bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazoles and Enamines through Deacylative Azide‐Alkene Cycloaddition
Authors: Rengasamy R. , Raj J. Paul , Vijayalakshmi K. , Punitha N. , Kesavan M. , Vajjiravel M. , Elangovan Jebamalai
Published: March 2022

A tunable synthesis of 1,4,5‐trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles and enamines through [3+2] cycloaddition of activated olefins and organic azides is reported. Triazoles were achieved from benzylidene diketones and organic azides by copper oxide nanoparticle catalysis while enamines were synthesized from benzylidene malonates and organic azides under solvent‐free and catalyst‐free condition.
Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of 2‐Iminothiazolidines: Pushing the Boundaries of the Domino Nucleophilic Displacement/Intramolecular anti‐Michael Addition Process
Authors: Ferreira Misael , Munaretto Laiéli S. , Gouvêa Daniela P. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Sá Marcus M.
Published: March 2022

Methods for the synthesis of a variety of functionalized 2‐iminothiazolidines and related heterocycles through a base‐mediated domino nucleophilic displacement/intramolecular anti‐Michael addition process involving electron‐deficient allylic bromides and 1,3‐ambident nucleophiles derived from thiourea were developed. These transformations proceed under mild and simple conditions and different functional groups are well tolerated. The scope and limitations of this protocol are dependent on the structure of the allylic bromide and 1,3‐ambident nucleophile involved. The synthetic versatility of 2‐iminothiazolidines was further demonstrated through a series of chemoselective modifications, giving rise to a wide range of thiazolidine frameworks of structural complexity. In particular, the reductive cyclization of 2‐nitrobenzyl‐substituted 2‐iminothiazolidines furnished novel spiroquinolones in good to fair yields. The structural assignment of key products was unequivocally achieved by X‐ray diffraction analysis and two‐dimensional NMR techniques.
Artificial intelligence to evaluate postoperative pain based on facial expression recognition
Authors: Fontaine Denys , Vielzeuf Valentin , Genestier Philippe , Limeux Pascal , Santucci‐Sivilotto Serena , Mory Emmanuel , Darmon Nelly , Lanteri‐Minet Michel , Mokhtar May , Laine Melanie , Vistoli Damien ,   for the DEFI study group
Published: March 2022

Background

Pain intensity evaluation by self‐report is difficult and biased in non‐communicating people, which may contribute to inappropriate pain management. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate pain intensity based on automated facial expression analysis has not been evaluated in clinical conditions.

Methods

We trained and externally validated a deep‐learning system (ResNet‐18 convolutional neural network) to identify and classify 2810 facial expressions of 1189 patients, captured before and after surgery, according to their self‐reported pain intensity using numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10). AI performances were evaluated by accuracy (concordance between AI prediction and patient‐reported pain intensity), sensitivity and specificity to diagnose pain ≥4/10 and ≥7/10. We then confronted AI performances with those of 33 nurses to evaluate pain intensity from facial expression in the same situation.

Results

In the external testing set (120 face images), the deep learning system was able to predict exactly the pain intensity among the 11 possible scores (0–10) in 53% of the cases with a mean error of 2.4 points. Its sensitivities to detect pain ≥4/10 and ≥7/10 were 89.7% and 77.5%, respectively. Nurses estimated the right NRS pain intensity with a mean accuracy of 14.9% and identified pain ≥4/10 and ≥7/10 with sensitivities of 44.9% and 17.0%.

Conclusions

Subject to further improvement of AI performances through further training, these results suggest that AI using facial expression analysis could be used to assist physicians to evaluate pain and detect severe pain, especially in people not able to report appropriately their pain by themselves.

Significance

These original findings represent a major step in the development of a fully automated, rapid, standardized and objective method based on facial expression analysis to measure pain and detect severe pain.
Construction of Cu2O@Cu1.75S Core‐shell Octahedrons for Enhanced NO2Gas Sensing at Low Temperature
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Li Ping , Zhang Ziwei , Guo Jinghan , Fang Zhongying , Ligani Fereja Shemsu , Liu Kaifan , Tong Xinjie , Zheng Yue , Li Zongjun , Chen Wei
Published: March 2022

In this work, fabrication of Cu2O@Cu1.75S core‐shell octahedrons was achieved through a facile water bath stirring process. Compared with pure Cu2O, the composite showed enhanced sensing performance for NO2. The response value of Cu2O@Cu1.75S to 5 ppm NO2at 40 °C is seven times that of Cu2O to 5 ppm NO2at 75 °C. Moreover, Cu2O@Cu1.75S has the ability to detect 100 ppb NO2and has good NO2sensing selectivity and long‐term stability. This study shows that Cu2O@Cu1.75S hybrid is a type of outstanding NO2gas sensing material on account of its low working temperature and high sensing sensitivity.
Numerical Study on a Diesel–Hydrogen Dual‐Fuel Engine with Water Injection and Variable Compression Ratio
Authors: Raju Pradeep , Masimalai Senthilkumar
Published: March 2022

In the near future, using engines for practical experimentation will likely not be a viable option for testing and research. During the previous trials, it was witnessed that increased knocking and appearance of NOx are problems in a diesel–hydrogen dual‐fuel engine. With hydrogen and diesel in dual‐fuel mode, combustion and performance are optimized, and the engine's fuel consumption is reduced. However, as a result, the flame propagates at a very high rate and the lean mixture operating limits remain extended, which allow for the reduced emission of NOx over conventional pilot fuel. To get rid of this scenario and completely understand the combustion process, a computational fluid dynamics model (sector model) is developed and simulated. The introduction of water injection (WI), and reducing the compression ratio, decreases the in‐cylinder temperature. The reduction of knocking is achieved by varying the compression ratio from 16.5 to 15.5:1 all at full‐load conditions. Results predict rise in in‐cylinder temperature at 8% hydrogen addition, which also increases knocking and NOx emissions. The higher cylinder temperature as well as its effects are reduced by the debut of WI and also by reducing the compression ratio in parallel.
Monitoring of renewable energy systems by IoT‐aided SCADA system
Authors: Qays Md Ohirul , Ahmed Musse M. , Parvez Mahmud M. A. , Abu‐Siada Ahmed , Muyeen S. M. , Hossain Md Liton , Yasmin Farhana , Rahman Md Momtazur
Published: March 2022

With the rapid increase of renewable energy generation worldwide, real‐time information has become essential to manage such assets, especially for systems installed offshore and in remote areas. To date, there is no cost‐effective condition monitoring technique that can assess the state of renewable energy sources in real‐time and provide suitable asset management decisions to optimize the utilization of such valuable assets and avoid any full or partial blackout due to unexpected faults. Based on the Internet of Things scheme, this paper represents a new application for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor a hybrid system comprising photovoltaic, wind, and battery energy storage systems. Electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and power are monitored in real‐time via the ThingSpeak website. Network operators can control components of the hybrid power system remotely by the proposed SCADA system. The SCADA system is interfaced with the Matlab/Simulink software tool through KEPServerEX client. For cost‐effective design, low‐cost electronic components and Arduino Integrated Development Environment ATMega2560 remote terminal unit are employed to develop a hardware prototype for experimental analysis. Simulation and experimental results attest to the feasibility of the proposed system. Compared with other existing techniques, the developed system features advantages in terms of reliability and cost‐effectiveness.
Identifying FecB genotypes in the muscle from sheep breeds indigenous to Xilingol, and establishment of a TaqMan real‐time PCR technique to distinguish FecB alleles
Authors: Guo Liang , Li Chun‐Dong , Liu Guo‐Qiang , Luo Jian‐Xing , Xu Wei‐Liang , Guo Yuan‐Sheng
Published: March 2022

The muscle from Xilingol indigenous sheep breeds are famous in China, and the FecB genotype in this population remains uncharacterized. In this study, SNPs in the FecB locus were investigated by pyrosequencing, and an optimized PCR‐RFLP technique was generated to identify SNPs. In addition, an efficient technique for high‐throughput identification of SNPs in FecB was optimized using TaqMan real‐time PCR and breed‐conservative primers and SNP‐specific probes. By genotyping the FecB locus in the muscle of Xilingol indigenous sheep breeds using a novel TaqMan real‐time PCR assay, our study has generated the groundwork for the authentication of Xilingol mutton based on the specific gene and the prolificacy‐oriented breeding of Xilingol sheep using marker‐assisted selection strategies in the future.
The implicated clinical factors for outcomes in 304 patients with salivary duct carcinoma: Multi‐institutional retrospective analysis in Japan
Authors: Kusafuka Kimihide , Sato Yoko , Nakatani Eiji , Baba Satoshi , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Yamanegi Koji , Ueda Kaori , Inagaki Hiroshi , Otsuki Yoshiro , Kuroda Naoto , Suzuki Kensuke , Iwai Hiroshi , Imamura Yoshiaki , Itakura Junya , Yamanaka Shoji , Takahashi Hideaki , Ito Ichiro , Akashi Takumi , Daa Tsutomu , Hamada Mei , Yasuda Masanori , Kawata Ryo , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Tachibana Yuri , Fukuoka Junya , Muramatsu Aya , Arai Kazumori , Suzuki Makoto
Published: March 2022

Background

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a high‐grade salivary malignancy that frequently occurs as the carcinomatous component of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. We herein examined the clinical factors affecting outcomes in a large cohort of SDC.

Methods

We selected 304 SDC cases and investigated clinical characteristics and the factors affecting outcomes.

Results

The median age of the cases examined was 68 years, the most common primary site was the parotid gland (238 cases), and there was a male predominance (M/F = 5:1). Outcomes were significantly worse when the primary tumor site was the minor salivary glands (SG) than when it was the major SG. Outcomes were also significantly worse in pN(+) cases (161 cases) than in pN0 cases, particularly those with a metastatic lymph node number ≥11. The cumulative incidence of relapse and distant metastases was significantly higher in stage IV cases than in stage 0–III cases.

Conclusions

The absolute number of lymph node metastases, higher stages, and the minor SG as the primary tumor site were identified as factors affecting the outcome of SDC.
Outcome of extracorporeal photopheresis in mycosis fungoides patients is not predicted by quotients of systemic immune‐inflammatory biomarkers
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Späth Jan , Said Shayda , Scheel Christina H. , Susok Laura , Stranzenbach Rene
Published: March 2022

Background

Systemic immune‐inflammatory biomarkers (SIIBs) have not been studied in mycosis fungoides (MF) patients undergoing extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP).

Objective

The objective was to determine whether recently proposed SIIBs are suitable to predict ECP treatment outcome and overall prognosis of patients with MF.

Methods

Twenty‐nine MF patients were retrospectively evaluated who had undergone ECP. SIIBs included neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio, and pan‐immune‐inflammation value.

Results

Lymphocyte count (P = .021), CD4+/CD8+ cells (P = .00006), CD4+/CD56+ NK cells (P = .00008), and LDH levels (P = .0041) significantly declined after 6‐month ECP. We could not detect significant cutoff values for baseline SIIBs capable of predicting advanced disease, overall response to 6‐month ECP, or 5‐year lymphoma‐specific (LS) survival (P > .05). Circulating baseline counts of CD4+/CD7‐ cells (cutoff: ≤ 12.2; P = .010) and CD4+/CD26‐ cells (cutoff: ≤ 19.5; P < .0001) significantly predicted ECP treatment response after 6 months. Moreover, CD4+/CD8+ ratio (cutoff: > 1.34; P = .045) and increased thrombocyte counts (cutoff: >259 000; P = .010) were baseline predictors for 5‐year LS death.

Conclusion

ECP appears to be beneficial in early‐stage CTCL as well. Lower percentages of circulating CD4+/CD7‐ and CD4+/CD26‐ lymphocytes at baseline correlate with response to ECP. In this study, however, baseline SIIBs did not appear to serve as suitable biomarkers for the prediction of treatment outcome and LS survival.
MALT1 in asthma children: A potential biomarker for monitoring exacerbation risk and Th1/Th2 imbalance‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Liu Liying , Gao Yang , Si Yonghua , Liu Baohuan , Liu Xingyue , Li Guanhui , Wang Rong
Published: March 2022

Background

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) participates in the immune‐related allergic response and inflammation flare, while its clinical role in asthma children is still unknown. Herein, this study aimed to investigate MALT1 expression, and its correlation with exacerbation risk, T helper (Th)1, Th2 cells (and their secreted cytokines), as well as inflammatory cytokines in asthma children.

Methods

Sixty children with asthma exacerbation and 60 children with remission asthma were enrolled in this study; then their blood MALT1, Th1, Th2 cells, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) were detected. Besides, blood MALT1 in another 20 health controls was also determined.

Results

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 was highest in children with asthma exacerbation, followed by children with remission asthma, and lowest in health controls (p < 0.001). MALT1 could distinguish children with asthma exacerbation from children with remission asthma (area under the curve (AUC): 0.757, 95% CI: 0.670–0.843). In children with asthma exacerbation, MALT1 was negatively linked with IFN‐γ (p = 0.002) and Th1 cells (p = 0.050), but positively related to Th2 cells (p = 0.027) and exhibited a positive correlation trend (without statistical significance) with IL‐4 (p = 0.066); meanwhile, MALT1 was positively correlated with exacerbation severity (p = 0.010) and TNF‐α (p = 0.003), but not linked with IL‐6 (p = 0.096). In children with remission asthma, MALT1 only was negatively associated with Th1 cells (p = 0.023), but positively linked with TNF‐α (p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 serves as a potential biomarker for monitoring exacerbation risk and Th1/Th2 imbalance‐mediated inflammation of asthma children.
K48- and K27-mutant ubiquitin regulates adaptive immune response by affecting cross-presentation in bone marrow precursor cells
Authors: Jia Jun Jun , Liao Xiao Yan , Liang Yi Yun , Chen Rui Ling , Gao Feng Guang
Published: March 2022

K48-linked ubiquitination determines antigen degradation and plays vital roles in the process of cross-presentation of bone marrow precursor cell (BMPC)-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Although previous studies revealed that K48 and K27-linked ubiquitination regulates innate immunity, the exact roles of K48 and K27-linked ubiquitination in cross-presentation and BMPC-based adaptive immunity are still uncertain. In this study, we investigated the effects of K48- and K27-mutant ubiquitin (Ub) on BMPC-based adaptive immune response by observing the effects of MG132, Ub deficiency, and K48/K27-mutant Ub on cross-presentation, T cell proliferation, IFN-γ secretion, BMPC-based CTL priming, and thereby the efficiency of cytolytic capacity of BMPC-activate T cells. We demonstrated that MG132, Ub deficiency, and K48-mutant Ub impair cross-presentation, T cell proliferation, IFN-γ secretion, BMPC-based CTL priming, and the cytolytic capacity of BMPC-activated T cells. Moreover, although K27-only Ub decreases cross-presentation, the replenishment of K27-mutant Ub restores Ub deficiency impaireds the abilities of T cell proliferation, IFN-γ secretion, CTL priming, and the cytolytic capacity of BMPC-activated T cells. Thus, these data suggest that K48- and K27-linked ubiquitination contributes to BMPC-mediated adaptive immune response by affecting BMPC cross-presentation and the cytolytic capacity by up-regulating both perforin and granzyme B in BMPC-activated T cells. K48- and K27-mutant Ub might have potential clinical therapeutic function in adaptive immune response-associated diseases.
Robust engraftment of fetal nonhuman primate CD34-positive cells in immune-deficient mice
Authors: Little Christopher J , Haynes William J , Huang Liupei , Daffada Cross M , Wolfe Bryce K , Perrin Elizabeth , Simpson John A , Kropp Schmidt Jenna A , Hinkle Hayly M , Keding Logan T , Behrens Ryan T , Evans David T , Kaufman Dixon B , Thomson James A , Golos Thaddeus G , Brown Matthew E
Published: March 2022

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) represent one of the most important models for preclinical studies of novel biomedical interventions. In contrast with small animal models, however, widespread utilization of NHPs is restricted by cost, logistics, and availability. Therefore, we sought to develop a translational primatized mouse model, akin to a humanized mouse, to allow for high-throughput in vivo experimentation leveraged to inform large animal immunology-based studies. We found that adult rhesus macaque mobilized blood (AMb) CD34+-enriched hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) engrafted at low but persistent levels in immune-deficient mice harboring transgenes for human (NHP cross-reactive) GM-CSF and IL3, but did not in mice with wild-type murine cytokines lacking NHP cross-reactivity. To enhance engraftment, fetal liver-derived HSPCs were selected as the infusion product based on an increased CD34hi fraction compared with AMb and bone marrow. Coupled with cotransplantation of rhesus fetal thymic fragments beneath the mouse kidney capsule, fetal liver-derived HSPC infusion in cytokine-transgenic mice yielded robust multilineage lymphohematopoietic engraftment. The emergent immune system recapitulated that of the fetal monkey, with similar relative frequencies of lymphocyte, granulocyte, and monocyte subsets within the thymic, secondary lymphoid, and peripheral compartments. Importantly, while exhibiting a predominantly naïve phenotype, in vitro functional assays demonstrated robust cellular activation in response to nonspecific and allogenic stimuli. This primatized mouse represents a viable and translatable model for the study of hematopoietic stem cell physiology, immune development, and functional immunology in NHPs.

Summary Sentence : Engraftment of rhesus macaque hematopoietic tissues in immune-deficient mice yields a robust BLT/NeoThy-type primatized mouse model for studying nonhuman primate hematopoiesis and immune function in vivo.
Effectively counseling the military population: Training needs for counselors
Authors: Arcuri‐Sanders Nicole M. , Forziat‐Pytel Kellie
Published: March 2022

Counselors (N = 49) interested in working with the military population described what is needed to feel competent and confident counseling this population in a mixed‐methods research study. Findings suggest counselors do not believe their programs are preparing them to work with this population. Participants indicate strategies which would increase their ability to work with the military. Results provide implications for counseling programs on how they can better prepare students to work effectively with this population and increase the employment rates in serving the military.
Novice school counselors’ role in closing the achievement gap with low‐income adolescents
Authors: West Erin M. , Moate Randall M. , McKinney Robert T.
Published: March 2022

We explored 10 novice school counselors’ experiences working to close the achievement gap with low‐income adolescents through interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results suggest that school counselors experienced their role in closing the achievement gap with low‐income adolescents as one of (a) systemic discouragement, (b) interactions with students’ home environment, and (c) parallel process advocacy. Implications for school counselors, counselor educators, and future research are included.
Application of calcium oxide as an efficient phase separation agent in temperature‐induced counter‐current homogenous liquid‐liquid extraction of aflatoxins from dried fruit chips followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry determination
Authors: Mohebbi Ali , Nemati Mahboob , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Lotfipour Farzaneh
Published: March 2022

A temperature‐induced counter‐current homogenous liquid‐liquid extraction procedure performed in a burette has been proposed for the isolation of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 from various fruit chip samples. In this method, a homogenous solution of deionized water and cyclohexylamine is added to the solid sample and the resulted mixture is vortexed. In the following, the liquid phase is taken and passed through the burette filled with a mixture of calcium oxide (as a phase separation agent) and sand (to avoid clumping the calcium oxide). By doing so, the temperature of the solution is increased by hydration of calcium oxide and consequently, the homogenous state is broken and the aflatoxins are migrated into the resulted tiny droplets of cyclohexylamine. This phase is collected on the top of the solution owing to its low density with respect to an aqueous solution. Numerous parameters which can affect the efficiency of the suggested approach were evaluated and under the best situations, great repeatability, low limits of determination and quantification, and high extraction recoveries were acquired. In the end, the suggested approach was employed for the quantification of the selected aflatoxins in various fruit chips samples marketed in Tabriz City, Iran.
Cancer Risk Associated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: A National Study
Authors: Brauer Philip R. , Bryson Paul C. , Wu Shannon S. , Gau Victoria L. , Lamarre Eric D. , Kominsky Alan H.
Published: March 2022

Objective

In 2021 the U.S. FDA issued a Class 1 safety recall notice for specific devices due to a risk of carcinogen exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate reports of cancer linked to CPAP devices to understand implications for the field of sleep medicine.

Methods

Cases of cancer involving CPAP devices were retrieved from the MAUDE database from 2014 to 2021 and analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 2571 patient injuries were associated with CPAP. Reports of cancer (n = 209; 4.62%) were the second most commonly documented patient problem associated with CPAP, although 1950 (43.13%) patients had a device problem without an associated injury. Of the 209 cancer cases associated with CPAP, 200 (95.7%) of the adverse event reports were received by the FDA in 2021. There were 174 (9.15%) descriptions of the CPAP polyurethane sound abatement foam degrading in association with a cancer diagnosis, but degradation was more commonly not associated with malignancy (n = 1728; 90.85%). Other frequently documented CPAP device problems included broken devices (n = 279; 6.92%), fire (n = 182; 4.51%), and patient–device incompatibility (n = 144; 3.57%).

Conclusion

Malignancy associated with CPAP devices has been reported; however, future studies are required to establish causation. Given 95.7% of those documented cases were reported in 2021, otolaryngologists should be prepared to discuss the risks of carcinogenesis associated with CPAP. The otolaryngology community should also be aware of the potential bandwagon effect and the implications for CPAP compliance.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:2270–2274, 2022
Distinct stabilization characteristics of organic carbon in coastal salt‐affected soils with different salinity under straw return management
Authors: He Wei , Wang Hui , Ye Wenhua , Tian Yanling , Hu Guoqing , Lou Yanhong , Pan Hong , Yang Quangang , Zhuge Yuping
Published: March 2022

Straw returning effectively promotes the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, but the straw‐induced change in SOC quality (C fraction) remains unclear, particularly in saline soil. Here, we investigated how straw returning and soil salinity (low, medium, and high) affect SOC fractions, including easily oxidized and particulate organic C (EOC and POC) and mineral‐associated organic C (MOC) at aggregate scales, including macroaggregates (MA), microaggregates (MI), and silt + clay particles. The results revealed that SOC fraction contents in the whole soil decreased with increasing soil salinity, and straw returning increased the total organic C (TOC) in both low‐ and medium‐salinity soils. In low‐salinity soil, straw returning induced decreases of 12.1% and 30.6% in MI‐associated EOC and POC, respectively, and promoted significant increases of MI‐associated MOC, indicating that 'hierarchical aggregation' theory (i.e., single soil particles gradually form clusters, MI and MA) dominated during soil aggregate formation. In medium‐salinity soil, straw application increased all SOC fraction contents in MA, and raised the POC/TOC of the whole soil by 56.6%, suggesting that the 'macroaggregate turnover' theory (MI is formed within MA) played a more important role in forming aggregates. Our results demonstrated that low‐ and medium‐salinity soils had different C‐increasing strategies under straw returning: MA contributed more to the increased SOC than MI in low‐salinity soil, whereas the reverse was true in medium‐salinity soil. These findings suggest that higher soil salinity would weaken the C sequestration potential of straw returning, and that targeted measures should be applied to enhance reclamation efficiency.
Quantitative analysis of ecological risk and human health risk of potentially toxic elements in farmland soil using the PMF model
Authors: Huang Chang‐Chen , Cai Li‐Mei , Xu Yao‐Hui , Wen Han‐Hui , Jie Luo , Hu Guo‐Cheng , Chen Lai‐Guo , Wang Han‐Zhi , Xu Xu‐Bang , Mei Jing‐Xian
Published: March 2022

Potentially toxic element (PTE) pollution in farmland soil is a global problem. It is vital to clarify the contributions of farmland soil PTE from different sources to potential ecological risk (PER) and human health risks (HHR), but the existing research methods were incomplete. This study explored a comprehensive scheme that combined source contribution and risk assessment to quantitatively assess PER, HHR and the priority pollution sources. enrichment factor (EF) and pollution load index (PLI) were utilized to estimate the features of enrichment and contamination of PTE in farmland soil. Furthermore, spatial distribution characteristics of PTE and positive matrix factorization (PMF) were combined to distinguish and ascertain the sources of PTE, and the PER and HHR model based on PMF were applied to evaluate the ecological and human health risks in different sources. Taking Puning District as an example, four sources of farmland soil PTE were quantitatively allocated. For ecological risk, the study area was at moderate ecological hazard, with industrial activities (53.67%) contributing the most. The mean of Hg was 69.82, reaching medium ecological risk. For human health risks, both adults and children had no non‐carcinogenic risk in the study area, and the natural source was the greatest contributor, followed by agricultural activities. The total carcinogenic risk index (TCRI) values for adults and children were 1.40E‐05 and 2.75E‐05, respectively, showing no significant carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, compared with adults, the health risks of children, whether non‐carcinogenic or carcinogenic, were higher than those of adults.
Analysis of the epidermal growth factor receptor/phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 axis in tumor of the external auditory canal in response to epidermal growth factor stimulation
Authors: Akiyama Naotaro , Yamamoto‐Fukuda Tomomi , Yoshikawa Mamoru , Kojima Hiromi
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is related to the invasion and metastasis of external auditory canal (EAC) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDPK1) accelerates tumor cell growth through anti‐apoptotic signaling under the influence of downstream EGFR‐mediated signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the EGFR/PDPK1 axis in the EAC under EGF stimulation.

Methods

We confirmed EGFR and PDPK1 expression in human EACSCC specimens immunohistochemically. We next transfected the EGF expression vector in the mouse EAC and then conducted a PDPK1 inhibitory experiment. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in the mouse EAC, using anti‐EGF, anti‐EGFR, anti‐PDPK1, and anti‐Ki67 antibodies. Immunohistochemical analysis of cleaved caspase‐3 and terminal deoxy(d)‐UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) detection assays were also performed for the assessment of apoptosis in the inhibitory experiment.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed overexpression and colocalization of EGFR and PDPK1 in human EACSCC specimens. The growth of a protuberant tumor was observed in the mouse EAC in which EGF expression vector was transfected, and EGF, EGFR, PDPK1, and Ki67 labeling indexes (LIs) were significantly increased. PDPK1 inhibition then induced normal epithelial appearance in the EAC. Moreover, EGF, EGFR, PDPK1, and Ki67 LIs were decreased, and cleaved caspase‐3 and TUNEL LIs were increased in the EAC.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the possibility that PDPK1 plays an important role in EACSCC.

Level of Evidence: NA.
Prognostic value of pretreatment lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio in patients with advanced oral cavity cancer
Authors: Supanimitjaroenporn Pasawat , Kirtsreesakul Virat , Tangthongkum Manupol , Leelasawatsuk Peesit , Prapaisit Usaporn
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) has been reported as a prognostic factor in many cancers but the data are to date limited for its use in oral cavity cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of LMR in advanced‐stage oral cavity cancer.

Methods

Data from 211 advanced‐stage oral cancer patients treated with curative intent between January 2009 and December 2015 were obtained from the hospital information system. Pretreatment LMR and other hematologic parameters were recorded and an LMR cutoff value was calculated. Overall survival between the groups above (high LMR) and below (low LMR) the cutoff was compared and hazard ratios from univariate and multivariate analyses using a Cox proportional hazards model calculated.

Results

Overall survival and disease‐specific survival were better in the high LMR group. The 5‐year overall survival rates were 31.6% and 15% in the high LMR and low LMR groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model showed that treatment modality and LMR were the only factors associated with overall survival.

Conclusion

Low LMR was associated with poor survival outcome in patients with advanced‐stage oral cavity cancer.

Level of Evidence

2b.
The effect of brand crises on endorser reputation and endorsement portfolios
Authors: Johnson Clark D. , Bauer Brittney C. , Arnold Mark J.
Published: March 2022

We often hear about a brand dropping a celebrity after the endorser has negative publicity. However, endorsers are not the only ones who are responsible for negative news; many brands also generate negative publicity as well. The growing frequency of brand crises and the demonstrated relationship between brand‐ and endorser‐reputation begs the question: What impact might a severe brand crisis have on a celebrity endorser's reputation and endorsement portfolio? Study 1 finds that negative publicity only impacts the brand's moral reputation if internal locus attributions are made. In turn, moral reputation positively impacts attitudes toward the brand, endorser, and other brands in their endorsement portfolio. Next, Study 2 discovers that endorsers may be perceived to have greater authenticity, leading to more favorable consumer attitudes, if they “drop” the offending brand. Finally, Study 3 finds that “dropping” the offending brand can mitigate negative spillover effects on attitudes toward bystander brands.
Ultrafast control of moiré pseudo‐electromagnetic field in homobilayer semiconductors
Authors: Zhai Dawei , Yao Wang
Published: March 2022

In long‐wavelength moiré patterns of homobilayer semiconductors, the layer pseudospin of electrons is subject to a sizable Zeeman field that is spatially modulated from the interlayer coupling in moiré. By interference of this spatial modulation with a homogeneous but dynamically tunable component from an out‐of‐plane electric field, we show that the spatial‐temporal profile of the overall Zeeman field therefore features a topological texture that can be controlled in an ultrafast timescale by a terahertz field or an interlayer bias. Such dynamical modulation leads to the emergence of an in‐plane electric field for low‐energy carriers, which is related to their real space Berry curvature—the moiré magnetic field—through Faraday's law of induction. These emergent electromagnetic fields, having opposite signs at the time reversal pair of valleys, can be exploited to manipulate valley and spin in the moiré landscape under the control of a bias pulse or terahertz irradiation.

Key Points

Temporal control of topological texture through the interference of spatial and temporal modulations.

Emergent electromagnetic fields in nanoscale that can be manipulated in picosecond timescale.

Pulsed spin and valley pseudospin current controlled by electrical bias or terahertz irradiation.
Oncologist counseling practice and COVID‐19 vaccination outcomes for patients with history of PEG‐asparaginase hypersensitivity
Authors: Zarnegar‐Lumley Sara , Stone Cosby A. , Smith Christine M. , Hall Laura L. , Luck Kate E. , Koo Grace , Plager Jessica H. , Phillips Elizabeth J. , Friedman Debra L.
Published: March 2022

Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is an effective strategy to prevent serious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and is important for oncology patients. mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccines are contraindicated in those with a history of severe or immediate allergy to any vaccine component, including polyethylene glycol (PEG)2000. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma receive asparaginase conjugated to PEG5000 (PEG‐ASNase) and those with PEG‐ASNase‐associated hypersensitivity may be unnecessarily excluded from receiving mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. We, therefore, surveyed oncologists on COVID‐19 vaccine counseling practice and vaccination outcomes in COVID‐19 vaccination‐eligible patients and show safe receipt of mRNA vaccines despite PEG‐ASNase hypersensitivity.
Prominence of quantitative fiber loading on free vibration, damping behavior, inter‐laminar shear strength, fracture toughness, thermal conductivity, and flammability properties ofjute–bananahybrid fiber phenol‐formaldehyde composites
Authors: B. H. Maruthi Prashanth , Gouda P. S. Shivakumar , Manjunatha T. S. , Edacheriane Abhilash , Umarfarooq M. A.
Published: March 2022

The primary purpose of this study is to realize quantitative fiber loading effects on free vibration, damping behavior, fracture toughness, thermal conductivity, inter‐laminar shear strength, and flammability of jute–banana fiber phenol‐formaldehyde (PF) hybrid composites. These composites were manufactured with fiber weight percentages ranging from 30% to 60% using hot press technique. Hybrid composite with equal amount of fiber and resin (PJB‐2) had a higher natural frequency in the range of 4.8%–59%, a higher inter‐laminar shear strength varying from 30% to 54%, a higher fracture toughness with minimum of 19 to maximum of 44%, and a low damping factor in the range of 25%–59% to that of other composite having unequal amount of fiber and resin loading. In contrast to other composites, the composite containing 30 wt% fiber (PJB‐4) has a high heat conductivity of about 10%–20%. However, the thermal conductivity of jute–banana fiber PF composites declined as the fiber content increased beyond 30 wt%, while the flame resistance was improved as the resin concentration increased. Additionally, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies clearly indicates the failure patterns of fiber matrix interface under Inter laminar shear strength and fracture toughness tests were supports to justify the experimental results.
Sustainable alginate/aloe vera composite biodegradable films reinforced with carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Authors: Hadi Alina , Nawab Anjum , Alam Feroz , Zehra Kishwar
Published: March 2022

Biopolymers like polysaccharides are being used to develop biodegradable and edible food packaging films. These films are environment friendly but have inferior mechanical strength as compared to conventional plastics. This study seeks to enhance the mechanical properties of alginate aloe vera composite films by the fusion of organic fibers like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). CMC and HPMC were added at varying concentrations (2%–14%).Addition of both these cellulose derivatives had a positive effect on the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite films. The tensile strength increased to a maximum value of 35.08 and 51.96 N/mm2 in CMC and HPMC films, respectively at 4% concentration of both. Increasing the fiber concentration further resulted in a decrease of tensile strength. Similar trend was observed in the flexibility of the films as the elongation at break value was maximum 5.57% and 3.21%, respectively at 4% concentration. The addition of CMC reduced the water solubility of the film. The solubility decreased to 19% at the maximum concentration of CMC. The effect of HPMC on water solubility was opposite to that of CMC. The solubility of the film increased to 86.42% at highest concentration of HPMC. CMC slowed down the biodegradation rate of the films whereas HPMC increased it.
Incorporating psychosocial care into routine oncological care: Insights into challenges and strategies from certified cancer centers' audit data
Authors: Breidenbach Clara , Kowalski Christoph , Ansmann Lena , Schult Sarah , Sibert Nora Tabea , Neupert Ingo , Zimmermann Tanja , Wesselmann Simone
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Provision of psychosocial care is obligatory in cancer centers certified in accordance with the criteria of the German Cancer Society, but the extent to which it is utilized differs greatly between centers. Anomalous utilization percentages are discussed during certification audits. This analysis aims to describe (1) how certified centers explain psychosocial care utilization percentages during audits and (2) the measures they then plan for improving psychosocial care utilization. The aim of the analysis is to help understand patterns of psychosocial care utilization in oncology and reduce potential disparities by describing the challenges that cancer centers face and their strategies for integrating psychosocial care into routine oncological care.

Methods

The content of free‐text comments regarding psychosocial utilization percentages by certified centers during certification audits in 2019 was analyzed. In total, 178 comments were analyzed from 116 prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer centers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Luxembourg.

Results

The explanations for utilization percentages most often mentioned involved patients' levels of interest and need, outpatient care, staff shortages, inclusion of psychosocial care in other processes in the center, documentation issues, and factors regarding different legal regulations in countries outside Germany. The measures most often planned for improving psychosocial care utilization involved adjusting work processes, increasing staff resources, optimizing documentation, and establishing quality‐assurance groups/task forces.

Conclusion

This exploratory analysis shows that the challenges and strategies involved in incorporating psychosocial care into routine oncological care are diverse. Further research should identify process‐level strategies that can promote the integration of psychosocial care.
Synthesis and Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Polyamide‐Amines as Fluorescent Switch Controlled by Hg2+‐Glutathione
Authors: Zhao Ronghui , Zheng Jinxin , Chen Zhuo , Wang Meng , Zhang Da , Ding Lan , Fu Congcong , Zhang Chunfang , Deng Kuilin
Published: March 2022

In this study, a series of polyamide‐amines (PAAs) were prepared by Michael addition reaction of piperazine derivatives with N, N‐bisacrylamidepiperazine (BAP). An obvious aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect was observed for PAAs with fluorescence emission at 425–525 nm and affected by the structure, excitation wavelength, pH value, temperature, PAAs concentration and precipitant (acetone). The piperazine rings and amides groups on PAAs backbone contribute to their AIE by the clusterization‐triggered emission (CTE) mechanism, in accordance with the red‐shift of time‐dependent density functional theory (DFT). The DFT results proved the influence of packing way on aggregation luminescence, clarified the cluster mechanism of luminescences, and the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of PAAs. Additionally, based on the coordination, Hg2+ ions effectively quenched the fluorescence intensity of PAAs and showed enhanced quenching effect with the increase of concentration of Hg2+ ions. And also, a reducing agent, glutathione, can restore the fluorescence of PAAs solution mixed with Hg2+ ions, by which realizes the reversible switching process between fluorescence on and fluorescence off.
A Tuning‐Fork Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Frequency Multiplication for Efficient Mechanical Energy Harvesting
Authors: Liu Nian , Liu Di , Gao Yikui , Li Shaoxin , Zhou Linglin , Zhao Zhihao , Cui Shengnan , Liu Lu , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: March 2022

As a new technology for high‐entropy energy harvesting, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has broad applications in sensor networks and internet of things as a power source, but its average power density is limited by the fixed low‐frequency output. Here, a frequency‐multiplication TENG based on intrinsic high frequency of tuning fork is proposed which enables converting low‐frequency mechanical energy into high‐frequency electric energy. A tuning‐fork TENG is used to systematically study the effects of intrinsic frequency, dielectric's thickness, and gap distance on its electric performance, and a total transferred charges of 4.3 µC and an average power density of 9.42 mW m–2 are realized at the triggering frequency of 0.2 Hz, which are 71 times and 5.7 times than that of the single‐cycle output of conventional contact‐separation TENG, respectively. Moreover, the crest factor also decreases from 3.5 to around 1.5. Then, a homemade tuning fork‐like TENG is reasonably designed for harvesting ambient wind energy, achieving an average power density of 20.02 mW m–2 at a wind speed of 7 m s–1. Specially, its impedance resistance is independent of the mechanical triggering frequency, simplifying the back‐end power management circuit design. Therefore, the frequency‐multiplication TENG shows a great potential for efficient distributed energy harvesting.
Strategies for Enhancing Vascularization of Biomaterial‐Based Scaffold in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Nambiar Jasna , Jana Sonali , Nandi Samit Kumar
Published: March 2022

Despite the recent advances in reconstructive orthopedics; fracture union is a challenge to bone regeneration. Concurrent angiogenesis is a complex process governed by events, delicately entwined with osteogenesis. However, poorly perfused scaffolds have lower success rates; necessitating the need for a better vascular component, which is important for the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, waste elimination, recruitment of cells for optimal bone repair. This review highlights the latest strategies to promote biomaterial‐based scaffold vascularization by incorporation of cells, growth factors, inorganic ions, etc. into natural or synthetic polymers, ceramic materials, or composites of organic and inorganic compounds. Furthermore, it emphasizes structural modifications, biophysical stimuli, and natural molecules to fabricate scaffolds aiding the genesis of dense vascularization following their implantation to manifest a compatible regenerative microenvironment without graft rejection.
Second‐order nonlinear polarizability of “Push‐Pull” chromophores. A decade of progress in donor‐π‐acceptor materials
Authors: Kaur Paramjit , Singh Kamaljit
Published: March 2022

Fine tuning and switching of nonlinear optical response of ferrocene chromophores has been an area of considerable significance as evidenced by a large number of reports in the current literature. In this personal account, we present linear/nonlinear behavior and structure‐activity relationships of several classes of donor‐π‐acceptor designs using organometallic and organic materials, developed by our research group during the last decade. The results especially the electronic absorption spectral and the hyper‐Rayleigh scattering have been supported by theoretical calculations. Exploiting the redox behavior of ferrocene donor, we have demonstrated switching of quadratic nonlinear optical responses with reversible redox chemistry, which is a useful attribute of nonlinear optical materials. Based on the ease in synthesis, structure diversification and structure‐based large and switchable second‐order optical nonlinearity, these materials are potential candidates for electro‐optic applications.
Gaining insights in datasets in the shade of “garbage in, garbage out” rationale: Feature space distribution fitting
Authors: Canbek Gürol
Published: March 2022

This article emphasizes comprehending the “Garbage In, Garbage Out” (GIGO) rationale and ensuring the dataset quality in Machine Learning (ML) applications to achieve high and generalizable performance. An initial step should be added in an ML workflow where researchers evaluate the insights gained by quantitative analysis of the datasets sample and feature spaces. This study contributes towards achieving such a goal by suggesting a technique to quantify datasets in terms of feature frequency distribution characteristics. Hence a unique insight is provided into how the features in the available dataset samples are frequent. The technique was demonstrated in 11 benign and malign (malware) Android application datasets belonging to six academic Android mobile malware classification studies. The permissions requested by applications such as CALL_PHONE compose a relatively high‐dimensional binary feature space. The results showed that the distributions fit well into two of the four long right‐tail statistical distributions: log‐normal, exponential, power law, and Poisson. Precisely, log‐normal was the most exhibited statistical distribution except the two malign datasets that were in exponential. This study also explores statistical distribution fit/unfit feature analysis that enhances the insights in feature space. Finally, the study compiles phenomena examples in the literature exhibiting these statistical distributions that should be considered for interpreting the fitted distributions. In conclusion, conducting well‐formed statistical methods provides a clear understanding of the datasets and intra‐class and inter‐class differences before proceeding with selecting features and building a classifier model. Feature distribution characteristics should be one to analyze beforehand.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Data Preprocessing

Technologies > Classification

Technologies > Machine Learning