bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of liner surface textures on the tribological performance of different production piston rings
Authors: Xu Bo , Yin Bifeng , Jia Hekun , Hua Xijun , Wei Mingliang
Published: February 2022

Based on the characteristics of engine working conditions, the ring/liner reciprocating friction tests were conducted to research the effects of three typical cylinder liner surface topographies (honed surface, large dimple texture and small dimple texture) on the tribological performance of production piston ring pack. The experimental results demonstrated the effects of liner textures are different between three kinds of piston rings: for the barrel‐shaped ring‐liner pair, the large or small dimple texture has its specific working condition; for the taper‐faced ring‐liner pair, the oil scraping efficiency and oil distributing stability can be improved by texturing small dimples on liner surface; while the dimple textures have little influence on the friction force of oil control ring‐liner pair. In addition, texturing micro‐dimples on liner is conducive to reducing the surface wear caused by abrasive wear, and the anti‐wear effect of small dimple texture is much better.
Transcriptional activation of S100A2 expression by HIF‐1α via binding to the hypomethylated hypoxia response elements in HCC cells
Authors: Yan Jia , Huang Ya Jun , Huang Qing Yu , Liu Peng Xia , Wang Chang Shan
Published: February 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers. Dysregulation of S100A2 has recently been found in many cancers including HCC. However, its regulatory mechanism in HCC remains poorly understood, especially in hypoxia. In this study, we found that S100A2 is upregulated and correlated with the clinicopathological features of HCC patients. Moreover, the elevated S100A2 showed worse overall survival. Functionally, S100A2 inhibition decreased the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. Interestingly, we found that HIF‐1α directly binds to hypoxia response elements (HREs) of the S100A2 promoter region. S100A2 expression could be induced in an HIF‐1α‐dependent manner under hypoxia. Furthermore, S100A2 silencing significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation and invasion under hypoxia. Mechanistically, pyrosequencing results showed that the hypomethylation status of CpG located in the HRE at the S100A2 promoter was correlated with S100A2 induction. Additionally, HIF‐1α‐ mediated S100A2 activation was associated with TET2‐related epigenetic inactivation. TET2 was enriched in the HRE of the S100A2 promoter in HepG2 cells. Finally, S100A2 methylation‐related genes and pathways were analyzed. We found that the methylation of S100A2 is correlated with ANXA2, PPP1R15A, and FOS, which include in a hypoxia‐related gene set from the GSEA database. Moreover, some EMT‐related genes are associated with the methylation of S100A2 in HCC. Conclusively, our study thus uncovered a novel mechanism showing that hypoxia/HIF‐1α signaling associated with DNA methylation enhances S100A2 expression in HCC. S100A2 may be useful as a target for facilitating novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in liver cancer.
Impaired Ocular Tracking and Cortical Atrophy in Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhou Liche , Jiang Chao , Chen Zhichun , Zhang Lina , Zhou Haiyan , Kang Wenyan , Jiang Xufeng , Li Yuanyuan , Luo Ningdi , Yao Mengsha , Niu Mengyue , Chen Shengdi , Zuo Xi‐Nian , Li Li , Liu Jun
Published: February 2022

Background

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is a prodromal stage of synucleinopathies. Patients with synucleinopathies frequently display eye movement abnormalities. However, whether patients with iRBD have eye movement abnormalities remains unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess eye movement abnormalities and related gray matter alterations and explore whether such abnormalities can serve as biomarkers to indicate phenoconversion to synucleinopathies in iRBD.

Methods

Forty patients with iRBD with early disease progression and 35 healthy control subjects participated in a 15‐minute ocular‐tracking task that evaluated their control of eye movement abilities. They also underwent clinical assessments for olfactory function, nonmotor symptoms, and autonomic symptoms, all of which are biomarkers to predict phenoconversion to synucleinopathies in iRBD. A subgroup of the participants (20 patients with iRBD and 20 healthy control subjects) also participated in structural magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The ocular‐tracking ability in patients with iRBD was inferior to that of healthy control subjects in two aspects: pursuit initiation and steady‐state tracking. Cortical thinning in the right visual area V4 in patients with iRBD is coupled with impaired pursuit initiation. Furthermore, prolonged pursuit initiation in patients with iRBD exhibits a trend of correlation with olfactory loss, the earliest biomarker that develops prior to other prodromal biomarkers.

Conclusions

We found ocular‐tracking abnormalities in patients with iRBD even early in their disease progression that have not been reported before. These abnormalities are coupled with atrophy of brain areas involved in the perception of object motion and might indicate phenoconversion to synucleinopathies in iRBD. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
GBA and APOE Impact Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease: A 10‐Year Population‐Based Study
Authors: Szwedo Aleksandra A. , Dalen Ingvild , Pedersen Kenn Freddy , Camacho Marta , Bäckström David , Forsgren Lars , Tzoulis Charalampos , Winder‐Rhodes Sophie , Hudson Gavin , Liu Ganqiang , Scherzer Clemens R. , Lawson Rachael A. , Yarnall Alison J. , Williams‐Gray Caroline H. , Macleod Angus D. , Counsell Carl E. , Tysnes Ole‐Bjørn , Alves Guido , Maple‐Grødem Jodi ,   Parkinson's Incidence Cohorts Collaboration
Published: February 2022

Background

Common genetic variance in apolipoprotein E (APOE), β‐glucocerebrosidase (GBA), microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT), and α‐synuclein (SNCA) has been linked to cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD), although studies have yielded mixed results.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of genetic variants in APOE, GBA, MAPT, and SNCA on cognitive decline and risk of dementia in a pooled analysis of six longitudinal, non‐selective, population‐based cohorts of newly diagnosed PD patients.

Methods

1002 PD patients, followed for up to 10 years (median 7.2 years), were genotyped for at least one of APOE‐ε4, GBA mutations, MAPT H1/H2, or SNCA rs356219. We evaluated the effect of genotype on the rate of cognitive decline (Mini‐Mental State Examanation, MMSE) using linear mixed models and the development of dementia (diagnosed using standardized criteria) using Cox regression; multiple comparisons were accounted for using Benjamini−Hochberg corrections.

Results

Carriers of APOE‐ε4 (n = 281, 29.7%) and GBA mutations (n = 100, 10.3%) had faster cognitive decline and were at higher risk of progression to dementia (APOE‐ε4, HR 3.57, P < 0.001; GBA mutations, HR 1.76, P = 0.001) than non‐carriers. The risk of cognitive decline and dementia (HR 5.19, P < 0.001) was further increased in carriers of both risk genotypes (n = 23). No significant effects were observed for MAPT or SNCA rs356219.

Conclusions

GBA and APOE genotyping could improve the prediction of cognitive decline in PD, which is important to inform the clinical trial selection and potentially to enable personalized treatment © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Finite‐time stability of impulsive stochastic delayed systems
Authors: Cheng Pei , Lu Chengtian , Cai Ting
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the mean square finite‐time stability of uncertain impulsive stochastic delayed systems. By using the Lyapunov functional, linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) techniques, and the concept of the average impulsive interval, some sufficient conditions are established. The main results are applied to the neural networks. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Integral representations, monotonic properties, and inequalities on extended central binomial coefficient
Authors: Wei Chun‐Fu
Published: February 2022

In the paper, with the help of Kazarinoff's integral representation for the ratio of two gamma functions, with the aid the duplication formula of the digamma function, by virtue of integral representations of polygamma functions, and in the light of the L'Hôpital type monotonicity rule, the author describes extended binomial coefficients in terms of the gamma functions and the falling factorials, collects three integral representations of central binomial coefficients, establishes three integral representations of extended central binomial coefficients, proves decreasing and increasing properties of two power‐exponential functions involving extended (central) binomial coefficients, and derives several double and sharp inequalities for bounding extended (central) binomial coefficients, and compares these inequalities with known ones.
Diets Containing Egg or Whey Protein and Inulin Fiber Improve Energy Balance and Modulate Gut Microbiota in Exercising Obese Rats
Authors: Avirineni Bharath S. , Singh Arashdeep , Zapata Rizaldy C. , Stevens Richard D. , Phillips Caleb D. , Chelikani Prasanth K.
Published: February 2022

Scope

Dietary protein, prebiotic fiber, and exercise individually have been shown to aid in weight loss; however less is known of their combined effects on energy balance. The effects of diets high in protein and fiber, with exercise, on energy balance, hormones, and gut microbiota, were determined.

Methods and Results

Obese male rats were fed high‐fat diets with high protein and fiber contents from egg protein and cellulose, egg protein and inulin, whey protein and cellulose, or whey protein and inulin, together with treadmill exercise. We found that inulin enriched diets decreased energy intake and respiratory quotient (RQ), increased energy expenditure (EE), and upregulated transcripts for cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY, and proglucagon in distal gut. Notably, CCK1‐receptor blockade attenuated the hypophagic effects of diets and in particular whey‐inulin diet, and β‐adrenergic blockade reduced EE across all diets. Egg‐cellulose, egg‐inulin, and whey‐inulin diets decreased weight gain, adiposity, and hepatic lipidosis; decreased lipogenic transcripts, improved glycemic control, and upregulated hepatic glucose metabolism transcripts; and decreased plasma insulin and leptin. Importantly, diet was linked to altered gut microbial composition and plasma metabolomics, and a subset of predicted metagenome pathways and plasma metabolites significantly correlated, with plasma butyric acid the most strongly associated to metagenome function.

Conclusion

Combination of dietary egg or whey protein with inulin and exercise improved energy balance, glucose metabolism, upregulated anorectic hormones, and selectively modulated gut microbiota and plasma metabolites.
Curcumin Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Mice Through Regulating Gut Microbiota
Authors: Guo Xiaoxuan , Xu Ye , Geng Ruixuan , Qiu Jing , He Xiaoyun
Published: February 2022

Scope

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound with multiple pharmacologic activities. The present study aims to explore the potential therapeutic properties of curcumin on intestinal inflammatory diseases, including its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐apoptotic properties, as well as their associations with altered intestinal microbiome.

Methods and Results

DSS, i.e., Dextran Sulfate Sodium, (3%) is administered to C57BL/6J mice in the drinking water daily for 6 days in DSS and curcumin groups. Then, mice in curcumin groups are orally administered with 50 or 150 mg kg‐1 curcumin for 7 days. On day 13, mice are sacrificed. Results show that oral administration with curcumin relieves macroscopic pathological manifestations, e.g., colon length and histological change. Moreover, it enhances intestinal barrier via increasing expression of tight junction proteins, e.g., occludin, ZO‐1, claudin‐3; alleviates DSS‐induced intestinal apoptosis via suppressing caspase‐3 pathway; mitigates intestinal inflammation via inhibiting the MAPK/NFκB/STAT3 pathway. It is also noticed that curcumin is beneficial for modulating abundance of some specific bacteria, including Akkermansia, Coprococcus, Roseburia, and Turicibacter, as well as families such as F16, Enterococcaceae, and Aerococcaceae. Most of the altered bacteria by curcumin are highly correlated with colitis‐associated parameters.

Conclusion

Curcumin shows therapeutic potential against colitis. It may be served as an alternative medicine or adjuvant therapy in the treatment of colitis.
Technical note: Low clinical efficacy, but good acceptability of a point‐of‐care electronic palpation device for breast cancer screening for a lower middle‐income environment
Authors: Valdez Dustin , Cruz Teofila , Rania Stephanie , Badowski Grazyna , Cassel Kevin , Wolfgruber Thomas , Grosskreutz Scott , Dulana Louis J. , Adonay Roy , Maskarinec Gertraud , Shepherd John A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Late‐stage breast cancer rates in the Pacific where mammography services are limited are exceedingly high: Marshall Islands (61%), Palau (94%), and Samoa (79%). Due to the limited medical resources in these areas an alternative accessible technology is needed. The iBreast Exam (iBE) is a point‐of‐care electronic palpitation device that has a reported sensitivity of 86%. However, little is known about the performance and acceptability of this device for women in the Pacific.

Methods

A total of 39 women (ages 42–73 years) were recruited in Guam with 19 women having a mammogram requiring biopsy (Breast Imaging‐Reporting and Data System [BI‐RADS] category 4 or above) and 20 women with a negative screening mammogram before the study visit. Participants received an iBE exam and completed a 26‐item breast health questionnaire to evaluate the iBE. Furthermore, the performance characteristics of the iBE were tested using gelatin breast phantoms in terms of tumor size, tumor depth, and overall breast stiffness.

Results

The iBE had a sensitivity of 20% (two true positives to eight false negatives) and specificity of 92% (24 false positives to 278 true negatives) when analyzed based on the location of the tumor by quadrant. The iBE also had generally poor agreement according to a Cohen's kappa value of 0.068. The phantom experiments showed that the iBE can detect tumors as deep as 2.5 cm, but only if the lesion is greater than 8 mm in diameter. However, the iBE did demonstrate acceptability; 67% of the women reported that they had high trust in iBE as an early detection device.

Conclusions

The iBE had generally poor sensitivity and specificity when tested in a clinical setting which does not allow its use as a screening tool.

Impact

This study demonstrates the need for an alternative screening method other than electronic palpation for lower‐middle‐income areas.
Association between eating balanced meals and depressive symptoms in Japanese hospital workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Miki Takako , Yamamoto Shohei , Fukunaga Ami , Inoue Yosuke , Ishiwari Hironori , Ishii Masamichi , Miyo Kengo , Konishi Maki , Ohmagari Norio , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: February 2022

Aim

While accumulating evidence suggests a protective role of healthy diet against depression, evidence on this issue is limited among healthcare workers combating COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the cross‐sectional association between frequency of balanced meal consumption and depressive symptoms among Japanese hospital workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants were 2,457 workers of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine who responded to a questionnaire survey in October or December 2020. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). The number of days per week of eating two or more balanced meals was categorized into four from ≤1 day/week to daily. The association between frequency of balanced meal consumption and depressive symptoms was assessed using logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for lifestyle and COVID‐19‐related factors.

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 14.8%. The odds of depressive symptoms increased with decreasing frequency of balanced meal consumption. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of depressive symptoms were 1.00 (reference), 1.09 (0.75‐1.58), 1.62 (1.17‐2.24), and 2.21 (1.54‐3.17) for balanced meal consumption categories of daily, 4‐5 days/week, 2‐3 days/week, and ≤1 day/week, respectively (P for trend<0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that infrequent consumption of well‐balanced meal is associated with increased depressive symptoms among hospital workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Brentuximab vedotin in combination with bendamustine in pediatric patients or young adults with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Vinti Luciana , Pagliara Daria , Buffardi Salvatore , Di Ruscio Valentina , Stocchi Francesca , Mariggiò Elena , Parasole Rosanna , De Matteo Antonia , Petruzziello Fara , Paganelli Valeria , De Vito Rita , Del Bufalo Francesca , Strocchio Luisa , Locatelli Franco
Published: February 2022

Although children and young adults with Hodgkin's lymphoma usually have a favorable prognosis, patients with primary refractory disease and some subsets of relapsed patients still have a dismal outcome. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) in combination with bendamustine may represent a suitable salvage therapy; data on 32 patients aged less than 25 years were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received up to six cycles of treatment of BV 1.8 mg/kg on day 1 and bendamustine 90–120 mg/m2 on days 2 and 3. At the end of treatment, the overall response rate was 81%. The 3‐year overall and progression‐free survivals are 78.1% and 67%, respectively.
Degradation of wheat straw/polylactic acid composites by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Chai Xicun , He Chunxia , Liu Yutao , Niyitanga Evode , Zhou Yu , Wang Luyang , Zhang Weixing
Published: February 2022

Polylactic acid has good biodegradability and it is dosage is increasing. Therefore, the degradation of PLA has become a new problem that needs serious management. In this study, the spores of Aspergillus niger were inoculated onto wheat straw/PLA composites containing different contents of sodium alginate, and the mass loss and characterization (microstructure, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal properties, and X‐ray diffraction) of the composites were detected. The objective was to explore the possibility of degradation of PLA composites by A. niger and the effect of sodium alginate on the degradability of PLA composites. The results showed that when the amount of sodium alginate was 3% and 6%, the mass loss rate of the composites only increased at the initial stage of degradation. However, when the amount of sodium alginate was 9%, the mass loss rate of the composites was significantly increased. It was found that A. niger could colonize the surface of the composites and cause cracks and depressions on the surface by morphological observation. The infrared spectral curve showed that the number of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in the composites increased after degradation. According to the thermogravimetric curve of the composites, the pyrolysis temperature of the composites with sodium alginate content of 9% increased and the residual mass decreased after degradation. When the amount of sodium alginate was 9%, the crystallinity of the composites was greatly reduced, and it is crystallization zone was easier to degrade compared with other treatments. The results would provide a theoretical support for the rapid degradation of PLA composites.
A practical guide to interpreting and generating bottom‐up proteomics data visualizations
Authors: Schessner Julia Patricia , Voytik Eugenia , Bludau Isabell
Published: February 2022

Mass‐spectrometry based bottom‐up proteomics is the main method to analyze proteomes comprehensively and the rapid evolution of instrumentation and data analysis has made the technology widely available. Data visualization is an integral part of the analysis process and it is crucial for the communication of results. This is a major challenge due to the immense complexity of MS data. In this review, we provide an overview of commonly used visualizations, starting with raw data of traditional and novel MS technologies, then basic peptide and protein level analyses, and finally visualization of highly complex datasets and networks. We specifically provide guidance on how to critically interpret and discuss the multitude of different proteomics data visualizations. Furthermore, we highlight Python‐based libraries and other open science tools that can be applied for independent and transparent generation of customized visualizations. To further encourage programmatic data visualization, we provide the Python code used to generate all data figures in this review on GitHub (https://github.com/MannLabs/ProteomicsVisualization).
A response to COVID‐19 school closures: The feasibility of a school‐linked text message intervention as an adaptation to school‐supervised asthma therapy
Authors: Arenas Juliana , Becker Sarah , Seay Hannah , Frisard Christine , Hoque Shushmita , Spano Michelle , Lindenauer Peter K. , Sadasivam Rajani S. , Pbert Lori , Trivedi Michelle
Published: February 2022

Background

School‐supervised asthma therapy improves asthma medication adherence and morbidity, particularly among low‐income and underrepresented minority (URM) children. However, COVID‐19‐related school closures abruptly suspended this therapy. In response, we developed a school‐linked text message intervention.

Objective

The purpose of the study is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a school‐linked text message intervention.

Methods

In December 2020, children previously enrolled in school‐supervised asthma therapy in Central Massachusetts were recruited into this school‐linked text message intervention. We sent two‐way, automated, daily text reminders in English or Spanish to caregivers of these children, asking if they had given their child their daily preventive asthma medicine. Our study team notified the school nurse if the caregiver did not consistently respond to text messages. School nurses performed weekly remote check‐ins with all families. The primary outcome of the study was feasibility: recruitment, retention, and intervention fidelity. Secondarily we examined intervention acceptability and asthma health outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐six children (54% male, 69% Hispanic, 8% Black, 23% White, 93% Medicaid insured) and their caregivers were enrolled in the intervention with 96% participant retention at 6 months. Caregiver response rate to daily text messages was 81% over the study period. Children experienced significant improvements in asthma health outcomes. The intervention was well accepted by nurses and caregivers.

Conclusion

A school‐linked text messaging intervention for pediatric asthma is feasible and acceptable. This simple, accessible intervention may improve health outcomes for low‐income and URM children with asthma. It merits further study as a potential strategy to advance health equity.
Characterization of the absorption, metabolism, excretion, and mass balance of gefapixant in humans
Authors: Nussbaum Jesse C. , Hussain Azher , Ma Bennett , Min K. Chris , Chen Qing , Tomek Charles , Iwamoto Marian , Stoch S. Aubrey
Published: February 2022

Gefapixant (MK‐7264) is a first‐in‐class, selective antagonist of the P2X3 purinergic receptor currently being investigated as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of refractory or unexplained chronic cough. In non‐clinical studies, gefapixant was eliminated primarily by renal excretion of the parent drug. The objective of this study was to assess the disposition of gefapixant in humans. The absorption, metabolism, and excretion profiles of gefapixant were assessed after oral administration of a single dose of [14C]gefapixant to six healthy adult males. Following a single‐oral [14C]gefapixant dose to healthy adult males, the mass balance was achieved, with 98.9% of the administered radioactivity recovered in urine and feces. Elimination of gefapixant occurred primarily via renal excretion of the intact drug (64%); metabolism was a minor pathway of elimination of gefapixant (12% and 2% recovered in urine and feces, respectively). Single‐dose administration of [14C]gefapixant 50 mg was generally well tolerated in healthy adult males. The fraction of the anticipated therapeutic oral dose of gefapixant absorbed is estimated to be at least 78%. Gefapixant is expected to be the major circulating drug‐related material in plasma, and the majority of the dosed drug will be excreted unchanged in urine.
Near‐Field Phase‐Contrast Imaging of Micropores in Silicon Carbide Crystals with Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Kohn Victor G. , Argunova Tatiana S.
Published: February 2022

The results of in‐line phase‐contrast imaging of micropores in crystals with synchrotron radiation (SR) using an example of silicon carbide (SiC) single crystal are reported. Computer simulations of micropore images have provided a thorough interpretation of specific features of experimental results. Herein, micropores of sizes in the interval from a few micrometers to several tens of micrometers are analyzed. The near‐field condition is realized only on a short distance behind the sample for such dimensions. In addition, the size of experimental images is below the resolution limit of the best possible charge‐coupled device detectors. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the actual transverse dimensions directly under the near‐field experiment. A new experimental setup is proposed that employs a secondary SR source created by a compound refractive lens at the focus. Two conditions have to be satisfied. First, the focus must be located in front of the sample at a short distance. Second, the beam size at the focus has to be as small as possible. The implementation of the new scheme requires a high‐intensity synchrotron or X‐ray laser beam provided by modern X‐ray radiation sources. Computer simulations of a virtual experiment using this new method are performed.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of Phase‐Pure 2D 1T‐CrS2
Authors: Rajendran Nair Govindan Kutty , Abdelaziem Ali , Zhao Xiaoxu , Wang Xiaowei , Hu Dianyi , Wu Yao , Xun Cao , Le Goualher Frederic , Zhu Chao , Yin Pearly Lau Poh , Valsaraj Vinitha , Salim Teddy , Ke Lin , Liu Zheng
Published: February 2022

2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides of chromium are technologically important due to their diverse electrical and magnetic properties. Herein this study, 1T‐CrS2 nanosheets as thin as 2 nm are successfully synthesized by an atmospheric pressure space‐confined chemical vapor deposition method. The prepared CrS2 nanosheets are stable at room temperature. Electrical measurement shows a quasi n‐type semiconductor behavior. In addition, terahertz characterizations on 1T‐CrS2 reveal its potential to integrate with the ultrathin infrared sensor platforms.
Kinetic Study of the Thermal Quenching of the Ultraviolet Emission in Zn2GeO4 Microrods
Authors: Dolado Jaime , Hidalgo Pedro , Méndez Bianchi
Published: February 2022

Zn2GeO4 microrods obtained by thermal evaporation of a compacted powder mixture of ZnO and Ge exhibit quite intense UV luminescence at low temperatures. Herein, the luminescence properties of Zn2GeO4 microrods are studied for 2:1 and 1:1 ZnO:Ge ratio in the precursor mixture. In both cases, Zn2GeO4 microrods of high crystal quality produce a 355 nm emission under aforementioned bandgap excitation conditions at low temperatures. However, this emission vanishes at room temperature (RT) in the 1:1 samples while it is kept in the 2:1 ones. Herein this work, the thermal quenching of the UV luminescence is studied by means of steady and time‐resolved photoluminescence techniques from 4 K up to RT for both Zn2GeO4 microrods. The analysis of the results leads us to conclude that although the luminescence mechanisms are the same in both cases, a higher decay rate is observed in the 1:1 in both intensity and lifetime, which explain the observed thermal quenching at RT.
Crizotinib for ROS1‐rearranged lung cancer and pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Aoyama Daisetsu , Fukui Shigefumi , Hirata Haruhiko , Ohta‐Ogo Keiko , Matama Hideo , Tateishi Emi , Nishii Tatsuya , Asaumi Yasuhide , Toyofuku Mamoru , Ikeue Tatsuyoshi , Ogo Takeshi , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Yasuda Satoshi
Published: February 2022

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is a rapidly progressive subtype of pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with impaired right ventricular adaptation and very poor prognosis in cancer, and its rapid progression makes antemortem diagnosis and treatment extremely difficult. We describe the case of a 35‐year‐old woman who developed severe PH with subsequent circulatory collapse. The patient was clinically diagnosed with PTTM induced by lung adenocarcinoma harboring the c‐ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) rearrangement within 1–2 weeks, while hemodynamics were stabilized by rescue venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Crizotinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase, MET, and ROS1 kinase domains dramatically resolved PH, resulting in more than 3 years of survival. Targeted gene‐tailored therapy with mechanical support can improve survival in PTTM.
Adaptive CUSUM control charts for efficient monitoring of process dispersion
Authors: Zaman Babar
Published: February 2022

An adaptive cumulative sum (ACUSUM) control chart is an advance form of the classical CUSUM control chart to identify different sizes of shift in the process parameters (location and/or dispersion). In the continuation of the ACUSUM control chart, this study also proposed ACUSUM control charts to enhance the performance of the process dispersion for a broad range of shift. The proposed ACUSUM control charts methodologies are based on the dispersion CUSUM statistic, score (Huber and Bi‐square) functions, generalized likelihood ratio test, and nonlinear optimization technique. The use of dispersion CUSUM statistic helps to distinguish a specific shift as the classical CUSUM statistic does, the score functions, the nonlinear optimization technique and generalized likelihood ratio test enhance the ability of the proposed ACUSUM control charts to distinguish a shift of different size. For the assessment of control charts, run length (RL) measure is used, and it is generated by developing an algorithm in MATLAB through Monte Carlo simulation method. Further, average of RL is utilized to carry out comparative analysis of control charts for a single shift, while for a certain range of shift (comprehensive analysis), extra quadratic loss (EQL), relative average run length (ARL), and performance comparison index (PCI) measures are used. Findings based on numerical results and visual presentations reveal the superiority of the proposed control charts against some existing control charts. Moreover, for real‐world point of assessment, the proposed control chart is implemented with numerical data to show the worth over other control charts.
Isotopic analysis of otolith carbonates using laser heating: A fast method for obtaining high‐resolution climate signal
Authors: Sengupta Torsa , Ghoshmaulik Sangbaran , Bhattacharya Sourendra Kumar , Deshpande Mukherjee Arati , Krishna Sanjay , Sarkar Anindya
Published: February 2022

Rationale

The stable isotopic compositions of biogenic carbonates like fish otoliths (ear bones) are widely used for palaeoclimatic reconstruction. The conventional method using acid‐digestion of micro‐milled samples is a multi‐step time‐consuming process. Here we report a fast method based on laser heating of otolith carbonates to obtain accurate and high‐resolution stable isotopic compositions.

Method

Otoliths of catfish from the Gulf of Kutch were analysed to check the precision, accuracy and time‐resolution of the isotope ratios. The CO2, generated by heating otoliths with a 50 W CO2 laser, was analysed for its oxygen and carbon isotope ratio [δ18O and δ13C, with precision: 0.12 and 0.17‰ (1σ), accuracy: 0.13 and 0.25‰, respectively] using a continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The effect of laser power (0.7–2 W) was assessed for reproducible data. Samples were roasted and analysed to account for the effect of the inherent organic matter on the isotopic values.

Results

Roasting did not alter the δ18O of the otoliths but increased the δ13C slightly. High‐resolution (125 μm) analysis of the right and left otolith of a fish yielded similar δ18O and δ13C values, suggesting the suitability of either of them for deriving the climate signal. An increase in δ18O values from ~ −2‰ to ~ −1‰, observed across the ontogeny, is consistent with the known migratory behaviour of the catfish between freshwater and the sea.

Conclusions

The otolith δ18O value of an adult fish records the sea surface temperature (with ~3°C uncertainty) on a monthly scale. The otolith δ13C values, with the knowledge of dietary δ13C, provide the mean annual δ13C value of dissolved inorganic carbon. The study provides a rapid method for retrieving high‐resolution seasonal climate data from otoliths found aplenty in geological/archaeological records.
Compression automation of circular stapler for preventing compression injury on gastrointestinal anastomosis
Authors: Kim Jin‐Seok , Park Sang‐Ho , Kim Nam‐Su , Lee In Young , Jung Hyun Seok , Ahn Hong‐Min , Son Gyung Mo , Baek Kwang‐Ryul
Published: February 2022

Background

Conventional manual compression relies on the surgeon's subjective sensations, so excessive compression can cause tissue injury to the stapling line of the intestinal anastomosis.

Methods

Automatic compression monitoring and compression control system was developed for circular stapler. The tissue injury related compression variables were evaluated and accommodated by compression control device. The compression injury‐reducing performance was verified on collagen sheets of in vitro experiments.

Results

Excessive pressure and tissue deformation were associated with compression‐induced tissue damages. The safe pressure range was very narrow in weaker tissue than normal collagen. The automatic system performed proper compression within a safe pressure range without tissue injury.

Conclusions

Manual compression of circular stapler could cause tissue injuries by excessive pressure and tissue deformation. Our automatic compression system is designed to control peak pressure to prevent the compressive tissue injury.
Hydropeaking impact assessment for Iberian cyprinids and leuciscids: An adaptation of the hydropeaking tool method
Authors: Godinho Francisco N. , Alexandre Carlos , Almeida Pedro R. , Martínez‐Capel Francisco , Cortes Rui M. V. , Quintella Bernardo R. , Sanz‐Ronda Javier , Santos José M. , Palau Antoni , Pinheiro António N. , Boavida Isabel
Published: February 2022

Hydropeaking negatively affects fish assemblages, but knowledge gaps still constrain our ability to rank and mitigate the impacts of different hydropower operation regimes at particular power plants. This is especially relevant for species and rivers for which the effects of hydropeaking are less investigated, such as the Iberian Cypriniformes and Mediterranean rivers. Recognizing the potential of the hydropeaking tool method (HT) developed for salmonids to systematically assess hydropeaking impacts, we adapted it for Iberian Cypriniformes. The general tool framework developed for the salmonids was kept for the Cypriniformes, with the combined use of factors describing the hydromorphological effects and factors related with fish vulnerability to assess hydropeaking impact. Effect and vulnerability factors were developed for Iberian cyprinids and leuciscids establishing preliminary thresholds for each indicator with three different levels of hydropeaking impact on the targeted taxa. The proposed factors and thresholds were critically reviewed and ranked by experts on Iberian Cypriniformes ecology and Mediterranean rivers functioning. Overall, the timing and distribution of peaking events were ranked higher by the experts in the effect factors, whereas the population size of barbel and smaller native Cypriniformes, as well as the degree of limitations in recruitment, were ranked higher in the vulnerability factors. Although there was some divergence in the expert opinions, a final set of effect and vulnerability factors was established, that retained most of the ones proposed for the salmonids, but included new ones, particularly for vulnerability. The present study provided a comprehensive, straightforward, and systematic assessment tool for evaluating hydropeaking impacts on Iberian Cypriniformes.
Four years of collaboration in a professional learning community: Shifting toward supporting students' epistemic practices
Authors: Shim Soo‐Yean , Thompson Jessica
Published: February 2022

Few studies have examined how professional learning communities (PLCs) engage in collaborative inquiry over multiple years. This longitudinal study explored how a team of high school science teachers collaborated with researchers and district‐based coaches in a PLC over 4 years. We examined (1) how the PLC, which was situated in a culturally and linguistically diverse school that experienced high teacher and administrator turnover, shifted their collective inquiry and instruction from focusing on students' reproduction of knowledge to supporting students' epistemic practices and (2) how researchers and coaches facilitated the shift. The participants' collective inquiry took place on 12 job‐embedded professional development (PD) days where they collaborated to plan, implement, and reflect on lessons over 4 years. The PLC drew on Ambitious Science Teaching principles, practices, and tools. We collected and qualitatively analyzed video recordings of the participants' meetings and classroom teaching on the 12 PD days (96 h) and artifacts. We also conducted interviews with teachers and coaches. Data suggest that early in the project, the teachers focused on identifying and fixing students' misconceptions, but over time they came to focus on supporting students' epistemic practices—collaborative construction of evidence‐based models and explanations. Facilitators—researchers and coaches—played two major sets of roles—challenging teachers' view of students as reproducers of knowledge and engaging in co‐inquiry with teachers to identify and address problems of practice—that functioned complementary over the years and supported shifts in inquiry and instruction. This study provides implications about sustaining productive inquiry and partnership in PLCs.
A Biosensor for Detection of miR‐106 a by Using Duplex‐Specific Nuclease, Assisted Target, Magnetic Nanoparticles, Gold Nanoparticles and Enzymatic Signal Amplification
Authors: Amoshahi Hamzeh , Shafiee Mohammad R. M. , Kermani Shabnam , Mirmohammadi Mehrosadat
Published: February 2022

The second main reason of Cancer mortality all around the world is Gastric cancer. One of the circulatory oncogenic microRNAs which has an overexpression in diverse malignancies, specifically in Gastric cancer, is MicroRNA‐106a.In this paper novel supersensitive electrochemical biosensor for the microRNA‐106a detection was studied using a duplex‐specific nuclease‐assisted target recycling incorporated with enzymatic signal amplification, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Specific and selective microRNA‐106a detection with a low limit of detection (0.8 fM) over a vast concentration range from 1 fM to 5 μM has been achieved using the biosensor. Meantime, the biosensor has dedicated high discrimination of analogue microRNA because of intrinsic selectivity of the term hairpin capture probe. Analyzing microRNA‐106a in human serum affirmed the high possibility of the mentioned method for clinical detection of microRNA‐106a and its optimistic potential in biomedical investigation.
Aqueous Isomerization of Glucose to Fructose Catalyzed by Guanidinium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Li Xuan , Chen Zhengjian , Huang Zhechao , Long Jinxing
Published: February 2022

The isomerization of glucose to fructose is the rate determining step in many techniques for chemo‐catalytic conversion of cellulosic biomass to highly value‐added biochemicals. However, current techniques are generally challenging by poor process efficiency, low fructose yield and selectivity, etc. Therefore, the exploitations of novel catalytic systems for the efficient isomerization of glucose are important and highly desired. Herein, a series of biodegradable guanidinium ionic liquids were synthesized and employed in the selective isomerization of glucose to fructose. The results demonstrated that the performance of the isomerization of glucose was significantly influenced by the basic strength of the ionic liquids and the reaction conditions involving catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, time, and solvent. At the optimized conditions of 80 °C for 30 min, an impressive fructose yield of 34.1 % could be obtained in the presence of tetra methyl guanidinium proline ([TMG]Pro). Furthermore, the kinetic behavior of the process was further studied, and the apparent activation energy was 57±2 KJ/mol, which is lower than most current base‐catalyzed glucose isomerization systems. Moreover, the results of isotope labeling experiments showed that this aqueous isomerization of glucose was proceeded via a deprotonation mechanism. Therefore, this work provides a new insight on the selective isomerization of glucose.
Nano Size NiCuZnFe2O4 Tri Metal Spinel Ferrite: Synthesis, Characterizations and Additive for Thermolysis of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Dave Pragnesh , Thakkar Riddhi , Sirach Ruksana , Badgujar Dilip , Deshpande Milind , Chaturvedi Shalini
Published: February 2022

Ferrites especially transition metal based catalysts show a versatile catalytic ability for thermal decomposition of solid propellants. Herein, XRD, UV‐visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and N2‐adsorption desorption analyses were used to analysis trimetallic nano‐ferrite NiCuZnFe2O4 synthesized by co‐precipitation method. The particle size of the NiCuZnFe2O4 found between 9–20 nm. Moreover, we have studied catalytic activity of tri metal ferrite (NiCuZnFe2O4) on thermal decomposition of propellant oxidizer ammonium perchlorate (AP) and monitored by simultaneous thermal analyses. The increased surface area, smaller band gap, and crystalline Raman phase of the AP + NiCuZnFe2O4 mixture contributed to substantial physico‐chemical and catalytic outcomes. The combination of AP with the nano‐catalyst NiCuZnFe2O4 reduced ignition delay, which was ascribed to a lower thermal decomposition temperature.
Photostability and Halochromic Properties of Near‐Infrared Absorbing Anionic Heptamethine Cyanine Dyes
Authors: Arisawa Yuta , Kubota Yasuhiro , Inuzuka Toshiyasu , Funabiki Kazumasa
Published: February 2022

We synthesized near‐infrared‐absorbing anionic heptamethine cyanine (HMC) dyes and investigated their photostability and halochromic properties in detail. Upon changing the methyl groups of the anionic HMC dye to phenyl or perfluorophenyl groups, the maximum absorption wavelengths of the dye solutions were red‐shifted and dye photostability in solution under white LED irradiation at 25 °C was improved. The anionic HMC dye featuring methyl groups presented halochromic properties in solution, and the solution color changed from green to yellow in the presence of acids. This is the first reported anionic HMC dye with halochromic properties. Furthermore, we produced a stimuli‐responsive filter paper adsorbed with anionic HMC dyes that changed color from green to yellow upon exposure to HCl gas and from yellow to green upon subsequent exposure to NH3 gas.
Double Cascading Charge Transfer at Integrated Perovskite/Organic Bulk Heterojunctions for Extended Near‐Infrared Photoresponse and Enhanced Photocurrent
Authors: Gao Yu , Xu Wenzhan , Zhang Si‐Wei , Fan Tianjie , Zhang Meng , Ran Aihua , Zhang Xuan , Kang Feiyu , Wei Guodan
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, nearly 48.7% near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation (>800 nm) of the full solar spectrum has actually not been fully utilized since the state‐of‐the‐art perovskite film usually can only absorb the most UV–vis sunlight radiation. Herein, high efficiency integrated Cs0.15FA0.85PbI3 perovskite/organic bulk (PC61BM:D18:Y6) heterojunction solar cells with enhanced low energy photon harvest until 931 nm and a high maintained open circuit voltage of 1.04 V is successfully obtained. In particular, the favorable double cascading charge transfer paths pave an interesting possibility to spatially separate electrons upon visible light excitation and holes upon NIR photon absorption simultaneously at interfaces, significantly suppressing non‐radiative bimolecular recombination and reaching the photocurrent density as high as 27.48 mA cm−2 and power conversion efficiency of 20.31%. Besides, the strong hydrophobicity of the ternary organic film has effectively prevented ambient humidity penetration and improves the stability of the perovskite in the continuous aging test (humidity > 60%) compared with the control device. This work has opened a significantly new window to improve the NIR light harvest for next generation highly efficient solar cells with full spectrum response.
Highly Tough, Stretchable, and Solvent‐Resistant Cellulose Nanocrystal Photonic Films for Mechanochromism and Actuator Properties
Authors: Ge Wenna , Zhang Fusheng , Wang Dongdong , Wei Quanmao , Li Qiongya , Feng Zhixin , Feng Shile , Xue Xingya , Qing Guangyan , Liu Yahua
Published: February 2022

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)–derived photonic materials have confirmed great potential in producing renewable optical and engineering areas. However, it remains challenging to simultaneously possess toughness, strength, and multiple responses for developing high‐performance sensors, intelligent coatings, flexible textiles, and multifunctional devices. Herein, the authors report a facile and robust strategy that poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) can be converged into the chiral nematic structure of CNCs by ultraviolet‐triggered free radical polymerization in an N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent system. The resulting CNC–poly(PEGDMA) composite exhibits impressive strength (42 MPa), stretchability (104%), toughness (31 MJ m−3), and solvent resistance. Notably, it preserves vivid optical iridescence, displaying stretchable variation from red, yellow, to green responding to the applied mechanical stimuli. More interestingly, upon exposure to spraying moisture, it executes sensitive actuation (4.6° s−1) and multiple complex 3D deformation behaviors, accompanied by synergistic iridescent appearances. Due to its structural anisotropy of CNC with typical left‐handedness, the actuation shows the capability to generate a high probability (63%) of right‐handed helical shapes, mimicking a coiled tendril. The authors envision that this versatile system with sustainability, robustness, mechanochromism, and specific actuating ability will open a sustainable avenue in mechanical sensors, stretchable optics, intelligent actuators, and soft robots.