bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Head Rotation on Efficiency of Face Mask Ventilation among Apnoeic Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Singam Amol , Soumya Matturu , Chaudhary Ashok
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Respiratory function is crucial in the practice of anaesthesia. An in depth understanding of respiratory physiology is a must because it aids in the proper execution of daily general anaesthesia practice. Head and body postures have long been known to affect the patency of the upper airway. Head extension and a lateral recumbent position help to clear the upper airway. Head rotation is known to expand the upper airway’s cross-sectional area. Aim: To determine the effect of head rotation on efficiency of face mask ventilation among apnoeic patients, by measuring expiratory tidal volume. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from May 2021 to November 2021. Total 40 patients belonging to the age group of 20 to 40 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists’ (ASA) class I and II, undergoing surgeries requiring general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation, were selected as study subjects. They were administered inj. fentanyl at a dose of 1 to 2 μg/kg, inj.propofol at a dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg, and inj.vecuronium bromide (0.08 to 0.1 mg/kg). Patients were mask ventilated with pressurecontrolled ventilation, for a total of 3 minutes, during which they were ventilated in a neutral head position for 90 seconds and then rotated for another 90 seconds. Following induction, the expiratory tidal volume was measured every 30 seconds in both postures Software used was Statistical Package for Social Sciences for windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), version 17.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 48±8.3 years. The 45° head rotation was beneficial to all patients, the mean expiratory tidal volume was 423±62.5 mL in the rotated head position compared to 397±52.5 mL in the neutral head position (p-value=0.045). It was also observed that some individuals profited more than others. Patients with airway obstruction, for example, had a greater VTE at 45° head rotation than in a neutral head position. Conclusion: The most notable conclusion is that in apnoeic adult patients, a 45° head rotation showed a significant enhancement in VTE when compared to a neutral position ofthe head.
The Extent to which Jordanian Commercial Banks Accomplish Internal Accounting Control Objectives
Authors: Abdallat Samir Nahar Al , Benamr Fatiha , Bidiyah Hind
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to identify the extent to which Jordanian commercial banks achieve the objectives of internal accounting control, and the study relied on the descriptive and inferential approach. The exclusion of (4) questionnaires due to the lack of completeness of their answers. Consequently, the number of valid questionnaires for the purposes of analysis reached (164) employees of the internal control departments in Jordanian commercial banks.

The results showed that the attitudes of the accounting internal control staff towards the dependent variable, the accounting internal control objectives in the Jordanian commercial banks, have achieved high degrees of relative importance. Also, the dimension (effectiveness and efficiency of operations) achieved the first rank with a very high degree of approval among the dimensions of the internal accounting control objectives. The second rank achieved the dimension (compliance with laws and legislation) with a high degree of approval. The dimension (reliability and completeness of financial reports) achieved the last rank with a high degree of approval.

The study concluded with a set of recommendations, the most important of which are: improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations by implementing appropriate control procedures in the bank to increase the efficiency of resource utilization in the bank, and measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the applied control means through the presence of an internal audit system in accordance with the approved audit procedures.
Anaesthetic and Histological Effects of Lidocaine Hydrochloride on Oreochromis niloticus Juveniles
Authors: Modede O. V. , Awopetu T. S.
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the toxicity of Lidocaine Hydrochloride-sodium Bicarbonate (LHB) on Oreochromis niloticus juveniles (20.75 g). The histological tissue examinations were used to assess the effects of the anaesthetic agent (LHB) on the fish after exposure. Varying concentrations of LHB in increments of 10mg/L ranging from 60mg/L to 100mg/L were used for the static bioassay. There was a decrease in induction and recovery time with an increasing concentration of LHB showing a significant positive correlation (R2= 0.9721; p<0.05) and (R2=0.7338; p<0.05) respectively. Anaesthetic values of LHB for O. niloticus at an induction time of less than 4 minutes and recovery time of less than 3 minutes were observed. No mortality occurred during the experiment. Histological examination of the gills, liver and kidney of O. niloticus after exposure showed different pathological changes. The gills and liver of the fish exposed to 100 mg/L concentration showed no sign of histological changes.  However, the results obtained showed a severe histological effect on the kidney of juveniles Oreochromis niloticus at 100 mg/L of LHB.
Index Mapping of Land Capability for Residential Land Use at Abakaliki Area, South East Nigeria
Authors: Onunkwo Augustine Akunne , Ikechukwu Uche Felix , Enebe Eucharia Chika
Published: September 2022

The Search for residential land use option at Abakaliki area in Ebonyi state, Nigeria was carried out using Geographic Information System (GIS). Some laboratory experiments were incorporated to delineate some complementary information for the study. Ten determinants as capability factors were selected to develop thematic maps for over-lay analysis using software incorporated in Geographic Information System (GIS). The percentage influences of these determinants were also considered to facilitate the interpretation of the results. An Arch view model builder was employed in the over-lay analysis. The result produced the composite map where the residential land use zones were isolated, towards sustainable land use for residential purposes in the area. The residential land use option occurred at the NE-Eastern zone in the North west, South west and South east locations of the study area respectively.
HERD INSTINCT BIAS, EMOTIONAL BIASES, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING BIASES IN INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Authors: Armansyah Rohmad Fuad
Published: September 2022

The evolution of information during the COVID-19 pandemic has altered how investors invest. Investments can be made easily on a variety of digital platforms that provide easy access to information in investment decisions. Information media is expanding to promote investment decision making, boosting the rise and development of investor financial behavior bias. This study attempts to fill a knowledge gap in behavioral finance by concentrating on behavioral biases such as Herd Instinct Bias, Emotional Biases, and Information Processing Biases in capital market investment decisions. PLS-SEM (Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling) was used to evaluate the data of 205 Indonesian capital market investors who are members of securities companies. The data confirm that overconfidence, herding bias, confirmation bias, and recency bias influence investor investment decisions, whereas endowment bias had no effect on investment decisions.
EVALUATING R&D PREMIUM IN THE INDIAN HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRIES
Authors: Sharma Bhumiswor , Pyati Srikanth
Published: September 2022

The economic advantages of research and development (R&D) investment have shown conflicting results in empirical studies. This study aimed to examine a different approach, evaluating R&D premium and cross-sectional variability of equity returns, a particular case for the Indian healthcare industry. The primary motivation for this study arrived from the size of the healthcare industry, the world's third-largest and India's largest industry, and the investment made in R&D activities. Results demonstrated that India's annualized R&D premium was significantly greater than the current value, investment, profitability, and momentum premiums. It indicated that the new R&D risk factor in pricing models is a primary reference for Indian equity investors, particularly for companies with R&D spending. Results were robust in evaluating portfolio return using univariate and multivariate tests. Findings suggested that R&D augmented models outperformed conventional pricing models, denoting that the R&D factor undoubtedly revealed priced element and vital risk factor in designing pricing models for emerging countries like India. When adjusting to R&D investment and trading strategies, policymakers, and financial professionals should hereby evaluate their risk-return implications
Changes in Industry Marketing and Research Payments to US Physicians and Teaching Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Uppal Nishant , Anderson Timothy S.
Published: September 2022

This cross-sectional study explores ways that the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in research and marketing payments from pharmaceutical and medical device companies before and during the pandemic.
Association of Quality of Care With Where Veterans Choose to Get Knee Replacement Surgery
Authors: Giori Nicholas J. , Beilstein-Wedel Erin E. , Shwartz Michael , Harris Alex H. S. , Vanneman Megan E. , Wagner Todd H. , Rosen Amy K.
Published: September 2022

Importance

Recent legislation expanded veterans’ access to Veterans Health Administration (VA)-purchased care. Quality should be considered when choosing where to get total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but currently available quality metrics provide little guidance.

Objective

To determine whether an association exists between the proportion of TKAs performed (vs purchased) at each VA facility and the quality of care provided (as measured by short-term complication rates).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 3-year cohort study used VA and community care data (fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2019) from the VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse. Complications were defined following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ methodology. The setting included 140 VA health care facilities performing or purchasing TKAs. Participants included veterans who had 43 371 primary TKA procedures that were either VA-performed or VA-purchased during the study period.

Exposures

Of the 43 371 primary TKA procedures, 18 964 (43.7%) were VA-purchased.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was risk-standardized short-term complication rates of VA-performed or VA-purchased TKAs. The association between the proportion of TKAs performed at each VA facility and quality of VA-performed and VA-purchased care was examined using a regression model. Subgroups were also identified for facilities that had complication rates above or below the overall mean complication rate and for facilities that performed more or less than half of the facility’s TKAs.

Results

Among the study sample’s 41 775 veterans who underwent 43 371 TKAs, 38 725 (89.3%) were male, 6406 (14.8%) were Black, 33 211 (76.6%) were White, and 1367 (3.2%) had other race or ethnicity (including American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander); mean (SD) age was 66.9 (8.5) years. VA-performed and VA-purchased TKAs had a mean (SD) raw overall short-term complication rate of 2.97% (0.08%). There was no association between the proportion of TKAs performed in VA facilities and risk-standardized complication rates for VA-performed TKAs, and no association for VA-purchased TKAs.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, surgical quality did not have an association with where veterans had TKA, possibly because meaningful comparative data are lacking. Reporting local and community risk-standardized complication rates may inform veterans’ decisions and improve care. Combining these data with the proportion of TKAs performed at each site could facilitate administrative decisions on where resources should be allocated to improve care.
Examining Access to Primary Care for People With Opioid Use Disorder in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Spithoff Sheryl , Mogic Lana , Hum Susan , Moineddin Rahim , Meaney Christopher , Kiran Tara
Published: September 2022

Importance

People with opioid use disorder are less likely than others to have a primary care physician.

Objective

To determine if family physicians are less likely to accept people with opioid use disorder as new patients than people with diabetes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial used an audit design to survey new patient intake at randomly selected family physicians in Ontario, Canada. Eligible physicians were independent practitioners allowed to prescribe opioids who were located in an office within 50 km of a population center greater than 20 000 people. A patient actor made unannounced telephone calls to family physicians asking for a new patient appointment. The data were analyzed in September 2021.

Intervention

In the first randomly assigned scenario, the patient actor played a role of patient with diabetes in treatment with an endocrinologist. In the second scenario, the patient actor played a role of a patient with opioid use disorder undergoing methadone treatment with an addiction physician.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Total offers of a new patient appointment; a secondary analysis compared the proportions of patients offered an appointment stratified by gender, population, model of care, and years in practice.

Results

Of a total 383 family physicians included in analysis, a greater proportion offered a new patient appointment to a patient with diabetes (21 of 185 physicians [11.4%]) than with opioid use disorder (8 of 198 physicians [4.0%]) (absolute difference, 7.4%; 95% CI, 2.0 to 12.6; P = .007). Physicians with more than 20 years in practice were almost 13 times less likely to offer an appointment to a patient with opioid use disorder compared with diabetes (1 of 108 physicians [0.9%] vs 10 of 84 physicians [11.9%]; absolute difference, 11.0; 95% CI, 3.8 to 18.1; P = .001). Women were almost 5 times less likely (3 of 111 physicians [2.7%] vs 14 of 114 physicians [12.3%]; absolute difference, 9.6%; 95% CI, 2.4 to 16.3; P = .007) to offer an appointment to a patient with opioid use disorder than with diabetes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, family physicians were less likely to offer a new patient appointment to a patient with opioid use disorder compared with a patient with diabetes. Potential health system solutions to this disparity include strengthening policies for accepting new patients, improved compensation, and clinician anti-oppression training.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05484609
Monthly Rates of Patients Who Left Before Accessing Care in US Emergency Departments, 2017-2021
Authors: Janke Alexander T. , Melnick Edward R. , Venkatesh Arjun K.
Published: September 2022

This cross-sectional study investigates rates of patients who left emergency departments without being seen from 2017 to 2021.
Workplace vaccination opportunity against COVID-19 contributed to high perceived organizational support of employees in Japan: A prospective cohort study
Authors:   CORoNaWork Project, Mori Koji , Mori Takahiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Ando Hajime , Hino Ayako , Tateishi Seiichiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Muramatsu Keiji , Fujino Yoshihisa
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Perceived organizational support is a broad perception by employees about the extent to which their employer values their contributions and cares about their well-being. We examined the relationship between workplace vaccination opportunities for COVID-19 provided by companies and increases and decreases in perceived organizational support, using a prospective cohort study.

Methods

This study was conducted between December 2020 and December 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire survey in Japan. In total, 18 560 people responded to the follow-up, and were included in this study. The odds ratios (ORs) for the association between company-arranged vaccination opportunities and high perceived organizational support at the follow-up for participants (a) with low perceived organizational support at the baseline (n = 4971), and (b) with high perceived organizational support at the baseline (n = 6912) were separately estimated using a multilevel logistic model.

Results

The OR of high perceived organizational support at the follow-up after low baseline levels was significantly higher in participants given a vaccination opportunity than those not given this opportunity (OR 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–1.67; p < .001). The OR of high perceived organizational support at the follow-up after high baseline levels was also significantly highly in participants given a vaccination opportunity than not (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.23–1.54; p < .001). These significant differences remained after adjusting for workplace infection control measures.

Conclusions

Employee health support provided through a workplace vaccination program can contribute to high perceived organizational support.
Dynamic monitoring of PD‐L1 and Ki67 in circulating tumor cells of metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab
Authors: Spiliotaki Maria , Neophytou Christiana Michael , Vogazianos Paris , Stylianou Ioannis , Gregoriou Gregoria , Constantinou Andreas Ioannou , Deltas Constantinos , Charalambous Haris
Published: September 2022

Programmed cell death protein ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors guides treatment selection. PD‐L1 expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may provide further information. We have explored PD‐L1 and marker of proliferation Ki‐67 (Ki67; also known as MKI67) in CTCs in longitudinal samples of 47 advanced NSCLC patients receiving pembrolizumab. A triple immunofluorescence, against cytokeratin, PD‐L1, and Ki67, was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, at baseline, post‐first cycle, post‐third, and primary resistance (PMR). Patients displaying PMR (progression at first evaluation) were classified as progressive disease (PD) and those with clinical benefit as disease control (DC). CTCs were categorized as PD‐L1high/low/medium/negative and Ki67+ or Ki67−. CTC evaluation revealed a significant increase in the PD‐L1low CTC rate at PMR compared to baseline (2.5% at baseline vs. 36.5% at PMR), whereas a reduction in the PD‐L1high CTC rate was observed (31.5% vs. 0%, respectively). Investigation of CTC status between PD and DC patients showed that PD patients more frequently increased total and PD‐L1low CTCs after first cycle compared to DC (83% of PD vs. 37% of DC and 67% of PD vs. 8% of DC, respectively). Progression‐free survival (PFS) was longer in patients with decreased total and PD‐L1low CTCs after first cycle compared to those with increased CTCs (median PFS: not reached vs. 2 months). PD‐L1+ patients presenting a high Ki67 index (% Ki67+ CTCs > 30%) before treatment had a shorter PFS compared to those with a low Ki67 (≤ 30%), and overall survival (OS) was shorter in PD‐L1+ patients harboring Ki67+ CTCs compared to those not presenting (median OS: 11.8 months vs. 33.1 months, respectively). In sequential samples of patients with a durable benefit, a low Ki67 index was observed. Our results suggest that monitoring PD‐L1 and Ki67 expression in CTCs of NSCLC patients treated with pembrolizumab may be predictive for pembrolizumab efficacy.
A new reduced model of damped moment frame for rapid optimization of viscous damper placement
Authors: Akehashi Hiroki , Takewaki Izuru
Published: September 2022

A new model reduction method is presented for moment‐resisting frames with viscous dampers. The proposed method considers (1) the interactive effect of added damping between the horizontal‐vertical directions and (2) the direct effect with regard to the vertical direction different from the conventional static condensation method. When brace‐type dampers are treated, these effects cannot be neglected originally. The proposed method gives a better correspondence of the fundamental eigenmode with that of the non‐reduced moment frame than the static condensation method. In addition, the proposed reduced model can accurately evaluate the maximum interstory drifts of the non‐reduced moment frame. The proposed model reduction method is formulated in the frequency domain. The frequency dependency of the stiffness matrix and the damping matrix of the reduced model is investigated. The influences of the added damping matrix by viscous dampers on the natural circular frequencies, the damping ratios and the participation vectors are also investigated. Finally, it is demonstrated through a numerical example that the displacement‐based optimization of the damper allocation can be accurately and rapidly conducted by using the reduced models throughout the optimization process.
Evaluating brain damage in multiple sclerosis with simultaneous multi‐angular‐relaxometry of tissue
Authors: Xiang Biao , Wen Jie , Schmidt Robert E. , Sukstanskii Alexander L. , Mamah Daniel , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. , Cross Anne H.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common demyelinating central nervous system disease. MRI methods that can quantify myelin loss are needed for trials of putative remyelinating agents. Quantitative magnetization transfer MRI introduced the macromolecule proton fraction (MPF), which correlates with myelin concentration. We developed an alternative approach, Simultaneous‐Multi‐Angular‐Relaxometry‐of‐Tissue (SMART) MRI, to generate MPF. Our objective was to test SMART‐derived MPF metric as a potential imaging biomarker of demyelination.

Methods

Twenty healthy control (HC), 11 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), 22 progressive MS (PMS), and one subject with a biopsied tumefactive demyelinating lesion were scanned at 3T using SMART MRI. SMART‐derived MPF metric was determined in normal‐appearing cortical gray matter (NAGM), normal‐appearing subcortical white matter (NAWM), and demyelinating lesions. MPF metric was evaluated for correlations with physical and cognitive test scores. Comparisons were made between HC and MS and between MS subtypes. Furthermore, correlations were determined between MPF and neuropathology in the biopsied person.

Results

SMART‐derived MPF in NAGM and NAWM were lower in MS than HC (p < 0.001). MPF in NAGM, NAWM and lesions differentiated RRMS from PMS (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas lesion volumes did not. MPF in NAGM, NAWM and lesions correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and nine‐hole peg test (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). MPF was lower in the histopathologically confirmed inflammatory demyelinating lesion than the contralateral NAWM and increased in the biopsied lesion over time, mirroring improved clinical performance.

Interpretation

SMART‐derived MPF metric holds potential as a quantitative imaging biomarker of demyelination and remyelination.
Productive versus vicarious failure: Do students need to fail themselves in order to learn?
Authors: Hartmann Christian , van Gog Tamara , Rummel Nikol
Published: September 2022

Productive Failure is an instructional approach in which students engage in problem‐solving attempts prior to instruction. The Productive Failure approach has been found to be more supportive for conceptual knowledge acquisition during subsequent instruction compared to a direct‐instruction condition in which students receive instruction first followed by problem solving. Failing at problem‐solving attempts prior to instruction is considered to prepare students to better understand the concepts underlying the problem. However, it is an open question whether students need to fail themselves to be effectively prepared for subsequent instruction. We therefore compared the effectiveness of two alternative preparatory activities: Students either engaged in problem‐solving attempts themselves or were shown problem‐solving attempts of another student. This experimental variation allows to show the necessity of own failure for the effectiveness of the PF approach. The results indicated that the two conditions were equally effective at preparing students for subsequent instruction.
Machine‐Learning‐Accelerated Development of Efficient Mixed Protonic–Electronic Conducting Oxides as the Air Electrodes for Protonic Ceramic Cells
Authors: Wang Ning , Yuan Baoyin , Tang Chunmei , Du Lei , Zhu Ruijie , Aoki Yoshitaka , Wang Weibo , Xing Lixin , Ye Siyu
Published: September 2022

Currently, the development of high‐performance protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) is limited by the scarcity of efficient mixed protonic–electronic conducting oxides that can act as air electrodes to satisfy the high protonic conductivity of electrolytes. Despite the extensive research efforts in the past decades, the development of mixed protonic–electronic conducting oxides still remains in a trial‐and‐error process, which is extremely time consuming and high cost. Herein, based on the data acquired from the published literature, the machine‐learning (ML) method is introduced to accelerate the discovery of efficient mixed protonic–electronic conducting oxides. Accordingly, the hydrated proton concentration (HPC) of 3200 oxides is predicted to evaluate the proton conduction that is essential for enhancing the electrochemical performances of PCCs. Subsequently, feature importance for HPC is evaluated to establish a guideline for rapid and accurate design and development of high‐efficiency mixed protonic–electronic conducting oxides. Thereafter, screened (La0.7Ca0.3)(Co0.8Ni0.2)O3 (LCCN7382) is prepared, and the experimental HPC adequately corresponds with the predicted results. Moreover, the PCC with LCCN7382 exhibits satisfactory electrochemical performances in electrolysis and fuel cell modes. In addition to the development of a promising air electrode for PCC, this study establishes a new avenue for ML‐based development of mixed protonic–electronic conducting oxides.
Epilepsy in Coffin–Siris syndrome: A report from the international CSS registry and review of the literature
Authors: Ciliberto Michael , Skjei Karen , Vasko Ashley , Schrier Vergano Samantha
Published: September 2022

Coffin–Siris syndrome (CSS, MIM135900) is a rare multiple congenital anomaly syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in the BAF complex; up to 28% of patients have previously been reported to have seizures, however, a comprehensive review of epilepsy has not been undertaken in this population. The International CSS Patient Report Database was queried for patients with self‐reported seizures, epilepsy, and EEG results. Data gathered included demographic data, pathogenic gene variants, seizure characteristics and treatments, and EEG findings. In addition, a PubMed search was performed using keywords “Coffin–Siris syndrome” and “epilepsy,” “seizures,” or “EEG.” Results from relevant papers are reported. Twenty‐four (7.2%) of 334 patients in the database reported having seizures, EEG abnormalities, and/or epilepsy. Median age of seizure onset was 2. 7 years. Fifteen of the 23 patients with seizures or epilepsy had an ARID1B causative variant. Seventeen patients (5.1%) reported EEG abnormalities, the majority of which were described as focal or multifocal (87.5%). In all but one patient, seizures were controlled on antiseizure medications (ASMs). The literature review yielded 311 unique CSS patients, 82 of which (26.4%) carried diagnoses of seizures or epilepsy. Details on seizure type(s), EEG findings, and response to treatment were limited.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Cyclization of Primary Benzylamines with Iodonium Ylides toward Dihydrophenanthridin‐1‐ones
Authors: Zhai Ruirui , Jiao Liulin , Qu Bohong , Yang Xiaoping , Chen Xun
Published: September 2022

An efficient Rh(III)‐catalyzed free NH2‐assisted C−H activation/cyclization of primary benzylamines with iodinium ylides was first developed. This transformation provides an easy approach to various dihydrophenanthridin‐1‐ones with broad functional group tolerance by using air as a green oxidant. Importantly, some reaction products exhibited some degree of growth inhibition of cancer cells.
Loading of ZIF‐67 on silk with sustained release of iodine as biocompatible antibacterial fibers
Authors: Mohammadi Amidi Donya , Akhbari Kamran , Soltani Sajjad
Published: September 2022

Antibacterial fibers have great potential in numerous applications, including bandages, surgical robes, and surgical sutures, and play a significant role in our everyday lives. Here, zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 was synthesized using a green method on silk fibers through a layer‐by‐layer process under ultrasonic irradiation (ZIF‐67@silk [U]) and without ultrasonic irradiation (ZIF‐67@silk [B]). Then, iodine was loaded on ZIF‐67@silk samples and were assessed as antibacterial fibers with iodine release. Four samples of ZIF‐67@silk and I2@ZIF‐67@silk were characterized by FT‐IR, PXRD, FE‐SEM, TGA, BET, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Finally, antibacterial activity of ZIF‐67@silk (B and U) and I2@ZIF‐67@silk (B and U) on Staphylococcus aureus as Gram‐positive bacteria and Escherichia coli as Gram‐negative bacteria was investigated. In addition to ZIF‐67@silk samples, iodine‐loaded samples showed excellent antimicrobial facility.
Fabrication of fully degradable branched poly (lactic acid) nanofiber membranes for high‐efficiency filter paper materials
Authors: Sun Ning , Shao Weili , Zheng Jin , Zhang Yuting , Li Junli , Liu Simeng , Wang Kai , Niu Jingyi , Li Bo , Gao Yanfei , Liu Fan , Jiang Huadong , He Jianxin
Published: September 2022

Air pollution caused by particulate matter (PM) poses an imminent threat to the global environment and public health. However, balancing the removal efficiency and pressure drop of most filter materials is difficult. Moreover, filter materials are non‐degradable and non‐recyclable, causing serious harm to the environment. Herein, a strategy to create fully degradable branched poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers based on electrospinning by adjusting the spinning solution properties was reported and branched PLA nanofibers were applied as nanofiber filter paper for air filtration materials. When the PLA and tetrabutylammonium chloride concentrations were 8 and 5 wt%, respectively, PLA nanofibers with branched structures were obtained. The obtained nanofibers possessed a small pore size (0.70 μm), high porosity (92.3%), appropriate mechanical properties, resulting in high PM0.3 removal efficiency (99.95%), low air resistance (79.67 Pa), and promising long‐term PM2.5 purification. Notably, branched T‐PLA‐5 nanofibers exhibited excellent filtration performance when applied to cellulose wood pulp paper. The filtration efficiency of the nanofiber filter paper remained stable above 85% for PM0.3 (32 L min−1) after 5000 backflushings. Thus, the preparation of such nanomaterials may provide new insights into the design and development of high‐performance degradable filtration materials for various applications.
Seed dormancy and germination of the endangered exceptional Hawaiian lobelioid Brighamia rockii
Authors: Wolkis Dustin , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. , Rønsted Nina
Published: September 2022

Premise

The Campanulaceae (Lobelioideae) is the Hawaiian plant family with the most endangered and extinct species. Although seeds of Hawaiian lobelioids are desiccation tolerant, the species are exceptional (i.e., they present challenges at various stages of the conventional ex situ conservation chain) due to their generally poor seed survival at the conventional seed‐banking temperature (–18°C). Both morphological dormancy (MD) and morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) have been identified in the seeds of other Hawaiian lobelioids; however, the class of dormancy and germination requirements of the Critically Endangered genus Brighamia have not yet been determined.

Methods

We measured the embryonic growth in 12‐week‐old seeds of B. rockii and tested their germination at three temperature regimes (15/5°C, 20/10°C, and 25/15°C) in light and at 25/15°C in darkness.

Results

The embryos grew prior to radicle emergence, and the seeds germinated rapidly to high percentages in all tested conditions.

Discussion

Whether fresh B. rockii seeds have MD or MPD still needs to be determined; nevertheless, 12‐week‐old seeds germinated well in light and darkness, and thus the seeds can be used for conservation purposes. Germination in the dark suggests that the species may not form a long‐lived soil seed bank in its native habitat.
Animal evidence considered in determination of cannabis smoke and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol as causing reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint); Part I. Somatic development
Authors: Campbell Marlissa A. , Iyer Poorni , Kaufman Farla , Kim Allegra , Moran Francisco , Niknam Yassaman , Wu Lily , Sandy Martha S. , Zeise Lauren
Published: September 2022

Objectives

On December 11, 2019, California's Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee (DARTIC) met to consider the addition of cannabis smoke and Δ9‐THC to the Proposition 65 list as causing reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint). As the lead state agency for implementing Proposition 65, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) reviewed and summarized the relevant scientific literature in the form of a hazard identification document (HID). Here we provide reviews based on the HID: shortened, revised, and reformatted for a larger audience.

Methods

While the HID included both human and animal data, this set of three reviews will highlight the animal‐derived data pertaining to somatic development (Part I), neurodevelopmental effects (Part II), and proposed neurodevelopmental mechanisms of action (Part III).

Results

Endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs) and their receptors serve many critical functions in normal development. Δ9‐THC can interfere with these functions. Mechanistic studies employed techniques including: blocking Δ9‐THC binding to endocannabinoid (EC) receptors, inhibiting Δ9‐THC metabolism, and/or using animals expressing knockout mutations of EC receptors. Apical somatic effects of cannabis smoke or Δ9‐THC reported in whole animal studies included decreases in offspring viability and growth. Mechanistic studies discussed in Part I focused on Δ9‐THC effects on early embryos and implantation, immune development, and bone growth.

Conclusions

In reaching its decision to list cannabis and Δ9‐THC as a developmental toxicant under California's Proposition 65, the DARTIC considered biological plausibility and the consistency of mechanistic information with effects reported in human and whole animal studies.
What are we reading? Hot Topics and Authorship in Ecology Literature Across Decades
Authors: Zettlemoyer Meredith A. , Cortijo‐Robles Karina M. , Srodes Nicholas , Johnson Sarah E.
Published: September 2022

As the field of ecology evolves, analyses synthesizing trends in key topics addressed over the decades can provide historical context for the development of novel theories and methods, identify “hot topics” over time, and guide future research directions. Such syntheses in a field that aims to diversify can also help quantify efforts to increase representation and authorship by underrepresented groups in STEM. To identify hot topics in ecology, we analyzed key themes in the top‐cited ecology papers in three two‐decade timeframes spanning 1960–2019. We also analyzed authorship trends (gender identity and nationality) in the top‐cited papers. We documented a shift from descriptive studies in single biological systems in the 1960–1970, to more synthesis‐based papers and studies discussing human impacts on the environment in the 1980–1990, while the 2000s were dominated by novel quantitative and macroecological approaches. The top‐cited papers were overwhelmingly from the United States and Europe, highlighting the need to make studies from across the globe more visible and accessible in the ecological literature. Finally, we detected a trend for more papers led by women authors, but a decline in papers with women last authors, indicating a need to retain women in leadership positions. Overall, our hot topics analysis highlights the expanding breadth and quantitative nature of ecology, but illustrates barriers to diversity in the perspectives represented in the top‐cited papers.
Demystifying the Graduate School Application Process
Authors: Estien Cesar O. , Chapman Melissa , Schell Christopher J. , Lowy Nicole , Gerson Jacqueline R.
Published: September 2022

Navigating the graduate school application process is often challenging, requiring intricate knowledge of academia and graduate institutional structures. This “Hidden Curriculum of Academia” includes what different graduate degrees offer, how to connect with a faculty member of interest, and the skills needed to submit a “competitive” application. We hope to demystify a portion of this hidden curriculum by focusing on the process of applying to graduate school in research‐oriented science programs. This article provides an overview of graduate school, the application process, how to prepare for it, and potential career paths to pursue following a Master's or Doctoral degree. Our work contributes to the larger literature that aims to increase the transparency of academia and create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive space.
Resolvin D1: A key endogenous inhibitor of neuroinflammation
Authors: Roohbakhsh Ali , Etemad Leila , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: September 2022

After the initiation of inflammation, a series of processes start to resolve the inflammation. A group of endogenous lipid mediators, namely specialized pro‐resolving lipid mediators is at the top list of inflammation resolution. Resolvin D1 (RvD1), is one of the lipid mediators with significant anti‐inflammatory properties. It is produced from docosahexaenoic acid (omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the body. In this article, we aimed to review the most recent findings concerning the pharmacological effects of RvD1 in the central nervous system with a focus on major neurological diseases and dysfunctions. A literature review of the past studies demonstrated that RvD1 plasma level changes during mania, depression, and Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, RVD1 and its epimer, aspirin‐triggered RvD1 (AT‐RvD1), have significant therapeutic effects on experimental models of ischemic and traumatic brain injuries, memory dysfunction, pain, depression, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Interestingly, the beneficial effects of RvD1 and AT‐RvD1 were mostly induced at nanomolar and micromolar concentrations implying the significant potency of these lipid mediators in treating diseases with inflammation.
A cluster analysis of the global wind power industry: Insights for renewable energy business stakeholders and environmental policy decision makers
Authors: Glowik Mario , Bhatti Waheed Akbar , Chwialkowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

In light of an ongoing climate change and an increasing fragility of fossil energy supply due to global political tensions, the adoption of renewable energy sources is of utmost importance for economic and social prosperity. This study targets to endeavor major value chain configurations within the global wind power industry network based on a data set of 326 relationships established by the 10 globally leading wind turbine firms covering a time span of 15 years. We discuss the demand side and provide an overview of the main wind power investment target countries and compare the importance of different regions. On the supply side, we analyze and identify eight important firm clusters within the global wind power business network. Concerning our sample, we elaborate horizontal and vertical relationship links, their collaboration patterns, regional partner preferences, and their value chain competences, thus providing valuable insights into the competitive structures of the wind power industry. By doing so, we open the debate on appropriate and efficient firm strategies within renewable industries. As consequence, we provide robust empirical evidence on global wind power industry architectures and corresponding competitive firm forces for the future. As we found that the industry is currently divided into eight main global industry clusters, our study delivers valuable industry network insights addressing managerial, political, and socioeconomic decision makers in order to secure future ecological and economic prosperity in a challenging world.
Anatomical investigations on the upper airway in premature and newborn babies
Authors: Schwake Ida , Sprinz Maria , Scaal Martin , Eifinger Frank
Published: September 2022

Safe intubation of newborns remains a challenge. This investigates the upper airway anatomy of (pre‐)term infants was investigated to improve airway management and the development of airway devices. Angles and diameters of both oral and nasal intubation pathways of 22 cadavers of premature and term stillborn infants were measured, relative to their gestational age (GA) and tested for statistical significance. The systematic influence of sex on the distribution of values was examined. Cast models of the oral and nasal intubation pathway were (produced using a silicone dental impression material) 3D‐scanned. No significant correlation with GA was seen in the angles studied. However, four distances around the hard and soft palate did show statistically significant positive correlations with GA. Regarding differences between the sexes, only the angle between the entrance of the trachea and the esophagus was greater for male cadavers. The angles of the ventilation pathway of (pre‐)term infants do not depend systematically on GA. Anatomically, laryngeal masks might therefore also be well‐suited ventilators for preterm infants. Alterations in the size but not the shape of laryngeal masks for small preterm infants is recommended. The data obtained may thus be used as a basis for the development of airway devices and airway simulators for medical education and clinical training.
Radiomic study on preoperative multi‐modal magnetic resonance images identifies IDH‐mutant TERT promoter‐mutant gliomas
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhang Shuxin , Xing Xiang , Yue Qiang , Feng Wentao , Chen Siliang , Zhang Jun , Xie Dan , Chen Ni , Liu Yanhui
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Gliomas with comutations of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter (IDHmut pTERTmut) show distinct biological features and respond to first‐line treatment differently in comparison with other gliomas. This study aimed to characterize the IDHmut pTERTmut gliomas in multimodal MRI using the radiomic method and establish a precise diagnostic model identifying this group of gliomas.

Methods

A total of 140 patients with untreated primary gliomas were admitted between 2016 and 2020 to West China Hospital as a discovery cohort, including 22 IDHmut pTERTmut patients. Thirty‐four additional cases from a different hospital were included in the study as an independent validation cohort. A total of 3654 radiomic features were extracted from the preoperative multimodal MRI images (T1c, FLAIR, and ADC maps) and filtered in a data‐driven approach. The discovery cohort was split into training and test sets by a 4:1 ratio. A diagnostic model (multilayer perceptron classifier) for detecting the IDHmut pTERTmut gliomas was trained using an automatic machine‐learning algorithm named tree‐based pipeline optimization tool (TPOT). The most critical radiomic features in the model were identified and visualized.

Results

The model achieved an area under the receiver‐operating curve (AUROC) of 0.971 (95% CI, 0.902–1.000), the sensitivity of 0.833 (95% CI, 0.333–1.000), and the specificity of 0.966 (95% CI, 0.931–1.000) in the test set. The area under the precision‐recall curve (AUCPR) was 0.754 (95% CI, 0.572–0.833) and the F1 score was 0.833 (95% CI, 0.500–1.000). In the independent validation set, the model reached 0.952 AUROC, 0.714 sensitivity, 0.963 specificity, 0.841 AUCPR, and 0.769 F1 score. MR radiomic features of the IDHmut pTERTmut gliomas represented homogenous low‐complexity texture in three modalities.

Conclusions

An accurate diagnostic model was constructed for detecting IDHmut pTERTmut gliomas using multimodal radiomic features. The most important features were associated with the homogenous simple texture of IDHmut pTERTmut gliomas in MRI images transformed using Laplacian of Gaussian and wavelet filters.
Synthesis of MoS2@N‐MXene/C Heterogeneous Nanosheets and its Enhanced Pseudocapacitance Effects for NIBs
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Xiang , Chen Yi‐Zhao , Liao Song‐Yi , Hu Jun‐Qi , Liu Cun‐Sheng , Cui Shuai‐Fu , Huang Xing‐Wen , Liu Yidong , Min Yonggang
Published: September 2022

Currently, Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) have emerged as a new generation of energy storage devices. However, due to the lack of suitable anode materials, the large‐scale practical application of NIBs is still greatly limited. Therefore, to address this issue, an effective strategy towards an advanced NIBs anode was developed by achieving MoS2 anchored on nitrogen‐doped MXene nanosheets with carbon coating (shorten as MoS2@N‐MXene/C). The structure, surface chemistry state and micromorphology of MoS2@N‐MXene/C were carefully analyzed and characterized by XRD, XPS and SEM/TEM, respectively. It was shown that MoS2 was loaded on N‐MXene to form a heterogeneous nanosheets structure. When applied to the anode of NIBs, MoS2@N‐MXene/C delivered ∼189 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1 and remained at ∼308 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. Moreover, based on the simulation and calculation from CV curves, the enhanced electrochemical performances of MoS2@N‐MXene/C was assigned to its high pseudocapacitance‐dominated contribution (84.5 % at a scan rate of 2 mV s−1). Therefore, owing to the highly conductive N‐MXene and the actively anchored MoS2, MoS2@N‐MXene/C could effectively provide efficient channels for charge transfer and ionic diffusion. The presented design strategy may provide a guidance for developing more‐efficient NIBs anode.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Reductive Double Carbonylation of Nitroarenes with Aryl Halides Using Mo(CO)6 as a Reductant and Carbonyl Source
Authors: Liu Xueling , An Tongshun , Yin Zhiping , Zhang Wenzhou
Published: September 2022

A new palladium‐catalyzed reductive double carbonylation of nitroarenes with aryl halides for the synthesis of benzoxazin‐4‐ones has been reported. The key to success was the use of Mo(CO)6 as a reductant and bench‐stable solid carbonyl sources. Various aryl iodides, bromides, and trifluoromethanesulfonates are suitable reaction partners and produce corresponding benzoxazin‐4‐one derivatives in moderate to good yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that nitrosoarene was first generated as the key intermediate through nitro reduction. Remarkably, this method avoids the use of toxic CO gas and is further applied to the late‐stage modification of estrone.