bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical optimization of pretreatment of municipal solid waste by response surface methodology for fermentable sugar production
Authors: Zahara Nayab , Jalees Muhammad Irfan , Farooq Muhammad Umar
Published: July 2022

This research aims to use low‐cost and easily available chemicals for chemical pretreatment to achieve a high yield of fermentable sugars using biodegradable municipal solid waste as a substrate. Biodegradable municipal solid waste was pretreated with locally available toilet cleaner (acidic in nature) and washing detergent (basic in nature) and to achieve maximum yield of reducing sugars, two variables; chemical concentration and time were selected for optimization using a central composite design. In Central composite design 13 runs for toilet cleaner (acidic in nature) and washing detergent (basic in nature) pretreatment models were created while ranges for two variables were selected as 1, 2, 3 days for time and 1%, 3%, 5% for chemical concentration. In the toilet cleaner (acidic in nature) pretreatment, optimum conditions were 5% (vol/vol) of toilet cleaner (acidic in nature) for 3 days. At optimal conditions, the model for toilet cleaner (acidic in nature) pretreatment released 167.755 g/L of reducing sugars and 2.684 MJ/L energy while the model for washing detergent (basic in nature) pretreatment released 159.141 g/L of reducing sugars and 2.546 MJ/L energy. An enzyme cocktail hydrolyzed the toilet cleaner (acidic in nature) pretreated sample, and the highest value of fermentable sugar was achieved at 36 h of 237.83 ± 11.028 g/L. Thus, the chemical pretreatment using toilet cleaner and washing detergent has a great potential for fermentable sugar production and effectively be used in industrial and household digesters for the conversion of waste into useful products.
Solanum spp. straw improves phytoremediation ability of hyperaccumulator Galinsoga parviflora on cadmium‐contaminated soil
Authors: Dai Jingtong , Chen Xu , Wang Jiangyue , Cheng Qi , Li Rui , Lin Lijin , Wang Li
Published: July 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a major cause of soil contamination in farmlands. To improve the phytoremediation ability of hyperaccumulators, the straws of three Solanum spp. (Solanum alatum, Solanum nigrum var. humile, and Solanum nigrum) were added to Cd‐contaminated soil, and Cd‐hyperaccumualtor Galinsoga parviflora were planted in the soil to explore their effect on phytoremediation ability of G. parviflora. The straws of three Solanum spp. increased the biomass of G. parviflora, but had no significant effects on the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid) contents in G. parviflora. The straws of three Solanum spp. decreased or had no significant effects on the superoxide dismutase activity and soluble protein content of G. parviflora, however, they enhanced the catalase activity of this plant. The straw of S. nigrum var. humile enhanced the peroxidase activity of G. parviflora, whereas the straws of S. alatum and S. nigrum decreased the peroxidase activity of G. parviflora. The straws of three Solanum spp. increased the Cd content in shoots and the Cd extraction by shoots of G. parviflora. Compared with the control, the straws of S. alatum, S. nigrum var. humile, and S. nigrum increased the Cd extraction by shoots by 46.41%, 35.33%, and 41.20%, respectively. Correlation and gray relational analyses revealed that the root biomass, shoot biomass, and catalase activity were closely associated with the Cd extration by shoots of G. parviflora. These results indicate that the straws of three Solanum spp. can promote the growth and Cd uptake of G. parviflora, thus improving its phytoremediation ability.
An ALE‐based finite element strategy for modeling compressible two‐phase flows
Authors: Potghan Nilesh , Jog Chandrashekhar S.
Published: July 2022

In this work, we develop a numerical strategy for solving two‐phase immiscible compressible fluid flows in a general arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian framework. The interpolation functions for the field variables are chosen so as to produce a stable numerical formulation. We model one of the fluids in a Lagrangian setting and use a conforming mesh moving with it which circumvents the need of solving an additional diffusion equation to track or construct the interface. The discontinuity in the pressure field across the interface is accurately modeled using the dummy‐node technique. This technique yields a sharp and accurate representation of the interface and in turn a correct computation of the surface tension forces. We present a variational form of the governing equations including the surface tension effect and their exact linearization. Various benchmark examples are presented to illustrate the good performance and good coarse‐mesh accuracy of the proposed scheme.
Zur Anwendung der Erdwiderstandsmodelle von p‐y‐Kurven und nach DIN 4085 zur lateralen Pfahlbemessung in geschichteten Böden
Authors: Lüking Jan , Wiesenthal Philipp , Kirsch Fabian
Published: July 2022

Die Bemessung von horizontal belasteten Pfählen erfolgt in Deutschland i. d. R. mit dem vereinfachten Bettungsmodulverfahren oder dem Verfahren nach Blum. Hiermit können Pfahlkopfverschiebungen jedoch häufig nicht hinreichend genau prognostiziert werden. International werden nichtlineare Federkennlinien zur Abbildung des Bettungsverhaltens des Bodens verwendet, welches als p‐y‐Verfahren bezeichnet wird. In diesem Aufsatz werden die Grundlagen des p‐y‐Verfahrens vorgestellt und es wird auf die Herleitung der einzelnen Modelle für unterschiedliche Bodenarten sowie die mathematische Beschreibung der jeweiligen p‐y‐Kurven eingegangen. Zur Berücksichtigung geschichteter Böden wird der Ansatz nach Georgiadis verwendet. Der mit diesem Verfahren ermittelte Erdwiderstand wird mit Berechnungen für den räumlichen Erdwiderstand nach DIN 4085 verglichen. Da in der DIN 4085 nur Formelansätze für homogene Böden angegeben sind, werden die entsprechenden Formeln für geschichtete Böden erweitert. Im Rahmen einer Parameterstudie an typischen Baugrundschichtungen werden die maßgebenden Unterschiede der einzelnen Verfahren aufgezeigt und diskutiert.
Different effects for different questions: An illustration using short cervix and the risk of preterm birth
Authors: Ross Rachael K. , Cole Stephen R. , Westreich Daniel , Edwards Jessie K. , Musonda Patrick , Vwalika Bellington , Kasaro Margaret P. , Price Joan T. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To illustrate the difference between exposure effects and population attributable effects.

Methods

We examined the effect of mid‐pregnancy short cervical length (<25 mm) on preterm birth using data from a prospective cohort of pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia. Preterm birth was live birth or stillbirth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. For estimation, we used multivariable regression and parametric g‐computation.

Results

Among 1409 women included in the analysis, short cervix was rare (2.4%); 13.6% of births were preterm. Exposure effect estimates were large (marginal risk ratio 2.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80–4.54), indicating that the preterm birth risk was substantially higher among women with a short cervix compared with women without a short cervix. However, the population attributable effect estimates were close to the null (risk ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10), indicating that an intervention to counteract the impact of short cervix on preterm birth would have minimal effect on the population risk of preterm birth.

Conclusion

Although authors often refer to “the” effect, there are actually different types of effects, as we have illustrated here. In planning research, it is important to consider which effect to estimate to ensure that the estimate aligns with the research objective.
Social inequities and postabortion care: Brazil's university hospital experience
Authors: Veiga‐Junior Nelio N. , Trabach Caroline B. , Dantas Priscilla B. F. , Nunes Carina C. , Baccaro Luiz F.
Published: July 2022

Synopsis

Surveillance network provides for changes in postabortion care, and is a strategy to improve the access of vulnerable social groups to safe abortion.
Sustained impact of community‐based interventions on contraceptive use among married adolescent girls in rural Niger: Results from a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Erhardt‐Ohren Blake , Brooks Mohamad , Aliou Sani , Osseni Akim Assani , Oumarou Alhassane , Challa Sneha , Tomar Shweta , Johns Nicole , Silverman Jay
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the sustained impact of community‐based family planning (FP) interventions on current modern contraceptive and long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use among married adolescent girls in rural Niger.

Methods

We used a cluster randomized controlled trial design following married adolescent girls and their husbands over 3 years. Villages were randomized to one of four arms: household visits, small group discussions, combined intervention, or control. For 1.5 years, couples were exposed to one intervention activity per month and 1.5 years after implementation ended, we used a multi‐level mixed effects logistic regression model to evaluate changes in key FP outcomes.

Results

We analyzed survey data from 404 married adolescent girls with data at baseline and endline. Small group discussions (+35.6%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.94, P < 0.001) and the combined intervention (+17.9%: aOR 4.53, P = 0.005) led to statistically significant increases in the odds of using modern contraceptives at endline compared with the control. The combined intervention (+14.2%; aOR 7.98, P < 0.001) and home visits (+12.6%; aOR 8.09, P < 0.001) led to statistically significant increases in odds of using LARC methods at endline compared with the control. Increase in LARC use was driven by implant use across all intervention groups.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the empirical evidence base on the sustained impact of community‐based interventions on increases in FP use among married adolescent girls in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
The spectrum for large sets of resolvable idempotent Latin squares
Authors: Li Xiangqian , Chang Yanxun
Published: July 2022

An idempotent Latin square of order is called resolvable and denoted by RILS(v) if the off‐diagonal cells can be resolved into disjoint transversals. A large set of resolvable idempotent Latin squares of order , briefly LRILS(v), is a collection of RILS(v)s pairwise agreeing on only the main diagonal. In this article, an LRILS(v) is constructed for by using multiplier automorphism groups. Hence, there exists an LRILS(v) for any positive integer , except .
A cardiac malignant primary tumor: Left atrium myxosarcoma—A case report
Authors: Junze Zheng , Yuxi Liu , Jiande Tang , Xuezhe Wei , Yequan Sun
Published: July 2022

Myxosarcoma only accounts for a very small proportion of primary malignant tumors of the heart. The disease has no specificity in clinical manifestations or features on medical images. In this case study, we report about a middle‐aged female patient afflicted with cardiac myxosarcoma. The initial transthoracic echocardiography of the patient revealed a cardiac myxoma. However, the postoperative histopathology confirmed the presence of a malignant cardiac myxosarcoma. Post‐surgery follow‐up imaging examinations revealed local recurrence in the left atrium as well as soft‐tissue and bone metastases. The recurrent tumor and metastases were subsequently treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the tumor did not respond to treatment and the disease progressed.
The role of multimodality imaging in the selection for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators in heart failure: A narrative review
Authors: Velcea Andreea Elena , Mihaila Baldea Sorina , Nicula Alina Ioana , Vinereanu Dragos
Published: July 2022

Advanced pharmacologic and interventional therapies have improved survival in heart failure. Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD) have been shown to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure, but the benefit appears to be uneven in this population. We reviewed the evidence showing the benefit of ICD therapy in heart failure patients, the main issues arising from these studies, and the possible answers for a better risk stratification. In addition, we showed that multimodality imaging could improve patient selection for the implantation of ICDs, in both primary and secondary prevention, beyond the selection using only the left ventricular ejection fraction, by concentrating on arrhythmic substrate.
Challenges in quantifying and characterizing dissolved organic carbon: Sampling, isolation, storage, and analysis
Authors: Chow Alex Tat‐Shing , Ulus Yener , Huang Guocheng , Kline Michael Alan , Cheah Wing‐Yee
Published: July 2022

Despite the advancements in analytical techniques, there are still great challenges and difficulties in accurately and effectively quantifying and characterizing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in environmental samples. The objectives of this review paper are (a) to understand the roles and variability of DOC along the water continuum; (b) to identify the constraints, inconsistences, limitations, and artifacts in DOC characterization; and (c) to provide recommendations and remarks to improve the analytical accuracy. For the first objective, we summarize the four ecological and engineering roles of DOC along the water continuum from source water to municipal utility, including nutrients and energy sources, controlling the fates of micropollutants, buffering capacity, and treatability and precursors of disinfection byproducts. We also discuss three major challenges in DOC analysis, including spatial and temporal variations, degradability and stability, and unknown structures and formulas. For the second objective, we review the procedures and steps in DOC analysis, including sampling in diverse environmental matrices, isolation of DOC fraction, storage and preservation techniques, and analyses on bulk chemical characteristics. We list and discuss the available options and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. Last, we provide recommendations and remarks for each stage: sampling, isolation, storage, and analysis.
Genetic counselors' experience with reimbursement and patient out‐of‐pocket cost for multi‐cancer gene panel testing for hereditary cancer syndromes
Authors: Weldon Christine B. , Trosman Julia R. , Liang Su‐Ying , Douglas Michael P. , Scheuner Maren T. , Kurian Allison , Schaa Kendra L. , Roscow Breanna , Erwin Deanna , Phillips Kathryn A.
Published: July 2022

Multi‐cancer gene panels for hereditary cancer syndromes (hereditary cancer panels, HCPs) are widely available, and some laboratories have programs that limit patients' out‐of‐pocket (OOP) cost share. However, little is known about practices by cancer genetic counselors for discussing and ordering an HCP and how insurance reimbursement and patient out‐of‐pocket share impact these practices. We conducted a survey of cancer genetic counselors based in the United States through the National Society of Genetic Counselors to assess the impact of reimbursement and patient OOP share on ordering of an HCP and hereditary cancer genetic counseling. Data analyses were conducted using chi‐square and t tests. We received 135 responses (16% response rate). We found that the vast majority of respondents (94%, 127/135) ordered an HCP for patients rather than single‐gene tests to assess hereditary cancer predisposition. Two‐thirds of respondents reported that their institution had no protocol related to discussing HCPs with patients. Most respondents (84%, 114/135) indicated clinical indications and patients' requests as important in selecting and ordering HCPs, while 42%, 57/135, considered reimbursement and patient OOP share factors important. We found statistically significant differences in reporting of insurance as a frequently used payment method for HCPs and in‐person genetic counseling (84% versus 59%, respectively, p < 0.0001). Perceived patient willingness to pay more than $100 was significantly higher for HCPs than for genetic counseling(41% versus 22%, respectively, p < 0.01). In sum, genetic counselors' widespread selection and ordering of HCPs is driven more by clinical indications and patient preferences than payment considerations. Respondents perceived that testing is more often reimbursed by insurance than genetic counseling, and patients are more willing to pay for an HCP than for genetic counseling. Policy efforts should address this incongruence in reimbursement and patient OOP share. Patient‐centered communication should educate patients on the benefit of genetic counseling.
Disability inclusive employment in urban Malawi: A multi‐perspective interview study
Authors: Remnant Jennifer , Wånggren Lena , Huque Sarah , Sang Katherine , Kachali Limbani , Richards James
Published: July 2022

The paper presents interview data from Malawian government representatives, trade unionists, employers and people with disabilities from the country's largest cities Lilongwe and Blantyre. Findings relate to the gap between the discourse of employers and government officials and that of workers with disabilities. Firstly, we find a policy‐based assumption of a formalised workforce that is not representative of the predominantly informal disabled workforce. Secondly, the disruptive, intermittent and often reactive nature of non‐governmental organisation (NGO) interventions can limit long‐term inclusivity agendas and undermine the work of disabled activists in Malawi. Lastly, we present findings on the stigmatised nature of disability in these urban centres. We find that stigma is economic: Urban workers with disabilities are discriminated against locally by employers, landlords and banks on assumptions they will not produce or earn enough to meet productivity demands, rent or repayment costs.
Ontogeny of the trigeminal system and associated structures in Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Lessner Emily J. , Elsey Ruth M. , Holliday Casey M.
Published: July 2022

From the appearance of the vertebrate head, the trigeminal system has played a role in behavioral and ecological adaptation. The trigeminal nerve is the primary cranial somatosensory nerve, also innervating the jaw muscles. In crocodylians, the trigeminal nerve plays a role in modulating the high bite force and unique integumentary sensation. In association with these behaviors, crocodylians are known for large trigeminal nerves, a high volume of trigeminal‐innervated musculature, and densely packed, specialized sensory receptors. These innovations also occurred in concert with a restructuring of the lateral braincase wall. These morphologies have previously been investigated in phylogenetic and evolutionary contexts, but an ontogenetic, whole‐system investigation of trigeminal tissue and associated musculature, cartilage, and bone is lacking, as is an understanding of developmental timing of morphologies significant to hypotheses of homology. Here, we use contrast‐enhanced computed tomography imaging to provide description and analysis of the trigeminal system in an ontogenetic series of Alligator mississippiensis from embryonic to adult form. We explore growth rates and allometric relationships of structures and discuss the significance to hypotheses of homology. We find a high growth rate and allometric trajectory of the trigeminal nerve in comparison to other cranial nerves, likely associated with the large volume of trigeminal musculature and high densities of sensory receptors. We identify a similar trend in the pterygoideus dorsalis muscle, the highest contributor to bite force. We narrow ontogenetic timing of features related to the trigeminal topological paradigm and the undeveloped epipterygoid. Overall, we provide a basis for understanding trigeminal development in crocodylians, which upon comparison across reptiles will reveal ontogenetic origins of morphological variation.
Comparison of DeepStrain and Feature Tracking for Cardiac MRI Strain Analysis
Authors: Morales Manuel A. , Cirillo Julia , Nakata Kei , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Ngo Long H. , Izquierdo‐Garcia David , Catana Ciprian , Nezafat Reza
Published: July 2022

Background

Myocardial feature tracking (FT) provides a comprehensive analysis of myocardial deformation from cine balanced steady‐state free‐precession images (bSSFP). However, FT remains time‐consuming, precluding its clinical adoption.

Purpose

To compare left‐ventricular global radial strain (GRS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) values measured using automated DeepStrain analysis of short‐axis cine images to those calculated using manual commercially available FT analysis.

Study Type

Retrospective, single‐center.

Population

A total of 30 healthy subjects and 120 patients with cardiac disease for DeepStrain development. For evaluation, 47 healthy subjects (36 male, 53 ± 5 years) and 533 patients who had undergone a clinical cardiac MRI (373 male, 59 ± 14 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

bSSFP sequence at 1.5 T (Phillips) and 3 T (Siemens).

Assessment

Automated DeepStrain measurements of GRS and GCS were compared to commercially available FT (Circle, cvi42) measures obtained by readers with 1 year and 3 years of experience. Comparisons were performed overall and stratified by scanner manufacturer.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐test, linear regression slope, Pearson correlation coefficient (r).

Results

Overall, FT and DeepStrain measurements of GCS were not significantly different (P = 0.207), but measures of GRS were significantly different. Measurements of GRS from Philips (slope = 1.06 [1.03 1.08], r = 0.85) and Siemens (slope = 1.04 [0.99 1.09], r = 0.83) data showed a very strong correlation and agreement between techniques. Measurements of GCS from Philips (slope = 0.98 [0.98 1.01], r = 0.91) and Siemens (slope = 1.0 [0.96 1.03], r = 0.88) data similarly showed a very strong correlation.

The average analysis time per subject was 4.1 ± 1.2 minutes for FT and 34.7 ± 3.3 seconds for DeepStrain, representing a 7‐fold reduction in analysis time.

Data Conclusion

This study demonstrated high correlation of myocardial GCS and GRS measurements between freely available fully automated DeepStrain and commercially available manual FT software, with substantial time‐saving in the analysis.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities receiving enteral nutrition: A pilot study
Authors: Nakai Yoko , Akagawa Shohei , Fujishiro Sadayuki , Akagawa Yuko , Yamagishi Mitsuru , Yamanouchi Sohsaku , Kimata Takahisa , Ohashi Atsushi , Hashiyada Masaki , Akane Atsushi , Tsuji Shoji , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: July 2022

Background

Children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMIDs) frequently and continuously receive enteral nutrition and medications and lack adequate exercise, which may lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance in the composition of the gut microbiota. However, studies on the composition of gut microbiota in children with SMIDs are limited. Therefore, we aimed to examine the characteristics of the gut microbiota in children with SMIDs.

Methods

16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed using fecal samples of 10 children with SMIDs, who received enteral nutrition through a gastric fistula or gastric tube (SMID group: median age, 10.0 years), and 19 healthy children (healthy control [HC] group: median age, 9.0 years). Microbial diversity, microbial composition, and abundance of butyric acid‐producing bacteria were compared between the groups. Daily dietary fiber intake in the SMID group was evaluated using questionnaires.

Results

The Shannon and Simpson indices (alpha diversity indices) were significantly lower in the SMID group than those in the HC group. Beta diversity analysis identified different clusters. Compared with the HC group, Clostridiales and butyric acid‐producing bacteria were less abundant and Bacteroidales were more abundant in the SMID group. Dietary fiber intake in the SMID group was approximately two‐thirds of the estimated average requirement for healthy Japanese children.

Conclusion

Children with SMIDs showed dysbiosis with alteration in the microbial diversity, which could partly be attributed to their low dietary fiber intake. Further studies, with the intervention of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, are warranted to improve dysbiosis in children with SMIDs.
Controlling Rheology of Fluid Interfaces through Microblock Length of Sequence‐Controlled Amphiphilic Copolymers
Authors: Yu Xiaoxi , Li Guofang , Zheng Bingqian , Youn Gyusaang , Jiang Ting , Quah Suan P. , Laughlin Scott T. , Sampson Nicole S. , Bhatia Surita R.
Published: July 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated that films of sequence‐controlled amphiphilic copolymers display contact angles that depend on microblock size. This suggests that microblock length may provide a means of tuning surface and interfacial properties. In this work, the interfacial rheology of a series of sequence‐controlled copolymers, prepared through the addition of bicyclo[4.2.0]oct‐1(8)‐ene‐8‐carboxamide (monomer A) and cyclohexene (monomer B) to generate sequences up to 24 monomeric units composed of (AmBn)i microblocks, where m, n, and i range from 1 to 6. Interfacial rheometry is used to measure the mechanical properties of an air–water interface with these copolymers. As the microblock size increases, the interfacial storage modulus, G′, increases, which may be due to an increase in the size of interfacial hydrophobic domains. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering shows that the copolymers have a similar conformation in solution, suggesting that any variations in the mechanics of the interface are due to assembly at the interface, and not on solution association or bulk rheological properties. This is the first study demonstrating that microblock size can be used to control interfacial rheology of amphiphilic copolymers. Thus, the results provide a new strategy for controlling the dynamics of fluid interfaces through precision sequence‐controlled polymers.
Childhood‐Onset Choreo‐Dystonia Due to a Recurrent Novel Homozygous Nonsense HPCA Variant: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Magrinelli Francesca , Bhatia Kailash P. , Beiraghi Toosi Mehran , Arab Fatemeh , Karimiani Ehsan Ghayoor , Sedighzadeh Sahar , Ansari Behnaz , Neshatdoust Maedeh , Rocca Clarissa , Houlden Henry , Maroofian Reza
Published: July 2022

Background

Biallelic variants in HPCA were linked to isolated dystonia (formerly DYT2) in 2015. Since then, the clinical spectrum of HPCA‐related disorder has expanded up to including a complex syndrome encompassing neurodevelopmental delay, generalized dystonia with bulbar involvement, and infantile seizures.

Cases

We report four individuals with a new phenotype of childhood‐onset choreo‐dystonia belonging to two unrelated Iranian pedigrees and harboring a novel homozygous nonsense pathogenic variant NM_002143.3:c.49C>T p.(Arg17*) in HPCA. Although the families are both Iranian, haplotype analysis of the exome data did not reveal a founder effect of the variant.

Literature Review

A systematic review of articles on HPCA and dystonia published since the disease gene discovery (PubMed; search on July 09, 2022; search strategy “HPCA AND dystonia”, “HPCA AND movement disorder”, “hippocalcin AND dystonia”, and “hippocalcin AND movement disorder”; no language restriction) resulted in 18 references reporting 10 cases from six families. HPCA‐related dystonia was isolated or in various combinations with neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures, cognitive decline, and psychiatric comorbidity. Onset of dystonia ranged from infancy to early adulthood. Dystonia started in the limbs or neck and became generalized in most cases. Brain MRI was unremarkable in nearly all cases where performed. There was poor or no response to common antidystonic medications in most cases.

Conclusions

Our case series expands the pheno‐genotypic spectrum of HPCA‐related disorder by describing childhood‐onset choreo‐dystonia as a new phenotype, reporting on a recurrent novel pathogenic nonsense variant in HPCA, and suggesting that exon 2 of HPCA might be a mutational hotspot.
Comparison of spectral beam combining based on reflecting volume Bragg grating, with and without collimating lenses
Authors: Wang Ya , Zhan Shengbao , Fu Xiang , Deng Zhifeng , Le Wenran , Zhu Zusong
Published: July 2022

On the basis of the principle of spectral beam combining (SBC), a simple combining system using a reflecting volume Bragg grating as a combiner was designed in which two focusing lenses were used to control the incident angles of input beams, and two concave lenses were used to solve the problem of beam divergence caused by focusing lenses. The effects of the beam divergence angle (DA) on diffraction efficiency and beam quality were analyzed theoretically. The simulation results showed that a larger DA will reduce diffraction efficiency and lead to deterioration of beam quality. In the SBC experiment, the performances of the output beam with and without concave lenses were compared. The experimental results showed that, when the concave lenses were not inserted, the measured output power was 503 mW with a combining efficiency of 85.3% and the beam quality factor of 1.68. The experiment further showed that the combined power was 566 mW with a combining efficiency of 96% and a beam quality factor of 1.31 when concave lenses were used.
Multimodal imaging reveals a small subpopulation of Deinococcus radiodurans exhibiting correlated low superoxide radical levels with extraordinary silver ion metabolism
Authors: Zhu Weinan , He Xinyu , Li Haoran , Jiang Bo , Xie Ruo‐Chen , Wang Wei
Published: July 2022

A polyvalent strategy has recently been assumed to be adopted by Deinococcus radiodurans that can generate various resistance against many different detrimental sources of oxidative damage (e.g., reactive oxygen species, heavy metal ions, and ionizing radiation). On this basis, investigating more than one restorative metabolic activities and their interrelation of the very same entities of D. radiodurans is of great significance for exploring its polyextremophile nature, which will be insightful for obtaining fundamental generic insights into life sustainability. Herein, we apply mainly fluorescence microscopy and back‐reflection microscopy to visibly assess the respective activities of superoxide radical generation and silver ion metabolism for individual D. radiodurans. Strikingly, only a minority (< 20%) of the bacteria, which show low superoxide radical levels, is revealed to exhibit considerable formation of silver nanoparticles, while those containing more superoxide radicals, all show minimum silver ion metabolism. The discovery of the strong negative correlation for the small subpopulation between the two visualized different metabolic activities not only provides direct experimental evidence in terms of bacterial functionality for the inferred survival regime of the extreme microbe, but also suggests a new way of chemically examining biology from the perspective of interfunctional relationship.

Keypoints

The use of back‐reflection microscopy allows the discovery of a small subpopulation of Deinococcus radiodurans exhibiting extraordinary silver ion metabolism.

Combining fluorescence microscopy and bright‐field microscopy, we further show the subpopulation all contain correlated relatively low levels of superoxide radicals.

The findings from the angle of exploring interfunctional relationship directly support the polyvalent strategy currently proposed for the polyextremophile for survivals against various sources of oxidative damage.
Fixed‐time linear quadratic adaptive sliding mode control for a class of cart‐pendulum robots
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Zheng , Liu Jia‐Dong , Wu Xiao‐Ming , Chi Jing , Deng Chao
Published: July 2022

This article is concerned with the fixed‐time path‐following control problem of a perturbed cart‐pendulum robot with linear quadratic (LQ) performance optimization. In order to ensure the displacements of cart and pendulum of the robot following the desired paths within fixed‐time, adaptive anti‐perturbation sliding mode control schemes with a novel fixed‐time sliding mode surface are developed to withstand the adverse influence of perturbations. Furthermore, an adaptive radial basis function neural network (RBFNN)‐based sliding mode control algorithm is employed to approximate the continuous perturbations, so that the path‐following LQ control problem can be further dealt with. The fixed‐time stability and path‐following results of the cart‐pendulum robotic system are achieved by Lyapunov stability theory. A simulation example for a heavy material handling agricultural robot is proposed to verify the effectiveness of the developed method.
Transcriptomic analysis of Sitophilus zeamais in response to limonene fumigation
Authors: Liao Min , Li Shengnan , Wu Hailong , Gao Quan , Shi Su , Huang Yong , Cao Haiqun
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Frequent application of chemical fumigants has contributed to the development of resistance in stored‐product pests. Essential oils provide a novel and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. In this work, the fumigant activity of Taxodium ‘zhongshansha’ essential oil (TZEO) and main active components against Sitophilus zeamais were evaluated. In addition, the molecular mechanisms mediating the fumigant activity of limonene were assessed.

RESULTS

TZEO showed strong fumigant activity against Sitophilus zeamais, with a 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of 22.90 μL L−1 air in 24 h. The main components of TZEO were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the main active ingredient (limonene) showed an LC50 of 9.93 μL L−1 air in 24 h which had a serious dose‐time‐effect. The LC50 value of the positive control (aluminum phosphide) was 1.91 μL L−1. In total, 3982 up‐regulated and 3067 down‐regulated genes were sequenced in limonene‐fumigated Sitophilus zeamais, the genes related to metabolic detoxification were significantly enriched. The mortality rate of 7 day‐old Sitophilus zeamais adult mediated with knockdown of SzCYP6MS5 and SzCYP6MS6 raised up to 65.67% and 67.65% after fumigation with limonene in 24 h, respectively. The results showed that SzCYP6MS5 and SzCYP6MS6 are closely involved to the detoxification of limonene.

CONCLUSION

In this study, candidate genes affected by limonene treatment in Sitophilus zeamais were identified. These findings provided insights into the systemic metabolic response of Sitophilus zeamais to limonene and established a basis for the development of limonene as a botanical pesticide for the control of stored‐product pests. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Luminescence Enhancement of Red‐Emitting Sr9MnK(PO4)7 Phosphor via Energy Transfer and Charge Compensation
Authors: Xie Guangyong , Wu Ming , Li Tingcheng , You Qingliang , Tang Wanjun
Published: July 2022

It is an urgent need to explore high‐efficiency and high‐purity red‐emitting phosphors in white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) application. Herein, the synthesis and luminescence properties of Mn‐based Sr9MnK(PO4)7 phosphor are reported. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurement and Rietveld structural refinement confirm that Sr9MnK(PO4)7 is crystallized in the trigonal Sr9Fe1.5(PO4)7 type structure with the space group of (166). Eu2+‐doped Sr9MnK(PO4)7 phosphor exhibits a broad excitation spectrum peaked at 394 nm and emits bright reddish‐orange light centered at 610 nm. Moreover, the introduction of the Ce3+ ion substantially enhances the intensity of Mn2+ emission. Here, Ce3+ acts as a charge compensator rather than a sensitizer, as confirmed by spectral analysis and various chemical techniques. On the base of the energy transfer between Eu2+ and Mn2+ coupled with charge compensation, a high‐brightness red‐emitting Sr9MnK(PO4)7:Eu2+,Ce3+ phosphor is obtained.
Efficacy of Covexir® (Ferula foetida oleo‐gum) treatment in symptomatic improvement of patients with mild to moderate COVID‐19: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Hasanpour Maede , Safari Hossein , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang , Iranshahy Milad , Dehghan Nayyeri Mohammad Javad , Farhadi Faegheh , Emami Bahareh , Iranshahi Mehrdad
Published: July 2022

The SARS‐CoV‐2 COVID‐19 pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented emergency state in healthcare system and global challenge. In recent decade, the function of exogenous H2S in the treatment of respiratory diseases has been investigated using H2S‐donor agents. Ferula foetida is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used in respiratory diseases including asthma and viral respiratory diseases. The oleo‐gum of this plant is a rich source of several organic sulfides including thiophenes, disulfides and polysulfide derivatives, which can act as H2S‐donor agents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Covexir® (F. foetida oleo‐gum) treatment as a rich source of H2S‐donor compounds in clinical presentations of patients with COVID‐19. The efficacy of Covexir® was evaluated in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in outpatients with COVID‐19. Covexir® could significantly inhibit cough when compared to the placebo group (p < .01 and p < 001, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant difference (p < 001) between the two groups in dyspnea symptom at follow‐up interval of 7 day after receiving Covexir®. Furthermore, on days 3 and 7, statistically significant differences were observed in myalgia, anorexia, anosmia, and sense of taste severity between two groups. Our findings revealed that Covexir® was very safe in the treatment of COVID‐19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms and it can be recommended to improve clinical presentations of patients with COVID‐19 such as cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, anorexia, anosmia, and sense of taste.
Adaptive neural learning fixed‐time control for uncertain teleoperation system with time‐delay and time‐varying output constraints
Authors: Li Longnan , Liu Zhengxiong , Ma Zhiqiang , Huang Panfeng , Guo Shaofan
Published: July 2022

Restricted by operation time and workspace, the end effectors of robots need to complete the teleoperation tasks within the limited time while adhering to the physical constraints. Meanwhile, time‐delay has an extremely detrimental influence on stability and transparency. In order to meet the constraints of convergence time, control performance and workspace, an adaptive neural learning fixed‐time control scheme incorporating an integral barrier Lyapunov function is proposed for the first time. Neural networks are utilized to reconstruct environmental forces and approximate the total uncertainty introduced by robots and the environment. Instead of directly transmitting high‐frequency force signals, the neural network is used to fit the environmental force before transmitting the virtual environment parameters to the leader, which effectively avoids the passive issue and improves the transparency of the teleoperation system. The results show that the error signals converge into the neighborhood of the zero domain in fixed‐time and the output is directly constrained within the prescribed time‐varying boundary. In comparison with other existing research, the control performance of the teleoperation system has been improved to a certain extent with the proposed control method. Simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility and availability of the proposed control strategy with the teleoperation platform composed of two Phantom Omni haptic devices.
Outside board members and strategic orientation of new ventures in the startup phase
Authors: Bruneel Johan , Gaeremynck Ann , Weemaes Stephan
Published: July 2022

Research Summary

We investigate the relationship between outside board members (OBMs) and short‐ versus long‐term strategic orientation of new ventures in the startup phase. Owing to their smallness and newness, a short‐term orientation may be more desirable. Using a dataset of 170 Belgian new ventures in the startup phase, we find a positive association between the proportion of OBMs and a short‐ rather than long‐term strategic orientation, attributed by our interviewees to concern for firm survival. This association is stronger in new ventures operating in highly competitive environments, and where the founding team performed few pre‐startup activities. Greater focus on the short‐term may be beneficial in the long run, as a positive association is found between a high relative short‐term orientation and ventures' growth.

Managerial Summary

New ventures in the startup phase should primarily focus on short‐term issues: get a better understanding of who are the customers and try to validate the business model. This article reveals that the board of directors plays a pivotal role in influencing the extent to which startups have a short‐term strategic orientation. Specifically, it explains how OBMs provide advice, monitor the startup's progress, and guide entrepreneurs on key short‐term priorities. This strategic role of OBMs is more pronounced in new ventures where the entrepreneurial team is less prepared at founding and in firms operating in highly competitive environments. Importantly, our paper provides evidence that a short‐term orientation in the startup phase does not jeopardize future venture growth in the scale‐up phase.
Phylogenetic relationships of Xerochrysum, Coronidium and Helichrysum leucopsideum reveal a new genus, Leucozoma (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae)
Authors: Collins Timothy L. , Bruhl Jeremy J. , Andrew Rose L. , Telford Ian R.H. , Schmidt‐Lebuhn Alexander N.
Published: July 2022

We gathered morphological data and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to infer the evolutionary relationships of Xerochrysum, Coronidium, and Helichrysum leucopsideum, and to test the circumscription of the genera. SVDquartets species tree topology resolved relationships between the genera and within subsets of the Xerochrysum data. Results corroborated previous conclusions that Coronidium is non‐monophyletic as presently circumscribed and forms, in addition to the more distantly related Coronidium scorpioides group, three morphologically distinct clades. SVDquartets returned two clades in Xerochrysum, though species‐level relationships were unclear. Bayesian coalescent analysis using SNAPP produced tree topologies for the three clades of Coronidium with most species‐level relationships well resolved. The new genus Leucozoma is described for seven taxa previously included in Coronidium. A revised description of Coronidium and images of phyllary and fruit diagnostic morphological characters are provided.
New data on efficacy of valacyclovir in secondary prevention of maternal–fetal transmission of cytomegalovirus
Authors: Egloff C. , Sibiude J. , Vauloup‐Fellous C. , Benachi A. , Bouthry E. , Biquard F. , Hawkins‐Villarreal A. , Houhou‐Fidouh N. , Mandelbrot L. , Vivanti A. J. , Picone O.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of non‐genetic hearing and neurological deficits. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of valacyclovir (VCV) treatment in preventing CMV transmission to the fetus after maternal primary infection.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multicenter study evaluating the rate of maternal–fetal CMV transmission in pregnancies with maternal primary CMV infection treated with VCV at a dosage of 8 g per day (VCV group) compared with a control group of untreated women. Each case underwent virological testing to confirm maternal primary infection and to provide accurate dating of onset of infection. The primary outcome was the presence of congenital CMV infection at birth diagnosed based on polymerase chain reaction analysis of saliva, urine and/or blood samples. The efficacy of VCV treatment was assessed using logistic regression analysis adjusted for a propensity score.

Results

In total, 143 patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 59 were in the VCV group and 84 were in the untreated control group. On propensity‐score‐adjusted analysis, VCV treatment was significantly associated with an overall reduction in the rate of maternal–fetal CMV transmission (odds ratio, 0.40 (95% CI, 0.18–0.90); P = 0.029). The rate of maternal–fetal CMV transmission, determined at birth, in the VCV vs control group was 7% (1/14) vs 10% (1/10) after periconceptional maternal primary infection (P = 1.00), 22% (8/36) vs 41% (19/46) after first‐trimester maternal primary infection (P = 0.068) and 25% (2/8) vs 52% (14/27) after second‐trimester maternal primary infection (P = 0.244). When analyzing the efficacy of VCV treatment according to maternal viremia at treatment initiation, there was a trend towards greater efficacy when patients were viremia‐positive (21% vs 43%; P = 0.072) compared with when they were viremia‐negative (22% vs 17%; P = 0.659). Maternal side effects associated with VCV were mild and non‐specific in most cases.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that VCV treatment of pregnant women with primary CMV infection reduces the risk of maternal–fetal transmission of CMV and may be effective in cases with primary infection in the first and second trimesters. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
On the effect of the central body small deformations on its satellite trajectory in the problem of the two‐body gravitational interaction
Authors: Kiryan Dmitry G. , Kiryan George V.
Published: July 2022

The problem of the two‐body gravitational interaction has been solved numerically based on the classical mechanics principles. One of the bodies is a deformable three‐axis ellipsoid (central body) and the other is a material point (satellite). The relationship of the angular discrepancy between the calculated and actual positions of the satellite pericenter with central body's gravity anomaly has been established.
A three‐phase laminated anisotropic elliptical inhomogeneity with internal uniform stress resultants
Authors: Yang Ping , Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: July 2022

We use the Stroh octet formalism for the coupled stretching and bending deformations of Kirchhoff laminated anisotropic thin plates together with the complex variable formulations of the decoupled stretching and bending deformations of Kirchhoff homogeneous isotropic thin plates to study the internal stress resultants inside a laminated anisotropic elliptical inhomogeneity bonded to a surrounding infinite laminated anisotropic matrix through a confocal interphase layer composed of a homogeneous isotropic plate when the matrix is subjected to uniform remote membrane stress resultants and bending moments. We prove that for given geometric and material parameters of the composite, the internal stress resultants inside the elliptical inhomogeneity are uniform when four specific conditions on the remote loading are satisfied. Furthermore, the internal uniform elastic field is determined in real‐form in terms of the two 8 × 8 fundamental elastic plate matrices for both the inhomogeneity and the matrix and the three 4 × 4 real matrices S, H, and L for the matrix.