bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fitting A Square Peg into A Round Hole: Shape Control in Phase Transfer of Cubic Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Maack Imke , Osmić Milena , Mohrhusen Lars , Buhani Pascal , Al‐Shamery Katharina
Published: April 2021

Although nanomaterials are widely involved in technological applications, common synthetic recipes for such colloids are restricted to special, optimized conditions, particularly for anisotropic shapes. Ligand exchange is frequently necessary for further functionalization. While such protocols are well established for spherical particles, it is more demanding to keep the corpus for thermodynamically less stable shapes. We highlight the temperature as one key for the formation of anisotropic gold nanoparticles, but also for ligand exchange protocols under shape retention or deliberate reshaping at the example of gold nanocubes. In the first part, the synthesis of CTAB capped gold nanocubes in aqueous solution is examined highlighting the narrow temperature window in which selective adsorption site blocking by bromide ions leads to the formation of gold nanocubes. While too low temperatures yield multiple particle shapes due to a low surface mobility, temperatures above the appropriate window result in more thermodynamically favored shapes. Furthermore, two protocols are presented for the exchange of the ammonium ligand CTAB by oleylamine as an organic amine including water removal from a slurrish water‐amine paste through the gas phase. In turn, precise temperature control allows to either maintain the cubic shape or induce a reshaping process towards other, thermodynamically preferred shapes such as for example truncated octahedra.
Recent Progress in CsPbX3 Perovskite Nanocrystals for Enhanced Stability and Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Wang Cunjin , Hu Xiaoyun , Fan Jun
Published: April 2021

Since the first discovery of CsPbX3 perovskite in 1893, exponentially increasing investigations on the tunable crystal structure, enhancement of stability against moisture, thermal, oxygen and light, and modulation of physicochemical properties have struggled to expand applications in photocatalysis. Here, the latest researches on modifying the structure and surface of CsPbX3 perovskite to achieve water, air, high temperature and light stability are systematically summarized, including surface passivation engineering, encapsulation strategy, semiconductor composite fabrication, and other strategies. Moreover, the major challenges of CsPbX3 perovskite act as photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution, degradation of organic dyestuff, CO2 reduction and photocatalytic organic synthesis are highlighted, and some perspectives from the current progress in development of CsPbX3‐based photocatalyst are given. This paper will provide a comprehensive perspective and inspire more constructive thoughts for further expanding the application boundaries of CsPbX3 perovskite.
Implementation and evaluation of the information flow control for the Internet of Things
Authors: Nakamura Shigenari , Enokido Tomoya , Takizawa Makoto
Published: April 2021

In the Internet of Things, the CBAC (capability‐based access control) model is proposed to make devices securely accessed. Here, an owner of a device issues a capability token, that is, a set of access rights, to a subject. The subject is allowed to manipulate ROs (resource objects) in the device according to access rights in the capability token. In the CBAC model, there is a problem a subject sbi can obtain data of an RO by accessing the data in an RO after the data are brought to the RO even if the subject sbi is not allowed to obtain the data from the RO . Here, the data in the RO illegally flow to the subject sbi. In our previous studies, the OI (operation interruption) protocol where illegal operations are interrupted is proposed and evaluated in the simulation. In this article, we implement the OI protocol and evaluate the authorization process of the OI protocol in terms of the execution time. In the evaluation, we make clear the features of the execution time of authorization processes for GET, PUT, POST, and DELETE operations in the OI protocol.
Human CD8 T‐stem cell memory subsets phenotypic and functional characterization are defined by expression of CD122 or CXCR3
Authors: Zhao Yanran , Cai Curtis , Samir Jerome , Palgen Jean‐Louis , Keoshkerian Elizabeth , Li Hui , Bull Rowena A. , Luciani Fabio , An Hongyan , Lloyd Andrew R.
Published: April 2021

Long‐lived T‐memory stem cells (TSCM) are key to both naturally occurring and vaccine‐conferred protection against infection. These cells are characterized by the CD45RA+CCR7+CD95+ phenotype. Significant heterogeneity within the TSCM population is recognized, but distinguishing surface markers and functional characterization of potential subsets are lacking. Human CD8 TSCM subsets were identified in healthy subjects who had been previously exposed to CMV or Influenza (Flu) virus in flow cytometry by expression of CD122 or CXCR3, and then characterized in proliferation, multipotency, self‐renewal, and intracellular cytokine production (TNF‐α, IL‐2, IFN‐γ), together with transcriptomic profiles. The TSCMCD122hi‐expressing subset (versus CD122lo) demonstrated greater proliferation, greater multipotency, and enhanced polyfunctionality with higher frequencies of triple positive (TNF‐α, IL‐2, IFN‐γ) cytokine‐producing cells upon exposure to recall antigen. The TSCMCXCR3lo subpopulation also had increased proliferation and polyfunctional cytokine production. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that the TSCMCD122hi population had increased expression of activation and homing molecules, such as Ccr6, Cxcr6, Il12rb, and Il18rap, and downregulated cell proliferation inhibitors, S100A8 and S100A9. These data reveal that the TSCMCD122hi phenotype is associated with increased proliferation, enhanced multipotency and polyfunctionality with an activated memory‐cell like transcriptional profile, and hence, may be favored for induction by immunization and for adoptive immunotherapy.
GC Analysis of Primary Fatty Acid Amides in Animal Fat
Authors: Jovanovic Milica , Schober Sigurd , Mittelbach Martin
Published: April 2021

Waste animal fats represent a very attractive feedstock for biodiesel production. Primary fatty acid amides (PFAA) are a class or bioactive signaling lipids found in mammalian organisms, as well as several plant families. Waste animal fat coming from rendering plants can obtain up to 2.0% PFAA. After the conversion process they pose a risk in the final biodiesel as they can lead to deposits in storage tanks or plug fuel filters. In this paper, a method for efficient separation and quantification of PFAAs in waste animal fat is presented. The method consists of separation of PFAAs via solid phase extraction (SPE) using cartridges with 60 Å silica as stationary phase. The most effective eluents are determined to be hexane: ethyl acetate followed by chloroform: 2‐propanol. The isolated PFAAs are identified and quantified via gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector (GC‐FID) using nonadecanoic acid amide as an internal standard. The recovery of PFAAs in lard as matrix is determined to be around 100%. Six real samples are analyzed for the content of PFAAs leading to concentrations between 0.04% and 1%. Additionally, the limits of detection and quantification are determined to be 0.002% and 0.005%, respectively.

Practical applications: The developed method is an efficient tool for characterization and determination of primary fatty acid amides in animal fat used as starting material for biodiesel production. The developed simple and efficient separation of PFAA via SPE and GC‐FID analysis without derivatization can also be applied to other biological fat samples, such as fat tissue, and plasma samples or microbial oils.
Effects of Gas Diffusion Layer Porosity Distribution on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Yang Penghui , Wang Yongqing , Yang Youchen , Yuan Lei , Jin Zunlong
Published: April 2021

The effect of the porosity change of the cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL) along the cell length on the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is evaluated using the calculation model and the numerical method. A detailed analysis of the polarization curve, temperature distribution of the cell center surface, cathode material, and current distribution law is carried out for six different porosity models. It is found that the influence of the GDL porosity on the fuel cell polarization curve increases with the increase in current density, and the influence reaches the maximum at the limit current density. The limit current of the fuel cell is directly proportional to the GDL porosity, and the change of GDL porosity has limited influence on it. The existence of the porosity gradient improves the uniformity of the material and current density distribution on the cathode side. The same conclusion can be obtained using the standard deviation formula to quantitatively express the degree of uniformity. The results show that the existence of the GDL porosity gradient of the PEMFC cathode has a positive effect on the cell performance.
A Bifunctional 2D Interlayered β‐Cu2V2O7/Zn2V2O6 (CZVO) Heterojunction for Solar‐Driven Nonsacrificial Dye Degradation and Water Oxidation
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Khan Ibrahim , Baig Nadeem , Hendi Abdulmajeed H. , Ehsan Muhammad Fahad , Sarfraz Nafeesa
Published: April 2021

Investigating novel materials with controlled morphology for solar‐driven conversions is the foremost research emphasis in applied sciences. In continuation of those efforts, we report the unique synthesis of a novel trimetallic β‐Cu2V2O7/Zn2V2O6 (CZVO) hybrid with controlled morphology. The trimetallic CZVO demonstrates a bifunctional, non‐sacrificial photoresponse in the cases of 1) photocatalytic degradation using methylene blue (MB) as a model dye; and 2) photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of CZVO confirmed Type‐(I) heterojunction formation between β‐Cu2V2O7 (CVO) and Zn2V2O6 (ZVO). After visible light exposure (65 min), CZVO‐opt (1 wt% CVO: 5 wt% ZVO) demonstrated the highest photodegradation, while the CZVO‐opt photoanode delivered the highest photocurrent density (I
ph) of 1.78 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE, almost 3.11 and 1.55 times more than CVO (I
ph  = 0.57 mA cm−2) and ZVO (I
ph = 1.15 mA cm−2) photoanodes, respectively. The CZVO‐opt photoanode harvested the most solar energy in terms of incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE320 nm = 37.93%). The significant improvement in the CZVO‐opt performance can be attributed to the firm contact and uniform distribution of ZVO NPs over CVO interlayered nanosheets, which leads to adequate solar absorption and facile charge transport through a Type‐(I) heterojunction with suppresses charge recombination.
Development of an Alternative Test System for Chronic Testing of Lotic Macroinvertebrate Species: A Case Study with the Insecticide Imidacloprid
Authors: Brüggemann Maria , Hund-Rinke Kerstin , Böhmer Walter , Schaefers Christoph
Published: April 2021

There are currently few suitable test systems for the chronic toxicity testing of aquatic macroinvertebrates under stream conditions. Therefore, a new test system mimicking running water conditions was developed for testing with lotic insects. This system uses small test cages, with 10 of these suspended inside each 25-L container and rotating at 0.1 m/s, to create a water flow for the individual organism inside each cage. To test the performance of the new exposure system, chronic effects (21 d) of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid were investigated with field-collected larvae of the stonefly Protonemura sp. Endpoints were survival, growth, and/or emergence (depending on the developmental stage of the larvae at the start of the exposure). Two experiments conducted 1 yr apart showed good reproducibility: growth 10% effect concentration (EC10) values were 15.3 and 18.5 μg/L and no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) values were 30.3 and 21.5 μg/L. A third experiment, performed with further-developed larval instars, showed a significant effect of imidacloprid on emergence (with EC10 of 5.97 μg/L and NOEC of 2.89 μg/L) and a significant effect on survival (with median lethal concentration of 44.7 µg/L). The results of the present study show that the newly developed test system provides a suitable approach for toxicity testing with stonefly larvae and potentially for other lotic macroinvertebrate species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2229–2239. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Origins of the meta‐mafic rocks in the southern Dunhuang Block (NW China): Implication for tectonic framework of the southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Shi Mengyan , Hou Quanlin , Wu Chunming , Yan Quanren , Cheng Nannan , Zhang Qian W. L. , Wang Hao Y. C.
Published: April 2021

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is one of the largest accretionary orogenic collages in the world with prominent juvenile crust addition, where the southernmost margin of the CAOB located is one hot topic in the international studies. The Dunhuang Block located to the south of the Beishan Orogen is a key position for outlining the tectonic framework of the south margin of the CAOB. However, at present, the tectonic attribution of the Dunhuang Block is still controversial. In this paper, we focus on the origins and protoliths of the meta‐mafic rocks from the Hongliuxia complex in the southern Dunhuang Block for determining the tectonic attribution of the Dunhuang Block. In the field, the meta‐mafic rocks are mainly exposed as tectonic blocks within the metasedimentary rocks displaying the “block‐in‐matrix” fabrics or as tectonic slices juxtaposed by faults. Geochemically, the meta‐mafic rocks could be divided into three groups based on the rare earth elements (REE) and trace elements: the group 1 samples are depleted in the LREE relative to HREE and show flat HREE patterns, similar to the mid‐oceanic ridge basalt; the group 2 samples show flat REE patterns without obvious differentiation between the LREE and HREE, like the oceanic plateau basalt; the group 3 samples are enriched in LREE relative to LREE, and have negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies, similar to the island arc basalt. Conclusively, the protoliths of the meta‐mafic rocks dominantly belong to the oceanic plate components. They were metamorphosed during Early Silurian to Middle Devonian in different depths of the subduction zone documented in previous studies. So, we suggest the Hongliuxia complex is an exhumed Palaeozoic subduction–accretion complex (SAC) formed during the oceanic plate subduction. This result confirms the Palaeozoic subduction event occurred in the Dunhuang region and indicates that the Dunhuang Block is a Palaeozoic Orogen rather than a part of Precambrian continent block. Considering the regional geology context, we speculate the Dunhuang Orogen belongs to the southernmost margin of the CAOB.
Alterations in the oral and gut microbiome of colorectal cancer patients and association with host clinical factors
Authors: Wang Yao , Zhang Yao , Qian Yun , Xie Yuan‐Hong , Jiang Shan‐Shan , Kang Zi‐Ran , Chen Ying‐Xuan , Chen Zhao‐Fei , Fang Jing‐Yuan
Published: April 2021

Previous studies have suggested that gut microbiota plays a critical role in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although preliminary comparisons of the oral and gut microbiota between CRC and healthy control (HC) patients have been made, the association between microbiome abundance and host clinical factors has not been fully illustrated, especially oral health conditions. Matching samples of unstimulated saliva, cancer tissues or biopsies and stools were collected from 30 CRC and 30 HC patients from Shanghai Jiao Tong University affiliated Renji Hospital for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The diversity in salivary and mucosal microbiome, but not stool microbiome of CRC group, was significantly different from that of HC, as demonstrated by the Principal Component Analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age and higher oral hygiene index (OHI) were independent risk factors for CRC, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 1.159 (1.045‐1.284) and 4.398 (1.328‐14.567), respectively. Salivary Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio in CRC was significantly higher than that in the HC group (P < .001), while the mucosal ratio was slightly decreased in CRC (P < .05). Salivary Rothia and Streptococcus levels were positively correlated with OHI, while Alloprevotella, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptoccus and Prevotella genera levels were negatively associated with OHI. NetShift analysis revealed that salivary Peptococcus, Centipeda and mucosal Subdoligranulum genus might act as key drivers during the process of carcinogenesis. In conclusion, the current study provides insights into the potential influence of host clinical factors on oral and gut microbiome composition and can be a guide for future studies.
Dental hygiene faculty perspectives on thesis advising in graduate education
Authors: Varieur Julie A. , Boyd Linda D. , Smallidge Dianne
Published: April 2021

Purpose/objectives

There is little research regarding dental hygiene faculty perspectives on advising graduate students through the thesis process. This study explored dental hygiene faculty's experiences when advising DH graduate students through the thesis process and understanding their perspectives on the factors impacting completion of the thesis.

Methods

This qualitative phenomenological research study utilized virtual focus groups with a purposive sample of graduate DH thesis advisors (n = 18) from institutions with a thesis‐based Master of Science degree. A deductive analysis method was implemented based on six main topics (advisor's roles, advisor expectations of advisee, advisee challenges, student support strategies, institutional polices and resources, and academic workload and benefits of the advisor role) in the literature using qualitative analysis software.

Results

Main emergent themes included being a co‐investigator and supervisor of the advisee research process; expectations of advisee to respect the advisor's time and effort; expectation advisee understand the demands of a thesis; advisees challenges included self‐doubt and balancing of responsibilities; need to develop the advisor/advisee relationship and trust with advisee; and university policies and the availability of resources impact on the thesis completion.

Conclusion

Dental Hygiene thesis advisors reported incorporation of many strategies to execute their role. The thesis process is unique to every student; however, the advisor's comprehensive problem‐solving skills and the student's perseverance collectively facilitate the completion of the thesis. Institutional policies, other resources, and the increase in workload are potential barriers for Dental Hygiene thesis advisors and require advocating on behalf of their advisee for on‐time thesis completion.
Pyridine‐2(1H)‐thiones: Versatile precursors for one‐pot synthesis of new nicotinonitrile‐thiazole hybrids
Authors: Sanad Sherif M. H. , Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Said Ahmed Y. , Elneairy Mohamed A. A.
Published: April 2021

In the current study, we report a facile procedure for the preparation of a new series of nicotinonitrile‐thiazoles, in excellent isolated yields. For this purpose, pyridine‐2(1H)‐thiones were investigated as key building blocks for the synthesis of new nicotinonitrile‐linked 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives. To prepare the target thiazole hybrids, a facile one‐pot procedure was developed involving amine‐mediated reaction of the prior aldehydes, thiosemicarbazide, and the appropriate of hydrazonyl chlorides. The reaction conditions of this one‐pot protocol were optimized by repeating the reaction using different solvents and amines. The optimized conditions were conducting the reaction in dioxane containing triethylamine at 100°C for 5 h. The prior protocol gave, in each case, new series of nicotinonitrile‐linked thiazole and thiazol‐4(5H)‐one hybrids, bearing aryldiazenyl or arylhydrazineylidene units. Repeating the prior one‐pot protocol using the appropriate halogen containing reagents instead of hydrazonyl chlorides afforded the target thiazoles in excellent isolated yields. By considering their elemental analyses and spectral findings, the structures of the new hybrids were clarified.
Superior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of deep sternal wound infection
Authors: Bertheuil Nicolas , Leclere Franck‐Marie , Bekara Farid , Watier Eric , Flécher Erwan , Duisit Jérôme
Published: April 2021

Background

The treatment of deep wound sternal infection requires loco‐regional pedicled flaps, usually with muscular flaps. Perforator propeller flaps represent the ultimate progress in the history of reconstructive surgery. We report here our experience with the superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps to repair sternal defect.

Patients and methods

Six patients presenting deep sternal wounds infection were treated with SEAP propeller flap, between March 2015 and June 2017. The mean age was 71.5 (range 53–83) years. The mean length and width of the defect were 16.2 × 7 cm (ranging 8–20 × 4–10). An elliptical skin flap pedicled on the SEAP was harvested in the inframammary fold and rotated up to 90° to cover the defect.

Results

All SEAP flaps achieved a successful entire coverage of the defect. The mean size of the skin paddle of the flap was 20.2 × 7.3 cm (ranging 14–27 × 6–9). All flaps were able to provide a complete sternal wound cover. Venous congestion was present in five cases and adequately treated by leech therapy; necrosis was distal in one case, and interesting the entire superficial flap in two cases but with deep tissues remaining viable and able to cover the mediastinum: an infected flap required revision. Satisfyingly, at 2‐years postoperative follow‐up all‐patients were alive with a successful mediastinal cover.

Conclusions

The SEAP Perforator propeller flap is an alternative to muscle flaps to achieve treatment of deep and large sternal wound infection.
Inverse problem for a nonlinear third order in time partial differential equation
Authors: Tekin Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

In this article, we study the inverse problem of recovering a time‐dependent coefficient of a nonlinear third order in time partial differential equation (PDE), which is usually referred to as Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation, from knowledge of a one boundary measurement.
Detectability assessment of an x‐ray imaging system using the nodes in a wavelet packet decomposition of a star–bar object
Authors: González‐López Antonio
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Using linear transformations of the acquired data can expand the study of detectability in an imaging system. From one image, an appropriate transformation will produce a set of signals with different contrast and different frequency contents. In this work this strategy is explored to present a task‐based test for the detectability of an x‐ray imaging system.

Methods

Images of a new star–bar phantom are acquired with different entrance air KERMA and with different beam qualities. Then, after a wavelet packet is applied to both input and output of the system, statistical decision theory is applied to determine detectability of the different images or nodes resulting from the transformation. An ideal Bayesian observer (IBO) is applied to the data in the spatial domain to perform ROC analysis and to determine a detectability index for each of the nodes. In addition, image quality is characterized in terms of noise equivalent quanta (NEQ) and a 5 mm nodule detection task is performed.

Results

AUC maps resulting from the analysis show the area under the ROC curve over the whole 2D frequency space for the different doses and beam qualities. Also, AUC curves, obtained by radially averaging the AUC maps, allow comparing detectability of the different techniques as a function of the frequency in a single figure. The results obtained show differences between images acquired with different doses for each of the beam qualities analyzed. Classifying image quality by means of detectability indexes agrees with that of the AUC curves and the nodule detection task but differs from the NEQ for the low air KERMA images.

Conclusions

Combining a star–bar as test object, a wavelet packet as linear transformation and ROC analysis provides an appropriate task‐based test for detectability performance of an imaging system. The test presented in this work produces maps and curves quantifying system detectability as a function of the frequency characterizing the signal to detect and allows calculating detectability differences between different acquisition techniques.
Safety and Efficacy of First-Line Pembrolizumab in Black Patients with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Peravali Monica , Ahn Jaeil , Chen Kevin , Rao Suman , Veytsman Irina , Liu Stephen V. , Kim Chul
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has become an integral part of front-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, pivotal trials had significant underrepresentation of Black patients (pts). Lack of sufficient evidence regarding safety and efficacy of ICIs among minority racial groups poses a challenge in delivery of optimal cancer directed care.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed pts with stage IV NSCLC treated with first-line pembrolizumab across three MedStar facilities between January 1, 2014, and May 3, 2019. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were primary endpoints and were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were assessed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0 (CTCAE v5.0).

Results

In total, 136 pts were identified, with 74 (54.4%) White, 53 (39%) Black, 2 (1.5%) Asian, and 7 (5.1%) other racial groups. Median age was 70 years in White pts and 65 years in Black pts (p > .01). There was no difference in median PFS (5.7 vs. 5.9 months; p = .651) or OS (11.8 vs. 12.4 months; p = .949) between White and Black pts. In the subset of patients whose tumors had high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (≥50%), there was still no difference in efficacy by race. Median PFS (8.7 vs. 3.9 months; p = .843) and OS (14.7 vs. 11.3 months; p = .581) in White versus Black pts were not different. Incidence of irAEs in White versus Black pts was 24.3% and 22.6%, respectively (p = .83).

Conclusion

We found no major differences in either safety or efficacy of first-line pembrolizumab between White and Black pts. Use of first-line pembrolizumab-based treatment in Black pts with stage IV NSCLC is safe and efficacious, based on these real-world data.

Implications for Practice

Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment of solid and hematological malignancies. There are certain populations of patients underrepresented in the original trials including minority racial groups, patients with autoimmune diseases, and those with chronic viral illnesses. Our study focuses on Black patients with metastatic lung cancer who received pembrolizumab and concludes similar safety and response to treatment when compared with White patients. Black patients are an important demographic group in clinical practice often facing systemic health care disparities. This study paves a path for future studies in underrepresented populations receiving immunotherapy across various malignancies.
Remedial measures to sustain indebted economy: A time series analyses of Pakistan economy
Authors: Udemba Edmund Ntom
Published: April 2021

Most of the studies on the impact of debt on Pakistan economy are backdated to a decade and hence the need to re‐investigate the impact to ascertain the level of effect is encouraged. To investigate the target research, the neoclassical growth equation was expanded by augmenting the equation with other variables of interest (Trade openness and FDI) with the intent of proffering solution in reviving the economy via policy implication. Pakistan's annual data of 1970–2016 were estimated with ARDL and Granger causality approaches for both short‐ and long‐run effects. The main variable external debt is negatively and significantly related to Pakistan's GDP both in the short and long run; Trade openness has a positive and significant impact on the GDP; FDI also has a negative and significant relationship with GDP in the short run but a positive and significant impact on GDP in the long run; and investment has a significantly positive impact on GDP in the short run. Basically from the findings, it is observed that the debt swelling is of hurting effect to the economy. The policy implication should be framed around encouraging the trade openness, but with care, as the first lag is depicting negative impact, FDI must be encouraged with an eye on its long‐term impact on the economy and finally, investment should be given maximum attention in order to crowd out the effect of external debt in the economy.
Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in children: A practical perspective
Authors: Egan Grace , Chopra Yogi , Mourad Stephanie , Chiang Kuang‐Yueh , Hitzler Johann
Published: April 2021

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease that requires a multifaceted treatment approach. Although outcomes for low‐risk AML have improved significantly over recent decades, high‐risk AML continues to be associated with an adverse prognosis. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics, risk stratification, and supportive care have contributed to improvements in outcomes in pediatric AML. Targeted approaches, for example, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors to treat FLT3‐ITD AML, offer promise and are currently undergoing clinical investigation in pediatric patients. New approaches to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including the use of haploidentical donors, are significantly expanding donor options for patients with high‐risk AML. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the treatment of pediatric AML that are likely to have clinical impact and reshape the standard of care.
Potential advantage of thin‐ply on the composite bolster of a bogie for a high‐speed electric multiple unit
Authors: Liu Baibo , Zhang Qiang , Li Xinyue , Guo Yu , Zhang Zuoqi , Yang Heng , Yuan Yanan
Published: April 2021

The application of composite materials in bogies for high‐speed electric multiple units (EMUs) has been regarded as a technical breakthrough. The application of composite materials in rail vehicles began late in China. Currently, most composite materials are used in non‐load‐bearing components on the track, and applications in bogies, tie beams, and other load‐bearing components are not mature. In this paper, we innovatively apply a design strategy using thin‐ply on the composite bolster of a bogie for a multiple unit to optimize the static strength of the composite structure under very complex loading. We applied nine unconventional loads and 11 major operating loads in total to evaluate a potential positive influence of using thin‐ply on the static strength of the composite bolster of a bogie. The numerical results showed that for all the complex loading scenarios, the application of thin‐ply could effectively improve the static strength of the composite structure, which is more effective at the location of the bolts and holes. The research results break through the traditional design ideas of composite structures and provide an effective ply design and optimization strategy for composite structure design engineering of high‐speed EMU.
Characterization of IR spectroscopy, APT charge, ESP maps, and AIM analysis of C20 and its C20‐nAln heterofullerene analogous (n = 1–5) using DFT
Authors: Hassanpour Akbar , Nezhad Parvaneh Delir Kheirollahi , Hosseinian Akram , Ebadi Abdolghaffar , Ahmadi Sheida , Ebrahimiasl Saeideh
Published: April 2021

In this computational inspection, influences of substituted aluminum(s) on the vibrational frequency, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, atomic polar tensor (APT) charge, and electrostatic potential (ESP) map, along with atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis of C20 fullerene and its C20‐nAln derivatives (where n = 1–5) are investigated using B3LYP/6‐311 + G*, B3LYP/6‐311++G**, M06‐2X/6‐311++G**, B3PW91/6‐311 + G*, and B3LYP/AUG‐cc‐pVTZ. IR spectroscopy emerges that exclusive of C15Al5, the other optimized structures are global minimum without imaginary frequency. Substituting C20 to C20‐nAln heterofullerenes leads to higher APT charge distribution upon surfaces of heterofullerenes than unsubstituted species. Accordingly, the highest negative and positive APT charges on carbon and aluminum atoms of C15Al5 suggest that these sites can be attacked more readily by electrophilic and nucleophilic regents, that is, may act as the Lewis acid or Lewis base centers. This species is including five alternative aluminum heteroatoms in equatorial position and can be suitable hydrogen storage. AIM analysis of the studied C20‐nAln derivatives implies the highest ρ(r) of 0.083 a.u., the highest negative ∇2ρ(r) of −0.084 and −0.085 a.u. and the highest positive G(r)/V(r) of 4.86 and 4.69 a.u. at bond critical point of CAl bond with the strongest covalent property in the most stable C19Al1 and C17Al3 species, respectively, between studied structures.
Body image among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: A scoping review
Authors: Vani Madison F. , Lucibello Kristen M. , Trinh Linda , Santa Mina Daniel , Sabiston Catherine M.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Cancer and treatment can produce temporary or permanent body changes, which may affect the body image (BI) of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer (AYAs). This evidence has not been comprehensively summarized. A scoping review was conducted to explore the available evidence on BI among AYAs and identify the definitions, theories, models, frameworks, measures, and methods used to assess BI.

Methods

Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO (via Ovid) and CINAHL and Gender Studies (via EBSCO) were searched to identify published studies from 1 January 2000 to 25 November 2019. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology; at least one BI‐related measure or theme; published in English; and majority of the sample between 13 and 39 years at diagnosis and a mean age at diagnosis between 13 and 39 years. Two authors screened the titles, abstracts, and full‐text articles and data were extracted and summarized.

Results

The search yielded 11,347 articles and 82 met inclusion criteria. Articles included 45 quantitative, 33 qualitative, and four mixed‐methods studies. The majority of studies used cross‐sectional designs, while BI definitions, theories, models, frameworks, and measures were varied. Studies explored descriptive, psychological, physical, coping, and social factors, with BI being described most often as an outcome rather than a predictor.

Conclusions

Theory‐based research that employs a holistic BI definition and uses longitudinal or intervention study designs or a qualitative methodology is needed to better understand the BI experience of AYAs and inform the development of strategies and programs to reduce BI concerns and increase positive body experiences.
Physical activity, lung function, and sleep outcomes in urban children with asthma
Authors: Powers Kate E. , Jelalian Elissa , Dunsiger Shira , Farrow Michael , Miranda Luis G. , Mitchell Patricia , Kopel Sheryl , Koinis‐Mitchell Daphne
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To examine (1) whether daily declines in physical activity (PA) level and/or in lung function (FEV1) predict an asthma exacerbation in a sample of urban children with asthma, and (2) the association between number of sleep awakenings and decline in daytime PA in this group.

Methods

In this sample of urban children aged 7–9 years with persistent asthma (N = 147), objective methods assessing lung function via a handheld spirometer and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) via accelerometry were measured over a 4‐week period during the fall and early winter of each year as part of a larger 5‐year study.

Results

In the entire sample, a significant association between PA and lung function was noted such that a greater decline in daily MVPA was associated with lower odds of exacerbation. Ethnic group differences showed that this association was also significant only among Latino children (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.97–0.99). A greater number of sleep awakenings were associated with greater declines in daily MVPA among Latinos only (p = .05).

Conclusions

Results suggest that declining MVPA may contribute to lower risk for an exacerbation. Reasons for declining MVPA need to be further explored in this group. Children with asthma may avoid or be fearful of engaging in PA or may face early symptoms which influence patterns of PA, and this may minimize risk for an exacerbation. Results also suggest reasons for night‐time disruptions may need to be targeted in further research or interventions as they can contribute to PA avoidance in this high‐risk group.
Sequence and evolutionary analysis of bacterial ribosomal S1 proteins
Authors: Deryusheva Evgeniya , Machulin Andrey , Matyunin Maxim , Galzitskaya Oxana
Published: April 2021

The multi‐domain bacterial S1 protein is the largest and most functionally important ribosomal protein of the 30S subunit, which interacts with both mRNA and proteins. The family of ribosomal S1 proteins differs in the classical sense from a protein with tandem repeats and has a “bead‐on‐string” organization, where each repeat is folded into a globular domain. Based on our recent data, the study of evolutionary relationships for the bacterial phyla will provide evidence for one of the proposed theories of the evolutionary development of proteins with structural repeats: from multiple repeats of assembles to single repeats, or vice versa. In this comparative analysis of 1333 S1 sequences that were identified in 24 different phyla, we demonstrate how such phyla can form independently/dependently during evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first study of the evolutionary history of bacterial ribosomal S1 proteins. The collected and structured data can be useful to computer biologists as a resource for determining percent identity, amino acid composition and logo motifs, as well as dN/dS ratio in bacterial S1 protein. The obtained research data indicate that the evolutionary development of bacterial ribosomal S1 proteins evolved from multiple assemblies to single repeat. The presented data are integrated into the server, which can be accessed at http://oka.protres.ru:4200.
Expression and purification of the native C‐amidated antimicrobial peptide maculatin 1.1
Authors: Zhu Shiying , Weber Daniel K. , Separovic Frances , Sani Marc‐Antoine
Published: April 2021

Maculatin 1.1 (Mac1) is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) from an Australian tree frog and exhibits low micromolar activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of Mac1 are linked to its disruption of bacterial lipid membranes, which has been studied extensively by in vitro nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and biophysical approaches. Although in vivo NMR has recently proven effective in probing peptide‐lipid interplay in live bacterial cells, direct structural characterisation of AMPs has been prohibited by low sensitivity and overwhelming background noise. To overcome this issue, we report a recombinant expression protocol to produce isotopically enriched Mac1. We utilized a double‐fusion construct to alleviate toxicity against the Escherichia coli host and generate the native N‐free and C‐amidated termini Mac1 peptide. The SUMO and intein tags allowed native N‐terminus and C‐terminal amidation, respectively, to be achieved in a one‐pot reaction. The protocol yielded 0.1 mg/L of native, uniformly 15N‐labelled, Mac1, which possessed identical structure and activity to peptide obtained by solid‐phase peptide synthesis.
On Szeged‐type indices of titanium oxideTiO2nanotubes
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Malik Mehar Ali , Javed Ramsha
Published: April 2021

The relations and correlation between the physicochemical characteristics of a chemical compounds and the molecular structure connectivity of the same compound are used in quantitative structure activity and property relationship studies (QSAR/QSPR) by using the appropriate graph‐theoretical techniques. Szeged index has been extensively studied for modeling physicochemical properties of organic compounds acting as drugs or possess pharmacological activity. In this paper, we consider the two‐dimensional lattices of titanium oxide nanotubes TiO2. We compute several Szeged‐type indices such as vertex Szeged, edge Szeged, edge‐vertex Szeged, total Szeged, Padmaker–Ivan, revised Szeged and revised‐edge Szeged indices of these graphs. We define new types of cuts that are different from orthogonal cuts and can be used to obtain Szeged‐type results of titania nanotubes.
Early completion of phase I cancer clinical trials with Bayesian optimal interval design
Authors: Kojima Masahiro
Published: April 2021

Phase I cancer clinical trials have been proposed novel designs such as algorithm‐based, model‐based, and model‐assisted designs. Model‐based and model‐assisted designs have a higher identification rate of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) than algorithm‐based designs, but are limited by the fact that the sample size is fixed. Hence, it would be very attractive to estimate the MTD with sufficient accuracy and complete the trial early. O'Quigley proposed the early completion of a trial with the continual reassessment method among model‐based designs when the MTD is estimated with sufficient accuracy. However, the proposed early completion method based on the binary outcome trees has a problem that the calculation cost is high when the number of remaining patients is large.

Among model‐assisted designs, the Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design provides the simplest approach for dose adjustment. We propose the novel early completion method for the clinical trials with the BOIN design when the MTD is estimated with sufficient accuracy. This completion method can be easily calculated. In addition, the method does not require many more patients treated for the determination of early completion. We confirm that the BOIN design applying the early completion method has almost the same MTD identification rate compared to the BOIN design through simulations conducted based on over 30 000 scenarios.
Sparse group regularization for semi‐continuous transportation data
Authors: Feng Tianshu , Boyle Linda Ng
Published: April 2021

Motor vehicle crashes are a global public health concern. Most analysis have used zero‐inflated count models for examining crash counts. However, few methods are available to account for safety metrics that have semi‐continuous observations. This article considers the problem of variable selection for the semi‐continuous zero‐inflated (SCZI) models. These models include two parts: a zero‐inflated part and a nonzero continuous part. A special group regularization is designed to accommodate the unique structure of two‐part SCZI models, and a type of Bayesian information criterion is proposed to select tuning parameters. We illustrate the variable selection process of the proposed model using lane position data from a driving simulator study. In the study, drivers stay in the intended lane for the majority of their drive (zero‐inflated part). On occasion, some drivers do drift out of their intended driving lane (nonzero continuous part). Our findings show that individual differences can be captured with the proposed model, which has implications for driving safety and the design of in‐vehicle alerting systems.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants by Using Nanocrystalline Boron‐doped TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Barkul Rani P. , Sutar Radhakrishna S. , Patil Meghshyam K. , Delekar Sagar D.
Published: April 2021

In this work, bare or mixed environmentally non‐benign organic pollutants have been decontaminated using boron‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles (B@TiO2). B@TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with varying content of boron (0.0 to 7.0 mol %) are synthesized using sol‐gel method. These NPs are characterized by using different tools. XRD reveals the high crystalline nature with formation of anatase phase and also shows slight increase in crystallite size with increase in boron content in TiO2 host lattice. The optical shift towards higher wavelength increases with increase of boron doping and hence corresponding decrease in optical band gap of doped NPs is confirmed. FTIR and TGA studies reveal the increase of surface hydroxylation of NPs with increase in dopant content. B@TiO2 samples have been used for the photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A, rhodamine B, methylene blue, methyl orange and mixture of these three dyes under sunlight illumination. 7.0 mol % B@TiO2 has shown the best activity than other prepared samples. Rate of degradation of mixed dyes using 7.0 mol % B@TiO2 is about seven times higher to that of bare TiO2 and also shown higher rate than other doped samples.
Novel UiO‐66‐NH2/Gly/GO Nanocomposite Adsorbent for Ultra‐trace Analyzing of Chlorpyrifos Pesticide by Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Karami Kazem , Mardaniboldaji Ali , Rezayat Mohammad R. , Bayat Parvaneh , Jafari Mohammad T
Published: April 2021

This paper seeks to produce UiO‐66‐NH2/Gly/GO nanocomposite, which is solvothermally synthesised by the “prefunctionalisation” approach using 2‐aminoterephthalic acid as an organic linker in a Teflon lined autoclave and its linking to a graphene surface by glycine and finally characterized by methods such as FTIR spectrometer, Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), thermal stability measurement (TGA), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET). UiO‐66‐NH2/Gly/GO nanocomposite has been exploited as an adsorbent in solid phase microextraction (SPME) method and also the pesticide chlorpyrifos as an organophosphorous pesticide is selected for the model compound. As for a determination system, Corona discharge ionization‐ion mobility spectrometry (CD‐IMS) has been employed. The nanocomposite capability in extracting the target analyte before and after the coating of the GO has been experimentally investigated. The IMS sensitivity has been strikingly increased in the course of using the GO as the nanocomposite coating. In order to increase the extraction efficiency and preconcentration of the analyte, both extraction temperature and time are scrutinized. All through this method, analysis factors are achieved as follows: linear dynamic range (LDR); 0.5‐20.0 μg L−1, correlation coefficient (R2); 0.9992, the limit of quantification (LOQ); 0.5 μg L−1, and limit of detection (LOD); 0.15 μg L−1. On the whole, the proposed approach seems to be regarded as a successful method for analyzing the organophosphouros pesticide.