bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caring for a child with retinoblastoma: Experience of Ethiopian parents
Authors: Sherief Sadik Taju , Girma Engida , Wu Fran , O'Banion Jacquelyn , Wondimagegn Dawit , Teshome Tiliksew , Dimaras Helen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored the lived experience of parents of children with retinoblastoma.Design and methodA phenomenological qualitative study design was used, and a purposive sampling technique to recruit parents of children with retinoblastoma. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to document the lived experience of participants, who were asked to narrate their experiences caring for a child with retinoblastoma, thinking back to the day they learned about their child's condition, as well as their thoughts about the future. The interviews were conducted in Amharic and Oromo language, and audio recordings were transcribed and translated to English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThirteen parents (seven mothers, six fathers) participated in the study. Collectively, the children of the participants represented all the stages of the retinoblastoma journey (i.e., diagnosis, treatment, remission, and recurrence). Five major themes emerged from the thematic data analysis: (a) reactions when learning the child's condition; (b) receiving health care; (c) costs of caregiving; (d) support; and (e) uncertainties.ConclusionThe lived experiences of parents of children with retinoblastoma revealed a significant mental health and psychosocial burden. The sources of mental distress were found to be complex and varied. Holistic care for retinoblastoma should include programs that address the biopsychosocial needs of caregivers.
Genetic code expansion to enable site‐specific bioorthogonal labeling of functional G protein‐coupled receptors in live cells
Authors: Mattheisen Jordan M. , Wollowitz Jaina S. , Huber Thomas , Sakmar Thomas P. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFor use in site‐specific bioorthogonal labeling of expressed G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) in live cells, we developed a luciferase‐based reporter assay. The assay was used to compare amber codon suppression efficiency, receptor functionality, and efficiency of different bioorthogonal labeling chemistries. We used the assay system to compare side‐by‐side the efficiency of incorporation of three different noncanonical amino acids [4‐azido‐l‐phenylalanine (azF), cyclopropene‐l‐lysine (CpK), and trans‐cyclooct‐2‐en‐l‐lysine (TCOK)] at three different sites on a GPCR using three different genetic code expansion plasmid systems. As a model GPCR, we engineered an epitope‐tagged C‐C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)‐RLuc3 fusion for expression in HEK293T cells. Satisfactory incorporation of azF, CpK, and TCOK into heterologously expressed CCR5 was achieved. We also carried out cell‐based calcium mobilization assays to measure the function of the engineered CCR5, and in the same cells, we performed bioorthogonal labeling of the engineered mutants using heterobivalent compounds containing bioorthogonal tethering groups linked to either a small‐molecule fluorophore or a peptide. Favorable reaction kinetics of tetrazine‐containing compounds with CCR5 harboring TCOK was observed. However, bioorthogonal labeling in live cells of CCR5 harboring CpK with tetrazine‐containing compounds using the inverse electron demand Diels‐Alder ligation was overall slightly more efficient than other reactions tested.
Statistical considerations for assessing precision of heterogeneous duplicate measurements: An application to pharmaceutical bioanalysis
Authors: Quiroz Jorge , Roychoudhury Satrajit 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDuplicate analysis is a strategy commonly used to assess precision of bioanalytical methods. In some cases, duplicate analysis may rely on pooling data generated across organizations. Despite being generated under comparable conditions, organizations may produce duplicate measurements with different precision. Thus, these pooled data consist of a heterogeneous collection of duplicate measurements. Precision estimates are often expressed as relative difference indexes (RDI), such as relative percentage difference (RPD). Empirical evidence indicates that the frequency distribution of RDI values from heterogeneous data exhibits sharper peaks and heavier tails than normal distributions. Therefore, traditional normal‐based models may yield faulty or unreliable estimates of precision from heterogeneous duplicate data. In this paper, we survey application of the mixture models that satisfactorily represent the distribution of RDI values from heterogeneous duplicate data. A simulation study was conducted to compare the performance of the different models in providing reliable estimates and inferences of percentile calculated from RDI values. These models are readily accessible to practitioners for study implementation through the use of modern statistical software. The utility of mixture models are explained in detail using a numerical example.
Prescribed‐time regulation of nonlinear uncertain systems with unknown input gain and appended dynamics
Authors: Krishnamurthy Prashanth , Khorrami Farshad 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe prescribed‐time stabilization problem for a general class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown input gain and appended dynamics (with unmeasured state) is addressed. Unlike the asymptotic stabilization problem, the prescribed‐time stabilization objective requires convergence of the state vector to the origin in a finite time interval that can be arbitrarily picked (i.e., “prescribed”) by the control system designer irrespective of the system's initial condition. The class of systems considered is allowed to have general nonlinear uncertain terms throughout the system dynamics as well as uncertain appended dynamics (that effectively generate a time‐varying non‐vanishing disturbance signal input into the nominal system). The control design is based on a nonlinear transformation of the time scale, dynamic high‐gain scaling, adaptation dynamics with temporal forcing terms, and a composite control law that includes two components. The first component in the composite control law is analogous to prior dynamic high‐gain scaling‐based control designs, but with a time‐dependent function in place of the unknown input gain, while the second component has a non‐smooth form with time‐dependent terms that ensure prescribed‐time convergence in spite of the unknown input gain and the disturbances. The efficacy of the proposed control design is illustrated through numerical simulation studies on two example systems (a “synthetic” fifth‐order system and a “real‐world” electromechanical system).
Fault detection for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems using multiple observers and ellipsoidal analysis
Authors: Zhang Wenhan , Wang Zhenhua , Raïssi Tarek , Shen Yi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel fault detection method for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems via multiple observer design and ellipsoidal analysis. By considering only one fault distribution matrix at a time, the original system is divided into a limited number of fault modes. For each fault mode, an observer with finite‐frequency fault sensitivity performance and full‐frequency unknown inputs robustness performance is designed to generate the residual signal. Based on the designed observer, the ellipsoidal analysis is used to evaluate a residual and to give a fault detection index for each mode. In addition, the fault detection result is provided by combining “or” logical operation of the multiple indices. Numerical simulations and an AC servo motor experimental platform are used to verify the viability and validity of the proposed method.
Transferability of a large mid‐infrared soil spectral library between two Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometers
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Gholizadeh Asa , Pittaki‐Chrysodonta Zampela , Huang Jingyi , Safanelli José Lucas , Ferguson Richard 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLarge and publicly available soil spectral libraries, such as the USDA National Soil Survey Center–Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (NSSC‐KSSL) mid‐infrared (MIR) spectral library, are enormously valuable resources enabling laboratories around the world to make rapid low‐cost estimates of a number of soil properties. A limitation to widespread sharing of soil spectral data is the need to ensure that spectra collected on a secondary spectrometer are compatible with the spectra in the primary or reference library. Various spectral preprocessing and calibration transfer techniques have been proposed to overcome this limitation. We tested the transferability of models developed using the USDA NSSC‐KSSL MIR library to a secondary instrument. For the soil properties, total carbon (TC), pH, and clay content, we found that good performance (ratio of performance to deviation [RPD] = 4.9, 2.0, and 3.6, respectively) could be achieved on an independent test set with Savitzky‐Golay smoothing and first derivative preprocessing of the secondary spectra using a memory‐based learning chemometric approach. We tested three calibration transfer techniques (direct standardization [DS], piecewise direct standardization [PDS], and spectral space transformation [SST]) using different size transfer sets selected to be representative of the entire NSSC‐KSSL library. Among the transfer methods, SST consistently outperformed DS and PDS with 50 transfer samples being an optimal number for transfer model development. For TC and pH, performance was improved using the SST transfer (RPD = 7.7 and 2.2, respectively) primarily through the elimination of bias. Calibration transfer could not improve predictions for clay. These findings suggest that calibration transfer may not always be necessary, but users should test to confirm this assumption using a small set of representative samples scanned at both laboratories.
The First Tetranuclear Iron(II)‐Gadolinium(III) Carboxylate Complex [Fe2Gd2(piv)10(bpy)2]: Synthesis, Structure Elucidation and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Astaf'eva Tatiana V. , Yambulatov Dmitriy S. , Nikolaevskii Stanislav A. , Shmelev Maxim A. , Babeshkin Konstantin A. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Poddel'sky Andrey I. , Eremenko Igor L. , Kiskin Mikhail A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe interaction of in situ generated iron(II) complex {Fe(piv)2(bpy)} and gadolinium(III) pivalate [Gd(piv)3]n in the ratio Fe : Gd=1 : 1 leads to new tetranuclear heterometallic complex [Fe2Gd2(piv)10(bpy)2] (1) of the rare {FeII2GdIII2} type (piv is pivalate anion, bpy is 2,2′‐bipyridine). According to X‐ray analysis, a tetranuclear zig‐zag {FeGdGdFe} heterometallic core is formed from two {FeGd} fragments connected by two bridging piv‐anions. The coordination environments of two iron(II) (FeO4N2) can be described as strongly distorted octahedrons, while the environment of the gadolinium(III) (GdO7) – as capped trigonal prisms. The coordination environment of each iron(II) is supported by terminal bpy ligands. The measurements of the temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility of 1 show avery weak antiferromagnetic exchange between high‐spin Gd3+ (SGd=7/2) and Fe2+ (SFe=2) paramagnetic centers. The alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements did not reveal any sign of magnetization slow relaxation in complex 1.
Tannin‐Capped Silver Nanoparticles: Mechanistic Insight on Biocidal Activities for Leather Processing
Authors: Saranya Kailasam , Jayakumar Gladstone Christopher , Usharani Nagarajan , Sundaramanickam Arumugam , Kanth Swarna Vinodh 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe present study focusses on the bactericidal activity of nano‐silver particles synthesized using wattle and quebracho as reducing agents. The formation of wattle‐mediated nanoparticles (NW) and quebracho‐mediated nanoparticles (NQ) have been structurally and morphologically confirmed using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Bactericidal activity of NW and NQ showed 13 mm and 9 mm inhibition for E. coli and 19 mm and 18 mm for B. cerus. Molecular simulations are performed to identify the spatial positions of NQ responsible for its interaction with E. coli 5i5H. 5i5H possess 572 residues, which are subjected to docking with NQ ligand. GLN, HIS, ARG, LEU, PRO and VAL have been found to involve in hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions with NQ. The stable structure of 5i5H‐NQ complex after complete folding has been achieved with minimized energy (−2413 Kcal/Mol). The unfolding of receptor protein with NQ after docking simulations confirmed the inhibition of microbial growth of E. coli.
Construction of Light‐Harvesting Systems Based on a Fluorescent Probe that Self‐Assembles in the Presence of Zn2+
Authors: Ma Xinxian , Lai Yingshan , Wang Yipei , Tang Jiahong , Ren Tianqi , Geng Yutao , Gao Yang , Zhang Jiali , Qiao Bo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA light‐harvesting system based on the coordination of benzimidazole derivatives (G) and Zn2+ was successfully prepared. Compared with G, the G−Zn2+ assembly exhibited a noticeably enhanced fluorescence emission band. As such, it was employed as the donor in fabricating the artificial concentrating light‐harvesting systems, with acridine yellow and acridine orange employed as acceptors. In these two systems (G−Zn2+/acridine yellow and G−Zn2+/acridine orange), the occurrence of an energy‐transfer process was confirmed from the G−Zn2+ assembly to acridine yellow and acridine orange, separately. The findings of this study will facilitate the development of artificial light‐harvesting systems.
Organic N‐type Dopants with a Phenyl Tertiary Carbon Structure: Molecular Structure and Doping Properties
Authors: Gao Ran , Wu Qinggang , Zhang Jiyun , Cen Huan , Hai Jiefeng , Li Xueming , Zhang Jinxiao , Lu Zhenhuan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDoping is an effective method to improve the electrical properties of organic semiconductors or insulators. However, current progress in organic n‐doping is limited relative to pdoping. Benzimidazole derivatives are representative organic n‐type dopants that have been widely applied, e. g., 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo [d] imidazole (DMBI); its active unit is the phenyl tertiary carbon structure. Here, we designed and synthesized 11 small organic molecules with different phenyl tertiary carbon structures that were constituted by different heteroatoms (O, S, N) and several tertiary carbons to adjust the n‐doping performance. These molecules were then applied to dope polyalkylfluorene‐based organic semiconductor PFN to get a composite solid film. After optimization, the electrical conductivities of the prepared films were all enhanced by about three orders of magnitude. After experimentation and analysis, we confirmed that those dopants can effectively transfer their electrons to the host material. In addition, introducing the N atom to tertiary carbon and conjugating heteroatom with an aromatic ring improved its doping efficiency, but strong phase separation performance may result in limits on further heightening of conductivity. Therefore, these results are important for research into organic n‐type dopants.
Microfluidic technologies for cell deformability cytometry
Authors: Chen Hanxu , Guo Jiahui , Bian Feika , Zhao Yuanjin 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMicrofluidic detection methods for cell deformability cytometry have been regarded as powerful tools for single‐cell analysis of cellular mechanical phenotypes, thus having been widely applied in the fields of cell preparation, separation, clinical diagnostics and so on. Featured with traits like easy operations, low cost and high throughput, such methods have shown great potentials on investigating physiological state and pathological changes during cellular deformation. Herein, a review on the advancements of microfluidic‐based cell deformation cytometry is presented. We discuss several representative microfluidic‐based cell deformability cytometry methods with their frontiers in practical applications. Finally, we analyze the current status and propose the remaining challenges with future perspectives and development directions.
Bidirectional shear behavior of stud connectors in steel‐concrete composite monorail track beams
Authors: Li Junhui , Liu Zongchao , Deng Jun , Chen Fayang 
Published: December 2022

AbstractStud connectors in steel‐concrete composite track beams of straddle‐type monorail transits experience longitudinal and transverse shear forces. Little is known about the effect of transverse shear forces on stud connectors; thus, further research is needed to evaluate the serviceability of steel‐concrete composite track beams. This study investigated the shear performance of stud connectors subjected to bidirectional shear force by means of modified push‐out tests and finite element (FE) analyses. The test results demonstrated that the presence of transverse shear forces significantly decreased the vertical shear strength and stiffness of the stud connectors. In addition, the group stud effect aggravated the reduction in shear strength and shear stiffness per stud under bidirectional shear forces. The transverse shear force also considerably affected the failure modes of the stud root and the damage range of the concrete. Furthermore, the numerical results were verified using the test results in terms of the load‐slip relationship and failure modes. Based on the verified FE model, the strength reduction factor of stud connectors was proposed incorporating the presence of transverse shear force, and the decreasing trend of stud shear strength under bidirectional shear force was presented. This study provides additional data for formulating design rules of stud connectors in monorail steel‐concrete composite track beams.
Predicting undergraduate career goal change in aresearch‐intensivecommunity
Authors: Stiles Thomas W. , Adams Thaddeus H. , Yalvac Bugrahan , Quick Christopher M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractProviding infrastructure to support student‐led research teams at research‐extensive universities has been an effective way of dramatically increasing the number of research opportunities available to all undergraduates. While cocurricular, team‐based programs are able to scale‐up and sustain undergraduate research, their ability to promote participation in the STEM research workforce has not been firmly established. The present work has therefore aimed to characterize the types of undergraduates who get involved in these programs and the team structures that predict their decision to pursue a research‐oriented career. Surveys were used to collect data on undergraduates' vocational identity beliefs, team leader qualities, and the time spent doing research with a faculty‐mentor and other team members. Cluster analysis of survey data (n = 407) revealed that those with relatively high levels of career exploration formed a majority of participants in this community. Logistic modeling predicted that these undergraduates are more likely than others to pursue research careers after a semester of team‐based research. Cross‐discipline interactions between team members and team leaders also predicted career goal change. For Hispanic students, participating in student‐led, faculty‐mentored research teams had mixed effects. When spending 4 h/week or more working with others team members, Hispanic team members were found to be more likely than non‐Hispanic students to pursue a research career. Hispanic students, however, were less likely to report career goal changes when working with faculty mentors who were mainly non‐Hispanic. Implications for designing undergraduate research programs to amplify and diversify the STEM workforce are also discussed.
Comparing the anti‐nociceptive, sedative and clinicophysiological effects of epidural detomidine, detomidine–lidocaine and lidocaine in donkeys
Authors: Marzok Mohamed , Almubarak Adel I. , Kandeel Mahmoud , El‐Khodery Sabry 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundEpidural analgesia using the alpha‐2 agonist detomidine (DE), alone or in combination with lidocaine (LD), is frequently employed for standing surgical procedures in horses, but its use has not been evaluated in donkeys.MethodsIn a randomised controlled prospective trial, 24 healthy adult donkeys were assigned to four groups (n= 6), each receiving 40 μg/kg of DE, 0.22 mg/kg of LD, combined DE and LD (DELD) or 0.9% sterile normal saline epidurally. After epidural injection of each treatment, the onset, degree and duration of sedation and anatomical extension of anti‐nociception were observed.ResultsDE and DELD treatments resulted in complete bilateral analgesia with loss of sensation in the tail, perineum, inguinal area, chest and the caudal aspect of the upper pelvic limb, and extended distally to the dorsal metatarsal area. DE and DELD resulted in a significantly (p< 0.05) longer duration of anti‐nociception (110 ± 15.4 min and 141.6 ± 14.7 min, respectively) than LD (75.8 ± 4.9 min). The DELD duration of sedation was significantly (p< 0.05) longer than the DE duration (118.3 ± 19.4 min and 108.3 ± 7.5 min, respectively).LimitationThe current study's main limitation is using only one dose of DE.ConclusionDE and DELD produced a very effective, safe and acceptable sedative and analgesic effect in the perineal and inguinal regions of donkeys.
The occurrence, fate, toxicity, and biodegradation of phthalate esters: An overview
Authors: Puri Mehak , Gandhi Kavita , Kumar M. Suresh 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPhthalate esters (PAEs) are a class of emerging xenobiotic compounds that are extensively used as plasticizers. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern over the risk of this pervasive pollution exposure causing endocrine disruption and carcinogenicity in humans and animals. The widespread use of PAEs in home and industrial applications has resulted in their discharge in aquatic bodies via leaching, volatilization, and precipitation. In this overview, the current state of PAE pollution, its potential origins, its fate, as well as its effects on the aquatic environment are discussed. A state‐of‐the‐art review of several studies in the literature that focus on the biological degradation of PAEs is included in this study. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive view of current research on PAEs in the environment, highlighting its fate and alleviated risks on the aquatic biotas, their challenges, future prospects, and the need for good management and policies for its remediation.Practitioner Points
Occurrence of phthalate esters was summarized in various environmental matrices along with its serious ecotoxicological implications on biota.
Wastewater is the prime source of PAEs contamination.
Lack of species‐specific effects on biota due to dose, exposure route, and susceptibility.
The predominant route to mineralization in PAEs is biodegradation.
A critical analysis of worldwide PAE production and consumption identifies the necessity for global PAE production, consumption, and release policies.