severe disability and escalating caregiving. Before entry, 49% (95% CI, 29%-68%) of NH entrants and 10% (95% CI, 3%-24%) of AL entrants had severe disability. Most (>97%) had at least a caregiver, but only one-third (NH, 33%; 95% CI, 20%-50%; AL, 33%; 95% CI, 24%-44%) had a paid caregiver. Median care was 27 hours weekly (95% CI, 18-40) in NH entrants and 18 (95% CI, 14-24) in AL entrants. On NH and AL entry, severe disability rose to 89% (95% CI, 82%-94%) and 28% (95% CI, 16%-44%) on NH and AL entry and was 66% (95% CI, 55%-75%) 2 years after entry in AL residents. Few IL entrants (<2%) had severe disability and their median care remained less than 7 hours weekly before and after entry.

Conclusions

This study found that persons often enter NHs and ALs after months of severe disability and substantial help at home, usually from unpaid caregivers. Assisted living residents move when less disabled, but approach levels of disability similar to NH entrants within 2 years. Data may help clinicians understand when home supports approach a breaking point.
Euopisthobranchs: Introduction
Authors: Lobo‐da‐Cunha Alexandre , Bartolomaeus Thomas , Malaquias Manuel A. E.
Published: November 2023

The euopisthobranchs constitute a taxon of marine gastropods with around 1000 described species. This taxon has a worldwide distribution, from tropical to polar seas, ranging in habitats from intertidal to the deep marine ecosystems. The euopisthobranchs present a large morphological diversity. In some species the shell is external, but there is a strong tendency to shell reduction and internalization. Hence, they range from the limpet‐like Umbraculida and bubble‐shelled cephalaspideans to a variety of sea slugs, including the sea hares (Anaspidea). The Euopisthobranchia comprise both herbivores and carnivores. Most are benthonic, but the pteropods are pelagic swimmers.
Euopisthobranchs: Intestinal System
Authors: Lobo‐da‐Cunha Alexandre , Bartolomaeus Thomas , Malaquias Manuel A. E.
Published: November 2023

In most euopisthobranchs, the buccal cavity contains the radula. A pair of salivary glands releases into the buccal cavity a fluid for agglutination and lubrication of the food during feeding and ingestion. The esophagus can include a crop to accommodate ingested food, and many euopisthobranchs possess a gizzard with hard plates for food grinding. The stomach is embedded in the digestive gland and linked to it by a system of ducts. The digestive tract lumen is lined by an epithelium formed by ciliated and nonciliated absorptive cells, intermingled with different kinds of secretory cells. The absorptive epithelial cells are covered by microvilli and contain several lysosomes for intracellular digestion of particles captured by endocytosis. The digestive gland comprises multiple digestive diverticula formed by digestive cells engaged in intracellular digestion, and basophilic cells that secrete enzymes for extracellular digestion. The intestine is usually long ending in the anus.
Euopisthobranchs: Skeletal/Support System
Authors: Lobo‐da‐Cunha Alexandre , Bartolomaeus Thomas , Malaquias Manuel A. E.
Published: November 2023

In euopisthobranchs, the shell can be external, covering the whole body or just part of it, but in many species, the shell is internal and greatly reduced or completely absent. External shells are morphologically diverse, being limpet‐like in umbraculids, bubble‐shaped in several cephalaspideans, coiled, globular, triangular, or needle‐shaped in Euthecosomata. In euopisthobranchs, the evolutionary tendency to reduce, internalize and lose the shell probably allowed species to become more mobile and explore new habitats and food sources, enhancing adaptive radiation of several groups. Shell internalization and reduction are typically associated with a decrease in calcification and a rise in protein and chitin content, rendering the thinner shells more flexible and less brittle.
Weakly Binding Molecules‐Based Fast Charging Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: An Kihun , Kim Dokyung , Tran Yen Hai Thi , Vu Dung Tien Tuan , Park Seong Jun , Heo Jiyoung , Lee Young Joo , Song Seung‐Wan
Published: November 2023

Fast charging of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) beyond standard 0.3 C (charged in 3.3 h) are desperately pursued but hindered by sluggish desolvation kinetics of ethylene carbonate‐based traditional electrolyte, and Li‐plating and dendrites growth at graphite anode and fire hazard. Herein, a new class of weakly binding all linear molecules‐based nonflammable electrolyte (WNLE) is reported, comprising 1 m LiPF6 in ethyl methyl carbonate and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl acetate with additives for 10–20 times faster charging LIBs than traditional ones. The critical benefits of WNLE are 44% lower viscosity, 62% higher Li+ diffusion coefficient, 20% higher Li+ transference number, and 17% lower desolvation energy, which promotes diffusion kinetics and desolvation kinetics of Li+ in the vicinity of graphite anode enabling dendrites‐free LIB, along with nonflammability. Under 3 C (charged in 20 min), WNLE‐based industrial 800 mAh graphite//LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (high active mass 13 mg cm−2) Li‐ion pouch battery achieves outstanding 700 cycles, delivering 82% capacity retention and high Coulombic efficiencies ≈100%. Robust solid electrolyte interphase layers formed at the anode and cathode mitigate interfacial failures, making fast charge to 7 C and longer cycle‐life. This new class of electrolyte formulation is a promising solution and a new opportunity to realize safe and long operation of fast‐charging LIBs for practical applications.
Cellular Trafficking of Nanotechnology‐Mediated mRNA Delivery
Authors: Huang Pei , Deng Hongzhang , Wang Changrong , Zhou Yongfeng , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: November 2023

Messenger RNA (mRNA)‐based therapy has emerged as a powerful, safe, and rapidly scalable therapeutic approach that involves technologies for both mRNA itself and the delivery vehicle. Although there are some unique challenges for different applications of mRNA therapy, a common challenge for all mRNA therapeutics is the transport of mRNA into the target cell cytoplasm for sufficient protein expression. This review is focused on the behaviors at the cellular level of nanotechnology‐mediated mRNA delivery systems, which have not been comprehensively reviewed yet. First, the four main therapeutic applications of mRNA are introduced, including immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy, genome editing, and cellular reprogramming. Second, common types of mRNA cargos and mRNA delivery systems are summarized. Third, strategies to enhance mRNA delivery efficiency during the cellular trafficking process are highlighted, including accumulation to the cell, internalization into the cell, endosomal escape, release of mRNA from the nanocarrier, and translation of mRNA into protein. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the development of nanotechnology‐mediated mRNA delivery systems are presented. This review can provide new insights into the future fabrication of mRNA nanocarriers with desirable cellular trafficking performance.
Electrochemical Oxidative Dehydrogenative Coupling of Sulfoximines to Construct N‐sulfenyl and N‐phosphinyl Sulfoximines
Authors: Li Xiaoman , Huang Jiawei , Xu Liang , Liu Jichang , Wei Yu
Published: November 2023

Herein, an electrochemical oxidative approach for the synthesis of N‐sulfenyl and N‐phosphinyl sulfoximines has been established from readily available NH‐sulfoximines with thiophenols and diarylphosphine oxides. Utilizing the synergistic effect of halide salt and electrochemical oxidation, the desired products are obtained at room temperature in the absence of any acidic/basic/metallic additives.
Dodine as an alternative to chlorothalonil in the control of leaf spot diseases in peanut
Authors: Rossi Chiara , Culbreath Albert K. , Brenneman Timothy B. , Tubbs Ronald Scott , Anco Daniel J. , Vellidis George , Pilon Cristiane
Published: November 2023

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to leaf spot diseases caused by the fungi Nothopassalora personata and Passalora arachidicola, which can decrease yield substantially. Chlorothalonil is one of the most widely used fungicides to control these diseases but was recently banned in the European Union due to toxicity to amphibians and fish. Dodine is an alternative fungicide with a similar range of activity. However, information about its impact on the peanut physiology is lacking. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of dodine on leaf photosynthesis, yield, and pod quality of peanut and evaluate the potential of dodine as a replacement of chlorothalonil in the control of leaf spot diseases. A 3‐year field experiment was conducted using Georgia‐06G. Treatments consisted of chlorothalonil at 0.86 kg a.i. ha−1 (high rate), chlorothalonil at 0.43 kg a.i. ha−1 (low rate), dodine at 0.68 kg a.i. ha−1 (high rate), and dodine at 0.34 kg a.i. ha−1 (low rate). Photosynthetic efficiency was altered by fungicide in only a few instances, and a clear trend was not observed. The high rate of dodine resulted in the least defoliation caused by leaf spot of all fungicide treatments. Pod maturity, yield, and grading parameters were not affected by fungicide. Overall, dodine did not impact negatively the photosynthetic activity, pod quality, and yield of peanut. Moreover, this chemistry was efficient in controlling leaf spot diseases under heavy disease pressure; therefore, dodine is a potential replacement of chlorothalonil in the control of leaf spot diseases in peanut.
Application of the Face2Gene tool in an Italian dysmorphological pediatric clinic: Retrospective validation and future perspectives
Authors: Carrer Alessia , Romaniello Maria Giovanna , Calderara Maria Letizia , Mariani Milena , Biondi Andrea , Selicorni Angelo
Published: November 2023

Neurodevelopmental disorders exhibit recurrent facial features that can suggest the genetic diagnosis at a glance, but recognizing subtle dysmorphisms is a specialized skill that requires very long training. Face2Gene (FDNA Inc) is an innovative computer‐aided phenotyping tool that analyses patient's portraits and suggests 30 candidate syndromes with similar morphology in a prioritized list. We hypothesized that the software could support even expert physicians in the diagnostic workup of genetic conditions. In this study, we assessed the performance of Face2Gene in an Italian dysmorphological pediatrics clinic. We uploaded two‐dimensional face pictures of 145 children affected by genetic conditions with typical phenotypic traits. All diagnoses were previously confirmed by cytogenetic or molecular tests. Overall, the software's differential included the correct syndrome in most cases (98%). We evaluated the efficiency of the algorithm even considering the rareness of the genetic conditions. All “common” diagnoses were correctly identified, most of them with high diagnostic accuracy (93% in top‐3 matches). Finally, the performance for the most common pediatric syndromes was calculated. Face2Gene performed well even for ultra‐rare genetic conditions (75% within top‐3 matches and 83% within top‐10 matches). Expert geneticists maybe do not need computer support to recognize common syndromes, but our results prove that the tool can be useful not only for general pediatricians but also in dysmorphological clinics for ultra‐rare genetic conditions.
Genome sequencing detects a balanced pericentric inversion with breakpoints that impact the DMD and upstream region of POU3F4 genes
Authors: Chandrasekhar Anjana , Mroczkowski Henry J. , Urraca Nora , Gross Andrew , Bluske Krista , Thorpe Erin , Hagelstrom R. Tanner , Schonberg Steven A. , Perry Denise L. , Taft Ryan J. , Kesari Akanchha
Published: November 2023

We describe a family with two maternal half‐brothers both of whom presented with muscular dystrophy, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and sensorineural hearing loss. The elder brother had onset of features at ~3 months of age, followed by clinical confirmation of muscular dystrophy at 3 years. Skeletal biopsy staining at 4.7 years showed an absence of dystrophin protein which prompted extensive molecular testing over 4 years that included gene panels, targeted single‐gene assays, arrays, and karyotyping, all of which failed to identify a clinically significant variant in the DMD gene. At 10 years of age, clinical whole‐genome sequencing (cWGS) was performed, which revealed a novel hemizygous ~50.7 Mb balanced pericentric inversion on chromosome X that disrupts the DMD gene in both siblings, consistent with the muscular dystrophy phenotype. This inversion also impacts the upstream regulatory region of POU3F4, structural rearrangements which are known to cause hearing loss. The unaffected mother is a heterozygous carrier for the pericentric inversion. This finding illustrates the ability of cWGS to detect a wide breadth of disease‐causing genomic variations including large genomic rearrangements.
Site‐Selective C(sp3)−H Borylation of 3‐Azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes by Cooperative Iridium/Aluminum Catalysis
Authors: Shimazaki Yuto , Osawa Ayumi , Nakao Yoshiaki
Published: November 2023

Functionalized 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes are highly interesting for their physiochemical and pharmacological properties. We report an unprecedented direct bridge‐head C(sp3)−H borylation by cooperative iridium/aluminum catalysis. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions in good yields with moderate to complete site selectivities. Moreover, the use of a BINOL‐based chiral aluminum catalyst renders the synthesis of enantioenriched alkylboronate products. We also disclose its synthetic utility through rapid diversifications without any loss of the stereochemical information.
Electrochemically Driven Nickel‐Catalyzed Halogenation of Unsaturated Halide and Triflate Derivatives
Authors: Chen Ming‐Yu , Charvet Sylvain , Payard Pierre‐Adrien , Perrin Marie‐Eve L. , Vantourout Julien C.
Published: November 2023

A robust electrochemically driven nickel‐catalyzed halogen exchange of unsaturated halides and triflates (Br to Cl, I to Cl, I to Br, and OTf to Cl) is reported. A combination of NiCl2 ⋅ glyme as the precatalyst, 2,2′‐bipyridine as a ligand, NMP as the solvent, and electrochemistry allowed the generation of a nickel species that promotes reductive elimination of the desired product. This paired electrochemical halogenation is compatible with a range of unsaturated halides and triflates, including heterocycles, dihaloarenes, and alkenes with good functional‐group tolerance. Joint experimental and theoretical mechanistic investigations highlighted three catalytic events: i) oxidative addition of the aryl halide to a Ni(0) species to deliver a Ni(II) intermediate; ii) halide metathesis at Ni(II); iii) electrochemical oxidation of Ni(II) to Ni(III) to enable the formation of the desired aryl halide upon reductive elimination. This methodology allows the replacement of heavy halogens (I or Br) or polar atoms (O) with the corresponding lighter and more lipophilic Cl group to block undesired reactivity or modify the properties of drug and agrochemical candidates.
Brachial plexus blockade arising from a combined pectoralis (PECS) 1 and 2 block
Authors: Mathers J. D. , Engum A. , Galleberg G.
Published: November 2023

We present a case of inadvertent spread of local anaesthetic from combined pectoralis (PECS) 1 and 2 fascial plane blocks that resulted in an incomplete brachial plexus block. An otherwise healthy 42‐year‐old woman with a body mass index of 23.3 kg.m−2 presented for unilateral mastectomy with immediate prosthetic reconstruction for breast cancer. No axillary dissection was performed. Because of service requirements, the blocks were performed at the conclusion of surgery. This may have resulted in greater cranial spread of the local anaesthetic due to surgical dissection along musculature and placement of the breast implant. Following emergence from general anaesthesia, the patient experienced numbness over the ipsilateral medial forearm extending to the little finger. Further examination with a finger‐nose test revealed reduced coordination and joint proprioception of the ipsilateral arm. There was no detectable gross motor weakness. She was reviewed the following day (23 h after the blocks) by which time her symptoms had subsided entirely. We believe that this is the first documented brachial plexus block after injection of local anaesthetic into the pectoralis 1 and 2 fascial planes.
Risk of birth defects in pregnant persons with sleep‐disordered breathing during pregnancy
Authors: Pressman Katherine , Kendle Anthony M. , Randis Tara M. , Donda Keyur , Salemi Jason L. , Louis Judette M. ,   the NICHD nuMoM2b and NHLBI nuMoM2b Sleep substudy Networks
Published: November 2023

Introduction

As many as one in four pregnant women may experience sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) during pregnancy. The same sequelae of SDB, such as insulin resistance and inflammation, have been implicated in the development of certain birth defects.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the SDB substudy of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers‐to‐Be study, which included 2106 participants who had a sufficiency sleep study at two visits at different time points in pregnancy. SDB was based on a self‐administered home sleep apnea test with data scored by trained, blinded research polysomnologists. SDB was defined as an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5. The primary outcome of this analysis was any of the 45 non‐chromosomal birth defects included in the National Birth Defects Prevention Network Annual Report.

Results

In this cohort, the overall rate of birth defects was 3.1%. The prevalence was similar between those without SDB (3.0%) and those with only mid‐pregnancy SDB (3.4%), but was higher in those with early‐pregnancy SDB (6.7%). After adjusting for maternal age, chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and body mass index (BMI), there were no statistically significant differences in the risk of birth defects by subject SDB status.

Conclusions

Further studies to evaluate the effect of prepregnancy and early‐pregnancy SDB on the fetus, as well as the risk of specific birth defects and neonatal outcomes in those with an objectively measured diagnosis of SDB, are still needed.
A contemporary analysis of disease upstaging of Gleason 3 + 3 prostate cancer patients after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Taggart Ruairidh , Dutto Lorenzo , Leung Hing Y. , Salji Mark , Ahmad Imran
Published: November 2023

Background

Risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in localised prostate cancer can be stratified using the 5‐tier Cambridge Prognostic Group (CPG) or 3‐tier European Association of Urology (EAU) model. Active surveillance is the current recommendation if CPG1 or EAU low‐risk criteria are met. We aimed to determine the contemporary rates of upgrading, upstaging and BCR after radical prostatectomy for CPG1 or EAU low‐risk disease.

Methods

A database of all robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies (RALPs) performed in Glasgow between 12/2015 and 05/2022 was analysed. Rates of upgrading, upstaging and BCR post‐RALP for CPG1 or EAU low‐risk disease were defined. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to assess the relationship between patient factors and outcomes.

Results

A total of 1223 RALP cases were identified. A total of 12.6% met CPG1 criteria with 70.1% and 25.3% upgraded and upstaged to extraprostatic disease post‐operatively respectively. A total of 5.8% met EAU low‐risk criteria with 60.6% upgraded and 25.4% upstaged to extraprostatic disease post‐operatively respectively. CPG1 (p < 0.0001) and EAU low‐risk (p = 0.02) patients were at a significantly higher risk of BCR if upstaged.

Discussion

Many patients who met CPG1 or EAU low‐risk criteria were upgraded post‐RALP and approximately 25% were upstaged due to extraprostatic disease. Upstaging puts patients at a significantly higher risk of BCR.
Pathogenic germline variants in BRCA1 and TP53 increase lung cancer risk in Chinese
Authors: Wei Bing , Zhao Jiadong , Li Jun , Feng Junnan , Sun Manman , Wang Zhizhong , Shi Chao , Yang Ke , Qin Yue , Zhang Jing , Ma Jie , Dong Hui
Published: November 2023

Backgroud

Multiple studies have identified pathogenic germline variants in cancer susceptibility genes (CSGs) in Chinese lung cancer patients; however, accurate assessment of these variants' contributions to cancer predisposition is always hampered by the absence of data on the prevalence of these variants in the general population. It is necessary to conduct a large‐scale case–control study to identify CSGs that significantly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Materials and methods

We performed targeted sequencing of a CSGs panel in 1117 lung cancer patients and 16,327 controls from the general Chinese population.

Results

In comparison to controls, lung cancer patients had a considerably higher prevalence of pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) variations. Among lung cancer patients, 72% of P/LP variants carriers did not have a family cancer history, who would be ignored if germline testing was only provided for patients meeting family history‐based criteria. Furthermore, compared to individuals with late‐onset lung cancer, patients with early‐onset lung cancer had a considerably higher prevalence of P/LP variations. With odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 4‐fold (BRCA1: OR, 4.193; 95%CI, 1.382–10.768) to 29‐fold (TP53: OR, 29.281; 95%CI, 1.523–1705.506), P/LP variants in the BRCA1 and TP53 genes were discovered to be strongly related to increased lung cancer risk. Additionally, with ORs ranging from 7.322‐fold to infinity, we discovered 23 variations previously categorized as non‐P/LP variants were highly enriched in lung cancer patients.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that P/LP variants in BRCA1 and TP53 conferred increased risk of lung cancer in Chinese.
Syngas Conversion over Co4Cluster Grafted on HZSM‐5 Zeolite: Mechanistic Insights from DFT Modeling
Authors: Vummaleti Sai V. C. , Zhang Jia , Chen Luwei , Sullivan Michael B. , Borgna Armando
Published: November 2023

We present a detailed DFT‐based mechanistic investigation of syngas conversion mechanism over Co4cluster grafted onto HZSM‐5 zeolite, [Co4H], employing a QM/MM embedded cluster approach. Starting from the [Co4H] complex, our results show that a favorable coordination of CO over H2, followed by CO hydrogenation leads to a stable −CH2O complex, [Co4(CH2O)(H)]. Coordination of a second CO molecule to [Co4(CH2O)(H)] complex, followed by CH2−O bond activation, and subsequent removal of CO as CO2results in the formation of crucial methylene complex [Co4(CH2)(H)], serving as a branching point for the pathways leading to methane, ethene, and ethane. On the pathway to ethene formation, coordination of a third CO molecule to [Co4(CH2)(H)] complex yields the active [Co4(CH2)(CO)(H)] complex, which is 16.0 kcal mol−1more stable than the methyl complex [Co4(CH3)] on the pathway to methane. From the active species [Co4(CH2)(CO)(H)], we demonstrate that the pathways to both methane and ethene are competing in nature, with the −CH3hydrogenation barrier, 35.1 kcal mol−1, is lower by only 1.3 kcal mol−1than the competing C−O bond activation barrier on the pathway to ethene, 36.4 kcal mol−1. However, the significant stability of the active species [Co4(CH2)(CO)(H)] effectively compensates for this minor difference in barriers, ultimately favoring the formation of ethene over methane. Finally, the ethene desorption barrier is 4.1 kcal mol−1lower than the ethene hydrogenation barrier on the pathway to ethane, indicating the ease of ethene removal from the system. Overall, our DFT study describes that the syngas conversion mechanism catalyzed by [Co4H] system produces ethene selectivelyvia4CO+2H2→C2H4+2CO2.
Hydrogen Tunneling in Stoichiometric and Catalytic Reactions involving Transition Metals
Authors: Matxain Jon M. , Huertos Miguel A.
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen tunneling is a type of quantum tunneling in which a hydrogen atom passes through a potential barrier without reaching the transition state governed by classical mechanics. The participation of hydrogen tunneling in a chemical reaction (stoichiometric or catalytic) can result in the formation of products that without this phenomenon would be impossible to achieve or would be formed in a very slow way. This concept paper aims to review some of the most representative examples of transition‐metal mediated chemical reactions involving hydrogen tunneling. The experimental tools to determine the possibility of the participation of quantum tunneling in a chemical reaction are presented. In addition, the theoretical methods that have been developed to calculate the effect of quantum tunneling on chemical reactions are discussed. Finally, from a personal perspective, the steps to be taken in order to predict and implement this phenomenon are proposed.
Rhodium‐Mediated Dehydrogenation of Hydroboranes and Group 14 Compounds: Base‐Stabilized Silylene and Germylene Complexes vs. Transmetalation
Authors: Hsiang Shou‐Jen , Hayes Paul G.
Published: November 2023

Monocarbonyl rhodium complex LRh(CO), 1, which is stabilized by a pyrrole‐based bis(phosphinimine) pincer ligand (L=κ3‐NNN’=2,5‐[iPr2P=N(4‐iPrC6H4)]2‐N’(C4H2)−), serves as a versatile platform for the dehydrogenation of group 14 substrates. Reaction with primary and secondary silanes and germanes (MesSiH3, Et2SiH2, Ph2GeH2, tBuGeH3; Mes=mesityl) liberates H2 and yields base‐stabilized tetrylene compounds of the form κ2‐L(CO)Rh(ER2) (E=Si: R=Mes, H, 2; R=Et, 5; E=Ge: R=Ph, 6; R=tBu, H, 8). The “:ER2” fragment in these species bridges between the rhodium center and a phosphinimine donor. Preliminary reactions between pinacol (Pin) and κ2‐L(CO)Rh(ER2), E=Si, Ge, indicate that such complexes can serve as silylene and germylene synthons, releasing :ER2 and catalytically generating PinER2. In contrast, combination of complex 1 and MesGeH3 does not yield the anticipated dehydrogenation product, but rather, transmetalation similar to that observed upon reaction between 1 and 3,5‐dimethylphenylborane prevails.
Regulation of mitochondrial structure by the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Wu Yihe , Ren Xiaoyu , Shi Peng , Wu Congying
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and play important roles in multiple cellular processes including cell metabolism, proliferation, and programmed cell death. Mitochondria are double‐membrane organelles with the inner membrane folding inward to form cristae. Mitochondria networks undergo dynamic fission and fusion. Deregulation of mitochondrial structure has been linked to perturbed mitochondrial membrane potential and disrupted metabolism, as evidenced in tumorigenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. Actin and its motors‐myosins have long been known to generate mechanical forces and participate in short‐distance cargo transport. Accumulating knowledge from biochemistry and live cell/electron microscope imaging has demonstrated the role of actin filaments in pre‐constricting the mitochondria during fission. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of myosins in cristae maintenance and mitochondria quality control. Here, we review current findings and discuss future directions in the emerging fields of cytoskeletal regulation in cristae formation, mitochondrial dynamics, intracellular transport, and mitocytosis, with focus on the actin cytoskeleton and its motor proteins.
Barley–Pulse Intercropping Improves Resource Use Efficiency and Soil Health
Authors: Liang Xi , Kayler Zachary , von Rein Isabell , Shaber Jonathon , Sapkota Bala
Published: November 2023

Semiarid regions in southern Idaho receive a small amount of annual precipitation (e.g., 9–12 inches), and crop options are very limited in dryland farming without supplemental irrigation. To diversify cropping systems, growers can incorporate crops with lower water requirements through rotations and intercropping. Field trials were conducted to evaluate crop yield and soil health in barley–pulse intercrops under full and deficit irrigation with no supplemental N fertilizers. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
A novel energy‐efficient routing protocol for industrial WSN using hybrid COOT‐LS algorithm with LSTM‐based DOM prediction
Authors: Ravikumar P. , Kumar P. Ganesh
Published: November 2023

Industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSNs) are very important to improve and simplify the way to manage, monitor, and control industrial factories. IWSNs have many benefits, but because of their vulnerability to extremely complex and variable industrial contexts, they also limit some of the potential that is currently available and present difficulties on numerous fronts. The proposed work develops energy‐efficient routing technique to minimize the overall energy consumption. Heterogeneous mobile nodes are randomly deployed in the experimental region; then, region‐based grid formation is done in the proposed method. In each grid, the base node is selected utilizing the parameters like residual energy and distance of mobile nodes. Hybrid COOT‐HOA optimization is used in the proposed method for selecting the optimal base node in each grid. A deep learning‐based machine learning algorithm called long short‐term memory (LSTM) is utilized to predict the future direction of movement (DOM) of each mobile node in the grid. Estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) is utilized to find an active zone from the sender node to direction of base node. Then, the sender node transmits the data to its nearest node in the active region. This proposed energy‐efficient routing algorithm is tested with several metrics which attains better performance like 94% packet delivery ratio, 7% packet loss, average residual energy of 9.5 J, and 3.4 Mbps throughput. Thus, the energy‐efficient routing protocol used in the proposed approach transfers the data in an energy‐efficient manner for IWSN.
Non‐invasive measurement of blood pressure waveform based on spatiotemporal multi‐dimensional pulse waves
Authors: Lin Dongmei , Wang Hengkun , Zhang Aihua , Gu Jason , Chen Xiaolei , Li Ce , Ma Yurun
Published: November 2023

Continuous monitoring of blood pressure (BP) waveform is essential for the prevention and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases because it contains rich information. A vision‐based non‐invasive measurement method of BP waveform was proposed in this work. A binocular vision pulse acquisition system was utilized to collect continuous pulse images in a predetermined area of radial artery, and multi‐dimensional pulse waves were extracted from image sequences. By using Bi‐directional Long‐Short Term Memory (BiLSTM) networks, a model suitable for the inputs of multitype pulse waves under multi‐length windows has been established. The model can measure BP wave with high accuracy more than 0.94 (correlation coefficient). Measurement errors are less than (4.65 ± 5.80) mmHg for systolic blood pressure and (6.45 ± 7.40) mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. This study breaks through the limitation of obtaining BP from single‐dimensional pulse wave in previous studies and provides a new idea for non‐invasive measurement of human BP waveform.