bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrategias de atenuación impersonales en artículos académicos españoles y alemanes
Authors: Contreras Fernández Josefa
Published: December 2021

Este estudio analiza la impersonalización como estrategia de atenuación en artículos españoles y alemanes a través de comparar las diferentes construcciones que la expresan en ambas lenguas. Con este fin se realiza un estudio empírico contrastivo de veinte artículos académicos sobre la cortesía, diez en español y otros diez en alemán. Se examinan los recursos lingüísticos empleados en cada comunidad de habla con el objetivo de identificar qué estrategias de atenuación impersonales aparecen en cada una de las dos lenguas implicadas en este estudio y contrastar su incidencia en los artículos de nuestro corpus. Los resultados de este análisis corroboran nuestra hipótesis de partida de que la estrategia de atenuación impersonal más frecuente en la lengua española es la que se realiza a través de marcas personales, mientras que en la lengua alemana se prefiere utilizar formas sin agente.
Can sanctions removal verification secure the Iran nuclear deal?
Authors: Margoev A. , Kheyrie D.
Published: December 2021

One of Iran’s key demands before its full return to the 2015 nuclear agreement is that the United States should go beyond just removing sanctions restored by Donald Trump in violation of the deal and guarantee the effectiveness of such measures for the revival of the Iranian economy. In contrast to the IAEA inspections mechanism, there is no sanctions removal verification mechanism or international guidelines on this matter. Having studied publications by experts from Iran and other countries, the authors offer general contours of sanctions removal verification model that consists of three parts: measures by the United States to ease the sanctions regime; list of factors that affect the result of sanctions removal; and economic indicators that can help measure the effect of sanctions removal.
Incompatibility of Published ac Magnetic Susceptibility of a Room Temperature Superconductor with Measured Raw Data
Authors: Hirsch J. E.
Published: December 2021

Room temperature superconductivity has recently been reported for a carbonaceous sulfur hydride (CSH) under high pressure by Snider et al [1]. The paper reports sharp drops in magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature for five different pressures, that are interpreted as signaling a superconducting transition. Here I question the validity and faithfulness of the magnetic susceptibility data presented in the paper by comparison with the measured raw data reported by two of the authors of ref. [2]. This invalidates the assertion of the paper [1] that the susceptibility measurements support the case for superconductivity in this compound.
Methodology for Wheelchair Design Based on Simulation Analyses
Authors: Dobrzynski Grzegorz , Abramowski Michal
Published: December 2021

The article presents the stages of modeling and simulation of a new design of a wheelchair with the option of moving up and down stairs. These analyzes were aimed at the synthesis of the de-sign parameters and parameters of the sensor and control systems. The simulation results were verified by experimentally testing the prototype.
Adsorption of Acid Red 52 Contained in Waste Water by Co-products of the Phosphate Industry: Kinetics and Thermodynamic
Authors: Nasr Samia , jeahi samira , Hidouri Mustapha , BOUGHZALA Khaled
Published: December 2021

Water is essential for all living things however its pain has become serious. Many industrial activities cause its pollution by the release of polluting byproduct. Waste water treatment is hence necessary. In this context, the waste water of the textile industry containing Red Acid 52 was treated by the solid waste of the washed natural phosphate byproduct. Natural phosphate was also studied. The solid materials were first characterized by chemical analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The phosphate materials were after that, tested in the adsorption of the Red Acid 52. The experimental data indicated that the phosphate waste rock allowed the removal of Red Acid 52. Its maximum retention capacity attained 18.4 mg.g-1. Calcinations of materials inhibits the removal capacity found reduced by 60 to 70%. The adsorption kinetics of the Red Acid 52 on the material is well described by the pseudo second order model while the adsorption isotherms are identified by the Langmuir model. Hereafter, the thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. Keywords: Waste water, Phosphate co-product, Adsorption, Red Acid 52.
Enrichment of the Information Extracted From Hyperspectral Reflectance Images for Noninvasive Phenotyping
Authors: Solovchenko Alexei , Shurygin Boris , Kuzin Andrey , Velichko Vitaly , Solovchenko Olga , Nikolenko Alexandr , Krylov Andrey
Published: December 2021

Hyperspectral reflectance imaging is an emerging method for rapid non-invasive quantitative screening of plant traits. This method is essential for high-throughput phenotyping and hence for accelerated breeding of crop plants as well as for precision agriculture practices. However, extraction of sensible information from reflectance images is hindered by the complexity of plant optical properties, especially when they are measured in the field. We propose using reflectance indices (Plant Senescence Reflectance Index, PSRI; Anthocyanin Reflectance Index, ARI; and spectral deconvolution) previously developed for remote sensing of vegetation and point-based reflectometers to infer the spatially resolved information on plant development and biochemical composition using ripening apple fruit as the model. Specifically, the proposed approach enables capturing data on distribution of chlorophylls and primary carotenoids as well as secondary carotenoids (both linked with fruit ripening and leaf senescence during plant development) as well as the information on spatial distribution of anthocyanins (known as stress pigments) over the plant surface. We argue that the proposed approach would enrich the phenotype assessments made on the base of reflectance image analysis with valuable information on plant physiological condition, stress acclimation state, and the progression of the plant development.
Transportation and Air Quality. Perspectives and Projections in a Mediterranean Country. The Case of Greece
Authors: Spyropoulos Georgios C. , Nastos Panagiotis T. , Moustris Konstantinos P. , Chalvatzis Konstantinos J.
Published: December 2021

This study provides a thorough review and analysis of the evolution of the Greek vehicle fleet over the last ~30 years, which is next used for the generation of high granularity fleet projections and for the estimation of relevant environmental benefits by 2030. The integrated methodology developed takes also into account vehicle clustering and the Brown’s Double Simple Exponential Smoothing technique that together with the adoption of COPERT based emission factors allow for the estimation of the anticipated emissions in 2030. Expected 2030 emissions levels suggest a reduction across all pollutants in comparison to 2018, ranging from 3.7% for PM10 to 54.5% for NMVOC (and 46% for CO, 14% for SO2, 28% for NOX and 21% for CO2). We find that Greece is on track with national goals concerning the reduction of air pollution from the transportation sector, stressing the positive contribution of EVs and new, "greener" vehicles, and setting new challenges for the further improvement of the sector beyond the 2030 outlook.
Multi-donor Fecal Microbial Transplantation for Critically Ill Patients: Rationale and Standard Operating Procedure
Authors: Rehorova Veronika , Cibulkova Ivana , Soukupova Hana , Duška František
Published: December 2021

Patients in intensive care unit often lose a considerable fraction of their gut microbiome due to exposure of broad-spectrum antibiotics and other reasons. Dysbiosis often results in prolonged diarrhea and increase occurrence of multi-drug resistant pathogens in the colon with clinical consequences not yet well understood. Restoring the microbioma by faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is a plausible therapeutic possibility, so far only documented in case reports and case series using very heterogeneous methodologies. Before FMT in critically ill can be tested in randomised controlled trials, there is a burning need to describe a standardized operating procedure (SOP) of the whole process, respecting the specifics of critically ill population, such as the risk of disrubted intestinal barrier and time critical nature of the procedure. We describe the SOP that has been developed for experimental use in critically ill patients by a multidisciplinary team of intensivists, gastroenterologist and microbiologist based on feedback from regulatory authority (State Institue of Drug Control of the Czech Republic). The hallmarks of these SOPs are multi-donor freshly frozen transplantate quaranteeded for 3 months consisting of 7 aliqutes from 7 unrelated healthy donors, and administered by rectal tube. In this paper we discuss the rationale for this SOP and the process of its development in details and release the full proposed SOP is in the form of online appendix.
Transfer Learning for Operator Selection: A Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Durgut Rafet , Aydin Mehmet Emin , Rakib Abdur
Published: December 2021

In the past two decades, metaheuristic optimization algorithms (MOAs) have been increasingly popular, particularly in logistic, science, and engineering problems. The fundamental characteristics of such algorithms are that they are dependent on a parameter or a strategy. Some online and offline strategies are employed in order to obtain optimal configurations of the algorithms. Adaptive operator selection is one of them, and it determines whether or not to update a strategy from the strategy pool during the search process. In the filed of machine learning, Reinforcement Learning (RL) refers to goal-oriented algorithms, which learn from the environment how to achieve a goal. On MOAs, reinforcement learning has been utilised to control the operator selection process. Existing research, however, fails to show that learned information may be transferred from one problem-solving procedure to another. The primary goal of the proposed research is to determine the impact of transfer learning on RL and MOAs. As a test problem, a set union knapsack problem with 30 separate benchmark problem instances is used. The results are statistically compared in depth. The learning process, according to the findings, improved the convergence speed while significantly reducing the CPU time.
Spin g Factors and Neutrino Magnetic Moment of Elementary Fermions
Authors: Hwang Jae-Kwang
Published: December 2021

The spin magnetic moments and spin g factors (gs = -2) of electron, muon and tau are explained based on the electric charges (EC) and lepton charges (LC) in terms of the three-dimensional quantized space model. The spin g factors of electron, muon and tau are gs = -2 which is the sum of the EC g factor (gEC = -1) and the LC g factor (gLC = -1). The spin g factor (gs = -2) of the electron is predicted by the Dirac’s equation. The orbit g factors of electron, muon and tau are gL = gEC = -1 from the EC g factor (gEC = -1) without the contribution of the LC g factor (gLC = -1). The spin g factors of the elementary fermions are calculated from the equation of gs = gEC + gLC + gCC where gEC = EC/|EC|, gLC = LC/|LC| and gCC = CC/|CC|. For example, the spin g factors of the neutrinos and dark matters are gs = -1. The spin g factors of the u and d quarks are gs = 0 and gs = -2, respectively. The g factor problem of neutrinos with the non-zero LC charges are solved by the LC Coulomb force of Fc(LC) ≈0. It is, for the first time, proposed that the binary motion (fluctuations) of the mEC and mLC masses for the electron, muon and tau leptons make the anomalous g factor. This binary motion could be originated from the virtual particle processes including the photons. Also, the weak force (beta) decay is closely related to the binary motion of the mEC and mLC for the electron, muon and tau leptons.
Towards a Physically Consistent Phase-Field Model for Alloy Solidification
Authors: Bollada Peter , Jimack Peter K , Mullis Andrew M
Published: December 2021

We summarise contributions made to the computational phase-field modelling of alloy solidification from the University of Leeds spoke of the LiME project. We begin with a general introduction to phase-field, and then reference the numerical issues that arise from solution of the model, before detailing each contribution to the modelling itself. These latter contributions range from controlling and developing interface-width independent modelling; controlling morphology in both single and multiphase settings; generalising from single to multi-phase models; and creating a thermodynamic consistent framework for modelling entropy flow and thereby postulate a temperature field consistent with the concepts of, and applicable in, multiphase and density-dependent settings.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Recovery and Rehabilitation
Authors: Glattke Kaycee E. , Tummala Sailesh V. , Chhabra Anikar
Published: December 2021

Background:

The success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is influenced by effective rehabilitation. Previously published, comprehensive systematic reviews evaluating rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction have studied Level-I and II evidence published through 2012. Interval studies continue to evaluate the efficacy of various rehabilitative modalities.

Methods:

A total of 824 articles from 2012 to 2020 were identified using multiple search engines. Fifty Level-I or II studies met inclusion criteria and were evaluated using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) criteria and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Study Quality Assessment Tools.

Results:

Accelerated rehabilitation can be effective for patients with semitendinosus-gracilis grafts. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training with high-intensity exercise is not effective for ACL reconstruction recovery. Postoperative bracing does not offer any advantages or improve limb asymmetry. Cryotherapy is an effective analgesic when used perioperatively. The early introduction of open kinetic chain exercises may improve ACL reconstruction outcomes, and high-intensity plyometric exercise is not effective. Estimated pre-injury capacity (EPIC) levels may be more accurate than the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) when using functional test results to predict reinjury rates, and hip external rotation strength may be the most accurate predictor of the hop test performance. Nerve blocks can provide postoperative analgesia with minimal complication risk. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is effective when used independently and in combination with rehabilitative exercises. Psychological readiness should be evaluated both objectively and subjectively before allowing patients to safely return to sport. Electromyography biofeedback may help to regain muscular function, and whole-body vibration therapy can improve postural control. Supervised rehabilitation is more effective than unsupervised rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

Various rehabilitative modalities following ACL reconstruction are effective in improving surgical outcomes and return-to-sport rates. Further evidence and improved study design are needed to further validate modalities including accelerated rehabilitation, BFR training, functional testing, and return-to-sport criteria.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Halter Traction for the Treatment of Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixation
Authors: Yeung Chi-Yung , Feng Chi-Kuang
Published: December 2021

Background:

Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) comprises a spectrum of abnormal rotational relationships between C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and long-term clinical outcomes of halter traction in treating patients diagnosed with primary AARF.

Methods:

We included patients <18 years of age who presented with new-onset painful torticollis, neck pain, and sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm, had an AARF diagnosis confirmed by use of 3-dimensional dynamic computed tomography, received in-hospital cervical halter traction under our treatment protocol, and were followed for ≥12 months. Radiographic and long-term clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 43 patients (31 male and 12 female; average age of 7.9 years) satisfied the inclusion criteria. There were 5 acute, 6 subacute, and 32 chronic cases. The mean duration of initial symptoms prior to treatment was 12.1 weeks. Thirty-seven (86.0%) of the patients experienced previous minor trauma, and 6 (14.0%) had a recent history of upper-respiratory infection (Grisel syndrome). The mean duration of in-hospital traction was 17.6 days. The mean follow-up period was 8.5 years. Forty-two (97.7%) of the patients achieved normal cervical alignment after treatment. One patient (2.3%) had recurrence and received a second course of halter traction, with cervical alignment restored without any surgical intervention. No neurological deficits were noted during or after the treatment. No major complications were observed.

Conclusions:

Normal anatomy and restoration of cervical alignment can be achieved by cervical halter traction in most cases of AARF.

Levels of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
International Orthopaedic Volunteer Opportunities in Low and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Miclau Theodore , MacKechnie Madeline C. , Born Christopher T. , MacKechnie Michael A. , Dyer George S.M. , Yuan Brandon J. , Dawson John , Lee Cassandra , Ishmael Chad R. , Schreiber Verena M. , Tejwani Nirmal C. , Ulmer Todd , Shearer David W. , Agarwal-Harding Kiran J. , Johal Herman , Khormaee Sariah , Sprague Sheila , Whiting Paul S. , Roberts Heather J. , Coughlin Richard , Gosselin Rich , Rosenwasser Melvin P. , Johnson Anthony , Babu Jacob M. , Dworkin Myles , Makhni Melvin C. , McClellan Trigg , Nwachuku Chinenye O. , Miclau Elizabeth , Morshed Saam
Published: December 2021

Globally, the burden of musculoskeletal conditions continues to rise, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The ability to meet these orthopaedic surgical care demands remains a challenge. To help address these issues, many orthopaedic surgeons seek opportunities to provide humanitarian assistance to the populations in need. While many global orthopaedic initiatives are well-intentioned and can offer short-term benefits to the local communities, it is essential to emphasize training and the integration of local surgeon-leaders. The commitment to developing educational and investigative capacity, as well as fostering sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships in low-resource settings, is critical. To this end, global health organizations, such as the Consortium of Orthopaedic Academic Traumatologists (COACT), work to promote and ensure the lasting sustainability of musculoskeletal trauma care worldwide. This article describes global orthopaedic efforts that can effectively address musculoskeletal care through an examination of 5 domains: clinical care, clinical research, surgical education, disaster response, and advocacy.
Analysis of Social Media Perceptions Among Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applicants and Social Media Use by Residency Programs During the 2020 to 2021 Cycle
Authors: Checketts Jake X. , Hunt Tyler , Checketts Beaun R. , Scott Jared T. , Johnson Mark , Boose Marshall , Schwartz Mark , Chalkin Brian
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Owing to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic limiting both applicants and residency programs in their ability to connect in-person, it is likely that a shift toward virtual connections was made. We aimed to query applicants regarding their perspectives of orthopaedic residency program social media use. Furthermore, we aimed to quantify the number of orthopaedic surgery residency programs with active social media accounts.

Methods:

All applicants to a single orthopaedic surgery residency were surveyed regarding their perceptions of social media use by orthopaedic surgery residency programs. After this, we evaluated social media use by orthopaedic surgery residency programs.

Results:

Of total, 54.3% of applicants indicated that an orthopaedic surgery residency program they followed on social media posted content that increased their interest in the program. Furthermore, 77.8% of the applicants believed that orthopaedic surgery residency programs should have social media accounts, specifically Instagram. Of the orthopaedic surgery residencies identified, 113 (58.9%) had Instagram, 84 (43.8%) had Twitter, and 21 (10.9%) had Facebook accounts.

Discussion:

Applicants largely feel that orthopaedic surgery residencies should have social media accounts. Orthopaedic surgery residencies saw the value in connecting with students virtually, as shown by nearly 90% of the programs, with social media starting their accounts this year.
HYPOGLYCAEMIC ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT FRACTIONS OF BERBERIS ARISTATA ROOT-BARK IN NORMAL AND ALLOXAN DIABETIC RABBITS
Authors:   Muhammad Nadeem, Akhtar Muhammad Shoaib
Published: December 2021

A number of plants including Berberis aristata roots are considered effective as antidiabetic agents in ethnomedical practices. In this study effects of certain isolated fractions from root-bark of Berberis aristata on blood glucose levels were determined in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits. In normal rabbits, ethanolic fraction in 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg produced significant decrease (P<0.05 or 0.001) at 8 and 12 hrs. Its acidified-basified fraction showed significant lowering of blood sugar at 2, 4, 8 and 12 hrs. The chloroform: methanol fraction also produced significant hypoglycaemic effect at these intervals. In alloxan-diabetic rabbits, ethanolic fraction in doses similar to normal animals produced significant decrease in blood glucose at 2, 4, 8 and 12 hrs.
EFFECT OF RAMADAN FASTING ON SERUM PROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS IN MALE AND FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors:   N. Shaista Shaista, Nagra Nagra S.A.
Published: December 2021

The present study evaluated the effect of Ramadan fasting on metabolic changes in serum proteins concentration in male and female university students. Thirty healthy university students (15 female and 15 male; average age 22 ± 1.8 years) with average body weights of 52.4 ± 2.8 kg and 64.7 ± 5.1 kg for female and male respectively, residing in separate university student’s hostel for males and females but with common dining arrangements, participated in the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained two days before the start of Ramadan fast and on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of Ramadan. Daily dietary energy and protein intakes were 2100 ± 141 kcal and 2378 ± 145 kcal and 55.4 g and 58.8 g for females and males respectively.
DEPRESSION AND LOW SERUM LEVELS OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASING NUMBER OF PREGNANCIES AMONG POSTPARTUM OMANI WOMEN
Authors:   Mostafa I. Waly, Al Kharusi Lamya
Published: December 2021

Depression is a global public-health burden. It has been suggested that dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during the prenatal stage may lead to an improvement in postpartum depression. No relevant studies have been conducted in the Sultanate of Oman investigating the status of depression and serum levels of DHA during postpartum period.
Intraobserver and Interobserver Agreement in the Scoring of PD-L1 (SP142) and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Triple Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Ong David Jerome , Medina Pier Angeli , Datay-Lim Sarah Jane , Alcazaren Elizabeth Ann
Published: December 2021

Objectives. Known for their poor outcomes, triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) have been investigated for immune checkpoint inhibitors that target Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). In the recent decade, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have also become potential biomarkers. The aim of the study is to determine the reproducibility of PD-L1 scoring system for TNBC (SP142 clone) and TILs interpretation in the local setting through intra- and interobserver agreement.
Methodology. Forty-three primary resection specimens TNBC were evaluated on two occasions with PD-L1 (Roche VENTANA SP142 assay) and TILs by two breast pathologists and one general pathologist on physical glass slides. PD-L1 expression was determined by at least 1% positivity among immune cells within the tumoral area and contiguous peritumoral stroma while TILs was assessed based on International Immuno-Oncology Biomarker Working Group on Breast Cancer. Kappa statistic for PD-L1 and TILs categories while intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were assessed, with cutoffs of 0.80 and 0.70, respectively.
Results: The overall interrater kappa statistic for PD-L1 on the first and second rounds were weak at 0.506 (95% CI: 0.334-0.679) and minimal at 0.314 (95% CI: 0.142-0.487), respectively. Intraobserver kappa statistic for PD-L1 were varied across the three readers while interobserver kappa values for PD-L1 showed none (0.181) to moderate (0.789) agreement. The TILs intraobserver reliability showed poor to good agreement, with the highest ICC of 0.889 (95% CI: 0.805-0.938).
Conclusion. This study demonstrated variable intra and interobserver agreement for both TILs and PD-L1 expression. Although it is desirable to have strong to almost perfect agreement, the kappa and ICC values suggest additional room for improvement. In light of the repercussions in management of patients who will undergo immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, regular training sessions, concurrences of equivocal results, and possible use of digital pathology as a medium in interpreting TILs and PD-L1 stains to achieve consistent results.
Ovarian Carcinosarcoma with Yolk Sac Tumor in a Post-Menopausal Female
Authors: Rosario Margarita Rae , So Jeffrey , Hemedez Claire Anne Therese , Dy Carlos
Published: December 2021

Yolk sac tumor is the second most common subtype of ovarian germ cell tumors and is rare in postmenopausalwomen. The few cases in literature have found that in this age group, yolk sac tumors more commonly present as a mixed component, combined with epithelial tumors. We report a case of a 60-year-old female who presented with an enlarging abdominopelvic mass. Imaging pointed to an ovarian new growth. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy revealed a tumor with three populations composed of carcinomatous, sarcomatous, and germ cell components, which was ultimately diagnosed as an ovarian carcinosarcoma with concurrent yolk sac tumor based on histomorphology and immunohistochemical staining. This report also discusses the proposed pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of this uncommon entity.
A Phase-Field-Based Approach for Modeling Flow and Geomechanics in Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Jammoul M. , Wheeler M. F.
Published: December 2021

Modeling the geomechanical deformations of fracture networks has become an integral part of designing enhanced geothermal systems and recovery mechanisms for unconventional reservoirs. Stress changes in the reservoir can cause variations in the apertures of fractures resulting in large changes in their transmissivities. At the same time, sustained high-injection pressures can induce shear slipping along existing fractures and faults and trigger seismic activity. In this work, we extend the phase-field method to solve for flow and geomechanical deformations in naturally fractured reservoirs. The framework can predict the opening/closure of fractures as well as their shear slipping because of induced stresses and poromechanical effects. The flow through fractures is modeled on spatially nonconforming grids using the enhanced velocity mixed finite element method. The geomechanics equations are discretized using the continuous Galerkin (CG) finite element method. The flow and mechanics equations are decoupled using the fixed stress iterative scheme. The implementation is validated against the analytical solutions of Mandel’s problem and Sneddon’s benchmark test. Two synthetic examples are presented to illustrate the impact of poroelastic deformations and the accompanying dynamic behavior of fractures on the safety and productivity of subsurface projects.
Phase 1/2 Study of Topical Submicron Particle Paclitaxel for Cutaneous Metastases of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lacouture Mario E. , Goldfarb Shari B. , Markova Alina , Chawla Sant P. , Dewnani Karan V. , Iacobucci Marc A. , Lang Julie E.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This Phase 1/2 study evaluated safety and efficacy of a topical submicron particle paclitaxel (SPP) in an anhydrous ointment base (SOR007), primarily in breast cancer patients with cutaneous metastases (CM).Methods: One of 3 concentrations of SOR007 SPP (0.15%, 1.0%, or 2.0%) was applied twice daily over an area of 50 cm2 under a 3+3 phase I design for up to 28 days, with the option for additional 28 days at the highest dose once safety was established. Efficacy was analyzed by lesion measurements and photographs to determine overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR) and progression free survival by day 28 or 56.Results: Twenty-three subjects were enrolled, 21 with cutaneous metastases of breast cancer (CMOBC). Four subjects received SOR007 0.15%, three at a dose of 1.0% for a median of 28 days (range = 6 to 29 days), and sixteen at 2.0% for a median of 56 days (range = 42 to 60). All doses were well tolerated, and 19 subjects were evaluable for efficacy. At day 28 across all dose levels, 16% (95%CI: 3.4 to 39.6%) of subjects achieved an ORR and another 63.1% (95%CI: 34.9 to 96.8%) had stable disease (SD). The proportion of patients being progression free at 28 days across all treatments was 79% (95:CI: 54 to 94%). Conclusion: Application of SOR007 0.15%, 1.0%, and 2.0% to CM resulted in lesion stabilization or response in most subjects, with reduced lesion pain, and minimal systemic absorption of paclitaxel. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial to confirm these findings is warranted.NCT: #03101358
Label-free Viability Assay using Holographic Video Microscopy
Authors: Odete Mary Ann , Boltyanskiy Rostislav , Cheong Fook Chiong , Philips Laura
Published: December 2021

Total Holographic Characterization (THC) is presented here as an efficient, automated, label-free method of accurately identifying cell viability. THC is a single-particle characterization technology that determines the size and index of refraction of individual particles using the Lorenz-Mie theory of light scattering. Although assessment of cell viability is a challenge in many applications, including biologics manufacturing, traditional approaches often include unreliable labeling with dyes and/or time consuming methods of manually counting cells. In this work we measured the viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast in the presence of various concentrations of isopropanol as a function of time. All THC measurements were performed in the native environment of the sample with no dilution or addition of labels. We compared our results with THC to manual counting of living and dead cells as distinguished with trypan blue dye. Our findings demonstrate that THC can effectively distinguish living and dead yeast cells by the index of refraction of individual cells.
Shared Responsibility for Carbon Emission Based on Embodied Carbon Emission in China-US Trade
Authors: Zhang Yulong , Pan Binbin
Published: December 2021

Traditional Production-Based Accounting (PBA) principle does not consider the embodied carbon emissions in export and import trade. A multiregional input-output (MRIO) model is constructed to estimate the embodied carbon dioxide emissions of 41 countries and regions worldwide, based on the PBA and shared responsibility approach in this paper. The results indicate that the embodied carbon emissions in 2018 in China's export trade were 1326.1 million tons higher than that of import trade. Through the empirical analysis of the embodied carbon emissions in China's import and export trade, it can be seen that China is a major producer of carbon emissions, not a consumer country, and has taken more carbon emissions responsibility for the world. And it is more reasonable and impartial to assign developed and developing country’s carbon emissions responsibility in the light of the shared responsibility method.
No Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kuhn Wilfried , Karp Georg , Müller Thomas
Published: December 2021

Previous trials describe a decrease of vitamin D levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease and relationships to clinical disease severity. This case control study found not significant but higher 25-OH-vitamin D plasma levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease patients compared with age and sex matched controls and no associations to clinical parameters, such as rating scores of disease severity or assessments of cognitive function. A certain variability of vitamin D concentration was observed in both cohorts. These outcomes put into perspective the emerging discussion on the importance of vitamin D in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Our results warrant further confirmatory research with a strict matching design of patients and controls, which has not been done in previous investigations. We stress that this case control study does not allow any comment on the putative beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation, i.e. on bone mass or bone mineral density in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
The Manchester Framework For The Evaluation of Emergency Department Pharmacy Services
Authors: Greenwood D , Tully MP , Martin S , Steinke D
Published: December 2021

Background: Many countries, including the United Kingdom, have established Emergency Department (ED) pharmacy services where some ED pharmacists now work as practitioners. They provide both traditional pharmaceutical care and novel practitioner care i.e. clinical examination, yet their impact on quality of care is unknown.Aim: To develop a framework of structures, processes and potential outcome indicators to support evaluation of the quality of ED pharmacy services in future studies.Method: Framework components (structures, processes and potential outcome indicators) were identified in three ways, from a narrative review of relevant international literature identified through systematic searches; a panel meeting with ED pharmacists; and a panel meeting with other ED healthcare professionals. Structures and processes were collated into categories developed iteratively throughout data collection, with outcome indicators collated into six domains of quality as proposed by the Institute of Medicine. These raw data were then processed e.g. outcome indicators screened for clarity i.e. those which explicitly stated what would be measured were included in the framework.Results: A total of 190 structures, 533 processes, and 503 outcome indicators were identified. Through data processing a total of 153 outcome indicators were included in the final framework divided into the domains safe (32 outcome indicators), effective (50), patient centred (18), timely (24), efficient (20) and equitable (9). Fewer potential outcome indicators were identified for the patient centred, efficient and equitable domains than others. Conclusion: Whilst frameworks to support evaluation of general ED care exist, this is the first framework specific to ED pharmacy services. Although included in the framework, potential outcome indicators require further development prior to their use in evaluation studies. To that end, evaluation teams should be multidisciplinary and ideally involve researchers with expertise in outcome measurement. Finally, evaluation should not neglect some domains of quality at the expense of others, as previously found by the Institute of Medicine. High quality health services are not only safe, effective and timely, but also patient centred, efficient and equitable.
A Novel Established Pyroptosis-participant Genes Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: He Qian , Cao Yi , Zhao Yue , Shen Yi , Xu Xiong , Zhang Qiu-Di
Published: December 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), caused by a strange reason and characterized by a bad clinical prognosis, is an advanced, long-time, and irreversible interstitial lung disease (ILD). In recent years, it has been confirmed that a pyroptosis is a phlogistic form of programmed cellular demise. At the same time, the expression of the pyroptosis-participant gene (PPG) in IPF and their pertinence behind prognosis remains indistinct. In this research, we identified 17 pyroptosis regulators that were distinguishingly expressed entre IPF and controls. The ground on these distinguishingly expressed genes (DEGs), entire IPF conditions could be uncoupled into two subtypes. The prognostic significance of respective PPG for surviving was assessed to find a polygenes signature doing with a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) pack (GSE28042). Via putting into use the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression approach, a 6-gene signature was structured and ranged entire IPF sicks in GSE28042 into a shallow-threat or high-threat group. IPF sicks in the shallow-threat group revealed meaningfully upper survival chances than those in the high-threat group (pvalue < 0.001). Exploiting the mid threat-score from GSE28042, IPF sicks from another GEO cohort(GSE70866-GPL17077) were separated into two threat subgroups, and the shallow-threat set had augmented overall survival (OS) time ( P = 0.0018). United the clinical characteristics, the threat-score was a sole element for forecasting the overall survival of IPF sicks. Function enrichment analyses bespoke that modification of morphology or physiology of other organisms, killing of cellular of other organisms, and disruption of cellular of other organisms biological processes were increased in the high-threat group. GSEA(Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) showed that cancer- and autoimmune disease-participant “KEGG” gene sets were highly enriched in the high−threat phenotype. In general, PPGs play a crucial role in IPF and can be done to forecast the prognosis of IPFs, and our consequences suggest that the high-threat group of IPF may be linked with the response of other organisms and autoimmunity as well.
Swift Reduction of Nitroaromatics By Gold Nanoparticles Anchored On Steam-Activated Carbon Black Via Simple Preparation
Authors: Fu Yukui , Lai Cui , Chen Wenjing , Yi Huan , Liu Xigui , Huo Xiuqin , Cao Weicheng , Zeng Zhuotong , Qin Lei
Published: December 2021

Gold (Au) nanoparticles supported on certain platforms display highly efficient activity on nitroaromatics reduction. In this study, steam-activated carbon black (SCB) was used as a platform to fabricate Au/SCB catalysts via a green and simple method for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction. The obtained Au/SCB catalysts exhibit efficient catalytic performance in reduction of 4-NP (rate constant kapp = 2.1925 min-1). The effects of SCB activated under different steam temperature, Au loading amount, pH and reaction temperature were studied. The structural advantages of SCB as a platform were analyzed by various characterizations. Especially, the result of N2 adsorption-desorption method showed that steam activating process could bring higher surface area (from 185.9689 m²/g to 249.0053 m²/g), larger pore volume (from 0.073268 cm³/g to 0.165246 cm³/g) and more micropore for SCB when compared with initial CB, demonstrating the suitable of SCB for Au NPs anchoring, thus promoting the catalytic activity. This work contributes to the fabrication of other supported metal nanoparticle catalysts for preparing different functional nanocomposites for different applications.
Dimethyl Phthalate Induces Blood Immunotoxicity Through Oxidative Damage And Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chi Zhenxing , Lin Hongwei , Meng Xuanlin , Zhou Jieqiong , Xiang Li , Cao Guodong , Wu Pengfei , Zhao Xingchen , Cai Zongwei
Published: December 2021

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), a low molecular weight phthalate ester, is present in ectoparasiticides, plastics, and insect repellants, has been linked to neurotoxic, reproductive, and endocrine disruptive responses. However, its blood immunotoxic effects and mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, rats were exposed to graded concentrations of DMP through intragastric administration to assess the blood immunotoxic effects using a combination assay of biomarker, cytometry, and transcriptomics. DMP treatment altered the redox status of rats, causing that oxidative damage. Significantly decreased blood cell counts and disordered antibody and cytokine secretion were observed, suggesting the suppressed immune defense and destructed inflammatory regulation. Flow cytometry showed for lymphocytes, especially CD3+CD4+ T cells, apoptosis/necrosis occurred positively related to DMP exposure level. Transcriptomics revealed responses that were in line with oxidative damage effects. Overexpression of the Bcl-2 family genes and activation of the Fas/FasL pathway trigger downstream caspase cascade, causing reactive oxygen species signaling mediated apoptosis/necrosis. This is the first report on immunotoxic effects of low molecular weight phthalate esters.
Efficacy And Safety of Wound Infiltration Modalities For Postoperative Pain Management After Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, And Trial Sequential Analysis Protocol
Authors: Abate Semagn Mekonnen , Mantefardo Bahiru , Nega Solomon , Basu Bivash , Taddesse Moges
Published: December 2021

Background: Inadequately managed postoperative pain after cesarean section has a number of consequences to the mother in the postoperative period. Different postoperative pain management modalities have been practiced after cesarean section over the years. The opioid based analgesics and land mark techniques have undesirable consequences, regional analgesia technique with ultrasound requires resource and expertise while different wound infiltration techniques are new techniques with minimal side effect and easy to administer. However, the effectiveness of each technique is uncertain and needs further investigation.Objective: This systematic review will provide the most effective wound infiltration technique to prevent undesirable adverse effects of opioids and untreated painMethod: A comprehensive search will be conducted in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, Science direct, CINHAL, and LILACS without date and language restriction. All randomized trials comparing the efficacy of wound infiltration for postoperative pain management after cesarean section will be included. The data will be extracted with two independent authors in a customized format. The methodological quality of included studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The overall quality of the evidence will be determined by GRADEpro software. Trial Sequential Analysis will be conducted to investigate the necessity of further trials.Discussion: The incidence of postoperative acute as well as chronic pain is very high which has a tremendous impact on the mother, family, healthcare providers, and healthcare delivery. It is a basic human right to provide postoperative pain management to every patient that is feasible to everyone in terms of resources, technique, cost, and minimal adverse events profileRegistration: This systematic review protocol was registered in Prospero (CRD42021270710) on September 5, 2021
Dominant Controls of Cold-Season Precipitation Variability Over the High Mountains of Asia
Authors: Ashfaq Moetasim , Mehmood Shahid , Kapnick Sarah , Ghosh Subimal , Abid Muhammad Adnan , Kucharski Fred , Batibeniz Fulden , Saha Anamitra , Evans Katherine , Hsu Huang-Hsiung
Published: December 2021

A robust understanding of the sub-seasonal cold season (November–March) precipitation variability over the High Mountains of Asia (HMA) is currently lacking. Here, we identify dynamic and thermodynamic pathways through which natural modes of climate variability establish their teleconnections over the HMA. First, we identify evaporative sources that contribute to the cold season precipitation over the HMA and surroundings areas. The predominant moisture contribution comes from the mid-latitude regions including Mediterranean/Caspian Seas and Mediterranean land. Second, we establish that several tropical and extratropical forcing display a sub-seasonally fluctuating influence on the cold season precipitation distribution over the region, and given that many of them varyingly interact with each other, their impacts cannot be explained exclusively or at seasonal timescales. Lastly, a single set of evaporative sources cannot always be identified as the only determinant in propagating a remote teleconnection, because nature of moisture anomalies and its sources depend on the pattern of sub-seasonally varying dynamical forcing in the atmosphere.
Direct growth of copper(I) oxide nanocubes on graphitic carbon nitrides enhancing aqueous carbon dioxide photoreduction
Authors: Song Hyunjoon , Choi Byeonghoon , Lim Chan Kyu , Kim Minjun , Park Bumjin , Park Won-Woo , Kwon Oh-Hoon , Lee Hee-Seung
Published: December 2021

Semiconductor hybrid structures containing multiple components have been considered an ideal photocatalyst design to generate long-lived charge-separated states. Particularly for the reactions requiring high activation energies, such as a CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), the reaction activity is highly susceptible to the catalyst component and morphology. In this study, we selected g-C3N4 and Cu2O as photocatalytic components having bandgaps suitable for CO2RR. Then, we tried to form good electric junctions between two domains by direct growth of Cu on g-C3N4 using a polyol process. The resulting g-C3N4/Cu2O hybrid was employed as photocatalysts in an aqueous medium without hole acceptors. The catalyst exhibited a noticeable activity (5.4 mmol gcat-1h-1) and quantum yield (3.7%) with a nearly quantitative selectivity for CH4 production, superior to any other photocatalysts for CO2RR. The strong coordination of g-C3N4 to the Cu2O surface could form a conductive junction and induce effective electron transfer enforcing the Z-scheme process for CO2RR in high activity and selectivity. This result ensured the importance of junctions and interfaces in the hybrid catalyst structure to exhibit excellent photocatalytic CO2RR performances.