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Handling of agricultural residues is a major concern today, since they pose a serious threat to the environment. Pyrolysis is one among the different techniques explored across the globe towards the effective conversion of these crop residues into various useful products. In this work, the degradation behaviour of corn husk loaded with tin oxide nanoparticles and raw corn husk are characterized separately by employing thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). From the thermograms obtained, the energy required for facilitating the degradation process with the aid of the catalyst is found to be 98.48 kJ/mol. Further, the corn husk loaded with prepared tin oxide nanoparticles (0.1 g& 0.2 g) is subjected to pyrolytic degradation at different temperature ranges from 400 °C to 550 °C and compared with thermal pyrolysis. The biochar retained from the pyrolysis process is investigated for its efficacy as an energy storage material after coating them over graphite sheet. Electrochemical analysis reveals the fabricated SnO2/biochar nanocomposite have excellent energy storage characteristics (205 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s) which was attributed to the presence of facile architecture with porous surface area. The outcomes of the present study open fresh gateways for the innovative electrodes in energy domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our paper, we primarily concentrate on the existence and controllability results for fractional evolution inclusions of order 1 < r < 2 with Clarke's subdifferential type. By applying the facts related to the measure of noncompactness, fractional calculus, and fixed‐point technique, the principal results are proved. Initially, we are concentrating the existence and continue to prove the controllability of the fractional evolution system. In the end, we present an example to demonstrate the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modifications to rapid response team (RRT) activation criteria occur commonly in Australian hospitals without evidence to define their use. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of RRT activation criteria modifications in preventing RRT activation and differences in adverse events associated with treatment delays caused by modifications. Methods: A prospective chart audit of hospital patients with RRT activation criteria modifications admitted during a 12‐month period in a large regional hospital in Toowoomba, Australia. The incidence of RRT activation criteria modifications, RRT activations and rates of adverse events following criteria modifications were investigated. Adverse events were defined as a delayed treatment on the ward, unplanned intensive care unit admission, cardiac arrest and unexpected death. Differences in patient outcomes among medical and surgical patients were also investigated. Results: A total of 271 patients out of 4009 admitted patients had modifications to their RRT activation criteria. There was no difference in rates of RRT activation in patients with modified criteria compared with patients with unmodified criteria (P = 0.37). In patients with RRT activation criteria modifications, rates of adverse events were higher in patients who met their modified RRT criteria (93.3%) compared with those who did not meet modified RRT criteria (3.8%; P < 0.001). Additionally, in patients with modifications, rates of adverse events were higher in medical patients (27.6%; n = 50) compared with surgical patients (15.6%; n = 14; P = 0.03). Conclusions: The results strongly suggest that RRT criteria modification is associated with no difference in rates of RRT activation and with detrimental impacts on patient safety, particularly in medical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our article, we primarily concentrating on approximate controllability results for fractional integro‐differential equations of order 1 < r < 2. By applying the results and ideas belongs to fractional calculus, and the fixed‐point approach, the main results are established. Initially, we establish the approximate controllability of the considered fractional evolution equations, then continue to examine the system with the concept of nonlocal conditions. Finally, we present an example to demonstrate the obtained theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary productivity in the ocean plays a major role in the global carbon cycle. To estimate its changes through geological time, different sedimentary proxies are used. However, the relative weights of the various processes driving the sedimentary accumulation of organic matter are not fully constrained or represent the flux of specific algal classes. Here, we compare sea‐surface chlorophyll‐a (SSchla) abundance estimated from remote sensing data over the last 20 years with the sedimentary concentration of its derivatives (i.e., chlorin) on a suite of 140 core‐top sediments from different biogeochemical regions. We estimate with field data that only 0.33% of SSchla in tropical and subtropical regions is transferred to surface sediments in the form of chlorin. Despite the small fraction of chlorin that arrive to the sea‐floor, the sedimentary spatial distribution of chlorin is driven primarily by SSchla concentration in high and moderate productivity locations (SSchla > 0.20 mg·m−3). Our calibration paves the way for the use of chlorin as quantitative proxies of primary productivity in paleoreconstructions and cautions on their use in low primary productivity settings. Plain Language Summary: Chlorophyll‐a derivatives named chlorin are commonly used to reconstruct past primary productivity. However, their value has been questioned as they are posited to be controlled by diagenetic processes and often limited to draw qualitative inferences on the carbon cycle. In fact, most proxies have not been globally appraised with ocean biogeochemical data. Here, we use a combination of remote sensing and geochemical data to provide the first calibration of chlorin proxy. We estimate that 0.33% of the chlorophyll‐a produced in surface waters is transferred to surface sediments. Despite the small fraction of chlorin that arrive to the sea‐floor, we show chlorin concentration is spatially correlated with sea‐surface chlorophyll‐a in high and moderate productivity locations (SSchla > 0.20 mg·m−3). Our calibration paves the way for the use of chlorin as quantitative proxies of primary productivity in past periods and cautions on their use in low primary productivity settings. Key Points: Chlorin concentration higher than 1 μg·g−1 reflects chlorophyll‐a abundance in tropical and subtropical surface watersThe transfer of chlorophyll‐a from the ocean surface to sediments at low latitudes (40°N–40°S) is estimated to be 0.33%Chlorin are a potential proxy to estimate quantitatively past primary productivity changes in high and moderate productivity regions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the impact, timeline and duration of COVID‐19 pandemic remains unknown and more than ever it is necessary to provide safe pathways for cancer patients. Multiple triage systems for nonemergent surgical procedures have been published, but potentially curative cancer procedures are essential surgery rather than elective surgery. In the present and future scenario of our country, thoracic oncology teams may have the difficult decision of weighing the utility of surgical intervention against the risk for inadvertent COVID‐19 exposure for patients and medical staff. In consequence, traditional pathways of surgical care must be adjusted to reduce the risk of infection and the use of resources. It is recommended that all thoracic cancer patients should be offered treatment according to the accepted standard of care until shortage of services require a progressive reduction in surgical cases. Here, we present a consensus of recommendations discussed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts on thoracic oncology and based on the best available evidence, and hope it will provide a modifiable framework of guidance for local strategy planners in thoracic cancer care services in Mexico. Key points: Significant findings of the study: This article provides recommendations to guarantee the continuity of surgical care for thoracic oncology cases during COVID‐19 pandemic, whilst maintaining the safety of patients and medical staff. What this study adds: This guideline is the result of an expert consensus on thoracic surgical oncology with recommendations adapted to medical, economic and social realities of Mexico. Consensus statement to guide the practice of thoracic surgical oncology during COVID‐19 pandemic in México. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of insurance type on lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival in Asian patients living in the United States is still under debate. We have analyzed this issue using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. There were 102,733 lung cancer patients age 18–64 years diagnosed between 2007 and 2013. Multilevel regression analysis was performed to identify the association between insurance types, stage at diagnosis, treatment modalities, and overall mortality in Asian and non‐Hispanic White (NHW) patients. Clinical characteristics were significantly different between Asian and NHW patients, except for gender. Asian patients were more likely to present with advanced disease than NHW patients (ORadj = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06–1.19). Asian patients with non‐Medicaid insurance underwent lobectomy more than NHW patients with Medicaid or uninsured; were more likely to undergo mediastinal lymph node evaluation (MLNE) (ORadj = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.72–2.28) and cancer‐directed surgery and/or radiation therapy (ORadj = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.20–1.65). Asian patients with non‐Medicaid insurance had the best overall survival. Uninsured or Medicaid‐covered Asian patients were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease, less likely to undergo MLNE and cancer‐directed treatments, and had shorter overall survival than their NHW counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The purpose of Pre-Adult Latency Study was to evaluate lung findings among adults who had been environmentally exposed to Libby Amphibole only during childhood and adolescence. Methods Recruitment was restricted to volunteers who attended primary and/or secondary school, lived in Libby, MT, prior to age 23 years for males and 21 years for females and subsequently left the area. Subjects completed exposure and respiratory questionnaires, underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and chest CT scans. A Pleural Score was calculated for degree and extent of pleural thickening. Logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were used. Results Of the 219 who met inclusion criteria, 198 participated. Pleural thickening was found in 96 (48%) of 198 participants. In almost half of these, it was of the lamellar type, not generally seen in exposure to other asbestos. Environmental Libby amphibole exposure was associated with pleural thickening, and the likelihood of pleural thickening increased with the number of years lived in the area. An inverse association between Pleural Score and PFT was found, which remained significant for FVC and DLco after additional sensitivity analyses. Conclusions Cumulative environmental exposure was associated with risk of pleural thickening. Among this cohort, quantitative measures of pleural thickening were associated with decreased PFT. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:20-34, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pulmonary metastasectomy involves the surgical removal of pulmonary nodules. It is a recognised therapeutic modality for the treatment of metastatic disease. There is no consensus as to the role of pulmonary metastasectomy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The objective of this study was to determine whether, in selected patients, resection of subsequent pulmonary metastases prolongs survival in patients already treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to identify independent risk factors that influence 5-year survival of patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy. Methods A systematic review of English and non-English articles using MEDLINE (1950-present), EMBASE (1980-present), NHS evidence and Cochrane databases. Search terms included but were not limited to: squamous cell carcinoma, pulmonary metastasectomy or resection, head and neck cancer, malignancy or tumour. Studies examining outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for metachronous pulmonary metastases were included. Independent data extraction of articles by two trained researchers using predefined data fields was performed. Results Thirteen of 47 studies (all retrospective) fulfilled eligibility criteria, with a total of 403 patients. In total, 11 papers reported 5-year survival rates (Kaplan-Meier) in 387 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma following pulmonary metastasectomy. Meta-analysis of survival data showed an overall absolute 5-year survival rate of 29.1% for patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy for metachronous metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Two papers reported significantly worse 5-year survival rates in patients with oral head and neck squamous cell carcinoma compared with other sites (9.2% versus 32.4%, P < 0.001 and 15.4% versus 45.2%, P = 0.01). Two papers reported that the presence of cervical lymph node metastases at diagnosis of the primary tumour significantly worsened 5-year survival rates following pulmonary metastasectomy (13.8% (N+) versus 32% (N0) P = 0.01 and 24% (N+) versus 60% (N0) P = 0.025). Other significant poor prognostic factors included incomplete pulmonary resection and the presence of multiple pulmonary nodules. Conclusions This systematic review provides level 2a evidence of the effectiveness of pulmonary metastasectomy for metachronous pulmonary metastases from head and neck squamous carcinoma, which may offer prolonged survival for selected patients. Poor prognostic factors for pulmonary metastasectomy in this cohort of patients include the presence of lymph node metastasis at the diagnosis of the original tumour, squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, incomplete pulmonary resection and the presence of multiple pulmonary nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Residents and mine employees from Libby, Montana, have been exposed to asbestiform amphiboles from the vermiculite mine that operated in this location from the mid-1920s until 1990. Clinical observations show a different form of asbestos-related toxicity than other forms of asbestos. Methods Five illustrative cases from the Center for Asbestos-Related Diseases in Libby were selected. All had clear exposure histories, multiple follow-up visits, illustrative chest radiographic studies, serial pulmonary function tests, and sufficient length of follow-up to characterize disease progression. Results These cases developed increasing symptoms of dyspnea and chest pain, progressive radiological changes that were predominantly pleural, and a restrictive pattern of impaired spirometry that rapidly progressed with significant loss of pulmonary function. Conclusions LA exposure can cause a non-malignant pleural disease that is more rapidly progressive and more severe than the usual asbestos-related disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1197-1206, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, chloramines have often been used in place of chlorine as a disinfectant because of US Environmental Protection Agency regulations associated with disinfection by-products. Although the switch generally has been beneficial, subsequent to this change, several utilities have reported problems with substantially higher rates of elastomeric component degradation in the distribution system. To investigate long-term drinking water quality concerns, accelerated degradation tests were performed for three of the most commonly used elastomers (natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and sulfur-cured ethylene propylene diene monomer). Test solutions were then analyzed for suspended solids and organic compounds. Most of the organic compounds identified were associated with leaching of compounds from the elastomers; the exception was chloroform, which is thought to be a reaction by-product. The presence of these organic compounds is considered to be long term because they are continually added to the system as the elastomeric compounds degrade over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Metalloporphyrins are present naturally in cytochromes and hemoglobins. Perhaps the most interesting feature of heme-enzymes, such as cytochromes P450, is their ability to perform extremely difficult oxidations with high selectivity. The present work is undertaken with the aspiration of designing the mechanistic studies on meso-tetraphenylporphyriniron(III) chloride catalyzed oxidation of anilines by potassium peroxymonosulfate (oxone) in aqueous acetic acid medium. The study of oxidation with respect to the catalyst reveals that there is degradation of the catalyst. The concentration-protonated aniline (a less reactive species) increases due to the increase in [H+], which inhibits the rate of the reaction. The thermodynamic parameters for the oxidation have been determined and discussed. It confirms the Exner relationship and also the activation parameters to the isokinetic relationships. The oxone oxidation with 12 meta- and para-substituted anilines complies with the isokinetic relationship but not with any of the linear free energy relationships. The solvent interaction plays a major role in governing the reactivity. A suitable mechanism is proposed for this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the short-term, demand-side effects of a large natural gas investment programme currently being implemented in Saudi Arabia using input-output analysis. Saudi Arabia opened gas exploration and production projects to national and international companies in order to attract substantial new investment in the exploration and production of gas non-associated with oil output. The expected additional gas production is intended for domestic use, thus freeing for export some of the oil that is currently being used to supply domestic energy. Increased oil exports would generate additional foreign exchange income to help fund further diversification of the Saudi economy. The primary outcome of the input-output analysis shows that the strongest positive impact would be realised by the Saudi construction and manufacturing sectors and that a great deal of the equipment needed for increased gas production would have to be imported. A shortage of educated Saudis may curtail success or require use of more foreign skilled expatriates. So far, Saudi Arabia is having significant difficulties finding and expanding the output of non-associated gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous chloramine diffusion into styrene butadiene rubber SBR and natural rubber was analyzed using approximate analytical and numerical solutions of Ficks second law of diffusion to develop longterm mass intake prediction curves. Diffusion coefficients were calculated for 1 mgL chloramine concentration at three temperatures 23, 45, and 70°C and also for 23°C at three chloramine concentrations 1, 30, and 60 mgL. The reasonableness of using increased temperature andor chloramine concentration to accelerate the diffusion process to obtain longterm information was discussed. For 1 mgL chloramine concentration, the activation energy for the diffusion of chloramines into SBR and natural rubber were computed to be 51.13 and 77.29 kJmol, respectively. Also, concentration profiles were developed to understand the extent of penetration through the elastomer thickness over time and temperature. Considering the reports of elastomeric compound failure in chloramine disinfectant water distribution systems because of swelling, this study will be helpful in understanding the performance of the elastomeric compounds in the system. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A clear definition of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is lacking in the current peer-reviewed literature. Reported cases vary from four to six incisions in number, 4.0 to 10.0 cm in length, and with and without rib spreading; in addition, they include direct visualization through a utility incision. Described is a complete standardized three-incision thoracoscopic technique that maximizes the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without compromising oncologic principles. Patients with clinically suspected stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were selected for VATS lobectomy on the basis of thoracic computed tomography. VATS lobectomies were performed using a standardized three-incision technique: a 2-cm camera port, a 2-cm posterior port, and a 4 cm utility incision without rib spreading. Hilar structures were individually ligated, fissures were completed, and lymph node dissection was performed entirely under thoracoscopic visualization. From May 2002 to December 2009, VATS lobectomy was performed successfully in more than 600 patients at our institution. There were no operative deaths, and the median length of stay was 4 days. Standardized VATS lobectomy is feasible, expeditious, and safe. This standardized three-incision technique utilizing a 4-cm utility incision without rib spreading may allow valid comparisons of conventional procedures in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let X be a Banach space with the Szlenk index ω, then its dual space X* has an equivalent weak* uniformly Kadec–Klee norm with modulus of power type. That extends results of Knaust, Odell and Schlumprecht [‘On asymptotic structure, the Szlenk index and UKK properties in Banach spaces’, Positivity 3 (1999) 173–199] and solves a problem of Huff [‘Banach spaces which are nearly uniformly convex’, Rocky Mountain J. Math. 10 (1980) 743–749]. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• An Arabidopsis PR1::luciferase ( LUC) transgenic line was transformed with activation T-DNA tags and the resulting population screened for dominant gain-of-function mutants exhibiting constitutive LUC activity. • LUC imaging identified activated disease resistance 2 ( adr2), which exhibited slowly spreading lesions in the absence of pathogen challenge. Molecular, genetic and histochemical analysis was employed to characterize this mutant in detail. • adr2 plants constitutively expressed defence-related and antioxidant genes. Moreover, this line accrued increased quantities of salicylic acid (SA) and exhibited heightened mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. adr2 plants exhibited increased resistance against numerous biotrophic but not necrotrophic pathogens. The adr2 phenotype resulted from the overexpression of a Toll interleukin receptor ( TIR) nucleotide binding site ( NBS) leucine rich repeat ( LRR) gene ( At1g56510). Constitutive PR1 expression was completely abolished in adr2 nahG, adr2 npr1 and adr2 eds1 double mutants. Furthermore, heightened resistance against Hyaloperonospora arabidopsis Noco2 was compromised in adr2 nahG and adr2 eds1 double mutants but not in adr2 npr1, adr2 coi1 or adr2 etr1 plants. • These data imply that adr2-mediated resistance operates through an Enhanced Disease Susceptibility (EDS) and SA-dependent defence signalling network which functions independently from COI1 or ETR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bifrontal electrode placement is as efficacious as bitemporal placement during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depression but is associated with fewer cognitive adverse effects. There are no studies comparing these techniques in acute mania. This study compared the short-term efficacy and adverse effects of bifrontal and bitemporal ECT in the treatment of acute mania. Method: Thirty-six DSM-IV mania inpatients referred for ECT were recruited for study. They were randomized to receive bifrontal (BFECT; n = 17) or bitemporal (BTECT; n = 19) ECT. None of the subjects were on mood stabilizers during the course of ECT. Severity of mania was measured on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) before beginning ECT and then on Days 3, 7, 11, 14, and 21 of treatment. Cognitive functions were assessed eight hours after the fifth ECT session using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Paired Associate Learning Test, Complex Figure Test, Verbal Fluency Test (animals and fruits categories), and Trail Making Test, Part A. Results: The subjects in the two groups were comparable on sociodemographic and clinical variables, including severity of mania at baseline. They were also similar in ECT parameters, including seizure threshold and seizure duration. Mean YMRS scores showed faster decline in the BFECT than in the BTECT group. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that a greater proportion of subjects in the BFECT group responded (50% reduction in YMRS score) significantly earlier than in the BTECT group. There were no significant differences between the groups in performance on cognitive function tests. Conclusion: In this pilot study, mania patients treated with BFECT responded faster than those treated with BTECT, with comparable cognitive adverse effects. Since ECT is usually prescribed for rapid control of symptoms, BFECT may be preferred over BTECT in the treatment of acute mania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder with a wide spectrum of phenotypic presentations. We report the case histories of two adult brothers with GD who developed both parkinsonism and psychiatric symptoms. Direct sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to establish that the patients were homozygous for mutation L444P. While parkinsonism has been described previously in GD, these patients had atypical features, including a complicated mood disorder. The comorbidity of GD and a mood disorder is a new finding, as psychiatric manifestations of GD have been described rarely. The etiology of the mental illness could be related to the processes contributing to the development of parkinsonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neater representations for variance are given for small sample sizes, especially for 3 and 4. With these representations, variance can be calculated without a calculator if sample sizes are small and observations are integers, and an upper bound for the standard deviation is immediate. Accessible proofs of lower and upper bounds are presented for a broad spectrum of readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a Banach space X and a norming subspace Z⊂X*, a geometrical method is introduced to characterize the existence of an equivalent σ(X, Z)-lsc LUR norm on X. A new simple proof of the Theorem of Troyanski: every rotund space with a Kadec norm is LUR renormable, and a generalization of the Moltó, Orihuela and Troyanski characterization of the LUR renormability, are provided without probability arguments. Among other applications, it is shown that a dual Banach space with a w*-Kadec norm admits a dual LUR norm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel fractional normalised filtered-error least mean squares (FN-FeLMS) algorithm is designed for secondary path modelling in active noise control systems. The update is formed as a combination of the conventional LMS and a fractional update derived from the Riemann-Liouville differintegral operator. The algorithm is considered for (machine) noise reduction for a primary path with zeromean binary or Gaussian sources as inputs. An anti-noise signal is generated to alleviate the effect of noise and to minimise the filtered error by improved secondary path modelling. The proposed arrangement is evaluated for a number of different scenarios by varying the step size and fractional orders. Simulation results show that the proposed technique is more robust to step size variation; it outperforms the traditional FeLMS approach in terms of convergence, model accuracy and steady-state performance for a given signal-to-noise ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on tonsillectomy tie training.

In this retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies in people with sickle cell disease (SCD) delivered at two academic centres between 1990 and 2021, we collected demographic and SCD-related data, pregnancy outcomes, and the highest systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) at seven time periods. We compared the characteristics of subjects with new or worsening proteinuria (NWP) during pregnancy to those without. We then constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the blood pressure (BP) that best identifies those with NWP. The SBP or DBP thresholds which maximized sensitivity and specificity were 120 mmHg SBP (sensitivity: 55.2%, specificity: 73.5%) and 70 mmHg DBP (sensitivity: 27.6%, specificity: 67.7%). The existing BP threshold of 140/90 mmHg lacked sensitivity in both genotype groups (HbSS/HbSβ 0 : SBP = 21% sensitive, DBP = 5.3% sensitive; HbSS/HbSβ + : SBP = 10% sensitive, DBP = 0% sensitive). Finally, percent change in SBP, DBP and MAP were all poor tests for identifying NWP. Existing BP thresholds used to diagnose hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are not sensitive for pregnant people with SCD. For this population, lowering the BP threshold that defines HDP may improve identification of those who need increased observation, consideration of early delivery and eclampsia prophylaxis., (© 2023 British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)