bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole exome sequencing is an alternative method in the diagnosis of mitochondrial DNA diseases
Authors: Sun Chong , Wu Shengyang , Chen Ruiguo , Liu Junwu , Wang Jiasen , Ma Yanyun , Yuan Zhulin , Li Yuezhen 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundMitochondrial disease (MD) is genetically a heterogeneous group of disorders with impairment in respiratory chain complexes or pathways associated with the mitochondrial function. Nowadays, it is still a challenge for the genetic screening of MD due to heteroplasmy of mitochondrial genome and the complex model of inheritance. This study was designed to investigate the feasibility of whole exome sequencing (WES)‐based testing as an alternative option for the diagnosis of MD.MethodsA Chinese Han cohort of 48 patients with suspect MD features was tested using nanoWES, which was a self‐designed WES technique that covered the complete mtDNA genome and 21,019 nuclear genes. Fourteen patients were identified with a single genetic variant and three with single deletion in mtDNA.ResultsThe heteroplasmy levels of variants in mitochondrial genome range from 11% to 100%. NanoWES failed to identify multiple deletions in mtDNA compared with long range PCR and massively parallel sequencing (LR‐PCR/MPS). However, our testing showed obvious advantages in identifying variations in nuclear DNA. Based on nanoWES, we identified two patients with nuclear DNA variation. One of them showed Xp22.33‐q28 duplication, which indicated a possibility of Klinefelter syndrome.ConclusionNanoWES yielded a diagnostic rate of 35.4% for MD. With the rapid advances of next generation sequencing technique and decrease in cost, we recommend the usage of nanoWES as a first‐line method in clinical diagnosis.
Transition metal dichalcogenides as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction: The emblematic case of “inert” ZrSe2 as catalyst for electrolyzers
Authors: Najafi Leyla , Bellani Sebastiano , Zappia Marilena I. , Serri Michele , Oropesa‐Nuñez Reinier , Bagheri Ahmad , Beydaghi Hossein , Brescia Rosaria , Pasquale Lea , Shinde Dipak V. , Zuo Yong , Drago Filippo , Mosina Kseniia , Sofer Zdeněk , Manna Liberato , Bonaccorso Francesco 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe development of earth‐abundant electrocatalysts (ECs) operating at high current densities in water splitting electrolyzers is pivotal for the widespread use of the current green hydrogen production plants. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as promising alternatives to the most efficient noble metal ECs, leading to a wealth of research. Some strategies based on material nanostructuring and hybridization, introduction of defects and chemical/physical modifications appeared as universal approaches to provide catalytic properties to TMDs, regardless of the specific material. In this work, we show that even a theoretically poorly catalytic (and poorly studied) TMD, namely zirconium diselenide (ZrSe2), can act as an efficient EC for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) when exfoliated in the form of two‐dimensional (2D) few‐layer flakes. We critically show the difficulties of explaining the catalytic mechanisms of the resulting ECs in the presence of complex structural and chemical modifications, which are nevertheless evaluated extensively. By doing so, we also highlight the easiness of transforming 2D TMDs into effective HER‐ECs. To strengthen our message in practical environments, we report ZrSe2‐based acidic (proton exchange membrane [PEM]) and alkaline water electrolyzers operating at 400 mA cm–2 at a voltage of 1.88 and 1.92 V, respectively, thus competing with commercial technologies.
Do medication prescription patterns follow guidelines in a cohort of women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome?
Authors: Tholemeier Lauren N. , Bresee Catherine , De Hoedt Amanda M. , Barbour Kamil E. , Kim Jayoung , Freedland Stephen J. , Anger Jennifer T. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo describe prescription prevalence of oral bladder pain medications among women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and to compare with current treatment guidelines.MethodsWe sampled female patients with an ICD‐9/10 diagnosis of IC/BPS (595.1/N30.10) by querying active users of the Veterans Health Administration. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether patients met IC/BPS diagnostic criteria. A cohort of women with other pelvic pain disorders was identified. Prescription prevalence of typical non‐narcotic oral bladder pain medications was compared between the two groups and healthy controls. Prescription prevalence was also compared before and after the diagnosis of IC/BPS was made using Poisson regression.ResultsThere were 641 women who met criteria for IC/BPS and 197 women with “Other pelvic pain” disorders. Women with IC/BPS were prescribed a pain medication more often than those with “Other pelvic pain” (77% vs. 59%, p < 0.0001). Of the women with IC/BPS, 44% tried three or more pain medications. Of women with a diagnosis of IC/BPS, only 67% were prescribed an American Urological Association‐recommended medication. Prescription prevalence increased after diagnosis for both pentosan polysulfate (10%–29%, p < 0.0001) and hydroxyzine (17%–40%, p < 0.0001), but not for amitriptyline or cimetidine. Amitriptyline was prescribed to 223 women with IC/BPS, only 125 of which (56%) had a documented history of depression.ConclusionsMany women with IC/BPS required multiple bladder prescriptions, highlighting the difficulty in finding an effective treatment for IC/BPS. Pentosan polysulfate and hydroxyzine were preferred IC/BPS medications. Our next step will be to analyze treatment patterns in those patients who did not receive medications.
Using probabilistic record linkage and propensity‐score matching to identify a community‐based comparison population
Authors: Holland Margaret L. , Taylor Rose M. , Condon Eileen , Rinne Gabrielle R. , Bleicher Sarah , Li Connie , Seldin Margaret L. , Sadler Lois S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn retrospective cohort studies of interventions disseminated to communities, it is challenging to find comparison groups with high‐quality data for evaluation. We present one methodological approach as part of our study of birth outcomes of second‐born children in a home visiting (HV) program targeting first‐time mothers. We used probabilistic record linkage to link Connecticut's Nurturing Families Network (NFN) HV program and birth‐certificate data for children born from 2005 to 2015. We identified two potential comparison groups: a propensity‐score‐matched group from the remaining birth certificate sample and eligible‐but‐unenrolled families. An analysis of interpregnancy interval (IPI) is presented to exemplify the approach. We identified the birth certificates of 4822 NFN families. The propensity‐score‐matched group had 14,219 families (3‐to‐1 matching) and we identified 1101 eligible‐but‐unenrolled families. Covariates were well balanced for the propensity‐score‐matched group, but poorly balanced for the eligible‐but‐unenrolled group. No program effect on IPI was found. By combining propensity‐score matching and probabilistic record linkage, we were able to retrospectively identify relatively large comparison groups for quasi‐experimental research. Using birth certificate data, we accessed outcomes for all of these individuals from a single data source. Multiple comparison groups allow us to confirm findings when each method has some limitations. Other researchers seeking community‐based comparison groups could consider a similar approach.
Special education staff well‐being and the effectiveness of remote services during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Womack Tyler A. , Monteiro Elissa M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSince March 2020, many school districts across the country have employed remote learning procedures in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. During the pandemic, schools continued to provide special education services, yet little is known about how services were adapted for remote or hybrid learning during the height of the pandemic in the United States. In the current study, 332 respondents completed a web‐based survey that asked what special education services were provided remotely, whether services were deemed effective, and how remote learning has influenced their well‐being. Most respondents identified as White (79.5%), females (92.4%), and worked as special education teachers (52.9%) and school psychologists (35.4%). In compliance with federal guidelines, most respondents continued to hold individualized education plan meetings, conduct assessments, and provide interventions and related services. There was a significant decrease in respondents' reports of efficacy and sense of school connectedness during remote and hybrid learning. Respondents' identification as a person of color, along with reports of higher school connectedness and self‐efficacy were positive predictors of their perceived effectiveness of remote special education service delivery. Recommendations are made for school districts to inform decisions regarding their approach to special education services and staff support during remote or hybrid learning.
S09‐13185: High‐yield soybean germplasm with elevated protein concentration
Authors: Shannon G. , Chen P. , Crisel M. , Smothers S. , Clubb M. , Vieira C. C. , Lee D. , Ali M. L. , Selves S. , Meinhardt C. G. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAs the primary driver of the soybean's [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] economic value, elevated meal protein has become a desired trait in the soybean value chain. Predominantly used in animal feed, the industry has demanded elevated meal protein concentration as a standard to enhance feeding efficiency and reduce costs. Therefore, the University of Missouri–Fisher Delta Research Center soybean breeding program developed and released S09‐13185 (Reg. no. GP‐449, PI 699628), a non–genetically modified soybean germplasm with elevated soybean protein meal concentration (511 g kg–1) and superior agronomic traits. Throughout extensive yield and quality trait trials across over 40 locations in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia, S09‐13185 demonstrated wide adaptability and yield competitiveness against commercial checks.
A Synergistic Nano‐Zerovalent Iron‐Hydrogen Peroxide Technology for Insensitive Munitions Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Elijah Akanbi Oluwasegun , Kim Inyoung , Cha Daniel K. , Attavane Adithya A. , Hubbard Brian P. , Chiu Pei C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe U.S. Army is phasing out legacy munitions compounds that are prone to accidental detonation and replacing them with insensitive munitions compounds (IMCs). The major IMCs, namely 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO), 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN), and nitroguanidine (NQ), are not compatible with existing munitions wastewater treatment technologies such as granular activated carbon due to their high water solubilities. In this study, a two‐stage process employing nanoscale zero‐valent iron (nZVI) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was evaluated as a potential technology for the destructive treatment of IMC wastewater. In the first stage, nZVI rapidly and completely degraded all three IMCs and generated dissolved Fe(II). NTO and DNAN were degraded via nitro reduction to 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one and 2,4‐diaminoanisole, respectively. In the second stage, H2O2 was added to oxidize the IMC reduction products through Fenton reaction utilizing the dissolved Fe(II) from the first stage. nZVI‐treated NTO and DNAN samples showed 66 % and 63 % TOC removal after oxidation, respectively. In contrast, NQ reduction products exhibited negligible mineralization. The results with individual IMCs were confirmed by an experiment using synthetic wastewater containing all three IMCs. This study illustrates the potential feasibility of a synergistic and destructive nZVI−H2O2 technology for treating IMC‐laden wastewaters at military facilities.
In depth study on the fire‐extinguishing mechanism of Octafluoro‐2‐butene as a new promising Halon substitute
Authors: Yu Rourou , Hu Wenhao , Wang Xingyu , Zhang Xiao , Tan Zhaoyang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDue to the serious destruction of Halon to the ozone layer, it is significant to explore the fire‐extinguishing agent with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). At the molecular structure level, Octafluoro‐2‐butene has a special arrangement of fluorine atoms, endowing itself with better potential to replace Halon than the reported perfluoroalkanes and hydrofluoroethylenes (HFOs). However, as a new Halon substitute, the fire‐extinguishing mechanism of Octafluoro‐2‐butene has not been studied. In this paper, the thermal decomposition and fire‐extinguishing mechanism of Octafluoro‐2‐butene were studied by density functional theory (DFT) and the rate constants of each reaction path were calculated for the first time. The calculation results show that Octafluoro‐2‐butene produces a large number of fire extinguishing groups and the rate constants of the main fire extinguishing paths are fast. Noteworthy, there is no combustion radical produced during extinguishing. In addition, the thermal decomposition of Octafluoro‐2‐butene mostly produced halogenated alkane with the better ability to react with chain radicals. The theoretical results show that Octafluoro‐2‐butene is a promising Halon substitute, and its practicability can be further studied and comprehensively evaluated.
Engineering the Morphology and Microenvironment of a Graphene‐Supported Co‐N‐C Single‐Atom Electrocatalyst for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huang Kang , Wei Zengxi , Liu Jianbin , Gong Zhichao , Liu Jingjing , Yan Minmin , He GuanChao , Gong Haisheng , Hu Yongfeng , He Yongmin , Zhao Shuangliang , Ye Gonglan , Fei Huilong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGraphene‐supported single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are promising alternatives to precious metals for catalyzing the technologically important hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but their performances are limited by the low intrinsic activity and insufficient mass transport. Herein, a highly HER‐active graphene‐supported Co‐N‐C SAC is reported with unique design features in the morphology of the substrate and the microenvironment of the single metal sites: i) the crumpled and scrolled morphology of the graphene substrate circumvents the issues encountered by stacked nanoplatelets, resulting in improved exposure of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces (≈10 times enhancement); ii) the in‐plane holes in graphene preferentially orientate the Co atoms at the edge sites with low‐coordinated Co‐N3 configuration that exhibits enhanced intrinsic activity (≈2.6 times enhancement compared to the conventional Co‐N4 moiety), as evidenced by detailed experiments and density functional theory calculations. As a result, this catalyst exhibits significantly improved HER activity with an overpotential (η) of merely 82 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 59.0 mV dec−1 and a turnover frequency of 0.81 s−1 at η = 100 mV, ranking it among the best Co‐N‐C SACs.
Characterization of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases in healthy cynomolgus and rhesus macaque monkeys
Authors: Robertson Emma L. , Boehnke Susan E. , Lyra e Silva Natalia de M. , Armitage‐Brown Brittney , Winterborn Andrew , Cook Douglas J. , De Felice Fernanda G. , Munoz Douglas P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMonkeys are becoming important translational models of neurodegenerative disease. To facilitate model development, we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of key biomarkers in healthy male and female cynomolgus and rhesus macaques. Amyloid beta (Aβ40, Aβ42), tau (total tau [t‐tau], phosphorylated tau [pThr181]), and neurofilament light (NfL) concentrations were measured in CSF of 82 laboratory‐housed, experimentally naïve cynomolgus (n = 33) and rhesus (n = 49) macaques. Aβ40 and Aβ42 were significantly higher in rhesus, and female rhesus were higher than males. NfL and t‐tau were higher in males, and NfL was higher in rhesus macaques. p‐tau was not affected by species or sex. We also examined whether sample location (lumbar or cisterna puncture) affected concentrations. Sample acquisition site only affected NfL, which was higher in CSF from lumbar puncture compared to cisterna magna puncture. Establishing normative biomarker values for laboratory‐housed macaque monkeys provides an important resource by which to compare to monkey models of neurodegenerative diseases.
The how and why of Bayesian nonparametric causal inference
Authors: Linero Antonio R. , Antonelli Joseph L. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSpurred on by recent successes in causal inference competitions, Bayesian nonparametric (and high‐dimensional) methods have recently seen increased attention in the causal inference literature. In this article, we present a comprehensive overview of Bayesian nonparametric applications to causal inference. Our aims are to (i) introduce the fundamental Bayesian nonparametric toolkit; (ii) discuss how to determine which tool is most appropriate for a given problem; and (iii) show how to avoid common pitfalls in applying Bayesian nonparametric methods in high‐dimensional settings. Unlike standard fixed‐dimensional parametric problems, where outcome modeling alone can sometimes be effective, we argue that most of the time it is necessary to model both the selection and outcome processes.This article is categorized under:
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Analysis of High Dimensional Data
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory
Feeling Political by Collective Singing: Political Youth Organizations in Germany, 1920–1960
Authors: Brauer Juliane 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis chapter explores the culture of singing in youth organizations, a seemingly non-political institution, which, through its capacity to create a community, was used for spreading political feelings and messages. Communal singing was one of the main practices in youth organizations of the twentieth century. Singing specific songs made it possible for young people to learn political emotions and attitudes. Singing in a community could convey desired values, attitudes, and emotions and, ideally, harmonize them. The song Wann wir schreiten Seit’ an Seit’ (When we stride side by side, 1913) was the most important song of the social democratic youth movement in the 1920s, subsequently adapted and modified by the Hitler Youth during the National Socialist era, and later sung by youth organizations in both Germanies. Its history shows how the repeated, communal singing of certain songs, even in very different contexts, could establish political emotions such as hope for a better future.
Feeling Political in Military Cemeteries: Commemoration Politics in Fascist Italy
Authors: Malone Hannah 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis chapter explores how Mussolini’s Fascist regime politicized the remembrance of the First World War by linking a narrative of heroism to specific notions of grief. It reveals that, given the scale of Italy’s losses in the war, commemoration of the fallen was a highly emotional issue, which provided the regime with a powerful means of political communication. As the Fascist authorities sought to exploit feelings towards the dead for the purpose of mobilizing the Italian population, emotions came to define the political agenda. In seeking a high degree of emotional control, the Italian dictatorship elaborated strategies of manipulation that were later imitated by other authoritarian powers, including Hitler’s Germany and Franco’s Spain. Ossuaries from the time offer evidence of the political intentions of the Fascist regime and the emotional responses that visitors were meant to feel. Architecture and its surrounding discourse thus acted as carriers of emotional messages with political intent.
Feeling Political Through a Football Club: FC Schalke 04, 1904–2020
Authors: Wambach Julia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis chapter examines mourning practices on the basis of the German football club FC Schalke 04. This club, it argues, derives its current image and emotional templates from the mourning practices marking the end of coal mining in the region. Throughout the twentieth century, Schalke repeatedly became involved in participatory politics, despite its allegedly apolitical nature as a leisure club. Governments, political parties, and local magistrates sought to use Schalke fans’ emotional relationship with the club for their own ends. Because of its capacity to unite people in times of crisis, the club itself developed into a significant political player in its home city of Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, during the crises of deindustrialization in the mid-1990s.
Cost-Effective Cassava Processing: Case Study of Small-Scale Flash-Dryer Reengineering
Authors: Tran Thierry , Abass Adebayo , Andrade Luis Alejandro Taborda , Chapuis Arnaud , Precoppe Marcelo , Adinsi Laurent , Bouniol Alexandre , Ojide Makuachukwu , Adegbite Suraju Adeyemi , Lukombo Simon Singi , Sartas Murat , Teeken Béla , Kuate Apollin Fotso , Ndjouenkeu Robert , Moreno Martín , Belalcázar John , López-Lavalle Luis Augusto Becerra , Dufour Dominique 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe development and scaling out of flash-dryer innovations for more efficient, small-scale production of high-quality cassava flour (HQCF) and starch is described. The diagnoses of cassava-processing SMEs (small and medium enterprises) revealed their energy expenditures for drying were considerably higher than those of large-scale industrial companies, which was mostly due to suboptimal design of flash-drying systems. As a result, small-scale production of cassava starch and HQCF often incurs high production costs, incompatible with market prices of final products. Taking stock of this situation, RTB scientists have developed several innovations to optimize energy efficiency and costs, including a longer drying pipe, reengineered heat exchanger, larger blower for higher air velocity, and a higher product/air ratio. This was based on numerical modelling to determine the key design features of energy-efficient flash dryers, followed by construction and demonstration of a pilot-scale prototype. As a result, improved small-scale flash dryers are now being scaled out to the private sector in various countries, using the Scaling Readiness framework and achieving 10–15% gains in productivity and incomes. A method for diagnosis of process efficiency is also described, to identify technical bottlenecks and to document and measure the outcomes and impacts during the implementation of scaling-out projects.
Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato Puree: A Breakthrough Product for the Bakery Sector in Africa
Authors: Moyo Mukani , Truong Van-Den , Simunovic Josip , Pankuku Jean , Abong George Ooko , Amagloh Francis Kweku , Fuchs Richard , Magnaghi Antonio , Rajendran Srinivasulu , Grant Fredrick , Muzhingi Tawanda 
Published: April 2022

AbstractReplacing some of the wheat flour in breads and pastries with OFSP (orange-fleshed sweetpotato) puree can increase the market demand for these nutritious varieties and would offer economic opportunities for smallholders, including women and youths. The technology to make sweetpotato puree has been well developed in industrialized countries since the 1960s. Techniques fine-tuned by RTB allow OFSP puree to be stored in plastic bags for 6 months, without refrigeration. Private companies in Malawi and Kenya are now manufacturing the puree and selling it to bakeries that substitute OFSP puree for up to 40% of the white wheat flour in bread and other baked goods. Consumers like the bread that is sold in supermarkets and bakeries. Food safety protocols ensure that the puree is part of safe, healthy products. The OFSP seed is available to smallholder farmers, who are linked with processors who buy the roots. Business models suggest that processing puree is profitable. The Scaling Readiness approach is helping to ensure that more farmers, processors, and consumers benefit from OFSP.