bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: A collision course of tumors
Authors: Rossi Nicholas A. , Gietzen Rachelle , Malaya Lauren T. , Haroun Kareem B. , Conner Grant R. , Coblens Orly , Resto Vicente A. , Clement Cecilia G. , Joshi Rohan
Published: January 2022

Combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the H&N are exceptionally rare. We present the case of combined p16 negative SCC and LCNEC of the oropharynx treated with combination chemotherapy. This is the third reported case of combined neuroendocrine carcinoma and SCC of the oropharynx.
Missed C5 vertebral brown tumor causing spinal cord compression and myelopathy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Mirzashahi Babak , Vosoughi Farzad , Besharaty Saied , Satehi Sadegh Hasani
Published: January 2022

We aim to report a patient with vertebral brown tumor in the context of a primary hyperparathyroidism presented by shoulder pain. This is the first report of C5 brown tumor involvement in a primary hyperparathyroid patient and emphasizes the consideration of cervical vertebral evaluation in patients with persistent shoulder pain.
Intelligent Control of an Industrial Debutanizer Column
Authors: Fatima Syeda Anmol , Zabiri Haslinda , Taqvi Syed Ali Ammar , Ramli Nasser , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah
Published: January 2022

A debutanizer column located at a refinery in Malaysia produces LPG as its top product and light naphtha as its bottom product. Control of the product compositions of the column is very important to maintain the desired purities. The current control design of the debutanizer column is based on the classical proportional integral derivative approach, which has been found to be less effective in controlling the variations in the column as the process is characterized by strong nonlinear and uncertain dynamics. Here, intelligent control based on an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is investigated and compared against an artificial neural network, for the special case of limited training data of the industrial debutanizer column. The ANFIS‐based controller outperforms the other control configurations for both set point tracking and disturbance rejection cases and has better generalization performance even when trained with limited data samples.
Extraction of Sugars and Cellulose Fibers from Cannabis Stems by Hydrolysis, Pulping, and Bleaching
Authors: Pattnaik Falguni , Nanda Sonil , Kumar Vivek , Naik Satyanarayan , Dalai Ajay K. , Mohanty Mahendra K.
Published: January 2022

Cannabis indica stems were hydrolyzed with subcritical water at various temperatures, reaction times, and feed concentrations. The highest total yield of reducing sugars of 16.4 wt % was obtained at 190 °C in 37.5 min with a feed concentration of 3.5 wt %. Solid residues from the optimized process were treated with 0.5 M NaOH (pulping) and 0.5–3 % H2O2 (bleaching) to isolate cellulose fibers. The maximum yield of cellulose was 34.8 wt % with lowest lignin content of 0.5 wt %. With the removal of hemicellulose and lignin through the integrated hydrothermal processes, the crystallinity index and thermal stability of the cellulose fibers increased.
A Green and Efficient Synthesis Method of Benzo[c]cinnolines: Electrochemical Reduction of 2,2’‐Dinitrobiphenyl in the Presence of CO2
Authors: Meng Ru , Li Feng , Li Dan , Jin Baokang
Published: January 2022

Benzo[c]cinnolines are an essential framework material in medicinal chemistry owing to its promising anti‐cancer and antioxidant activity, and good pharmacological properties. Accordingly, benzo[c]cinnolines are synthesized through electrochemical reduction of 2,2’‐dinitrobiphenyl (DNBP) in aprotic solvents with CO2. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), cyclic voltabsorptometry (CVA), derivative cyclic voltabsorptometry (DCVA) techniques, and in‐situ FT‐IR spectroelectrochemistry are used to investigate the mechanism of electrochemical reduction of DNBP in the presence of CO2. It is a reversible 2‐electron‐transfer reaction in an aprotic solution of DMSO in the absence of CO2, while it turned into a completely irreversible 8‐electron process in the presence of CO2. Benzo[c]cinnolines were finally obtained by potentiostatic electrolysis with conversion rate of 99 %, indicating the high selectivity of this reaction. Above all, DNBP can be electrochemically reduced into BC in the presence of CO2, providing a theoretical and practical path for electrochemical synthesis of bioactive benzo[c]cinnolines (BC).
Tailored and Improved Protonic Conductivity through Ba(ZxCe10−x)0.08Y0.2O3−δ Ceramics Perovskites Type Oxides for Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Leonard Kwati , Okuyama Yuji , Ivanova Mariya E. , Meulenberg Wilhelm A. , Matsumoto Hiroshige
Published: January 2022

Acceptor‐doped barium zirconate cerate electrolytes constitute prospective materials for highly efficient and environmentally friendly electrochemical devices. This manuscript employs a systematic approach to further optimize ionic conductivity in Ba(ZrxCe10−x)0.08Y0.2O3−δ, (1≤x≤9) oxides for moderate temperature electrolysis. We found two new composition variants by fixing a cerium/zirconium ratio of 5/4 at the perovskite B‐site with incremental zirconium, an observation that contrasts many reports suggesting a linear decrease in conductivity with increasing zirconium. As a result, the composition BaZr0.44Ce0.36Y0.2O3−δ demonstrates a superior ionic conductivity (10.1 mS cm−1 at 500 °C) to stability trade‐off whereas, BaZr0.16Ce0.64Y0.2O3−δ exhibits the highest conductivity (11.5 mS cm−1 at 500 °C) among the studied pellets. The high protonic conductivity is associated with a high degree of hydration, as confirmed by thermo‐gravimetric analysis. In addition, both compositions as electrolytes allow successful hydrogen production in a steam electrolyzer prototype. Electrolysis voltage as low as 1.3 V is attainable at current densities of 600 and 500 mA/cm2 respectively at 600 °C, achieving 82 % current efficiencies with the later electrolyte.
Synthesis of Natural Products by C−H Functionalization of Heterocycless
Authors: Zhang Yang , Szostak Michal
Published: January 2022

Total synthesis is considered by many as the finest combination of art and science. During the last decades, several concepts were proposed for achieving the perfect vision of total synthesis, such as atom economy, step economy, or redox economy. In this context, C−H functionalization represents the most powerful platform that has emerged in the last years, empowering rapid synthesis of complex natural products and enabling diversification of bioactive scaffolds based on natural product architectures. In this review, we present an overview of the recent strategies towards the total synthesis of heterocyclic natural products enabled by C−H functionalization. Heterocycles represent the most common motifs in drug discovery and marketed drugs. The implementation of C−H functionalization of heterocycles enables novel tactics in the construction of core architectures, but also changes the logic design of retrosynthetic strategies and permits access to natural product scaffolds with novel and enhanced biological activities.
Interconversion of nicotine enantiomers during heating and implications for smoke from combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes
Authors: Moldoveanu Serban C.
Published: January 2022

Physiological properties of (R)‐nicotine have differences compared with (S)‐nicotine, and the subject of (S)‐ and (R)‐nicotine ratio in smoking or vaping related items is of considerable interest. A Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for the analysis of (S)‐ and (R)‐nicotine has been developed and applied to samples of nicotine from different sources, nicotine pyrolyzates, several types of tobacco, smoke from combustible cigarettes, smoke from heated tobacco products, e‐liquids, and particulate matter obtained from e‐cigarettes aerosol. The separation was achieved on a Chiracel OJ‐3 column, 250 × 4.6 mm with 3‐μm particles using a nonaqueous mobile phase. The detection was performed using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in positive mode. The only transition measured for the analysis of nicotine was 163.1 → 84.0. The method has been summarily validated. For the analysis, the samples of tobacco and smoke from combustible cigarettes were subject to a cleanup procedure using solid phase extraction (SPE). It was demonstrated that nicotine upon heating above 450°C for several minutes starts decomposing, and some formation of (R)‐enantiomer from a sample of 99% (S)‐nicotine is observed. An analogous process takes place when a 99% (R)‐nicotine is heated and forms low levels of (S)‐nicotine. This interconversion has the effect of slightly increasing the content of (R)‐nicotine in smoke compared with the level in tobacco for combustible cigarettes and for heated tobacco products. The (S)/(R) ratio of nicotine enantiomers in e‐liquids was identical with the ratio for the particulate phase of aerosols generated by e‐cigarette vaping.
Continuous Synthesis of Oxymethylene Ether Fuels from Dimethyl Ether in a Heterogeneously Catalyzed Liquid Phase Process
Authors: Drexler Marius , Haltenort Philipp , Arnold Ulrich , Sauer Jörg
Published: January 2022

Oxymethylene ethers (OME) are an attractive alternative to fossil diesel fuel due to strongly reduced harmful emissions. An anhydrous, liquid phase production process based on dimethyl ether (DME) has been elaborated, which offers high selectivity and economic advantages. A catalyst screening for the reaction of DME with trioxane has been carried out. Highly active catalysts could be identified and further insight into the relationship between catalyst properties and catalytic performance could be gained. Furthermore, production in a continuous process could be realized, disclosing the influence of kinetics on OME formation and enabling a better understanding of the reaction mechanism.
Insights on formation damage associated with hydraulic fracturing using image analysis and machine learning
Authors: El‐Monier Ilham
Published: January 2022

Hydraulic fracturing is a well‐recognized technique used to produce as much as possible from unconventional resources. Yet, the communication between the main fracture and the fracture process zone (FPZ) around the primary fracture is still a mystery. Some research was conducted on actual samples to statistically examine the behaviour of these parameters along and parallel to the main fracture and the degree of damage/enhancement induced in the FPZ. Therefore, to understand the formation damage near the hydraulic fracture and its relation to the induced fractures, I am introducing a comprehensive analysis to shed light on some of the observations that I drew through the investigation throughout the previous years. Image analysis was performed on tight core samples under the triaxial compression test in addition to other sources of data and image analysis using data mining and machine learning. The number, length, and aspect ratios of the microcracks were measured. The drainage distance from the main fracture and the development of the microcracks were analyzed. A periodic cycle distribution was apparent around the main fracture and was related to the orientation of the microcracks and the surface roughness of the main hydraulic fracture. These results will help differentiate between the natural and induced microcracks. Additionally, a clear understanding of the relation between the primary fracture and the microcracks, the direction of the microcracks relative to the primary fracture, and the effectiveness of hydraulic fractures in the real world is presented. This work helps find the relation between the natural fractures and the induced fractures in a more realistic way, which helps in the design of the hydraulic fracture implementation and production increase.
Yolk‐Shell Sb2S3@C Hollow Microspheres with Controllable Interiors for High Space Utilization and Structural Stability of Na‐Storage
Authors: Ding Xingxin , Shao Jie , Lv Linze , Zhu Yunhao , Jiang Yu , Shi Qiang , Qu Qunting , Zheng Honghe
Published: January 2022

Structural stability, space utilization and appropriate working potentials are the most crucial parameters for evaluating the practical application of various electrode materials in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). To obtain a high‐performance anode material for SIBs, a novel Sb2S3@carbon composite with unique and controllable hollow microspherical structures is prepared through a facile and large‐scalable approach. By adjusting the precursor concentrations, yolk‐shell and simple hollow Sb2S3@carbon microspheres are obtained respectively. The formation mechanisms of different hollow interiors are discussed. It is found that simple hollow Sb2S3@carbon microspheres tend to collapse into fragments when being used as the anode materials of SIBs, leading to severe electrolyte decomposition and high charge‐transfer resistance. In contrast, yolk‐shell Sb2S3@carbon not only possesses high space utilization, but also preserves the microspherical structure well after long‐term sodiation/desodiation reactions, endowing it with high capacity, good cycling stability, and fast charge/discharge capability.
Improved Byzantine fault tolerance with fast consensus
Authors: Singh Jaya , Kumawat Aditya , Venkatesan Subramanian
Published: January 2022

This article presents an improved Byzantine fault tolerance algorithm to tolerate Byzantine faults rapidly by minimizing the load of the network with a minimum cost that provides a very simple methodology to design Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT) state machine replication protocol with the most favorable flexibility. Although, we have taken the initiative of fault tolerance from earlier works and conversely perform a different approach than them. Our protocol just requires replicas forffaults instead of in previous Byzantine protocols to mitigate the attacks by faulty primary and replicas. It also improves prior algorithms in terms of different parameters and requires fewer cryptographic techniques. Similar to previous BFT protocols, this protocol also guarantees correctness.
The Hawai`i Groundwater Recharge Tool
Authors: McLean Jared , Cleveland Sean B. , Rotzoll Kolja , Izuka Scot K. , Leigh Jason , Jacobs Gwen A. , Theriot Ryan
Published: January 2022

This article discusses the design and implementation of the Hawai'i Groundwater Recharge Tool, an application for providing data and analyses of the impacts of land‐cover modifications and changes in precipitation on groundwater‐recharge rates for the island of O'ahu. This application uses simulation data based on a set of 29 land‐cover types and 2 precipitation conditions to provide users with real‐time recharge calculations for interactively defined land‐cover modifications. The tool provides two visualizations, representing the land cover for the island and the resultant groundwater‐recharge rates, and a set of metrics indicating the changes to groundwater recharge for relevant areas to present a set of easily interpretable outcomes based on user‐defined scenarios. Users have varying degrees of control over the granularity of data input and output, allowing for the quick production of a roughly defined scenario, or more precise land‐cover definitions. These modifications can be exported for further analysis. Heuristics are used to provide a responsive user interface and performant integration with the database containing the full set of simulation data. This tool is designed to provide user‐friendly access to the information on the impacts of land‐cover and precipitation changes on groundwater‐recharge rates needed to assist in making data‐driven decisions.
Recent Advances in the Luminescence of Arylboronic Acids and their Heteroatom Condensates
Authors: Hackney Hannah E. , Hall Dennis G.
Published: January 2022

Although organoboron compounds have long been used in optoelectronics, the majority of research has involved boron difluoride and borane type moieties. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the luminescence of boronic acids and their heteroatom condensates (BAHCs), a class which can demonstrate properties of fluorescence, mechanoluminescence, room temperature phosphorescence, aggregation induced emission (AIE), and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). This Review covers the literature until the end of 2020 on the inherent luminescence of tricoordinate arylboronates, grouped into azaborolines (Ar−BNY), boronic acids and esters (Ar−BO2), with a particular focus on the impact of the boron atom on photophysical properties.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 3 promotes glycolysis and hepatocellular carcinoma growth by enhancing arginine methylation of lactate dehydrogenase A
Authors: Lei Yu , Han Ping , Chen Yu , Wang Han , Wang Shuhui , Wang Muru , Liu Jingmei , Yan Wei , Tian Dean , Liu Mei
Published: January 2022

Background

Protein arginine methylation has emerged a pivotal role in cancer progression. However, the role of protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown.

Methods

The expression pattern of PRMT3 in HCC was analysed using quantitative real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry assays. Loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments were carried out to determine the oncogenic role of PRMT3 in HCC. Glucose consumption and lactate production assays, seahorse bioscience, mass spectrometry, co‐immunoprecipitation, metabonomic analysis and site‐specific mutation experiments were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model was established to investigate the effects of PRMT3 and its inhibitor, SGC707, treatment on tumour growth in vivo.

Results

The expression of PRMT3 was significantly upregulated in HCC, with high expression of which correlated with poor prognosis. PRMT3 knockdown led to the decrease in proliferation, glycolysis of HCC cells and tumour growth, whilst its overexpression showed opposite results. The catalytic activity of PRMT3 was important in mediating these biological processes. Mechanistically, our data showed that PRMT3 interacted with and mediated asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) modification of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) at arginine 112 (R112). Compared with LDHA‐wild‐type (LDHA‐WT) cells, LDHA‐R112K‐mutant‐expressing HCC cells exhibited a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, HCC cell glycolysis and proliferation. Furthermore, the administration of SGC707, a selective inhibitor of PRMT3, disrupted the PRMT3‐mediated LDHA methylation and abolished PRMT3‐induced HCC glycolysis and tumour growth.

Conclusions

Our results suggested a novel oncogenic role of PRMT3 in HCC, and it could be a promising therapeutic target for HCC by linking post‐translational modification and cancer metabolism.
Multi‐omic landscaping of human midbrains identifies disease‐relevant molecular targets and pathways in advanced‐stage Parkinson's disease
Authors: Caldi Gomes Lucas , Galhoz Ana , Jain Gaurav , Roser Anna‐Elisa , Maass Fabian , Carboni Eleonora , Barski Elisabeth , Lenz Christof , Lohmann Katja , Klein Christine , Bähr Mathias , Fischer André , Menden Michael P. , Lingor Paul
Published: January 2022

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder whose prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underpinning the pathophysiology of sporadic PD remain incompletely understood. Therefore, causative therapies are still elusive. To obtain a more integrative view of disease‐mediated alterations, we investigated the molecular landscape of PD in human post‐mortem midbrains, a region that is highly affected during the disease process.

Methods

Tissue from 19 PD patients and 12 controls were obtained from the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank and subjected to multi‐omic analyses: small and total RNA sequencing was performed on an Illumina's HiSeq4000, while proteomics experiments were performed in a hybrid triple quadrupole‐time of flight mass spectrometer (TripleTOF5600+) following quantitative sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra. Differential expression analyses were performed with customized frameworks based on DESeq2 (for RNA sequencing) and with Perseus v.1.5.6.0 (for proteomics). Custom pipelines in R were used for integrative studies.

Results

Our analyses revealed multiple deregulated molecular targets linked to known disease mechanisms in PD as well as to novel processes. We have identified and experimentally validated (quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction/western blotting) several PD‐deregulated molecular candidates, including miR‐539‐3p, miR‐376a‐5p, miR‐218‐5p and miR‐369‐3p, the valid miRNA‐mRNA interacting pairs miR‐218‐5p/RAB6Cand miR‐369‐3p/GTF2H3, as well as multiple proteins, such as CHI3L1, HSPA1B, FNIP2 and TH. Vertical integration of multi‐omic analyses allowed validating disease‐mediated alterations across different molecular layers. Next to the identification of individual molecular targets in all explored omics layers, functional annotation of differentially expressed molecules showed an enrichment of pathways related to neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and defects in synaptic function.

Conclusions

This comprehensive assessment of PD‐affected and control human midbrains revealed multiple molecular targets and networks that are relevant to the disease mechanism of advanced PD. The integrative analyses of multiple omics layers underscore the importance of neuroinflammation, immune response activation, mitochondrial and synaptic dysfunction as putative therapeutic targets for advanced PD.
Chiral Emissive Lanthanide Complexes from Enantiopure [6]Helicene‐bis(pyrazolyl)‐pyridine Ligands
Authors: Abhervé Alexandre , Mastropasqua Talamo Maurizio , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Zinna Francesco , Di Bari Lorenzo , Grasser Maxime , Le Guennic Boris , Avarvari Narcis
Published: January 2022

Enantiopure helicene‐based bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (bpp‐[6]helicene), with the helicene unit in position 4 of the pyridine ring, have been prepared and structurally characterized. Their chiroptical properties have been studied experimentally, and both absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra have been reproduced theoretically by time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Remarkably, in spite of the remote localization of the helicene with respect to the coordination pocket of the bpp motif, chiral Eu(III) complexes based on these ligands show, however, circularly polarized luminescence in the visible region, sustained by TDDFT and CASSCF calculations, which also emphasize the possible antenna effect of the bpp ligand.
Preventing persistent postsurgical pain: A systematic review and component network meta‐analysis
Authors: Allen Claire , Walker Andrew M. , Premji Zahra A. , Beauchemin‐Turcotte Marie‐Eve , Wong Jenny , Soh Sonya , Hawboldt Geoffrey S. , Shinkaruk Kelly S. , Archer David P.
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives

Evidence for perioperative methods to prevent persistent postsurgical pain (PPP) is uncertain, in part because few treatments have been directly compared. Here we have used component network meta‐analysis (cNMA) to incorporate both direct and indirect evidence in the evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological and neural block treatments.

Databases and data treatment

We searched the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Embase, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry up to January 2021 for randomized, double‐masked, controlled trials that reported the prevalence of PPP. We assessed trial quality with the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0). We analysed the results with frequentist cNMA models. The primary outcome was the relative risk (RR) of PPP. We assessed efficacy in relation to a clinically important effect size of RR = 0.9, which is a 10% improvement with treatment.

Results

The analysis included 107 trials (13,553 participants) of 13 treatments. The effects of complex interventions were the multiplicative effects of their components. Compared with placebo, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), neural block alone, or in combination with NMDA receptor blockers or gabapentanoids were effective. Treatments with benefit in the immediate post‐operative period predicted a reduced risk of PPP.

Conclusions

Several treatments and treatment combinations effectively reduce PPP prevalence. Pain outcomes in the immediate postoperative period are an important mediator of PPP. Multimodal interventions can be analysed using cNMA.

Significance

Systematic reviews of PPP prevention usually focus on the efficacy of specific treatments in comparison with control interventions. In this study we used component network meta‐analysis to compare interventions to each other, including both pharmacological and neural block techniques, and multimodal interventions. Interventions that are not effective alone may improve the efficacy of multimodal interventions that include neural block techniques. Immediate postoperative benefit was an important mediator for reduction of PPP.

Study registration: PROSPERO: CRD42018085570 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
Numerical study on dual‐region mass transport at wave flow field of proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Wang Guodong , Wang Hongyu , Jiang Lei , Lin Peijian , Li Jirui , Sun Juncai
Published: January 2022

The performance and stability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells are mainly dependent on mass transports in the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The mass transports in dual‐region including the regions of under‐channel and under‐rib are one of the factors that cause mass uneven distribution. Therefore, the wave structure and the auxiliary flow channel are introduced to enhance these mass transports. Auxiliary conventional parallel flow field (ACPFF), wave flow field (WFF), and auxiliary WFF (AWFF) are transferred into ANSYS MESHING for meshing, then imported into Fuel Cell and Electrolysis module on FLUENT for the solution. This comprehensive AWFF has important influences on mass even distribution and performance. The results reveal that dual‐region forced convections can be made by the periodic waved structure and the auxiliary flow channel. More reactants are forced to appear in GDL of under‐channel and under‐rib. Based on the simulation results, the distributions of oxygen, water, temperature are more even in AWFF. Specifically, the cell performance at high current density is improved obviously. Compared to CPFF, the max power density is increased by more than 4% in this novel flow field (AWFF), which will provide a new trial for the design of a comprehensive flow field.
Development of functional organization within the sensorimotor network across the perinatal period
Authors: Dall'Orso Sofia , Arichi Tomoki , Fitzgibbon Sean P. , Edwards A. David , Burdet Etienne , Muceli Silvia
Published: January 2022

In the mature human brain, the neural processing related to different body parts is reflected in patterns of functional connectivity, which is strongest between functional homologs in opposite cortical hemispheres. To understand how this organization is first established, we investigated functional connectivity between limb regions in the sensorimotor cortex in 400 preterm and term infants aged across the equivalent period to the third trimester of gestation (32–45 weeks postmenstrual age). Masks were obtained from empirically derived functional responses in neonates from an independent data set. We demonstrate the early presence of a crude but spatially organized functional connectivity, that rapidly matures across the preterm period to achieve an adult‐like configuration by the normal time of birth. Specifically, connectivity was strongest between homolog regions, followed by connectivity between adjacent regions (different limbs but same hemisphere) already in the preterm brain, and increased with age. These changes were specific to the sensorimotor network. Crucially, these trajectories were strongly dependent on age more than age of birth. This demonstrates that during the perinatal period the sensorimotor cortex undergoes preprogrammed changes determining the functional movement organization that are not altered by preterm birth in absence of brain injury.
Hydrology and biogeochemistry datasets from Sleepers River Research Watershed, Danville, Vermont, USA
Authors: Shanley James B. , Chalmers Ann T. , Denner Jon C. , Clark Stewart F. , Sebestyen Stephen D. , Matt Serena , Smith Thor E.
Published: January 2022

The Sleepers River Research Watershed (SRRW) in Danville, Vermont, USA, was established in 1957 by the U.S Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The 111‐km2 area was selected as a representative mixed‐land‐use upland landscape in the northeastern USA, with the objective to study fundamental hydrological processes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) currently operates SRRW and is the fourth federal agency to lead it. SRRW has hosted historic research on snowmelt modelling and streamflow generation processes, and USGS has augmented this hydrological foundation with biogeochemical cycling research. This data note describes five freely available data releases in stable repositories, extending to the late 2010s, from the indicated start date: aqueous chemistry and isotopes (1991); precipitation, water temperature, and streamflow (1991); groundwater levels (1991); ground frost depth (1983); and snow depth and water equivalent (1960). USGS research at SRRW is expected to continue, and we plan to update these releases every 1–3 years.
Advancing credibility in longitudinal research by implementing open science practices: Opportunities, practical examples, and challenges
Authors: Kirtley Olivia J.
Published: January 2022

Longitudinal studies provide unique opportunities to study dynamic developmental processes over time and are often afforded a high degree of credibility. Transparency facilitates evaluation of credibility, yet, research practices that can increase transparency, that is, open science practices, do not appear to be widely implemented in longitudinal developmental research. In the current article I discuss three open science practices (pre‐ and post‐registration, Registered Reports, and data management) and the opportunities they bring to facilitate enhanced credibility in longitudinal studies. Drawing on my own experiences of conducting longitudinal developmental research on adolescent mental health, I provide practical examples of how these open science practices can be implemented. Using open science practices in longitudinal research is also accompanied by challenges, and I specifically discuss the issue of evidencing prior knowledge of data in Registered Reports and some potential solutions to this challenge.
Bathymetry changes caused by sedimentation in an unlined canal of the Chókwè irrigation scheme, Mozambique
Authors: de Sousa Lateiro Salvador , Raude James Messo , Wambua Raphael Muli , Mutua Benedict Mwavu
Published: January 2022

Bathymetric changes have been observed over the years in the Chókwè irrigation scheme (CIS) and little is known about their cause. This study assessed bathymetric variations that have occurred since 2001, when the scheme was last rehabilitated. The bathymetry of canal beds and banks was analysed using GPS‐Rover surveying equipment to determine cross‐section and longitudinal profiles. Water level measurements were performed using staff gauges at nine different sampling stations. Data sets for 2001, 2016 and 2019 were considered. Canal depth changes were captured, and density plots generated. Bathymetric changes of cross‐sectional and longitudinal profiles, slope trend analysis models, canal depth changes and water depth variation, were assessed. Results suggest cross‐sectional and longitudinal bathymetric profiles are affected by sediment accumulation. The depths of canal beds varied from 0.5 to 2.0 m over a span of more than 80 km. Trend analysis models indicated good accuracy for fits in all three reaches in 2001, 2016 and 2019. The forecast accuracy predictors MAPE, MAD and MSD were all found to have minimal values within the acceptable range of 1 and 3 for all the years and sectors. The water depth in the canal showed considerable variation within and across each sampling point and station, varying from 3.5 to less than 1.2 m. These findings will play a significant role in the study of water flow and sedimentation processes in the CIS.
Challenging ‘one size fits all’: Continued use of sprinkler irrigation in a state‐led drip irrigation project in Morocco
Authors: Kettani Abla , Hammani Ali , Taky Abdelilah , Kuper Marcel
Published: January 2022

The current focus on water saving in drip irrigation projects has stifled more classical engineering debates on the relevance of different irrigation techniques for specific field conditions. We show that these debates remain important by analysing a drip irrigation project implemented in a sprinkler irrigation district in north‐west Morocco. The objective is to understand the apparent paradox of a state‐promoted switch to drip irrigation, provided free of charge to farmers who welcomed the project but continued using sprinkler irrigation. Data were gathered during field observations and in interviews with 138 farmers, while secondary data came from the irrigation authority. The results show that most farmers were interested in the drip irrigation project, which solved existing problems of the sprinkler network, including the difficulty of sharing hydrants, high water bills and sharing mobile sprinkler equipment. However, once the project had provided individual water access and customized water bills, 48% of farmers switched totally or partially back to sprinkler irrigation, which they considered better suited to field conditions (soils, crops, irrigation frequency). The implementation of drip irrigation in large‐scale irrigation schemes needs to go beyond the objective of water saving and be adapted to specific natural and socio‐economic conditions.
Macrophage activation in response to shape memory polymer foam‐coated aneurysm occlusion devices
Authors: Chau Sarah M. , Herting Scott M. , Noltensmeyer Dillon A. , Ahmed Hamzah , Maitland Duncan J. , Raghavan Shreya
Published: January 2022

Brain aneurysms can be treated with embolic coils using minimally invasive approaches. It is advantageous to modulate the biologic response of platinum embolic coils. Our previous studies demonstrated that shape memory polymer (SMP) foam coated embolization coils (FCC) devices demonstrate enhanced healing responses in animal models compared with standard bare platinum coil (BPC) devices. Macrophages are the most prevalent immune cell type that coordinate the greater immune response to implanted materials. Hence, we hypothesized that the highly porous SMP foam coatings on embolic coils activate a pro‐regenerative healing phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the number and type of infiltrating macrophages in FCC or BPC devices implanted in a rabbit elastase aneurysm model. FCC devices elicited a great number of infiltration macrophages, skewed significantly to a pro‐regenerative M2‐like phenotype 90 days following implantation. We devised an in vitro assay, where monocyte‐derived macrophages were placed in close association with FCC or BPC devices for 6–72 h. Macrophages encountering SMP FCC‐devices demonstrated highly mixed activation phenotypes at 6 h, heavily skewing toward an M2‐like phenotype by 72 h, compared with macrophages encountering BPC devices. Macrophage activation was evaluated using gene expression analysis, and secreted cytokine evaluation. Together, our results demonstrate that FCC devices promoted a pro‐regenerative macrophage activation phenotype, compared with BPC devices. Our in vitro findings corroborate with in vivo observations that SMP‐based modification of embolic coils can promote better healing of the aneurysm site, by sustaining a pro‐healing macrophage phenotype.
High serum soluble CD155 level predicts poor prognosis and correlates with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jin An‐Li , Yang Yi‐Hui , Su Xi , Yang Wen‐Jing , Liu Te , Chen Wei , Li Tong , Ding Lin , Wang Hao , Wang Bei‐Li , Pan Bai‐Shen , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Yang Xin‐Rong , Guo Wei
Published: January 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies with poor prognosis. There is no research about the clinical significance of serum soluble CD155 (sCD155) level for HCC. We aim to explore the prognostic and diagnostic value of sCD155 in HCC patients undergoing curative resection.

Methods

Serum sCD155 level in HCC patients was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The prognostic significance of sCD155 was evaluated by Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses. CD155 expression and biomarkers of immune cells in HCC tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. The diagnostic significance of sCD155 was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Serum sCD155 level was significantly increased in HCC patients and predicted poor prognosis. The prognostic value of sCD155 remained in low recurrent risk subgroups of HCC. Serum sCD155 level was positively related to CD155 expression in HCC tissues. High serum sCD155 level was associated with decreased numbers of CD8+T cells and CD56+NK cells and increased number of CD163+M2 macrophages. Serum sCD155 level had better performance in distinguishing HCC patients from healthy donors and patients with chronic liver conditions than α‐fetoprotein. Among patients with α‐fetoprotein ≤ 20 ng/ml, serum sCD155 level could differentiate HCC patients from non‐HCC patients.

Conclusion

Serum sCD155 level represents a promising biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. High serum sCD155 level may reflect an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in HCC.
Machine learning for post‐traumatic stress disorder identification utilizing resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Saba Tanzila , Rehman Amjad , Shahzad Mirza Naveed , Latif Rabia , Bahaj Saeed Ali , Alyami Jaber
Published: January 2022

Early detection of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is essential for proper treatment of the patients to recover from this disorder. The aligned purpose of this study was to investigate the performance deviations in regions of interest (ROI) of PTSD than the healthy brain regions, to assess interregional functional connectivity and applications of machine learning techniques to identify PTSD and healthy control using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). The rs‐fMRI data of 10 ROI was extracted from 14 approved PTSD subjects and 14 healthy controls. The rs‐fMRI data of the selected ROI were used in ANOVA to measure performance level and Pearson's correlation to investigate the interregional functional connectivity in PTSD brains. In machine learning approaches, the logistic regression, K‐nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM) with linear, radial basis function, and polynomial kernels were used to classify the PTSD and control subjects. The performance level in brain regions of PTSD deviated as compared to the regions in the healthy brain. In addition, significant positive or negative functional connectivity was observed among ROI in PTSD brains. The rs‐fMRI data have been distributed in training, validation, and testing group for maturity, implementation of machine learning techniques. The KNN and SVM with radial basis function kernel were outperformed for classification among other methods with high accuracies (96.6%, 94.8%, 98.5%) and (93.7%, 95.2%, 99.2%) to train, validate, and test datasets, respectively. The study's findings may provide a guideline to observe performance and functional connectivity of the brain regions in PTSD and to discriminate PTSD subject using only the suggested algorithms.
Lessons in a bottle: The outsized impacts of soda in development practice
Authors: Abrahams Daniel
Published: January 2022

In this article, I demonstrate how soda, an ostensibly inconsequential component of development implementation, can have wide‐ranging impacts in shaping programmatic outcomes. Drawing upon 6 months of participant observation alongside an international nongovernmental organization (NGO), I demonstrate how sodas contributed to new ways of valuing time, altered intracommunity and intercommunity relations, and offered unique insight into programme efficacy. In so doing, I argue that refocusing attention beyond the larger discourses of development to the everyday objects, mundane practices, and the interstitial spaces that populate implementation enables critical insights that would otherwise be overlooked.
Bone union‐promoting effect of romosozumab in a rat posterolateral lumbar fusion model
Authors: Kim Geundong , Inage Kazuhide , Shiga Yasuhiro , Mukaihata Tomohito , Tajiri Ikuko , Eguchi Yawara , Suzuki‐Narita Miyako , Takaoka Hiromitsu , Hozumi Takashi , Mizuki Norichika , Tsuchiya Ryuto , Otagiri Takuma , Hishiya Takahisa , Arai Takahito , Toshi Noriyasu , Furuya Takeo , Maki Satoshi , Nakamura Junichi , Hagiwara Shigeo , Aoki Yasuchika , Koda Masao , Takahashi Hiroshi , Akazawa Tsutomu , Ohtori Seiji , Orita Sumihisa
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the effect of romosozumab on bone union in a rat posterolateral lumbar fixation model. Posterolateral lumbar fixation was performed on 8‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 20). For bone grafting, autogenous bone (40 mg) was harvested from the spinous processes of the 10th thoracic vertebra until the 2nd lumbar vertebra and implanted between the intervertebral joints and transverse processes of the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae on both sides. Rats were matched by body weight and equally divided into two groups: R group (Evenity®, 25 mg/kg) and control (C) group (saline). Subcutaneous injections were administered twice a week until 8 weeks after surgery. Computed tomography was performed at surgery and week 8 after surgery. The area and percentage of bone trabeculae in the total area of bone fusion were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t test (p < 0.05). We found that the R group rats had significantly higher mean bone union rate and volume than did the C group rats at all time courses starting week 4 after surgery. The R group had significantly higher increase rates than did the C group at weeks 4 and 6 after surgery. The percentage of bone trabeculae area in the R group was approximately 1.7 times larger than that in the C group. Thus, we demonstrated that romosozumab administration has stimulatory effects on bony outgrowth at bone graft sites. We attribute this to the modeling effect of romosozumab.
Meta‐analysis of prevalence: I2 statistic and how to deal with heterogeneity
Authors: Migliavaca Celina Borges , Stein Cinara , Colpani Verônica , Barker Timothy Hugh , Ziegelmann Patricia Klarmann , Munn Zachary , Falavigna Maicon ,   Prevalence Estimates Reviews—Systematic Review Methodology Group (PERSyst)
Published: January 2022

Over the last decade, there has been a 10‐fold increase in the number of published systematic reviews of prevalence. In meta‐analyses of prevalence, the summary estimate represents an average prevalence from included studies. This estimate is truly informative only if there is no substantial heterogeneity among the different contexts being pooled. In systematic reviews, heterogeneity is usually explored with I‐squared statistic (I2), but this statistic does not directly inform us about the distribution of effects and frequently systematic reviewers and readers misinterpret this result. In a sample of 134 meta‐analyses of prevalence, the median I2 was 96.9% (IQR 90.5–98.7). We observed larger I2 in meta‐analysis with higher number of studies and extreme pooled estimates (defined as <10% or >90%). Studies with high I2 values were more likely to have conducted a sensitivity analysis, including subgroup analysis but only three (2%) systematic reviews reported prediction intervals. We observed that meta‐analyses of prevalence often present high I2 values. However, the number of studies included in the meta‐analysis and the point estimate can be associated with the I2 value, and a high I2 value is not always synonymous with high heterogeneity. In meta‐analyses of prevalence, I2 statistics may not be discriminative and should be interpreted with caution, avoiding arbitrary thresholds. To discuss heterogeneity, reviewers should focus on the description of the expected range of estimates, which can be done using prediction intervals and planned sensitivity analysis.
Variation in sediment and seagrass characteristics reflect multiple stressors along a nitrogen‐enrichment gradient in a New England lagoon
Authors: Haviland Katherine Ann , Howarth Robert Warren , Marino Roxanne , Hayn Melanie
Published: January 2022

We examined concentrations of organic carbon, dissolved sulfides, total sediment sulfur, and stable sulfur isotope ratios in seagrass leaf tissues across a nitrogen‐enrichment gradient in a coastal marine ecosystem (Cape Cod, Massachusetts) in 2007–2010 and 2017–2019. We also measured seagrass aboveground and belowground biomass, epibiota biomass, and leaf chlorophyll content. Seagrasses were present at all sites in the former period but were lost at our most nitrogen‐impacted site (Snug Harbor) by 2011. In 2007–2010, sediment organic carbon and dissolved sulfides were highest in Snug Harbor and decreased along the gradient; leaf tissues depleted in 34S also indicated higher sulfide intrusion into seagrass tissues in more eutrophic areas. By 2017–2019, sediment organic carbon and pore‐water soluble sulfides had decreased in Snug Harbor, but had increased at the intermediate site, to levels found at the most impacted site prior to the seagrass die‐off. Again, leaf tissue 34S depletion reflected this pattern, indicating seagrasses were exposed to the highest sulfides at the intermediate site. The decreases in sediment organic carbon and soluble sulfides in Snug Harbor years after the loss of the seagrasses illustrate a feedback between high organic matter in seagrass beds and increasing stressors like elevated soluble sulfides in nutrient‐enriched systems. We found significant relationships between sediment conditions and seagrass responses, including greater aboveground to belowground biomass ratios, epibiota biomass, and 34S‐depleted leaves at sites with high pore‐water sulfide and highly organic sediments. Our research suggests that the reduction of anthropogenic nitrogen entering the harbor is necessary for improving sediment quality and preventing seagrass mortality.
Characteristics of water‐lubricated rubber bearings in mixed‐flow lubrication state
Authors: Du Yuanying , Quan Hui
Published: January 2022

To study the lubrication characteristics of water‐lubricated rubber bearings (WLRBs) in‐mixed flow state, based on the classical laminar and turbulent lubrication theories, the mixed‐flow lubrication equations were established for WLRBs. Adopted the finite difference method, the variation of Reynolds number, water film thickness and pressure with eccentricity, rotational speed and length‐to‐diameter ratio under mixed‐flow lubrication model were investigated. The results show that the mixed‐flow lubrication equations are more suitable for WLRBs in actual operating conditions than the laminar and turbulent theories. In the mixed‐flow lubrication model, the Reynolds number decreases when the eccentricity increases in pressure‐bearing zone; meanwhile, it increases with the rotational speeds. The water film thickness decreases when the eccentricity increases. The film pressure increases with eccentricity and rotational speed. This study can provide reference for the accurate analysis of WLRBs lubrication characteristics under actual engineering applications.