bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Alliance for Healthier Communities' journey to a learning health system in primary care
Authors: Nash Danielle M , Rayner Jennifer , Bhatti Sara , Zagar Lorri , Zwarenstein Merrick
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The Alliance for Healthier Communities represents community‐governed healthcare organizations in Ontario, Canada including Community Health Centres, which provide primary care to more disadvantaged populations.

Methods

In this experience report, we describe the Alliance's journey towards becoming a learning health system using examples for organizational culture, data and analytics, people and partnerships, client engagement, ethics and oversight, evaluation and dissemination, resources, identification and prioritization, and deliverables and impact.

Results

Many of the foundational elements for a learning health system were already in place at the Alliance including an integrated and accessible data platform. Leadership championed and embraced the movement towards a learning health system, which led to restructuring of the organization. This included role changes for data support personnel, better communication, and dissemination plans, strategies to engage clinicians and other front‐line staff, restructuring of committees for more collaborative planning and prioritization of quality improvement and research initiatives, and the development of a new Practice‐Based Learning Network for more opportunities to use the data for research and evaluation.

Conclusions

Next steps will focus on continued clinical engagement and partnerships as well as ongoing reflection on the transition and success of the learning health system work.
Polymersomes‐Mediated Delivery of CSF1R Inhibitor to Tumor Associated Macrophages Promotes M2 to M1‐Like Macrophage Repolarization
Authors: Rodriguez‐Perdigon Manuel , Jimaja Sètuhn , Haeni Laetitia , Bruns Nico , Rothen‐Rutishauser Barbara , Rüegg Curzio
Published: May 2022

The crosstalk between cancer cells and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor environment modulates tumor progression at all stages of cancer disease. TAMs are predominantly M2‐like polarized macrophages with tumor‐promoting activities. Nonetheless, they can be repolarized to tumoricidal M1‐like macrophages through macrophage colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibition (CSF1Ri). CSF1Ri is being explored as multifaced therapeutic approach to suppress TAMs tumor‐promoting functions and reduce cancer cell aggressiveness and viability. However, treatment with CSF1Ri results in significant TAMs death, thereby extinguishing the possibility of generating tumoricidal M1‐like macrophages. Immunotherapy has not only improved overall patient's survival in some cancer types, but also caused frequent off‐target toxicity. Approaches to balance efficacy versus toxicity are needed. Herein, a CSF1Ri‐loaded polymersomes (PMs) based delivery platform is developed to promote M2‐like macrophage repolarization. When testing in vitro on primary human monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs), CSF1Ri‐loaded PMs are preferentially taken up by M2‐like macrophages and enhance M2 to M1‐like macrophage repolarization while minimizing cytotoxicity in comparison to the free drug. When testing in a MDMs‐MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell coculture model, CSF1Ri‐loaded PMs further retain their M2 to M1‐like macrophages polarization capacity. This CSF1Ri‐loaded PM‐based platform system represents a promising tool for macrophage‐based immunotherapy approaches.
Amino‐Terminated Hyperbranched Polymer‐Based Recyclable Elastic Fibers for a Breathable and Antibacterial Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Jia Pan , Wang Li , Yao Xuefeng , Zhang Desuo , Lin Hong , Li Yi , Chen Yuyue , Xiong Jiaqing
Published: May 2022

Realizing recyclable triboelectric active materials with commendable elasticity, breathability, and durable antibacterial performance is significant for the sustainable development of wearables and bioelectronics. A spinnable elastic polymer (MPVA) is developed by modifying polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with amino‐terminated hyperbranched polymers (HBP‐NH2), demonstrating a junction‐reinforced electrospun nanofiber membrane (MPVA) with lower Young's modulus and improved stretchability, which exhibits robust network structure and tunable air permeability to sustain 50 tensile cycles at 50% strain. Trapped silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the fibers reduced in situ by the terminal groups of HBP‐NH2 demonstrate MPVA/Ag NPs nanofiber membrane with reliable antibacterial capability for both E. coli and S. aureus. By spraying a silver nanowires (Ag NWs) electrode on the antibacterial fiber membrane to serve as a single‐electrode stretchable (≈50% strain) triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), it is demonstrated that stable triboelectric output can be maintained regardless of resistance change (ΔR/R0) within 50%. Self‐powered identification of contacting objects is demonstrated. The antibacterial breathable fiber membrane can be facilely dissolved in water for regeneration via electrospinning, which is promising for sustainable development of future transient TENGs and bioelectronics.
Covalent Adaptable Networks Based on Dynamic Alkoxyamine Bonds
Authors: Jia Yixuan , Delaittre Guillaume , Tsotsalas Manuel
Published: May 2022

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) introduce a new paradigm to polymer science, by making static network polymers dynamic and thereby recyclable, reprocessable, and self‐healing. The critical feature in CANs is the presence of dynamic covalent linkages within the network structure. A variety of such linkages are introduced into CANs, making the respective networks responsive to various stimuli, such as light, temperature, or pH. Here, CANs based on alkoxyamines as dynamic covalent bonds are reviewed. Alkoxyamines uniquely combine the ability to dynamically form, break, and reform covalent bonds with the possibility to initiate reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization. Polymer networks based on alkoxyamines are therefore both adaptive and quasi‐living, able to remodel the network structure by nitroxide‐exchange reactions (NER) and extend the network structure by nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP). In this review, the concepts behind CANs are first introduced and the properties of nitroxides and derived alkoxyamines are discussed. A special focus is set on the ability to tune the response of alkoxyamines to different stimuli, through alteration of their structure. In addition, possible side reactions during dynamic bond exchange and limitations for polymerization are critically reviewed. Subsequently, examples of alkoxyamine‐based CANs responsive to different stimuli, such as temperature, light, or chemical triggers, are discussed. Properties and applications of CANs based on alkoxyamines are then discussed. Finally, an outlook is provided on challenges that need to be addressed as well as opportunities that lie within these “living” CANs.
Georgia advocates celebrate ‘historic’ passage of state mental health parity law
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2022

Mental health advocates and state leaders are applauding recently signed legislation that will enforce parity, support the workforce and provide equitable reimbursement and loan cancellation for behavioral health providers. For the first time, the state of Georgia will enforce parity in insurance coverage for behavioral health, courtesy of a unanimous vote during the 2022 state legislative session to pass the Mental Health Parity Act, effective July 1.
Blowup for semilinear fractional diffusion system with Caputo–Hadamard derivative
Authors: Yang Jinping , Li Zhiqiang
Published: May 2022

The main aim of this paper is to study the blowing‐up behavior of the solution for semilinear fractional diffusion system with the Caputo–Hadamard derivative and the fractional Laplacian. We construct a mild solution of the semilinear system by using the fundamental solutions and then prove the local existence and uniqueness of the mild solution by virtue of the fixed point argument. Next, the definition of a weak solution is introduced by the test function, and the mild solution can be verified to be a weak solution. Finally, we show the finite time blowup and global solution to the considered system in terms of the contraction mapping principle.
Polyphenols and Ulcerative Colitis: An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Red Wine Consumption on Gut and Oral Microbiome in Active‐Phase Patients
Authors: Taladrid Diego , Zorraquín‐Peña Irene , Molinero Natalia , Silva Mariana , Manceñido Noemi , Pajares Ramón , Bartolomé Begoña , Moreno‐Arribas M. Victoria
Published: May 2022

Scope

This paper explores the effects of moderate red wine consumption on the clinical status and symptomatology of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), including the study of the oral and intestinal microbiome.

Methods and results

A case control intervention study in UC patients is designed. Intervention patients (n= 5) consume red wine (250 mL day−1) for 4 weeks whereas control patients (n= 5) do not. Moderate wine consumption significantly (p < 0.05) improves some clinical parameters related to serum iron, and alleviates intestinal symptoms as evaluated by the IBDQ‐32 questionnaire. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicate a non‐significant (p > 0.05) increase in bacterial alpha diversity after wine intervention in both saliva and fecal microbiota. Additional comparison of taxonomic data between UC patients (n= 10) and healthy subjects (n= 8) confirm intestinal dysbiosis for the UC patients. Finally, analysis of fecal metabolites (i.e., phenolic acids and SCFAs) indicates a non‐significant increase (p> 0.05) for the UC patients that consumed wine.

Conclusions

Moderate and regular red wine intake seems to improve the clinical status and symptoms of UC patients in the active phase of the disease. However, studies with a greater sample size are required to achieve conclusive results.
Efficiency of Hydraulic Patent Tongs for Surveying Restored Eastern Oyster Reefs in Harris Creek, Maryland
Authors: Wilberg Michael J. , Coleman Sara , Slacum H. Ward , Liang Dong
Published: May 2022

The eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica is a temperate reef-building bivalve that provides an array of ecosystem services. Efforts to restore eastern oyster have been increasing, highlighting the need for standardized monitoring metrics across projects and regions. Our objective was to estimate the efficiency of hydraulic patent tongs for estimating eastern oyster density on restoration sites in Harris Creek, Maryland. We sampled eastern oysters using a diver and hydraulic patent tongs and estimated differences in density estimates between the two gears using a mixed-effects generalized linear model. On average, density estimates from hydraulic patent tongs were only 30% of those from the diver, which was substantially lower than previous studies. Given the widespread use of hydraulic patent tongs in eastern oyster research and management, a better understanding of the efficiency of hydraulic patent tongs is needed.
Abundance, Restoration, and Transport of Unanchored Large Wood in a Small River in Central Idaho
Authors: Gregory Jim S. , Gamett Bart L. , Wood Caselle L. , Van Kirk Robert W.
Published: May 2022

Removal of large wood along and within streams has disrupted processes that are essential for the establishment of important habitat for fish in many areas. Therefore, habitat improvement activities often include addition of large wood to streams. Historical timber harvests in portions of the Yankee Fork drainage reduced the abundance of large wood in these areas compared to areas that have not experienced harvest. In this study, large wood was added to the Yankee Fork to simulate wood recruitment to the stream by natural processes, including streamside trees falling into the stream, avalanches, and debris flows. The added wood was not buried, anchored, or purposefully wedged to prevent movement. Therefore, natural stream dynamics could reposition the wood, resulting in natural fish habitat. The abundance of large wood in the treatment reaches, although not static, was maintained over multiple years despite the occurrence of a near 25-year high-flow event. Tracking of 20 radio-tagged pieces of added large wood over 5 years revealed a maximum transport distance of 940 m, with most pieces moving <28 m in any given year. The results of the present study demonstrate that large-wood abundance in a small river, increased by simulating natural processes, can be maintained at levels observed in similar reference areas despite high flows and some wood transport. The restoration approach proposed in this study is appropriate for small rivers on public or undeveloped private land; however, caution should be exercised in rivers where man-made infrastructure could be damaged by unanchored large wood.
Resetting the Clock: How a Reconnection Event Reshaped Cove Fish Assemblages in a Nebraska Reservoir
Authors: Ruoss Jenna P. , Mason Brian E. , Wuellner Melissa R. , Koupal Keith D.
Published: May 2022

Coves are part of the mosaic of fish habitats in many U.S. reservoirs, but over time these coves may be disconnected from the main reservoir for varying durations due to the buildup of sediment berms at the mouth that are higher than reservoir elevations. Our 4-year study (2017–2020) of five coves in Harlan County Reservoir, Nebraska, across three seasons (spring, summer, and fall) provided an opportunity to compare fish communities between coves that have remained connected to the main body of the reservoir and coves that have been intermittently connected to or disconnected from the reservoir over the past 10 years. Further, we were able to evaluate fish community changes in coves following substantial flood events in 2019 that reconnected all disconnected coves to the main body of the reservoir. Taxonomic richness and diversity were lower in the intermittently connected and disconnected coves compared to the connected coves in 2017 and 2018. Only Common Carp Cyprinus carpio were found in the disconnected cove, and Black Bullheads Ameiurus melas were only found in intermittent coves. However, fish communities notably shifted in intermittently connected and disconnected coves after the reconnection event in 2019 and became more similar to those in connected coves. Most notably, species richness in the disconnected cove increased from 1 species preconnection to 18 species postconnection, and two new species (Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris and Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas) were found in at least one cove type during the postflood period that had not been present in any coves prior to the connection. Results from this study underscore the importance of coves as habitats for some species and provide insights as to how fish communities may change when coves are reconnected, whether by human intervention or variations in reservoir elevation.
Using Pectoral Fin Ridges to Assign Sex to Bighead Carp
Authors: Lederman Nathan J. , Love Seth A. , Anderson Rebekah L. , DeBoer Jason A. , Lamer James T.
Published: May 2022

Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis are native to eastern Asia, have been introduced throughout the world, and are subjected to immense management where they persist. Identifying the sex of Bighead Carp during monitoring efforts could provide additional data to enhance fishery management schemes, thereby facilitating better management. We assessed the presence (male) or absence (female) of bony ctenoid serrations on the upper edge of the foremost pectoral fin ray to noninvasively and nonlethally determine the sex of 745 Bighead Carp collected from March to December. Bighead Carp sex was correctly assigned 93% of the time by three readers, with males correctly identified 94% of the time and females 92% of the time. A generalized linear model indicated that total length and water temperature influence the success of sex assignment. Overall effects of water temperature and size were relatively low, as the pectoral fin method was highly accurate (93%) and precise (88% agreement among readers). Thus, the pectoral fin method provides reliable Bighead Carp sex assignment that can be used on wild-caught fish to noninvasively and rapidly assign sex in the field or lab.
Abundance and Migration Success of Overshoot Steelhead in the Upper Columbia River
Authors: Murdoch Andrew R. , See Kevin , Truscott Benjamin L.
Published: May 2022

Summer steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss may enter freshwater almost a year before spawning and potentially make long migrations (>1,000 km) to interior headwater habitats. However, in response to suboptimal freshwater habitat conditions (e.g., warmer water temperatures), adult summer steelhead may exhibit complex behaviors during upstream migration in the Columbia River basin. Steelhead may migrate upstream of their natal tributary (hereafter, referred to as “overshoot”) and spend days to several months before subsequently migrating downstream (hereafter, referred to as “fallback”) to their natal tributary to spawn. An expansion of an existing Bayesian patch occupancy model, derived from observations of adult steelhead that were PIT-tagged to estimate population-specific abundance upstream of the tagging location, incorporated downstream detection locations to estimate the abundance of overshoot fallbacks. Overshoot steelhead abundance at the tagging location was estimated based on the relationship between the number of known overshoot fallbacks (i.e., the number of steelhead that overshot and successfully migrated downstream to their natal tributary) and their model-estimated abundance. During the study period (2010–2017), the annual mean proportion of overshoot steelhead that successfully migrated downstream of the tagging location (Priest Rapids Dam) was 0.59 (SD = 0.14). The number of dams encountered by overshoot steelhead during their downstream migration was negatively correlated with their downstream migration success probability. Improved downstream passage survival for adult steelhead will increase the abundance of affected populations while reducing potential genetic introgression of upstream populations (i.e., strays). This is the first study to estimate the abundance of overshoot and fallback steelhead, providing the data necessary for scientists to estimate potential conservation benefits of improved downstream survival. For example, surface flow passage routes (e.g., sluiceways and temporary spillway weirs) are very effective in guiding and passing adult steelhead downstream of Columbia River hydroelectric projects and data from this assessment show that changes in dam operations throughout the downstream migration period may maximize conservation benefits.
An object‐oriented geometric engine design for discontinuities in unfitted/immersed/enriched finite element methods
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhebel Elena , van den Boom Sanne J. , Liu Dongyu , Aragón Alejandro M.
Published: May 2022

In this work, an object‐oriented geometric engine is proposed to solve problems with discontinuities, for instance, material interfaces and cracks, by means of unfitted, immersed, or enriched finite element methods (FEMs). Both explicit and implicit representations, such as geometric entities and level sets, are introduced to describe configurations of discontinuities. The geometric engine is designed in an object‐oriented way and consists of several modules. For efficiency, a ‐d tree data structure that partitions the background mesh is constructed for detecting cut elements whose neighbors are found by means of a dual graph structure. Moreover, the implementation for creating enriched nodes, integration elements, and physical groups is described in detail, and the corresponding pseudo‐code is also provided. The complexity and efficiency of the geometric engine are investigated by solving 2‐D and 3‐D discontinuous models. The capability of the geometric engine is demonstrated on several numerical examples. Topology optimization and problems with intersecting discontinuities are handled with enriched FEMs, where enriched discretizations obtained from the geometric engine are used for the analysis. Furthermore, polycrystalline structures that overlap with an unfitted mesh are considered, where integration elements are created so they align with grain boundaries. Another example shows that the Stanford bunny, which is discretized by a surface mesh with triangular elements, can be fully immersed into a 3‐D background mesh. Finally, we share a list of main findings and conclude that the proposed geometric engine is general, robust, and efficient.
Understanding nursing students' perceptions of the general practice environment and their priorities for employment settings
Authors: Calma Kaara Ray B. , Halcomb Elizabeth J. , Fernandez Ritin , Williams Anna , McInnes Susan
Published: May 2022

Aim

To explore final year nursing students' perceptions of the general practice environment and their priorities when choosing a workplace.

Design

Online survey, reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Methods

The validated Profession Scale from the Scale on Community Care Perceptions (SCOPE) tool was used to identify characteristics within the general practice environment and the importance of these in choosing a workplace. To explore the factor structure, exploratory factor analysis was undertaken which was used to revise the survey language and flow before widespread dissemination.

Results

Three hundred and fifty‐five responses were received. Factor analysis revealed three factors: Provision of care, Employment conditions and Nature of work. Respondents exposed to general practice in the Bachelor of Nursing program or who had a general practice clinical placement had significantly different perceptions across all factors. Although wages, advancement opportunities, work pressures and the physical nature of work were perceived as important in choosing a workplace, they were seen as only moderately present in general practice.
Feelings of being a second victim among Spanish midwives and obstetricians
Authors: Santana‐Domínguez Irene , González‐De La Torre Héctor , Verdú‐Soriano José , Berenguer‐Pérez Miriam , Suárez‐Sánchez Juan José , Martín‐Martínez Alicia
Published: May 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of feelings of being a second victim among midwives and obstetricians in Spain and to explore possible differences between the two professions.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive‐analytical observational study.

Methods

An online survey collecting several variables was administered throughout the Spanish territory. Spanish version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST) was used. The data collection period was from May to December 2020.

Results

A total sample of 719 obstetricians and midwives were studied. There were significant differences between the two groups with respect to seven dimensions of SVEST: greater feelings of being a second victim among obstetricians in the dimensions physical distress/p ≤ .001, non‐work‐related support/p ≤ .001 and absenteeism/p ≤ .001 and greater feelings of being a second victim among midwives in the dimensions psychological distress/p ≤ .001, supervisor support/p = .011, professional self‐efficacy/p ≤ .001 and intention to change jobs/p ≤ .001.
Frontline nurses' compassion fatigue and associated predictive factors during the second wave of COVID‐19 in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Amir Kabunga , Okalo Ponsiano
Published: May 2022

Aim

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated contextual factors of compassion fatigue in nurses in Kampala.

Design

This study employed a cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

Participants included 395 nurses. They provided details about their demographic information. Stamm's Professional Quality of Life V‐5 was used to assess the levels of compassion fatigue. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi‐square and Fischer's exact test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. A p‐value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the total 395 participants, 58.23% (N = 230) were female, 39.76% had a diploma, 47.09% were single, 43.54% had worked for 11–15 years, 54.94% had an exposure to COVID‐19 cases and 43.54% worked for more than 10 hr a day. 49.11% had high levels of compassion fatigue. The predictors of compassion fatigue were working experience (p‐value = <.001), exposure to COVID‐19 (p‐value = <.019), long working hours (p‐value = .003) and remuneration (p‐value = <.001).
A novel lookup table based model predictive torque control strategy using matrix converter suitable for permanent magnet synchronous motor fed marine electric propulsion drives
Authors: Joshua Dasamma Anunciya , Arumugam Sivaprakasam
Published: May 2022

Matrix converter (MC), an embryonic stage AC–AC converter with dynamic potentialities which is well suitable for the efficient propulsion and better maneuverability of marine vehicles with ensured power quality. The increased number of voltage vectors in MC facilitates a vibrant control over the propulsion motor and also the compactness in MC structure is a desirable aspect. The MC fed finite control set‐model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) is an attractive and effective modern concept of motor control. However, the industrial implementation of MC fed FCS‐MPC is immature due to its necessity of powerful and expensive processors, as it employs more prediction voltage vectors which correspondingly increase the execution duration of the control algorithm. Hence, this paper presents an efficient 12 sector based lookup table for the optimization and reduction of prediction voltage vectors in the FCS‐MPC without complicating the computation processing, which is suitable for the permanent magnet synchronous motor drive embedded in the marine propulsion unit. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is analyzed using the MATLAB environment and its steady state, dynamic and transient performances are investigated and validated using the real time OPAL RT lab system in comparison to the conventional methods. The significant idea behind this article is to propose a superior MC fed FCS‐MPC concept for the marine propulsion motors with diminished torque and flux ripples, which can be easily implemented with economically feasible processors.
An investigation into the impact of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer composite on the hole quality using abrasive water jet drilling
Authors: Thakur Raju Kumar , Singh Kalyan Kumar
Published: May 2022

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites are being increasingly used in various industries owing to their low cost, lightweight, and impressive mechanical properties. For the present study, composites were fabricated with various weight percentages of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), i.e., 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375, and 0.5 wt%, which were mixed with epoxy resin of GFRP. Characteristics such as flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and tensile strength of the prepared composites were tested, which established that reinforcement of 0.25 wt% of GNPs ensures optimum properties in the composite. The GNPs, loaded with 0.375 and 0.5 wt% agglomerated, on the other hand, showed interface‐governed failure. The influence of machining factors, such as wt% of GNPs, jet pressure, and traverse rate, were also studied to assess the hole quality of the composite samples, machined by abrasive water jet (AWJ). Subsequently, machining characteristics of the GNPs loaded GFRP composites are explored in detail using AWJ drilling in terms of surface roughness (Ra), kerf angle (KA), and entry and exit delamination factor (DF). The AWJ machining outcomes demonstrated that the incorporation of GNPs significantly influences the machining response of the composites. The Ra, KA, entry, and exit DF of composite laminates reduce with advancement in GNPs loadings. In addition, the surface of the drilled holes was characterized using FESEM analysis.
Registration of three Gossypium barbadense L. American pima‐like germplasm lines (PSSJ‐FRP01, PSSJ‐FRP02, and PSSJ‐FRP03) with improved resistance to Fusarium wilt race 4 and good fiber quality
Authors: Ulloa Mauricio , Abdurakhmonov Ibrokhim Y. , Hutmacher Robert , Schramm TariLee , Shermatov Shukhrat , Buriev Zabardast , Roberts Philip , Ellis Margaret L. , Payton Paxton
Published: May 2022

Over the past 18 yr, Fusarium wilt race 4 (FOV4) has affected cotton (Gossypium spp.) production in the San Joaquin Valley of California, and more recently this pathogen was formally identified in 2017 in the El Paso, TX, region and in 2019 in New Mexico. The primary purpose for the germplasm release is to provide cotton breeders with needed alternative sources for continuing to improve FOV4 resistance in pima cotton. PSSJ‐FRP01 (Reg. no. GP‐1107, PI 699963) (PS‐592) originated from Pima S‐6 × G. barbadense pool accessions GB1368/k‐7616. Pima S‐6 possesses a major gene(s) for FOV4 resistance. GB1368/k‐7616 is Uzbekistan accession introduction with different plant structure, large leaves, columnar growth, and a more clustered fruiting habit when compared to most American pima. PSSJ‐FRP02 (Reg. no. GP‐1108, PI 699964) and PSSJ‐FRP03 (Reg. no. GP‐1109, PI 699965) originated from PS‐592 × SA‐3208 (LIAO MIAN 7 HAO). SA‐3208 is moderately resistant to FOV4. Multiple selections and recurrent cycles of selections were applied to these new germplasm lines based on an asymptomatic single plant after greenhouse FOV4 inoculations and/or infested field evaluations from F1 to F4. In subsequent field and greenhouse tests in 2019–2021, the germplasm lines showed improved resistance to FOV4 based on low percentage mortality and vascular staining and fiber quality when compared to commercial cultivars. PSSJ‐FRP01, PSSJ‐FRP02, and PSSJ‐FRP03 lines will help to continue reducing the vulnerability of the pima cotton industry to this fungal pathogen and to advance efforts to broaden the genetic base of FOV4 resistance, which is critical to the pima cotton industry in the United States and Uzbekistan.
Cracking chromatin with proteomics: From chromatome to histone modifications
Authors: Sigismondo Gianluca , Papageorgiou Dimitris N. , Krijgsveld Jeroen
Published: May 2022

Chromatin is the assembly of genomic DNA and proteins packaged in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, which together are crucial in regulating a plethora of cellular processes. Histones may be the best known class of protein constituents in chromatin, which are decorated by a range of post‐translational modifications to recruit accessory proteins and protein complexes to execute specific functions, ranging from DNA compaction, repair, transcription, and duplication, all in a dynamic fashion and depending on the cellular state. The key role of chromatin in cellular fitness is emphasized by the deregulation of chromatin determinants predisposing to different diseases, including cancer. For this reason, deep investigation of chromatin composition is fundamental to better understand cellular physiology. Proteomic approaches have played a crucial role to understand critical aspects of this complex interplay, benefiting from the ability to identify and quantify proteins and their modifications in an unbiased manner. This review gives an overview of the proteomic approaches that have been developed by combining mass spectrometry‐based with tailored biochemical and genetic methods to examine overall protein make‐up of chromatin, to characterize chromatin domains, to determine protein interactions, and to decipher the broad spectrum of histone modifications that represent the quintessence of chromatin function.
Physical Properties of Sr2MWO6 (M=Ca, Mg) for Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Aziz Asima , Arshad Irfana , Aldaghfag Shatha A. , Yaseen Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Ishfaq Mudassir , Khalid Butt Mehwish , Noreen Saima , Hegazy Hosameldin Helmy
Published: May 2022

Herein, the physical properties of Sr2MWO6 (M = Ca, Mg) double perovskite oxides are evaluated using an ab initio technique with full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) method. It is revealed that Sr2CaWO6 and Sr2MgWO6 are direct bandgap (Eg) compounds with Eg of 4.4 and 4.3 eV, respectively. The stability of Sr2MWO6 (M = Ca, Mg) compounds is in cubic lattices, which is ensured by calculating the tolerance factor (τ) and formation energy (ΔH). The optical features such as dielectric constants (ε1, ε2), optical conductivity σ(ω), refractive index n(ω), absorption coefficient α(ω), extinction coefficient k(ω), and reflectivity R(ω) are computed within the energy span of 0–10 eV. Finally, BoltzTrap code is utilized for the calculations of thermoelectric (TE) properties and the calculated values of figure of merit (ZT) for Sr2CaWO6 and Sr2MgWO6 are 0.7775 and 0.7471, correspondingly. The analysis of optical and TE characteristics indicates that the Sr2MWO6 (M = Ca, Mg) compounds are suitable for ultraviolet photodetectors, solar cells, and TE applications.
Parameters of the Unit Cell of the Ti3AlC2 MAX‐Phase with Hydrogen
Authors: Grib Alexander , Samsonik Alexander , Prikhna Tatiana , Serbenyuk Tetyana
Published: May 2022

Investigations of the penetration of hydrogen into ternary carbides (the so‐called MAX phases) become topical because it has been found recently that these materials can be protective coatings. Herein, near‐surface layers of two bulk samples of the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase are saturated electrolytically several times by hydrogen. Parameters of the hexagonal unit cell are measured by means of X‐ray diffractometry after each saturation of the same sample. It is found that the increase in the distance between the base planes of the unit cell is ten times larger than the increase of the side of the unit cell in the base plane. The estimated amount of hydrogen that remains in the lattice at room temperature is about 1.6% (at). It is found that the sample can be saturated by hydrogen up to 3% (at), but the lattice relaxes with time. The relaxation time for the distance between base planes is about 60% of that for the side of the lattice in the base plane.
Effect of celery (Apium graveolens) seed extract on hypertension: A randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over, clinical trial
Authors: Shayani Rad Maryam , Moohebati Mohsen , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad
Published: May 2022

In the present work, the antihypertensive effects of celery seed extract (Apium graveolens) with active ingredients, such as 3‐n‐butylphthalide, were studied as a drug supplement in the treatment of hypertension. This study was a randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over clinical trial. Fifty‐two patients were divided into two groups (celery and placebo) and completed the two‐step clinical trial. Four celery seed extract capsules (totally 1.34 g per day) or 4 placebo capsules per day were administered to the patients during a 4‐week clinical trial. The blood pressure was assessed using a 24‐hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring method. In celery group, systolic blood pressure changed from 141.2 ± 5.91 to 130.0 ± 4.38 mmHg (p < .001) while diastolic blood pressure changed from 92.2 ± 5.74 to 84.2 ± 4.87 mmHg (p < .001). Moreover, the mean arterial blood pressure changed from 108.5 ± 5.76 to 99.5 ± 4.66 mmHg (p < .001), and pulse pressure decreased from 49.0 ± 6.21 to 45.8 ± 6.01 mmHg (p < .01). However, no significant changes were observed in placebo group in terms of the above‐mentioned parameters (p > .05). Furthermore, no significant side effect was reported in the celery group, compared to the placebo group (p > .05). The results were promising and indicated the therapeutic effects of celery seed extract as a supplement in the management of hypertension.
Zingiberaceae plants/curcumin consumption and multiple health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials in humans
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Deng Jinlan , Tang Yujun , Guan Xiaoxian , Chen Xiaoli , Fan Jianming
Published: May 2022

This umbrella review is to recapitulate and grade the available evidence of associations between consumption of Zingiberaceae plants/curcumin (Cur) and multiple health‐related outcomes. This study included 161 meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials in 76 articles with 67 unique health outcomes. Data on heterogeneity and publication bias are considered to assess the quality of evidence. Based on the different impact of Zingiberaceae plants/Cur on human health, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Zingiberaceae plants/Cur can mainly improve metabolic syndrome, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and some chronic inflammatory diseases, likewise, obviously relief the pain of osteoarthritis and related diseases. Ginger supplements have been shown to improve vomiting during pregnancy and to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and surgery. The surgery is any type of surgery, including laparoscopic surgery, gynecological surgery and mixed surgery. Beneficial associations were found with Cur intervention in gastrointestinal, neurological and oral diseases. Zingiberaceae plants/Cur are generally safe and favorable for multiple health outcomes in humans. High‐quality research is further needed to prove the observed associations.
Processing and interpretation of core‐electron XPS spectra of complex plasma‐treated polyethylene‐based surfaces using a theoretical peak model
Authors: Bruggeman Marc , Zelzer Mischa , Dong Hanshan , Stamboulis Artemis
Published: May 2022

Interpretation of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of complex material surfaces, such as those obtained after surface plasma treatment of polymers, is confined by the available references. The limited understanding of the chemical surface composition may impact the ability to determine suitable coupling chemistries used for surface decoration or assess surface‐related properties like biocompatibility. In this work, XPS is used to investigate the chemical composition of various ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces. UHMWPE doped with α‐tocopherol or functionalised by active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) was investigated as a model system. Subsequently, a more complex combined system obtained by ASPN treatment of α‐tocopherol doped UHMWPE was investigated. Through ab initio orbital calculations and by employing Koopmans' theorem, the core‐electron binding energies (CEBEs) were evaluated for a substantial number of possible chemical functionalities positioned on PE‐based model structures. The calculated ΔCEBEs showed to be in reasonable agreement with experimental reference data. The calculated ΔCEBEs were used to develop a material‐specific peak model suitable for the interpretation of merged high‐resolution C 1 s, N 1 s and O 1 s XPS spectra of PE‐based materials. In contrast to conventional peak fitting, the presented approach allowed the distinction of functionality positioning (i.e. centred or end‐chain) and evaluation of the long‐range effects of the chemical functionalities on the PE carbon backbone. Altogether, a more detailed interpretation of the modified UHMWPE surfaces was achieved whilst reducing the need for manual input and personal bias introduced by the spectral analyst.
DNA Origami Nanostructures Elicit Dose‐Dependent Immunogenicity and Are Nontoxic up to High Doses In Vivo
Authors: Lucas Christopher R. , Halley Patrick D. , Chowdury Amjad A. , Harrington Bonnie K. , Beaver Larry , Lapalombella Rosa , Johnson Amy J. , Hertlein Erin K. , Phelps Mitch A. , Byrd John C. , Castro Carlos E.
Published: May 2022

DNA origami (DO) nanotechnology enables the construction of precise nanostructures capable of functionalization with small molecule drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins, suggesting a promising platform for biomedical applications. Despite the potential for drug and vaccine delivery, the impact of DO vehicles on immunogenicity in vivo is not well understood. Here, two DO vehicles, a flat triangle and a nanorod, at varying concentrations are evaluated in vitro and with a repeated dosing regimen administered at a high dose in vivo to study early and late immunogenicity. The studies show normal CD11b+ myeloid cell populations preferentially internalize DO in vitro. DO structures distribute well systemically in vivo, elicit a modest pro‐inflammatory immune response that diminishes over time and are nontoxic as shown by weight, histopathology, lack of cytokine storm, and a complete biochemistry panel at the day 10 end point. The results take critical steps to characterize the biological response to DO and suggest that DO vehicles represent a promising platform for drug delivery and vaccine development where immunogenicity should be a key consideration.
Stem Cell Membrane‐Encapsulated Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8: A Targeted Nano‐Platform for Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Ren Na , Liang Na , Dong Mengwei , Feng Zhichao , Meng Ling , Sun Chunhui , Wang Aizhu , Yu Xin , Wang Wenhan , Xie Juan , Liu Chao , Liu Hong
Published: May 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recognized as one of the most promising pharmaceutical multipotent cells, and a key step for their wide application is to safely and efficiently regulate their activities. Various methods have been proposed to regulate the directional differentiation of MSCs during tissue regeneration, such as nanoparticles and metal ions. Herein, nanoscale zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8), a Zn‐based metal–organic framework, is modified to direct MSCs toward an osteoblast lineage. Specifically, ZIF‐8 nanoparticles are encapsulated using stem cell membranes (SCMs) to mimic natural molecules and improve the biocompatibility and targeted ability toward MSCs. SCM/ZIF‐8 nanoparticles adjust the sustained release of Zn2+, and promote their specific internalization toward MSCs. The internalized SCM/ZIF‐8 nanoparticles show excellent biocompatibility, and increase MSCs’ osteogenic potentials. Moreover, RNA‐sequencing results elucidate that the activated cyclic adenosine 3,5‐monophosphate (cAMP)‐PKA‐CREB signaling pathway can be dominant in accelerating osteogenic differentiation. In vivo, SCM/ZIF‐8 nanoparticles greatly promote the formation of new bone tissue in the femoral bone defect detected by 3D micro‐CT, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson staining after 4 weeks. Overall, the SCM‐derived ZIF‐8 nanostructures achieve the superior targeting ability, biocompatibility, and enhanced osteogenesis, providing a constructive design for tissue repair.
Deviation from a state of perfect uniformity: An indicator of structural complexity in projects
Authors: Zarghami Seyed Ashkan
Published: May 2022

The complexity of projects arising from interconnectedness between activities is believed to be one of the most significant challenges for managing projects. Although the literature has long appreciated the significance of measuring complexity, research on this topic is weakened by the lack of a method that accounts for a diverse set of structural characteristics of project networks. To evade this pitfall, this paper introduces the concept of perfect uniformity and develops a comprehensive measure of structural complexity in projects. The proposed method is validated by applying it in two real‐life projects. The validation results confirm that project complexity is positively associated with a higher level of deviation from a state of perfect uniformity. This research is among few studies that draw on the concept of emergence and point out the importance of a system‐level approach in project management to analyse the interdependency between multiple interconnected activities.
Confinement and Electrocatalysis of Cerium Fluoride Nanocages to Boost the Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Performance
Authors: Liu Liwei , Guo Yue , Qi Zhihao , Zeng Yu , Cheng Xueyi , Yang Lijun , Wu Qiang , Wang Xizhang , Hu Zheng
Published: May 2022

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are beset by the polysulfides shuttling and the sluggish conversion kinetics, leading to fast capacity fading and inferior rate capability. A feasible solution is to confine the active species and/or electrocatalytically boost the polysulfides conversion by suitable host materials. Herein, hollow cerium fluoride nanocages (h‐CeF3) are employed as the host, which not only suppressed polysulfides shuttling via physical confinement and chemisorption, but also exhibited remarkable catalytic promotion to the polysulfide conversion, much superior to the counterparts of solid cerium fluoride nanodiscs (s‐CeF3) and hollow ceria nanospheres (h‐CeO2). Consequently, the sulfur‐filled h‐CeF3 cathode delivers an outstanding capacity of 544 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1, demonstrating a high rate capability. With an areal sulfur loading of ≈3.5 mg cm−2, the LSB exhibits a reversible capacity of 429.5 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 200 cycles under a low electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio of 10 μL mg−1. This study demonstrates the promise of the h‐CeF3 host in Li–S batteries, shedding light in developing advanced sulfur hosts of metal fluorides.
Experimental investigation of fire effects under axial compression on ductility and stiffness of (SIFCON) columns
Authors: Kadhum Mohammed M. , Hashim Ali M. , Khamees Shahad S. , Akhaveissy Amir H. , Ali Abduljabar H.
Published: May 2022

This article is an experimental study of the efficiency after fire exposure of slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) columns. The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive study of the fire effect on the stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption capacity of axially loaded SIFCON columns and to inspect the effect of hollow ratio and cross section shape on the energy dissipation ability, ductility, and stiffness features of the post‐fire behavior of these columns. Hybrid fibers were used to cast SIFCON columns with 6% fiber ratio (3% hooked end fiber + 3% straight micro fiber). The results showed that the cube compressive strength decreased by 25.1% and 53% when exposed to fire at a temperatures of 600 and 900°C, respectively. The results obtained revealed that after exposure to fire, the indices values of displacement ductility are not strongly impaired and it has been shown that the assessment of the energy dissipation ability is more relevant in this situation. Whereafter fire exposure at 600°C, the SIFCON columns lost about 11%–31% of the energy absorption capacity and about 39%–57% after fire exposure at 900°C. In comparison, after fire exposure, the secant and initial stiffness greatly degraded and the reduction percentages became higher with a rise in fire temperature from 600 to 900°C.
A Dime Rolls Up to a Domino: Using Mnemonic Stories to Orient b and d
Authors: Murray Bruce , Wang Chi‐hsuan , Murray Geralyn , Sanders Mary , McHugh Ashley
Published: May 2022

In a quasi‐experimental study, kindergarten teachers taught children mnemonic stories to orient the confusable letters b and d. In the first week's stories, intervention teachers introduced the left‐to‐right sequence of features for these letters with “the bat hits the ball” and “a dime rolls up to a domino.” The second week's stories dramatized how to print these letters efficiently. Comparison teachers taught their normal literacy curriculum. Intervention students significantly outperformed students in the comparison group in letter naming and letter printing. They gained accuracy in letter recognition that transferred to selecting the correct word from similar b and d words and in reading simple words with b and d. These findings support a new path to establish reliable recognition of letters that vary only in orientation.